EDUBLOG: Called to be Kings and Priests – Part 1

“And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Rev. 5:10 NKJV

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.

New Season

Hey Folks,

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!

Almond Joy!

“See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”  The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”  “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.  The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” Jer. 1:10-12

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!

I May Not Be Able To Carry A Tune, But I’m Part Of The Choir

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Phil. 1:19

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.

The Ice Cream Man Cometh

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house,

And try Me now in this,”

Says the LORD of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it. Mal. 3:10

Mal. 3:10

Last night I prayed over the offering at the homeless ministry.  As I looked over this familiar scripture I was reminded of when I was a kid growing up in the projects in Brooklyn.  We had the “Good Humor Man” who drove an ice cream truck from parking lot to parking lot.  You could hear him for blocks away.  When I heard his familiar bells jingle I would run just under the window of my apartment, we lived on the third floor.  I would yell at the top of my lungs – “Mom, mom, mom, throw down some money the ice cream man is coming!”  In the summer the window would always be open as we never had air conditioning and my mother would hear me.  She would throw down a handful of change, just enough for my weekly “Toasted Almond.”  It always amazed me how she threw down just what I needed.

God is like that, if we will be obedient, especially with the tithe, He will keep open the windows of heaven and He will pour out a blessing.  I could always trust that when I did what I was supposed to my Mom blessed me.  We can always trust that when we do what we are supposed to, God will not only bless us, but, He promises “there will not be enough room to receive it.”

Beam Me Up Sweet Jesus!

“… for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh. 8:10

The other day JC and I noticed something wonderful as we picked up a gentleman who we have been ministering to from one of the neighborhoods we visit. Each week we see how God transforms and breathes new life into this dear man. He has a tough life, dealing with abject poverty, physical infirmities and horrendous family issues. Initially when he gets into our car he is typically uneasy, discouraged, and seems as though he is almost totally worn-out. Fortunately, like a Holy Spirit tune-up, God can touch a life and breathe new vitality into it.

“But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” Is. 40:31

Being in the presence of God through Christian fellowship, the preaching of God’s Word and the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit causes something miraculous to happen. After being around God, the things of God and the people of God this man seems to beam with the Glory of God. This individual, like Moses’ face, shines after being in the presence of God. He walks lighter, he often laughs, and his smile is bright and contagious. In a short period of time he is transformed from a “how-am-I-going-to-make-it?” attitude to “everything’s going to be alright,” right before our eyes.

Unfortunately, our dear friend has moved and we don’t get to see him as much as we’d like. He was always a great reminder and inspiration on how no matter how tough things can get, just a few moments with God can put everything right. So the next time you are dragging or are down or discouraged, remember to cry out: Beam Me Up Sweet Jesus, and He will!

Manna In A Brown Paper Bag

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

 

The other night we had our Lend-A-Hand ministry.  It was a crazy night the devil was trying to disrupt the meeting but the Holy Spirit was greater.  Guys were talking street trash and I got in the middle of at least two fights.  The message of the night was even though you might feel like giving up, don’t!  The speaker reminded us we need to be more like Abram who knew the promises of God. The Bible says, “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen 15:6).  We were reminded that no matter how things look, if we will trust in the Lord and believe His Word we will see the Lord deliver us through and from our circumstances.

 

JC and I went to drive a grandfather home from the service.  He was having his struggles, but never told us or anyone else he needed food for his grandkids.  When we approached our car we realized there was a bag of canned goods sitting on the hood of the car.  There was no note or anyone around to explain.  I quickly looked in the bag and placed in the back of the car.  When we got in the car I asked the Grandfather if he needed any food for the kids, he quietly said he could really use some food.  When we looked in the bag there were cans of applesauce.  He quickly commented, “Oh, my grandbaby really loves applesauce and I didn’t know what I was going to feed her tonight.”

 

I don’t know who put the bag of groceries on our car.  Was it left by accident?  Was it someone who knew I would know what to do with a bag of groceries?  Was it manna from heaven?  I guess the answer is real simple. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Whatever you might be going through, don’t ever forget the Lord can bring you what you need.  He is El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One.  He can bless you through conventional means. He can do it supernaturally.  He can have someone bless you directly or leave a divinely ordained bag of groceries.  All we have to do is believe and He is faithful to meet our needs.

Almost A Missed Opportunity

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;  I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’  Then He will answer them, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’” Matt. 25:41-45

 

Each and every week we feed and love on over one hundred men and women.  Many are homeless, some are poor and don’t have the money to adequately feed themselves.  Often they are struggling with a drug or alcohol problem or some other issue that prevents them from taking good care of themselves.

 

The other day I know the Lord must have shed a tear, for I knew that I did.  We had a guest singer during a powerful time of worship.  When she began to sing several old Pentecostal songs about the Blood of Jesus you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit increase till it was almost overwhelming.  One man became so convicted that he ran out of the room weeping and stammering, “I’m Sorry!”  Yes, he was very intoxicated, but oh how the Blood of Jesus affected him.  But, it wasn’t his inebriation that brought tears to my eyes, but the reactions of the Christians around him.  I heard snickers, and claims of how his sin couldn’t stand before a Holy God.  I even heard a “go get ‘em Holy Spirit.”  But, no one seemed to care that this man was in pain and needed some love.  I ran after him and by the time I got in the other room two men were already holding him up and JC had already seen the need and was calling for me.

 

I sat with him as he cried and collapsed in my arms telling me how bad he felt about being so drunk.  He explained that he had to put his wife into the hospital and she was the love of his life.  He was worrying she might die and he didn’t know what he would do without her.  He was in so much pain from it that he went out and got drunk.  For fifteen minutes or so he told me everything that was going on, how sorry he felt and how he felt hopeless and all alone.  I shared with him that he was never alone. God was right there with him, and we were there as his brothers and sisters in Christ.  I got to pray with him, first that he would sober up, and second that his wife would be healed and that the Lord would turn his tears into joy.  He calmed down and I took him back to hear the rest of the service, now a little bit more sober.

 

After the service he thanked me and asked if he could call his wife’s mother to find out how she was doing.  He called and she told him that this very hour his wife had made a dramatic improvement.  When he got off the phone he came and hugged me and gave Jesus all the Glory and honor.

 

We have to be so careful not to miss any opportunity to bring someone to Christ or in this case closer to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  I don’t want to judge those who snickered and let the man run out without offering the Love of Christ.  Maybe they were overwhelmed by the presence of God, maybe they just didn’t realize this man was in so much pain.  But, we all have to be careful to not judge a person or think we know what they are going through.  This was almost a missed opportunity to see God work mightily, a woman healed and the heart of a loving husband mended.  Both, growing closer to their Savior and Lord.    

 

Remember, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1Cor. 13:1).  We experienced the incredible Power of the Holy Spirit that day.  But, without love it was almost made of no matter.  I believe in the days ahead we are going to see and experience the Power of the Holy Spirit like never before, but we need to be ready in Love to minister to those the Lord puts in our paths. May we never be found to say, “Lord when did we see you in trouble and didn’t respond?” We need to remember what we do, how we act, what we say about the least of these, we do unto the Lord! 

Loaves & Fishes, or is it Popcorn & Bags?

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” John 6:11-12

 

The other day we went to the local college campus to minister with our church’s  “nfuse” college and career director. Daytona State College had it’s welcome back for students for the Spring semester.  To the ready, we went equipped with scripture handouts, ministry descriptions and of course our big, old popcorn machine.  Nothing brings people like the Love of Christ and the smell of popcorn.  Both were flowing readily from our table.

 

As I was looking for a parking spot to park I realized there were literally thousands of students on campus that day.  I later learned there are over 13,000 students on this one campus.  I looked at the popcorn bags we had and a cold realization hit me, we didn’t bring enough bags for this many students.  I looked at the pack we had and there was maybe about 200 bags.  I thought, “I need to run to the store and get some more.”  But we didn’t have the time and the car was parked about 2 miles away (That’s how I knew there were thousands of cars, it felt like I walked passed each and every one).  The Holy Spirit quickened me that I didn’t need to worry.  When I reexamined the bags, I realized that there were actually more bags, than I first thought.  There must have been double of what I first believed.  I quickly thought, “Why do I worry?”  When you are doing His work He provides everything you need.  Even though we didn’t count the number of bags we gave out that day, we were giving them out fast and furious and never ran out of anything and had plenty left over.

 

That day our team ministered to students who were Wiccans, New Agers, Unitarians, Muslims, Homosexuals, Atheists and even numerous Christians who haven’t been in church for years.  We ministered to and got names of many who are searching for something real and His name is Jesus Christ.  We all left that day realizing how good God is and that He always goes before us, drawing in those who are lost and spiritually hungry.  Some came for the free popcorn, but by the time they left they had smiles and a sense of what real Love is.  We will continue to pray as we pull in the net that was thrown on the campus of Daytona State College.

Do You Have A Big But?

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  2Cor. 1:20

 

In our everyday language we often use the word “but.”  It may be a very small word, however it has a profound meaning.   “But” is a simple grammatical word used in the middle of or at the beginning of a sentence to introduce something that is true in spite of either being or seeming contrary to what has just been said.  In Hebrew the word “but” is the word “azal” (pronounced aw-zal)  “Azal” is literally translated to mean “to go away, therefore, to disappear.”

 

When someone uses the word “but” it literally means that everything that was said before the word “but” disappears making it of no consequence.  It is our way of making excuses about why things don’t happen the way we think they should. For example how many times have you heard, “I like this or that, but…”?  Or maybe you have heard, “I know the Bibles says this or that, but….”  Or you may have even thought, “God can do anything, but….”   When we add that three-letter word we are literally saying, “Forget everything I said, what I really mean is this.”

 

How many times have we done this with God?  We know with God all things are possible, “but.”  We will come up with something that contradicts and quite frankly disengages our faith.  Maybe it is, “But, will God do it for me?”   Or maybe, “But, things are so far gone that they can’t possibly come back.”  (Remember Lazarus was dead four days and he was resurrected.)  The minute we add that “but,” we are saying forget what I just said, what I mean is God can’t or won’t do it.  Let me ask you something, when it comes to the promises of God, do you have a big “But?”

 

With the economy so bad, maybe you need God to perform a miracle in your finances.  The Bible says: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

 

Are you saying: “But” I got an eviction notice, my lights are about to be turned off”?

 

Or, maybe you lost your job and need a need a new one.  The Bible says: “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deut. 8:18

 

Or, are you saying:  “But, the unemployment rate is the highest it’s been in decades and I have been looking for months”?

 

Maybe things are so bad you are wondering where your next meal is coming from.  The Bible says: “Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt. 6:31-33

 

Or, are you saying: “But, I haven’t eaten in days”?

 

Maybe your kids are going crazy and you are worried to death about them.  The Bible says:  “You can be sure that evil people will be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.” Prov. 11:21

 

Or, are you saying:  “But, they are living for the devil; I don’t know how they will make it”?

 

Maybe you are filled with fear and dread over what is happening in our world and you feel vulnerable and unprotected.  The Bible says: “…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

 

Or, are you saying: “But, things look like they are getting worse”?

 

Maybe you are struggling with a disease or illness.  The Bible says: “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1Pet. 2:24

 

Or, are you saying:  “But the doctor’s report said it looks really bad”?

 

Maybe temptation seems to always get the best of you.  The Bible says: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Cor. 10:13

 

Or, are you saying: “But, I keep stumbling”?

 

Maybe you are struggling with an addiction or bondage of some sort (maybe even fear).  The Bible says: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psa. 34:19

 

Or, are you saying: “But, I’ve been this way for years”?

 

Maybe with the world going the way it is you’re thinking, “What about my future?”  The Bible says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11

 

Or, are you saying: “But’ I keep watching the News and even have been reading my Bible and both tell me things are going to get worse and worse”?

 

 

No matter how big your “But” is, there is even a bigger one: “But, God!”  The Bible says: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jer. 32:27 So, whenever you stick your cantankerous, big “But” into things, remember-  “But, God!”  So, whatever excuse you make – God’s “But” makes all our doubts, our arguments and excuses disappear and we can stand on “all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen!”  And let me leave you with one final thought, no matter how bad things look, how bad things get: “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2Pet. 1:4

 

And there’s no “But” about it, God Bless!