There is something pervasive in the Body of Christ that I was reminded of recently that Paul addressed to the Corinthian Church many years ago.  I have heard from pastors as well as Christians that they look upon themselves or their pastors as the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost and Pastor So and So.  They seem to forget the significance and the Glory that is the Trinity.   To put others or oneself in the position equal or on the same level as God is dangerous, for “are you not mere men?”

“For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.   I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.  So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1Cor. 3:4-9

May the prayer of our hearts be the same as when John uttered, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

The other day I was exploring the New Testament and I came across a simple word that when I further explored it, amazed me.  It is the simple word “if.”  It is translated from the Greek word, “ei.”  At first glance it is a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.  But, the more I studied and parsed it out the more I realized its origin has a more specific meaning.  It actually has the meaning “since.”

“And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become 1bread.” Matt. 4:3

Now when you reread this scripture it says, “Since You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  That makes more sense to me because why would satan have tempted Jesus if he didn’t know who he really was.  So, he wasn’t trying to get Jesus to prove He was the Son of God, but, instead tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted Him to do instead of doing the Will of the Father.

So then satan was actually confessing with his own mouth that Jesus was who He was, the Son of God.  But, does that mean he was forgiven of his sins and saved?  Well we know that didn’t happen.  I am still convinced if satan ever confessed Jesus as Lord and asked the Father to forgive him of his transgressions God is Faithful to Forgive.  However, another scripture comes to mind.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’” Matt. 7:21-22

The truth is, it is those who do the will of the Father that will enter the kingdom of heaven.  I worry there are many who say Jesus is Lord, but, they are not living their lives surrendered to Him.  We need to be continually asking the Father what is His Will for our lives and not telling Him what we want Him to do.  I don’t know about you, but, this pressed me to my knees to say “Since” You are the Son of God, what would you have me do dear Lord!

It is interesting that these experts claim we are quickly moving from the age of information into the age of fascination. They demonstrate it by pointing to the new craze behind the ipad. It works sort of like a computer, but, it is fascinating where a laptop is boring. You can’t get any additional information from an ipad compared to a computer, but, you can do some really exciting things with it. I am a tried and true Mac geek, but, I am amazed how people are walking around with their ipads as status symbols, because as one person told me, “the really cool people have ipads (hence, the theory of fascination).”

Unfortunately, you see I am old fashioned. I am still not over the age of knowledge, which was the precursor to the age of information. When I was in college we were taught knowledge is power. But, somehow that was replaced by the idea that knowledge was no longer as important as information. I remember in grad school being told it no longer mattered what you knew, but, if you knew how and where to find it. Computers, Internet and cable television revolutionized the information age. I think we are truly seeing Daniel’s prophecy concerning the end times Dan. 12:4 TEV “He said to me, “And now, Daniel, close the book and put a seal on it until the end of the world. Meanwhile, many people will waste their efforts trying to understand what is happening.” We have access to more information than we could possible ever use, understand or access in a lifetime.

Now there is a difference between information and knowledge. Knowledge necessarily involves a personal experience. Knowledge refers to the practical use of information. While information can be transported, stored or shared without many difficulties the same cannot be said about knowledge. This is actually a basic biblical truth, Jesus said John 8:32 “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” You see it only when the truth is known. When we have an intimate knowledge of the truth, believe it, live it, then the Power comes and sets you free.

Lately, I have returned to studying the Bible like I have never done before. I am excited to pick it up and study it everyday. I hear His voice clearer than I ever have. His Word alive and nourishing and as far as being bored I can read the same scripture I have read a hundred times before only to have the Holy Spirit teach me something fresh and exciting. Unfortunately so many no longer take the time to read, study and meditate on the Word of God. We no longer hunger for the Word of God and its life giving, life preserving power. Instead, we seem content to access the spiritual information that we get from all of the many information conduits available like no other time before. I am sad to say that it seems that with all of the information available it still doesn’t seem to become knowledge. And because it doesn’t become that intimate personal knowledge we need to get through the day, we get bored. And, I believe that because of the boredom the church has found itself like the world in the age of fascination. Some believe the way to attract people to the church is to entertain them, to fascinate them. And when people associate with a fascinating ministry or minister they immediately feel like they are fascinating. The biggest problem is like Apple, you have to keep being more fascinating, because what was fascinating becomes boring tomorrow and you need something new and exciting to replace it to keep people’s interest.

“As for my family and me, we will serve the LORD.” Josh. 24:15 because we discovered a critical life lesson as Christians— Jesus is everything we need. He is all the fascination we will ever need. And, even though the world, and maybe even the church, would call us old fashioned we will continue to search the Word of God daily and we will let the knowledge set us free. For, “In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/dallas-97401-houses-worship.html

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Please pray for JC and I as we move out into something very new for us.  We love to study and teach the Word of God and to learn everything it has to offer us.  Lately, we have become very concerned by some of the teaching in the churches and on the Christian TV we have been around.  We believe it is time to return to the Word of God and to read and study in a way that equips us for the trials and tribulations we all face.  We need to take the time to study the Word of God for ourselves.  Too many Christians (including Pastors) are reading and listening to the interpretation of others without verifying its truthfulness for themselves.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2Tim. 2:15 NASB

We can’t tell you some of the errors in teaching and foolishness we have heard lately. However, we have rediscovered a type of Bible Study that we used to teach as part of the Ministerial Training Program through Global University’s Berean School of Bible.  It is called the Inductive Bible Study Method (IBSM).  And Kay Arthur and the ministry, “Precepts for Life”, pioneered it. IBSM uses the biblical principle of Is. 28:13 KJV “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little…”

I remember many years ago the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that people needed to “Stop reading books about the Book and try reading the Book.”  Inductive Bible Study does just that; it trains us to use Scripture as the foundational document and primary interpretive source.  I have discovered that it is really more than a technique.  If you will let the Holy Spirit guide you through the Word of God, He will show you truths that need to be heard in today’s world and for a time such as this.

So, that is what we are getting ready to do.  Using the Inductive Bible Study Method we are going to lead weekly Bible Studies to search the Word of God and listen for what God would say to us, by His Word, interpreted by His Word, and confirmed by His Word.  Please pray for us as we open our home and go anyplace we are invited that truly wants to hear the true Word of God. We have no agenda other than to teach the unadulterated Word of God.  We are not looking to steal people from other churches.  We are not looking to build a building, and we are not looking for people’s money or admiration.  We only want to know God more intimately through His Word and to watch as it transforms those who hear and do what it says.

We’re not exactly sure what the Lord is doing, but we know that He is in control and is building something.  We will let Him guide and direct our footsteps.  If you are in the Daytona Beach area please think about joining us as we step up and step out in this new ministry.  If you are not, please pray for us that God would be glorified though what we are about to do.  If you would like more information or would like to follow along in our studies please contact us at this email address or check out our fledgling webpage at:

https://sites.google.com/site/daytonainductivebiblestudy

We pray God’s Blessings for you and your family and know that is time for Christians to stand and be the Salt and the Light.

If you have spent anytime in a Charismatic or Pentecostal church, you have probably heard that as believers we are called to be God’s kings and priests on the earth. There are several references to this but, probably the clearest calling for this exists in Revelation 5:10. This Kingdom principle is usually taught associated with the power and effect that we have as Spirit-filled Christians.

However, do we really understand what it means to be a king or what it means to be a priest? Growing up in the United States I didn’t have a clue what a king does or doesn’t do. And, growing up Roman Catholic, I know how they envision what a priest is supposed to do. But, is this what God was talking about in Scripture? I realized I didn’t really know what it meant. So I started to do some research. First, I looked at the monarchy of Europe, then the royalty of the Caribbean, and the priests of old and even the priesthood of modern times. There are some who have researched these practical examples of kings and priests better than I. But, after studying all of these examples I found myself asking the question, “But, was this what God was really talking about?” Then the Holy Spirit quickened me and said the answer is in the Word of God.

Scripture is clear that God created us to have a two-fold spiritual function, that of a king and of a priest. As a king we are called to rule, govern, and have dominion over things. As a priest we are called to sacrificial duties and mediation on behalf of others. Most teaching likes to emphasize the authority, power and benefit of being kings and priests, but what about our responsibilities?

For the next several blogs I am going to deal with the characteristics of a king (Then I am going to do the same thing about the requirements for a priest). I have had the great blessing of visiting countries with monarchies. I got to witness first hand how man handles the power and authority over their subjects and possessions. But, you see long before men defined what a king was or wasn’t, long before Israel demanded a king in Saul, God laid down His requirements for the characteristics of a king. Moses was provided with the specifics of what it means to be a king in God’s eyes:

“When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, “You shall not return that way again.’ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.”
Deut. 17:14-20 NKJV

I am going to attempt to breakdown each of these requirements with the help of the Holy Spirit. And, it is my prayer and hope that by the time we are done we will have a better understanding of what God defines as a king. The Lord has really been speaking to me about how critical it is today more than ever to return to His Word and study things out for ourselves and not just receive and accept them because our favorite preacher or teacher tells us so. We need to show ourselves approved as a workman rightly dividing the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

I want to tell you that this study has changed my view of my role as a king and priest. And, it has significantly changed my focus as a pastor/teacher. I hope you will stick with me and maintain a teachable spirit for what I believe could be a life changing message straight from the Word of God. May God Bless you as we go on this journey together.

I just wanted to let you know that JC & I have stepped down from our positions as Community Outreach Directors at International Miracle Center/ Relevant Church. I have accepted the position of PROJECT SPEAK (Suicide Prevention) COORDINATOR for Volusia, Flagler and Seminole Counties working through a grant at Daytona State College. Please keep us prayer as we step into this new season of life and ministry. If you would like to email us you can do so at our personal email addresses:

Tony Deobil – tdeobil@bellsouth.net

JC Deobil – jcdeobil@bellsouth.net

We are excited about what the Lord is going to do next. If you don’t mind I would like to email you my blog from time to time to share what God is laying on our hearts. JC & I have been doing an in-depth study of the Book of Jeremiah. The Lord has been showing us many things in His Word that explains why the world is experiencing such turmoil. I would love to share some of these Word Nuggets with you. If you would prefer not to receive them please just hit return and type “remove me from list,” and I would be glad to remove you. We are just so excited about what the Lord is doing and saying and we wanted to stay in touch with all of our friends and co-laborers. The Lord just took us through a study of the characteristics of a King and Priest; it will be life changing to say the least. I hope you will check us out.

If you would like to check out our blog it is at: http://tdeobil.wordpress.com. For more information or if you would like to sign up others to receive these emails contact us at this email address worddeobil@bellsouth.net.

We love you and pray for you and your families. Have an awesome day and God Bless!

JC & I have been studying the Book of Jeremiah; there is so much of what is happening today that can be seen in the life and ministry of this Prophet.

As a kid one of my favorite treats was an Almond Joy bar, luscious dark chocolate, chewy coconut and those crispy almonds, yum.  They were something I looked forward to, and somehow those Almond Joys were there even if things didn’t look all that joyous around us, even if we didn’t have a lot of money.

In this scripture we learn an interesting characteristic of God, He Himself tells us that: “for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” He Himself is watching to make sure that His Word comes to pass; just the way He said it; just the way He wrote it.   I don’t know about you, but, right now I am in need of some significant things to happen in my life, things that will affect our future, and things that will affect our ministry.  But, here is the Promise: God Himself is watching to make sure that His Promises are Yes and Amen in Christ.  Phew, that was close.  But wait a minute I can’t see how He is going to do it, how it is going to happen?  And when I read the papers, listen to the TV or even look at my bank account it just doesn’t look good.

The Lord gives us another great image to hold on to – the almond tree.  You see in Jeremiah’s world where this was happening, the almond tree would only bear fruit in January.  Most other plants were still dormant and hadn’t even sprouted leaves, things looked bleak.  When everything else looks lifeless and hopeless there is the almond tree budding with fruit.  So, no matter what you are going through, no matter how bad things look, remember God has given you and I a promise and an expectation that He is watching His Word and making sure it is fulfilled.

Right now when I look around everything looks bleak, lifeless and barren.  But, I serve a God who is bigger than any problem or need I have.  I am waiting for some almonds, and while I am waiting, I am going to ask for the Joy of the Lord to be my strength.  Because He has come through in the past, He is coming through each and every day.  And there is no reason to not expect He will do it in the future.  So, hang in there and trust that you will have many Yes’s and Amen’s in your life God Bless!

Lately, JC and I have been struggling with how will we keep going, physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually. We have really been getting weary in well doing and we are trying not to faint. The other day I came across this scripture and as I researched it and meditated on it I discovered something incredible.

The word “supply” of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (In fact we have the same Spirit that arose Jesus from the dead) is a very interesting word. The word “supply” is from the very old Greek word epchoregias. This word is literally translated – “on behalf of the choir.” This intrigued me to look deeper. I was fascinated by this word as I researched its history and meaning. This word comes from a story of a choir that went broke. After months of preparation and work, just when it was time to put on the large anticipated musical for the public, they ran out of money. All their efforts, everything they hoped and worked for was dashed and appeared to be for nothing.

Then, (You knew there had to be a then) a very wealthy man heard about their situation. He couldn’t stand the idea that all their hard work would be wasted. So, he stepped forward and gave a financial contribution “for the choir.”

History tells us that the money this man gave the choir was so massive that it overwhelmed them. There was so much money that they paid their bills, completed what they started and worked for, and had so much left over they didn’t know what to do with it.

I believe Paul was instructing us that when we have trained, prepared, worked, done everything we know how to do – then God will show up making a contribution on our behalf. And, He will give us an awesome “supply” of His Spirit. In fact so much of His Spirit is available that we won’t know how to use it all.

So, if you are tired, weary, about at the end of your rope, just join the choir and expect God to supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory!

Please pray for us as we pray for all of you that read this Blog, that God will show up in your circumstances and show off that He is an Awesome God, Who loves us, cares for us and provides everything we need.