(Revival List)
NOTE: This is a touching story - that makes a very important point.
"An APOSTLE I KNEW"
-by Grover.
Much ado is being made about modern day apostles and prophets. We hear of new "apostolic" networks and ministries, with their "impartation meetings" and "apostolic anointings." Everybody who is somebody in the body of Christ is now an apostle. Even the prophets are becoming apostles. Maybe the pastors are becoming prophets to fill the vacuum? Apostles are people who are sent by God to a specific people or for a specific mission. We've often used the word "missionary" in place of "apostle" because of the connotation. By definition, an apostle is a "sent one."
Anyway, the Lord reminded me of a very special apostle that I spent time with early in my Christian walk. His name was Tacho. He was probably in his mid 50's when Edith and I met him. He had been a laborer for most of his life, barely spoke English and was illiterate. He and his wife (Elfida) had been Catholic most of their lives, until meeting Jesus and being baptized in the Holy Spirit by a supernatural encounter. When Tacho was baptized in the Holy Spirit, he suddenly was able to read the Bible, both in English and in Spanish. We spent a lot of time with Tacho and Elfida, mostly in the ghettos of Mexico. I remember many times when Tacho stood up in the streets to preach the gospel, Elfida would fall to her knees and cry out to God, battling in the heavenlies, and the glory of God would fall on those filty streets. Demons screamed and left, people were healed and delivered, witches converted to Jesus, it was a glorious time. Edith and I learned through their example the role of husband and wife in a spiritual war that battled
for the souls and hearts of men.
I never heard Tacho speak of anything except Jesus, even in conversations with others on the team. Jesus was his passion, his only vision, his entire life. Elfida was always right beside him,
supporting, battling, praying for needs. What a powerful team that God had put together as a witness to His life and glory. These simple people had the most profound effect on our lives. They never elevated themselves in any manner, were always totally humble and poured themselves out to the poor people that they were sent to. When they weren't on the streets, they pastored some of the little churches that met in shacks and byways. They were always feeding the poor, taking clothing and necessities, even giving food and Christmas presents to sometimes thousands of children.
Edith and I didn't speak much Spanish, but we always knew what was being preached (in Spanish) by the Spirit. Once Tacho told me that the Spirit had told him to blow on someone and they fell down in the Spirit. He was humbled and amazed that God would use him like that. He truly did what the Spirit told him.
Nobody ever told Tacho that he was an apostle. He only thought of himself as a humble servant of the wonderful God who had saved him and filled him with His Spirit. I believe he served
faithfully until he died as an unknown soldier of the Lord. Tacho was the greatest example of an apostle that I have ever personally known, though we grew up with several others who had similar callings. Tacho was the one who was of the least value to the world, but of immense value to the kingdom of God
I have no idea how many souls were touched by the Lord through this precious saint. If I had asked him, I'm sure he would have had no idea that he had touched them. . . he only knew that the Lord had touched them. I suspect that hundreds, perhaps thousands of folks had a personal encounter with Jesus as Tacho crossed their path. Jesus working in a simple, devoted, humble vessel that hardly was aware of anything other than his Lord. If I could send a message to Tacho in heaven, I would say, "Tacho, I want to be like you when I grow up!"
God bless you all, and God bless you, Tacho....
~Found on the Forum at- http://www.revivalschool.com/
--
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Most Americans Unhappy with Church, Politics Combo| Christianpost.com
read here
Most Americans Unhappy with Church, Politics Combo Christianpost.com:
"For the first time in more than a decade, a majority of Americans believe churches and houses of worship should keep out of political matters."
Most Americans Unhappy with Church, Politics Combo Christianpost.com:
"For the first time in more than a decade, a majority of Americans believe churches and houses of worship should keep out of political matters."
Monday, August 25, 2008
Titus 2: 11-14
Titus 2:11-14 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Romans 7: 7-24 and 8: 1-14
Romans 7:7-24 (King James Version)
7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 8: 1-14
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 8: 1-14
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Restitution-Charles Spurgeon
“If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.” - Exo_22:6
But what restitution can he make who casts abroad the fire-brands of error, or the coals of lasciviousness, and sets men’s souls on a blaze with the fire of hell? The guilt is beyond estimate, and the result is irretrievable.
If such an offender be forgiven, what grief it will cause him in the retrospect, since he cannot undo the mischief which he has done! An ill example may kindle a flame which years of amended character cannot quench. To burn the food of man is bad enough, but how much worse to destroy the soul! It may be useful to us to reflect how far we may have been guilty in the past, and to enquire whether, even in the present, there may not be evil in us which has a tendency to bring damage to the souls of our relatives, friends, or neighbours. The fire of strife is a terrible evil when it breaks out in a Christian church.
Where converts were multiplied, and God was glorified, jealousy and envy do the devil’s work most effectually. Where the golden grain was being housed, to reward the toil of the great Boaz, the fire of enmity comes in and leaves little else but smoke and a heap of blackness. Woe unto those by whom offences come. May they never come through us, for although we cannot make restitution, we shall certainly be the chief sufferers if we are the chief offenders. Those who feed the fire deserve just censure, but he who first kindles it is most to blame.
Discord usually takes first hold upon the thorns; it is nurtured among the hypocrites and base professors in the church, and away it goes among the righteous, blown by the winds of hell, and no one knows where it may end. O thou Lord and giver of peace, make us peacemakers, and never let us aid and abet the men of strife, or even unintentionally cause the least division among thy people.
Charles Spurgeon
But what restitution can he make who casts abroad the fire-brands of error, or the coals of lasciviousness, and sets men’s souls on a blaze with the fire of hell? The guilt is beyond estimate, and the result is irretrievable.
If such an offender be forgiven, what grief it will cause him in the retrospect, since he cannot undo the mischief which he has done! An ill example may kindle a flame which years of amended character cannot quench. To burn the food of man is bad enough, but how much worse to destroy the soul! It may be useful to us to reflect how far we may have been guilty in the past, and to enquire whether, even in the present, there may not be evil in us which has a tendency to bring damage to the souls of our relatives, friends, or neighbours. The fire of strife is a terrible evil when it breaks out in a Christian church.
Where converts were multiplied, and God was glorified, jealousy and envy do the devil’s work most effectually. Where the golden grain was being housed, to reward the toil of the great Boaz, the fire of enmity comes in and leaves little else but smoke and a heap of blackness. Woe unto those by whom offences come. May they never come through us, for although we cannot make restitution, we shall certainly be the chief sufferers if we are the chief offenders. Those who feed the fire deserve just censure, but he who first kindles it is most to blame.
Discord usually takes first hold upon the thorns; it is nurtured among the hypocrites and base professors in the church, and away it goes among the righteous, blown by the winds of hell, and no one knows where it may end. O thou Lord and giver of peace, make us peacemakers, and never let us aid and abet the men of strife, or even unintentionally cause the least division among thy people.
Charles Spurgeon
Saturday, August 23, 2008
1 Peter 4 (King James Version)
14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
MALACHI 2:17
Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
Malachi 2: 17 KJV
Malachi 2: 17 KJV
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
They said Barabbas
Matthew 27:20-22 (King James Version)
20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Command Performance-By Bryan Hupperts
Command Performance-By Bryan Hupperts
bryanhupperts@hotmail.com
The invitations, laid in gold leaf, were sent out announcing a command performance in the great theater. God himself would be attending. The people were excited as they returned their RSVPs. All came at the appointed time to witness this great performance.
The program bill proclaimed that two choral symphonies would be performed. Chilled in the air conditioning, all sat in anticipation of seeing God as they waited for the performance to begin. A special seating box, high above the audience, was marked Reserved and many whispered that must be where God would be seated.
The house lights dimmed to black and a spotlight beamed down center stage at a lone mic stand. An unknown man stepped out of the shadows and announced, “There will be a delay.” And he turned his back to the audience and walked back behind the curtain. The house lights went abruptly up leaving the throngs of people staring at each other.
At first, most sat in reverent silence waiting patiently for the arrival of God and for the two choral symphonies but, as the evening wore on, the air conditioning quit and the room was getting hot and stuffy. As the temperature climbed, tempers began to flare.
“Com’on. There is no sign of God or his choir. Where is the promise of his appearing?” some asked. Others, seeing people in the audience with whom they had long running, unresolved disputes, began to stir the waters of resentment telling their tales of woe until they were exaggerated beyond recognition with accusations running like wildfire, the destructive flames fanned along by willing, wagging tongues.
Others sat sweltering in resentment dressed in their finest, seething that they had dressed for the event and now had to wait. And for what? Couldn’t God have fixed the air conditioning? Didn’t he see this coming? And where was the so-called choir? Did God even have a clue how badly they were being inconvenienced?
Amid the clanging cacophony, amid the darkness and din, and the Babel of crescendoing voices, a different sound was heard. There were a few who feared the Lord who began to say to one another, “We don’t understand the delay either but, while we’re here, let’s worship God anyway.” Despite their discomforts, they praised Him.
As for the rest, the greater number in the vast audience began to divide along racial, political, and economic lines. Someone had to do something! Manipulators, adept at creating an “Us vs. Them” mentality, arose to draw men after themselves, exploiting the general discontent. Open warfare soon began. Kidnappings were common as seating groups would conspire together to “save” souls from other seating sections from their obvious deceptions, to get them into the “true work” of God.
The theater management issued a call for help. The audience was immense and, because of the delay, would anyone volunteer to help pass out food and water? Many of the quiet worshippers left their seats, and, in spite of the heat, donned the black jackets of servants and began to wait on others, passing out food and drink. While some received it with genuine gratitude, most murmured and complained. It was either too this or not that enough; whatever the complaint, it was not up to their standards.
The theater seemed ready to tear itself apart. Angry voices were rising; tempers flaring, while the few faithful worshippers still tried to encourage any who would listen that God was yet in control even if they had to take that statement on raw faith. They defended the name of Him who was Faithful and True while others openly scoffed.
Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through the packed house. The house lights dimmed as a sigh of relief went through the crowd. In the blackness a lone spotlight again shone about the mic stand. The unknown man again stepped up to the microphone and announced, “The performance is now ended. Good night.”
He again turned his back to the audience, walking towards the curtain as stunned audience members jumped to their feet in fury, demanding an explanation. Where was God in this so-called command performance? What about the two promised choral symphonies?
The man turned to face the crowd, and, after pausing for a long moment as if listening to an unseen Friend, motioned for silence.
He said, “You do not understand. Two choral symphonies were played out here tonight but you were the performers, not the audience. God himself was the audience and out of the abundance of your mouths, whether it was sweet worship or bitter complaint, you each sang to Almighty God what was truly in your heart. And those appointed to write in God’s Book of Remembrance recorded every word.”
### ### ###
With which of the two choral symphonies playing in the world do you willingly blend your voice?
Bryan Hupperts
© 2008
www.SheepTrax.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
bryanhupperts@hotmail.com
The invitations, laid in gold leaf, were sent out announcing a command performance in the great theater. God himself would be attending. The people were excited as they returned their RSVPs. All came at the appointed time to witness this great performance.
The program bill proclaimed that two choral symphonies would be performed. Chilled in the air conditioning, all sat in anticipation of seeing God as they waited for the performance to begin. A special seating box, high above the audience, was marked Reserved and many whispered that must be where God would be seated.
The house lights dimmed to black and a spotlight beamed down center stage at a lone mic stand. An unknown man stepped out of the shadows and announced, “There will be a delay.” And he turned his back to the audience and walked back behind the curtain. The house lights went abruptly up leaving the throngs of people staring at each other.
At first, most sat in reverent silence waiting patiently for the arrival of God and for the two choral symphonies but, as the evening wore on, the air conditioning quit and the room was getting hot and stuffy. As the temperature climbed, tempers began to flare.
“Com’on. There is no sign of God or his choir. Where is the promise of his appearing?” some asked. Others, seeing people in the audience with whom they had long running, unresolved disputes, began to stir the waters of resentment telling their tales of woe until they were exaggerated beyond recognition with accusations running like wildfire, the destructive flames fanned along by willing, wagging tongues.
Others sat sweltering in resentment dressed in their finest, seething that they had dressed for the event and now had to wait. And for what? Couldn’t God have fixed the air conditioning? Didn’t he see this coming? And where was the so-called choir? Did God even have a clue how badly they were being inconvenienced?
Amid the clanging cacophony, amid the darkness and din, and the Babel of crescendoing voices, a different sound was heard. There were a few who feared the Lord who began to say to one another, “We don’t understand the delay either but, while we’re here, let’s worship God anyway.” Despite their discomforts, they praised Him.
As for the rest, the greater number in the vast audience began to divide along racial, political, and economic lines. Someone had to do something! Manipulators, adept at creating an “Us vs. Them” mentality, arose to draw men after themselves, exploiting the general discontent. Open warfare soon began. Kidnappings were common as seating groups would conspire together to “save” souls from other seating sections from their obvious deceptions, to get them into the “true work” of God.
The theater management issued a call for help. The audience was immense and, because of the delay, would anyone volunteer to help pass out food and water? Many of the quiet worshippers left their seats, and, in spite of the heat, donned the black jackets of servants and began to wait on others, passing out food and drink. While some received it with genuine gratitude, most murmured and complained. It was either too this or not that enough; whatever the complaint, it was not up to their standards.
The theater seemed ready to tear itself apart. Angry voices were rising; tempers flaring, while the few faithful worshippers still tried to encourage any who would listen that God was yet in control even if they had to take that statement on raw faith. They defended the name of Him who was Faithful and True while others openly scoffed.
Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through the packed house. The house lights dimmed as a sigh of relief went through the crowd. In the blackness a lone spotlight again shone about the mic stand. The unknown man again stepped up to the microphone and announced, “The performance is now ended. Good night.”
He again turned his back to the audience, walking towards the curtain as stunned audience members jumped to their feet in fury, demanding an explanation. Where was God in this so-called command performance? What about the two promised choral symphonies?
The man turned to face the crowd, and, after pausing for a long moment as if listening to an unseen Friend, motioned for silence.
He said, “You do not understand. Two choral symphonies were played out here tonight but you were the performers, not the audience. God himself was the audience and out of the abundance of your mouths, whether it was sweet worship or bitter complaint, you each sang to Almighty God what was truly in your heart. And those appointed to write in God’s Book of Remembrance recorded every word.”
### ### ###
With which of the two choral symphonies playing in the world do you willingly blend your voice?
Bryan Hupperts
© 2008
www.SheepTrax.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Unauthorized Church Bake Sale-By Bryan Hupperts
Unauthorized Church Bake Sale-By Bryan Hupperts
bryanhupperts@hotmail.com
Unauthorized Church Bake Sale
She was driving past a church when she saw a sign advertising an Unauthorized Church Bake Sale. Why would a church bake sale be unauthorized? Curiosity got the better of her so she parked and waked on to the lot following the luscious scent of conflicting aromas.
There was bread everywhere; rolls, cakes, loaves. The scent of baked goods was delicious, tantalizing, calling all to feast. She noticed several officiating Judges moving from table to table and realized there was a contest being held. The grand prize to be awarded was the coveted blue ribbon that proclaimed: Bread of Life.
She had one of those Holy Spirit warning moments; a verse about those whose “God is their belly,” rang her alarm bell deep within. Though sorely tempted, she decided she would not risk defiling herself with any of the bread until she knew for certain which really was the Bread of Life.
The bake sale offered something for every appetite, a special bread just for you. The ritualistically pious were drawn to bread that had mysterious images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that had suddenly appeared in the crust. The non-ritualistically pious were drawn to the hot cross buns. They seemed to have a side contest going to see whose hot cross image was bigger.
And the snack cakes! As a former unbeliever, she knew well the taste of Snickerdoodles. She was amazed at the numbers of snickering, scoffing unbelievers in the church yard that readily scarfed them down. Scoffers dine willingly on unbelief, their ravenous appetites never satiated. Why would anyone believe this stuff, sweet as it was, was the Bread of Life? She walked on.
There was a shouting war flaring up between a table of white breads and another table of brown breads, each claiming superiority over the other arguing authoratively that the Bread of Life was either White or Brown depending on which table you stood behind. No one on the outside of this ghastly display of enslavement would touch their moldy breads though those eating at the respective tables didn’t seem to notice the worms and dry crusts, probably from over familiarity. Again, she walked on.
There were fruit loaves that demanded special treatment and acceptance. While contest rules specifically forbade fruit in the mixture, the fruit loaf lovers demanded that the rules be set aside for them. After all, they found themselves described in the Bible as Romans-One-Meal bread.
There were delightful twisted loaves that smelled almost heavenly but there was something not quite right, something… well, twisted to them. How could anything truly heavenly be twisted? Still, it smelled wonderful, lilting in the breeze and she almost convinced herself this must be the genuine Bread of Life. Still, remembering her vow, she refrained with a sigh and moved on.
There were cream puffs aplenty but they quickly melted in the sun. Then there was a newcomer: Prosperity bread. You eat it and it fills you again and again till you die from malnutrition. They can’t seriously believe this fraud is the Bread of Life, yet obviously many did.
Uneasiness began to crawl up her tingling spine. Suspicious, she squinted and noticed the small print on each display card bearing the names the various breads. Adjusting her glasses a bit to read the fine print, she was horrified to read: Made proudly with the Leven of the Pharisees.
While leaven will make something quickly rise, she knew this was against Luke 12:1 where Jesus said, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Alarmed, she stood up and shouted to the Judges, “These breads are tainted. They are rife with pride, made with the leaven of the Pharisees. Instead of the taste test alone, why not look at the ingredients? Will not the true Bread of Life will be pure, holy and undefiled?”
A momentarily hush swept over the feasting crowd only to be dispelled by the angry retorts that came hurling in like rocks. “Oh, come on. You don’t think this dough will rise by itself, do you? We bake according to our tastes. We’re serving God, helping him with our added ingredients. We know what the people want.”
She reached in her Bible and pulled out a Leven-O-Meter and began to test the breads for their leaven contest. Ironically, many of the contest Judges started screaming, “Judge Not! Judge Not! How DARE you judge this bread?” as the Meter clicked madly on like a Geiger counter at ground zero.
Fearing a riot, one of the Judges grabbed her arm, pulling her aside to a popular, though out of the way, table under the sign, “Day Old Bread.” The Judge quietly explained that, while the other breads technically were disqualified because they took a short cut and used the leaven, the fast rising yeast of the Pharisees, they did help “spread the Word,” and besides, up till now, few had complained.
Gathered at the Day Old Bread rack were true, though forlorn looking, believers chewing away on dry, brittle crusts. She squinted to read the ingredients list and, sure enough, this was indeed genuine Bread of Life. But why would Bread of Life be so tasteless and lifeless? It didn’t look particularly appetizing but it was the genuine article. That’s when she noticed the Clearance sign.
"Not very fresh, is it?” she asked. The Judge, trying to placate her, said, “No, it not exactly fresh. That’s why it’s for sale, dirt cheap. Still, this is genuine Bread of Life. A Stranger comes and gives us the extra loaves he cannot give away. Try your Leven-O-Meter and see. It’s just a few extra days old and a bit past its freshness, that’s all. We sell a lot of this.”
While her Leven-O-Meter confirmed this was indeed Bread of Life, she suddenly remembered the Bible story about the manna, the bread of heaven, coming down and needing to be collected daily or it would turn wormy and moldy. Like God’s mercies, it had to be sought for anew every day.
“Do you have any fresh Bread of Life? Not the cheap day old stuff, but the today’s Bread?” she asked, her voice carrying further than she intended. The place went silent as the Judges and contestants drew their collective breath. And the barrage of insults began. In what sounded like an angry run-on sentence, she was told:
… Bread of Life is made by grinding pure grain against a stone in a mortar and pedestal… too work-intensive… old fashioned way that takes too long and cannot not be mass produced or mass marketed. .. the world is hungry for bread so we manufacture ours with a little extra additive for the masses cheaply and quickly….maybe not the healthiest stuff around but add a little high fructose corn syrup and it turns sweet… it’s almost as good as...
And she found herself thrown out laying face down on the street, her Leaven-O-Meter smashed to bits. She had been banned from the contest for having a “critical spirit.” The contest went on without her. Shaken and upset, she picked herself up and headed towards her car when a Stranger appeared from the crowd and approached her. “I came today hoping to find someone who truly hungers for the Bread of Life,” he said, motioning towards the crowd. “For even the few who find it, most willingly settle for the leftovers.”
“Yeah,” she said, “I saw that. And I was nearly killed for my efforts.” Smiling, he produced from beneath his coat an ordinary unbroken loaf of bread. “This is the Bread of Life you seek. Break it and eat.”
She looked at this ordinary looking loaf of Bread suspiciously, asking, “Why didn’t I see this at the bake sale contest? Have you eaten from it? If so, why is it not broken?” And the Stranger smiled again explaining that each of us individually have to take hold of the Bread of Life and break it ourselves because it was once broken for each of us.
She was beset by a hunger, driven by an appetite she could not explain. The Stranger with the Bread had her full attention. “How much?” she asked, hoping for a bargain.
The staggering cost was laid before her. In an unflinching voice, he said, “Your dreams, your hopes, your sins and failures, all that you hope to be and all that you fear you’ll become. You past, present and future, all claims to your own self life; in short, to eat this Bread will cost you everything.”
She could hear the din of the Unauthorized Bake Sale contest happening in the church parking lot – they had chosen this years’ winner - and she grieved for them. They truly did not understand what they were doing.
She took the precious loaf and felt a sting in her soul as she raised it up unto God and broke it in half and began to eat. Satisfaction filed her soul and, as she passed from death to life, she now understood that it was now her calling to seek out those who truly hungered for the Bread of Life, those who would accept no substitution. And the loaf broken by her hands was whole again.
The Stranger smiled and said, “Come Sister, let’s be about our Father’s business. The night is quickly coming when no man can work.” With the precious Bread of Life in hand, they turned their backs on the Unauthorized Bake Sale and headed for the highways and byways.
Bryan Hupperts © 2008
http://www.sheeptrax.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
bryanhupperts@hotmail.com
Unauthorized Church Bake Sale
She was driving past a church when she saw a sign advertising an Unauthorized Church Bake Sale. Why would a church bake sale be unauthorized? Curiosity got the better of her so she parked and waked on to the lot following the luscious scent of conflicting aromas.
There was bread everywhere; rolls, cakes, loaves. The scent of baked goods was delicious, tantalizing, calling all to feast. She noticed several officiating Judges moving from table to table and realized there was a contest being held. The grand prize to be awarded was the coveted blue ribbon that proclaimed: Bread of Life.
She had one of those Holy Spirit warning moments; a verse about those whose “God is their belly,” rang her alarm bell deep within. Though sorely tempted, she decided she would not risk defiling herself with any of the bread until she knew for certain which really was the Bread of Life.
The bake sale offered something for every appetite, a special bread just for you. The ritualistically pious were drawn to bread that had mysterious images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that had suddenly appeared in the crust. The non-ritualistically pious were drawn to the hot cross buns. They seemed to have a side contest going to see whose hot cross image was bigger.
And the snack cakes! As a former unbeliever, she knew well the taste of Snickerdoodles. She was amazed at the numbers of snickering, scoffing unbelievers in the church yard that readily scarfed them down. Scoffers dine willingly on unbelief, their ravenous appetites never satiated. Why would anyone believe this stuff, sweet as it was, was the Bread of Life? She walked on.
There was a shouting war flaring up between a table of white breads and another table of brown breads, each claiming superiority over the other arguing authoratively that the Bread of Life was either White or Brown depending on which table you stood behind. No one on the outside of this ghastly display of enslavement would touch their moldy breads though those eating at the respective tables didn’t seem to notice the worms and dry crusts, probably from over familiarity. Again, she walked on.
There were fruit loaves that demanded special treatment and acceptance. While contest rules specifically forbade fruit in the mixture, the fruit loaf lovers demanded that the rules be set aside for them. After all, they found themselves described in the Bible as Romans-One-Meal bread.
There were delightful twisted loaves that smelled almost heavenly but there was something not quite right, something… well, twisted to them. How could anything truly heavenly be twisted? Still, it smelled wonderful, lilting in the breeze and she almost convinced herself this must be the genuine Bread of Life. Still, remembering her vow, she refrained with a sigh and moved on.
There were cream puffs aplenty but they quickly melted in the sun. Then there was a newcomer: Prosperity bread. You eat it and it fills you again and again till you die from malnutrition. They can’t seriously believe this fraud is the Bread of Life, yet obviously many did.
Uneasiness began to crawl up her tingling spine. Suspicious, she squinted and noticed the small print on each display card bearing the names the various breads. Adjusting her glasses a bit to read the fine print, she was horrified to read: Made proudly with the Leven of the Pharisees.
While leaven will make something quickly rise, she knew this was against Luke 12:1 where Jesus said, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Alarmed, she stood up and shouted to the Judges, “These breads are tainted. They are rife with pride, made with the leaven of the Pharisees. Instead of the taste test alone, why not look at the ingredients? Will not the true Bread of Life will be pure, holy and undefiled?”
A momentarily hush swept over the feasting crowd only to be dispelled by the angry retorts that came hurling in like rocks. “Oh, come on. You don’t think this dough will rise by itself, do you? We bake according to our tastes. We’re serving God, helping him with our added ingredients. We know what the people want.”
She reached in her Bible and pulled out a Leven-O-Meter and began to test the breads for their leaven contest. Ironically, many of the contest Judges started screaming, “Judge Not! Judge Not! How DARE you judge this bread?” as the Meter clicked madly on like a Geiger counter at ground zero.
Fearing a riot, one of the Judges grabbed her arm, pulling her aside to a popular, though out of the way, table under the sign, “Day Old Bread.” The Judge quietly explained that, while the other breads technically were disqualified because they took a short cut and used the leaven, the fast rising yeast of the Pharisees, they did help “spread the Word,” and besides, up till now, few had complained.
Gathered at the Day Old Bread rack were true, though forlorn looking, believers chewing away on dry, brittle crusts. She squinted to read the ingredients list and, sure enough, this was indeed genuine Bread of Life. But why would Bread of Life be so tasteless and lifeless? It didn’t look particularly appetizing but it was the genuine article. That’s when she noticed the Clearance sign.
"Not very fresh, is it?” she asked. The Judge, trying to placate her, said, “No, it not exactly fresh. That’s why it’s for sale, dirt cheap. Still, this is genuine Bread of Life. A Stranger comes and gives us the extra loaves he cannot give away. Try your Leven-O-Meter and see. It’s just a few extra days old and a bit past its freshness, that’s all. We sell a lot of this.”
While her Leven-O-Meter confirmed this was indeed Bread of Life, she suddenly remembered the Bible story about the manna, the bread of heaven, coming down and needing to be collected daily or it would turn wormy and moldy. Like God’s mercies, it had to be sought for anew every day.
“Do you have any fresh Bread of Life? Not the cheap day old stuff, but the today’s Bread?” she asked, her voice carrying further than she intended. The place went silent as the Judges and contestants drew their collective breath. And the barrage of insults began. In what sounded like an angry run-on sentence, she was told:
… Bread of Life is made by grinding pure grain against a stone in a mortar and pedestal… too work-intensive… old fashioned way that takes too long and cannot not be mass produced or mass marketed. .. the world is hungry for bread so we manufacture ours with a little extra additive for the masses cheaply and quickly….maybe not the healthiest stuff around but add a little high fructose corn syrup and it turns sweet… it’s almost as good as...
And she found herself thrown out laying face down on the street, her Leaven-O-Meter smashed to bits. She had been banned from the contest for having a “critical spirit.” The contest went on without her. Shaken and upset, she picked herself up and headed towards her car when a Stranger appeared from the crowd and approached her. “I came today hoping to find someone who truly hungers for the Bread of Life,” he said, motioning towards the crowd. “For even the few who find it, most willingly settle for the leftovers.”
“Yeah,” she said, “I saw that. And I was nearly killed for my efforts.” Smiling, he produced from beneath his coat an ordinary unbroken loaf of bread. “This is the Bread of Life you seek. Break it and eat.”
She looked at this ordinary looking loaf of Bread suspiciously, asking, “Why didn’t I see this at the bake sale contest? Have you eaten from it? If so, why is it not broken?” And the Stranger smiled again explaining that each of us individually have to take hold of the Bread of Life and break it ourselves because it was once broken for each of us.
She was beset by a hunger, driven by an appetite she could not explain. The Stranger with the Bread had her full attention. “How much?” she asked, hoping for a bargain.
The staggering cost was laid before her. In an unflinching voice, he said, “Your dreams, your hopes, your sins and failures, all that you hope to be and all that you fear you’ll become. You past, present and future, all claims to your own self life; in short, to eat this Bread will cost you everything.”
She could hear the din of the Unauthorized Bake Sale contest happening in the church parking lot – they had chosen this years’ winner - and she grieved for them. They truly did not understand what they were doing.
She took the precious loaf and felt a sting in her soul as she raised it up unto God and broke it in half and began to eat. Satisfaction filed her soul and, as she passed from death to life, she now understood that it was now her calling to seek out those who truly hungered for the Bread of Life, those who would accept no substitution. And the loaf broken by her hands was whole again.
The Stranger smiled and said, “Come Sister, let’s be about our Father’s business. The night is quickly coming when no man can work.” With the precious Bread of Life in hand, they turned their backs on the Unauthorized Bake Sale and headed for the highways and byways.
Bryan Hupperts © 2008
http://www.sheeptrax.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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