Dear Family,
Today is Friday, May 13, 2022, Day 6 of Week 4. This is the 27TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

As we close this week, we find the ancient Israelites leaving the area of Elim. Their next campsite was near the Red Sea.

Numbers 33:10-11 (10) And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea. (11) And they removed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.

Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

Following a brief camping near the Red Sea, the cloud and the pillar of fire led Israel into the wilderness of Sin where God soon tested them again with hunger.

Deuteronomy 8:3(a) And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger

The Holy Bible connects hunger, including hunger from fasting, with being humbled (Psalm 35:13).

Many people are quickly overwhelmed when they fear they will have to do without any food or water.

Their “feelings” of inadequacy make them susceptible to ineffective actions. They may feel extremely scared and vulnerable and act out in negative, dramatic, childish, rash or violent behaviors. That’s what the natural human, who is not committed and submitted to God, will tend to do. That’s what the natural human, without God’s Holy Spirit, will tend to do. And, that’s what many of the ancient Israelites did.

It is at the point when our spirits are “overwhelmed” that God can really find out who we really are, what we are all about, and what we will do when we are severely pressed. And, God needs to know!

Psalm 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.

God tested the Israelites, and He will test those He is calling and working with now. Yes, we have access to the Holy Spirit. Let us not be naive and assume that because we are privileged to know so much of God’s truth, and have access to His Holy Spirit, that we are immune to being tested!

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

As God tested and humbled the ancient Israelites to make a covenant for the here-and-now with them, He certainly will test and humble those He is bringing into eternal fellowship with Him. God needs to know who we are, and what we will do. Selah!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 12, 2022, Day 5 of Week 4. This is the 26TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Every human being is born with very important and basic needs that must be filled for a person to survive. Air, water, and food are at the top of the list, of course followed by issues of physical safety. And, there are additional needs people have above and beyond those basic needs that must be filled if human beings are to thrive. For example, we have needs tied to belonging, to needing a sense of community and identity (concern with relationships), to having hope and a positive attitude toward ourselves, and to having a sense of purpose for life itself.

When we analyze the story of Israel’s experiences during their bondage, through the Exodus, and journey to Mt. Sinai, we find Israel facing challenges of many of their needs.

Apparently, in Egypt they had plenty of food and water. At least, that’s the way they tell it in the wilderness. They were able to survive because their basic physiological needs were met. They had even maintained some sense of who they were (descendants of Abraham). However, they were threatened with danger and insecurity needs as they faced the perils inherent in their slavery.

God delivered Israel from all of the physical dangers of Egypt as He plunged the Egyptian army into the Red Sea. He made it obvious to anyone who was really watching this saga that He was dealing with the Israelites in a most favorable way.

What God intended to do was to meet every need they had. He wanted Israel to obey Him and to trust Him for everything, both the “survive” needs and the “thrive” needs. He tested them in various ways and proved over and over to them that He was a generous and capable Deliverer, Caretaker, Provider, Healer, and Protector. And, all the while He was offering them such an honorable and special identity; to be His people. He was offering them a marriage covenant, with beautiful, divine promises attached. And, although it was a covenant for the here and now only, He wanted Israel to know He TREASURED them.

Exodus 19:5 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:

Now, it’s the Church’s turn. God promises us all the same yet, the duration of the marriage covenant is for all future eternity.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Day 4 of Week 4. This is the 25TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Does God’s choosing Israel to be His people and giving them “special” treatment mean that God is unfair? NEVER!

God chooses whomsoever He will. A very plain Biblical truth! There is much evidence! One very strong set of circumstances that provides evidence of God’s exercising this divine prerogative is His choosing the nation of Israel (direct descendants of Abraham through Sarah) to “be a special people unto Himself.” In spite of Israel’s waywardness and outright rebellion at times, God has blessed Israel’s descendants over and over because He promised He would.

It is becoming increasingly unpopular and politically incorrect in “spiritual” (especially pseudo Christian and New Age) discussions even to hint that God exercises such a prerogative as choosing some and not others. Yet, we need to let the Bible speak and heed what it states!

God’s “special” relationship with Israel serves His purposes. Israel’s experiences serve as precious lessons for us all. And, God’s plan of salvation (summarized through an understanding of all of His seven annual Holy Days) includes ALL of mankind. In a universal sense, God’s plan ensures that He will treat every human (past, present, and future) with great favor and “special” treatment.

God loves all of mankind and has paid out His Greatest Treasure to ensure that as many people as possible will live with Him throughout future eternity. However, for many, this concept is a great mystery. The mystery that surrounds the favor God has extended to the nation of Israel for thousands of years, and now has extended this favor to His Church, will be completed and revealed one day in our near future.

Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.

God’s way of timing events is also His prerogative!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Day 3 of Week 4. This is the 24TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Moses seems to have had an inborn desire for what he thought of as justice. Certainly, God used him to communicate His law to ancient Israel, and God used him to sit and judge matters between people on a regular basis. Yet, Moses leaned in that direction even before his supernatural encounter with God and His perfect law. We first learn of this “sense” of social justice when he had to flee Egypt because of his personal way of trying to right what he saw was wrong. He simply did not know God’s standards of when and how to intervene.

Exodus 2:11-14 (11) And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. (12) And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. (13) And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong; Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? (14) And he said; Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, surely this thing is known.

And, when he arrived in Midian, Moses again personally intervened on behalf of the women who were being bullied at a community well. He was not afraid to stand up for what he thought was right.

Exodus 2:15-19 (15) Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. (16) Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. (17) And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. (18) And when they came to Reuel their father, he said; How is it that ye are come so soon to day? (19) And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

When God recruited Moses to communicate His law to the people, God knew Moses was the man He wanted for the job. Moses had courage to stand against “wrong.” He just needed the One True Lawgiver (James 4:12) to teach him His perfect standards for doing things.

How much sense of injustice does God’s Church have today? God is NOW judging the Church (1 Peter 4:17). He is training us to love His ways (i.e., what is right) and to hate what is evil. He wants us to intervene HIS WAY and in HIS TIME. Right now, at a minimum, we need to be sighing and crying for the injustices and wrongful acts we see, especially all the things God judges to be abominations in our land.

Ezekiel 9:4 And the LORD said unto him; Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 9, 2022, Day 2 of Week 4. This is the 23rd Day in our Count to Pentecost.

A key element of patience is the ability to wait for God and His timing. Have you noticed how incredible God is at perfect timing? Over and over God shows us that He times events His way, not ours. Sometimes there are battles we must fight as we wait. And, sometimes it is simply a matter of holding on to trust and faith as the moments pass away until it finally becomes God’s time to act.

Just like faith, longsuffering/patience, and “waiting” are part of God’s divine nature, and He can give it to us as we ask Him and cooperate with Him. God has recorded many instances when His people had to exercise patience.

Romans 15:4-5 (4) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

We have many examples. We can just imagine that God may have had to grant Noah a tremendous amount of longsuffering/patience as he constructed the ark in the midst of criticism and ridicule.

He may have had to be patient for up to 120 years. Abraham waited many ears for the promised son. Like Job, many of God’s people are waiting in the grave until the resurrection (Job 14:14).

The Apostle Paul understood the need we have to wait patiently for God; and, he set out to pray for God’s people to be strengthened by God’s power until believers matured into it with joyfulness.

Colossians 1:10-11 (10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11) Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

The Psalmist knew he had to wait for God’s timing to answer specific prayers (Psalm 40:1), and to take care of the wicked that prosper temporarily.

Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Waiting on God’s timing may seem difficult as we are in the midst of the waiting, but acting ahead of God, doing things our way, or taking things into our own hands, is not wise (Proverbs 14:12). The Psalmist gives us the best advice. God knows what He is doing.

Psalm 27:13-14 (13) I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 8, 2022, Day 1 of Week 4. This is the 22nd Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The Holy Bible indicates that Moses somehow understood how God would deliver his Hebrew brethren by his hand, and when he stepped forward and killed the Egyptian to protect a Hebrew, Moses “supposed his brethren [the Israelites] would have understood” this truth. But, they did not!

Acts 7:24-25 (24) And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: (25) For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

It is clear in hindsight that when Moses was about 40 years old, he acted unwisely and impetuously, taking the deliverance of his brethren into his own hands. However, it was not until 40 years later that God was ready for Moses to become Israel’s deliverer. Moses’ timing was way off. Obviously, Moses demonstrated some impatience. In time, Moses learned to wait on God’s timing. It’s an extremely crucial and valuable lesson for God’s people today. Having longsuffering (also called patience) is an important aspect of God’s divine nature.

Apparently, patience is a characteristic that has always been a part of God’s nature (Romans 2:4; 9:22; Exodus 34:6). And, it appears that all of God’s begotten children are expected to bring forth this particular characteristic fruit of the Holy Spirit, also.

Galatians 5:22-25 (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The Holy Bible is full of promises for those who trust God and wait upon His timing (Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 37:9, and many more).

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May, 7, 2022, Day 7 of Week 3. This is the 21st Day of Count to Pentecost.

God has recorded such wonderful examples of faith in the outstanding leaders He has described in His Holy Bible. Moses, of course, stands out in many ways as an excellent leader. There is much to learn from analyzing the leadership qualities God created and successfully used in Moses.

Looking at Moses simply as a man, most of us would conclude that he appeared to be quite a capable leader. However, when we really examine what the Holy Bible says about Moses, we find that the true strength and capacities of his leadership were tied directly to God, and to God’s gifts. Moses’ defining characteristic seems to be his demonstrated faith. And, that faith itself was a gift from God. Paul tells us faith is a gift in Ephesians 2:8-9.

God gave Moses a fantastic example of faith in his own parents’ choice to save Moses’ life.

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

And, Moses demonstrated faith when he left Egypt and refused to be an Egyptian prince.

Hebrews 11:24,27 (24) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Moses was willing to suffer in this life because he treasured what he knew would come in the future. He realized the true riches.

Hebrews 11:25-26 (25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Although Moses expressed some feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency, we know he went on to fulfill God’s commission and His will. Additionally, Moses persevered even though he was frequently criticized and threatened by the people he led at God’s direction. He knew God was the Supplier and was obedient except for one instance when he struck the rock. He willingly took good advice and delegated authority to capable others. He identified with God’s people and felt constrained to be a protector even before God gave him the responsibility. Looking carefully at Moses’ style of leadership, we find that he never lorded it over the people. He faithfully passed God’s Word on to the people. And, he was an intercessor for individuals and the entire nation on a number of occasions. No wonder, God confirms Moses’ faithfulness.

Hebrews 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 6, 2022, Day 6 of Week 3. This is the 20th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The Holy Bible shows that many of God’s servants felt a level of insufficiency toward the tasks God gave them. Not only did Moses confess feelings of weakness and inadequacy, but so did young Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:10), so did Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), so did Elijah (Romans 11:3-4), and so did the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:28).

Yet, once they realized that the job really was not limited to their human strength or skill level, the power of God could rest on them. Once God’s leaders and His true Believers get self out of the way, God can really do His work.

It does not matter what human capacities, strengths, weaknesses, or level of skills we have or do not have…God is SUFFICIENT!

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said unto me; My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiecy in all things, may abound to every good work:

All of God’s people have been given tasks to do. Let us follow the examples of our Savior Jesus Christ and God’s people of faith (Hebrews 11). Let us surge ahead in our discipleship of learning and in our duties of being profitable servants and beloved children of God, our Father.

Hebrews 19:38-39 (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Let us be steadfast and determined, secure in the knowledge of Who is in charge of our salvation. We WILL do our part, and He will not fail!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 5, 2022, Day 5 of Week 3. This is the 19th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The man Moses is the figure in the Old Testament that is most often referred to in the New. God used him as leader, deliverer, lawgiver, prophet, national hero, and author. He was a type, a forerunner, of our Savior, the Messiah. He was born at a time when baby boys were being drowned, rescued by an Egyptian princess, educated in all the ways of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22), yet he walked away from the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26) to do God’s bidding.

Most believers have come to have a great deal of respect for Moses. He was a man God used successfully over and over again. Moses would step up and do what God told him to do, even when Moses obviously felt inadequate and made excuses.

Moses apparently thought the people would not believe him and that they would not listen to him. He also described himself as “slow of speech” and “of a slow tongue.”

Exodus 4:1, 10 (1) And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. (10) And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Just prior to receiving the 10 Commandments at Sinai, we learn that the weight of the job Moses was doing was quite heavy for him. Apparently, there was much bickering among the Israelites, and Moses sat to hear their contentions and try to judge rightly from morning until evening.

Exodus 18:13-18 (13) And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. (14) And when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? (15) And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: (16) When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. (17) And Moses’ father in-law said unto him; The thing that thou doest is not good. (18) Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

The important characteristic about Moses is that he stuck to doing his job anyway, even though he may have felt overwhelmed or inadequate. Perhaps there is great wisdom in never feeling personally overconfident while we are busy doing our work. The Apostle Paul apparently understood the wisdom in this concept and warned us all in 1 Corinthians. It’s a fantastic safety net.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May, 4, 2022, Day 4 of Week 3. This is the 18th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The existence of evil and the asserted goodness of God are seen by many as contradictory. Those who propagate this supposed contradiction conclude that their two foundational suppositions have to be mutually exclusive. Another prevalent assumption made by many atheists, pseudo-Christians, and other foolish beings; and, that is, evil is permanent. A third faulty yet prevalent assertion is that is, God is in a battle with evil where He is often overwhelmed.

People with such beliefs are only partly informed. They do not have the full story. They are shortsighted, and at best, they base their assumptions on faulty reasoning and incorrect information.

They live their lives in darkness, being blinded by a fallen angel whose primary way of life is lying.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The Holy Bible makes the reality of all of these things plain to those who are blessed to be able to see now.

Luke 10:23 And He turned Him unto His disciples, and said privately; Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

Thankfully, all of these members of the human race who have been so terribly misled and misinformed will soon have a tremendous wake-up call. They will be stunned by the powerful and unmistakable light of truth.

As we count forward to Pentecost this year, let us be particularly aware of just how much light God has already granted to each of us. Do we realize and appreciate how the light of truth has, in fact, set us apart?

It is the cause for great thanksgiving, celebration, and humility as we realize we are privileged to see ahead of most of humanity.

What we know and can rely on completely is that God is good, evil is real, but it is only temporary, and God never backs away in defeat! Nothing ever defeats God! God is completely OMNIPOTENT!

We are privileged to be a part of the greatest of God’s creations. We are privileged to be part of His first harvest from mankind.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God