September 2000

We are entering a new order, a new era, a new day, or a new age, in Father's purposes for this world. This truth is being confirmed in the lives of the Lord's elect and chosen ones, by the Spirit. God is speaking to His elect of a new order, an order that He is establishing with us. And when God speaks of a new order, "He makes the first one obsolete - out of use. And what is obsolete - out of use and annulled because of age - is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether" (He. 8:13, Amplified). The old church order is over; it has become obsolete and out of use because of age. That old order, as wonderful as it was, is passing away in the Spirit. It is being dispensed with by the Spirit, to be replaced with an entirely new order in God and in His kingdom. Along with each new order for this world, there are always new and higher principles for His people to observe, with a new and better highway to walk in the Spirit.

The new highway of the kingdom of God is being created in the Spirit by the life we are living in obedience to that same Spirit. The new order of the kingdom of God along with the new order of Melchisedec, are also being established in the hearts and lives of the Lord's faithful elect. As the Lord's firstfruits, we are becoming kings and priests of God after the order of Melchisedec. While others will continue to walk in the old, dead, obsolete paths of church ministry and church order, the sons of God, or the true remnant of Christ, are walking out this new kingdom pathway. It is the path leading to the greater fullness of the kingdom of God for the multitudes who shall follow us.

There is a set time, or an acceptable time, when every one of Father's purposes for this world shall be fulfilled. This is clearly and plainly declared by the Lord throughout the scriptures. So also did our Father have a set time and season when the kingdom of God would come to the earth, and when His purposes for His kingdom would be fulfilled. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed colt to demonstrate His Kingship, the crowds accompanied Him, saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: BLESSED BE THE KINGDOM of our father David, THAT COMETH in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest" (Mk. 11:9-10). The kingdom of God came to the earth at that time, first to dwell in the hearts of believers (Lu. 17:21). And now the second phase of the kingdom of God has come to the earth in a greater way to begin to subdue all the enemies of Christ and put them all under His feet.

Isaiah prophesied of our Father's times and seasons, when he said, "Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages: That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them" (Is. 49:8-10).

Our Father has heard us and is also helping us at this time of the beginning of a new age, which He has called "an acceptable time." He heard the cry of our hearts to be one with Him, and to do His perfect will on earth. He also has initiated "a day of salvation" to help us and restore us. The word "acceptable" really means a desirable time; it is a time that pleases and delights the Lord. This is that "acceptable time"; this also is that "day of salvation." Our Father has preserved us unto this great Day. He also has given us as a covenant of the people, thus assuring all who will hear that it is His purpose "to establish the earth, to cause (us) to inherit the desolate heritages."

Also on this Day, He shall send the prisoners out of their prison houses of sin and death by the power of the resurrected and living Christ. To those who dwell in darkness, we shall say, "shew yourselves." And when they do show themselves, the Light of Christ shall then dispel all the darkness within them, turning all their darkness into endless Light. In this Day of the Lord's abounding grace and mercy, He will show mercy to the people of the world, leading them to the eternal fountains of His springs of living waters.

According to the prophecy of Daniel, conditions in the world would continue as they have for centuries, without any major, positive changes, "until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and THE TIME CAME that the saints possessed the kingdom" (Da. 7:22). Our Father has an "acceptable time," and a "time appointed" for the end of the age, or when the transition would be (Da. 11:27). We have come to the end of the old age and the beginning of the new. There was "the time appointed of the Father" (Ga. 4:2), when we were called out of the church system; just as there is a time for us to rise and shine in the light and glory of the kingdom of God, and that time is NOW (Is. 60:1-2)! Those who are enlightened, instructed, and led by the Spirit, are rising and shining spiritually. Their true Light has come, and the new and greater glory of the Lord has risen upon them and continues to rise upon them, making them shining lights in the radiant kingdom of their Father.

Spiritual Messages from Another Brother

What follows are excerpts from messages sent to us by Preston Courtney. Some of these spiritual messages confirm what we have been writing for some time, others may confirm further understanding, but all are written for those who have been given ears to hear what the Spirit saith. These messages were given to our brother from May of 1999 to June of this year. In his first writing to us, this brother tells of deception and rebellion in the body of Christ, which is the result of the tares being among the wheat (Mt. 13:25-30).

"They (the tares among us) have performed unwittingly the things I have allowed to separate and cull out the blasphemers from the brethren. I have allowed them to sojourn among the beloved until the day come that I throw back the veils and reveal the monstrosity for what it is. Blasphemy, blasphemy, all around is blasphemy. Anarchy is in the midst of my people but I shall have an uprising of my sons and daughters. Wily though they may be, they cannot defeat the redeemed of the Lamb. Tell them so!

"Many have risen and many have fallen reaching for heights that I did not assign. There is a freshness about you, an awareness of arrival times. Keep pace with me for I have much to bestow upon you in the way of guidance and perseverance. You must press in to the fullness that awaits you. Be at peace regarding your placement for I am a righteous God in that I am always right in who I select for all purposes. I have selected you for this Day to dwell in the House of the Lord forever and you shall henceforth refuse to call me Lord, but shall call me Friend.

"Ever after shall ye be called My own, My beloved. From the day you were born, yea, even from the moment of your conception, I have followed, examined, intertwined, and erased your life, for now it shall be My life alone that is seen. You have always been Mine. Your life has never been your own. I brought you step by step unto this Day when all you desired was to be one with Me. The heavens have proclaimed it; the heavens have announced it; it is the Day! Trumpets have sounded, choirs have heralded it, now is the time for you to believe it. No existence outside of Me, no expectancy of anything outside of Me. Designated amongst the brethren are those that shall not be deceived in the days ahead. Move on the impulse of the holy Spirit within, hesitate not. It is well. All is one; all is right within My universe. There are no discrepancies here in the arena of Heaven. There are no faults or blames to be found. There is only harmony of purpose, and that is to glorify the King! So it shall be here upon the earth when the trumpet sounds once more.

"Awaken Zion, awake to the sound of the pick ax as it strikes the cordant affluence of your lives. Raped, pillaged, and plundered, the church stands as an edifice awaiting demolition. But awake! See the dawn approach, see the night sky ablaze with colors of the dawn. The signs are all around you. The trumpets have heralded My arrival. The bosom of God is full with those who have risen to press in to the utmost of Kingdom life. Hold fast and stand for the justice due the believers. There is much to be said regarding the intruders into your midst, but I have given you the ability to single them out as you number the elect. Transgress Me on nothing! Transgress no account of Mine in the presence of thine enemies. Be respectful at all times of the holy time in which you live. Be the blessing many so long for. Alert the brethren to come alive. Be awake and (do) not slumber. This is the time of the deceived (the tares) as well as the time of the redeemed (the elect).

"Deliverance is nigh thee and resurrection is in thy hands. Force and might are not the deliverers of My people. Fight no longer against man and his many evils. Concentrate on Me and I shall show thee the way down the path before thee. No longer the broad way, but the pathway that leads you home. Fear not what the brethren may say or do to you, fear what He Who holds your life in eternity can do, and will do. Brethren of the believers, behold the hand of Yahweh move upon the illness and disease among you. Resist the temptation to run here and there for your healing. Stand fast in your home and I shall show thee the way of the wicked versus the way of the redeemed. I am that I am has come unto His people to deliver them that they may in kind, deliver their nation. Blessed is the Lamb of ages!

"Rest is an ambiguous state of being. When man rests, he retires to his quarters and slumbers. When Heaven rests, there never is slumber. Watch as you pray. Pray as you watch. Be observant of man but distant from his desires and activities. Heaven above and Heaven below observe you and all of thy brethren, watching for sequences of events and attitudes of surrender to the fulfilled purposes of Yahweh El Elyon. Glimmers of hope become rays of delight as each one in turn surrenders their all for My all. Cause after cause arises to infect the hearts of the believers to sidetrack their perseverance toward the goal. Bylaws and constitutions derive their sincerity and evils from the heart of man but the laws of God are never to be broken.

"Give of your testimony. There is none that shall overcome save by the blood of the Lamb and the word of His testimony! Overcomers rejoice! Be at peace and know I am is with you to the end. Declare a nation whole! Declare a people possessed of a purpose and direction! Declare a resurrection in the midst of the deceived! Beloved, now is the time to execute the finite plans of the King of Heaven. Cling only to the hope of eternity as the resurrection begins. Speak a clear voice in the din and clamoring of the babes in sinful aggression. Envelop the sinner in careful seclusion as the destroyer seeks his life. Hide the beloved no matter what crime is in their hand or upon their lips for each is valuable in his turn. Speak the word and they shall be made whole. You will know them by way of the knowing spirit I am birthing in you as we speak. What question eludes you? Ask it of Me and I shall answer it. Believe the times as ye have believed in Me!

"Dear, holy ones! To enjoy your presence with Me is all I desire for you. Be at peace and find your rest in Me. Dogma and anxieties over religion have kept many from proceeding to the fountain of life, the fountain of joy. Religion in all its fullness does not equate to the fullness of Heaven in one simple act of purity. Similarly, solitude of conscience is not endearing to the body as a whole, who looks upon devotion as a way of escape. Devotion is the essence of what is definitely required of My beloved. The established religion of this decade has been `meism.'

"Draw near Beloved! Draw near and hear the singing, the choir bells ringing, the praise and adoration of a blessed host on high. Rise to meet them. Join their chorus. Sing forever in the Air on high. Matchless wonder, the Sons and Daughters arise. Catch them Father, catch them up to thy bosom to abide with thee there forever and a Day. I have seen the coming Day Star rise in the East and the flash of brilliant light is about to split the sky. Hearken unto Me, most holy of children. Come unto Me ye burdened and blessed. Awaken from thy slumber and heed the call of the hour. Divest yourselves of hurry and fret. Seek peace in your soul. Seek tranquility in your purpose. Find the knowledge you seek in Me! The world and its fleshly influence only disguises and confounds the believer's interests with lies and deceit.

"Brothers and sisters, regain your footing that slipped on man's slippery pathways so many years ago. Come back to the truth; come back to reality. No man is alone in this journey. Look around you and see the hosts of Heaven in its entirety and be glad. You are judged and you are found lacking in every area of yourself, but whole and complete in Him Who has planned your way unto Paradise. Yashua, the anointed One, has claimed you and now is preparing to seize your memory that every whit of your being will be made whole!" (Is this the fulfillment of Romans 12:2?)

"Daring and cunning are the ways of those who live in darkness, but one in light can cause a thousand in darkness to flee. Be not afraid! Be at ease with all men in that a host of Heaven is at your disposal. Be more at ease in that He Who brought you to this place speaks from within you. What man can stand in the awesome presence of the I Am? Fire, punishment, death, and destruction are what many are waiting to see. Is that so vivid a picture created of a loving God Who brings life? I have a people who do not look for war but look for Me! What men do in the Name of the Lord is apostasy. It is reprobate because they use not the wisdom I gave them from the beginning.

"Develop the keen sense of awareness of the hosts around you, and understand that I send them to minister unto you to encourage you alone. Do not weary from your task but be pleasant and exhilarated to all men. Let no man see you despondent. You deny the only Lord Jesus Who, by His presence, enables you to conquer all obstacles. Be impressed by no man but impress the man with the image of Yahweh. Deaf, dumb, blind and lame, man stands before Me critical of all that occurs in Heaven. O man, how frail thou art but how boisterous is thy spirit. The Spirit of the Lamb prevails but when the Lion roars all of creation will stand still and wonder at it. Be at peace and know the Highest reigns!

"Already there is preparation for a celebration of a different kind of Jubilee, one that is called happy and one that is called in silence. Memories of past Jubilees are coming forward in the minds of My people but the memory of this one shall last forever. Waxing old are the ways of mankind. They are selfish and self indulgent as were their fathers before them. But I show thee a new way! Heavenly ways are now thy ways. I have given you My heavenly guards. They shall surround you and your family and be at your disposal. Call upon Me continually, My son, and I shall fill thee with fire! Forgive the transgressors against thee even as I have forgiven thee. Be at peace not war with your enemies. Let the King of kings make alive whom He wills.

"Bless the unblessed. Purify the unclean. Do not test the resilience of the unwashed, the unclean, for they have not been attached to the true Vine; they may whither and die. Bring life, My son. Bring life that order may be restored upon the earth just as it is in Heaven. The blood of Christ is evident upon you, My son, and crossing the vast abyss from death to life is before you. Be tranquil, reposed, and intolerant of sin. Purify thyself even as I am pure. Walk not among the ungodly as an interloper, but as an evangel of truth, setting the captive free. Take a deep breath of Heavenly atmosphere and fill your thoughts of power and might of the all powerful, all mighty Yahweh. Delights of the flesh shall grow greater in desire; only those who have persevered and severed their earthly ties shall be able to stand. He who comes behind the veil into the Highest shall see and understand, the I Am has proclaimed it.

"Get thee to a high, lofty place and gaze out upon the land. Repel the denizens of despair and traverse the peaks of the high places. Step out in faith in the Almighty Yahweh! Separate yourselves from the things of this earth. Let flesh cleave to flesh and spirit to spirit. No one can come unto Me in this Holy Day except he release all ties to man that I can make of him all things to man. They have refused Me, but soon they shall repent when they see Me repeat the glory of resurrection in My saints. All My beloved released. All Mine reclaimed, reborn. No one has seen or heard the likes of what shall soon be on this earth. Heaven has held a gathering of kings and one by one they have tipped their crowns to the one and only Savior. He it is that shall reveal His life to thee. Son, behold the Son as He comes for thee. Awake O Zion to the herald in thy midst, prepare the gates for his arrival. Thy life on earth shall never be the same. All glory to the Prince of princes, the King of kings, the Lord of lords.

"Awaken My sleeping sons to the sound of the searing of thy flesh this night. The distrust, the distaste, the distraction of thy flesh is disappearing with the carcass. Behold the new man, the new creation for a new millennium. Another day has passed and a new day dawns on the sons of men. Sons of thunder once again. Mighty men of valor once again. Sons of the Highest as always. The helmet of salvation has been placed upon thy head, not as brass but of gold as a crown. Total, complete, totally preserved for evermore. Amen.

"There is wisdom in your midst if you would but use it. Wisdom has come so that she might instill in thee the acquaintance of the Most High God (see Pro. 3:13-20). Enough of the babbling that goes on prophesying of a day to come when THE DAY IS HERE! Use wisdom to find your way to me, not gossip or hearsay. Needless to say, many question the hour and the Day, but I shall leave them in their quandary as My beloved cross over unto life. Hallelujahs are ringing out in Heaven. Hear their song. Hear the chorus sing the eonic song of praise. It is ever the same, ever and always. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and ever shall be. Sing along My beloved. Join your voices to the chorus and close the breach. Fix your gaze upon the face of the resurrected One until it is clear.

"No man has seen the height, nor the breadth of it, this habitation for a new heaven and a new earth. Only those who have crossed over shall see and understand. The miracle of this Day is that so many that shall see have come so far, so fast. I have chosen thee; no matter when thy service began, you shall reap the same. Marriage is sacred and so is the marriage I am to consummate with thee. Behold the Bridegroom cometh! Beware lest another suitor come and lure the chaste virgin away with talk of purity of another fashion. There is none but Me! Leave thy childish ways and silly gossip behind. Be alert and do not fall into the realm of deceit and admonishing. Keep thyself pure. See AS the Groom! See with My eyes, hear with My heart. Calm the fears of the aged, for I am coming. Notify the young that the Master awaits their return. The time is nigh thee to ascend to the Heavens.

"For many, the Day is at hand. For many others, the handwriting is on the wall. Ministering spirits from both persuasions are busy cultivating their own fields seeking to produce as much fruit as possible, but what will be the result? When the harvest occurs then the fruit will be evident, and only the wheat will remain as a testimony to the truth. I come swiftly and deftly to exorcise the unclean from amongst My beloved. Honor and obey, there is no other way. Freaks of the spirit are coming to the fore even as they did in the days of Noah. Their spiritual hunger for the innocent is avaricious. Their bread is not the Bread of Life; their daily ingestion is of lying and deceit. Betrayers of the body, fornicators of the spirit, they lie in wait eager to assume the rightful place of the Beloved. Beware! Open the curtains of the Holiest place and allow the Light from thy face to outshine the sun and the darkness that befalls this rich land. Spring forth in renewed exuberance for thy Lord, thy Elohim, is coming.

"Sons must arise to this Day's call. There is an aroma of fear amongst your prayers sent forth to Heaven. There can be no fear in My presence. Circumvent the fear and cast it down and out of thy midst. What can befall thee? What is it that is greater than I? Harmony in Heaven is accorded by a complete peace and absence of fear. Release the past and former ways to the shadows of mankind. Step into the brilliance of the Light of transformation. Subjugate thyself to no man for flesh is destined for destruction. Subjugate thyself to the King of kings for the revelation of thy Life!

"Lead the beloved in a time of Sabbath. While all around are in turmoil, My people shall pray and worship in ONE accord, not many. Bless the Beloved, bless and curse not. Though you are without, you are within the Holy Place of the most High God. Thy Day has come that your Son shall be revealed again. I am come that ye may have life everlasting. Wait no longer on your brother or sister to give you a signal or a sign of My appearance. Seek ye first the kingdom of Yah and I will show Myself to you. Seek not after the schooling and wisdom of the minions around thee, but seek Wisdom herself! Hallowed be thy Name O Lord! Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses. Seek Me out this Day and I shall be found.

"Blessed are those who continually seek the kingdom of Yahweh. I bestow upon them the will to repel evil and obey the one, true God. Blessed be the Name of the most high God. I am is here in the midst of the brethren, here in the midst of the heathen, here in the midst of thee. They shall ask for credentials and you shall show them the power of the most High. They shall ask of His Name and you shall show His Name in your every action. They shall ask of His words, His instructions, but you shall give none but to display His might. Almighty, all sovereign, invincible God, show yourself this night. Sons, daughters, where is your weakness when the almighty Yahweh inhabits your vessel?

"Believe Me my sons, believe Me My daughters, this is the Day you have longed for. Your desires are My desires so what proceeds will be My will. Be not surprised at what you shall see occur, for all is as planned. Be not despondent over the loss of some of thy brethren, for you shall see them again soon. All is well. All is right.

Amen. All creation groans!

"Seek ye insight into the Life to come. Shall the infidel arise? Shall the interloper ascend? I think not! I know (they will) not! Arise My beloved, ascend and be recognized. Significant is the time, for men are angry and My sheep sleep in the denizen's lair. No longer are ye weak! No longer are ye infirm! No longer do ye panic at perils. Slowly the Son of man is rising in His beloved and slowly they stand within this vessel of flesh soon to be revealed. Be cautious My dears, for this is the most vulnerable time of the chrysalis (which is the third stage in the development of a butterfly while in its cocoon). The world shall not be prepared for what they shall see in you. They fear not, therefore they are ignorant. They seek not, therefore they are empty. Reveal thy true identity only by revelation, not (by) conversation. This moment is sacred and shall not be revealed unto any man found unworthy. Remember, worthy is the Lamb, and only those who have the mark of the Lamb shall arise. Worthy art thou who fear the Lord!

"My delight is in thee, My beloved. Thou art the beat of My heart, the rhythm of the entire universe. Remember when thou wast with Me in the beginning? Who among you can recall? Delight thyself in the mystery of the ages when mankind walked with God. Thy Yahweh expects thee to recall for thou art the seedline of destiny. Thou art the energy that shall remove the mask from sin and reveal the eternal Yahweh in this Day. Soon I shall give eternal Light to shine on your understanding and you will walk in knowledge and wisdom as My son. There is healing to be done in this land and I have given it unto thee, My beloved. Show thyself and rise up to meet Me. I am come for thee." (End of quotation. Added comments in parenthesis are ours and are inserted for clarity.) And may the precious holy Spirit anoint all who read with the understanding of the Spirit, that each one may receive their portion of the Bread of Life for this new Day!

Characteristics or Qualifications of those who Reign, Become Mature Sons, and are Transformed

Throughout the scriptures characteristics, requirements or qualifications are given for those who are chosen of God to do a work for the Lord in the earth on behalf of His kingdom. As you read these scriptural accounts you will see some characteristics and requirements for those who shall become mature sons to reign with Christ, and be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ.

After David was made king of all Israel, Saul, one of David's enemies and the former king of Israel, was still a threat to David. Then, a small army of mighty men joined David at Ziklag, and helped him with the war against Saul, and also with "the band of the rovers" that accompanied Saul and Saul's brethren of Benjamin. That small band of mighty men that joined David at Ziklag at that time were strong warriors who could use either their right hand or their left in hurling stones or shooting arrows, illustrating the spiritual strength of the elect. "These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west" (1 Chr. 12:15).

Perhaps we can see the parallel here between David's mighty men and the elect of the Lord of this present hour. God is raising up a royal, noble, and valiant people who shall surely and successfully cross the mighty Jordan, even though that symbolic river of death may be at flood stage. They will cross over that symbolic river victoriously and triumphantly, for the Lord will strengthen and enable them as they go. When they reach the other side, "a spiritual bridge of life" will then be established by the life they have lived. This "bridge" will allow others to follow them into the greater fullness of the life and glory of the kingdom of God, which also is the kingdom of Love. What joy will then be ours when we see many others crossing over symbolic "Jordan" on that "bridge of Life," without going through the very difficult tests and trials that we faithfully and obediently endured! It is not just for ourselves alone that we were severely processed of the Lord. We endured it all for our own deliverance and full salvation; and also for the ultimate deliverance, restoration and full salvation of all mankind and the whole creation (see Ro. 8:18-23).

It was also David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who sang this song unto the Lord: "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know THY NAME will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee" (Ps. 9:9-10). As with all scripture, this passage has a deeper and more spiritual meaning than that which is seen and understood on the surface. Those who fully know and understand spiritually what the Name of the Lord signifies will also understand the deeper meaning implied by the Spirit in these verses. To know the Name of the Lord is also to know His character and His nature, it is to become all that He is. Those enlightened ones will know that the character and the nature of the Lord includes His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and that He is a God of total restoration and full salvation.

It pleased the Father that in Christ "should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile ALL THINGS UNTO HIMSELF; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven" (Col. 1:19-20). All fulness dwells in Christ. This literally means that Christ is filled, packed, and fully packaged within and without with that which is perfect, which is all the attributes of the character and the nature of God. The original word for "dwells," shows that all that fulness resides in Christ permanently, and not merely for the duration of His "cross" experiences in this world. Father put all of Himself within Christ that He might, through the blood of "HIS CROSS, reconcile all things unto himself." (Notice that this is "His cross," including the "cross" of tests and trials that we also endure.) Christ became a peacemaker by bringing peace and harmony between God and the sinner. We also shall become peacemakers as Christ is, thus confirming true peace and harmony between God and those who formerly lacked that peace and harmony with Him.

All things everywhere shall be reconciled to God. To reconcile is to change fully and completely, so that those same all things are become as He is. The term "all things" means just that, including all things within us, and anything and everything outside of us, including the whole creation. Nothing is to be left out when God reconciles. The act of reconciling, as far as God is concerned, includes all things everywhere, as well as all things in the earth and everything else in the heavenlies of His Spirit.

The process of reconciling all things to God began with us. Paul continued by saying, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present YOU holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith . . ." (Col. 1:21-22). At one time, we were aliens and enemies of God in our minds, by our wicked works. But our loving Father, in His grace and mercy, reconciled us to Himself, by the sacrifice of Christ, that He might present us to Himself, holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight. This also is what God shall do for all mankind, but only after we have first been processed and perfected. It is Father's plan to eventually reconcile all mankind. It will be each man in his own order, beginning with Christ the firstfruits, followed by they that are Christ's at His coming (1 Co. 15:22-23 & Rom. 8:19-23). When our processing is complete, we shall come forth pure, clean, holy, and perfect in His sight. It is God Who must be satisifed with our reconciled and restored condition, not man. And we rejoice to realize that He is processing and perfecting each of us, by His Spirit, for service in His kingdom, that He might be glorified.

There is a secret path leading to Life that is known only to the Lord; it is a path that He is revealing to His elect of this hour who desire His Life more than the paltry things of this present, earthly "life." That path is revealed in the following scripture: "Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children (or, sons): for blessed are they that keep my ways (which is a road, a course of life or mode of action). Hear (intelligently) instruction (which includes chastisement, reproof, and restraint), and be wise (in mind, word, or act), and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me (intelligently, implying attention and obedience), watching (being alert and on the lookout) daily at my gates, waiting (which means to meet or be present) at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death" (Pro. 8:32-36).

Here, the Lord is speaking to His children or to His sons, using the symbol or emblem of a literal tabernacle. He tells them they are blessed if they keep His ways and if they will walk out the path, which is the road, the course of life or the mode of action, that He has ordained for them to take throughout this life. They are to hear intelligently the word or the instruction He gives them, and obey that word of instruction, which includes chastisement, reproof and restraint. They will be blessed of the Lord if they hear Him intelligently, giving their attention and obedience to His word, always being alert and on the lookout at His gates, waiting to meet or be present at the gates or doors of His sanctuary when He comes to appear to His saints. When they know Him in His fullness, the elect shall also find Life and shall obtain favor of the Lord. Because they love Him with every fiber of their being, they will not sin against Him and His word, but will obediently follow Him every step of the way. This is the pathway to Life! This is the spiritual highway leading to the top of the last mountain. It is the path we shall take if we desire His fullness, as well as the eternal and abundant Life of the kingdom of God!

The prophet Isaiah prophesied of the wayward state of the people of Israel, of the Lord's mercy upon them, and of their spiritual restoration. As a result of the Lord's judgments, the prophet sees them fleeing to the mountains, which is just exactly where the Lord wanted them then, and also where He wants us today. Isaiah prophesied they would flee "till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of the mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him" (Is. 30:17-18).

It should be abundantly clear to us that the Lord's judgments will put us where He wants us to be, not only spiritually, but literally and geographically as well. The Lord caused Israel to flee from the geographical place where they once were that they might escape to the mountains, by His merciful, corrective judgments. But while the picture the prophet presented may be of a literal, geographical movement, we know there is a greater, spiritual fulfillment of this scripture. God wants us on the mountain top, spiritually speaking. And His way of getting us there is by His merciful, corrective judgments, which for us are the tests and trials of our lives in this world. When Father has finished with us, we shall be left "as a beacon upon the top of the mountain, and as an ensign on an hill." Our destiny is here seen to be on the top of a mountain, which is the mountain of His presence and throne. We shall be as beacons or ensigns, shining from that mountain, calling others to join us there. And our Father is patiently waiting while we grow spiritually to ascend this last mountain.

While He waits for us, we are also waiting for Him. Thus, the prophet wrote, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" Is. 40:31). The word WAIT, as used here, implies a collection of believers who expect something wonderful from the Lord. They are tarrying or waiting on the Lord, with full confidence and assurance that He will become all that they expect and need, which will enable them to make it all the way to the top of this last mountain.

Mountains in the Life of Jesus

How important is this last mountain in our spiritual growth! Many important events in the life of Jesus took place on a mountain top. For example, it was up a high mountain where the devil took Jesus to show Him all the kingdoms of this world (Mt. 4:8). The devil offered all those worldly kingdoms to Jesus if He would fall down and worship him. But Jesus replied, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Mt. 4:10). Jesus thus demonstrated the great truth that His kingdom is not of this world. Having said this, the devil left Him and angels came and ministered to Jesus.

It is also significant that the Greek word interpreted mountain in the New Testament is "oros," meaning, to rise or rear, a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain). As a mountain is lifted above the earthly plain in the natural, so we are to be lifted spiritually, above the lower, normal plain of experience common to all of Christendom. The Spirit must lift us above the normal Christian experience, for we are chosen of God and set apart by Him to ascend the higher heights in God. Our high calling in God requires that we ascend the mount of God, to bring forth release and restoration for the groaning, travailing creation.

Jesus also called His disciples up to a mountain when He wanted to give them greater power and send them out as His messengers (Mk. 3:13). At other times, Jesus often went up into a mountain to rest or to pray (Mt. 14:23, Mk. 6:46, Lu. 6:12, Jo. 6:3, 15). It was also on a mountain top where Jesus took His disciples when He wanted to teach them the new principles of the kingdom of God. The new principles Jesus taught His disciples were these: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Mt. 5:1-12).

Why do you suppose Jesus taught His disciples truths such as these while they were up in a high mountain, away from the general multitudes? I believe the reason was that He might illustrate to us the great truth than only as we ascend the spiritual heights in God can we possibly understand and receive the principles of His Kingdom. Only as we ascend the heights in God, away from the religious, clamoring crowds in the lowlands, can we know, understand and receive the great spiritual principles of the kingdom of God. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). For example, most of us would find it difficult to be poor in spirit for very long. There may be those rare times when we are poor in spirit. But, for the most part, we tend to be proud, arrogant, boastful and egotistical, due to the carnal nature and mind that we all have; and this is the opposite of being poor in spirit.

The same could be said of all the other kingdom principles given in the above verses by Jesus when He was on the mountain top with His disciples. It is contrary to the carnal nature and mind within us for us to be mournful, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers in the kingdom of our Father. Therefore, not only must we become intensely spiritual, but we also must be delivered of this carnal nature and mind to become all that Jesus said we must be in His kingdom. Our transformation into the image and the likeness of Christ is the only way for us to truly live in the kingdom of God and manifest the principles of that kingdom. Therefore, we must climb this last spiritual mountain and be changed into His image and likeness. And this we shall do by walking in the Spirit and taking one step at a time as He leads us onward and upward.

To also illustrate the truth of our transformation on a mountain top in the Spirit, we see that Jesus told His disciples to meet Him on a certain mountain after His resurrection (Mt. 28:16). The disciples saw Him there in His new body. It was not yet the time for their transformation, so they worshiped Him when they saw Him. But when we see Him as He is, we shall not only worship Him as the disciples did then, but we shall be transformed into the same image, by the power of the risen Christ of God (1 Jo. 3:2), for this is the Day of the manifestation of His Life. This is the Day when the saints of God shall be changed into His image and likeness, to become all that He is. Amen, and blessed be the Name of the Lord!

We are always blessed and encouraged by the letters we receive from faithful, believing saints of the Lord. The Lord has a faithful remnant in the earth today. They believe His word and are walking in the Spirit. And we are blessed when we hear from some of them. One dear sister, Mabel Jones, wrote the following inspired letter: "All of the heat that is coming from the Day Star arising in our hearts! What power emanates from His coming forth! At that last Day Jesus stood! What a change of Life awaits our Christ of God. Such excitement is rising from our innermost being! The grace that is to be brought forth in us! Such exhortation for His body to stand up! Stand up for Jesus! Be made whole in Him! Be filled with the fullness of God! What a Day He has chosen for us to see and Be! The world will know that Jesus Christ has come. What Glory is appearing, affecting all of those around! Life in them! This is that Day! Be glorified Lord! In your own house! In His glorious body!"

And then there is this beautiful poem we recently received from Ruby Hurley, titled "EPITAPH"

The Lord is my Life, I shall not die.

Though in the tomb, my body may lie,

Through the valley of time, my feet have trod,

I have reached the Mountain, I've returned to God.

So worry not for me, think not I'm alone,

With many I've gathered, around the throne.

Earthly things of yesterday, all laid aside,

In treasures of tomorrow, I now abide.

Can we not see from this the maturity and perfection of the saints, as it is in this new Today? Surely the time is ripe for the manifestation of all those who are truly the called and chosen sons of God!

Return to: Home Page    Kingdom Resources