CRH/BSPM/BSPOPP AND CoyRH/SEATC Clerical 2024 Fall Holy Days NewsletterMAIN STUDY–AT THE END OF THE TRAILShalom alechem from the Hub City (or as I’ve recently grown to call it–my new Rome!!)!!! Here’s trusting that you and yours are found blessed, well, and whole in EVERY area of your life today as the seasons both outside as well as in our lives once again change and our thoughts once again turns homebound bound towards His holy throne and eternal Kingdom that shall never end and that will be the future home of those who truly love and trust Him.I still gawk in disbelief that it’s already been around six months already since I took the leap of faith by my chinny-chin-chin to formally move from the Malta of two years that I lived at south of Floydada to Lubbock to serve as my new official home city and international headquarters. It hasn’t been easy by any means–and there’s still plenty of struggles I face that are still present as challenges that must be overcome (marginal homelessness and transportation challenges and problems being among them). But considering where I was at this same time last year, I now overall find myself in a similar position to another spiritual traveler that the physician Luke describes this way in the last 20 or so verses of the Book of Acts:Paul Arrives at Rome11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”21 They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,26 ‘Go and say to this people:When you hear what I say, you will not understand.When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’[h]28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”[i]30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.It had been definitely a long journey for the Apostle Paul/Rav Shaul to finally get to the city gates of Rome–and not just in miles neither from his initial starting point in Jerusalem. Of course, his whole life up to that point from when he got struck blind on the road to Damascus and even the years right before that had basically been preparation for what now lied ahead for him in this new city. All you have to do is check out what he himself wrote to the church at Phillippi:Philippians 3:1-10 New Living TranslationThe Priceless Value of Knowing Christ 3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God[b] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,…and also to the Believers at Corinth in his second epistle to them to get the full effect of how Paul/Shaul generally approached life up to that point in time…2 Corinthians 11 New Living TranslationPaul’s Many Trials 16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[c] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.NOW this rockstar rabbi who was a disciple of the great Jewish sage Gamaliel and who would eventually become his Meshiach’s personal emissary to the Gentiles–THIS rabbi who went through so much as he approaches the Rome city limit sign finds THIS sight awaiting him at the city outskirts:Acts 28:11-15 New Living TranslationPaul Arrives at Rome 11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.ESPECIALLY make sure that you note verse here:Acts 28:11-15 New Living Translation Paul Arrives at Rome 15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.Those of us who have been on long journeys away from home usually find a sense of excitement, relief, and pleasure in either getting to the final destination we planned to go to and/or seeing the most familiar landmarks of our hometown after being gone from home for a long time. Paul by the longings of the Holy Spirit/Ruach Ha’Kodesh had been anticipating getting to Rome. Now here he was to a place he had never been before. How now would his thoughts and reactions be after so long a journey? And what does that have to do with this year’s Fall Biblical Festivals?If there’s one thing that’s self-evident about this time of years, it is what this same Apostle wrote to the church at Thessalonica:1 Thessalonians 4 New Living TranslationAgain, the Apostle admonished us–The Hope of the Resurrection 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.Again, the Apostle admonished us–18 So encourage each other with these words. BUT WHAT, pray tell, MIGHT THOSE WORDS BE? And how might he after getting this far to the end of this particular trail be thinking and wanting to write about to the rest of his brethren throughout the known world at that time? In my humble opinion and analysis, here’s a quick short list of things he probably had on his mind upon seeing the city lights of Rome for himself for the first time in his life:(1.) He probably didn’t have it too far from his mind about what all it took just to get here in the first place. All those times he had to constantly run for his life and leave trusted friends and brethren behind suddenly without notice…Oh–he sure didn’t forget those people who whipped his back real good with a cat-of-nine-tails those 40 lashes save one. Times in prison, times he went cold and hungry; persecuted constantly by just about everyone and everything he knew because he dared to believe that Jesus/Y’shua was the Messiah and unashamedly proclaimed Him without compromise to the entire world. I’m sure those things were still pretty fresh on his mind as he looked out in the distance to the dominating Rome city water tower and skyline ahead of him.(2.) He remembered all the people and places he had encountered along the way. You probably wouldn’t blame him if he were still a bit steamed and soreheaded and desperata\ely desiring to give certain people a piece of his mind. BUTINSTEAD you’d probably be just as amazed to find out how easily he probably forgave all of those people who in the past did him wrong, left the judgment and results to his God, and hopefully entreated his God to open their eyes to these wrongs, come to repentance, and be reconciled to God.(3.) But even as he thought about those who did him wrong, his thoughts also probably turned towards all the saints and believers he met and got to know in all the places he was blessed to travel to through the years. He probably thought of brethren he remembered such as that Lydia in Thyrtira who took him into her home and graciously spent times of sweet fellowship with him and his traveling colleagues or those Berean brethren who received what he preached, took the time to give him a fair hearing, and examine the Scriptures themselves to see if the things Paul/Shaul told them were truly so.He also most likely thought of his compatriots such as Apollos and maybe even Peter himself that were also doing the exact same things he was doing (and whom Paul even dared to call on the carpet a time or two when Peter got a little offbase theologically on something). He kept in mind other standup folks he knew such as Priscilla and Aquila and also thst guy Epiphroditus who bent over backwards for him to see that Paul while he was in prison got all that he needed thanks in part to the supplies the Believers in Phillippi arranged to send him. Coming to the end of this particular trail was probably for Paul/Shaul not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his most valued friends and partners who make the necessary sacrifices to help Paul get to his eventual destination. (4.) He would probably remind us of a similar time coming down the road for all of us that he wrote the Thessalonians about13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.He might also like to remind us that this life is not all there is. Just like Paul finally getting to Rome, he’ll probably tell you that there will be a time where we’ll also soon be going to a place that we all have never been before–but that will very much also feel like our final true home and destination. And when we finally get to THAT place, we’ll never have the desire ever again to leave, stray, or wander away …because at that time for us, there will NEVER truly be ANY place like THAT Home.(5.) Then Paul/Shaul would recommend that in the meantime while we wait for that opportunity to go to that final place, we first consider the advice he would have given to these same believers in Rome that he wrote to before he got here:Romans 12 New Living TranslationA Living Sacrifice to God 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,”[g] says the Lord.20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”[h]21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.And then with a wistful smile and twinkle in his eye, he’d probably tell us–”And if you do these things, you will do well in pleasing the Master and in doing all the things He said and commanded us to do before He left us.”(6.) It would be at this juncture that Paul’s traveling companion and official physician Luke might jump in and remind us of something interesting about the way he specifically ended his account of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. “Have you noticed something about the way the Lord had me to END that book?” He’d especially try to point out with his finger the LAST two verses of Chapter 28:0 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.We’d then clearly see for ourselves one big thing about the particular story about Paul/Shaul and the other Apostles. The book of Acts is written in such a way where there is NO CLEAR-CUT DEFINITIVE ENDING! IN FACT–the story STILL continues WITH ALL OF US…i.e.--the story hasn’t quite finished for us yet. After all of this, I think Paul/Shaul once he met the Roman brethren and entered the city gates for himself wouldn’t say that it was actually the END of his current journey–but only the BEGINNING! Then he’d probably turn around and say to us as he now officially starts his “contending in Rome” era–”Thank you, Lord, that You FINALLY got me here to this place. It’s definitely been worth every mile of the trip. Now, it’s showtime–time for me to get busy and get down to business and to work!”Just like it wasn’t the end of Paul’s story getting to Rome, so it is with our story pertaining to us. While we all await His final Glorious Appearing, let’s all remember during this Fall Feast season that His final overall redemption story for all mankind wil not for now en WITHOUT US involved in some way within it. Let us do our part while we still have time and opportunity to do so to make His Name famous in everything we do. That way, we’ll have no regrets when He finally lets us arrive in that place we’ve never been before…but that will serve as our final Ultimate Home and destination for the most ultimate of wedding suppertimes.Then as Paul gives us one last look before we part ways with him for now so that he can finally get settled here in Rome, he’d one more time reemphasize the following final reminder from our state department of highways:The Hope of the Resurrection13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.May THAT day AND place come speedily–even in our own days…Wishing you all the best to you and yours during this special Fall Festival season in THAT Matchless Name of Him who is now helping me contend in my new Rome….Coy RHSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1.) I’d especially like to ask those led to do so to join me in appropriate intercession and prayer not only for Israel and its people in its current state of war against both Hamas and Hesbollah, but also in particular those in East TN/western NC affected by the foods that were the result of Hurricane Helena. One of my cousins just happens to live in the Asheville area in a town that’s about seven miles north of Asheville proper. When I texted him immediately upon hearing about those floods, he told me that he himself was fine personally save for losing some of the back treeline around his property–but that there were a number of his neighbors and people trapped in their homes and still waiting for water, power, and cell service to come back on. He told me that overall the scene out that way was sheer devastation. I urge people that wish to help in the disaster relief efforts due to road closures still prevalent right now to consider monetary contributions to such organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, and Kenneth copeland Ministries who are usually very active in various relief efforts as these as you might be led to do so.(2,) Here's a friendly reminder from your state department of highways that you can still get your copies of all four of our current releases available through BSPOPP such as “Walking From Lockney to Jerusalem”, “A Message from Siberia”, “sowing In Tears”, and “A’Wise and A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land”. Keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds of the sales of all BSPOPP books after basic expenses are paid goes to help various restorative justice ministries stay financially strong and prepared for futrure ministry. You can get more detailed information on all of our current BSPOP releases at https://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking and also access our Amazon pages through our good friends at texashighplainswriters.com through their “member Books page tab. On the member books page, just simply click on to the picture there of “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” to jump immediately to all of our BSPOP book Amazon pages. (And please don’t dforget to consider patronizing some of our distinguished West Texas author colleagues while you’re there on the Texas High Plains Writers site…)(3.) We leave for you two different special Sukkot gifts this time…the first is actually a new song the Lord just happened to get me to write just now about our featured topic of today’s MAIN STUDY. The second is our latest photo just for you courtesy of the good folks at Circle J photography here in lubbock who we happened to recently encounter at the West Texas Small Business Summit that was held here in Lubbock just a few weeks ago. Enjoy and have a great Fall Holy Day season!!!AT THE END OF THE TRAIL Lyrics(Music:) Think Southern Gospel–along the lines of the the style of Jason Crabb and the Crabb Family) (Start the song a cappella on the first verse, then add instrumentation as you go along…)(Verse 1:) It’s been a long hard journey From Jerusalem to here I can’t believe I finally made it After all these many years The Lord so many years ago Said to me loud and clear This was the place I needed to go to To finish my race of years…(Chorus 1:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome Is now where I find myself No longer wanting to roam As the city lights are calling me And summon me towards His throne To a place that I’ve never been But they say is just like home…(Verse 2:) To all the ones who caused me trouble And persecutions galore I say, “Father, please forgive them– They know not what they’ve done…” And for all my friends and partners Who helped me along the way It’s for their sake I got here And by his grace one thing seems clear…(Chorus 2:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome The trials and tests I suffered Are now just memories It’s only by His grace that I survived And by His love He saw me through As I come closer finally Towards a place I might call home…(Bridge:) The city limits sign And the city lights all beckon me I throw down all my burdens And hug my loved ones so dear…(Chorus 3:) At the end of the trail In a place I’ve never been The shooting wars all are over I’m finally safely in His den It’s a feeling I’ve never had Since I don’t know when Here at the end of my trail In a place I now call home.{Final Ending:] It’s here I will finish my course And at this point I’ll stay At what is now the end of my trail At this place I now call home.(Repeat last two lines–then end by singing lines–”Lord, I’m home…I’m finally home…I’m home….I’m finally home…”)© October 3, 2024; music and lyrics originally written by Coy Reece Holley and property of Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing and Productions. All rights reserved.
AND NOW ON TO OUR MAIN STUDY FOR HANUKKAH 2016…
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MAIN STUDY—HOW DO YOU GET THE HEART OF A KING?
[Note: All verses cited are KJV as cited by E-Sword 2004 unless otherwise noted…]
If there’s been an overarching theme that has been prevalent in my thoughts this year, it’s clearly been activities involving lots of travel—especially in regards to attempting to make what I originally thought at first were reasonable and appropriate petitions to several prominent people. Whether those efforts either might eventually yield significant fruit or on the other end of the spectrum will be proved to be at best a significant waste of time on my part, time and His grace will only tell.
Part of the original impetuses for these attempts at petitioning certain people, in retrospect, may have in certain places been inappropriately prompted by fear and external pressures (especially on the financial end) that might have colored my thinking and outlook to the point where I almost felt like a trapped animal raging in a cage looking for anything or anyone to get them out of that cage NOW. But like it or not, the petitions are now out there for Him and others to see—and I’m at the point where for the most part the best I can do for now is to allow the chips to fall where they may and believe Him for the results.
But I also wonder what would have happened if I had not originally been so bold as to not only be willing to start such efforts in the first place, but also invest the necessary time, effort, and financial resources required in those same attempts to make those things happen. I equally wonder if I would have not made those attempts whether I would have regarded it as wisdom to have refrained from doing so OR later on in retrospect (which would in that time frame happen to be this time I’m at now) be kicking myself for not taking advantage of those opportunities to do so down the road. Strangely enough, the fact that even if I might have been right or wrong in doing so, I can at least say that I attempted to do something while those chances were in front of me…and that it was better in the long run to have made those attempts than sitting there sucking my thumb and feeling sorry for myself and not attempting to at least give Him something to work with.
It is with that backstory in mind in which I try to emphasize the importance of what a “king” or “ queen” is in Scripture—and how this relates to various aspects of this time of year. In particular, allow me to really put the focus on a verse in Proverbs that has been on my mind lately and in which (especially after a men’s conference in Amarillo I attended recently) has been a Scripture I’ve been claiming lately for my own life…
PROVERBS 21:1
KJV--The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
GNB---The LORD controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream.
JPS-ASVII--The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will.
BBE--The king's heart in the hands of the Lord is like the water streams, and by him it is turned in any direction at his pleasure.
JB2000--The king’s heart in the hand of the LORD, the rivers of water, he turns it wherever he will.
EWB-CB: The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, As the division of waters are in the hand of the gardener: He turneth it whithersoever He will.
HRB--As streams of waters, the king's heart is in the hand of YAHWEH; He inclines it wherever He desires.
IAV--The king's heart is in the hand of YY , as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
But what if anything does the person and concept of a “king” has to particular do with this particular time of year? A few quick historical things to consider first before we get much farther down the theological road:
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Among the carols that those who observe Christmas (and even those who also do the occasion of the Epiphany afterwards in the more mainline churches) include “We Three Kings of Orient Are”—an obvious allusion to the Gospel accounts of Y’shua’s birth.
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We also find in the account of the story of Hanukkah a couple of things—(1.) the specific prophecy in Daniel chapter 9 about the “kings of the north” and the “kings of the south” that would precede…. (2.) the rise of the Grecian/Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes that would be the impetus for the Maccabean rebellion and the events that led to the eventual creation of the Hanukkah festival itself…
It might be a little hard to see at first, but those that look a little deeper than the surface on these things might find that underneath the usual trappings of these particular holiday occasions, something somewhere has at least a few fingerprints of at least one or more kings and/or various authority figures involved in this process. Even a later Jewish festival called Purim gives us an example of the effect a earthly king can have on the lives of people through the examination of the story of Queen Esther:
Est_5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
Est_5:7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
Est_5:8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
Est_7:2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
Est_7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
But why do we seem to put such importance on the powers and abilities of a “king” or “queen” or “person of prominence”? If we can go back to Numbers chapter 30 again and see the importance of a vow—ESPECIALLY when it comes from a person of authority, maybe it’ll shed a lot more light on why we feel the need to attempt to make such petitions to said people in this process--
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[From the book “A’Wise And A’ Foolish In Canaan’s Land” by Coy Reece Holley:]
As I studied Numbers 30: OVER and OVER again, I also went through a concordance and went through every possible verse that I could see that related to vows and also to “staffs”—but I couldn’t see at first how a vow and a staff in the Word of God could be similar to each other. But then when I asked my God to try to put this in terms that I could grasp and understand so you could, too…it then began to fall into place the more I looked at this. And I found as a result time and time again that our God takes the vows and commitments that we make to ourselves, to Him, and to others around us VERY seriously. We are judged, like it or not, by others a lot of times by whether or not our word is good and that we will do things for someone else in the way that we promised we’d do in the first place.
The way that He revealed this to me was when I looked closely at what the purposes a vow serves for someone and what a “staff” in the Bible did. I found that these BOTH do at least 5 things or are symbols of greater and wonderful things spiritually that we could not understand on our own power and strength and without His direct revelation. Throughout the Word of God, a staff and a vow both do the following:
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AUTHORITY—A staff in God’s Word was something that a person in authority carried that told the whole world that they have the power over something or somebody. For instance, a king would at times carry a scepter or a staff to let the whole world know who’s boss. And don’t the guards on your unit carry a stick or something that should tell you that if you do something wrong that they have the authority to break your bones if you don’t do something that they tell you to do?
Well, in order to make a vow in the first place, doesn’t it make sense that you have to have the ability and the AUTHORITY to keep that promise that they made? If you plan to do something for someone, you had BETTER make sure that you have the power to carry that purpose out to the bitter end.
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BATTLE—A staff is also used in the Word to talk about something that is used as an instrument of war. During ancient times, a staff could also be thought of as a glorified ax…Yes…this sucker could literally chop your head off if you weren’t careful.
But what is even more important here is that a staff was usually used in a time of major crisis. Let me ask you—whenever you made a promise to someone…no matter what it was…did you tend to make it at a time where things were going great in your life? Or was it instead made at times that you were in desperate need of something and you couldn’t get by one moment longer without it? We as members of this human race tend make promises at times when we are under the most stress. We plan to do something in return for someone who does something for us. God (even in our worst times) makes promises to us, too…things like “…He will never leave us or forsake us…” and “I’ll be with you…even unto the end of the age…” So we also find that a staff and a vow are symbols that we can see that represent to us times of crisis and war and times where we’re definitely under the most pressure in our lives.
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ENABLING—Both a staff and a vow do something to someone who otherwise has no ability to do it on their own. For example:
PS 23:4 (KJV) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
And how about…
Psalm 119:49-51 :: New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 119
z Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
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PROTECTION AND PROVISION
These two I really want to talk about together—for in a way they are the same thing, but in another they aren’t. But it’s easier for me on both of these to use the same Scriptures that I want to use here for both of those points. And the best place to do it is once again in the Psalms…
Psalm 66:14
vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.
Psalm 77:8
Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
Psalm 85:8
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints- but let them not return to folly.
Psalm 105:42
For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.
Psalm 106:12
Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.
Psalm 106:24
Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise.
Psalm 119:38
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
Psalm 119:41
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD , your salvation according to your promise;
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 119 In context: Psalm 119:40-42)
Psalm 119:50
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:57
You are my portion, O LORD ; I have promised to obey your words.
Psalm 119:58
I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
Psalm 119:82
My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?"
Psalm 119:116
Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
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We also see several things that King Solomon said himself in Proverbs about who kings really are, what they do, and how their subjects might act in response to those kings’ reactions:
Pro_29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Pro_25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Pro_8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Pro_16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Pro_16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Pro_22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Pro_25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
The Roman centurion with a sick servant who came to Jesus/Y’shua and made his request before the very King of Kings Himself in a way that even astonished that same King Himself because of an understanding of the concept of authority that should be basic to anyone with any sort of rulership over anything--
Mat_8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
SO NOW COMES THE $64,000 BIG QUESTION—since we know what a king IS and what he might truly have the ability to do, how can we in a GOD-CENTERED way make an appropriate petition to any earthly “king”, “queen”, or anyone in any sort of authority position over us that might be able to do something that can either positively or negatively impact our lives? And more importantly—how can we make petitions before our Heavenly King for what we might require and ask of Him?
Here’s a few ideas and thoughts I might have to that in response—
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Understand FIRST that there is a BIGGER KING of Kings in even higher authority over this particular earthly king you’re believing for favor from! Seek FIRST THIS KING BEFORE you start the process of entreating this other earthly king!
2Co_9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Heb_4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Php_4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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Use appropriate Divine wisdom and discernment as to how to properly deal with that particular earthly king/authority figure. [(Ex.) How does he/she prefer to act? Likes/dislikes? Personal routine and schedule? Personal obligations and time limitations involved?, etc.]
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Take time to CAREFULLY prepare your petitions/requests in a way that might best get their attention while still being appropriate to the particular situation at hand.
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Ask yourself the following journalistic-type questions BEFORE you take action and/or submit said petition to that authority figure! [(Ex.) WHO? WHAT? WHY? WHERE? HOW?, etc.]
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Spend even further time in prayer and study as to how to best do this petition preparation work and seek HIS voice and counsel on it. ALSO—consider as needed seeking appropriate Godly outside counsel as well BEFORE you go much further in submitting these petitions to these particular authority figures!
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Be prepared to utilize the following traits as you go forward in this process:
(a.) Proper use of decorum, manners, sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy
Col_4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
The story of Nehemiah and his efforts in helping to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem is one example of how wisdom can be best used in making requests to an authority figure and then later being able to utilize any resources they are able to provide in a way that accomplishes the plans and purposes of our God.
(b.) Persistence/perserverance—In this particular area, Hannah was a prime example of one who made her request known unto God—but she had to also go to someone of lesser earthly authority…namely the priest Eli. Let’s say that his initial first impression of Hannah wasn’t very complimentary. But her persistence led to this answer from Eli:
1Sa_1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
Scripture eventually records that Eli became the ultimate direct personal beneficiary of the granting of her petition before God when she came back to Eli and gave Samuel up to him to be dedicated to the Lord’s service and said to him why she was doing it--
1Sa_1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
(c.) Patience
(d.) Resourcefulness
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If possible as you make such requests, don’t just make petitions for yourself before that particular king/authority figure. Try to also consider others that you might know of that might not otherwise have that access that you currently have with this particular authority figure. See if there’s a way that you can also attempt to be a blessing to those other people you know of by taking advantage of the chance to also request that this “king”/”queen” also consider getting involved in their particular situations and making a difference in their lives as well as they might be able to do so. [(Ex.) You can say that this would truly be the principle of the Shumash “servant” candle at work and in action—not just by words, but also by practical deeds, too. Even if you can’t directly help that person yourself, sometimes enlisting the aid of someone else that may have more resources at their disposal might be a bit more valuable in the long run than anything you might be able to personally do. You in essence are SERVING these other people by representing them before this authority figure and asking on their behalf what can be done for them.]
1Pe_5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
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If you’ve then done what you can in this particular situation, then start resting in such Scriptures as these:
1Pe_5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[ALSO: Mark 11: 22&23; Ps. 20: , etc.]
So again we see--
Pro 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
SO WHAT MIGHT BE YOUR BEST HOPES IN BELIEVING GOD FOR THE FAVOR AND HEART OF THAT PARTICULAR KING YOU’RE PETITIONING RIGHT NOW DURING THIS HARD WINTER AHEAD?
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Remember that there’s a much higher King above us all—and even over that particular authority figure you’re highly concerned about!
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“Kings” and “queens” and those in authority can have a great effect (either positive or negative) in even what might be the most mundane matters in our lives. It’s first and foremost a matter of how they utilize those powers for good or bad that makes a difference one way or another.
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It takes these 2 Rs and 3 Ps to have a shot at doing things properly: Resourcefulness, Respect, Persistence, Perserverance, and Patience..
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We would also do well to keep in mind that the taking of petitions and requests to an earthly authority figure reminds us of a higher Heavenly King who is even more easily entreated and has a heart of compassion and listening ear to hear the requests we might have before Him in His courts. Let’s not forget the immense privilege and opportunity to humbly seek His face and ask Him FIRST AND FOREMOST for any requests we might have of Him in our time of need!
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Don’t forget as well—there are also times where YOU might have some authority, too, over certain situations. Just as you would desire that the authority figures over you utilize that authority wisely, so should you in the particular areas He has given you authority and dominion over. Keep in mind that in due time, you WILL eventually reap what you sow. Do your best to make those seeds sown GOOD ones and NOT BAD!
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Be receptive to input and feedback from others (whether they might be kings or not)!
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Keep in mind the good things (whether small or great) that you may receive from others at the prompting of your Heavenly King! Not everyone has to be a “king” in order to do something for you or on your behalf. Even the garbage collector or the postman who does the smallest favor for you everyday can be used by Him to do the greatest of things for you. Thank and praise Him for the unlimited ways that He is able to do so on your behalf—and don’t box or limit Him or try to tell Him how He should do things for you! Let Him do it the way that He wants to…it’s probably going to be a whole lot better than anything you could come up with anyway!
During this upcoming Festival of Lights, remember that even the smallest lights among us can be the greatest and brightest ones at times…and can sometimes come in the most unexpected of packages. Remember the things that “kings” can give us—even as they come in disguise of the lowliest among us. It’s not enough in challenging times like these to curse the darkness…But anyone with even just a little light can light a candle that will shine further than we might expect and come from the wackiest of places. And that same Light who desires to be entreated by us can keep us from stumbling as we do so.
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As has been my usual tradition around this time of year, enclosed at the end of this newsletter is my special handout “9 Reasons Why I Observe Hanukkah”. Years ago, when I received the revelation about why I should personally observe this unique Jewish festival, the Lord specifically gave me NINE special reasons why I as an evangelical Christian might wish to consider observing Hanukkah—literally one reason for each candle of a hanakkiah going through 8 nights of this “minor” but still special Jewish festival. As always, I feel that you will find this handout enlightening and inspiring as we march forward into a challenging winter ahead.
And once again, my final thoughts before I leave you once again until the next edition....Remember that it’s folks like YOU who have joined in the area of prayer, financial provision, and other ways that have made these Divine connections and opportunities possible. My tip of the hat personally goes out to each one of you for playing YOUR part in helping these ministry efforts go a little further down the road than it has been. I only simply ask that you not only continue to do so even more and more, but that each of you out there reading these things that’s interested in keeping these efforts going and being of some assistance to myself and these particular ministry efforts consider doing the following:
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) AGAIN ONE MORE TIME--BUY, BUY, BUY any one and/or ALL of the books I now have available on Amazon! That’s an IMMEDIATE way you can be of some help to me not only in the area of my own personal finances, but in also even helping me begin to reach some of the goals I have for this future ministry including such things as:
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) Formal filing of DBAs for all of these new business endeavors and also eventual formal incorporation of what would be called “Broken and Shattered Promises Ministries”
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) I also already have plans in the works once more financial and/or other resources become available to me to see that special edition copies of all of my new books would be sent and made available FREE of charge to various prison ministries and prison chaplains, domestic violence and/or sexual assault facilities and/or organizations, correctional officers and other law enforcement officials, families of offenders and/or ex-offenders, and victims of violent crime.
For too long, most of the Church and universal Body of Christ has given short shrift to those who have been affected by the criminal justice system here in Texas (or worse--done absolutely NOTHING at all while Rome burns). Through personal experience, I have seen in many ways that in the eyes of those affected by crime, the Church has a TON more work to do than it realizes. I say that very soon, though--if I have anything to do with this thing (as He gives me the grace, ability, and resources to do so), this will NO longer be the case...at least as far as things here in the immediate Plainview/Hale County area might be eventually concerned! Even if it’s ONLY a teaspoon full amount that can be done on my end initially, it’ll at least in my eyes be better than doing nothing at all.
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) And that, my friends, is where you can come in and participate...FIRST, seek the Lord and see what He might have you to do in regards to these things. If He doesn’t say anything, don’t sweat it. I am confident as always that if He has kept me from stumbling as I’ve walked for Him up to this point...then He’s more than able to provide all that I may need to continue to go the rest of the way that He may need me to go. But if He does point something that He wants you to be obedient to do (whether through intercession and/or something else), then I simply ask that you do what He says for you to do...and let me know once you do find out as well so that I can help you plug in and find a way to get involved.
As I personally pray Psalm 20 over you BELIEVING THAT ALL of the petitions that you’ve asked Him for during this time of Hanukkah—and in the Name of the One True Light of the World and Heavenly King who loves to be entreated by those He loves in their greatest time of need…
Shalom rubakah and have a great Hanukkah season--
Coy Reece Holley
Broken and Shattered Promises Ministries
AND Broken and Shattered Promises
Online Publishing
Nine Reasons Why I As An Evangelical Christian Have Decided To Observe Hanakkuh (Abridged Version)
(1.) It represents a time of dedication/rededication to those things that my God has shown me that He wants me to believe in. [(Ex.) What do you stand for? What do you truly believe in?]
(2.) It reflects on the turmoil around us and foreshadows a future time where kingdoms will be in conflict to a point where only our Savior Himself can come in and fix it all.
(3.) It foreshadows a time of transition and a future crisis point where people will literally have to choose between material security or our relationship and dependence on God ALONE to provide for our every need and concern.
(4.) It illustrates to us how truly our God will do miraculous things on our behalf for those who will OBEY Him and truly HEAR His voice.
(5.) It shows that our focus should be on the Great Commission our Y'shua/Jesus (who in Hebrew literally translates to be our SALVATION) left behind for us--and NOT on petty doctrinal conflicts, extremes, fancies, and controversies on ANY side that DOES NOT properly contribute to that focus.
(6.) It reminds us of the One True Light in the darkness that helps us to see where we're going--and what is the True Way and Path He wants us to walk in.
(7.) To quote Kenneth Copeland: "...FEAR TOLERATED IS FAITH CONTAMINATED! Perfect Love casts out ALL fear. Fear has torment--and there is NO torment in your God!"
(8.) THE SHUMASH CANDLE reminds us of what Herbert W. Armstrong emphasized while he was alive of our need to focus more on "...the way of GIVE instead of the way of GET".
(9.) I could say this last point many ways...but the best way I could do it is by using a quote Mr. Armstrong also said (along from what I understand a few others have said something similar to this as well)--"Brethren, we have already read the end of the story--and in the end, WE WIN!!!!!!!!!"
(Abridged Version (C) 2006, Coy Reece Holley. All rights reserved.)