8-9-07
"Today, if you hear His Voice, harden not your heart"
Notes Read in Sabbath Meeting 8-4-07
(with the addition of a few morning worship notes that were
jotted down
and the final comments from the meeting after the recorder
stopped)
[A few notes from our morning time together in the house:]
The Scriptures say, "Today, if you hear His Voice, harden
not your heart." When you hear the Voice of God, when you
hear the trumpet blow, don't harden your heart. Hardening
one's heart can take a lot of forms. Hardening your heart
is resisting God — making things difficult, making a hard
time out of things. There's hundreds of ways to resist.
This is so big, this is the core of humanity. This is hard
to talk about — it's this little seed of resistance.
Resistance to your circumstances is hardening your heart.
"I want the door open for fresh air, but I don't want the
wind." It's this context that life's against you, when its
not. The natural man has this natural hardness of heart.
Everything is resisted. It's like these little nit picky
pimples on the soul that fester and itch. You don't want to
do something because you don't want to do it! That's
resistance. "I don't want to do this. I don't feel like
doing this. I don't feel like God is putting this on me."
Even though you feel it's something you need to do, you
don't feel like doing it – that's resisting.
If ever you check with your own judgment, when Father tells
you something, that is hardening your heart, that is
resistance. When I didn't want to have intimate physical
relations with the Seven, I provoked God by hardening my
heart. I thought I was doing right, but it was really
rebellion. Ignorance that you are resisting, doesn't mean
it is not resistance.
I was awake at midnight, and I was feeling such peace and
the absence of resistance — my nine year old resistance, my
resistance to evil, my resistance to Father having me do
something I didn't want to do, or didn't think I could do.
I felt it strongly lift. It was like a very core issue in
me. Even "resist the devil and he will flee from you" was
gone. The devil can't do anything unless he's sent from
God. The last couple of days I was really feeling that
disappear. I felt totally happy with God, totally at rest,
totally satisfied. I felt it lift. That's why I could see
the other. I didn't know that I had had it. Then I got an
email from Hanifa this morning and she said she was
awakened at midnight with the song, "He's gotten the
vict'ry, hurrah, hurrah!"
The devil makes it look like non-resistance is to go with
him. Arguing with him is resistance, but non-resistance is,
"No, devil, I'm just not in your world. I'm just going to
do what God has put on my heart." Non-resistance is Michael
just going about His Father's business, Michael standing up
in you. There's no resistance, there's just rejoicing in
Father's will
The
shofar was a physical form of the Voice of God. When Father
blows the trumpet – "Toot toot, new bodies" – I won't say,
"Looks like the same old body to me." Father just comes and
does this, and it isn't our work. Father IS bringing this,
and our work is to not harden our hearts.
[Notes read in Meeting:]
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and
cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed
may live:" Deuteronomy 30:19.
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being
fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able
also to perform. Romans 4:20&21.
"For Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, ...he did
not weaken in faith [harden his heart] when he considered
the utter impotence of his own body.... No unbelief or
distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning
the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by
faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied
and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word
and to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was
credited to him as righteousness." Amplified Bible
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our
profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that
appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour
than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man;
but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was
faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of
those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as
a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto
the end. 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye
will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works
forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that
generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and
they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath,
They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren,
lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another
daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be
hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are
made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To
day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as
in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did
provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not
with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the
wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not
enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So
we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Hebrews 3:1-19.
KJV - harden 12, hard 4, stiffnecked + 06203 2, grievous 2,
misc 8; 28
1) to be hard, be severe, be difficult, be harsh
1b1) to be ill-treated
1b2) to be hard pressed
1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women)
1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty
1d2) to make severe, make burdensome
1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn
1d3a) of obstinacy (fig)
1d4) to show stubbornness
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of
entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come
short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well
as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we
which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I
have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:
although the works were finished from the foundation of the
world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day
on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his
works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into
my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must
enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached
entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a
certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time;
as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not
your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would
he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There
remaineth therefore a rest (sabbatismov) the blessed rest
from toils and troubles looked for in the age to come by
the true worshippers of God and true Christians] to the
people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he
also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest
any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the
word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his
sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of
him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a
great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus
the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we
have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin. 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." Hebrews 4:1-16.
The Voice of the Last Trumpet
"And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that
there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon
the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so
that all the people that was in the camp trembled.... And
when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed
louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a
voice." Exodus 19:16, 19.
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet,
and shew my people their transgression, and the house of
Jacob their sins." Isaiah 58:1.
"And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a
trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the
four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matthew
24:31.
"And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which
voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be
spoken to them any more:" Hebrews 12:19.
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me
a great voice, as of a trumpet." Revelation 1:10.
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in
heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of
a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and
I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."
Revelation 4:1.
"And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst
of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the
inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of
the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"
Revelation 8:13.
"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1
Corinthians 15:52.
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump
of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1
Thessalonians 4:16.
"And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed
louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a
voice." Exodus 19:19.
The Climax and Consummation of the Ages
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us
in him before the foundation of the world, that we should
be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having
predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus
Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his
will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he
hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath
abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having
made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to
his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might
gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are
in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom
also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to
the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In
whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after
that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until
the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise
of his glory." Ephesians 1:3-14.
Ephesians 1:10 Amplified Bible: "He planned for the
maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify
all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ,
both things in heaven and things in earth."
Death Annulled & Abolished
"For He (Christ) must reign, till He (God) hath put all
enemies under His (Christ’s) feet. The last enemy to be
subdued and abolished is death." 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26.
"It is that purpose and grace which He now has made known
and has fully disclosed and made real to us through the
appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus Who annulled death and
made it of no effect, and brought life and immortality –
that is immunity from eternal death – to light through the
Gospel." 2 Timothy 1:10, Amplified.
It Is Time
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things
are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said,
Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write:
for these words are true and faithful." Revelation 21:4.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and
in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with
perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts
failing them for fear, and for looking after those things
which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven
shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when
these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he
spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the
trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of
your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So
likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye
that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say
unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be
fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my
words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves,
lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with
surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so
that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it
come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be
accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come
to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:25-36
"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the
rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and
every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the
dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the
mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face
of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of
the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and
who shall be able to stand?" Revelation 6:15-17.
Father's Word To Us
"Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed (embarrassed or
disappointed): neither be thou confounded (confused or
humiliated); for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou
shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember
the reproach of thy widowhood any more." Isaiah 54:4.
"Behold, at that time [of the Jubilee] I will undo all that
afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather
her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and
fame in every land where they have been put to shame."
Zephaniah 3:19.
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not
of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that
believe to the saving of the soul." Hebrews 10:38, 39.
live:
in the manner of the living and acting
active, powerful, efficacious
draw back:
the timidity of one stealthily retreating
to withdraw: of a timid person
to withdraw one's self, i.e. to be timid, to cover, shrink
2a) of those who from timidity hesitate to avow what they
believe
2b) to be unwilling to utter from fear
perdition:
the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell
believe:
conviction of the truth of something;
belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence)
whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the
same
2) fidelity, faithfulness
2a) the character of one who can be relied on
saving:
preserving, a preservation
soul:
the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions
(our heart, soul etc.)
We've always brought to pass what we believe in. It's
always been that way — for everyone on earth.
What we believe in, is associated with how we judge. If you
see a bunch of giants across the Jordan, we make a judgment
about whether they're a threat or not. If you have a
feeling, you make a judgment and say, My feeling means
this, and your faith is born, instead of just believing
God's word, you believe your judgments about what you see.
Or, you believe God's word and reject your judgments.
[Notes after the recorder stopped:]
Just say,
"Dad, I'm going back to the land tonight"
— "Father,
I'm doing what You promised," instead of all of this
"Father, why aren't You giving me what You promised?"
That's resistance, asking Father, "Why aren't You giving me
what You promised?" instead of just saying, "Father, I'm
walking into what You promised. I'm walking into what You
put on my heart. This is just what I'm doing" — instead of
trying to believe really hard Father's promise, and in
that, believing that Father's keeping it from you. Are you
getting in touch with what I'm talking about?
[Benjamin] It's seeing God as reluctant.
Yes. "God is reluctant — God's not giving me what I want.
I'll pray harder, and I'll claim some promises," instead
of, "I'm just going to do what Father gives me."
[Anaiah] We talked yesterday about trusting God. Everybody
trusts God. Some trust Him to withhold from them. Some
trust Him to not love them.
And some people trust God that He's going to break His
promise. They believe to themselves, "He's going to always
do something else besides what He says, we can trust Him
for it. He's always done something else than what He said
in the past. I just know He's going to do it again."
[Mesha] It's wicked.
Yes, wicked. You judge God by the character you think He
has. That's how you judge Him.
[Gabriel] It's usually your own.
Well, it is always. It's really your own character that
you're calling God. That's the nature of it.
[Judah] Ellen White says that during Jacob's time of
trouble, he knew the character of God, and that is what
sustained him when the angel, Michael, was telling him all
about his sins, and telling him to let Him go because the
day was breaking. Because Jacob knew God's character he was
able to maintain his hold on the Angel even though the
Angel tried to discourage him. It was because Jacob knew
God's faithfulness to His Word of promise that he wouldn't
let the Angel go until He had blessed him.
[Amiel] I looked up the word "climax" last night, and it
meant "the conclusion or end of a crisis."* In the Greek,
the word for judgment is "krisis," and "the hour of God's
'crisis' is come" and we judge God as Faithful and Just and
True. The end of the prophecy is the climax of the Judgment
of God. *"a moment of great or culminating intensity in a
narrative or drama, especially the conclusion of a crisis."
[Salem] The "crisis" would be — to be in bed with God for
seven years and not experience the climax.
That would be a crisis alright — be around for seven years
and then not climax. The "climax" of God ensures the
marriage, because out of the climax comes Michael.
[Kelitah] What you shared today about taking God's Word and
just believing Him without seeing it, and then the evidence
comes after that, reminded me of what I was reading in
Desire of Ages when the ten lepers asked Jesus to heal
them. It says, "And He said unto them, "Go shew yourselves
to the priests. And it came to pass that as they went, they
were healed." They just took Jesus' Word and headed to the
priests, and "AS THEY WENT" they were healed.
[Anaiah] The lepers didn't say, "Just heal us, and then we
will go show ourselves to the high priest." They didn't
wait to see the fulfillment of Jesus' Word before they
acted on it.
That's a good point. They would have sat down and watched
their skin to see when Jesus' words became true. No, they
acted on his Word to them.
Father has done everything in this land. He's has done it
all. And Father is going to do this too. HE is going to
blow the shofar. It is time now.
[Anaiah] And it's going to be easier for Him now, because
none of us are resisting. We've all dropped it.
"Father, thank You for this life of non-resistance — just
hearing Your Voice, letting Your will be done, and acting
with rejoicing on every present instruction."