An email from my mentor

2/16/07
A wise teacher once taught about yokes and what they represent. I always thought a yoke represented bondage, not necessarily. A yoke is actually an instrument of training, conditioning and learning. To be in bondage means to be held or locked into without will. I began to learn that a yoke has a purpose (not always negative), depending on whom or what we are yoked to.

A yoke automatically speaks to two positions never equal, but one of a master and one of a student, one of a teacher and one of a learner, one of a leader and one of a follower. It speaks to two individual parts joining together, one to loose and learn and the other to maintain and lead. See often with oxen a younger ox is yoked (for learning of the field, and how to plow) to an older ox. The purpose is for the younger ox to loose his immaturity and lack of direction and learn from an old pro. In scripture we are told by Christ to "take my yoke upon you and LEARN of me. In order for a yoke to be placed there must some common ground, whether it be in thought, memory, feelings, or emotions, interest or conversations. Eventually one will take the place of being subservient (not sure of spelling), a surrender is eminent. When the Bible tells us not be be unequally yoked with unbelievers we often think of the unbelievers in the world yet the scripture is written to the believers- we began to learn that the unbeliever is the believer within the house or body of Christ (common ground point of connection). Why am I saying all this is there an underlying message - no. I am not calling anyone an unbeliever, but the Lord never leaves us without a remedy. As our Bible Study began to conclude the Holy Spirit blessed us with the knowledge of the testing ground, for the word says to test everyspirit by the spirit to see if it is of God or not.

In all of our relationships and connections we need to take them to the testing ground, where their is absolutes and no questions. The testing ground is the spirit, but inorder of it to be effective, I must know that I am going to be tested there as well. The question in all of our relationships as believers is if the beliver is spiritual or an unbelieving believer. Am I a spiritual believer or an unbelieving believer.

I can't tell you what to do (nor do you want me too:), but for certain the spirit is the testing ground that test me and you and truthfully gives me the direction that I ought to head in. I admonish you to try all things by the spirit even yourself, take it all to the testing ground and whatever is revealed, as you seek to please the Lord, keep that in the forefront of all you do, seeking and finding out what it will take to please ( to bring enjoyment and keep strong fulfillment of a need or want to the Lord) and you can't and won't go wrong.

There is so much life abundant life ahead of you to live in peace, assurity and good health, I want it all for you.

I love you dearly, and the living,life and love that the Lord has for you isn't afar off nor is it impossible. Stay the course of righteousness and you will prevail and obtain. I am proud of you for all of your accomplishments and where you are from where you have been. You are an inspiration, find you place in ministry and began to flourish in it as you advance the vision. If it doesn't exist create it, implement it, pioneer and get it started.

Loving you always,

Pastor Davis