Thoughts along the journey to the heart of the Father.
Author:pastorron2013
I'm a husband, father, grandfather, and child of the Most High. I enjoy time spent with my Father, pointing others His direction, and watching them be transformed by His love and power. I also enjoy travelling, reading, old cars, and playing with my grandchildren.
French author Alexandre Dumas is famous for his many books, but most notably, the books he wrote about the Musketeers.
The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte de Bragelonne (the book which contained the story of The Man In The Iron Mask) tell the story Porthos, Athos, and Aramis; friends and fellow Musketeers who live life by the creed:
“All for one… one for all”.
This battlecry of the Musketeers means that all live for the good of the individual, and that each individual lives in support of the body of Musketeers.
Sounds a lot like our life in Christ.
As Jesus gave His life for all of mankind, we as Christians are to live lives that point others to Him.
As you go about your life this week, remember that all you do should reflect Jesus, and His sacrifice for us.
We are at a time in our history when we are seeing an unprecedented assault on our first-responders, not only by street thugs and criminals, but by those in authority as well. While police men and women are being murdered on our cities and streets, those in the media and in positions of authority often times assume the worst — vocally — whenever someone in uniform is involved in an incident or altercation. While our system of justice is by no means perfect, and while police departments all over our nation are made up of imperfect people, officers of the law deserve no less than the rest of us when it comes to the question of guilt or innocence…
The assumption of innocent until PROVEN guilty.
Today marks the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania — on America.
Today marks the day that we suffered the worst loss of life in an attack on American soil since the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 2,500 lives were lost on December 7… nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11.
Today, we remember the lives of our fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens who died in the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon, and in a field in Stoneycreek Township, near Shanksville, PA.
Today, we remember the bravery of our heroic first-responders, who forsook safety and security, and rushed into harm’s way to save the lives of so many. We remember the heroic 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics who reported for duty, gave their all in service to their fellow citizens, and never returned to their homes and families.
Today, we remember the reason that
we still say, to this day… Never forget.
On September 11, 2001, we looked into the face of Islamic terrorism and resolved —then and there — that we would not be shaken. We watched as our nation pulled together in prayer and unity, and saw our houses of worship filled with people looking for comfort and hope.
Much has changed since 9-11. The world has become a more dangerous place, and we have become a more divided people. I think it is very fitting that, on this day, we once again commit to the unity and hope that bound us so tightly on those dark September days in 2001. We should reject the voices of racial hatred and division that try to tear us apart. We should not bow at the altar of complacency and apathy, but instead strive to make our homes and communities better places through service and responsibility. We should reach out to the less fortunate, and support those who serve us and lead us with our prayers and encouragement. We should operate in love while we stand on truth, and be the light this nation and world so desperately need. We should all re-commit ourselves to the meaning of these words…
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands,
One nation under God,
Indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.
One nation under God. For as President Dwight D. Eisenhower said…
… In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”
A lot of people are in fear of the end times. However, over the years I have discovered that if a person is in the right alignment in the will of God, somehow He takes care of them through the circumstances of life. There has been so much fear revolving around the “Blood Moons” and some of the harbingers that are out there that people are asking the question: “What are we supposed to do?”
In my new book, The Hiram Code, I have captured some positive promises from God, for everyone, that are always valid. When you look at The Hiram Code, you’ll find that it is in five sections:
Blow the Trumpet in Zion
The Israeli Connection for Last-Days Blessing
The Ancient Hiram Code for End-Times Prosperity
Isaac’s Secret for Favor in End-Times Famine
The David Factor for End-Times Victory
We have learned as believers that if the mindset of the world is against something, we should probably be for it. Throughout history, we have seen people and nations align themselves against the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. Yet God said of those who support Israel — through His promise to Abram — in Genesis 12:2-3…
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
One thing we need to do today, in spite of world pressure, is to stay in proper alignment with Israel and their right to exist. With Iran, Israel’s avowed enemy, rattling it’s saber and declaring their desire to wipe Israel from the face of the earth, and other leaders voicing their disdain for Israel, we must take a strong stand and stand with God’s chosen people.
The Hiram Code itself is wrapped around the country of Phoenicia and its history. The word Bible comes from the Greek word biblos (βίβλος) which was the name the Greeks gave the papyrus plant from which paper and scrolls were derived. The Phoenicians were some of the first to invent this form of paper, and even had a city named Byblos, because of its extensive production and trading of this product. The Phoenicians (or Syrians, as we know them today) are Semitic people, just like the Jews, as they are also descendants of Noah’s son, Shem.
During the times of King David, there was a king named Hiram who loved David, and built him a house. Later, after David died, King Hiram embraced David’s son and heir to the throne, Solomon. It was King Hiram who helped King Solomon build the Temple in Jerusalem. Upon King Hiram’s death, his dynasty lasted for hundreds of years — 300 years longer than Judah — until they were finally overthrown by Alexander the Great.
The prosperity that fell upon Solomon was partially due to King Hiram. He taught the Israelites how to sail ships, which they sent out annually, and would be gone for three years. When the ships returned, they would be filled with gold, treasures, and other goods to use for trade and commerce. Both Israel and Phoenicia prospered greatly, in spite of difficult times.
Many people believe that the Phoenicians were the people referred to as “The Atlantic Sea People”, and that they came there with the skills learned from life on the sea. Only the Phoenicians embraced the Jews, and because of that, they found blessing and favor.
“So what does that have to do with today, Pastor Ron?”
King Hiram supported the house of David, which is a picture of the church. He supported Israel, which goes back to the promise in Genesis 12. He embraced God’s people and was blessed, because God is true to His Word. I believe that America has been blessed as a nation for many years, in part, because of our love and support for the nation of Israel. Godly blessing and favor are tied to how we treat His people. All of His promises are “yes and amen”, and our continued support of Israel is imperative for continued blessing.
An interesting fact is that the Cherokee Indians share DNA markers with both Phoenicians and Jews, which further intensifies the ties between these ancient people and our “First Nation” friends and neighbors.
So I encourage you to get The Hiram Code, and unlock the ancient key to walking in God’s blessings and favor.
Some other sections in The Hiram Code deal with…
Isaac. He sowed in his own land during a famine, and reaped 100-fold. What do you do and not do when hard times come?
The David Factor. How do you face the giants in your life and come out with the authority and provision you need?
The Hiram Code is a book of blessing and hope for people who do not want to live in fear during these Last Days.
I was sitting in a restaurant when I noticed a couple of police officers enter. It was lunch time and, obviously taking a break, they were promptly seated across the busy room. I didn’t think much more about it, and went back to my meal and conversation. After a while, the officers finished eating and rose to leave. They passed by my table, but stopped before they reached the door to talk to the manager. I noticed the manager point back toward my table, at which point the two officers began walking back in my direction. Just before reaching me, they stopped at the table right next to mine. There was a family — dad, mom, and a couple of kids — sitting enjoying their meal, when I overheard one of the officers speak to the dad.
“Excuse me… I feel like maybe we weren’t supposed to know, but somehow that got lost in the translation,” the officer said to the father.
The father smiled knowingly and shook his head. “You weren’t.”
“Well, that was very kind, and we just wanted to come back and say thank you,” the officer replied.
“Yes… Thank you, sir. That was a very nice thing to do. We really appreciate it,” the other officer said.
“Well, I just wanted to say thanks to you guys for your service and for all you do,” the man said.
“Wow! If I’d have know you were buying, I would have gotten desert,” the first officer joked.
They all laughed, shook hands, the two officers exited, and the family went back to their meal. Several minutes later, I rose to leave and happened to find myself standing next to the man at the doorway.
“Excuse me for asking, but I overheard what you said back there to those officers. Do you know those guys?”
The man smiled at me and said, “Nope. Never met them before.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why did you do that?” I asked.
“Those guys get a lot of bad press for doing a very, very difficult job,” he said. “I’ve had several friends who were policemen, and I have a great deal of respect for the job they do. I just figured buying their lunch was the least I could do to say ‘thank you for keeping us safe’. I wanted them to know that they are appreciated.”
He went on to tell me that, when he paid the manager, he told him he wanted it to be anonymous. However, it was a Asian restaurant, and the manager’s English was not very good, so his anonymity got “lost in translation” (as the officer said).
We hear a lot in the news about the negative stereotypes of “bad cops”. However, the overwhelming truth is that police officers are good men and women who have to carry out a tough job. In today’s media, deference is too often given to the perpetrator, and good officers are guilty until proven innocent — before facts are established, and before the truth can be ascertained.
In Romans 13, Paul writes…
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
When we show respect and honor to those in authority, we have no reason to fear. Godly authority is there for our protection, in order for us to be allowed to live our lives in relative peace and safety. In the vast majority of stories I hear about violence involving police officers, those two things are always missing — respect and honor. Does that justify unwarranted “excessive force”? Not at all. But sadly, in the age of hostile news media, unfiltered social media, and “instant everything”, images mocking violence against police are posted online at lightning speeds, and only exacerbates how police feel they are being unjustly perceived, and magnifies a culture that has lost its moral compass, respect for authority, and reverence for God.
With all of the negative things we hear about police these days, and the repercussions that officers are experiencing with recent random attacks and killings, I wanted to share this positive story of good will. Actions have consequences, and all too often, we hear about the consequences of a random act of violence, or of a sequence of events that ends tragically…
It could be that the consequences of this random act of kindness are that a couple of officers spent the rest of the day feeling appreciated, and a father set a good example for his children.
It could also be that this story inspires someone reading it to go out and commit a random act of kindness today.
I recently talked to a very prominent leader in the energy business. There has been found in America another huge oil and gas reservoir that is as large as or larger than the Dakota discovery. The Dakota discovery and the fracking there has moved America toward energy independence. These new finds will make our nation an economic powerhouse.
America is awash with energy resources, so much so that if the government allowed us to bring them up, our wealth as a nation would dwarf the rest of the world and turn our nation back to its place of economic authority.
This would take our enemies’ hands from around our throat and bring down energy costs. America would experience the greatest boom in its history. I believe God is ready to bless America and the world if we will begin to stand by faith on the principles that we know work. I believe in the Rapture and Second Coming, yet it is time we put our hands down and understand we are not leaving this world as losers.
Jesus said, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13, KJV).
How then can we live confidently in these last days?
We can embrace biblical hope!
Several years ago there was an article in Parade magazine that made an impact on me. It was the story of self-made millionaire Eugene Lang, who greatly changed the lives of a sixth-grade class in East Harlem, New York. Mr. Lang had been asked to speak to a class of fifty-nine sixth-graders. What could he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of school? He wondered how he could get this group of predominantly black and Puerto Rican children even to look at him. Scrapping his notes, he decided to speak to them from his heart. “Stay in school,” he admonished, “and I’ll help pay the college tuition for every one of you.” At that moment the lives of these students changed. For the first time they had hope. Said one student: “I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me. It was a golden feeling.” Nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate from high school.
Hope is such an interesting word. By definition it means “to desire with expectation of fulfillment; to expect with desire.”
All real hope must have a foundation to stand on. I might tell you that I hope to play center field for the Atlanta Braves next season, but you and I both know that is not hope based on a firm foundation—that’s called wishful thinking.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” ~ Proverbs 13:12
Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica about the end times. Many in his day were afraid they had missed the Rapture. Their deferred hope was making their hearts sick and fearful. Although his main focus was on the theme of judgment, Paul continued to encourage the church constantly about their future hope:
• He gave them hope and joy about the return of Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 2:19).
• He exhorted them to live holy lives in anticipation of His coming (see 1 Thessalonians 3:13).
• He declared that we do not have to be shaken or disturbed but that we can live in hope (see Titus 2:11–13).
We Are Called to Live in Hope and Not Fear.
As a pastor for more than four decades, I have witnessed many changing events in the world. As I pen these words, ancient hatreds continue to boil to the surface in the Middle East. The war in Iraq has left many confused and dazed as to our purpose for being there. The war in Afghanistan continues to drag on, while Iran thumbs its nose at the international community. It continues to build a nuclear weapon for the purpose of annihilating Israel. Many believers have failed to recognize the conflict is being waged on a higher level. It is a conflict of immense spiritual proportions.
The world is on fire. People are living in fear and without much hope. Sad to say, this sense of hopelessness has infected the church. Instead of believing that darkness will overwhelm us, we in the church must recognize that the truth of the Word of God will always triumph over the infernal forces of the enemy!
My purpose in writing my new book, The Hiram Code, is to give hope back to the body of Christ and outline strategies that not only will enlighten you, but also give you a clear direction for the future. In it, you will discover…
• A clear “sound” has been released to this generation—a sound of hope and not fear;
• God is not finished with the nation of Israel;
• The connection that exists today between the ancient civilization of Phoenicia and Israel;
• Who King Hiram was and why he was important?
• The lessons we can learn from Isaac, and how he was able to walk in the hundredfold blessing;
• How to face your giants;
• … And so much more!
My prayer is that the truth in The Hiram Code will replace fear with faith and we will have a hope firmly grounded in the truth of God’s Word that will cause us to remember we are on the winning side!
Words cannot begin to express what God did at this year’s Big Event. With our theme being spiritual warfare, everyone from our speakers to our attendees came with great anticipation for what we believed God was going to do. With every session, the truth went forward, lives were touched, prisoners were set free, and people walked away with a new-found sense of who they are in Christ, and what freedom in Christ is all about.
I cannot say enough about our speakers! Throughout the conference, there was unparalleled unity in the messages delivered as each man poured out his heart in a very honest, very real way. My sincere thanks go to Perry Stone, Rick White, Bobby Atkins, Sammy Wilson, Tod Zeiger, and my son Ronnie Phillips, Jr. for delivering the Word with uncompromising boldness and faithfulness to the call.
If you attended the Big Event… thank you. It was a pleasure to have you in our House, and to worship and minister with you and to you. Please come back and see us again, and keep Ron Phillips Ministries in your prayers as we fulfill the mandate to which we have been called, to share the love of Jesus throughout the world.
To our special guests, Lester & Holly, and the Remnant Dance Team… thank you for your ministry this week, and for leading us to the throne as you did.
To all of our musicians, worship leaders, choir, ushers, hospitality team, product table and bookstore workers, children’s ministry team, nursery workers, housekeepers, technical workers, and everyone else at Abba’s House who made this possible… we cannot do what we do without YOU! You bless me with your heart for service, and willingness to go above and beyond for the cause of Christ. I love each and every one of you.
To my staff at Ron Phillips Ministries… your tireless work and commitment to excellence is obvious in all you do! Thank you for your partnership in this adventure for the kingdom of God, and your unwavering faithfulness to the task to which we are called.
All my love to my wife, Paulette, and my family… your love and encouragement enables me to do what I do, and I am so thankful and blessed to make this journey of life with you by my side. I love you all more than I can say.
If you missed the Big Event, I encourage you to get the CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray set of all of the speakers. Spiritual warfare is a very real battle. Get the tools and weapons you need to fight the good fight. For more information about how to order, click here.
Angie McGregor with RPM Volunteer of the Year Jeff Herron.Tod ZeigerSammy WilsonPastor Ron PhillipsRonnie Phillips, Jr.Ronnie and Kelly PhillipsRick WhitePerry StonePaulette PhillipsLester & HollyAngie McGregorBobby Atkins
Our annual partner and friends conference, The Big Event, is underway, and what an incredible time we are having. I’m joined by my good friend Perry Stone, and we are taking the topic of spiritual warfare by storm. We are believing for more freedom and more liberty for those in attendance, and those watching on the live stream (that you can see for yourself at abbashouse.com/live )
So far, we have heard from Perry the opening night, and I spoke on the following night. We are being joined by other great spiritual warfare teachers like Bobby Atkins, Sammy Wilson, Ronnie Phillips, Jr., Rick White, and Tod Zeiger.
But hey… dont take my word for it. Check these images out for yourself.
Better yet… Come join us! The conference runs through Sunday morning.
Pastor Ron (yep… me)Dr. Bobby Atkins Dr. Ronnie Phillips, Jr. Perry Stone Angie McGregor
I am excited to say that we are just three days away from our annual partner and friends conference, The BigEvent.
This year, I am being joined by my good friend Perry Stone, and together, we are going to delve into the area of Spiritual Warfare…
“Are demons really operating in the world today?”
“How do I know if I am under demonic oppression?”
“How can I identify the spirits of Jezebel, Leviathan, Cain, and Python (and more)?”
“How can I walk in FREEDOM?”
It all begins THIS WEDNESDAY (August 19),
and admission is FREE!
As an added bonus, Perry and I are being joined by a lineup of great teachers that will be ministering during the morning sessions. Bobby Atkins, Tod Zeiger, Rick White, Sammy Wilson, and Ronnie Phillips, Jr. will be imparting teaching and ministry during all of our morning sessions. Add to that worship by our own worship department, with special guests Lester and Holly, and the Remnant Dance Team, and this promises to be a week of revelation, ministry, and chain-breaking power you do not want to miss.
If you have already registered, I’ll see you there!
If not, you can still register online by clicking here.
The Big Event Spiritual Warfare Conference
August 19-23 at Abba’s House in Hixson, TN.
For the better part of the last century, any person driving the roads of America (and most other countries) have experienced something every time they get behind the wheel. It is something that, although we often take it for granted, guides every mile we drive down the highways and byways…
The painted lines in the road.
Whether double yellow lines, dotted lines, white lines, or any other lines that the DOT has taken the time to paint, we look to those lines without even thinking, to guide us in our travels, and to keep us safe.
Seems kind of crazy, huh? I mean, think about it: We are expecting an assortment of painted strips and symbols on the roadways to guide and protect us from the hazards and pitfalls of driving. Without thinking much about it, we typically abide by what the paint instructs us to do, and travel about from place to place, heeding its direction. We speed down the roads in relative safety, assuming that everyone else on the road will do the same, and abide by the paint’s instruction.
We have faith that the little strip of paint on the road is going to keep the 20-ton semi hurtling toward us on its own side of the road.
While we may not understand why a road is designated “one way”, the paint on the road reflects that it is so, and we don’t question its validity… we just do what it says.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes, while driving down the road on a foggy night — when I can’t see the road ahead of me, or even the shoulder beside me — all I have to guide me is the reflection of my headlights off of the reflective paint on the road.
And through all of it, we are making a lot of assumptions. We assume the driver heading toward is alert, and is abiding by the same rules of driving etiquette we are. We take it for granted that, as we travel down that one way street, every other driver on the road recognizes the clearly stated flow of traffic, and abides by it. We hope and pray that, when we are driving slow and nearly blind on a foggy night, that the guys who painted the lines knew what they were doing, and didn’t dead-end the lines off the side of a cliff.
If you think about it realistically, what is keeping that other driver on his side of the road?
Absolutely NOTHING.
The vast majority of accidents on our roadways, in one way or another, are caused because someone didn’t follow the paint… someone didn’t stay between the lines.
“So, Pastor… what does this have to do with ANYTHING????”
I’m glad you asked.
God has painted lines on the road of human history that are intended to be followed. He gave us a driver’s manual called “The Bible” that He meant to guide us along the journey. When we get into trouble — as individuals or as a society — it is generally because we have not stayed between the lines. We may not like the lines. We may not like the way they look, what they represent, or how they make us feel at a given time. We may not understand the logic, reasoning, or thought processes that went behind the formation of the lines.
But the lines are there nonetheless, and our wants, wills, desires, dreams, or intentions have no bearing on their existence… or the consequences of violating their borders.
Just as a 20-ton semi hurtling down the road, there is nothing there to stop us from crossing the lines God has drawn. Man has — from creation — been given a free will. Should we choose to go outside the lines of the laws of God, we do so at our own peril. Paul writes in Galatians 6…
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
We can decide to travel against the flow of history, and ignore natural law. We can choose to ignore the “One-Way” signs, and presume that there are many ways to God… that as long as we are earnest in our belief, we will one day reach Heaven. But just like the person going the wrong way down that one-way street, it won’t take long before we are proven wrong. Jesus said…
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ~John 14:6
It all comes down to faith. Following His lead, regardless of public opinion, political winds, or the fleshly yearnings of our own hearts. In Hebrews 11:6, Paul said…
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
And in those times when we can’t see clearly, and are fraught with fear, doubt, and insecurity, God has given us fellow believers (Godly friends, pastors, teachers, etc.) to reflect His love and wisdom, and help guide us along the path when the thick fog closes in around us.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:16
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In a culture that is more and more running off the road and into the ditch of immorality and unGodliness, it is more important than ever for the Church of Jesus Christ to lift high His banner, proclaim His Word, and keep the lines clearly painted on the roadway.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16
Join us for the 2015 Big Event: Spiritual Warfare Conference Click the image for info on how to register.
French author Alexandre Dumas is famous for his many books, but most notably, the books he wrote about the Musketeers.
Today marks the day that we suffered the worst loss of life in an attack on American soil since the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 2,500 lives were lost on December 7… nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11.
As a pastor for more than four decades, I have witnessed many changing events in the world. As I pen these words, ancient hatreds continue to boil to the surface in the Middle East. The war in Iraq has left many confused and dazed as to our purpose for being there. The war in Afghanistan continues to drag on, while Iran thumbs its nose at the international community. It continues to build a nuclear weapon for the purpose of annihilating Israel. Many believers have failed to recognize the conflict is being waged on a higher level. It is a conflict of immense spiritual proportions.
My purpose in writing my new book, The Hiram Code, is to give hope back to the body of Christ and outline strategies that not only will enlighten you, but also give you a clear direction for the future. In it, you will discover…
“How can I identify the spirits of Jezebel, Leviathan, Cain, and Python (and more)?”
The Heart of Abba - Ron Phillips 