Kaitlyn Playing for USCFA summer of 2011

                                              ” AHH……HOME CHURCH”

Often known as the Shema (To Hear) or in Israel as their Declaration of Independence, Deuteronomy (The Hebraic title “Ele Ha D’varim = The Place where God Speaks) has one of the most famous chapters in the old testament known to Christians today.
Beginning in verse 4 of Chapter 6, it reads: ”Hear ohIsrael the LORD is our God, the LORD is one. (5) And you shall Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your might.”

This is often seen acted out at the Western Wall inIsraelas the Jews pray three times daily. We watch them as they rock forwards and back, saying their prayers (Amidah = from which the LORDS Prayer derives), and many mock them as they seem to be “religious” in their tradition.

However, there is a scripture that we keep very close to heart in this potent chapter in Deuteronomy. Verse 7 reads the following: “…and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

Dr. Karl Coke and his Timothy programs derive its entire curriculum on the following statement “The Home Is the Center for Spiritual Growth.”

United Fútbol Ministries likewise adheres to the same philosophy as we are trying to teach our players and their parents that spirituality begins in the home. I’m not just talking about praying before dinner and at bedtime; I’m talking about literally bringing the gospel into everything they do.

That’s the beauty of home church. We can allow our children to not only see that spirituality exists in the church house only, or at youth groups and church programs only, but in the home we meet with other Christians, worship, have sermons (Midrashes). We pray, talk about God in soccer, and in their lives, and they see others doping the same exact thing. MOREOVER, IT HAPPENS IN THE HOME. What that does is teach them that THE HOME IS WHERE ALL SPIRITUALITY should flow from. The church, and outside ministries are just an extension of what the HOME SHOULD BE TEACHING.

In addition, it allows our children to take part in that spirituality where they are otherwise removed from in other areas of church services and the like. In many churches, children are “dismissed” during worship because they are considered a “distraction” to those spiritual ones seeking the LORD. They are allowed to have cute little plays and productions, but don’t sit with their parents as they hear and pray and worship the LORD in Spirit and Truth.

In home churches and fellowships, we encourage our kids to get involved and they have. Sometimes with very comical results. Joshua in the video wants to do worship with us. Sometimes he gets so into it, he’ll close his eyes and mimic what we are doing. This causes his sisters to laugh because they think it’s cute. His response is not only classic, but it serves a point. In the home he has the freedom to express what is inside of his spirit and nobody will quench it! Nobody was distracted and many laughed when they saw this. IT was Medicine to the soul of many!

The bottom line is that even in bible study settings children are often left at home with a baby sitter so mom and dad can meet with other adults and do their thing. There is nothing wrong with that, but in today’s day and age when our children are being inundated with rhetoric and nonsense from the antichrist in our schools and textbooks, we need to take back that ground and begin to inject spirituality back into the home!

Here at United Fútbol Ministries and Lacey Home Fellowship that’s what we inspire to do. Bring the gospel into every aspect of the life, from work to sport, to church. However, it must begin and end in the home!

Peach and Love in Jesus,

Billy

Global Coordination Part III

“The Dew of Hermon”

Psalm 133:1 – 2

 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brothers to dwell together in unity!

²    It is like the precious oil upon the head,

    Coming down upon the beard,

    Even Aaron’s beard,

    Coming down upon the edge of his robes.

³    It is like the dew of Hermon

    Coming down upon the mountains ofZion;

    For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever.

I have heard many sermons on Psalm 133. They are continually used to speak of the fellowship necessary to break down denominational walls and barriers, and to achieve “Global Coordination” within the church.

Yet as we break down this scripture we see several things that really need pointing out in order to fully understand what Global Coordination in the church will bring about.

1)      Aaron – The First High Priest.

As the High Priest in his ephod he would would bear the with and burdens of the entire tribe of Israel on his shoulders (two stones on each shoulder each with 6 names of the tribes of Israel on them, and then baring them on his heart (12 stones worn on the breastplate to identify each tribe). As he was a Christ type as appointed by God, we in the same way must all be Christ Types as we must bare the weight and burden for each other in intercession, Hence Paul’s commentary in Galatians 6:2 – we must “bare each others burdens”

It is the responsibility of the church as a whole to pray on behalf of the church as a whole as Aaron represented the entire congregation ofIsrael. Not about who is right or wrong, but about intercession for strength, endurance, faith, and steadfastness to the biblical mandates set forth by the scripture.

 It is like the precious oil upon the head,

 Coming down upon the beard,

 Even Aaron’s beard,

 Coming down upon the edge of his robes.

Exodus 29:4-7 details the preparation that must take place in order for Aaron to fulfill his service on the Day of Atonement. Beginning with the Miqveh (Hebrew for Binding with God – we call it Baptism) he needed to make himself ready, ending with the anointing of oil over his head. The oils were precious and needed to be made precisely in order to fulfill the commandments of God.

 Song of songs tell us that this oil the “scent” draws God Close to us the bride, as he desires to take us into his bridal chambers. It is a scent of excitement, of wooing, of preparing oneself to be face to face with God in an intimate matter. You cannot get anymore Globally Coordinated than that.

 The anointing oil

In the midst of agreement in prayer and corporate fellowship, there is the Anointing and Presence of the Spirit of God! HE is being wooed to us, and is pleased and excited to be in our presence as the bridegroom is with the bride. Whether two or 2,000, when we all come into agreement placing aside our own nonsense, the SPIRIT OF GOD IS LOOSED ON THIS EARTH!!! Because if one chase away 1,000, and 2, 10,000, then what can a united church functioning as the Body of Christ accomplish?

• ·        It would abolish abortion!
• ·        It would abolish gay rights and anti family values
• ·        It would abolish the spirit of anti Christ in our governments
• ·        In addition, it would bring unity to the body in it’s wholeness as was intended!

 It is like the dew of Hermon

    Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;

    For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever

The Dew of Hermon that the Psalmist writes about is interesting.

 Mount Hermon is the highest peak in Palestine therefore it’s caps are covered in snow. As the snow melts, it brings refreshing water to the desert lands that are usually dry and barren. If you are an agricultural people, the greatest fear you have is famine. When your crops and fields are watered by the dew of Hermon, it will increase your produce, prosperity, security, and strength as a nation in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

Since Zion is His chosen ruling place, and the place of the ultimate blessing, when he dwell together as brothers united in Global and Corporate Coordination, not only will we have the excitement of the Spirit of God in a very intimate and personal relationship, but the blessings and “Spiritual Prosperity” of the church will increase ten fold making us the most powerful “Kingdom on earth”, and I don’t mean country, or region or denomination, I mean spiritually the most powerful KINGDOM ON EARTH!

 As a church, we are in spiritual famine as denominations have splintered the body of Christ. We need to break down these barriers, prepare ourselves with the anointing oils of gladness, and come together to claim the victory of the blessing and commandments of Zion for a harvest that will be like never seen before on the face of this planet.

 THIS CAN BE DONE!!!! Let us all strive to prepare ourselves for the coming days where we can truly walk in unity with our brothers in Christ!

 Peace and Love in Jesus,

Billy

For a copy of the CD sermon, please email us at CoachWElias@aol.com

 Many do not realize that in the literal interpretation this actually means that Jacob is being told that God and Jacob defeated Jacob, and that the word Israel actually means “Prince of God.”

We as a nation have been inundated with the gospel, and that is a good thing. The downside is that many have “learned Behavior” in the church house, the choir pews, and around other church folk, but have ceased to “strive with God”.

One can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight.

 It is evident that abortion, anti family values, and divorce are as rampant in the church house as they are on the outside. Counselors and Psychiatrists have replaced Pastors, and Dr. Phil and self-help books have replaced the Word of God. Many are quick to declare and stand on certain scriptures as truths, and principles, but seem to lack the one necessary ingredient necessary to fulfill their place on earth in the Kingdom, Discipleship.

 I have recently heard someone say that if she “knew the truth, the truth would set her free.” (John 8:32)  How true indeed this scripture is, but it was misquoted. When I pointed it out to her and took her back to the wrestling match that Jacob had with the “Angel” it frustrated her because she believed that by just standing on the Word everything would disappear.

 John 8:31- 32 in its entirety states the following; “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine, and you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

 Jesus often spent time with his 12 disciples, facilitated 70, and mentored three. However, it was clear that He would spend more time investing into those who would eventually hear, understand and become students of the Word of God, than those who would just hear and walk away.

 Part of Global Coordination is not just becoming into sync with the church as a whole, praying together, and overcoming boundaries to break down the appearance of Christianity, and become true disciples of the Spirit of God, but it is about the individual relationship built on coordinating ourselves with the Spirit Himself.

 I have heard so many sermons on Mount Carmel, and Elijah defeating the prophets of Baal, but what always seems to amaze me is the exclusion of how gruesome, laborious, and difficult it was on restoring the 12 stones meant for the tribes of Israel. Verse 31 and 32 of 1^st Kings 18; tell us that Elijah began rebuilding the altar with the 12 stones that were destroyed. An interesting statement is then made in verse 33 when he says to the people…”Go fill 4 pitchers of water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.”

 How many of us realize there was famine in the land. Where did the water supply come from? Simple. The Mediterranean Sea 18 miles away. That’s right anyone who has ever been to Israel and been on the tour will be told by Jew or Christian that the Jews traveled 36 miles round trip with four pots to get the water necessary to fill the altar. They did this THREE TIMES (verse 34).

 True discipleship is a constant and conscious act at bettering ourselves, coordinating ourselves with the Word of God, and making sure we locking into the FLOW OF THE SPIRIT! When this happens, it makes the corporate fellowship with other churches, believers denominational and the like much easier as the Spirit of Discipleship grows in our hearts.

 I will close with a scripture that has become one of my life verses found in Torah (Instruction and direction of the LORD) in Deuteronomy 19:15, “In the mouths of two or three a matter is established”.

 When two or three disciples come together, regardless of denominations, they let go of the barriers, they focus on the matter at hand, and they lock into the spirit of God, and the flow of what He is doing. They globally connect and have the power to chase away anything that comes in their path.

 We’ve often heard it said, “one can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight.” This of course is man’s interpretation of two scriptures. The first found in Leviticus 26:7 – 8 “But you will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword: five of you will chase a hundred and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before your sword.” THAT’S GLOBAL COORDINATION!!!

 Deuteronomy 32:30 says; “How can one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had given up on them? Indeed their rock is not like our ROCK!”… AMEN!!!! WE SERVE THE TRUE ROCK… The ROCK of our Salvation, Messiah Jesus!!!

 Let us continue to search Him out, strive with Him, as did Jacob, never let go, and become Globally coordinated Disciples with not only Him, but with the Brothers around us!

 Peace in Jesus,

Billy

CoachWElias@aol.com

“Coordinating the Movement of the Church” 

Going by your Opponent!

With the passing hurricanes that have battered the East Coast recently, students of the word of God are asking themselves some questions. Is this a sign of the time? Is judgment coming on this country? Is the earth mourning from innocent blood being shed? Alternatively, perhaps it’s just a change in the weather pattern caused by “Global Warming” (lol)?

 Whatever your take, one thing is quite clear. The Church needs to wake up and we need to come together and pray.

 As you know, our ministry is soccer based and we use soccer to teach our athletes about the principles and biblical model set forth by the Word of God. Global Coordination is one of those principles that I think we can learn a lot from.

 If you have ever seen, our teams warm up you will see that we have incorporated an element of “coordination” into all of our programs, regardless of age. What this does is teach each player how to coordinate not only the body, but coordinate the flow with the team. Below is a brief 1 minute video Presentation of what a Global Coordinated Warm Up Looks Like.

 Global Coordination was developed in Brazil, and has been used in Latin American countries for years. It is based on the dance called the “Samba”. It is based on rhythm, intimacy, and togetherness. THESE SHOULD BE FLASH WORDS FOR EVERY DISCIPLE OF THE LORD JESUS!!!!

What it does is teach each player to focus, on several different body movements at the same time. What we teach our players is that it is first an individual “Global Coordination” before it is a “Corporate” Global Coordination. In the game of soccer, there are certain body requirements and demands unlike any sport on the face of the planet. We use the warm up to teach these principles and constant changing body shapes of the game. HOWEVER, the idea behind the warm up is to teach the team to function as a team, move as a team, and coordinate that movement as a team.

 Without movement, and a coordinated flow of the game, soccer cannot be played properly. It may take on the appearance of “soccer”, but to the trained eye, it is very easily recognized as disorganized, and dysfunctional.

 So many have heard in both English and in Hebrew, (it is a very popular song sung in contemporary churches today) – “Hine Ma Tov”, (Behold How Good). The song is based on the following portion of scripture;

 Psalm 133:1 – 2

“ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! ²    It is like the precious oil upon the head,

 Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. ³    It is like the dew of Hermon

 Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever.” (NASB)

However, many don’t recognize that this is an actual commentary on Genesis 13:8 where Abram  and Lot unify the strife existing over lands, herds, and the herdsmen.

⁸So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.

 So much has been said of ecumenicalism and the breaking down of barriers about certain denominational doctrines that have separated, divided, and truly allowed the enemy to conquer the spirit of unity in the church worldwide. WE need to agree that Jesus is LORD, the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and the Jesus, and Jesus alone is the only way to heaven. After that, everything becomes petty, and we must coordinate a movement within the church that has purpose, and lock into the flow of the Spirit of God.

We teach our athletes, that the reason we spend so much time on Global and eventual corporate coordination is so that when they understand each other, and begin to think alike, they can coordinate their movements, create the necessary dimensions of the game, and set the flow and tempo against an opponent.

This is what is missing from the church today. It seems very obvious that we have forgotten what Paul writes as his commentary in 1 Corinthians 12:12 – 13 of Psalm 133;

 ¹²For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

When you take the entire mindset as a whole, and look it at in it’s entirety you will see that with restoration and fellowship comes the anointing of gladness, blessings, and victory. It becomes a joy that can only be bred by Fellowship with each other in the Holy Spirit of God, through the blessings of His Commandment and His Holiness.

Peace and Love in Jesus,

Billy Elias

CoachWElias@aol.com

Kaitlyn Elias returning in 2011

Matthew 5:33 -37 ³³“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ ³⁴“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, ³⁵or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶“Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or’No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

 What an exciting year this is going to be for us here at United Fútbol Ministries! The dates are set, the team being assembled, and the vision very much the same. The latter scripture may seem an odd way to start off a Missions Update, but we are looking for a few good Men!

 Mission 2011 will take place Monday August 1^st through Monday August 8^th, deep in the heart of Mexico City.

This year we will be having four churches join us for our “Genesis Tournament” in August. Last year close to 60 young people “CONFESSED” Jesus as their LORD and SAVIOR! To date, well over 100 young people have done the same.

 The hardest part is the disicpling process, and the hearts of the individuals themselves. We use the word “confess” as it is very clear that neither we nor anyone else can judge the human heart for salvation. At the time of confession, only God Knows! Their “yes” must be “yes!” We can do nothing but lead them to the truth, and pray that their eyes will open. However, we know that God is using us to plant the seeds necessary to reap eternal life, and if that is all we are doing, then we are doing our Job!

Brian Coleman with Billy Elias at the MAPS CAPS CLASSIC 2010

 This year we are adding a new trainer, Brian Coleman. Brian is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut and has worked for United Speed Clinic for close to five years now. He is a camp manager, and excellent trainer, and is a valued addition to our ministerial team. He is a pre med student with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic specializing in “Club Medicine” i.e. working for a specific club as their primary sports physician.

We are also adding an old friend of Lacey Home Fellowship, Rob Soto. Rob is the founder and C.E.O. of REPS Soccer, Freehold NJ. He is an accomplished coach and trainer, and has been coaching soccer for over 12 years now. He is a former coach of NJSA, and is training top calibre players. His call as an Evangelisit will certainly come in handy in 2011 as we set out to preach the gospel, not only through soccer, but through THE WORD OF LIFE!!!

 In 2011 we are also VERY EXCITED to have back George Watler. George’s passion for soccer is only defeated by his passion for JESUS! He is well versed in several Spanish dialects, and is very seasoned when it comes to mission trips. Jorgito was my first translator back in 2006 when this whole craziness began, and I am thrilled to have him back again for the 2011 campaign.

 Escuela De Fútbol  – That’s right, this year we will have our very first coaches manual translated into Spanish by Pastor Yohanan Salamanca. IT will be available in April through Amazon.com. As this project unfolds we will have more information.

 This amazing tool will help us to keep the churches teams moving along, and will help us to accomplish our eventual goal, a league for churches in Mexico City where Jesus is Glorified, and Children are protected!

 As more of our interpreters and team members commit, we will have updates with the exciting news! Shalom!

Peace, and Love in Jesus,

Billy

Billy Elias

    SERVICE – It is perhaps one of the most important aspects of discipleship. Spreading the Gospel of JEsus, the Messiah has always been the call of His people. From Adam and Eve, who were shown the Death, Burial, and Resurrection, to Jacob and Hsi 12 sons, to John The Revelator, the GREAT SERVANT has always called upon His servants to be “least” or “last” when it comes to disicpleship and walking a Christ Like Walk.   

    Even in our outreach, this “Soccer Thing” we are called to be SERVANTS, not to be SERVED!!! AS we leave the comfort of home, family, and familiarity we enter into a domain where the number one priority is serving those who have been placed in our path. This means Sacrifice, Service, Preparation and Presentation! I could think of no better place for a deeper understanding than in the Tabernacle built by Moses in the Wilderness.

The Mishkan Ohel Moeyd, or the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting. Everyone has heard about it, but so little teaching is often given on it that I wonder sometimes, if we understand the importance of this place where God Dwells with His people.

            After all the Hebrew word for Mishkan, comes from the root word “Shakan”  that means, “to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively):—abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell (-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). “(Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Concordance)

Therefore, we can deduce that it means to lie still with and be intimate. The question therefore, at least in my brain, is what needs to happen in order for us to lie with the LORD of HOSTS and become intimate?

            This has always lead me and millions of others on a search to find the answer of what intimacy with God is really all about.

            Recently I was challenged by a married couple on the verge of divorce to help outline biblical intimacy. I took them back to the tabernacle, it’s construction, but most importantly one very important piece of furniture that I believe sets the tone and tempo for not only the beginning of intimacy with God, but in marriage as well, the Laver.

THE LAVER

       Exodus 30:17 – 21 ¹⁷The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ¹⁸“You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base of bronze, for washing; and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. ¹⁹“Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; ²⁰when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they will not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD. ²¹“So they shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they will not die; and it shall be a perpetual statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations.”(NASB)

One of the many aspects of the Tabernacle that has always captivated me is that it is a place of boundaries. There are specific dimensions for it’s height, width, colors, poles and what kind of wood to be used. It is a place of order. I have heard several Rabbis’ teach that when asked how your house is you should reply “Beth Seder” or my house is in order. What is the Tabernacle but the house of God? So therefore, this house and everyone entering into it’s service needs to be in order.

      It is obvious from the study of the tabernacle of a whole that it is about the continual journey of salvation, but from my perspective, the Laver is what separates those who would sacrifice from those who would serve.

      As we enter into the courtyard of the great tabernacle, we immediately find two pieces of furniture, the brazen altar, and the Laver. The placement of the two is very important. As one would enter the courtyard, they would see the offerings being made, and killed by the offender, and then the dismemberment and placing onto the altar by the priests.

      The priests would place the sacrifice on the altar, and then have to clean the ash and remove it from the altar as recorded in Leviticus 6:10:

“¹⁰The priest is to put on his linen robe, and he shall put on undergarments next to his flesh; and he shall take up the ashes to which the fire reduces the burnt offering on the altar and place them beside the altar. ¹¹‘Then he shall take off his garments and put on other garments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.” (NASB)

As I very quickly learned on my studies of the various sacrifice, the priesthood is a bloody business. Hence, the placement of the second piece of furniture the Laver.

The word Laver in Hebrew is “Kikkar” it is translated as; “something round… a washbowl; also a pulpit or platform…” (Strongs Hebrew and Greek Concordance)

As we find two separate places in the book of Exodus, the Laver was not only made of Bronze, but with the mirrors of the woman whom God called to give a free will offering from those who served at the Ohel (tent of meeting).

Exodus 38:8 ⁸Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Therefore, the laver itself was made up of two specific parts, one for washing the hands and face, and one for the feet.

“Two parts (of the Laver) are mentioned (Ex 30); a bowl for water and a base or pedestal sometimes called a foot. To our dismay we discover no dimensions regarding it’s size.

Further, we do not know if it had a second bowl at ground level for washing one’s feet or not. (Stephen F. Olford) for example, holds to the view that it had a wash basin on ground level, so one could easily dip his feet into the water for cleansing.”¹

Scripture is clear however, that before the priests could enter into the tent or Holy Place and the “service” of God, they must wash themselves in the Laver to make themselves clean.

      What strikes me by definition is that this (the Laver) is a place for the priests to not only clean the hands, the feet, and the face, but it is a platform, a pulpit if you will of transparency.

 Psalm 32:1-5 ¹    How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! ²  How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! ³ When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. ⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.

Selah.

⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin.

             David is very clear here, that as he hid his sin, and was closed before God and the people of Israel, he “wasted away trough his groaning all day, and night”, verse 3. In verse 4, he says that his “vitality (strength) was drained away…” It is only upon forgiveness, and cleansing that we can be transparent not only in service but in intimacy with our Father.

 LIVING WATERS AND THE MIQVEH

 One of the interesting aspects of the Laver is that the waters used must be alive. Still waters become stagnant and life cannot exist within it. Living waters however are those that flow. They could only come from Rainfall, Waterfall, Rivers, Underground wells and steams, waters that bring LIFE!

“Some (Rabbi’s) believe faucets on the basin drained it at appropriate times, but this is not mentioned in the tabernacle narratives nor are there any instructions regarding how the Levites transported it as they traveled through the wilderness.”²

            True or not, it further illustrates the need for clean, flowing waters that continually purify and cleanse. This can only be accomplished through an intimacy, which not only comes from sacrifice but relationship with the true Living Waters that flow only through the Spirit of God.

In my opinion The LORD speaks to the Prophet Jeremiah that Israel had committed two evils as recorded in chapter 2:13. I believe this is a reference to the Laver.

 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of

 living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns That can hold no water.”

 To bathe or to cleanse in these waters was called a Miqveh. The Hebrew word is translated to mean “from Binding with God”. The word picture is as a rope with multiple strands in which the beholder cannot tell where one strand begins and the other ends. This is very important. Only those who could bind with God were those who were able to enter into the Holy Place where the “service of God” took place.

            I believe that the Miqveh has two purposes that were not only important for the priests, but for us today.

            1) Preparation

            2) Presentation

Preparation –

            The preparation phase begins after the sacrifice is offered. We have come to the altar confessed our sins, asked for forgiveness, and hopefully, placed our selves, our hands, and our own hearts into the sacrifice acceptable to God.

            Perhaps my most favorite of scriptures referring to the Miqveh is found in the gospel of John and the wedding at Cana.

  John 2:3-6 ³When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said^* to Him, “They have no wine.” ⁴And Jesus said^* to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” ⁵His mother said^* to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” ⁶Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.

     The Water Pots were empty because the Bride and Groom had ceremonially cleansed themselves (Miqveh) to “prepare” themselves before consummating the union and sealing the covenant they had made. They would then “present” themselves to God ready to be fruitful, multiply, and begin a new covenant and life together! Therefore, it is in our “presentation” to God that separates the called from the chosen.

 Presentation

 One of the biggest problems I see in getting people to take the next step is getting them to move from the Brazen Altar (the place of sacrifice) to the Laver, the place of readiness.

      Remember that scripture is clear that the Laver was made from …bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women…” This is important. Because as the priests would leave the altar they would be filthy. The would be covered with blood, ash, dirt, the entrails, and sinew of the sacrifices. Their faces, hands, feet, and hair would be covered with the things necessary for defeating sin. However, to enter into the Holy Place, the place of the Menorah, The table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense, they must be cleansed!

We are not only talking about a ritual cleansing to be certain. Anyone can shower and have the outward appearance of cleanliness. Solomon, however, writes what I believe to be a commentary on the verses we spoke about in Exodus 30, and 38.

 Proverbs 27:19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. (NASB)

     As the Laver was made from bronze and mirrors, and filled with living waters that would be “clear”, there would be a clear reflection of the one cleansing. Every time the priest washed his hands, and his face, he would see his reflection through the living waters and into the basin. He would see himself as he was about to enter into the Holy Place and Service. He had to be transparent as his reflection was staring back at him.

      The pulpit, the platform (The Laver) was the living Word of God speaking deep into his heart without him hearing a word. For me Paul talks about the maturity of the believer as he is forced to see himself in a mirror, and allow the true purpose of the work of the LORD, His Love, to flow through us, but only when we are ready to present ourselves to the service of our King.

1Cor 13:12 – 13  ¹²For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. ¹³But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NASB)

 The Foot Wash

     John 13:5 -11  ⁵Then He poured^* water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. ⁶So He came^* to Simon Peter. He said^* to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” ⁷Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” ⁸Peter said^* to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” ⁹Simon Peter said^* to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” ¹⁰Jesus said^* to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

             As with the Laver the priest would see the reflection of his feet as he placed them into the basin. HE would see where he had been, and the direction his feet had taken. Were they on the narrow path, or quick to run to destruction, as the proverbs would later say?

 Proverbs 2:13, 20 ¹³ From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the  ways of darkness; … ²⁰ So you will walk in the way of good men And keep to the paths of the righteous.

 However, what I love about Jesus washing the disciple’s feet is first the “preparation”. He not only humbles Himself to the act of foot washer being transparent before His disciples, but His act was done out of love, and still serves as an example of great sacrifice. He then “presents” himself as the epitome of humility and the Great Servant. Jesus was showing his disciples that He was about to go to the “brazen Altar” (The Cross) for the great sacrifice, and that He was then to become the great servant of all mankind, by giving His life for His Bride.

            In my opinion, Jesus is telling the disciples to walk in His path of sacrifice, preparation and presentation so they can enter into the service and intimacy of God.

 John 8:12 ¹²Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 

             The light of life, the great Menorah that awaited the priests who were transparent, clean, and saw their sin as they moved from the Laver and into the Holy Place. They were prepared by committing their bodies living holy sacrifices pleasing to God, and they had presented themselves to Walk in the Light of Life, and the fellowship of intimacy with the King of Kings!

 ¹  Paul M. Zehr, God Dwells With His People (Scottsdale Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1981), p. 52.

 ^² Paul M. Zehr, God Dwells With His People (Scottsdale Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1981), p. 53

Darren and I LOVING LIFE!

Kaitlyn and I decked out in America Gear!

Any soccer fan worth anything ,would know the name of Aztec Stadium. It was the site of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup Finals. The 1986 Finals was thought, by many, to be one of the greatest of all times. (The following match information is from Wikepedia)            

Match details    

29 June 1986 12:00 CST	Argentina	3 – 2	West Germany	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City Attendance: 114,600 Referee: Romualdo Arppi Filho (Brazil)
	Brown  23′ Valdano  55′ Burruchaga  83′	(Report)	Rummenigge  74′ Völler  80′

ARGENTINA:     GK 18 Nery Pumpido 85′ SW 5 José Luis Brown CB 9 José Cuciuffo CB 19 Óscar Ruggeri DM 2 Sergio Batista RM 14 Ricardo Giusti CM 7 Jorge Burruchaga   90′ CM 12 Héctor Enrique 81′ LM 16 Julio Olarticoechea 77′ SS 10 Diego Maradona (c) 17′ CF 11 Jorge Valdano Substitutions: DF 21 Marcelo Trobbiani   90′ Manager: Carlos Bilardo

Germany:     GK 1 Harald Schumacher SW 17 Ditmar Jakobs CB 4 Karl-Heinz Förster CB 2 Hans-Peter Briegel 62′ RWB 14 Thomas Berthold LWB 3 Andreas Brehme CM 6 Norbert Eder CM 8 Lothar Matthäus 21′ AM 10 Felix Magath   65′ CF 11 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge CF 19 Klaus Allofs (c)   45′ Substitutions: FW 9 Rudi Völler   45′ FW 20 Dieter Hoeneß   62′ Manager: Franz Beckenbauer

114, 000 fans packed this stadium to see the legendary Franz Beckenbauers side concede the match winning goal in the 83rd minute! After being down two nil, West Germany stormed back, scoring first in the 74th minute, and again in the 80th!  This kind of atmosphere was a hollywood producers dream script.            

We were very fortunate on our last trip to Mexico City to not only receive a tour of Aztec Stadium, but to see a match between America and Jaguares! We were 8th row off of the northern corner flag. The seats were incredible and the crowd even more so. Pastor Daniel, his grandson and namesake, accompanied Darren, Kaitlyn and I.           

The atmosphere was electrifying. All Darren and I kept saying was the players names that ran these grounds. The players that owned that pitch was amazing. As you look at the rosters from the 86 World Cup Final you will notice names like “Maradona”, Oscar Ruggeri, Sergio Batsista ”El Cheecho”. From the West German side, besides Franz Beckenbauer there is the controversial goalkeeper Harold Schumaker, Ditmar JAcobs, and of course, Karl-Heinz Forster.            

However, a disturbing trend has happened as of late. Many fans and supporters around the world now refer to going to matches on Sundays as “going to church”. You will not find anymore crazies at Aztec Stadium that day this August, than Darren Spurrier, Kaitlyn and I. We watched as America dismantled Jaguares 3 to nil. And with the every goal we waved our scarfs, jumped to our feet, and blew our Vuvuzela as loudly as we could. Decked out in the Yellow and blue from top to bottom we fit right in with our Mexican Hermanos!            

Yet when it was over, Darren was beaming and couldn’t believe that he was able to go to this historic stadium, see these two teams play, and even get to be on the field the day before. I told him that God was blessing Him for His faithfulness and awarding him a treat that he never would have expected or hoped for.            

That’s how God operates. While we must always remember that nothing can be done without Jesus the Messiah, we must always remember that God knows our hearts, passions, and likes. I couldn’t help but think that God was watching the five of us that day, losing all inhibition, and enjoying the game with us. And yes, we thanked Him for it, and blessed His name for the once in a lifetime opportunity to be at this very famous stadium.