Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 20, 2023. It is Day 42; Day 7 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

Just after the battle between Amalek and the ancient Israelites, Moses built an altar. Then, he introduces us to a new name for God.

Exodus 17:13-16 (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (14) And the LORD said unto Moses; Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (15) And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: (16) For he said; Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

In the King James Version, the name is Jehovahnissi, taken from the Hebrew YHWH nissi. Basically, this name means the Everliving One, My Banner. After God provides triumph in a battle with our enemies, God’s people need to gather around Him to recognize His crucial and decisive involvement. God is our Savior! The Banner signifies His presence. When God raises His Banner, Ensign, or Standard in a battle, the enemy knows God has claimed the people, the land, and the victory!

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

A verse in Isaiah reveals that Jesus our Messiah is the true Jehovahnissi.

Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. This Banner has been promised to those who fear God.

Psalm 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

May God comfort and encourage us with the beautiful truth attached to this name for God, our Savior!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 19, 2023. It is Day 41; Day 6 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost. It is also the preparation day for the Sabbath.

We learn from Israel’s experiences with Amalek at Rephidim that God allows us to be attacked by enemies at times. Most certainly it is God Who gives the victories, even though we are in the battle.

We also learn that it is God Who can give us the upper hand in a fight or Who will allow our own strength to be mightily tested. Consider how Israel prevailed against Amalek when Moses’ hands were raised and how Amalek prevailed when Moses’ hands were down. That takes direct supernatural intervention!

Exodus 17:8-13 (8) Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. (9) And Moses said unto Joshua; Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. (10) So, Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge ofthe sword.

May God bless us with leadership that will always have their hands raised to God on our behalf when we are faced with an attack from the enemy.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 18, 2023. It is Day 40; Day 5 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

Jesus came preaching that the Kingdom of God was near.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison; Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God

During the 40 days He spent with His disciples were to further equip them to be His witnesses. Those 40 days were days of special preparation. The disciples were to preach about the Kingdom of God just as Messiah had done. They were to explain what the Kingdom of God entailed, including Messiah’s virgin birth, His teachings and miracles, His sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection to eternal life, and His ascension to heaven to His glorified position at the right hand of the Almighty Father. They were also to preach repentance and remission of sins in the name of the Anointed One of God.

It was the ascension of Messiah into heaven that marked the conclusion of the physical preparation of the chosen apostles. Ten days after the ascension, God sent His Holy Spirit to grant them the spiritual preparation for their evangelistic witness to all the world. On Pentecost, they were to be given qualities of God’s divine nature including the boldness to preach the gospel and power to become sons of God.

The ascension, which occurred 40 days after the Wavesheaf offering, is mentioned in both Acts and the gospel of Luke.

Luke 24:45-53 (45) Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (46) And said unto them; Thus, it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And ye are witnesses of these things. (49) And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (50) And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. (51) And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (52) And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: (53) And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Acts 1:1-11 (1) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: (3) To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of themforty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. (6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying; Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (7) And He said unto them; It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. (8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (9) And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said; Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.

Jesus sent the apostles to Jerusalem. There they waited in one accord in prayer and supplication. They had great expectations, and they were not going to be disappointed.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.

May God bless us with just such an expectant approach of being in one accord with prayer and supplication as we look forward to the coming of Pentecost and all that God has in mind for us this year.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 17, 2023. It is Day 39 Day 4 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

Considering all the trouble and complaining the Israelites seemed to be addicted to, God’s manner of dealing with Israel was very gentle. And, God’s manner of dealing with us is also very gentle.

The Scripture tells us that God chose ancient Israel for His people. He claimed them. And, He even asked them to agree in His covenant with Him at Mt. Sinai. One of the major problems with Israel is that they did not treasure God’s presence in their lives. They chose to dwell in their circumstances instead of looking to the Source of Life and all good things.

Our God has chosen us; are we choosing Him? Do we dwell in our circumstances or do we seek our God regardless of circumstances? Do we persevere in our relationship with God? Have we set our hearts to seek Him?

One way to know that we are persevering in our relationship with God is our choosing to look to God and rejoice through all our circumstances. No matter what!

Philippians 4:4-9 (4) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say; Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Ancient Israel did not grasp these spiritual realities; however, we have the Holy Spirit and the power from God to do so. May God make us constantly aware of His presence in our lives and cause us to respond to Him with positive thoughts and rejoicing.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 16, 2023. It is Day 38; Day 3 of Week 6 as we Count to Pentecost.

According to Numbers 33:12-15, Israel had camped at Dophkah and Alush just before Rephidim. Exodus 17 does not mention those two camping sites. Perhaps not much of great significance occurred at those sites. However, at Rephidim, the Israelites had several very important experiences. The word Rephidim means support. And, because of the actions and attitudes of the Israelites, Moses called the place by two other names: Massah which means testing and Meribah which means quarrelling or contention.

Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying; Is the LORD among us, or not?

Later, when Moses wrote of this place, he continued to use the names Massah and Meribah.

Deuteronomy 6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted Him in Massah.

Deuteronomy 9:22 And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.

Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said; Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

What is it about the Israelites that they continued to reject their own historical experiences where God demonstrated His awesome wonders for their benefit? Why is it that humans test God, strive with Him, contend with Him, and provoke Him?

All true Believers will come to the same general conclusion. Sin is the answer, because it blinds us to what is really going on. In sin, people see only present problems and distress, not the truth regarding the wonders God has wrought for them and Who He really is!

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

This quirk of human nature is another of the reasons we need the total fulfillment of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit that will grow in us and provide us with God’s divine nature and the power to make us sons of God. May God grant us His own powerful love of the truth!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 15, 2023. It is Day 37; Day 2 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

When ancient Israel grew agitated and began to complain about not having water, God directed Moses and the elders of Israel to go on ahead to the area around Horeb. A smaller group could move faster; and apparently, God wanted the elders of Israel to witness what He was about to do through Moses.

Exodus 17:5-7 (5) And the LORD said unto Moses; Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. (6) Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. (7) And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying; Is the LORD among us, or not?

What God told Moses to do was of great prophetic significance. Moses struck the rock in the sight of the elders of Israel, and life-giving water flowed from it into the desert floor. The river of water continued to flow until it reached the on-coming Israelites and their herds and flocks.

Of course, we know that ROCK was CHRIST. It was to be centuries later that the true ROCK was to be smitten while other Israelites were positioned to be witnesses. The Savior’s work provided the water of life freely to those He is calling today and to all the world as they desire to come to God at His future invitation.

1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

These physical events foreshadowed what God was going to do through the life of His Messiah back 2000 years. It also foreshadows what God is doing in our lives today through the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless us with the insight to see just how much we need the fulfillment of Pentecost and the pouring out of His Spirit of power.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 14, 2023. It is Day 36; Day 1 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

This week we pick up the story of Israel’s journey in Exodus 17.

Exodus 17:1-4 (1) And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. (2) Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said; Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them; Why chide ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? (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.

Imagine that! Moses actually thought the people might stone him. As part of the covenant God was about to give to the children of Israel, stoning was for crimes worthy of a brutal death.

Here is an abbreviated list of how stoning was to be used:

• For touching Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:10-13)
• Kidnapping (Exodus 21:16-18)
• Teaching about a different way to worship God (Deuteronomy 13)
• Practicing a different religion (Deuteronomy 17:1-7)
• Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:10-16)
• Giving children to Molech (Leviticus 20:1-5)
• Being a medium or a wizard (Leviticus 20:27)
• Breaking the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36)
• Stubborn rebellious sons (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)
• Sexual misconduct (Deuteronomy 22:13-29)
• For stealing what God had forbidden (Joshua 7:20-26)
• Cursing God and the King (1 Kings 21:1-16)

Instead of being thankful for the many gifts of God, including the gift of His chosen leader Moses, the meekest of men (Numbers 12:30), they were ready to unlawfully murder.

How God handled this threat against Moses is another of the great proofs of the absolute goodness of God’s divine nature. He was merciful, kind, and generous. And, He was determined to keep His Word.

May God bless us to look forward more and more to the coming of Pentecost where God first poured out the Holy Spirit and made it possible to receive His divine nature.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 13, 2023. It is Day 35; Day 7 of Week 5 as we Count to Pentecost.

Although ancient Israel knew about the Sabbath; most of them never learned what a delight it is. Today let us celebrate God’s Sabbath in all the ways He intended and in all the ways He has made available to us.

During our Count to Pentecost, we find the Israelites on their way to receiving a great formal code of law as part of a national covenant. God placed the Sabbath in the heart of the 10 Commandments. It is a key component of God’s covenant and His promises.

It is evident through the way the ancient Israelites responded to God and to His servants that they were strictly a carnal people. The natural, carnal mind cannot be subject to the law of God, but through God’s Holy Spirit (also given on Pentecost); we can even come to LOVE all of God’s ways because we are no longer “in the flesh.”

Romans 8:7, 9(A) (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (9)(A) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you….

May God grant us the great blessing of truly enjoying our fellowship with Him and sincerely loving all His ways; especially on the Sabbath.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 12, 2023. It is Day 34; Day 6 of Week 5 in our Count to Pentecost.

Following God’s underscoring the timing of the Sabbath and its proper observance for ancient Israel, Israel remained for a brief time in the general area. They had ample food, so that was not to be a problem for them again while they were in the wilderness. However, they still had additional challenging experiences to face.

Had Israel understood how much of a blessing the faithful and joyful proper use of the Sabbath can bring, they may have entered God’s REST much sooner. Yet, they did not know. Why? Perhaps it was because they tended to focus on self rather than God.

Brethren, do we understand the wonderful blessings linked to God’s gift of the Sabbath? It was never intended to be any kind of a burden. No, Never! The Sabbath was always to be associated with great blessings. Notice what God says in Isaiah.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (13) If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My Holy Day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the Holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: (14) Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

May God bless us with the faith so that we will all turn away our feet from the Sabbath. God’s intends for us to “ride upon the high places of the earth!” Believe it!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 11, 2023. It is Day 33; Day 5 of Week 5 as we Count to Pentecost.

In the Bible we find more than one kind of Sabbath commanded by God. In addition to the 7th day weekly Sabbath that God had created from the beginning and reemphasized when Israel was in the wilderness, God also instructed the nation of Israel regarding giving the land a rest every 7th year.

Just as God had promised Israel that He would give them extra manna to last over the weekly Sabbath, He also promised an extra abundance of food to harvest in the 6th year of the land rest so that the food would last until the crops came in two or three years later.

Leviticus 25:1-5, 20-22 (1) And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, (2) Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them; When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. (3) Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; (4) But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. (5) That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. (20) And if ye shall say; What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: (21) Then I will command My blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. (22) And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.

It is truly amazing how God can so easily multiply an amount of food or a harvest’s yield. God simply says; “I will command My blessing upon you,” then it is done! And, we know that is because God’s Word never returns to Him void.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Brethren, we serve a wise, generous, powerful, and unstoppable God. Faithful, loving obedience to God through His Holy Spirit will bring an abundant harvest of blessings to each of us! May He bless us that we always cooperate with Him and trust Him to supply whatever it is we may need.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God