I was reading a passage of scripture recently that blessed me with revelation. The revelation was a pictorial of where God currently have me in life. The last 18 months have been a very challenging and difficult time for me. My entire life took a "Good Shakin", for the good. Problem is, I just realized that the shakin would ultimately lead me into a place with God that I wasn't prior to the shakin. Transition would be the best way to describe what's been happening around me. While conversating with a friend, I realized how good God had been to me. Favor, grace and mercy is what has been extended to me in a wonderful way. I am simply a product of Grace. I'm reminded of when the three Hebrew men came out of the fiery furnace, the text says that "they was not harmed, not one hair of their skin was even scorched and neither did they even smell like smoke". Wow, they definitely didn't look like what they had been through. I guess the whole reason of me expressing this blog was to encourage my readers to not get caught focusing on what we're going through, however, let's focus on the mercy, grace and favor of our God. Don't watch the storm, watch the storm stopper. Be blessed.............
F. Demond
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Game #6 is a must win! ~ LAKERS......
All true Laker fans are requested to believe for the "Fellas" today. We have believed all season, thus there is no reason not to believe now. Let's put our confidence behind the "Fellas" and cheer them on. It will be a hard uphill battle being in "BEAN TOWN", however, we are made of steel and is up for the challenge. The worst thing Boston can do, will be to not win tonight. They don't want to see us in a Game 7. Remember, let the record show that the TRUE LAKER FANS BELIEVE until the end.BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE ~ BELIEVE
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
I just wanted to wish all of my family, friends and ministry partners a Happy Father's Day. I pray that your day is filled with much love, laughter and joy. Be Blessed.........F. Demond
Friday, June 6, 2008
The NBA FINALS have begun.....LAKERS vs CELTICS
It all started last night in Boston. The NBA's two most prized franchises have revived their legendary rivalry. The Lakers met up with the Celtics for Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals. This legendary matchup has caused a media frenzy making it the talk of everyone's conversation. Last night did not start out well for the Lakers. We lost the first game in Boston, what a sad evening. I really wanted the Lakers to win. We have won every series opener this playoff run. I'm not really worried due to our play last night. In my opinion, the Lakers played their worst game of the playoffs. Nothing went right for us on this night. It's ok. I'm a firm believer that we will rebound to win the series. Anyone in their right mind would understand that there is absolutely no way the Celtics can beat us in a 7 game series. Again, I repeat: "NO WAY"! The LAKERS are 12-4 in the playoffs. Meaning, we only have 4 wins to a championship. It's over for the Celtics. They will not win in Boston anymore this season.
HARRIS PREDICTION: We will win in six games. Sunday will be our win, along with two more here in LA and we will close them out in Boston in Game 6.
To all the Laker haters........enjoy this time of bragging. It's ok! It's a wrap for the boys in "GREEN". Trust me this prediction will come true...........
LAKERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
HARRIS PREDICTION: We will win in six games. Sunday will be our win, along with two more here in LA and we will close them out in Boston in Game 6.
To all the Laker haters........enjoy this time of bragging. It's ok! It's a wrap for the boys in "GREEN". Trust me this prediction will come true...........
LAKERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Is "TITHING" biblical in the 21st Century?
OLD TESTAMENT FINANCIAL ORDER
The Old Testament, especially as it relates to Israel, "The Church in the Wilderness" (Acts 7:38), sets forth many patterns and shadows of the New Testament Church.
• The pattern of worship is seen in the Tabernacle of Moses, and David and the Temple of Solomon order.
• The pattern of Priesthood is set out in the Aaronic and Levitical Priesthood order.
• The pattern of redemptive truth is set forth in the Feasts of the Lord.
• The pattern of Covenantal relationship is set out in the Covenants.
And so it is when it comes to financial matters and the support of the Lord's ministry and the house of the Lord. It is a matter that very few believers and Churches have studied. It is the only financial system that God ordained and blessed, and yet many failed to see it and the Divine principles therein.
• The pattern of Church Finances therefore is seen in the Old Testament Scriptures, especially amplified in Israel. Then the basic principles are carried over into the New Testament Church, which arose of the Old Testament Church.
In Studying God's order in Israel we find that their giving was covered in two areas called "Tithes and Offering" (Malachi 3:8).
We consider these two areas as in Israel and see how the principle of such overflows into New Testament Church.
1. Tithes The word "tithe" simply means "tenth". Tithing is actually a teacher to give. One hundred percent belongs to Lord. He gives us 9/10ths to use, but the first tenth He says is His. "The tithe is HOLY to the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30-33). The tithe is really not ours to give. It is already God's. He has claimed it as the first fruits of our increases. So in tithing we are giving to God what is already His.
A. Abraham – A Tither
The First account we have of tithing is in Genesis 14:17 – 20. Abraham tithed to Melchisedek in connection with receiving the bread and wine. We note some of the outstanding thoughts connected with this scene.
1. Abraham is the Father of all who believe (Romans 4).
2. Abraham gave tithes to Melchisdek, Priest of the Most High God; Tithes of all.
3. Abraham gave tithes before the Law Covenant existed. This was in connection with the Abrahamic Covenant. It was a specific amount.
4. Melchisedek gave Abraham communion of bread and wine.
5. Melchisedek is King of Righteousness and King of Peace (Hebrews 7)
6. Melchisedek blessed Abraham of the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth.
Thus the first mention we have of tithing in the Scriptures is with Abraham and Melchisdek. The Books of Romans and Hebrews together show that believers are the seed of Abraham and that we are under the Order of Melchisdek Priesthood, as kings and priests with Christ Jesus. Also the Gospels show Jesus Christ, our King Priest establishing the Communion of bread and wine at the New Covenant table. Thus we share in the bread and wine and give our tithes to Melchisedek, Jesus Christ, who lives in the power of an endless life.
Tithing was before the Law, not of the Law. His Priesthood abides forever.
Can we claim to be children of Abraham and claim the communion and the Priesthood of Jesus and still neglect to give tithes in this covenantal relationship?
B. Jacob – a Tither
The Lord says "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." The next account we have of tithe giving is in Jacob. This was in connection with Bethel, the House of God. We note some of the salient points (Genesis 28:10 – 22).
1. Jacob has a God – given dream of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth.
2. The angels of God ascend and descend on the ladder.
3. The God of Covenant confirms the Abrahamic promises to Jacob.
4. Jacob anoints the Bethel Stone, calling it the House of God.
5. Jacob makes a vow to give tithes of all he receives from the Lord.
6. Jesus interprets the Ladder to be Himself, "the Son of Man" (John 1:51).
Thus Jacob has a visitation from God and undoubtedly kept his vow of tithes. We see how God blessed him in all his life. We note that this vow of tithing was before the giving of the Law. Those accept the God of Jacob, as the God of Abraham, will also keep their vow of tithes and give back to the Lord a tenth of all He gives. This is done at Bethel, the House of God. Angels, as ministering spirits, minister to the heirs of salvation, even as they did to Jacob (Hebrews 1:13, 14).
C. Israel - Tithers
The fullest revelation of the tithing order is found in the nation of Israel. The tithing here, though not of the Law, was confirmed under the Law. But it should be remembered that tithing did not originate under the Law.
Tithing was before the Law, but confirmed under the Law! Under the tithing system then we see the following:
1. The First or Lord's Tithe – Leviticus 27:30 – 33; Numbers 18:21; Nehemiah the Priestly Tribe of the Levites. Numbers 18:24 – 32 needs to be studied carefully for this. The Levities had no inheritance in the land but were kept by the tithes of the people. 12 tribes to the one tribe. This was called the Lord's Tithe (Leviticus 27:30 – 33). It went to the Levites, the ministers of the congregation (Numbers 18:21 – 24). The person in Israel had no control over it, received none of it back except in the services of the priests, who used it for their livelihood. In the restoration of the Temple after Babylon, the tithes were again given to the Levites (Nehemiah 10:37). Israel was to tithe all the increase each year (Deuteronomy 14:22). If any used their tithes then they were to pay 20% or 1/5th interest to the Lord for using His money (Leviticus 27:30).
2. The Tithe of the Tithe – Numbers 18:25 – 32. Not only did the 12 tribes tithe to the Levitical or Priestly tribe, this tribe in turn paid a "tithe of the tithe". It taught that the ministries were so obligated to tithe as were the people. How can ministers teach others to tithe and give if they themselves do not tithe or give? Thus Aaron and his sons received tithes (type of the Fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4:9 – 11). In times of restoration from Babylon the tithe of the tithes was given to sons of Aaron also (Nehemiah 10:38, 39). Tithes were put in chambers. The principle is that tithe of the tithes from local Churches may be kept aside for visiting ministries (1 Corinthians 9:7 – 14 with 1 Timothy 5:17 – 19; Nehemiah 13:10).
Not only did the Israelites tithe, they also gave offerings to the Lord, which were above and beyond their tithes. The secret of it all was THE BLESSING of the Lord. If a person does not give or pay tithes he is ROBBING GOD, for the tithe is not ours to give. It is already the Lord's. But if a person gives tithes and no offering he is not giving anything to God at all. God says "Prove Me now…" As Israel obeyed God there were abundant blessings.
We could divide Israel's giving into 7 groupings as follow:
1. Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1:1 – 3; Mark 10:21; Luke 19:8). Symbol of sacrifice of oneself.
2. Sacrifices of Thanksgiving (2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 2:24; 17:16; 1 Peter 2:5 – 9; Romans 12:1 – 2; Hebrews 13:13 – 16).
3. Heave Offerings (Numbers 18:8 – 29). Tithe of the tithes.
4. Vows – Conditional promise (Deuteronomy 16:6, 11; Psalm 22:25; 1 Samuel 1:11; Acts 18:18; Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5).
5.
Gifts (Leviticus 23:38)
6. First Fruits (Exodus 34:22, 26; Nehemiah 10:37; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
7. Freewill Offerings (Leviticus 23:38; Deuteronomy 16:10; Exodus 36:1 – 7; 1 Chronicles 29:9 – 19; Malachi 3:8 – 12).
NOTE: It is worthy to note that tithes were not used for the building of material Sanctuaries. The tabernacle of Moses, and Temple of Solomon were built from the freewill offerings of the people.
• Tabernacle of Moses (Exodus 25:2; 35:5, 21; 21 – 29; 36:6).
• Temple of Solomon (Chronicles 29)
The Old Testament, especially as it relates to Israel, "The Church in the Wilderness" (Acts 7:38), sets forth many patterns and shadows of the New Testament Church.
• The pattern of worship is seen in the Tabernacle of Moses, and David and the Temple of Solomon order.
• The pattern of Priesthood is set out in the Aaronic and Levitical Priesthood order.
• The pattern of redemptive truth is set forth in the Feasts of the Lord.
• The pattern of Covenantal relationship is set out in the Covenants.
And so it is when it comes to financial matters and the support of the Lord's ministry and the house of the Lord. It is a matter that very few believers and Churches have studied. It is the only financial system that God ordained and blessed, and yet many failed to see it and the Divine principles therein.
• The pattern of Church Finances therefore is seen in the Old Testament Scriptures, especially amplified in Israel. Then the basic principles are carried over into the New Testament Church, which arose of the Old Testament Church.
In Studying God's order in Israel we find that their giving was covered in two areas called "Tithes and Offering" (Malachi 3:8).
We consider these two areas as in Israel and see how the principle of such overflows into New Testament Church.
1. Tithes The word "tithe" simply means "tenth". Tithing is actually a teacher to give. One hundred percent belongs to Lord. He gives us 9/10ths to use, but the first tenth He says is His. "The tithe is HOLY to the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30-33). The tithe is really not ours to give. It is already God's. He has claimed it as the first fruits of our increases. So in tithing we are giving to God what is already His.
A. Abraham – A Tither
The First account we have of tithing is in Genesis 14:17 – 20. Abraham tithed to Melchisedek in connection with receiving the bread and wine. We note some of the outstanding thoughts connected with this scene.
1. Abraham is the Father of all who believe (Romans 4).
2. Abraham gave tithes to Melchisdek, Priest of the Most High God; Tithes of all.
3. Abraham gave tithes before the Law Covenant existed. This was in connection with the Abrahamic Covenant. It was a specific amount.
4. Melchisedek gave Abraham communion of bread and wine.
5. Melchisedek is King of Righteousness and King of Peace (Hebrews 7)
6. Melchisedek blessed Abraham of the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth.
Thus the first mention we have of tithing in the Scriptures is with Abraham and Melchisdek. The Books of Romans and Hebrews together show that believers are the seed of Abraham and that we are under the Order of Melchisdek Priesthood, as kings and priests with Christ Jesus. Also the Gospels show Jesus Christ, our King Priest establishing the Communion of bread and wine at the New Covenant table. Thus we share in the bread and wine and give our tithes to Melchisedek, Jesus Christ, who lives in the power of an endless life.
Tithing was before the Law, not of the Law. His Priesthood abides forever.
Can we claim to be children of Abraham and claim the communion and the Priesthood of Jesus and still neglect to give tithes in this covenantal relationship?
B. Jacob – a Tither
The Lord says "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." The next account we have of tithe giving is in Jacob. This was in connection with Bethel, the House of God. We note some of the salient points (Genesis 28:10 – 22).
1. Jacob has a God – given dream of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth.
2. The angels of God ascend and descend on the ladder.
3. The God of Covenant confirms the Abrahamic promises to Jacob.
4. Jacob anoints the Bethel Stone, calling it the House of God.
5. Jacob makes a vow to give tithes of all he receives from the Lord.
6. Jesus interprets the Ladder to be Himself, "the Son of Man" (John 1:51).
Thus Jacob has a visitation from God and undoubtedly kept his vow of tithes. We see how God blessed him in all his life. We note that this vow of tithing was before the giving of the Law. Those accept the God of Jacob, as the God of Abraham, will also keep their vow of tithes and give back to the Lord a tenth of all He gives. This is done at Bethel, the House of God. Angels, as ministering spirits, minister to the heirs of salvation, even as they did to Jacob (Hebrews 1:13, 14).
C. Israel - Tithers
The fullest revelation of the tithing order is found in the nation of Israel. The tithing here, though not of the Law, was confirmed under the Law. But it should be remembered that tithing did not originate under the Law.
Tithing was before the Law, but confirmed under the Law! Under the tithing system then we see the following:
1. The First or Lord's Tithe – Leviticus 27:30 – 33; Numbers 18:21; Nehemiah the Priestly Tribe of the Levites. Numbers 18:24 – 32 needs to be studied carefully for this. The Levities had no inheritance in the land but were kept by the tithes of the people. 12 tribes to the one tribe. This was called the Lord's Tithe (Leviticus 27:30 – 33). It went to the Levites, the ministers of the congregation (Numbers 18:21 – 24). The person in Israel had no control over it, received none of it back except in the services of the priests, who used it for their livelihood. In the restoration of the Temple after Babylon, the tithes were again given to the Levites (Nehemiah 10:37). Israel was to tithe all the increase each year (Deuteronomy 14:22). If any used their tithes then they were to pay 20% or 1/5th interest to the Lord for using His money (Leviticus 27:30).
2. The Tithe of the Tithe – Numbers 18:25 – 32. Not only did the 12 tribes tithe to the Levitical or Priestly tribe, this tribe in turn paid a "tithe of the tithe". It taught that the ministries were so obligated to tithe as were the people. How can ministers teach others to tithe and give if they themselves do not tithe or give? Thus Aaron and his sons received tithes (type of the Fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4:9 – 11). In times of restoration from Babylon the tithe of the tithes was given to sons of Aaron also (Nehemiah 10:38, 39). Tithes were put in chambers. The principle is that tithe of the tithes from local Churches may be kept aside for visiting ministries (1 Corinthians 9:7 – 14 with 1 Timothy 5:17 – 19; Nehemiah 13:10).
Not only did the Israelites tithe, they also gave offerings to the Lord, which were above and beyond their tithes. The secret of it all was THE BLESSING of the Lord. If a person does not give or pay tithes he is ROBBING GOD, for the tithe is not ours to give. It is already the Lord's. But if a person gives tithes and no offering he is not giving anything to God at all. God says "Prove Me now…" As Israel obeyed God there were abundant blessings.
We could divide Israel's giving into 7 groupings as follow:
1. Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1:1 – 3; Mark 10:21; Luke 19:8). Symbol of sacrifice of oneself.
2. Sacrifices of Thanksgiving (2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 2:24; 17:16; 1 Peter 2:5 – 9; Romans 12:1 – 2; Hebrews 13:13 – 16).
3. Heave Offerings (Numbers 18:8 – 29). Tithe of the tithes.
4. Vows – Conditional promise (Deuteronomy 16:6, 11; Psalm 22:25; 1 Samuel 1:11; Acts 18:18; Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5).
5.
Gifts (Leviticus 23:38)
6. First Fruits (Exodus 34:22, 26; Nehemiah 10:37; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
7. Freewill Offerings (Leviticus 23:38; Deuteronomy 16:10; Exodus 36:1 – 7; 1 Chronicles 29:9 – 19; Malachi 3:8 – 12).
NOTE: It is worthy to note that tithes were not used for the building of material Sanctuaries. The tabernacle of Moses, and Temple of Solomon were built from the freewill offerings of the people.
• Tabernacle of Moses (Exodus 25:2; 35:5, 21; 21 – 29; 36:6).
• Temple of Solomon (Chronicles 29)
• Restored Temple (Ezra 1:6; 2:68; 7:15).
These offerings were given to the Lord, to the poor, the widows, orphans, the Levites, the Priests, as well as the material needs of the Sanctuary of the Lord.
Such was the spirit of giving in the building of the Tabernacle of Moses the people had to be restrained from giving.
There is a ministry of giving (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Acts 10:2, 4, 31; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:1 – 4; Proverbs 28:27; Luke 6:30 – 38). Israel was to give of their substance to the poor. God said the poor would always be there amongst them. This would be a test of both the rich and the poor in the matter of giving and receiving. (Proverbs 11:24; Deuteronomy 15; 26:13 – 32; 16:10 – 12; Luke 12:13 – 21).
Be Blessed ~ F. Demond Harris
These offerings were given to the Lord, to the poor, the widows, orphans, the Levites, the Priests, as well as the material needs of the Sanctuary of the Lord.
Such was the spirit of giving in the building of the Tabernacle of Moses the people had to be restrained from giving.
There is a ministry of giving (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Acts 10:2, 4, 31; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:1 – 4; Proverbs 28:27; Luke 6:30 – 38). Israel was to give of their substance to the poor. God said the poor would always be there amongst them. This would be a test of both the rich and the poor in the matter of giving and receiving. (Proverbs 11:24; Deuteronomy 15; 26:13 – 32; 16:10 – 12; Luke 12:13 – 21).
Be Blessed ~ F. Demond Harris
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Barack Obama - History in the making!
We'll it's been decided, Barack Obama has won the nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate. It has been a whirlwind of an election thus far. His opponent, Sen. Hiliary Clinton lost by a narrow margin, thus making this the most historical primary in the history of the United States of America. He is the first black to reach this plateau and she is the first woman to reach the same. It was a complete dog fight until the end. The race has remained very close until yesterday when Barack Obama surpassed the 2117 delegate votes needed to secure the nomination. At this time, the Democratic party must spend some time unifiying the party. It's still a long road ahead to make history of having the first black President of the United States of America. Barack Obama must now compete agains Sen. John McCain in the general election which ends in November. I look forward to the journey. I congratulate Sen. Hiliary Clinton on a good campaign with alot of character and integrity. I believe that she will be a positive plus for the Democratic party. I'm not much on politics, however, I could not help but watch this historical run to the White House by these two influential leaders. And Barack marches on..........
Ministering at Calvary Baptist Church of San Fernando
Last week, I had the esteem priviledge of serving the Calvary Baptist Church of San Fernando, CA., as their evangelist. The occasion celebrated was there "Youth & Young Adult" emphasis week. It was a blessed meeting that began during their sunday morning service and continued throughout friday of that same week. Apostle William T. Broadus served as the host. He has pastored this congregation for 26 years, succeding his father Dr. Hilliary T. Broadus. This is one of the "mother" congregations of the San Fernando area with a rich legacy of ministry milestones. The services was awesome. The hand of God was really with us this week. Praise God! I'm completely grateful for the hospitality and spirit of love expressed by the members of this parish. Overall, it was a great time of fellowship and witness. I solicit your prayers for both this Pastor and congregation. I love their ministry vision that states "EVERYTHING WE DO LEADS TO WORSHIP". How awesome!!!
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