Dear Family,

Today is Pentecost, May 28, 2023. It is Day 50; we have come to the end of our Counting.We have completed 7 cycles of 7 weeks, and the Day we have looked forward to has finally arrived.

Historically, this Day has had great significance for worshippers of the true God. Ancient Israel entered into a marriage covenant with their Creator. And, the New Testament Church was born on this Day about 2000 years ago when God poured out His Holy Spirit on those who had gathered faithfully to observe this festive Holy Time.

In the year our Savior completely fulfilled the Passover sacrifice and the symbolism of the Wavesheaf, everything was ready for God to perform more of His wonders!

In accordance with the instructions of our risen Savior, the disciples had obediently gone to Jerusalem to wait.

Acts 1:4 And [JESUS} 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.

They were there in one accord. They knew something significant was about to happen. And, it did!

Acts 2:1-4 (1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

May God bless us richly as we focus our entire being upon Him, worship Him, and rejoice before Him today!

Happy Holy Day!

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 27, 2023. It is Day 49; Day 7 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. Tomorrow is the day we have been anticipating now for many weeks.

As the sun set at the beginning of this day, we moved into holy time, and when the sun sets this evening, we will continue to be in holy time. That happens infrequently during the 365 days of the year. This weekend we have two days of time God has set apart for His people to fellowship with Him.

“Set apart” is another way of saying “sanctify.” It means that God has a significant purpose for something that is sanctified. God has set apart the weekly Sabbath. He has set apart the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). He has also set us apart as His people. And, God expects that we will also sanctify what is important.

Exodus 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying; Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Deuteronomy 5:12 Keep the Sabbath Day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

Leviticus 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

May God bless us to enjoy our own sanctification as an integral part of the process of salvation that God has designed in His infinite wisdom!

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

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 26, 2023. It is Day 48; Day 6 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

God expected Israel to be ready to meet Him at Mt. Sinai. And, God also expects that of His people today!

God certainly does allow a lot of variations in many things. However, when God makes a point about something He wants to be done exactly as He tells us, we had better pay close attention.

That is what happened with the ancient Israelites at Mt. Sinai during that Pentecost season long ago.

Exodus 19:10-11, 14-15 (10) And the LORD said unto Moses; Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, (11) And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. (14) And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. (15) And he said unto the people; Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

When we are summoned before God for Holy Convocations during the three annual festival seasons, God wants us to be sanctified, clean, and mentally prepared. The focus of our attention needs to be on what God wants, what He tells His people to do, and what God intends to bestow upon us.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (12) Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. (13) And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

May God bless each of us with hearts that are willing to prepare, hearts that are willing to be cleansed, and hearts that truly seek our God.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 25, 2023. It is Day 47; Day 5 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

As they camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai, most of ancient Israel had little idea of what was about to transpire in a few days. One of the wonderful features of the covenant God was making with ancient Israel was the point of their being chosen as a people. This involved many things, including having blessings passed on to future generations. God had promised this to Abraham and his seed.

Genesis 12:1-4 (1) Now the LORD had said unto Abram; Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (4) So, Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

It is a marvelous thing to be one of the chosen of God and to walk among His people. As disciples of the One True God, we have just such an opportunity. What an awesome blessing!

Because of the work God has done and is continuing to do in us through Christ, the Messiah, we are the seed of Abraham. God has called us to go into a land He will show us also. God has bestowed great promises upon us and our children, just as He did on ancient Israel. We are the seed of Abraham by faith.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not; And to seeds, as of many; but as of One; And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Let us move forward in faith. May God grant us that we will receive all the blessings and the promises He has prepared for us and for our children.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 24, 2023. It is Day 46; Day 4 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

In order to strike the rock at Mt. Horeb, Moses and the elders had gone ahead to camp near the base of the mountain. The people followed and arrived soon after. It is at this camp that Jethro brought Moses’ family to him.

We know little about Jethro except that he was a priest in Midian (Exodus 3:1). Of course, God had not set up His priesthood yet. That would be done in the months following Pentecost. However, Jethro recognized something special about the God Who had delivered Israel from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery.

In Exodus 3:18 we learn Jethro also had another name. The name Reuel means friend of God.

Exodus 3:18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said; How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

Apparently, Jethro was quite discerning and had a bit of wisdom. He noticed how overworked Moses was in dealing with the everyday leadership of the people. Much of Moses’ time was used in settling squabbles and various disputes. Jethro suggested a way to ease Moses’ efforts and share the responsibilities with other leaders. And, Jethro also suggested that Moses ask God about the suggestion.

Exodus 18:13, 16, 19-23 (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. (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 (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. (23) If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

There are many lessons we can learn from this account. Here are several to ponder:

• Moses’ ceaseless efforts on behalf of God’s people
• Moses’ humility in taking wise counsel from others
• Jethro’s wisdom
• Sometimes we learn important things from unexpected sources (Jethro)
• God can use anybody for His purposes (even a non-Israelite priest of Midian)
• Statutes, ordinances, and laws of God were already in existence and being used

May God bless us all with the spirit of wisdom, insight, and humility.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 23, 2023. It is Day 45; Day 3 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

During this last week of our Count to Pentecost, we find several people coming to see Moses. Jethro, Moses’ Midianite father-in-law, brought Moses’ family to him: Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer. Moses had been completely involved in the specific commission God had given him, so Moses had not seen his wife and sons for some time.

Exodus 18:1-4 (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:

Moses’ two sons were half Levite and half Midianite. Although the Bible contains much about Moses and how God used him in such mighty ways, God’s promises to make a great nation did not come through Moses and his two sons. Yet, it is interesting to consider that God offered Moses just such an opportunity. After all, Moses’ sons were from Abraham’s line, at least partly.

After Israel’s encounter with God at Pentecost, it did not take long for them to turn to idolatry, and God was so angry with them, He offered this special position to Moses. Of course, Moses declined. He begged God for mercy on these specific people and reminded God of His promises.

Exodus 32:9-15 (9) And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: (10) Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. (11) And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth Thy wrath wax hot against Thy people, which Thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? (12) Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say; For mischief did He bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from Thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. (13) Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel; Thy servants, to whom Thou swarest by Thine own self, and saidst unto them; I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. (14) And the LORD repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people. (15) And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.

This is one of the many stories about Moses that shows he had no agenda of His own. He was a faithful servant of the LORD and a caretaker of God’s people. May God bless us all with such a true servant’s heart.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 22, 2023. It is Day 44; Day 2 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

Some of the experiences Israel had in the days just prior to their encounter with God at Mt. Sinai provide some of the most valuable lessons of the entire journey. While we can put a lot of attention on Amalek and the treacherous devices he uses against us personally, we must also remember that we have brethren who may be even more feeble and vulnerable to devastating attacks than we are.

Deuteronomy 25:18 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.

Apparently, Amalek never fought a fair fight. In fact, it appears that Amalek never actually attacked an army. Rather, Amalek took out the weak, struggling ones first. And, God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, what do we do to help?

Our Savior said that one of the ways it becomes obvious to others that we are His disciples is when we have love one to another. And, not only does it become obvious to others, such love also makes it more and more obvious to us and to God that we are His disciples.

John 13:34-35 (34) A new commandment I give unto you; That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.

As we prepare to assemble before God on Pentecost, let us make a concerted effort to strengthen and care for our brethren; all of them. Most certainly, let us not look down upon them because they are having difficulty in their journey.

Passages in the New Testament indicate how God prizes our care of others. We find one example of this in the book of Romans.

Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

May God give us eyes to see the needs of our brethren and the hearts to respond to them with God’s love.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 21, 2023. It is Day 43; Day 1 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

As we begin this last week of our Count to Pentecost, let us consider one of the possible reasons why God said He would war against Amalek through all generations.

The Bible has several references to Amalek. His beginnings go back to Esau’s line. Apparently, Amalek was born to Esau’s son, Eliphaz, and a concubine named Timna.

Genesis 36:12(A) And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek….

Although Esau was Israel’s brother (originally named Jacob), there was much animosity between them. Amalek’s bloodline, through Esau, apparently brought with it a set of tendencies against God and His people. Esau preferred the temporary satisfaction of food over the future blessings from God. He was attracted to pagans and idolatry. And, Amalek was attracted to treachery and violence. His ruthless tactics included attacking the elderly, the sick, and the weak from the rear.

Deuteronomy 25:18 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. When we consider a parallel between the physical and the spiritual, we can see that spiritual Amalekites attack us when we are feeble, faint, and weary. Only God can deliver us from such attacks. Only God can provide the spiritual health and strength we need. In several places in the Scriptures, God reveals a way for us to be “strong.”

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them; Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

As we progress to Pentecost, let us keep in mind this valuable lesson. We all need to be spiritually alert and strong. Strength to overcome and become sons of God started for us at Pentecost about 2000 years ago. May God bless us with more and more of the joy of the Lord, His power; and, His divine nature.

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

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