The Secret of The Silence – Dr. Bill Stephenson

Greetings Beloved!

The Lord has many things to teach you in this time. If we are unwilling to embrace the silence of His presence, we will miss Him in phenomenal ways. Christ is now our life within us, if we are born again. Through our death, burial, and resurrection with Him, we are citizens of a new world.

The Lord said in Isaiah, “Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.”

Red this passage a few more times and then be still. What do you hear the Lord saying to you?

“He sits alone and keeps silence, because he has borne it upon him” (Lamentations 3:28).

“But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20).

You beloved are His holy temple. Let your earth keep silence before Him. Be still and know Him.

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour” (Revelation 8:1).

There is a secret in the silence of God. There alone, through your death, burial, and resurrection with Him, He will reveal to you His deep mysteries and secrets. Answers you’ve been looking for are there. Life, understanding, direction, deliverance, redemption, and provision are there. But more importantly knowing Him intimately is there. There in His silence.

Be brave enough to let go in Him. It’s not your life anyway, it’s His!

Paul said, “He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”

Do you have ears to hear?

Pray Ephesians 1:17-21. But first, let’s take a cue from Andrew Murray (below).

Blessings in His silence, Beloved! – Bill

Andrew Murray: Before you pray, bow quietly before God, just to remember and realize who He is, how near He is, how certainly He can and will help. Just be still before Him, and allow His Holy Spirit to waken and stir up in your soul the child-like disposition of absolute dependence and confident expectation. Wait upon God as a Living Being, as the Living God, who notices you, and is just longing to fill you with His salvation. Wait on God till you know you have met Him; prayer will then be come so different.

And when you are praying, let there be intervals of silence, reverent stillness of soul, in which you yield yourself to God, in case He may have aught He wishes to teach you or to work in you. Waiting on Him will become the most blessed part of prayer, and the blessing thus obtained will be doubly precious as the fruit or such fellowship with the Holy One, God has so ordained it, in harmony with His holy nature, and with ours, that waiting on Him should be the honor we give Him. Let us bring Him the service gladly and truthfully; He will reward it abundantly.

© 2010 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

New Year’s Resolve – Dr. Bill Stephenson

Greetings Beloved!

I have a word in my heart for this new year and season, so I’d like to share it with you. It’s from Colossians Chapter three. “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.”

We are in a certain time and season in the Lord. It is imperative that we discern these times and seasons and walk in the light we are given. Where is your heart and affection? I encourage you to turn your heart toward home, Christ in you the hope of glory.

We are dead, buried, raised, and seated in the heavens in union with Christ Jesus.

Andrew Murray has a lesson for us from nature. Be encouraged to wait upon the Lord as never before in these coming days. Enter into the rest He died and suffered to give you. You’ll glorify the Father and be continually transformed into His image.

Be at rest and peace. Allow Him to purge you and take away those things that don’t belong. He is doing a mighty work in you. Be still and know He loves you and is bringing to complete perfection that which concerns you!

THE TRUE PLACE OF THE CREATURE

“These wait all upon Thee; That Thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That Thou givest unto them, they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are satisfied with good.” Ps.104:27-28

This Psalm, in praise of the Creator, has been speaking of the birds and the beasts of the forest; of the young lions, and man going forth to his work; of the great sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. And it sums up the whole relation of all creation to its Creator, and its continuous and universal dependence upon Him in the one word: “These all wait upon Thee.” Just as much as it was God’s work to create, it is His work to maintain. As little as the creature could create itself, it is it left to provide for itself. The whole creation is ruled by the one unalterable law of — waiting upon God!

The word is the simple expression of that for the sake of which alone the creature was brought into existence, the very groundwork of its constitution. The one object for which God gave life to creatures was that in them He might prove and show forth His wisdom, power, and goodness, in His being each moment their life and happiness, and pouring forth unto them, according to their capacity, the riches of His goodness and power. And just as this is the very place and nature of God, to be unceasingly the supplier of every want in the creature, so the very place and nature of the creature is nothing hut this – to wait upon God and receive from Him what He alone can give, what He delights to give.

If we are in this little book at all to apprehend what waiting on God is to be to the believer, to practice it and to experience its blessedness, it is of consequence that we begin at the very beginning, and see the deep reasonableness of the call that comes to us. We shall understand how the duty is no arbitrary command. We shall see how it is not only rendered necessary by our sin and helplessness. It is simply and truly our restoration to our original destiny and our highest nobility, to our true place and glory as creatures blessedly dependent on the All-Glorious God.

If once our eyes are opened to this precious truth, all Nature will become a preacher, reminding us of the, relationship which, founded in creation, is now taken in grace. As we read this Psalm, and learn to look upon all life in Nature as continually maintained by God Himself, waiting on God will be seen to be the very necessity of our being. As we think of the young lions and the ravens crying to Him, of the birds and the fishes and every insect waiting on Him, till He give them their meat in due season, we shall see that it is the very nature and glory of God that He is a God who is to be waited on. Every thought of what Nature is, and what God is, will give new force to the call: “Wait thou only upon God.”

“These all wait upon Thee, that thou mayest give.” It is God who giveth all: let this faith enter deeply into our hearts. Ere yet we fully understand all that is implied in our waiting upon God, and ere we have even been able to cultivate the habit, let the truth enter our souls: waiting on God, unceasing and entire dependence upon Him, is, in heaven and earth, the one only true religion, the one unalterable and all-comprehensive expression for the true relationship to the ever-blessed one in whom we live.

Let us resolve at once that it shall be the one characteristic of our life and worship, a continual, humble, truthful waiting upon God. We may rest assured that He who made us for Himself, that He might give Himself to us and in us, that He will never disappoint us. In waiting on Him we shall find rest and joy and strength, and the supply of every need.

“My soul, wait thou only upon God.

© 2010 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Be Still – Dr. Bill Stephenson

This word comes to me to share with you. It is from Psalm 46. Since we have been crucified, dead, buried, raised, and seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, we are to now enter into His living rest.

“There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9-11).

The word of the true gospel continually in our ears will cause a tremendous rest in our lives. We can sink down into His finished work and realize through the death, burial, and resurrection, we may now enter into a place of absolute trust and peace in Him. He alone is our very life within us. (Col. 1:27, Gal. 2:20, Col. 3:4)

“Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

This word “be still” contains the following definitions;

to be quiet
free from agitation of mind or spirit
free from disturbance or turmoil
free from tumult
tranquil
peaceful
being at rest
refraining or free from activity, esp. busy or vigorous activity
making no trouble
motionless or moving very gently: quiet waters
free from disturbing thoughts, emotions
mentally peaceful
calm and unmoving
free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled
to cause to become quiet
to sink
relax
sink down
withdraw
relax
refrain
forsake
to let go

Therefore, we can sink down, relax, and withdraw into His Holy presence. We can forsake our own way, refraining from our activities and simply let ourselves go into Him in that quiet place of His intimate presence. The death, burial, and resurrection is the power of God continually keeping us as we abide in Him and His work. We will stop trying to fix everything and let His glory supersede our current circumstances. In that peace He alone gives (in Himself), the answers will come and the problems and difficulties will be resolved.

Spend some quality time in quiet contemplation in the scriptures.

“A quiet spirit is of inestimable value in carrying on outward activities; and nothing so hinders the working of the hidden spiritual forces, upon which, after all, our success in everything really depends, as a spirit of unrest and anxiety. There is immense power in stillness.” Hannah W. Smith

- Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Heavenly Minded? – Dr. Bill Stephenson

It’s been said, “You’re so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.” That’s interesting because I was just reading what Paul said.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Well, maybe that’s just the old King James. Let’s consult some other translators from my personal library. Perhaps they can confirm the validity of “You’re so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.”

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (NKJV)

“Let heaven fill your thoughts…” (NLT)

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (NIV)

“And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (AMP)

“Set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven.” (LB)

“Keep looking for the good things of heaven.” (NL)

“You must lift your thoughts above.” (Knox)

“Be eager for the things which are above.” (20th)

“Go in then for the higher things, those things which belong to the realm where Christ is.” (Bruce)

This is not working very well. Maybe a literal translation will set us straight.

“The things on high hold in esteem, not the things upon the earth.” (Rotherham Literal)

“The things above mind ye, not the things upon the earth.” (Young’s Literal)

Wait a minute! Let’s see what the Aramaic text says on this verse. (This ought to do it!)

“Think of that above and not that of the earth.” (Aramaic New Covenant)

“Set your affection on things (thought) above, not on things (on) upon the earth.” (exeGeses)

“Set your thought above – not on the earth.” (exeGeses)

Perhaps this is the only verse in Scripture like this? I don’t believe so.

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:18-19).

” … Who think earthly.” (exeGeses)

” … Who mind (think) earthly things.” (exeGeses)

” … Their thought – on the earth.” (Aramaic)

” … All they think about is this life here on earth.” (NLT)

” … Their mind is on earthly things.” (NIV)

Wow! So to set one’s mind on earthly things (instead of heavenly things), according to Holy Scripture, makes one an enemy of the cross of Christ.

Hum.. Wonder then where that saying “You’re so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good” came from?

I don’t know but I do know where it didn’t!

Journal Logo

No wonder Paul said, “to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Case closed.

Our life should now be at rest and peace as we abide in Him because of our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Now that’s something we can all be very thankful for…

Happy heaven gazing!

- Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

What Would Paul Say To Us Today? – Dr. Bill Stephenson

I hear the word “mixture” in my heart and mind. Webster’s defines this word as “a combination of several different kinds.” Rather interestingly, it also means “to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters.”

A recent study conducted in America found that 65% of the population of the U.S. considered themselves to be born-again Christians. However, out of that number only 3% had a Biblical or Christian worldview.

This reminds me of what Jesus said.

“And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and [of] the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:15).

“And he charges them, wording, See! observe the fermentation of the Pharisees and the fermentation of Herod.”(exegeses Bible)

This word “leaven” in Greek is zym and is defined as being of inveterate mental and moral corruption and is viewed in its tendency to infect others. Jesus clearly stated that the leaven of the Pharisees was their doctrine (teaching). The leaven of Herod was the world system. This particular leaven is extremely dangerous to believers in Christ. Why? Because through our joining and association with these leavens, corruption will result. These two leavens of the Pharisees and Herod will soil, stain, corrupt, or infect. This is why Jesus warned us of this. Paul also said to the Galatians, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Notice, it only takes a little bit to become infected!

The leaven of the world and or the leaven of the Pharisees, when mixed with the leaven of the kingdom, will result in impurity and therefore neutralize the power and glory of the kingdom, making it unfit for use. The leaven of the kingdom is watered down when a mixture is allowed in our lives. Thus, we become unwholesome and anemic and therefore ineffective and at risk of loosing our intimacy, fellowship, and communion with the God of our life.

We must guard what comes into our hearts and minds and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any leaven not of the kingdom of God. Of course we still live in the world but the Lord has called us out to be a separate people unto Himself.

“Be not getting diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Beliar? Or what part hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a shrine of God with idols? For, we, are the shrine of a God, that liveth: – even as God hath said – will dwell in them, and walk, and will be their God, and, they, shall be my people. Wherefore come ye forth out of their midst, and be separated, – saith the Lord, – and, one impure, do not touch; and, I, will give you welcome, And will become your Father, and, ye, shall become my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). (Rotherham)

“And be not sons of yoke with who trusts not!
For what partaking has justness with unjustness?
Or what mingling has light with darkness?
Or what shalom has the Meshiah with Satan?
Or what part have the trusting with those not trusting?

And what unity has the nave of God with demons?
And you are the nave of the living God,
as worded, I inhabit in them and walk in them:
and I be their God and they be my people.
Because of this Go from among them and separate from them, words Yah Veh, and approach not the impure: and I take you, and be to you, Father,
and you be to me, sons and daughters,
words Yah Veh Holder of All.”
(Aramaic New Covenant)

What we pay attention to through our eyes and ears will have an affect on us positively or negatively. Television, radio, books, movies, magazines, music, and the Internet are vehicles that carry the leaven of Herod and of the Pharisees. Also, educational and religious systems can leaven the kingdom of God. Even our own personal attitudes and mindsets, spiritual perceptions and personal relationships can adversely affect the kingdom of God in our life.

We must beware.

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

It is imperative that we operate in discernment. The word means “to see or understand the difference.” Unless we have true Biblical, spiritual discernment we will not be able to tell the difference between the just and the vile. To discover the true character of something or someone, the discernment of Hebrews 5:14 must be in place. We are encouraged to develop our senses through continually realizing we have been dead, buried, raised, and seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Outside of Christ’s work discernment is clouded and unable to “judge righteous judgment.”

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

Paul said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

What advice would brother Paul offer to us in these desperate and uncertain days?

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

“Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3).

Well said, Paul. Thank you for sanity dear brother!

Let us take heed…

Blessings Beloved.

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Rest Rerun – Dr. Bill Stephenson

Two weeks ago, I heard one word and sent it to you. Today, I hear that same word. I keep hearing the word “REST” in my heart. Therefore, I am sending this one word out to you again. Ask the Lord if this word may mean something to you personally.

The only way we can have rest, true rest, is by realizing we have been crucified, dead, buried, raised and seated in union with Christ Jesus. Today there remains an offense in the cross of Christ. When I say “cross” I am always referring to the full and complete death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ. If we’re not embracing our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, a true Christ-rest can never be fully experienced in our personal lives. This is the Father’s prescribed way of victory. Don’t substitute this for a cheap imitation. It won’t work! Remember what the scriptures say about God’s rest. That rest is exclusively based on the death, burial, suffering, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ. Please never forget that in the days we live.

In my thirty five years of being in Christ, I have discovered that many in the body of Christ are still self conscious and sin conscious. There seems to be an almost obsession over these two things. The Lord dealt with these things in His death, burial, suffering, and resurrection. The blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us from all sin as we continue to abide in Him moment by moment. The world, the flesh, and the devil are completely dealt with in our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony concerning our redemption He purchased for us.

Many perhaps know all these things religiously, but what really matters is knowing them experientially. That is, truly having the experience of freedom from the world, the flesh, and the devil. This is only realized by an abiding grasp of our death and resurrection with the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The realm of victory in our lives will never be truly known outside of our personal and experiential death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.

Peace is only possible when He vitally becomes our peace. The only way for that to happen is for Him to vitally become our life. This is when we can say with Paul, “I no longer live but it is Christ who lives in and through me..” (Galatians 2:20)

Abide in Him. Wait in His presence. Eat the scriptures concerning your death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Eat His flesh and drink His blood, for only then do we have an abiding inner life in Him.

Beware of false teachings which promote victory apart from your death and resurrection with Jesus. Beware of another spirit, another gospel, and another Jesus. Keep sanity in this perverse world. The only way out of error and deceit is through a continuous abiding in our Father’s prescribed way of redemption- the death, burial, and resurrection with His Son Jesus Christ.

Through this work, Christ now lives in us as our very life. Let us therefore enter into our rest as we go beyond the outer court into the most Holy Place. There alone is where He dwells in all of His splendor and glory. He has invited us to live out of that place. There will always be successive glories to pass into as we commune with Him face to face. His blood has granted us access to His inmost place.
Will we be among them who give testimony throughout eternity of those who lived out of that place He died, suffered, and rose again to give us? You alone must answer. No one else can do that for you.

“There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9-11).

“So exhort to enter that rest, lest anyone fall in the likeness of those not convinced.” (Aramaic New Covenant)

“So be diligent to enter that shabbath, lest anyone fall in the same example of trustlessness.” (exegeses New Testament)

Rest:
a putting to rest
a calming of the winds
a resting place
a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities
a freedom from activity or labor
a state of motionlessness or inactivity
a place for resting or lodging
peace of mind or spirit
silence
marked by inactivity or repose
tranquilly at rest
causing no trouble or symptoms
free of anxieties

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Peace – Dr. Bill Stephenson

I keep hearing the word “PEACE” in my heart. Therefore, I am sending this one word out to you along with some verses. Ask the Lord if this word may mean something to you personally.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

“And let, the peace of Christ, act as umpire in your hearts, unto which ye have been called in onebody, and be thankful.” (Rotherham)

“And the shalom of the Meshiah guide your hearts…” (Aramaic)

“For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14).

“He, in fact, is our peace..” (Rotherham)

Peace:
a state of tranquility
an exemption from the rage and havoc of war
harmony
security
safety
prosperity
a state of tranquillity or quiet
freedom from disturbance
freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
silence
calm
the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God.

Ask yourself, “Am I living in His peace in this moment?”

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile (bring back a former state of harmony) all things unto (Greek: into) himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).

Through His precious blood we now have peace. Why? Because IF we have been born from above, we too have been crucified, dead, buried, raised, and seated in heavenly places in union with Christ Jesus!

A word is in order here from Hebrews. Find the word peace here in this passage (listed twice) and put it into context with the entire chapter. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to apply it to your personal life. Get ready to be FREE!

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.
PASS THE OUTER COURT AND ENTER INTO THE INNER COURT. REST THERE IN THE HOLY PLACE. BE STILL AND KNOW I AM. THAT STILLNESS WILL THEN USHER YOU INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES. IT IS THERE, IN THE DEEPEST PLACE OF ASCENSION, THAT HE LITERALLY BECOMES OUR PEACE.

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Rest – Dr. Bill Stephenson

I keep hearing the word “REST” in my heart. Therefore, I am sending this one word out to you along with a verse. Ask the Lord if this word may mean something to you personally.

“There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9-11).

“So exhort to enter that rest, lest anyone fall in the likeness of those not convinced.” (Aramaic New Covenant)

“So be diligent to enter that shabbath, lest anyone fall in the same example of trustlessness.” (exegeses New Testament)

Rest:
a putting to rest
a calming of the winds
a resting place
a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities
a freedom from activity or labor
a state of motionlessness or inactivity
a place for resting or lodging
peace of mind or spirit
silence
marked by inactivity or repose
tranquilly at rest
causing no trouble or symptoms
free of anxieties

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Guard Your Heart – Dr. Bill Stephenson

I believe I hear the Lord saying, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” This passage from Proverbs speaks of the necessity of staying on guard in the days we live.

“Above all that must be guarded, keep thou thy heart, for, out of it, are the issues of life.” (Rotherham)

“Guard your heart under guard; for from it are the issues of life.” (exeGeses parallel BIBLE – used by permission)

The word keep in this passage not only means, “to watch over,” but also “to protect, preserve, and to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction.”

We are to guard our heart from dangers by cutting off anything that would hinder, injure, or damage our inner life in Christ Jesus. We are not to leave our heart exposed and susceptible to outside forces or influences. Webster’s defines exposed as “the condition of being presented to view or made known, the condition of being unprotected, the condition of being subject to some effect or influence.”

Our heart in this passage is our inner man. This includes our mind, will, understanding, and soul. Our heart also consists of our conscience, the seat of our appetites, the seat of our emotions and passions, and even the seat of our courage. You can easily see why it is of utmost importance for us to diligently keep a guard of protection over our heart so nothing can enter that would be an enemy of the truth and therefore defile our heart.

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.”

“Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” In the original language, the word “issues” is defined as “the source of life.” Our inner man is where the Lord lives – our source of life.

“He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life” (1 John 5:12).

“All who take the Son also take life: and all who take not the Son of God have not life.” (Aramaic New Covenant – used by permission)

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

“And when the Meshiah manifests – who is our life, then you also manifest with him in glory.” (Aramaic New Covenant – used by permission)

Christ Jesus is now our very life because of our death, burial, and resurrection with Him.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

“So if you rose with the Meshiah
seek that above
where the Meshiah sits
- upon the right of God.
Think of that above and not that of the earth.
For you have died
and your life is covered
with the Meshiah in God.”
(Aramaic New Covenant – used by permission)

Through our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, we have now been joined one spirit. “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but [when] the desire comes, [it is] a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12).

“Hope drawn out wearies the heart; and when desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (exeGeses parallel BIBLE – used by permission)

Christ in us is now our hope of glory. Christ in us is our ultimate desire! We must guard our heart because the treasure of Christ is there.

There are two basic ways to guard our heart. The first is through continually meditating in the scriptures and seeing we have been crucified, dead, buried, made alive, raised, and seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. The second way is to spend quiet time with the Lord every day and wait on Him until your transformation takes place. You may say, “But I have no time for this!” Oh, but beloved, you must make the time- someway, somehow. After all, how important is your heart’s health? Is it worth ignoring and neglecting your spiritual life? The cross of Christ tells us that our old man is already dead. We don’t have a life of our own anymore. Our life is hidden away in the person of Jesus Christ! He alone is our true life.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:3-12).

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4)

“The things on high, hold in esteem, not the things upon the earth.” (Rotherham)

In order to guard our heart effectively, we must continually press in toward the upward calling in union with Christ.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:11-15).

Rotherham says, “As many, therefore, as are full-grown let, this be our resolve; and, if, somewhat differently, ye are resolved, this also shall God unto you reveal.”

“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” (Isaiah 40:31).

“But they who await Yah Veh, change their force; they ascend with pinions as eagles; they run, and belabor not; and they walk, and weary not.” (exeGeses parallel BIBLE – used by permission)

The word wait in Hebrew carries with it the meaning of lingering and of being slow in parting or in quitting something. It also means “to stay in place in expectation of and to remain stationary.” Let us be slow in moving away from the Lord’s living presence within us. If at first we are not aware of His presence, let us linger long enough until He arises in us with healing and transforming glory. Our change is sure to come as we continually eat His flesh and drink His blood. At the same time, we’ll be keeping a watch over our heart so that no enemy can rob us of our glorious inheritance, who is God Himself.

Guard that heart, Beloved!

Happy pressing!

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

A Word For You – Dr. Bill Stephenson

Greetings again Beloved!

I believe I hear the Lord say He is calling you deeper into Himself. Do not let your heart be troubled. Simply believe; trust in Him.

As we ponder our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ, there will be a transformation within us.

The Lord has a lot to say to us in these days we live. We must put our inner ear to His heart; wait there, and listen.

Stay fixed upon your Lord in you. Read and meditate the scriptures through His eyes and Spirit. Feed upon the Word of Life. Drink your fill of the Lord.

Read John 6. Read Romans 6. Commune with the Lord. Take time for Him. Just be with Him. The more we are simply “there” with Him, the more we will actually “be” in our daily lives.

So much can distract our attention away from our sole devotion to Christ. See that you be not distracted. Come aside and apart for a while just to “be with Him.”

As we commune with our Lord, satisfaction will be certain. Be cautious not to bog down into heady or weighty words, attitudes, or influences. Stay free as the eagle and soar into the heights of heaven in Christ Jesus. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and see what the Lord will show you.

Keep your heart fixed on heaven. Paul did. Read Colossians 3:1-5.

Here’s an assignment. Who did Paul say was an “enemy of the cross?” Read Philippians 3. You’ll find out! Wow!

We are crucified, dead, buried, made alive, raised, and seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. He is now our very life within us, joined one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)

What does Galatians 2:20 say to you personally right now?

Peace, joy, righteousness in the Holy Ghost.

Bill

© 2009 www.OnTheRock.Net – Dr. Bill Stephenson. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.