Paul Wilbur and Zion Dance team - Glory of Israel 2026

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Listen and watch all 10 videos!

“Be Not Unaware, Nor Discouraged” by Steve Martin

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Be Not Unaware, Nor Discouraged

Have you ever gotten an email, phone call, text and asked, “Where did that come from?” Out of the blue you receive something that throws you, and you wonder, “What did I do to deserve that?”

It is not uncommon these days to get reactions, opinions, even hatred thrust your way, as if it is the “assigned duty” of the one sending it to do so. 

Well, with some of those messages sent it is their job, when you consider the ultimate source.

“Be  of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”1 Peter 5:8, NASB

However these attacks come, they are meant to wear down the believers, stop them in their tracks, keep them from pursuing and fulfilling their calling. 

But they cannot. They must not.

It used to be that it would take me days to get over a hurtful word, spoken or written. It would simmer in my head, my heart, and I would battle to rid myself of it.

Over the years that time period has dropped down to about an hour or so. 

After repenting of any action on my part, seriously considering if I was at fault, I move on in the grace and love of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the attack for what it was.

We certainly are not perfect. Sometimes these actions against us were from our own initial instigation. See it as another teaching moment to watch our mouth and our words that we give out. 

We must not be unaware that attacks will come. 

Even as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, wrestled, battled, fought them off through prayer and daily walking with the Father, we too, as His children, are not left alone.

Even as in the natural Israel is lambasted every day it seems, as the Scriptures tell us, so be it is in  the spiritual.

“46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second Man is from heaven. 

48 As is the earthy one, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly One, so also are those who are heavenly. 

49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:46-49 NASB

The devil hates us. His legions war against us.

But we will stand and accomplish that which we are given to do. Our Lord’s promise to to us.

As an extra note, I have found listening to worship music gets my heart and head, and spirit, back to good order!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Travel on until you get there. Walk Wit Me, Steve Martin (Song by Leland, “Where You Are”)

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Walk With Me as Leland sings, “Where You Are.” Beautiful, Lord.

Steve Martin

Charlotte, North Carolina

“THE IMPORTANT CALLING OF MESSIANIC FAITH” by Cathy Hargett

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THE IMPORTANT CALLING OF MESSIANIC FAITH

By: Cathy Hargett

July 14, 2026

Believers who have embraced Messianic Faith are a remnant of the followers of Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah. They are a very small part of the over two billion people in the global group of followers of Jesus. Messianic beliefs are similar to traditional Christianity, with one very big difference. 

Their faith is not complete if it does not include the revelation of Israel and the foundations of our faith being rooted in God’s covenant with Israel.

 It is the basic, distinguishable, foundational principle. This is not in the creeds of the traditional church, but it is basic to Messianic faith. I am Messianic, part of this remnant. 

Although both the words "Messianic" and "Christian" mean followers of Messiah, choosing to identify as “Messianic”, with its Hebrew connotation, instead of using the word “Christian” helps express this very significant difference in beliefs. 

There was a time early on, as I understood the prophecies and the wonders of seeing them come to pass in our day, when I did not see a necessity to distinguish between “Messianic” and "Christian”, but today, I think it is prophetically necessary to make that distinction. The day of His great re-appearing, for the second time on earth, is drawing near. 

Walking in the fullness of Messianic Faith is an important calling to help prepare the way of the Lord. 

There are many Christians throughout the world who follow Jesus without walking in the fullness of their faith. Some of them may remember passages in the Bible about being grafted into God’s original covenant with Israel through the blood of Jesus. 

But many do not embrace the relevance, the gravity, of this basic truth, having been brought into their faith through traditional theology. Traditional Christian theology teaches that those who follow Jesus, usually meaning only Gentiles, have now replaced Israel and have become His “new chosen people”. 

The Jews are “out”, and the Gentiles are “in” because “the Jews rejected Jesus”. In my own faith walk, growing up in cultural Christianity, I was taught that “we don’t follow the Old Testament; instead, we follow the New Testament”. 

Without going into the expansive discussion about “replacement theology”, also known as “supersessionism”, the Lord put it on my heart to share about the unique and important calling of those who walk in Messianic Faith. 

The modern-day Messianic movement is similar to traditional Christianity, in the sense that even though this faith expression is fairly new, there are already many different types of expressions of Messianic Faith, from Messianic Judaism to Jewish Roots, to Christian Zionism/Biblical Zionism, etc. 

Some in the movement only refer to Jewish believers, not including Gentiles, as “Messianic”. I, personally, believe that those who follow Yeshua and who embrace the identity of being “grafted into Israel” are all Messianic, both Jew and Gentile. 

The verbiage is important today - “Messianic” and “Christian” represent very different belief systems, even though both expressions agree that Yeshua is the Messiah. The difference is the relevance of understanding that our foundations are in God’s covenant with Israel. Why does that matter?

It matters greatly because without this piece, a basic link to the fulfillment of our destiny as believers is missing. Without understanding God’s prophetic plan, which means using Israel as the people from whom He brings the Messiah, the nation that is destined to bless all other nations, we reject His heart and His plan. 

We are not walking in the fullness of our faith. We don’t understand the faith that Yeshua taught. Without Israel, there is no understanding of the promises Yeshua fulfilled or what is coming at the end of the age.

A caveat here about “Christian Zionism”. Even though Christian Zionism expresses understanding about Israel, there is often a missing link. 

Many times the political, secular element is the dominant expression in Christian Zionism. There is a love and loyalty for Israel, but no sense of the “oneness”, of understanding that true believers are not just “pro-Israel”. 

They are one with Israel, of the same “essence” in His Spirit, by His precious blood. In true Biblical Zionism, there is the understanding of unity of believing Jews and believing Gentiles into one faith. We are no longer separated from each other.

With Zionism, and make no mistake, I am definitely a Biblical Zionist, without the Messianic Faith portion, there is still a separation between Jew and Gentile, even if there is mutual love and respect. 

There has to be more than that. There has to be unity of the faith between Jew and Gentile: one God, one faith, one Messiah, one new man, so I still believe, especially for the purpose of proclaiming the fullness of the Gospel, that a better description of our faith is “Messianic”. 

After over forty years in this movement, it is obvious to me that all of us in the Messianic community are poised to take the next step in our faith. Having understood the basic principles, we are still lacking in our unity as one new man. We continue to teach the basics (mostly to each other) instead of living the fullness. 

And, to be fair, we must always teach the foundations, but it’s time for the remnant of the remnant to start walking together in our faith as One in Him. The remnant of the remnant are like believers in the first century, those who will once again live and walk in unity with such love for each other and anointing from the Spirit that the world will know Him.

The unique responsibility and calling for believers is that we walk together in unity as one new man, proclaiming the fullness of the Kingdom. God chose to reveal Himself through the unity of faith and love of His people, both Jew and Gentile, together. 

This fulfillment happens through our shared passionate worship and love for Him. If we are not grafted together into this olive tree, the fullness of faith does not exist. 

The prophets speak of Israel and the nations. They tell us that at the end of the age, the wealth of the nations will come into Zion. They tell us that Gentiles will bring the Jewish people back to the Land. 

They tell us that when the nations of the world come against Zion, God will destroy them. Yeshua told us there would be a separation of the nations, the sheep and the goats, nations who stand with Israel, and those who don’t. Yeshua comes when His people speak the words He longs to hear, “blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord”. 

The message of Yeshua came first to the nations through His Jewish people. We in the nations must return to Israel as Israel returns to Messiah Yeshua. Now at the end of the age, the Gentiles/the nations return that message to God’s choice of the foremost of the nations. 

This is the important and unique calling of those in the remnant who walk in the fullness of understanding this. When we speak of salvation in Yeshua, we cannot leave this part out, because it is the fulfillment of the fullness of the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

When missionaries are sent out from various churches without proclaiming this part of the message, the fullness of the Gospel has not been taught. That’s what makes our calling as Messianics unique and very important according to the Word.

We must speak this out, walk this out – we must proclaim the Kingdom; the mystery of this message involves both Jew and Gentile (read about the mystery in Ephesians and Romans). If our faith does not include Israel and the Jewish people, we are following “another Gospel”. We are not following the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

For those who walk in the faith of traditional Christianity that teaches that Israel is no longer relevant, it’s not possible to be “one new man” because the fullness has not yet come to your faith. 

When I understood this, this lack, this “hole”, in my faith life, the Ruach compelled me to eat the Word like a ravished, starving soul, until it became part of my being. 

Of all the faith teaching and all the sermons and the studies that have been part of my spiritual journey, the relevance of Messianic Faith is the most profound. I realize that without it, I do not know the full truth. 

With it, I hunger and seek more of my Messiah, growing deeper in love with Him and for His Word, so desiring to be part of preparing the way for His return by coming into fullness. This fullness results in unity of worship of the God of Israel, for both Jew and Gentile. 

This is the fullness that reveals Abba, our God, the God of Israel, the one true God to the world. This is His plan, the restoration of all things back to Himself through the precious blood of the Lamb, through Yeshua, the King of the Jews. 

Cathy Hargett
Highway to Zion Ministries
www.highwaytozion.org

“Matchmaker” by Steve Martin

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Matchmaker

We all remember the movie “”Fiddler on the Roof”. Especially the one with Chaim Topol as Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in early 20th-century Russia. I love his character!

Remember the matchmaker, the old lady who brought a young man and a young woman together? And the song the daughters sang, as their hearts longed for a good husband? (Full lyrics below.)

I love it when I see the good Lord connecting people for His purposes and plans. And when He brings together a man and a woman, as He fully intends in His awesome family plans. It is so special and the families rejoice as they should in celebration.

Marriage between a man and a woman should not be a decisive thing. Nor should we allow the enemy of the Lord and His people to make it so. Just basic “sight and science” show His creative design and great achievement to bring more on earth for His eternal family.

That is what a father, and the Father, has always wanted. And trust me, HE will always get what He wants. I can rest in that.

For those longing for a good husband, or a good wife, seek the Father who already knows who it is. And then be patient as He brings you together in love and grace.

Matchmaker! Make them a match! And we will give thanks to You again in joy and love!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

 

Matchmaker, Matchmaker lyrics

Tzeitel you're the oldest
Yente has to arrange a match for you before she can make one for me
Oh Yente, Yente
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches
Young people can't decide these things themselves
She might bring someone wonderful
Someone interesting
And well off
And important
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book
And make me a perfect match
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
I'll bring the veil
You bring the groom
Slender and pale
Bring me a ring for I'm longing to be
The envy of all I see
For Papa
Make him a scholar
For mama
Make him rich as a king
For me, well,
I wouldn't holler
If he were as handsome as anything
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Night after night in the dark I'm alone
So find me match
Of my own
Since when are you in a match, Chava?
I thought you had your eye on your books

And you have your eye on the Rabbi's son
Well, why not?
We have only one Rabbi and he has only one son
Why shouldn't I want the best?
Because you're a girl from a poor family
So whatever Yenta brings, you'll take, right?
Of course right
Hodel, oh Hodel
Have I made a match for you
He's handsome, he's young
Alright, he's 62
But he's a nice man, a good catch, true?
True
I promise you'll be happy
And even if you're not
There's more to life than that
Don't ask me what
Chava, I found him
Won't you be a lucky bride
He's handsome, he's tall
That is from side to side
But he's a nice man, a good catch, right?
Right
You heard he has a temper
He'll beat you every night
But only when he's sober
So you'll alright
Did you think you'd get a prince?
Well I do the best I can
With no dowry, no money, no family background
Be glad you got a man

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
You know that I'm
Still very young
Please, take your time
Up to this minute
I misunderstood
That I could get stuck for good

Dear Yenta
See that he's gentle
Remember
You were also a bride
It's not that
I'm sentimental

It's just that I'm terrified
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
Maybe I've learned
Playing with matches
A girl can get burned
So
Bring me no ring
Groom me no groom
Find me no find
Catch me no catch
Unless he's a matchless match

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Lewis Bock Jerrold / Sheldon Harnick

Matchmaker lyrics © ACUM Ltd., Audiam, Inc, Concord Music Publishing LLC

 

"Passage" by Morris Ruddick

 

Morris Ruddick, author of "The Joseph Anointing" - Denver, CO

Passages

It’s about the turning points, the hurdles and pressures incorporated in pivotal passages of time, as our journeys are released from an old season, to embrace the realities and challenges of the new one.

There’s something about these turning points that deserve a closer look. The change requires awareness and preparation. Jesus spent three intense years preparing His disciples for the incredible passage that would follow His resurrection with the subsequent impartation of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, there were those, like the Pharisees who resisted the passage, seeking to undermine it. Those like Judas whose perspective, despite his proximity to Jesus, caused him to totally miss what was transpiring right before him. And those simply who took a little longer in their grasp of it all.

Overriding the status quo with well-meaning intentions can be a challenge in recognizing the peripheries of God’s process ….in the recovery of all things.

We’re at another such juncture. It involves the need to face the passages head-on. To resist and overcome the spiritual static. Passages are wrought with turbulence and uncertainty. Given the right priorities, balance in these spiritual passages can require navigating the age-old narrow corridor between life and death ….as we confront the challenges and reach, to embrace the new horizons that will unveil the opportunity of the season.

Resisting the Opportunity
Despite what might be valid reasons, gaps have always existed in how the generations view the world around them. The conflict in this passage is nothing new. The intensity is. Superficially, what for some can seem a reflection of discord, historically have proven to be the glimmers and then the birthings of significant change.

Jesus’ earthly ministry not only consistently pointed to this big-picture perspective, but was the focus He gave in preparing His disciples and followers with the dynamics needed to embrace these passages and new season.

Getting beyond the superficialities and discord lies in the wisdom and strength needed to process change. Change being driven by the interacting dynamics that geopolitics, culture, technologies and economies have on societies, over time. Recognizing the difference between annoying short term events and the focus needed for long term solutions is the perspective from-on-High that shaped David’s leadership as King ….in gleaning the wisdom from the sons of Issachar, who understood the times, to know what to do.

Again, there is nothing new in this phenomenon. It has been at play in ages past during the many instances of severe conflict and chaos that accompany the passages of seasons, detailed in key times outlined in Scripture.

Seeing Beyond the Shadows
I have been at the forefront of those describing the Middle Ages as the Dark Ages. In many ways they did reflect dark parameters and spiritual misfires impeding the process. Yet in others, God’s plan was still ahead of the power curve, with these times representing a significant passage into unfolding developments.

Morris Bishop, a man considered an expert on the Middle Ages, details these interacting changes in his compelling history of “The Middle Ages.” Despite the dynamics that have given these centuries the dark-ages label, the big-picture dynamics ….cultural, technological and economic ….that took root in the Middle Ages were dramatic.

While the Pharisees were largely blind to such big-picture dynamics, their efforts to maintain the status quo and their resistance to change served to distort the shorter-term, within-a-generation changes.

These shorter-term responses to change encountered in life are highlighted by the role of family have shaped the outlooks of emerging generations. Likewise, mentors are normally, or should be those whose grasp of the big-picture is more prescient than those struggling to adjust to the challenges of the journey. Gail Sheehy, in her initial book on these interim responses to change, “Passages,” notes transcendent wisdom needed for navigating generational changes. Her message has been tagged by the New York Times as being one of the ten most influential books on their list.

Bearing on this premise to understand the times, to know what to do, reflecting enduring, ageless wisdom, Scripture amazingly goes even further than the insights of these authors, in defining the complexities of life and culture.

Preparing for Change
Additionally, it raises the bar in pointing to this age-old source of chaos and conflict, noting the prescient impact that the simplicity that faith, with the potential influence of community and prayer can have on geopolitics, culture, technology and economies..

So it is that preparing for change begins with those we choose to align with, in accomplishing what we reach for, in our purpose-in-life.

It points to those we want alongside us, when the battle becomes fierce. Simultaneously, it points to those whose track records and propensity toward evil require more than prayer, but whose influence needs to be avoided. Paul consistently pointed to and stood against such ones, especially those within the household of faith, who sought to undermine his agendas.

Combat tends to heighten what needs to operate when discerning between the phonies, the glory-hounds ….and those who uphold the standard, who can be counted on. Honor and integrity are at the core of distinguishing those who can be counted on, when it matters.

For the phonies and glory-hounds, in different, subtle ways, the focus tends to be on themselves. The glory-hounds get others unnecessarily hurt, the phonies can’t be relied on. Each fall short on issues of trust outside the intent of their own imbalanced fears and cravings.

Discerning the Game-Changers. So, of the more subtle catalysts underpinning the advancements of history to be found in Scripture are the relationships that might be described as those “forged by God.” These are ones that incorporate both leadership and the prophetic insight that grasps the needed response to significant passages of time..

Game-changer relationships are those like Moses and Joshua; and those of Paul and Barnabas whose alliances triggered the exponential of God’s intent. When God forges relationships, they count. Tangible fruit results when God becomes a part of the intensity and intentionality of those who wield His power, tipping the balance of the power shifts.

Game-changers being recognized also by the higher standard consistently upheld. Even more, when the status quo is being challenged and God is releasing a new thing. This was very much the case with Moses and Joshua, as well as Paul and Barnabas as they navigated and navigated the passages into new seasons.

The Pause of Consecration
Simultaneously, in fully facing times of change and birthing, it may be that the most spiritual thing needed in the passage is to hold steady. Holding steady may mean doing nothing. David’s chief misfire in finding relief in going over to the Philistines almost resulted in the loss of everything, in the time just prior to the passage when he was anointed king. Fortunately, he looked to the Lord, being reminded of God’s intentionality in the recovery of all things.

Solomon suggested the critical importance of gaining the wisdom to do the right thing at the right time. Such wisdom may require a pause, a pause of consecration, not unlike what Joshua called for prior to the amazing unfolding of events that followed Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land.
“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person’s trouble is heavy upon them.” Eccl 8:6

One of the more subtle challenges facing believers during such passages of time is becoming so fixed on former strategies that the shifts in focus and direction are missed. It requires a high-level of stewardship, especially for those inclined to be doers. It is the stewardship in not getting stuck or getting the cart before the horse, so to speak.

Peter, whose impetuousness was both his strength and weakness finally got this right as he recognized the essence of what we are stewarding is the unfolding of God’s prophetic grace, an admonition to keep our efforts focused within the sphere of our gifting.
“Just as each one has received a gift, so minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Indeed, it is the stewardship of His grace, through the strategic application of the gifts. Paul elaborates on the critical matter of this consecrated approach to our assignments, more so, as we encounter these passages giving birth to matters derived from the Father’s authority alone. Without this focus, we face being snared by the judgment that overshadowed the Pharisees and Judases.
“That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” 1 Cor 11:30

The Fear of God
The Lord spoke a very unusual word to Moses when He told him that He had made him like God to Pharaoh.

The power of God cannot be wielded without the fear of God. Yet Pharaoh’s contention was unwisely fueled as a contest, representing the mode that the voices of the dark side tend toward, even in this hour. The fear of God triggering for them both the challenge and the delusion, that they might somehow outwit it.

All of which underscores the significant need for consecration. As we face the current stage in the passage we’re now navigating, may the Lord grant us to wisdom and grace to:

• Consistently and wisely discern God operating outside the box of our thinking
• To be alert in discerning the set-times Father has established by His own authority
• To discern God’s heart in bearing the burdens of ones He has connected us with
• May Father confirm HIS many Words to us, manifesting them in and thru us
• May our gifts and anointing be used to enhance the gaps for those assigned us
• May our health and strength be restored to the health and strength of Caleb
• May our thinking and prayers reflect “loving not our lives unto death”
• When Jesus returns may He find faith in our homes, our family lines, our seed!!!

The Heart-cry. A passage in Proverbs 3 captures the depth of the needed heart-cry in navigating this passage between seasons.
“By his divine revelation he broke open the hidden fountains of the deep, bringing secret springs to the surface as the mist of the night dripped down from heaven. Never drift off course from these two goals for in life: to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment. Don’t ever forget how they empower you. For they strengthen you inside and out and inspire you to do what’s right; you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble. You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound—your rest will be sweet and secure. You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation.” Prov 3:20-26

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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner of the Joseph-calling and God’s economy message, being an international voice for the higher dimensions of spiritual game-changers and intercessors since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation, the Strategic Intercession Global Network [SIGN] and designer of the God’s Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program and the Jewish Business Secrets YouTube series, Mr. Ruddick’s messages equip leaders and economic community builders with strategy where God’s light is dim in diverse regions around the globe.

He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” “Something More;” “Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;” “Leadership by Anointing;” and “Mantle of Fire,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to 3838 South Wabash Street, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at https://strategic-initiatives.org/donate/

#passages #MorrisRuddick #Jesus #HolySpirit #turningpoints

"THE HEAVENLY REALM" Message by Cathy Hargett

​                 “THE HEAVENLY REALMS”

Cathy Hargett

July 4, 2026

Heaven has been on my heart and in my mind. I have asked the Lord to teach me more about heaven. And several times recently, I have had “pictures” of Him showing me things about heaven.

In one of the pictures, I had the spiritual experience of being with Him seated in the heavenly realms, looking down with Yeshua and Abba from above the earth in an exhilaratingly high place. Another time, I was actually in a fighting brawl with many others, struggling to bring order and peace and conclusion to absolute chaos, and the whole fight seemed endless. Yeshua reached out and pulled me from the middle of the fight and took me somewhere very high and not of this world.

My spirit so longs for completion in the eternal realm. Sometimes I wonder if this longing is because of my natural age (pretty old!) or if it’s mostly the longing for eternity that He has put in every heart. My conclusion is that I believe every heart and spirit that has been sealed by His Spirit longs for this mystery of heaven and the Kingdom to be revealed. Perhaps it’s the way He gets us ready for the transition from these hybrid beings that we are - both earthly/physical and spiritual/eternal, existing in flesh and bones for the time being - into the total spirit/Spirit beings of the eternal Kingdom.

Because of the revelation of Messianic faith, I praise Him that He has allowed me to understand the concept of the restoration of Israel and the coming Kingdom that will reside on planet earth at the end of the age. This revelation has kept my heart enthralled ever since He gave me understanding about it. I was not taught this before Messianic faith became my faith. Mostly what I was taught was something vague about a "heaven” somewhere above where we would all go when we die if we believed in Jesus, but never anything about Yeshua and heaven coming down to a redeemed and glorified earth at the restoration of all things. I have understood much better about the Kingdom when it comes down to earth than about the Kingdom existing now in heaven above at this present age.

Knowing this about heaven coming to earth at the end of the age has so sustained me in hope that I haven’t thought very much about this interim place that is somewhere above right now until the return of Yeshua. The truth is, unless heaven comes down out of the heavenly realms to earth before we die physical deaths, all of us will also experience the heaven that is above. So, where is He now and where are my parents and my loved ones who have gone before me? As my Sister once asked me, “What are they doing up there?”

Even now as I write this I realize that I am only at the beginning of grasping this concept of the heaven above. But I really do want to know more than I know now. I believe if we understand this better, we can be an encouragement to others, not only to comfort at times of loss of those we love, but also so that we are filled with faith and hope and confidence that heaven is real, and that heaven comes to earth!

What do we know – we know that God and Yeshua are seated in the heavenly realms and they are looking down on the creation. The Scripture says that He sits above the circle of the earth and looks down and sees all mankind. He is looking to see if there are any who understand and seek Him. He views the whole earth. And it is clear that this is an actual “place” that is high above this planet because He is always looking down from someplace “up”.

The Apostle Paul speaks about going to a “third heaven”, and this is where God and Yeshua reside at the moment. But His Holy Spirit is here on the earth inside of us. We also know that from this realm He blesses us with every spiritual blessing and that He is seated far above all rule and authority, even now in this present age and in the one to come. So we know there is an age that is coming after this one when He will be here on the earth. In other words, heaven comes down.

When Paul spoke about the third heaven, he said, “whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know”.  This tells me that those times when we experience Him so fully, we wonder if we have crossed over from this present age to the eternal one, exemplify what Brother Paul meant. We know there are times that make us feel like we grasp what being “total spirit” is about, and we are no longer these dual-beings made of flesh and spirit/Spirit, but we are totally in the Spirit!

A very profound part of all this contemplation/revelation is to know that this place called heaven is filled with the spirits of righteous men made perfect. Our believing loved ones exist here, in this place that we are bringing into focus. They are in an actual place with Him. I want to know even more about this, and I am asking Him for more revelation. We know it is in a very high location. It is still very much connected with planet earth. But it is a place above all principalities and rulers, and every evil spiritual force.

Stephen saw Yeshua in heaven as he looked up from the earth. He could see Him standing there. Hallelujah!  And also in that place are things that have been replicated on the earth, like the temple of God and the ark of the covenant. There are angels and horses and sounds so beautiful in worship. There are people from the tribes and from every nation. It is noisy at times. Do the saints get to look down from there onto the earth?

We know there is a “second heaven” just because we know there is a first and a third one! The first one is the one we can see from earth – the sky He created. It is beautiful and filled with birds and flying creatures. We know that He created the sky and all the starry hosts and that He uses it to reveal the times.

In that “second heaven,” there is warfare and battling and Kingdom victories taking place. There are angelic beings and principalities. There are evil, spiritual forces, too. I believe we spiritually fight in this realm, too, with living our faith and intercessions and worship. Today, I am not focusing on the second heaven as much as I am on the third.

And what I do know is what I’ve understood most clearly up until now – I do know that this high-above-us place will come down to earth at the end of the age. Everything and everyone will fill this place with His glory. Every loved one who is there now will be here. It’s at this point that I must confess that my eyes can only squint to imagine more. Because He has filled our hearts with eternity, we long for this place and for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. And from eternity’s perspective, it is so, even now. Selah. Amen.  

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Messiah, keep seeking the things above – where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”   (Colossians 3:1-2)

 

SCRIPTURES OF CONFIRMATION:

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Isaiah 40:22

Psalm 33:13-14

Psalm 14:2

Psalm 53:2

Ephesians 2:6

Ephesians 1:3, 20-22

Colossians 3:1-3

II Corinthians 12:1-10

Genesis 1:1, 26, 28, 30

Genesis 7:11

Psalm 148:4

Ephesians 2:2

Ephesians 3:10-11

Ephesians 6:12

Daniel 10:12-14

Revelation 12:9

Acts 1:2, 9, 10, 11

Hebrews 12:22

Acts 7:55

Hebrews 7:26

Revelation 11:19

Revelation 15:5

Revelation 14:15

Revelation 21 and 22

Cathy Hargett
Highway to Zion Ministries
www.highwaytozion.org

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA