Can You Imagine

John Lennon from The Beatles, wrote a popular song many years ago entitled, Imagine. In it he sings about many wonderful things from his personal point of view, including a world without God (Heaven), the consequences of man's selfish behavior (Hell); he also sang about peace and love and a world that will one day be as one. He was definitely a dreamer, and at one point he met Jesus. Mankind has tried to accomplish unity for over a hundred years, through a one world mindset. But it will never happen, because the world is not man's, but is God's. And it is God who will rule it through his sons and daughters. Can you imagine what such a world would look like? The Kingdom of God will be a lot better, that's for sure!

Three weeks ago on a Friday night, Sheldon David and I walked the streets of Portland again. We had just come from one of our regular prayer and worship meetings at his place, where it is often just the two of us. We usually intercede for people that the Lord lays on our hearts—whether it is a person, a city, the nation or the world. We also deal with a considerable amount of spiritual warfare, breaking bonds off people's hearts and minds, even as we walk. We pray that people's eyes and ears would be opened and their hearts would be softened and receptive to the truth. In these gatherings, God often speaks to us (mostly to Sheldon), but I enjoy getting to eavesdrop. And God doesn't mind because we're friends. Often God's words have been of a personal nature, but this time God was sharing more of a national and global perspective. The world is about to experience a mighty move of God. He mentioned cities, states and nations where His Spirit will have an incredible impact. There will be both blessings and judgments in the days ahead, and much of that will start within the next three years.

There will be a shaking in the earth and on it. We have already seen the financial markets shaken. Plus, we've seen the political, economic and governmental arenas shaken. The automakers have been shaking; some moving up and others going down. Many people are living in fear and desperation caused by many things including strong winds, blizzards, flooding and the shaking upon the earth.

Where pride is exalted or evil celebrated, it will be dealt with by the hand of God. The Word of the Lord tells us that God often uses nature to deal out his disapproval (judgment). Men's hearts will melt with fear, while others will rejoice in the days ahead. God is not through shaking the world; there is much to be corrected by the disciplines of the Lord, all for our good. Above all, the Lord will be feared and honored once again.

Haiti was just another example, along with Chile, New Zealand and Japan. The same go for all the damaged areas of flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes around the world and the United States. Out of the ruins will come forth his glory and people's salvation. So it will be with California. It is God's desire to bless that state abundantly, but it will come through discipline. The wild-fires have been a form of judgment and warning signs. There will be more suffering, but also an incredible blessing from a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit (a spiritual fire). This even happened back when Jesus died on the cross. There were earthquakes that caused the Temple Veil to tear in half and the graves to open. And in less than two months after his death, there was a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit with tongues of fire. In fact, God intends to bless California in a similar way. We will even see dramatic changes in Hollywood, also the gay community in San Francisco.

Jesus said, that many people were unable to read the signs of the times, so it is today. Can you imagine a quake hitting a major city in America, like the one in Haiti or Chile. God help us! I pray nothing that catastrophic will ever happen. Hopefully, the shaking will be more spiritual than physical. More people need to get on there knees and cry out to God and pray. One night the Lord said, what if it took 10, 20 or 30 million lives before people would truly humbles themselves and pray. I hope the church and the world are not the stubborn. However, God will not abandon us, but He is God and will do what ever it takes to see that His will is fulfilled. He will also prove Himself faithful to His promises of restoration. It is for His glory, and not for man's. We need to wake up and be ready.

So, as we were walking the city streets of Portland interceding, there were a lot of people doing "their thing," not realizing that this world is about to change and go a different direction—ultimately toward God. I commented to Sheldon that it was hard to imagine how this city and the people in it would look like a hundred years from now; not to mention the rest of the world. So much has changed in just the past 100 years, including building structures, technology, transportation and fashion trends. But, to imagine what people's heart would be like is even harder. Consider that a building of concrete and steel can be brought down in a matter of minutes, being rebuilt to higher heights in a year or two. But the stubbornness of mankind has been more difficult to change. However that will soon change, but will definitely take a move of God's supernatural powers.

This shaking and the moving of God's Spirit will get people's attentions. People will cry out to God, and as a result their hearts will change. There will also be a new sound of praise and worship coming from the most unlikely people and places. This is also hard to imagine because we will have not seen or heard anything like it before. There will be "Hot Spots" where the fire of the Holy Spirit will burn into the hearts of communities. There will be overturn in men's minds, but there will also be a greater distinction between black and white—good and evil, right and wrong. God is already starting to set the table back upright in the hearts and minds of others.

"Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations; and they will come with all the wealth of the nations, and I fill this house with my glory... I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations." (Haggai 2: 6,7 and 22). The earth will shake until all that remains is that which can't be shaken. (Heb. 12:26). That place is a secure relationship only found in Jesus Christ.

I can't wait to see more people truly in love the Jesus, just like in the early church but only on a larger scale. I can't wait to see the miraculous on national TV and the Internet, proving once and for all that there is a God and His name is Jesus. Can you imagine seeing people set free from their additions, their wheelchairs, and their infirmities? But most of all, I can't wait to see people set free from their sins that have kept them bound in a life of selfishness, guilt and shame, now completely restored to the Heavenly Father. A wave of young people will be leading the way, leaving their rebellious nature and their idols behind as to follow the one and only superstar, Jesus Christ. Can you imagine?

"God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in time of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence."

"There is a river [Jesus] that brings joy to the city of God, to the sacred house of the Most High. God is in that city and it will never be destroyed; at early dawn he will come to its aid. Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken; God thunders, and the earth dissolves." (Psalms 46:1-6, brackets mine)

The Rapture and Judgement Day

Well once again the world has had it's laugh at Christians who have tried to predict or believe in foolish religious mindsets. The truth of the matter is those events have been taking place on a daily bases for thousands of years, but on a much smaller scale and without all the hype or hoopla. There is an appointed time for every man and women, a time to live and a time to die. For some they won't even get to take their first breath, and others will lived much longer than they ever expected. God determines the number of heartbeats of each person and nothing can change that. He has also determines where every person will lives on earth and where they spends eternity. God is the Righteous Judge, for He alone knows the heart of mankind and all their actions, even before they are born.

Everyday there is judgement—people die; men, women and children all for various reasons. Yet it is also a part of God's eternal plan, purpose and timing whether we like it or not. Some are whisked off to a much better place and some are destine to a place they hoped wasn't real. A place away from the grace, mercy and love of God—forever. They will never get to experience the peace, love and joy that was intended for them, because they refused God's ways nor sought His forgiveness. Judgement will continue on the earth until all is restored back to Him

Everyday can also be a "judgement day" for a person or a people across the planet, who have chosen to disregarded God's word and warnings. Ultimately, everyone as they get older becomes responsible for their own choices and actions. God honors the faithful ones and they should have no fear of death. And He will judge those who dishonor Him. Death is death no matter how it comes. We have all been judged and found in need of a savior. Jesus is the only true savior and the portal to eternal life.

Also unknown to most Christians is that Jesus has been returning to earth almost everyday since He left it. Jesus started returning ten days later on the Day of Pentecost and He hasn't stopped returning for those who receive Him into their heart.

Jesus Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven. Heaven is always found by being and living in His presence. Some get to experience a little of what they seek, others wait for it, and a few walk in what they know they have already been given.

Faith, The Final Frontier

Mankind has searched the ocean depths and the far reaches of space for many reasons: looking for answers to their questions. But, there is one complex question most of them seem (and sometimes try) to avoid in that search. Is there a God and how can I find and get to know Him? Finding the answer to that question is the only thing that can fill and satisfy their hunger and search. But, what they're really looking for can't be seen. It is invisible and it's spiritual. 

Man will have to venture into that "forbidden" realm of Faith to find it. And the enemy absolutely doesn't want them to go there. He has convinced many people that it is foolish and dangerous. However, it isn't and it's meant to be easily accessible; but because of the fallen nature of mankind, it has become the final frontier for most of humanity. It also seems to have become the last place he will look. Yet, those who have been there come back much different than they were before.

If you were to ask most people if they believe in God, the majority would say, "Yes." If you asked them if they love God? Many would still say, "Yes." But, if you asked them whether they have faith in God, then you would start to get a lot of different answers and/or excuses. Some may even ask, What is faith? Believing there is a God is one thing; knowing him is another. It's not that he tries to be elusive, but the mode of faith is the mode that one must use in order to reach and understand Him. Faith is not natural but spiritual.

Man has five basic senses; sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. We also have spiritual senses that operate in the spiritual realm that are normally accessed or reached through faith. It is our Life Support system that enables us to function in that realm. So what is Faith? Here are a few verses from the Bible to help us:

"Faith is...the evidence of things not seen made visible." (Heb 11:1)

"By faith we understand...that what is seen was made out of the invisible." (Heb.11:2)

"But my righteous ones shall live by faith." (Heb.10:38)

"And Jesus said...All things are possible to him who has faith." (Mark9:23)

"Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb.11:6)

"Faith without works is dead." (James 2:20)

If you ask most Christians if they have faith, most would respond "most defiantly!" But if you asked them, How do you express or demonstrate your faith? You would probably get a lot of varying answers; such as, Well, I believe in God, and I believe Jesus Christ died for me; I read my Bible; I go to church. (Or other things they might think or believe.) Or they might quote some of the previous scriptures. Or they might try to be good and not sin. However, believing things is not FAITH, and neither is being good or doing religious activities. Obedience and trust is the essence of faith. Abraham is the father of our faith, he demonstrated it by his obedience and trust in God's words. Sadly, that kind of faith is missing in many churches and in many Christians lives. How does a person demonstrate his or her faith? Would you like to have faith?

There are two kinds of faith. One is natural and works like this: if you do certain things you can expect certain results; such faith is based on mental knowledge. It only works in the natural world. It's like turning on a light; you have faith that the light will come on if you flip the switch. The other is spiritual faith and works like this: you have to do something you have not done before, based on the word of God (or a rhema word) and continue to do it. In the Bible you will find many examples of people demonstrating their faith, obeying and trusting God. This trust comes from our heart (spirit), and we apply it to our mind to take steps and actions every day until it becomes a way of life.

All people have the first type of faith. The second type you receive when you ask Jesus Christ into your life, and he fills you with his Holy Spirit. But that faith has been compromised over the years by men preaching and preaching to the point where there is not much life left in it. God is looking for the faith of Abraham and there is very little these days. Many operate it mostly by head knowledge in things that they have taught. To find and know God requires true spiritual faith. We definitely need God's help to energize that measure of faith that has been given to very believer. We need to get our minds renewed.

Thank God we are headed for an encounter with our Creator, and He will restore that avenue and connection that can only be achieved by Jesus' faith that was in Abraham. It is simply impossible to know God without such faith. Jesus' Faith is the catalyst that will enable us to go where no man has gone before. By it we can enter the realm in which Jesus walked, lived and did many wonders. God has intended for all His sons and daughters to live in the miraculous realm, where the impossible is made possible by Jesus' powers. But, much of it has been lost through Satan's deceptions over the centuries. But, true spiritual faith is being and will be restored to a greater level than ever before.

Most children and young people like adventures and exploration, and that is what God desires to see in all his children—even the "big ones." Man was made for adventure, romance and to pursue the unknown. In the future we will see more people venture into the unknown realm where God can be found and known. God wants to see all of us explore the depths of his love, and reach for the stars (the future) by the power of Jesus' faith, the final frontier. Once there, we will never be the same. Neither will we desire to return to where we were before, or desire to go anywhere without Him. With faith you enter the Kingdom of God, the final frontier.

Getting It Right

I was writing another article when I remembered a funny movie called Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. It's been around for awhile and many people have seen it. But, I still enjoy watching it, usually once a year around February 2nd. I missed it this year probably because I'm not crazy about man-made festivals, even though it's not a big hoopla except maybe in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. However, this movie has a special meaning to me that I would like to share. Even though it's an old movie, the truth in it remains.

It was about fifteen years ago and I was asleep. I was awakened by someone or something shaking my foot. I looked around but didn't see anything. Then I noticed the clock read 2:02, and went back to sleep not thinking too much more about it. However, the next night I was awakened again in the same manner; I looked at the clock, it read 2:02 again. I thought to myself this is strange. What did 2:02 mean? was God trying to tell me something? Maybe it was a verse in the Bible; but what book? Or was it a month and a day? But, it was already the last of February, however I still wondered if 2:02 had to do with Groundhog Day, which I thought was on the second. So I got up and went to the kitchen to look at the calender; I saw the space of the 2nd and looked down in the lower corner. There was nothing there, so I headed back to bed; then I felt that I was to go back and look again. I did, but this time I noticed in the upper corner in small print, Groundhog Day. (Remember, I was sleepy.) Okay God, I'm tired and it's Groundhog Day; what about it? I looked out the window and there was still snow on the ground—which is nothing new for Cle Elum, where there is usually some snow on the ground for three months in the winter. Did it mean six more weeks of winter? February 2nd had already passed, but I still felt it had to do with that name. Then I remembered the movie, Groundhog Day, that we had purchased a year before. I decided to see it again in the morning. So I went back to bed and fell asleep trying to remember what the movie was about.

The next day after I saw the movie, I realized why God wanted me to see it. For some time, I had been doing and saying things to get my family to follow me with Christian principles, but I had either tried to force my wife and daughter to go along or I criticized or gave looks of disapproval when they didn't follow, giving them a feeling of a holier than thou attitude. They were not happy, and especially not happy with me. But, somehow I felt justified. I was definitely not demonstrating Christ's love, patience, encouragement and appreciation. And that was not pleasing to God; nor was I going anywhere until I got it right.

So I asked my family to watch the movie with me. The movie was about a weatherman who had an attitude of feeling he was better than everyone else. He ended up getting stuck in a time warp on the worst day in his life, Feb. 2nd, Groundhog Day, repeating the same day over and over again along with the same mistakes, attitudes, and the misusing of people. After numerous miserable repeated days and inability to kill himself, he eventually began to see that he was the problem. He realized he needed to change and everyone would be happier, including himself. He started to demonstrate true appreciation, love and kindness to others regardless of their lifestyle. He also showed interest in other people's needs, including one old beggar. In the end he finally woke up on a new day, because he finally got it right.

After the movie I asked, my wife and daughter what they thought of the main character. They thought he was a jerk in the beginning. I agreed with them and then added, I too have been a jerk just like him. Then I made a sincere apology for my attitude and behavior lately, asking for their forgiveness. They were surprised by my confession and then forgave me. We were all happy again. From then on I tried to let them do their thing and I did mine, but without the bad attitude.

The next day I felt that things weren't over regarding 2:02. I felt I was to share this lesson with my friends in Longview, Washington, that we're not going anywhere until we get it right. (But My mind still had not grasped the whole meaning. I was still thinking in terms of doing the right things.) However, I didn't want to do this unless it was God's will. So I asked God if I was to speak, then He would needed to wake me up at 2:02 again. That night I woke up, but this time a voice in my mind urgently demanded, "Look at the clock!" When I did so, it was 2:02. Well that answered that question!

A couple weeks later I was in Longview sharing the 2:02 experience and the movie. When I was through someone asked me what I thought it meant. I told them that we're not going anywhere until we got it right. I then started to bring up some Christian principles; some agreed but something was still missing—the true message. Then someone added, "we need to love," and I agreed.

I enjoyed my visit, but it wasn't until a few weeks after I left Longview that the full message began to sink into my thick head. This would be a life long project. It isn't about principles at all, but about allowing Christ's love to flow through me and us daily, regardless of what others say or do, even if people don't conform to what I do or believe. I am to love them unconditionally (every time I see 2:02 on a clock I'm reminded to love), just as Christ loves me. It's a lesson we all need to learn.

P.S. I just watched the movie again with my wife. We both enjoyed it. Maybe you should see it too if you haven't (or perhaps see it again). You'll notice the clock is used to get your attention, it is also the turning point in the movie. Time is running out for many to get it right.

Desperate for God

Help me God!... Are you listening? Can you hear me? Please God! I beg you! I need your help. Have you ever said words similar to those? I'm sure you have. We all have, regardless of what religion or belief you side with. But there is only one God who can answer us; his name is Jesus; and he wants to help more then you realize. But, he is also waiting for people to see if they're really serious. God is not being mean, however he's neither a fool.

Many people often want help, but once back on their feet they're off doing their own thing again. They're not interested in a commitment or a relationship with their benefactor—which is what God wants. However, the Lord still has helped them at times even though most don't realize it—just because he's a loving Father. But he wants to be more than just a helping hand. And for some other people it is often their pride keeps them from asking or receiving help.

People all over the world have been caught in predicaments, a situations, in illnesses, accidents or disasters, where they need help. Where's that person, that friend when you need them? In some situations it may be a phone, to dial, 911 to get help. Other times they call out to God (God as they know Him) or consider alternate options.

Lately, there have been lots of people who have been caught in natural disasters. Those things happen for a reason (whether known or unknown by us), and God uses this stuff to get our attention. He wants us to turn to him for help, but not only when we're desperate. Many lives have also been spared in these disasters for reasons that include God's mercy; to give people a second chance, and for others an opportunity to share the goodness of God's protective power. But, even with those second chances there are physical needs that need to be met in order to survive. Others have emotional needs or maybe a family member who needs help, as can be seen in this event in the New Testament (Mat. 15:21-28):

"And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David, my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.' But, he didn't answer her a word." Let's stop there for a moment. Have you ever felt that God wasn't listing to your prayers when you were crying out to him? Many times it may seem like it, but Jesus is not ignoring you, nor was he ignoring this woman. He's waiting, waiting to see how desperate we are and what our response will be. And so Jesus hesitates. Even the disciples were getting frustrated waiting; they finally stepped in and implored Jesus saying, "Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us." Finally, Jesus spoke up and said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Notice, this was not total rejection, but only a statement. He left the door open a little as to see how she would respond to his exclusionary comment. Just like he would say to us. God often listens only to the prayers of his selected children who are willing or ready to obey and/or come to Him with a right attitude. Such is the case we see here, with this desperate woman:

"But she came and began to bow down (worship) before Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' Now that got Jesus' attention. It's hard for most men to refuse a women who is desperate and crying, but Jesus is not moved by human emotions. However, He was intrigued by her words and actions. Sure, she had honored Him and her actions showed respect; but where was her heart. And Jesus was not through or ready to help; at least not yet. He wanted to deal with her in another area, rather than her concern for her child's welfare. I don't believe there was something in her past that needed to be dealt with that made her any more sinful than the rest of us. But, there is often one big stumbling block for most if not all of us. That stumbling block is pride.

And Jesus answered her and said, " It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Pow! Pow! A double punch, one to the head and the other to the stomach of this women. In today's language, that would of been like calling her scum. But he also said that she wasn't even worth throwing the bread too. What did Jesus know about her, to respond with a such degrading statement, even though he did love her. He knew something and that is why he waited. Jesus had already helped others that were not Jews. Surely this Canaanite woman from Phoenicia had some issues with pride, possibly regarding her nation's attitude toward the Israelites, or somethings she may have said or thought in the past. Whatever it was, Jesus wanted to deal with her heart before helping this woman and her daughter.

Then the woman replied, "Yes, Lord." Wow, what an incredible comeback (answer) and then she continued, "But even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." This woman didn't argue. She humbly acknowledged that she was a dog who was unworthy to be served; but she believed she could still benefit from the mercy of being near her master's table. I believe she saw herself as one of those lost sheep, in need of help. She also called Jesus, who was a Jew, her master. Recognizing he was the only one who could really help her,

Then Jesus said to her, "O Woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." Oh how Jesus' heart must of swelled with delight for her. She passed the test and took the blows because her faith was greater than her pride. Her humility was real and her pride was no longer an issue; it was her faith in Him that enabled her to move forward to her new master who she would also learn to love. The term master means "bread giver"; and Jesus is the Bread of Life.

This world is in desperate need of God. Don't wait until you're at the end of your rope to cry out. How desperate do you have to be before you call out to Jesus? What will it take in your life to be able to see your need and humble yourself? Is it your pride that keeps you back? You are not alone in that area; God deals with me regularly about pride; but it's best when we surrender to him.

All mankind were formed by God in his likeness, but many people and nations have not chosen to or even tried to acknowledge Jesus as God. Their rebellious cries for help will fall on his covered ears, because he knows they're not going to change or because of their cries to other gods. However he does listen to the cry of the poor and the prayers of his children, and the prays of his sons and daughters who intercede for the people of those nations, cities and peoples "to rise up and come forth." And life will spring forth out of the dryness of those nations. Just as we seeing in the middle east. God is stirring their hearts they want to be free. God desire to reveal himself as the true source of freedom, love, grace and mercy. Then their false pride will be broken. God does listen for brokenness and humility in those who are desperate, just as we saw in King David's prayer in Psalm 51. Please read it and let it be your prayer. And let faith and new life spring forth from your desperate cries to the Heavenly Father.

If I Were King—Part II

This young prince of the king was very handsome, and also vain about his long hair. He was also very proud and crafty. By demonstrating his form of justice and defending his sister's honor, he believed he could also act similarly for others— if he were king. So he got himself a set of hot wheels and rode down to the courthouse in his fine chariot to meet with the people who had issues that needed to be resolved by the king's court. When the men met the young prince they would bow before him, but then he would hug and kiss them when they got up. He would listen to their complaints, and would agree with their concerns. He would tell them, "If I were king..." He promised he would give them what they wanted. (This sounds like a lot of politicians today.) He did this day after day until he had stolen the hearts of the people. The people deserved justice and he would be the one to give it to them.

Finally, it was time to act and have a vote, and so the conspiracy began. He lied to his father the king. Then he went to a neighboring city and threw a big party for himself by inviting some military officials, religious leaders and wealthy people. At the party he declared himself King of that city; the people all agreed with this handsome young prince. Perhaps with new blood and fresh ideas they would see the changes they desired. After several days partying—and encouraged by the peoples' acceptance—the wanna-be king along with some army officials planned a coup. In a short time they had gathered the military together and headed for the capitol to overthrow the shepherd King.

When word of this got back to the shepherd King, who loved God with all his heart, he was saddened and alarmed. He didn't want to fight against his own people or his son whom he loved. He decided to leave fate in the hands of God if he were to ever return to the capitol of the kingdom. So he packed his bags, took some servants and the rest of his large family, then headed out of town along with some friends that night, lest they be all dead by morning, For the King knew his son had it in his heart to kill anyone who stood in the way. (How that must have felt to a loving father, one can only imagine.)

When the new wanna-be king arrived at the palace he was furious to find that his father had escaped. One of the councilmen who stayed behind advised him that if he wanted to "get even" he could have sex with ten of the king's concubines in the sight of the whole city, and then the people would really know the difference between he and his father. And so he did; but that didn't satisfy him. He wanted more, so he sought more advice from another councilmen who was a spy left behind by his father. The wanna-be king listened to his advice as to wait and not pursue his father right away, because he was told his father would be very dangerous. Therefore, this gave the shepherd King time to rest and regroup for the attack he knew was imminent.

The wanna-be king and his army finally headed out to kill the shepherd King. As he entered the battle area there were a lot of trees, which was good for cover but bad for the wanna-be king. For in the process of riding under a large oak tree, the vain prince's beautiful long hair got tangled in the branches, yanking him from his steed, leaving him dangling in the air and vulnerable to attack. As it so happened, one of the shepherd King's captains was nearby, saw him and ran the young prince through with a spear—even though his King had commanded that his son's life was to be spared. When the shepherd King heard the news that the young prince was killed, he wept and grieved for days over the loss of the son he loved so much. For the king loved all his sons, even when they were bad.

The shepherd King returned to the city as to reign again in the mercy of the God he loved and served. Years later a similar attempt was made by another foolish son who also wanted to be king. This time the shepherd King announced who would be the next king. It was to be his last son whom God had chosen, just as he was chosen. But this time it was a son of the king who was to be exalted to his rightful position, and this was a Promise made to the shepherd King by the God he loved with his whole heart. And so this young new King who didn't seek the throne for its wealth, honor or power got the privilege to rule. He became the King of Wisdom and built a beautiful temple for his God whom he loved; He also asked for wisdom to serve God's people. Because of that request, Almighty God blessed him with everything, making him king over all other kings.

This story shows the heart of several different kings and a wanna-be kings. There will always be those who are not content or patient, or those who see mercy and kindness as a weakness. God has given us so much, and yet too many people are not content. They want to be (wanna-be) "king of the mountain," a game kids play by pushing other kids down so that they alone remain on the top of their little domain. As adults, many try to do the same, as to control their destinies.

However, that attitude is not pleasing or acceptable to God. He exalts those who humble themselves, those who wait on Him to be what he wants them to be, those who love and serve Him with all their hearts. God is raising up other sons of David, sons who will be people after God's own heart, people who will rule and reign with him. This little story is a condensed version from the Holy Bible, from I Samuel 16 through I Kings 7. Read it and enjoy the life of David—a man after God's heart—and the lineage of his son, Jesus Christ, the son of David, the King of kings.

If I Were King, Part 1

Once upon a time there were six brothers, actually they were merely half brothers because they each had different mothers. Over the years their father had married each of their mothers for different reasons and he loved them all, especially the last one. In the kingdom it was not unusual for a noble man to have more than one wife, and in this case the women didn't seem to mind because they all loved him, especially now that he was the newly crowned king. Each of his wives were given special quarters in the palace and servants to help with the children. The king's kids never lacked for anything. As they grew up, they usually got whatever they desired. The king loved blessing his children with gifts, and blessing all the people of the kingdom, because of the wonderful God he served with his whole heart.

When the king was a child, he didn't always have it so good. He was the youngest of eight brothers and spent most of his childhood outside tending his father's flock. While watching the sheep this young shepherd would often sing and play songs to the God he loved. One day when he was a bit older, some of his brothers came out to fetch him from the fields. They told him that there was a man of God at the house who was insisting on meeting him. When they all got back to the house, this unusual holy man with very long hair said some surprising words and then poured oil over his head; then he blessed him. The old prophet said, "You have been appointed by Almighty God to be the next king of this great nation." From that day on the young shepherd's life was never the same—except for the love he had for the God he served with all his heart. This blessing however was a shock to his brothers and his father. His brothers resented him after that, scoffing at the thought that their little brother would ever become king, much less their king. They weren't even related to the current King, who already had sons and daughters.

A number of years had past, and in that time the young man was promoted from a shepherd boy to the armor bearer for the king—after slaying a giant with a slingshot. Eventually he became a commander in the king's army. He also played music for the King whenever the King was in a bad mood. The spirit of God was with this young man, and the people realized it—including the old King. And he was getting jealous now after all the notoriety this brave young warrior was getting from all the victories he won in battle. Instead of wanting to give the young warrior a daughter for a wife, as he had promised, the king now wanted to kill him. And one day he tried.

So the young warrior fled. Now the shepherd-warrior became the brave leader of a band of 600 rebels. They all became mercenaries, fighting against the enemies of the kingdom. He also was doing his best to avoid the mean old King and his army that was still trying to kill him; but the brave leader swore he would never kill the mean king even if he had the chance. There were a couple of opportunities that he and his men could have made the kill, but he chose not to, even though his men had encouraged him to. During all this time he made sure he took time to meditate and pray to the God he loved so much. He also wondered how he would ever be king, much less survive. He had never thought of or desired to be a king. Yet, somehow he knew in his heart that one day the fearful old King would die, and he would be king just as the old prophet had foretold.

One day the old king met his demise on the battlefield—along with his three sons. One of the old King's sons had been a special friend to the shepherd boy, and he too had realized and accepted the fact that his friend, and not he, was to be the rightful king. The shepherd-warrior mourned the death of his friend and also his father, the old King. However, now that the old King and his sons were dead, the people of the nation made the brave young warrior their new king.

As time passed by, the shepherd King was handed many responsibilities: uniting the kingdom, restoring the place of worship for the God he served with all his heart, fighting old enemies to regain land they had lost, also gaining land that had been promised by Almighty God. He also had a responsibility as a father in raising his growing family. (Especially after the loss of one of his sons at birth, a death that happened because of his own sin—a sin he would never forget.)

Over the years the king tried to set an example for all his sons to follow; especially his last son. But raising his children was never easy, especially with the responsibilities of the Kingdom, and of going to war every year. So some of his children didn't grow up quite the way he would have liked, no matter how hard he and their mothers tried. The new king had very few skills or examples when growing up, and maybe out of guilt he spoiled his own children. Unfortunately, most of them didn't follow in the footsteps of their father, the Shepherd King, a man after God's heart.

As the sons of the king got older, some of them must have started to wonder who would be the next king, possibly feeling the need to prove their power or manhood. One day his oldest son decided to deceive one of the king's daughters who was very beautiful and kind; then he raped her. This saddened the shepherd King greatly, but it infuriated another of her brothers. While the King did nothing, her brother decided that he should. And after waiting two years, he contrived a plot and killed his older brother, the one who had harmed his sister. Then he fled to another city. While the King grieved over the loss of his first son, he was not about to have another son killed in revenge. (The words of an old prophet must have echoed in his heart from long ago, back when the shepherd-King had sinned, that things would not bode well for his household later in life.)

After three years had past, and with the encouragement from a commander in the king's army, the shepherd King finally brought the estranged son back to the city; but the son never expressed any remorse for his actions, or for the pain and grief he caused the King's family. So he was sent to live in his own house away from the palace. The King waited to hear those words, but he never did. Therefore, the King would not see or talk to him. This frustrated the son greatly, and he perceived what he thought was a weakness in his father. Since the king was ignoring him, and a number of people were grumbling about the way things were being done, the son saw an opportunity to change all that. It seemed that justice was never served the way he and others thought it should be, and so he chose to take advantage of it. He never understood the love and mercy his father had shown him, a love and mercy that had been extended by God to the King for his own sinful actions.

To be continued.