Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 25, 2025. This is Day 1 of Week 7 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 43rd Day of Counting. This is the Week of Israel Camping before Mt. Sinai.

Exodus 19:1-2 (1) In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. (2) For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

At the area around Mt. Sinai, God called to Moses and gave him a message that he was to deliver to Israel.

Exodus 19:3-6 (3) And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying; Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; (4) Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. (5) Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: (6) And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

God’s message to Israel was a reminder of what He had just done for Israel, bringing them out of Egypt on “eagles’ wings.” And, God was proposing the opportunity to enter into covenant with Him. Other Old Testament Scriptures indicate that this was compared to a marriage covenant. God offered Israel the honor of being “a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people” and the opportunity of becoming a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy” nation.

Words very similar to this proposal are found in the New Testament.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;

Ancient Israel heard the words of God’s covenant proposal and committed to doing their part; yet, as we know, they failed to live up to their part of the agreement.

Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

God wants our hearts. He wants our heartfelt love. He wants ALL of the rest of our being, also. The gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost has made it possible for us to give all of our being to Him.

May God bless us to give God exactly what He wants.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 24, 2025. This is Day 7 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 42nd Day of Counting.

While Jethro was visiting Moses in the camp of ancient Israel, he provided some sound advice to help Moses deal with the immense number of leadership issues, including one of judging (arbitrating, giving rulings, decisions, and verdicts) on various matters.

Judgment (decisions) on all matters from the top done was cumbersome and unnecessary. It was a hardship on the people as well as upon Moses. Therefore, a wise and practical suggestion was implemented. Part of it involved the character of the men to be chosen. And, a second part of it involved teaching the people the law so they were active participants in receiving justice and knowing that they had received it. It provided confidence in leadership.

Men who were to provide “justice” for the Israelites were to be

• Men who loved truth
• Able men with good judgment (wisdom), discernment of truth, and knowledge of the law
• Men who feared God and who would not be swayed by any form of coercion, threats, or flattery
• Men who would not give into bribery

Let’s read these characteristics in the language of the King James Bible.

Exodus 18:19-22 (19) Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: (20) And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. (21) Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: (22) And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

It is clear from Exodus 18 that there was some form of “law” already in place before the 10 Commandments, statutes, and ordinances were given as part of the covenant in codified form at Mt. Sinai. The people were to be taught that “law.” The leaders chosen to judge were to use that “law.” Everyone was involved, and everyone could know what the outcome needed to be once all the details were known and the “law” was applied correctly.

God’s people need to have confidence in the men who lead them; they need to know what God expects.

Ancient Israel apparently had many ideas about what a leader was and was not suppose to do. Frequently throughout their journey in the wilderness, they falsely accused the leaders, including God. They were stubborn, self-willed, and rebelled in different ways. It made sense that God would set forth characteristics of leadership that everyone could learn, understand, and recognize in leaders. The characteristics listed for leaders can guide us today.

God bless us all to learn and apply God’s standard for all we do.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 23, 2025. This is Day 6 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 41st Day of Counting.

During this 6th week of the journey, Moses received a special visitor, his father-in-law, Jethro; who brought Moses’ wife and sons to be with him in the wilderness.

Exodus 18:1-6 (1) When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel His people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; (2) Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back. (3) And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: (4) And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said He, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: (5) And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God: (60 And he said unto Moses, I thy father-in-law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Zipporah is mentioned only 2 other times in Scripture, first in Exodus 2 when she married Moses, and then in Exodus 4 where we see Zipporah and her sons on the way to Egypt with Moses where he was to tell Pharaoh to let the people go. Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, apparently had returned to Jethro’s home some time after the events of Exodus 4. Apparently, Zipporah circumcised her firstborn son to save his life.

Exodus 4:19-20, 25 (19) And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian; Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. (20) And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand…. (25) Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said; Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.

Moses lived quite a busy life, dealing with life and death issues publicly and privately. The Bible only gives us meager details in the story of his family. However, whatever the family issues were, God was still very pleased with His servant, Moses. What we learn by putting the details together is that Moses was just a man.

Hebrews 3:1-5 (1) 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;

May God bless us to consider our leaders, in and out of the Church, and pray for their faithfulness to God’s directions.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 22, 2025. This is Day 5 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 40th Day of Counting.

On this 40th day of Israel’s journey, they were dealing with Amalek. They were attacked, and God was delivering them. This event was another way God was making known His power and revealing how He would deal with Israel. Over and over, a prominent lesson in their experiences is that they MUST trust God! God is the Deliverer! He gave Himself that job!

Following the resurrection of our Savior, He remained on the earth with His disciples for 40 days. Today marks the day that He ascended into heaven. Scripture indicates several important reasons that God sequenced His plan in this way. One of those reasons is that God led captivity captive!

Psalm 68:18(A) Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive:

Ephesians 4:8(A) Wherefore He saith; When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive

God’s schedule for our salvation is absolutely perfect and ON TIME. He has perfected His plan, and He will not be turned aside from completing His intentions for us. God has called us individually and He is working with each one of us individually. He is our Salvation! He is in charge of it! God fully intends to lead us out of every bondage, every sin, and everything that is evil. There is nothing that our Deliverer cannot do!

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

God has already spoiled principalities and powers. Nothing can keep us back from God’s displaying His love and power toward us. Just as God (through Joshua) defeated Amalek, God defeats our enemies now through Joshua (Jesus, Jah-shua, the Salvation of Jah).

Romans 8:37-39 (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May God awaken us all to the power He uses on our behalf!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This is Day 4 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 39th Day of Counting.

The War with Amalek has many parallel details that New Testament believers relate to situations in our daily lives. Of course, one of the easiest details we find relevant is the fact that we fight spiritual battles against those fallen angels that rebelled and became God’s enemies.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Of course, our weapons are not weapons of this material earth; they are spiritual weapons that have to be provided by God.

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

Another important detail that parallels the story of Israel’s war with Amalek is that God’s supernatural intervention determines the outcome of the battle. God sent JOSHUA out to combat the enemy. And, God has already sent out our Savior, the Living Messiah, to overcome our spiritual enemies.

The name JOSHUA means, the salvation of the I AM or the Everliving One, the Eternal. The name is fitting! In the book of Matthew we find Mary was told her firstborn son was to save us. God knows our spiritual battles will always require God’s intercession on our behalf. God sent our Savior for this purpose; to save us and to destroy the works of the enemy.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

We, as the Church, are called the Beloved of the Lord in MANY scriptures (Philippians 2:12; 4:1, Colossians 3:12, etc.). God WILL deliver us! It is NOT God’s will that any one of the beloved saints of the Lord should ever loose our spiritual battle against evil.

Psalm 60:5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with Thy right hand, and hear me.

Psalm 108:6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with Thy right hand, and answer me.

May God bless us all with the knowledge and faith that God WILL hear us, answer us, and deliver us!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This is Day 3 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 38th day of Counting.

Why does God tell Israel to “remember” what Amalek did (Deuteronomy 25:17)? Consider how the enemy of God and His people works to harm us today. He attacks us at our weakest point; he attacks where we are tired, feeble, and vulnerable. The enemy uses a type of guerilla warfare.

Not only must God’s people be aware of and remember what the enemy did in the wilderness to Israel, we must be kept aware of on-going assaults, sneaky tricks, and other various wiles of the devil he uses against us.

What are some of those “wiles?”

The devil lies, kills, steals, and destroys (John 10:10a). He mixes up cause and effect, so people look at the short-term exaggerated pleasures of sin. He obscures the real effect of sin (pain and death). He beguiles people through his subtlety, with enticing words and through the vanity of our fleshly minds. He corrupts our thinking and distracts us from our focus on God. He also takes us into bondage through fear.

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Colossians 2:4, 18 (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words…. (18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Those are only a few of Satan’s tactics. Do we know them? And, if we know them, do we remember them and remain on guard?

What true believers ALSO must “remember” is that our Savior has already overcome these things. Through Jesus we can do all things because He strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Like Moses lifted up his hands to God, and Israel received victory, so we must lift ourselves up to God. And, if we grow weary, we rely on our faithful, believing brothers to help hold up our hands until the victory is sure! Yes, God expects that we will do that for one another!

May our loving God bless us all to be overcomers of evil until the end!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 19, 2025. This is Day 2 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is the 37th day of Counting.

Amalek is Esau’s grandson. Esau produced Eliphaz who produced Amalek through his concubine Timna (Genesis 36:12). The people of Amalek are called “first of the nations” in Numbers 20. Throughout the Bible Amalekites are seen in negative circumstances. And, in the end they shall perish for ever.

Numbers 24:20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said; Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish forever.

We find the Amalekites in many battles in the Bible; and, we never see them fight “fair.” They showed cowardice and cruelty. God said they would be destroyed, partly because they were enemies of Israel. Even more importantly, God took them as His enemies. He said He would war with them.

Exodus 17:16 For he said; Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Israel participated in many battles after Egypt; and, the Amalekites were the first to oppose them. The Amalekites planned their attack from the rear; fighting against the weak, the feeble, and they massacred children.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (17) Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; (18) How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. (19) Therefore, it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.

Just prior to hacking Agag into pieces in 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel reminded Agag (a title for an Amalekite king) that he was a killer of children.

1 Samuel 15:33 And Samuel said, as thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

Amalekites have become the symbol of people who are evil. God allowed Amalek to attack Israel. Why? There are a number of reasons that seem to fit; yet, we do not know for sure because the Bible does not say why directly. One possible reason is that Israel was so unthankful, so rebellious, and so complaining against God and God’s leadership through Moses.

Another reason may be for us today, so that we might come to understand the tactics of our enemies now. We can learn a lot about the mind and tactics of Satan through studying how the Amalekites dealt with other people.

We are in spiritual battles in these last days, and we need to understand the tactics and the “wiles” of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

May God bless us to be alert and prepared, trusting God for every victory.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 18, 2025. This is Day 1 of Week 6 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 36th day of Counting. This week has been called the Week of War with Amalek.

So much happened to ancient Israel during this portion of their journey to Mt. Sinai; there are many, many insights and lessons we can receive. Let us take a quick look at Moses, the man whom God used to lead Israel, and see one reason God may have chosen him for such a challenging task.

Israel frequently accused Moses of wrong. They murmured against him, complained that he had led them out of Egypt to kill them of thirst, and they were ready to stone him.

Exodus 17:3-4 (3) And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said; Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? (4) And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying; What shall I do unto this people? They be almost ready to stone me.

It would be quite difficult for most people to put up with their thanklessness, griping, and accusations when Moses was only obeying God and doing “good” for the Israelites. Had Moses not been the meekest man on earth, he might have reacted with some retaliation, or perhaps he would have given up on them altogether.

Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.

And, God had given Moses a faithful heart to care for God’s people. So he did not give up on the people, even though he was quite frustrated with them at times. The Apostle Paul even described Moses as being faithful like Christ Jesus. What an honor!

Hebrews 3:1-2 (1) 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.

Moses faithfully interceded for the people even though they were rebellious and critical of him. In Deuteronomy, Moses wrote an overview of the wilderness experience.

Deuteronomy 9 discusses God’s words about destroying Israel and starting over with Moses. Yet, Moses fasted and beseeched God on their behalf.

Deuteronomy 9:14, 18-19 (14) Let Me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they. (18) And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger. (19) For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.

What an example for leaders! While they treated Moses so badly, he blessed them with fasting and prayer. As with Moses, true humility is a vital key.

May God bless us with humility and with hearts willing to intercede for the rebellious, even those who may act out against us personally in some way.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Saturday, May 17, 2025. This is Day 7 of Week 5 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 35th day of Counting. Today is the Sabbath.

The ancient Israelites witnessed God’s gift of water flowing from the Rock. They were in a dry, parched wilderness; yet, at God’s command, a great river flowed through the area, giving life as it went.

There are a number of times in the Bible when God uses the analogy of dry land versus a watered land. When we compare the verses we find that dryness is connected to rebellion and to those who are away from God (including evil, fallen angels). God says He will even make some places into a dry wilderness.

Psalm 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Zephaniah 2:13 And He will stretch out His hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.

Unclean spirits are described as wandering in dry areas. Clearly, these are places where we do not desire to live.

Matthew 12:23 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

On the other hand, being watered is God’s gift to those He desires to refresh, for those who thirst for Him.

Psalm 63:1-2 (1) O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (2) To see Thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary.

Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

From the lesson of ancient Israel, let us learn that when we are thirsty we must humbly go to God instead of turning to mistrust of God, murmuring or complaining. Today, God offers His Church the true Water of Life. On this Sabbath day, let us thirst for our God and “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

May God bless us richly with all we need for life and godliness!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 16, 2025. This is Day 6 of Week 5 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 34th day of Counting. It is the preparation day for the Sabbath.

It appears ancient Israel never really got the lesson that God was their salvation. They did not understand God’s purposes or His works. However, years after Israel had come into the Promised Land, a man named David (meaning Beloved) did understand. David knew the ROCK was his salvation. The Psalms contain MANY witnesses about this truth.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God?

Psalm 18:46 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalm 28:1 Unto Thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 31:2 Bow down Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be Thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Psalm 31:3 For Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 62:2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalm 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 71:3 Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 78:35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

Psalm 89:26 He shall cry unto me; Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Psalm 92:15 To shew that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Psalm 94:22 But the LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

To many in ancient Israel the Rock was a stumblingblock and an offence.

Romans 9:33 As it is written; Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.

1 Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

For the Church today, the Rock is our FOUNDATION as well as our SALVATION, our PROTECTION, and our DELIVERANCE!

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee; That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

If we build upon God’s ROCK by obedience to His Word, we will never be moved.

Matthew 7:24-25 (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

May God bless us to truly see ALL that the ROCK is for us!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2025, Church of the Sovereign God