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The Bible says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved !Romans 10:9-10

CHACHAM'S FRIENDSHIP PAGE

The Lord is my shepherd

Chacham's testimony
"Religion to Relationship"

MY TESTIMONY - From Religion to Relationship 
                          by Bob Warehime

Luke 18:9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain men which trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others; Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed this with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying. God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

I am writing this in faith and hope that at least one person will be spared so many trips down seemingly endless roads, in search of the relationship with God that all sincere believers desire. My journey has taken me 27 years, thousands of hours of reading, searching, praying, and fasting. Blind alleys, heartbreaking experiences, etc.(Get the picture)?

I am not saying it was all bad for even bad trips with Jesus are good learning experiences, and many rewards were along the way with many souls being won. However, I believe I could have been more effective had I come via God's intended route.  This is not meant to be another's solution or direction, except for God finally getting through my thick skull and penetrating all of my stupid ideas. Along with all the well intended pastors, I have had along the way, filling my head with their own recipes for obtaining God's standard of holiness, which He requires.

Without exception, nearly every denomination or independent church which I have been associated with fell into the same category as the Pharisee listed in Luke 18-9.  I am not condemning them for they taught me a lot along the way, and I am thankful that they were there. Eventually I too became a Pastor, and for about 15 years, struggled with my inability to cleanse the vessel, (others or mine). In the early 1980's during a time of intense study of the Word, sincere prayer, and soul searching, I had an encounter. I knew that I was losing my ability to feed the sheep that the Lord had given me to pastor, so I began to seek His will with all of my heart.  Suddenly, one morning about 5:00 a.m. I got out of my bed, and there before me was what I have always believed to be an apparition or a vision of Jesus. Instantly when I saw Him, I saw myself, full of sin and deceit. It was like coming face to face with what I call absolute truth. I was standing naked before the living God. I was visibly shaken then, and for many days after that.

Instantly my ministry was competely changed, after seeing myself I was overwhelmed, and knew there was no way I could ever be ready to meet Jesus. Afterward I associated my encounter with scriptural examples, such as Daniel, where the Word declares that he became afraid, and fell on his face. (Daniel 8:17) Or Isaiah as he exclaimed in (Isaiah 6:5) "Woe is me, I am unclean." I felt that I had no right to place any demands on any other men, which I could not attain myself. The Word declares by the mouth of Jesus that the merciful will obtain mercy, (Matthew 5:7) so therefore, I became a minister of mercy because that is what I desired so much from My God.  I went to the streets and the byways ministering to those who were homeless or addicted, prostitutes, homosexuals, or run-aways. etc., and brought them to church, providing shelter, food, and helping many to find jobs.

I understand NOW that God had come mightily upon me with a cleansing anointing, but somehow the enemy through fear robbed me of the anointing of which I will tell you more later. I was destined to wander in the desert for about 10 more years. Somehow, after that time, I knew that I could never be what God wanted me to be. I lived from that time on, under the rule of Jesus, knowing that if I were merciful to all men that on Judgement Day he would allow me to also obtain mercy.(Matthew 5:7) However, the Church I pastored did not like me bringing these outcasts into our Church and loving them just as they were. Through this Pharisaical spirit, Jezebel spirit, or whatever you wish to call it, I was totally devastated and resigned my Church.

After a couple of years of wandering in the desert, I came back to my former home, and returned to an old line Evangelical Church, where I began to teach the Word to those with less experience than I. During this 3 year period I saw many find the Savior, and begin to grow in the Lord, but I was still the same "publican" who could not even look toward heaven. I am not totally stupid, for I have had the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and speak in other tongues, and I know by the faith teachers that I am righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I know that I am washed in his Precious Blood, and I walk by faith and not by sight, also I sing, shout and worship the Lord. I don't smoke or drink or chew or associate with them who do...(little joke here)!

Does this sound familiar? It should, as it is almost the same thing the Pharisee said in Luke chapter I, but it is still not right. "The vessel is still dirty, and no one can help me". If you doubt what I am saying then why are television evangelists falling into sin through seductive "Christian" women, and why are some dying alcoholic deaths, and why are some in prison for stealing, and why are others using Hollywood hype to get money for their flamboyant lifestyles?  Why are they trading wives like the movie stars? I tell you it is because the vessel is still dirty.  The Word of God says in Romans chapter 7,  "I do those things That I don't want to do, and don't do what I know and desire to do, for God. Who shall deliver me from this Body of Death?"  It goes on in Romans chapter 8, to say that, if we walk in the Spirit then  we won't be in the flesh. But, I can't find very many walking that way.

Many of the great evangelists of our day quote the scriptures, but they are the same ones aforementioned who failed.  Even now when I tell people about my breakthrough they act as if they know all about it, but none of them ever tell me how. We as Christians are so smug and holier than thou and so full of pride, that we can't tell people that inside we are full of sexual lusts, unholy desires, perverted thoughts, and secret sins. And for some strange reasons we think God doesn't know either. Believe me when you go to bed alone and fantasize about some secret desire or some other person, the Holy Spirit is there also. When you are driving your car or watching television or reading some carnal book, or movie.  Friend God is right there with you.

Well if you can't relate to any of this you are not a member of Adam's race, or else you have reached an experience with God, just like the one I am trying to take you point you toward.  I lived in this realm of Christianity for 27 years and had to fight these desires on a daily basis with every ounce of prayer, strength, and isolation I could muster! Oh God please help me I cried. I know it is high time for you to return, and I'm not ready. I pray, and I'm not sure you hear me calling. My family gets sick and my children are not living for you, and my friends are dying...and I don't have enough power to get them well. Satan is stealing from us, and I can't stop him.

Have you ever felt helpless like this, or am I the only one?  THE LOWEST EBB IS THE TURN OF THE TIDE! No one one can seek God until God seeks him or her, so I want to show you a turning point in my life. What had started my seeking so profoundly again, was in May of 1993. This was due to complications following surgery of my first born child, a daughter.  We received a message from her doctor saying that her lungs were traumatized, and had shut down, and that she probably wouldn't live. On my way to the hospital to see her, I told God if He would heal her that I would get my credentials back, and return to the ministry. My wife and I went into the intensive care unit at the hospital (I.C.U.) and prayed for Brenda, and then I felt an indescribable inner peace. The next morning the doctor said to us that we must know someone upstairs, and that we had a miracle, as the new x-rays looked like a different set of 1ungs, ALL GLORY AND HONOR AND PRAISE TO OUR GOD FOR HIS SOVERIGN ACT OF MERCY AND GRACE!

After this I left the evangelical church, and begun searching through my roots of Pentecost. Brother Larry Hrovat, an evangelist taught on the footprints of commitment, in which the Prophet Daniel operated.  He also taught of Jesus Christ walking in the footprints of commitment in which he had in covenant agreed with the Father and Holy Spirit before the foundation of the World. In that meeting I made a new covenant with God that I intended to keep as long as I live. Our God is a covenant-making, covenant-keeping God. In keeping my covenant I returned to the denomination I came out of, and found myself being drawn toward the same old bondage's and Pharisaical entanglements as before.

About this same time I was in deep searching prayer and fasting. The words of Rev.3:15 were driven into my mind and heart during the night seasons with fervent reality.  "I know thy works, you are neither hot or cold", and verses 3:18 screams out at me too, "I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire that you may be rich, and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye-salve that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, be zealous therefore and repent".

I asked the Holy Spirit to shine his searchlight into the very depths of my soul and spirit, and as Psalm 51:6-7 states, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." I cried out bring me into Psalm 51:9-11, "Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me." I didn't want anything I just wanted to know Him.  Then, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME!

When you will, without reservation, and in truth, approach God this way, He will come and reveal you to yourself, for Deep calleth unto Deep. So be prepared to see yourself as the "Spirit of Truth" sees you, (although, be prepared, for you won't like what you see). I found myself in deep repentance, and in a couple of instances making restitution because I wanted to be transparent and naked before my Father God, and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Precious Holy Spirit.  I BECAME AS A LITTLE CHILD.  While driving to work at about 5 a.m. one morning (a special prayer time for me) I told Father that I wanted to know Him at any cost. The thought popped into my head that I would be in a car wreck, and through a mutilated and crippled body I could give testimony like Joni or other great Christian martyrs. I told God that if that was the way I could truly bring Him glory, then, "Okay because I TRUST YOU". In 27 years I think that was the very first time I truly threw myself on His mercy, and in all honesty that was the day when I died to self.

I pray you can understand this great spiritual truth that had begun for me. A breakthrough from which opened the door for a brand new anointing of power and a most beautiful relationship with Him.  I truly was seeking Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. I cried out like Moses in Exodus 33:13, "If I have found grace in thy sight teach me thy ways that I might know thee." The Spirit so overwhelmed me that I have found myself in deep intercessory prayer, and this has gone on since that time, and still has a big place in my life. I have been able to enter into deeper communion with Him and worship in ways I HAVE NEVER BEFORE KNOWN, and love Him with an adoration unequaled by anything this life could ever offer. Many times I could hardly wait until He and I could be together.

I will try to tell you now how this breakthrough came for me.  I went up to my room and lay donw on my bed, and began to worship Him, and praise Him.  When SUDDENLY my body began to tremble and shake with an feeling like electricity. My feet and legs felt hot, yet were cool to the touch. I knew this to be the Holy Spirit, and that we two had become one flesh. In Eph.5:31-32 it says, " For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh". This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. I knew that I had truly met the Holy Spirit as a person, and not as a force.

After this time I have read some precious books which helped me to understand what had happened to me and caused me to go deeper and grow more.  Books by Mario Murillo, ("Critical Mass", "Fresh Fire", and "Fresh Impact"). Books by Benny Hinn, ("Good Morning Holy Spirit", "Welcome Holy Spirit", and a host of other good books.  "The Touch of God", by Rodney Howard-Browne, along with attending his winter camp meeting have helped me to understand the anointing better. The anointing is not goosebumps, or prickly hair, or shivers, although these can happen. We know that God is omnipresent, but the anointing is the manifest presence of God in my body "I feel Him",  every day, in my flesh.  Sometimes so strongly that I get drunk in the Spirit, or can hardly contain myself. At other times not quite as strong, but He is always there. I talk to Him all the time.  Hs name is Holy Spirit; He is Jehovah God, and equal to the Father, and the Son. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent.  He is gentle, loving, powerful, and easily offended or hurt. I protect His presence with all diligence.  As I was sealed (Eph. 1:13-14)"with the Holy Spirit of promise and He is the earnest of my inheritance until the Redemption of my Body."

I will attempt to share a revelation given me by the Holy Spirit. There are three ways in which the enemy will attack. They are:  the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Eyes can be guarded by religious means censorship, etc.  Pride of Life can he controlled by taking thoughts captive(like a nun or monk in a monastery). The lust of the flesh can be controlled by NO MAN, therefore, the flesh must die.  The Apostle Paul said, "I die daily". God cannot or will not use a man who is dependent (alive) to his flesh.  Study the lives of Jacob, Joseph, and Abraham, etc. Isaiah 49:24 says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty or the lawful captive be delivered." The flesh (Adam) is a lawful captive of Satan through Adam's fall. Isaiah 49:25, "The Lord says He will contend with our contender." Psalm 33:16, Amos 2:14-15 says, "We cannot deliver ourselves". In Isaiah 46:4 and 51:14-16 God says, "He will carry us and deliver us." In John 15, Jesus says, "Except you abide in me and my Word abides in you, without me you can do nothing."

These methods of deliverance can only be accomplished in our lives, as we truly become The living Word. That is to say, "not living by bread alone but on every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God."  As Jesus Christ was the Living Word and emptied Himself out, so we shall become The living Word.  By taking it in until the Life of Christ becomes formed in us, until we become the living Epistles, read of men. Isaiah tells us that, the Word will not return to the Father void, that is to say Jesus emptied Himself out of the Word, the Word through the Holy Spirit becomes the church, and we the Bride take the Word back home to the Father. JESUS said, "I have finished the work thou gavest me to do. I have given them thy Word, the words I speak and they are spirit and they are Life." Without the Word we cannot stand, We must love God's word, and read and study it daily, then truly the armor of God can became a reality in our life.

As we increase our fellowship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, then also the anointing will increase. Do not seek God for gifts or for power, but seek his face simply because you love Him, and through this relationship He will give you of Himself. Just seek Him, seek a relationship with our loving Heavenly Father (Papa).  Whether or not this is understandable to you, I cannot know, but it's just about the best way I can explain my marvelous experience with God.  An experience that has profoundly changed me forever, making me a new person, to the glory of Jesus Christ. PRAISE GOD!

The Bible says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved !Romans 10:9-10

CHACHAM'S FRIENDSHIP PAGE

The Lord is my shepherd

Chacham's testimony"Religion to Relationship"

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Chacham's testimony
"Religion to Relationship"

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