The Monstrance

It's not called a Monstrance for nothing. It is the symbol of the sun with a moon in the center holding a wafer of unleavened bread. In the Catholic Eucharist it is believed that the wafer and wine is transubstantiated into the actual body and blood of Christ to be received into your body. This is how you receive Christ - by a ritualistic work. Most Catholics will ignorantly tell you it is only a symbolic gesture but take heed, it is a pagan ritual. If you have doubts I urge you to look into the doctrine of transubstantiation on the Vatican website.

"At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ's Body and Blood."
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a3.htm

Notice the Pope and most of the priests who perform the ritual hold the monstrance (or often times just the wafer) over their foreheads and/or the top of thier heads. This symbolizes divine revelation received through the crown chakra and the third eye. It is the attainment of Enlightenment. This is most easily recognized today as a Hindu/ Buddhist practice, and is a core concept behind other Luciferian belief systems (Lucifer means bringer of light) like Qaballah (Jewish mysticism in which a person goes through a series of works called pathworking to attain to the Adamic state before the fall). But it goes even further back than that to Babylon and Egypt. 

We can see clear references to sun worship throughout the whole Eucharist which has connections to Baal worship as described in The Bible. It also pays homage to goddess worship (Ashtoreth or the Queen of Heaven ie; Semiramis, Isis or Ishtar) with the moon holding the wafer. Notice the moon and sun are in conjunction with one another. This represents the union of the male and female resulting in the creation of life, the wafer, which becomes a living being. So just like most pagan rites, it is centered around a secret meaning: sexual rite of passage. Behind the cover doctrine of the trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit lies a more sinister and pagan concept in the RCC. It actually is paying homage to the ancient pagan trinity of the Mother, Father and Child.






The Israelites fell prey to this practice repeatedly and suffered God's wrath for it. Today this practice is still alive in the Catholic Church.

Notice also the six pointed star in the monstance. I can't say for sure if this was intentional but it is strikingly similar to the Qaballistic tree of life which is tied to the star of David (I don't like calling the star of David because David surely never used it). What this represents in modern occultism is the philosophy of "as above, so below." It means bringing heaven to earth through mystical practices. God is reduced to a system of works that can turn you into your own god. Doesn't that sound a lot like what the serpent said to Eve in the garden?

It also resembles the flower of life, the lotus flower which comes from Hindu/Buddhist origins. This pattern is seen in nature and is represented in mathematical formulas like pi and the fibbonacci sequence. It's called sacred geometry which is very popular among neo-Hermetic occultists.

You see, in Babylon the goal was world-wide syncretization under one government, one religion and one economy. Does this sound familiar when you look around at our modern world? Does it look like things are heading that way again? You had better believe the spirit of Babylon is very much alive in the world.

There is much to be exposed in the Eucharist and the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. There are many informed articles out there which can open your eyes to what spirit is really behind their doctrines. When you look at historical evidence compared along with The Bible in prayer it is not difficult to discern the truth. Come out of her my people...

Setting Down Roots

Lately I have been praying a lot asking if I'm in the right place, if I have truly followed God's voice or if I am just deceiving myself through confirmation bias. As a babe in Christ it can sometimes be hard to discern between following your own heart's desire and actually listening to God's voice. It is easy to fall in doubts when you listen to advice and input from others. But that can sometimes be a great test of your faith. It was for me. After moving to Montezuma, GA I was immediately immersed in a new community of Christians. I met many wonderful people in the first few weeks I arrived, which is somewhat unusual for most people who move to a new place, at least that is how it usually works for me seeing that I have a tendency towards being a bit of a homebody.

The man whose writings and correspondence Yahweh led me to in order to receive the Spirit and grow in faith lives here. Another friend who was also instrumental in my coming to faith in Christ visits here sometimes too since he is staying nearby. Both of these men have offered opposing viewpoints to me that have torn me in two different directions. On top of that I have the local community who are more inbetween the two viewpoints of my friends. Throw in my Facebook communications from several different sources and you can see how a person who likes to examine all evidence and views of a subject before deciding on a stance can be overwhelmed to the point of mental exhaustion. It was a real doctrinal rollercoaster and I got stuck at the top, having to find the courage to climb my way back down.

So recently I've been given a breath of fresh air. I reached the ground again and my feet have become firmly planted in His presence once more. What a relief! I really didn't know what God wanted of me for the last year but now He has sorted it all out. I probably needed to walk through this mess in order to find the order in the chaos.

God has been dealing with me through various ways helping me to hear His voice more clearly by signs, a strong knowing in my heart, actual words spoken to me in my mind... He can reach us in any way He wants to. The possibilities are endless. It is His creation after all. The heavens declare!

What happened was pretty simple but profound. I have been praying to God that if He wants me to stay put in Montezuma to help me lay down some roots. I have been wanting to do a garden for a while with all sorts of plants, trees and bushes and even had been doing some research on where to get them online. But you never know what you are going to get ordering online. I wanted to see the plants first and pick them out myself. I made a list of some rather unusual things that I didn't think I would find in middle Georgia including avocados, Cavendish bananas, Thai basil, Meyer lemons and limes that are small and patio-friendly and a number of other items. However since I hadn't been confident in His leading up to that point I didn't pursue it too seriously. It ultimately didn't matter to me if I got them or not. I only really wanted to do what He led me to do. And there's no sense in spending a bunch of time and money on a garden if I'm going to be called away from it.

That day I went shopping in Warner Robins for groceries and decided to first look at what was available at Lowes and Home Depot. The only item on my list I found was limes and it was the perfect size and shape I wanted. But it was $40 so I passed on it. On my drive home I was talking to God and said something to the effect of, "I really liked that lime tree but I just don't know if you want me to be setting roots here Father. Would you please help me to know your will for me once and for all so I can not be confused anymore? Maybe if that tree is still there next time I come back I'll buy it. I don't know. I just have to put this whole situation in your hands Father. Let me have peace and understanding if it be Your will."

Later that evening I had another a fervent, heartfelt prayer that laid heavy on my heart even the next morning, all about what I'm supposed to be doing, telling Him I feel like I'm lost and wandering aimlessly. After working a few hours on a website design for the roofing company I work for I did a little internet research and found a nursery in Perry called Easy Living Garden Center. I decided to give the place a visit just to get out of the house.

On a side note, part of my confusion also stemmed from my employment situation. I sell roofs for a living and hadn't been getting any calls for well over a month. I began to think that maybe I had lost a blessing or that God was going to call me somewhere else. If the "pillar of smoke and fire" moves I have to pull tent, pack down and follow (see Exodus 13 for the reference). Well on my way out to the garden store I started getting phone calls. I think there were 3 or 4 that day.

My first stop was Ace Hardware where I ran into my friend, the minister who helped lead me to Christ. His name is Joseph Herrin (www.heart4god.ws). Hmm, I thought. Fancy meeting you here! I found Thai basil there, which was unexpected, so I bought it. Then I left and went to Easy Living where I found the Cavendish banana tree I wanted as well as a nicely cared for blueberry bush for less than half of what they were at Home Depot and online! I bought them and put them in my little Yaris. Then I went to Home Depot. Not only was the lime tree I wanted still there but they now had Meyer lemons in small pots! I was really happy and bought both. I hopped across the street to Lowes and found avocado trees in the back! "Wow," I thought, "Every single item on my list has been made available for me today." I didn't buy the avodaco tree because I needed to do some research on them but I wound up coming home with a great bounty of awesome botanical goodness for under $120. That was way cheaper than it would have cost ordering online, and price was definitely a concern.

By the end of the day I knew that God had not only heard my prayers but He knew so far in advance what I was going to pray that He was ready to respond in His time, when the time was just right. On my way home I felt a peace and joy in my heart. I could relax and settle in for a while.

Then I got a text from my friend/minister's daughter about some furniture that someone was selling for a great price. And I do need some for my place. I think all the signs were there for me to know His response. He wants me to put down my roots here. Thank you Father Yahweh for hearing my plea and giving me the confirmation I needed at a time when I was considering walking away from the blessings you gave me. Thank you for condescending to me and giving to me in abundance the good things I've hoped for. I am willing to lay it all down for you Father but let me not doubt and throw away Your blessings. Let me count them and run with them in confidence. And I will wonder at Your good works.

Here is a great song that wraps up how I feel right now called "Firmly Planted" by Blane Dunnam:
http://eastgatemacon.com/
Scroll to the bottom to listen to it. May it bless you as much as it has blessed me.

The Cost of the Disciple's Cross

How do I KNOW that I would give my life for Him? I can talk all I want but there comes a time I have to prove to myself that I'm not just speaking empty words. I don't need to prove it to Him or anyone else. *I* need to know that I'm sincere. If He said to give it all up for Him then that is what I must do to know there is nothing holding me back from true faith.

Do I value acceptance & praise from men, friendship, family, community, money, hobbies, dreams, desires, ambitions, love of a good fight, ANYTHING more than Him? There's only one way to find out. Die to self and go only where He calls. How do I know when He calls if I'm anchored by my own desires and the life I've built? How do I distinguish His voice from the clamor of society rattling around in the shadows of my mind? From my own inward self talk? It takes more than The Bible. It takes a life-long search for the truth. It takes more than prayer. It takes actually looking and listening for God's response.

I've been led into a sort of "wilderness" experience where I'm alone with my thoughts a lot. It is absolutely crazy how much self talk goes on in my mind. I believe God led me here to get me away from many of the distractions of life and to focus on hearing Him more in my heart. A wilderness experience will challenge a person in ways they never even thought about. God has revealed character flaws that reach deep into my soul. I must stand strong for Him through these mostly inward trials. I'm facing my own sins and purging my soul so that I can draw nearer to Him and hear His whisper in my ear.

When Yahshua was baptized the first thing He did was go into the wilderness TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. He immediately entered into arguably the greatest trial of His life up to that point. The devil offered Him the world for His worship but He was not deceived. He had the Spirit and knew His Father well enough to resist all of His desires from the most basic to the most viciously compelling - from wanting to eat to wanting the world. Think about it. He didn't eat for 40 days and 40 nights. That is literally facing death. Only by the grace of God would He be able to survive that. So how much have I resisted my own desires trusting in God's grace? Have I truly died to myself and laid it all on Him?

For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you. 2 Corinthians 13:4

Once Christ succeeded through His trial He immediately began His ministry. But He first needed to be tested. Without the test and the grade there is no proof of understanding. Although I believe that Christ would have succeeded anyway I also believe He went through all of this as an example to show us what must be done in order to take up our cross. Let us look to His example and apply it to our lives.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you — unless you actually fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:1-3

Consider this today as you sit in Easter service surrounded by people professing the name of Christ. Ask yourself how many are really serving Him. Do not exclude yourself. Ask yourself why you are sitting there. Ask yourself if you have really examined your faith. If you look hard enough with the eyes God has given you, perhaps you will start to understand how He feels about your "Easter" worship. Perhaps you will see that this holiday does not bring glory to His name. After all, it is named after a pagan goddess.

Gardening Parables for the Kingdom of God

All of creation is a parable of God's truth. Someone said recently that a minister should address others like a gardener handles their garden - that plants take great care and careful handling. This is true. But their point was misguided. A good gardener doesn't wimpishly handle plants all the time. There are many vigorous and dynamic actions that must be taken quite often for the sake of the crop. Many gardeners will tell you not to be too shy about handling your plants.

There are many types of plants grown for food, some planted in the ground and some in containers, as well as many other variations of these two including aquaponics, hydroponics... Each one has their own set of methods for handling plant-specific needs.

For example, in a ground garden, first you have to till the ground really well, which is hard work and at first destructive. You gotta break up your fallow ground so it can be sown. EDIT: I just heard of No Dig gardening which carries a lot of godly implications. Check this movie out.) If you want less weeds you might need to lay down something that will smother out everything that grows for a couple of months. You may even need to mulch after planting later (Please DO NOT USE ROUNDUP!). Then you have to germinate seeds under just the right conditions. Some seeds require freezing first, some require the hulls to be pulled off in order to be able to grow, some require only planting and waiting. Then once a seed has sprouted you usually need to do very little. Just give it the proper space and conditions to grow and let it do its thing for a while. When it is rooting and is beginning to grow more rapidly you must begin feeding it the proper fertilizer. Each plant requires a different kind of fertilizer and feeding regiment. For fruiting plants you need to give them more nitrogen at first to spark vegetative growth so that they can bear much fruit. Then you must monitor and prune them in order to make sure their fruits set in the best places. This ensures the fruits are the best quality they can be at the sacrifice of smaller "sucker" branches that zap plant energy and take away from overall yield. Once the plant is in the flowering phase you need to switch to a blooming phosphorus fertilizer. All this needs to be done before you even see any fruits appear.

There are first fruits on most flowering plants that can bear large fruits if left on the plant to ripen. These usually emerge from the central axial stem. But these flowers generally are cut off on many fruit-bearing plants because they will delay the formation of and reduce the energy devoted to secondary flowers that will set on the successive branches. That is where the most uniform fruits come from. Some plants require caging or staking. Others require topping so they bush out. Some you can plant and let grow without much work at all.

We can see that raising a garden of different crops requires much hard work, training and discernment. It is not a matter of just sitting back and letting them grow wildly. That would not be a very productive garden. Nor is it a rote set of simple methods for every plant. And it is not a good idea to go willy-nilly all over the place with a bunch of different experimental methods (unless it is an experimental project ;) For most gardens with the goal of being as productive as possible the gardener must know the plant, what it needs and how best to accommodate those needs with the tools he has or can acquire.

Let us not be lazy gardeners, but learn to focus our efforts in the right places by the leading of God's Spirit, who leads us into all truth. Let us till when we need to till the ground to set a foundation for our garden. Let us know what kinds of seeds we are dealing with and do what needs to be done so they can sprout. Let us gently raise our sprouts in the proper care. Let us know when to fertilize our starts, and when to prune them as they take off in growth so they can focus their energy in the right places. Let us know when to switch to a blooming fertilizer. Let us monitor for pests and weeds and not spray them with harsh chemicals that will later be ingested. Let us know when the fruits are ripe for the picking.

The earth is nearly ripe for the harvest. Summer is near. The marriage supper of the Lamb approaches. Those who have accepted the invitation and have overcome the world will have the privilege of being at the supper where Lamb is served as the main course, bread to sop the juices and wine to wash it down. Each of the ingredients for that meal requires a lot of tilling, pruning, harvesting. threshing, winnowing, grinding, treading, pressing, slaughtering, cooking and, most importantly, praying. Do not be deceived. There is much work to do and it is not always comfortable and easy. Prepare yourselves all ye faithful.

Considering God's Natural Law - Why Moses permitted divorce

Jesus answered, “It was because of your hardness of heart that Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but it was not this way from the beginning.
Matthew 19:8

I've been studying this verse from a greater perspective than merely the subject of divorce. It carries a profound implication. What Christ is saying here is that laws choose to litigate matters towards the lesser of evils but His teaching here is to stick to the ideal that is within God's ultimate design. Anything less is compromise. He directs us back to the garden of Eden before the fall, where things were as intended: perfect in His plan. We can see glimpses of this in Isaiah and Revelation and as a promise to the whole world. His good and faithful servants will be raised up at the last trumpet to rule and reign so that full restoration to the perfected state of the garden may occur in the hearts of men and subsequently be honored in physical expression.

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11

He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8

They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD-- Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again.
Jeremiah 31:12

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Revelation 21

But first my friends... the shaking...

At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” The words, “Once more,” signify the removal of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that the unshakable may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:26-28