Hi My name is Rod,
I thought I would introduce myself, and tell you how God has made me free, and share how I came to know Jesus.
I'll share several things with you, so you can know where I'm coming from.
I'll start at the beginning.... Write me back if you decide I'm not crazy.
1. MY STORY:
I came from a violent home, (drugs, alcohol, gun shots, being chased with knives, people thrown through picture pane windows), in fact I was born three months early because my father kicked my mother in the stomach.
I was born weighing two pounds nine ounces.
As early as 7yrs old, I was out on the streets till 3-4am, I was put in three orphanages...
One night I remember, my father snuck into our house, he put a loaded pistol in my hand and told me too shoot my sisters and my mother, it was crazy.
Through all of this, (which I wouldn't change), I came out a fairly normal kid, I was involved in sports and didn't do drugs, or drink. I thought I was a survivor, wanting only too make it through another day.
In 1974, I started too sense a need in my life, an emptiness that I couldn't explain. I knew I had to find God/Jesus, but who was HE.
I had no idea where to find HIM, so I went to the local library to find books concerning world religions, God, and the occult.
At the library, I met an ex-hippie (Gary Osborn) he saw my books and decided to share the message with me.
Gary invited me to pray in the back of his V.W. so I did, I remember saying "God forgive me for my sins, and whatever you have for me I want it all".
Well at first nothing happened I expected, lightening or something. Gary said, "Just go home and praise God" I said, "What's that, mean" Gary said, "Just thank him" So I did just that.
The remaining is sacred to me, before I asked Jesus into my heart, I never heard voices, I never drank, and I never did drugs, but one week after meeting Jesus while in the middle of my last class (during high school)
A voice, just as clear, as someone standing next to you, spoke, and as the voice spoke it said to me, "rod tell them about Jesus" I was surprised, but unafraid, I put my hand over my mouth, since I didn't want anyone to think I was talking too myself, I said (to whoever spoke to me) "I don't know what to say" the voice said "don't be afraid, I'll give you the words to say"
To this day I don't remember my words, but I spoke to those kids about Jesus and salvation, their mouths just dropped open and then, class was over, I walked out of that room, feeling like I had never felt before.
The next day was Saturday; I slept in the living room on an old couch. When I woke it was early and I decided to turn on the TV, to watch my favorite cartoon, the roadrunner.
As I sat there watching the TV, I got up and looked outside, everything was so beautiful, (I never appreciated nature, I just wanted to make it thru another day). BUT now it was so pretty, I sat back down on the couch, and as I did I was somewhere else.
I was sitting at a long roughhewn table. In front of me was God, the father. I couldn't see him, to my left was Satan, him I could see (he looked like a man only very big) then to my right was Jesus.
Three bowls appear, filled with what looked like porridge.
Now the father spoke and said Satan dismiss yourself, Satan stood and screamed, then vanished. Three bites were taken out of the bowl.
Then all at once I was watching myself from a distance, walking with Jesus up a grassy pathway. Jesus was speaking to me but from a distance I couldn't hear him, I could see myself shaking my head (like I understand) then thru my eyes I saw the house where I had been sleeping.
I didn't know what had happened; I'd never experienced anything like that, but I knew two things, I had to find a pastor to talk too, and I KNEW GOD loved me and wanted something from me...my total surrender. My life totally under his control, every second, moment by moment, and I was consumed with this one desire, to live too PLEASE HIM.
Let me give you an example: When a friend from school would come over and say, "Hey rod." "Let's go to a show" I'd say, "hold on." Then I'd go in the bathroom and pray, "Lord should I go?" Sometimes the Lord would say "go", sometimes "no"
At times He was silent, when this happened I would look inside, to my heart, (Spirit), (see Colossians 3:15) if I had peace I would go, if not, I'd stay home.
As I practiced this new desire, (surrender), I noticed the voice of the Lord became more frequent and clearer, (John 10:27). It always had to agree with scripture. The word of the Lord will always agree with the true meaning and / or the true interpretation of scripture).
I knew I needed to get a bible. So, I went to a bookstore and I got the largest family bible I'd ever seen, with pictures and everything. I was so happy.
That night the voice of the lord said, "Read Matthew 5." I had to look in the contents; I didn't know where Matthew was.
When I found it and started to read, the words became a ("Word of the Lord to me") they just jumped off the page, they seemed to come alive, and they filled me, with hope, love and peace. Now I knew God loved me, and my sins were gone, I was forgiven...
As time passed I grew, sometimes I'd walk into a busy office or building (like a D.O.L) and the Lord would say go sit by that guy.
I would strike up a conversation, then say "you don't know me but I'm a Christian and God is going to share with me about your life" I don't mean simple things like "you have the flu" or "Headaches", but deep, personal things that others couldn't know or even guess.
People would usually start to cry and ask "how did you know?" I'd say "I didn't but God knew".
One day I wanted to go from PA to Atlantic City. There was a fellowship in a brother's house.
When I got to Atlantic City, God said "Rod, when you get to the prayer meeting tonight I want you to give all your money, to Johnnie Diaz". I said "Lord that's all I've got?" (About 300.00)
God replied; "you take care of your brothers and sisters in the Lord and I'll take care of you." So, upon arriving in Atlantic City, I secretly gave all my money to Johnnie, (this was to cover something for Johnnie that was very personal, so I know he didn't share this with anyone).
That night I asked myself "how am I going to get back to work, tomorrow? I didn't have a penny, not even enough for bus fare, and in my spirit, I knew I wasn't to hitch hike, but instead the Lord wanted me on the bus.
After sleeping that night and leaving the brothers house the next day, (where the meeting had been held), I started walking to the bus station.
As I got closer and closer, I was imagining, "is the drivers going to just "know" he's supposed to let me ride for free?" But as I approached the depot, a brother named "Chicky" came out of his house and said "rod I think the Lord wants me to give this to you." It was exactly what I needed for bus fare!
This has been a short summary of my life.
2. I remember one day, saying to myself. *I should read my bible more, and then I heard (I use the word heard for explanation purposes only. (This is VERY HARD to describe) the following… "Do not do that!"
Now I somehow understood, the deeper meaning of what was coming to me. It wasn't that I should not read my bible. I love reading it, and want to read it more. The Lord has no problem with that, depending on your motive.
But the fact was I was NOT supposed to shine the cup. In fact, I was to do NOTHING to improve the vessel. I was NOT to stop anything THAT I THOUGHT NEEDED CURBING. This included dropping something and saying "[bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]", or driving down the road and calling someone an idiot for driving like one.
Now at first, I rebelled against this, but my faith made me see, The Lords control over every area of my life.
Then I saw it clearly. He is the one who cleanses, He is the vine dresser, He is the savior, He is the husband, He is the shepherd. I am the flock, the clay, the wife, the vine.
I was to ONLY RESPOND to Him, and His nudging, or His voice. WHEN I did something that He wanted to change, He would let me know...Thus I would NOT establish my own righteousness, nor become religious.
Now months later, I still rest, and I don't do many of those things I used to do, a few months ago, but ALL the changes came thru Him, in His way, and in His timing.
Spiritual things and this life is so simple, yet we must stay close to him, for many would have approved of my *original response, when the Lord said NO.
3 I was on the head of a beast, in a large body of water (Like the ocean).
It was night and the darkness was so real it could be felt. The clouds above were very thick and black.
The beast was thrashing as if it wanted to throw me off. I was so afraid! I was holding on as tight as I could.
Then I looked up, and when I did, the clouds opened and rays of light came through the clouds, with the light came that voice that I had heard before and knew so well.
He said "Rod; if I'm ever to use you, I must break you"!
I woke, wet with sweat, and shaking...Saying as I woke, "thank you, Lord you haven't forgotten me"
4. I was sure God could no longer love me, my sins so great.
So, let me tell you of two break throughs on the way to where I am now.
Years ago, I was invited to a church, the guest speaker was from Poland, his English was OK, but it was with a heavy accent.
After the service, he invited people up for prayer, so I went forward.
He prayed for me and as he did, he whispered my secret sins into my ear.
Now I knew he was hearing from God. Then he speaks in first person to me and, he says "I see your sin, but I also see your heart, I have not forsaken you, nor have I rejected you".
I started to weep, and praised God for his mercy. But this troubled me too. How could Jesus say these things when it was my sin that sent him to the cross?
Now one more example, this happened many years later…
5. I always had a very high sex drive. This troubled me despite what God said above it was a problem for me.
So, one day I'm driving, and lusting. I cry out to God, where are you, why aren't you helping me with this!
All of a sudden, I hear this statement "why don't you tell me the truth". I say "what truth"…Then my understanding is opened and I SEE!
I say OK Lord… "I don't want you to interfere, I love my sin and while I'm troubled about it, I don't want you to interfere".
Do you know what happened? I somehow forgot all those thoughts about sin and lust, if they came back I would confess this new-found truth and somehow my mind would be distracted again.
This went on for a few days, and then I found myself free.
This reminds me of a guy named Tommy Williams from the 70's…A brother walks up to Tommy complaining that he can't stop smoking.
Tommy says "brother when Jesus is ready for you to stop, then you will. A few days later that brother was so excited, because he found himself free a few days later.
NOW what does all of this show me…
It shows me we do NOT know truth UNTIL it is revealed to us, and most importantly "Truth is a person", and that person makes us free.
6. My experience with speaking in Tongues.
I never sought tongues, but I am not against it either. I never made it a big issue.
But a few months after I accepted Jesus I ended up in Spain.
I went out to the fishing area off a pier and sat by myself.
An old man came and sat by me.
I had been sitting praying in tongues in just a quit whisper.
Then this man asks me if I am an American. I say yes.
He said "Do you speak only English" I said "Yes".
He said "Then why do I hear you speaking in French, German, and Spanish"
He said "You are speaking about the might works of God".
7. Right after I was saved; the exorcist movie came out on the big screen.
A friend came over and asked if I wanted to go to the movie.
My mom butts in and says yes, and I'll pay, and I'll drive.
At that time, I didn't even know what exorcist meant or what it pertained to.
But as soon as the movie starts to play, I feel something.
So, I say "Mom, we need to go" She says "I paid for this g-d movie and we are going to watch it all.
Anyway, we sat through whole thing, and when we leave people are throwing up outside, and acting crazy.
For about 9 months a fear came to me, and it was especially bad at night.
But one night at a fellowship on the east coast God speaks and says "Rod go outside".
I know why he wants me to go outside, so I obey. When I get outside he says to me "look up".
As soon as I look up he says "you know that fear you have"? I say "Yes Lord". He says "The next time that fear comes to you I want you to tell him, he is a liar"...
So, I did that for about a week, and it left me.
I was freed, by the truth.
Truth that I knew nothing about until I heard the word of God to me, about my situation!
8. I Went to See the Son of God Movie... When All of a Sudden...As I Was Watching Jesus Die...
It dawned on me that in all of Paul's writings about:
The Spirit,
The Flesh,
Death,
Sin,
Lust of the flesh,
The 1st Adam,
The 2nd Adam,
and walking in the Spirit...
That these things are all tied to the death of Jesus.
It's as if God decided to give up on "The flesh" since the flesh was never able to abide by His commands, nor please Him, and move to the Spirit, as a new creation.
Kind of like changing trains, or modes of transportation…
That is why Jesus said "You must be born again". Born of Spirit. A new creation.
Jesus died; literally killed the vehicle of sin, and death, by dying in the flesh.
So, when we are born again, we really are NEW creatures.
Old things have passed away. This is why that seed remains sin free. Because sin worked through the flesh…
Adam was in the flesh, and sinned in the flesh.
Sin can't work in the Spirit…It's not the right vehicle (seed) for sin…
9. I NEVER remember my dreams; I have been that way my whole life.
But I have had 8 spiritual dreams that seemed as if I was transported somewhere. This is the last dream I had so far.
I usually go to bed very late, and I usually do not wake up to go pee, but this particular night I went to bed about midnight,
Immediately I fell asleep and had a dream, that God comes to me, the room shakes, his power is making everything vibrate, and God speaks to me about restoring me spiritually, in a greater way than ever before.
Then I wake up and need to pee, so I go to the bathroom, pee, wash my hands, and walk back to my room and as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am asleep as if someone gave me anesthesia. The dream repeats or starts where it left off with the exact same dream happening again.
Then it's as if someone wakes me again, and I again I walk to the bathroom, go pee, wash my hands, walk back to bed, and immediately, as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out again, and the same dream occurs for a third time.
This happens 5 or 6 times, eventually I start to laugh as I go back to my room from the bathroom, because I realize this is not humanly possible, and that God is trying to show me something.
He wants me to be prepared, because He is going to visit...We need a visitation, and new revival. So, the world can see the REAL church (Ecklesia).
10. Can we talk about fellowship for a minute?
Who can you fellowship with, what is this fellowship, is there a real and false type of fellowship, and what kind of fellowship does Jesus and Paul refer when they speak in the NT?
I what to try and share my thoughts with you on this matter. OK.
Fellowship is not something a person enters into just because that person chooses to go to a bible study, a Friday night prayer meeting, or to a Sunday food sharing event in the backyard of the church.
These are not bad things, it just doesn't guarantee that the spiritual fellowship that Jesus and Paul talks about is going to occur. It's not so much the location, or event as it is WHO comes together at the event.
In fact, you may not be able to enter into this fellowship with the pastor of your church, or even most of the people who go to your church, or maybe you're lucky and all of you have this kind of fellowship.
So how do you keep Paul's command to not forsake the gathering together of "YOURSELVES"?
Ponder that word "YOURSELVES"… And ponder the book of Acts…
What do we know about fellowship?
It's a spiritual event, it happens while we are in this human body, but it cannot happen apart from SPIRIT.
Paul's constantly admonishing people to SEE if they are in Christ, or IF that Spirit of Christ be IN YOU. Paul also says; "When it pleased God, to reveal, Christ "IN ME"…
Fellowship in the spirit only happens with TRUE believers…
Have you ever had a witness in your spirit?
No offense but I don't mean TV preacher type of claims and exaggerations. I mean a real event, where the spirit bore witness in you about an event or person.
Let me give you an example: One day I was crammed into a small room, with 50 guys, this room was maybe 20 feet x 20 feet, we are all standing shoulder to shoulder. I don't know any of the men in this room.
All of a sudden, I turn around and look across the room, and I see the back of a man's head, this man is about 20 feet away, at the end of the room, facing away from me.
Instantly, I KNOW He was a Christian, a real believer, there was no doubt. I felt this STRONG inner witness about his identity. And I told him he was a believer, he said how did you know, so I explained what happened, we fellowshipped from that day forward.
Now this inner knowing is the only way you'll know someone is a real believer. It might come while they share their testimony, or when you see them walking on a side road, hitch hiking. Or possibly not at all. God has to reveal it.
But this is not the same as someone CLAIMING to be a Christian, or someone who was raised in church, or someone who agrees with all your doctrines, or someone who runs to the alter, or someone who reads their bible, or even someone who you call "pastor".
Going to a building with lots of people inside, and calling it church is no different than going to a Safeway store full of people…UNLESS… Everyone there is a true believer, and the unbeliever is afraid to be in their midst.
11. God controls everything, even evil. No matter how uncomfortable that makes us it is true. Let me give you an example.
One day David says to God. "I want to build you a house." God says "No!" "But you will have a son in the future who will build me my house".
So, who was this promised son, this son of prophecy, this future son, this spoken word son, this god prophesied son.
This son, was Solomon… Watch God fulfill his own word of promise, His own prophetic word to David.
One day David was overlooking his kingdom, and while on his rooftop, he sees a beautiful woman, bathing herself. David says "who is that woman" his servant says that is Bathsheba, the wife of your servant Uriah. David says "get her for me".
Then they have relations, (fornicate and commit adultery) …And from this union surrounded by sin and deceit, comes the God promised, prophesied, spoken word, son, named Solomon.
So, do we have a problem with God using sin to complete His words? Do we have a problem with God creating evil for His purposes?
How about Moses, Moses kills a man, so he can meet God at the burning bush. Consider this man that Moses killed, this man was at the right place at the right time. What if this man had chosen to take a different path to work, or had an extra cup of tea, or went to visit the pharaoh that day. No, that man had to be just at the right place at the right time to fulfill God's plan and promises.
Consider Romans CH 9:
Paul sets about with a wonderful description of God's plan and sovereignty. The Jews understand Paul so well they scream "Who then can resist His will, and why does God then blame us".
And what does Paul say to them as a reply. Does Paul say "My brothers I am so sorry, you have misunderstood my point about God's sovereignty".
NO! Paul retorts, "Who are you to answer back to God".
12. I have a good friend who went thru a messy divorce, his wife left and didn't want to walk with God. He moved out into the country. All his past church going so-called Christian friends treated him like an outcast.
One day he is walking in the rain, and falls in the mud, he gets up, and God speaks to him and asks him "what are you going to do now?" He says well Lord I'm going to clean myself off.... The Lord replies "That is what I do for you every day".
The Lord then asks him a question. He says --- (Named withheld) ... " What would happen to you if there were no churches, and no bibles" he replies I don't know Lord... The Lord says "would it change my relationship with you, if you couldn't go to church, or read a bible...He said I suppose not...
That day my friend saw the difference between religious Christianity, and relationship with God....
This is the problem I think for many people, they have never experienced Jesus like that in a real way...
All they know is a book, and a set of doctrines...The Jewish people of Jesus time, had a perfect text, from the finger of god, to scribes who were meticulous about making copies without translating the text, as we have to do for our bibles.
Still they did not see clearly what was spoken about in the OT text.
Jesus came and only two people in the temple were expecting him.
Do you think our doctrines are any better than theirs...?
They knew the culture, they knew the customs, they knew the original languages, they knew all the clues of the scriptures, and some of them had even memorized the text of.
So…WE JUST DON'T ALWAYS KNOW...WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW…
Remember spiritual truth is revealed, NOT learned...
Theologians can't help you...It doesn't work that way...
It doesn't come from learning, and spread from the mind of one man into the mind of another...
Algebra does that, not spiritual truth.
13. Beginning around the 20th of November 2016 and continuing for approximately 38 weeks (an average term of a human pregnancy) Jupiter enters the womb of Virgo (the virgin or the woman), and stays there until approximately Sept. 11th 2017. Just as Jupiter is exiting the womb of of Virgo, we have the culmination of the event at the end of The Feast of Trumpets (Sept.22 2017) which is also the end of the Jewish year 5777.
14. IF the bible is our answer for our spiritual life we have to then consider, what the scriptures say about the bible.
Who had the bible, and who did not have the bible.
Then we must ask which of those persons had life, true life, the kind that Jesus promises.
I submit our life and truth comes from somewhere else, the scriptures are a road map, a plumb line...
IF that is not the case God failed a huge group who never had access to God's word (that is IF the bible is your definition of the word of God).
1). Did any of the masses have access to the bible (scriptures) in the Old Testament? NO!
2). Did any of the masses in the New Testament have access to the bible? NO!
*Could the masses read the bible if they had one? NO!
3). How many after the Resurrection, thru the dark ages had access to the bible and could read it? ZERO!
4). How many countries had "LIMITED" access to copies of the O.T. bible, in their own language? Only Israel!
5). When did, the bible become available in English, the language of the masses? The mid 1550's! How many people were literate? Hardly none!
6). When was the printing press created? 1440!
* SO basically, the masses (those that could read) have had a bible available to them for the last 500 yrs...
* Man, has a history that spans approx. 6000 years minus 500 years...
*So, for 5500 years' man was without the word of god...IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE TELLING ME?
Further Proof:
When you see the term "The Word of God" in the Bible it is either referring to Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
"He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called "The Word of God." (Rev 19:12-13)
When you see the following terms in scripture, this is what it is referring to:
The word = The gospel
Examples:
(Acts 4:4) Howbeit many of them which heard the word (The gospel) believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
(Acts: 4:29) And now, Lord, behold their threatening's: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word (The gospel),
(Acts 16:6) Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word (The gospel) in Asia,
(2nd Timothy 4:2) Preach the word (The gospel); be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(Hebrews 4:2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word (The gospel) preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
(It is important to note in the verses above that the Bible had not yet been written yet as the OP has already mentioned, so how could "the word" be referring to the Bible? It's not possible.)
The Word of God = Jesus/Spirit
(Acts 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God (Jesus) with boldness.
(Acts 13:5) And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God (Jesus) in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
(Acts 15:35) Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord (Jesus), with many others also.
(Acts 17:13) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God (Jesus) was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
(Acts 18:11) And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God (Jesus) among them.
I thought I would introduce myself, and tell you how God has made me free, and share how I came to know Jesus.
I'll share several things with you, so you can know where I'm coming from.
I'll start at the beginning.... Write me back if you decide I'm not crazy.
1. MY STORY:
I came from a violent home, (drugs, alcohol, gun shots, being chased with knives, people thrown through picture pane windows), in fact I was born three months early because my father kicked my mother in the stomach.
I was born weighing two pounds nine ounces.
As early as 7yrs old, I was out on the streets till 3-4am, I was put in three orphanages...
One night I remember, my father snuck into our house, he put a loaded pistol in my hand and told me too shoot my sisters and my mother, it was crazy.
Through all of this, (which I wouldn't change), I came out a fairly normal kid, I was involved in sports and didn't do drugs, or drink. I thought I was a survivor, wanting only too make it through another day.
In 1974, I started too sense a need in my life, an emptiness that I couldn't explain. I knew I had to find God/Jesus, but who was HE.
I had no idea where to find HIM, so I went to the local library to find books concerning world religions, God, and the occult.
At the library, I met an ex-hippie (Gary Osborn) he saw my books and decided to share the message with me.
Gary invited me to pray in the back of his V.W. so I did, I remember saying "God forgive me for my sins, and whatever you have for me I want it all".
Well at first nothing happened I expected, lightening or something. Gary said, "Just go home and praise God" I said, "What's that, mean" Gary said, "Just thank him" So I did just that.
The remaining is sacred to me, before I asked Jesus into my heart, I never heard voices, I never drank, and I never did drugs, but one week after meeting Jesus while in the middle of my last class (during high school)
A voice, just as clear, as someone standing next to you, spoke, and as the voice spoke it said to me, "rod tell them about Jesus" I was surprised, but unafraid, I put my hand over my mouth, since I didn't want anyone to think I was talking too myself, I said (to whoever spoke to me) "I don't know what to say" the voice said "don't be afraid, I'll give you the words to say"
To this day I don't remember my words, but I spoke to those kids about Jesus and salvation, their mouths just dropped open and then, class was over, I walked out of that room, feeling like I had never felt before.
The next day was Saturday; I slept in the living room on an old couch. When I woke it was early and I decided to turn on the TV, to watch my favorite cartoon, the roadrunner.
As I sat there watching the TV, I got up and looked outside, everything was so beautiful, (I never appreciated nature, I just wanted to make it thru another day). BUT now it was so pretty, I sat back down on the couch, and as I did I was somewhere else.
I was sitting at a long roughhewn table. In front of me was God, the father. I couldn't see him, to my left was Satan, him I could see (he looked like a man only very big) then to my right was Jesus.
Three bowls appear, filled with what looked like porridge.
Now the father spoke and said Satan dismiss yourself, Satan stood and screamed, then vanished. Three bites were taken out of the bowl.
Then all at once I was watching myself from a distance, walking with Jesus up a grassy pathway. Jesus was speaking to me but from a distance I couldn't hear him, I could see myself shaking my head (like I understand) then thru my eyes I saw the house where I had been sleeping.
I didn't know what had happened; I'd never experienced anything like that, but I knew two things, I had to find a pastor to talk too, and I KNEW GOD loved me and wanted something from me...my total surrender. My life totally under his control, every second, moment by moment, and I was consumed with this one desire, to live too PLEASE HIM.
Let me give you an example: When a friend from school would come over and say, "Hey rod." "Let's go to a show" I'd say, "hold on." Then I'd go in the bathroom and pray, "Lord should I go?" Sometimes the Lord would say "go", sometimes "no"
At times He was silent, when this happened I would look inside, to my heart, (Spirit), (see Colossians 3:15) if I had peace I would go, if not, I'd stay home.
As I practiced this new desire, (surrender), I noticed the voice of the Lord became more frequent and clearer, (John 10:27). It always had to agree with scripture. The word of the Lord will always agree with the true meaning and / or the true interpretation of scripture).
I knew I needed to get a bible. So, I went to a bookstore and I got the largest family bible I'd ever seen, with pictures and everything. I was so happy.
That night the voice of the lord said, "Read Matthew 5." I had to look in the contents; I didn't know where Matthew was.
When I found it and started to read, the words became a ("Word of the Lord to me") they just jumped off the page, they seemed to come alive, and they filled me, with hope, love and peace. Now I knew God loved me, and my sins were gone, I was forgiven...
As time passed I grew, sometimes I'd walk into a busy office or building (like a D.O.L) and the Lord would say go sit by that guy.
I would strike up a conversation, then say "you don't know me but I'm a Christian and God is going to share with me about your life" I don't mean simple things like "you have the flu" or "Headaches", but deep, personal things that others couldn't know or even guess.
People would usually start to cry and ask "how did you know?" I'd say "I didn't but God knew".
One day I wanted to go from PA to Atlantic City. There was a fellowship in a brother's house.
When I got to Atlantic City, God said "Rod, when you get to the prayer meeting tonight I want you to give all your money, to Johnnie Diaz". I said "Lord that's all I've got?" (About 300.00)
God replied; "you take care of your brothers and sisters in the Lord and I'll take care of you." So, upon arriving in Atlantic City, I secretly gave all my money to Johnnie, (this was to cover something for Johnnie that was very personal, so I know he didn't share this with anyone).
That night I asked myself "how am I going to get back to work, tomorrow? I didn't have a penny, not even enough for bus fare, and in my spirit, I knew I wasn't to hitch hike, but instead the Lord wanted me on the bus.
After sleeping that night and leaving the brothers house the next day, (where the meeting had been held), I started walking to the bus station.
As I got closer and closer, I was imagining, "is the drivers going to just "know" he's supposed to let me ride for free?" But as I approached the depot, a brother named "Chicky" came out of his house and said "rod I think the Lord wants me to give this to you." It was exactly what I needed for bus fare!
This has been a short summary of my life.
2. I remember one day, saying to myself. *I should read my bible more, and then I heard (I use the word heard for explanation purposes only. (This is VERY HARD to describe) the following… "Do not do that!"
Now I somehow understood, the deeper meaning of what was coming to me. It wasn't that I should not read my bible. I love reading it, and want to read it more. The Lord has no problem with that, depending on your motive.
But the fact was I was NOT supposed to shine the cup. In fact, I was to do NOTHING to improve the vessel. I was NOT to stop anything THAT I THOUGHT NEEDED CURBING. This included dropping something and saying "[bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]", or driving down the road and calling someone an idiot for driving like one.
Now at first, I rebelled against this, but my faith made me see, The Lords control over every area of my life.
Then I saw it clearly. He is the one who cleanses, He is the vine dresser, He is the savior, He is the husband, He is the shepherd. I am the flock, the clay, the wife, the vine.
I was to ONLY RESPOND to Him, and His nudging, or His voice. WHEN I did something that He wanted to change, He would let me know...Thus I would NOT establish my own righteousness, nor become religious.
Now months later, I still rest, and I don't do many of those things I used to do, a few months ago, but ALL the changes came thru Him, in His way, and in His timing.
Spiritual things and this life is so simple, yet we must stay close to him, for many would have approved of my *original response, when the Lord said NO.
3 I was on the head of a beast, in a large body of water (Like the ocean).
It was night and the darkness was so real it could be felt. The clouds above were very thick and black.
The beast was thrashing as if it wanted to throw me off. I was so afraid! I was holding on as tight as I could.
Then I looked up, and when I did, the clouds opened and rays of light came through the clouds, with the light came that voice that I had heard before and knew so well.
He said "Rod; if I'm ever to use you, I must break you"!
I woke, wet with sweat, and shaking...Saying as I woke, "thank you, Lord you haven't forgotten me"
4. I was sure God could no longer love me, my sins so great.
So, let me tell you of two break throughs on the way to where I am now.
Years ago, I was invited to a church, the guest speaker was from Poland, his English was OK, but it was with a heavy accent.
After the service, he invited people up for prayer, so I went forward.
He prayed for me and as he did, he whispered my secret sins into my ear.
Now I knew he was hearing from God. Then he speaks in first person to me and, he says "I see your sin, but I also see your heart, I have not forsaken you, nor have I rejected you".
I started to weep, and praised God for his mercy. But this troubled me too. How could Jesus say these things when it was my sin that sent him to the cross?
Now one more example, this happened many years later…
5. I always had a very high sex drive. This troubled me despite what God said above it was a problem for me.
So, one day I'm driving, and lusting. I cry out to God, where are you, why aren't you helping me with this!
All of a sudden, I hear this statement "why don't you tell me the truth". I say "what truth"…Then my understanding is opened and I SEE!
I say OK Lord… "I don't want you to interfere, I love my sin and while I'm troubled about it, I don't want you to interfere".
Do you know what happened? I somehow forgot all those thoughts about sin and lust, if they came back I would confess this new-found truth and somehow my mind would be distracted again.
This went on for a few days, and then I found myself free.
This reminds me of a guy named Tommy Williams from the 70's…A brother walks up to Tommy complaining that he can't stop smoking.
Tommy says "brother when Jesus is ready for you to stop, then you will. A few days later that brother was so excited, because he found himself free a few days later.
NOW what does all of this show me…
It shows me we do NOT know truth UNTIL it is revealed to us, and most importantly "Truth is a person", and that person makes us free.
6. My experience with speaking in Tongues.
I never sought tongues, but I am not against it either. I never made it a big issue.
But a few months after I accepted Jesus I ended up in Spain.
I went out to the fishing area off a pier and sat by myself.
An old man came and sat by me.
I had been sitting praying in tongues in just a quit whisper.
Then this man asks me if I am an American. I say yes.
He said "Do you speak only English" I said "Yes".
He said "Then why do I hear you speaking in French, German, and Spanish"
He said "You are speaking about the might works of God".
7. Right after I was saved; the exorcist movie came out on the big screen.
A friend came over and asked if I wanted to go to the movie.
My mom butts in and says yes, and I'll pay, and I'll drive.
At that time, I didn't even know what exorcist meant or what it pertained to.
But as soon as the movie starts to play, I feel something.
So, I say "Mom, we need to go" She says "I paid for this g-d movie and we are going to watch it all.
Anyway, we sat through whole thing, and when we leave people are throwing up outside, and acting crazy.
For about 9 months a fear came to me, and it was especially bad at night.
But one night at a fellowship on the east coast God speaks and says "Rod go outside".
I know why he wants me to go outside, so I obey. When I get outside he says to me "look up".
As soon as I look up he says "you know that fear you have"? I say "Yes Lord". He says "The next time that fear comes to you I want you to tell him, he is a liar"...
So, I did that for about a week, and it left me.
I was freed, by the truth.
Truth that I knew nothing about until I heard the word of God to me, about my situation!
8. I Went to See the Son of God Movie... When All of a Sudden...As I Was Watching Jesus Die...
It dawned on me that in all of Paul's writings about:
The Spirit,
The Flesh,
Death,
Sin,
Lust of the flesh,
The 1st Adam,
The 2nd Adam,
and walking in the Spirit...
That these things are all tied to the death of Jesus.
It's as if God decided to give up on "The flesh" since the flesh was never able to abide by His commands, nor please Him, and move to the Spirit, as a new creation.
Kind of like changing trains, or modes of transportation…
That is why Jesus said "You must be born again". Born of Spirit. A new creation.
Jesus died; literally killed the vehicle of sin, and death, by dying in the flesh.
So, when we are born again, we really are NEW creatures.
Old things have passed away. This is why that seed remains sin free. Because sin worked through the flesh…
Adam was in the flesh, and sinned in the flesh.
Sin can't work in the Spirit…It's not the right vehicle (seed) for sin…
9. I NEVER remember my dreams; I have been that way my whole life.
But I have had 8 spiritual dreams that seemed as if I was transported somewhere. This is the last dream I had so far.
I usually go to bed very late, and I usually do not wake up to go pee, but this particular night I went to bed about midnight,
Immediately I fell asleep and had a dream, that God comes to me, the room shakes, his power is making everything vibrate, and God speaks to me about restoring me spiritually, in a greater way than ever before.
Then I wake up and need to pee, so I go to the bathroom, pee, wash my hands, and walk back to my room and as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am asleep as if someone gave me anesthesia. The dream repeats or starts where it left off with the exact same dream happening again.
Then it's as if someone wakes me again, and I again I walk to the bathroom, go pee, wash my hands, walk back to bed, and immediately, as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out again, and the same dream occurs for a third time.
This happens 5 or 6 times, eventually I start to laugh as I go back to my room from the bathroom, because I realize this is not humanly possible, and that God is trying to show me something.
He wants me to be prepared, because He is going to visit...We need a visitation, and new revival. So, the world can see the REAL church (Ecklesia).
10. Can we talk about fellowship for a minute?
Who can you fellowship with, what is this fellowship, is there a real and false type of fellowship, and what kind of fellowship does Jesus and Paul refer when they speak in the NT?
I what to try and share my thoughts with you on this matter. OK.
Fellowship is not something a person enters into just because that person chooses to go to a bible study, a Friday night prayer meeting, or to a Sunday food sharing event in the backyard of the church.
These are not bad things, it just doesn't guarantee that the spiritual fellowship that Jesus and Paul talks about is going to occur. It's not so much the location, or event as it is WHO comes together at the event.
In fact, you may not be able to enter into this fellowship with the pastor of your church, or even most of the people who go to your church, or maybe you're lucky and all of you have this kind of fellowship.
So how do you keep Paul's command to not forsake the gathering together of "YOURSELVES"?
Ponder that word "YOURSELVES"… And ponder the book of Acts…
What do we know about fellowship?
It's a spiritual event, it happens while we are in this human body, but it cannot happen apart from SPIRIT.
Paul's constantly admonishing people to SEE if they are in Christ, or IF that Spirit of Christ be IN YOU. Paul also says; "When it pleased God, to reveal, Christ "IN ME"…
Fellowship in the spirit only happens with TRUE believers…
Have you ever had a witness in your spirit?
No offense but I don't mean TV preacher type of claims and exaggerations. I mean a real event, where the spirit bore witness in you about an event or person.
Let me give you an example: One day I was crammed into a small room, with 50 guys, this room was maybe 20 feet x 20 feet, we are all standing shoulder to shoulder. I don't know any of the men in this room.
All of a sudden, I turn around and look across the room, and I see the back of a man's head, this man is about 20 feet away, at the end of the room, facing away from me.
Instantly, I KNOW He was a Christian, a real believer, there was no doubt. I felt this STRONG inner witness about his identity. And I told him he was a believer, he said how did you know, so I explained what happened, we fellowshipped from that day forward.
Now this inner knowing is the only way you'll know someone is a real believer. It might come while they share their testimony, or when you see them walking on a side road, hitch hiking. Or possibly not at all. God has to reveal it.
But this is not the same as someone CLAIMING to be a Christian, or someone who was raised in church, or someone who agrees with all your doctrines, or someone who runs to the alter, or someone who reads their bible, or even someone who you call "pastor".
Going to a building with lots of people inside, and calling it church is no different than going to a Safeway store full of people…UNLESS… Everyone there is a true believer, and the unbeliever is afraid to be in their midst.
11. God controls everything, even evil. No matter how uncomfortable that makes us it is true. Let me give you an example.
One day David says to God. "I want to build you a house." God says "No!" "But you will have a son in the future who will build me my house".
So, who was this promised son, this son of prophecy, this future son, this spoken word son, this god prophesied son.
This son, was Solomon… Watch God fulfill his own word of promise, His own prophetic word to David.
One day David was overlooking his kingdom, and while on his rooftop, he sees a beautiful woman, bathing herself. David says "who is that woman" his servant says that is Bathsheba, the wife of your servant Uriah. David says "get her for me".
Then they have relations, (fornicate and commit adultery) …And from this union surrounded by sin and deceit, comes the God promised, prophesied, spoken word, son, named Solomon.
So, do we have a problem with God using sin to complete His words? Do we have a problem with God creating evil for His purposes?
How about Moses, Moses kills a man, so he can meet God at the burning bush. Consider this man that Moses killed, this man was at the right place at the right time. What if this man had chosen to take a different path to work, or had an extra cup of tea, or went to visit the pharaoh that day. No, that man had to be just at the right place at the right time to fulfill God's plan and promises.
Consider Romans CH 9:
Paul sets about with a wonderful description of God's plan and sovereignty. The Jews understand Paul so well they scream "Who then can resist His will, and why does God then blame us".
And what does Paul say to them as a reply. Does Paul say "My brothers I am so sorry, you have misunderstood my point about God's sovereignty".
NO! Paul retorts, "Who are you to answer back to God".
12. I have a good friend who went thru a messy divorce, his wife left and didn't want to walk with God. He moved out into the country. All his past church going so-called Christian friends treated him like an outcast.
One day he is walking in the rain, and falls in the mud, he gets up, and God speaks to him and asks him "what are you going to do now?" He says well Lord I'm going to clean myself off.... The Lord replies "That is what I do for you every day".
The Lord then asks him a question. He says --- (Named withheld) ... " What would happen to you if there were no churches, and no bibles" he replies I don't know Lord... The Lord says "would it change my relationship with you, if you couldn't go to church, or read a bible...He said I suppose not...
That day my friend saw the difference between religious Christianity, and relationship with God....
This is the problem I think for many people, they have never experienced Jesus like that in a real way...
All they know is a book, and a set of doctrines...The Jewish people of Jesus time, had a perfect text, from the finger of god, to scribes who were meticulous about making copies without translating the text, as we have to do for our bibles.
Still they did not see clearly what was spoken about in the OT text.
Jesus came and only two people in the temple were expecting him.
Do you think our doctrines are any better than theirs...?
They knew the culture, they knew the customs, they knew the original languages, they knew all the clues of the scriptures, and some of them had even memorized the text of.
So…WE JUST DON'T ALWAYS KNOW...WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW…
Remember spiritual truth is revealed, NOT learned...
Theologians can't help you...It doesn't work that way...
It doesn't come from learning, and spread from the mind of one man into the mind of another...
Algebra does that, not spiritual truth.
13. Beginning around the 20th of November 2016 and continuing for approximately 38 weeks (an average term of a human pregnancy) Jupiter enters the womb of Virgo (the virgin or the woman), and stays there until approximately Sept. 11th 2017. Just as Jupiter is exiting the womb of of Virgo, we have the culmination of the event at the end of The Feast of Trumpets (Sept.22 2017) which is also the end of the Jewish year 5777.
14. IF the bible is our answer for our spiritual life we have to then consider, what the scriptures say about the bible.
Who had the bible, and who did not have the bible.
Then we must ask which of those persons had life, true life, the kind that Jesus promises.
I submit our life and truth comes from somewhere else, the scriptures are a road map, a plumb line...
IF that is not the case God failed a huge group who never had access to God's word (that is IF the bible is your definition of the word of God).
1). Did any of the masses have access to the bible (scriptures) in the Old Testament? NO!
2). Did any of the masses in the New Testament have access to the bible? NO!
*Could the masses read the bible if they had one? NO!
3). How many after the Resurrection, thru the dark ages had access to the bible and could read it? ZERO!
4). How many countries had "LIMITED" access to copies of the O.T. bible, in their own language? Only Israel!
5). When did, the bible become available in English, the language of the masses? The mid 1550's! How many people were literate? Hardly none!
6). When was the printing press created? 1440!
* SO basically, the masses (those that could read) have had a bible available to them for the last 500 yrs...
* Man, has a history that spans approx. 6000 years minus 500 years...
*So, for 5500 years' man was without the word of god...IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE TELLING ME?
Further Proof:
When you see the term "The Word of God" in the Bible it is either referring to Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
"He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called "The Word of God." (Rev 19:12-13)
When you see the following terms in scripture, this is what it is referring to:
The word = The gospel
Examples:
(Acts 4:4) Howbeit many of them which heard the word (The gospel) believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
(Acts: 4:29) And now, Lord, behold their threatening's: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word (The gospel),
(Acts 16:6) Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word (The gospel) in Asia,
(2nd Timothy 4:2) Preach the word (The gospel); be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(Hebrews 4:2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word (The gospel) preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
(It is important to note in the verses above that the Bible had not yet been written yet as the OP has already mentioned, so how could "the word" be referring to the Bible? It's not possible.)
The Word of God = Jesus/Spirit
(Acts 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God (Jesus) with boldness.
(Acts 13:5) And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God (Jesus) in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
(Acts 15:35) Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord (Jesus), with many others also.
(Acts 17:13) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God (Jesus) was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
(Acts 18:11) And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God (Jesus) among them.
