Volume 1 Number 19                                                                             March 20, 2004

The Decision to Act

Exhortation 18

                        Lord, I need Your direction. I need Your guidance. I cannot

                        do this alone. I need You.

 

                        I do not know how my faith works in this. Do I simply choose

                        the ideal place to go or the ideal job to attend? And whatever

                        I choose to do, it will be? Is that how my faith works, Lord?

 

                        Or do I simply ask You, “Now where am I to go and what am I

                        to do?” Should I then await Your answer before proceeding?

                        Is that how my faith works, Lord?

 

                        How am I to proceed Master? I know that a man must lift the

                        spoon to his mouth if he chooses to eat and so I know I must

                        tender inquiry with others and test opportunity.

 

                        And when I do such, doors open and doors close. Though not all

                        open doors are Yours, You reveal to me the one’s I’m

                        permitted to enter.

 

And the voice of the Spirit in me responds to my inquiries saying,

 

                        “The place you are now in is a room with a door. This is a door, one about which, you are to open; as you exit the place you are in. You have made your intentions clear. Now, your word must be fulfilled and you  must consider all that you will do.”

                        “Ask and then accept what I have given you to accomplish. Trust that I know what you need most. Seek it and you will find what you are  looking for as you enter in through the out door.”

 

                        “Consider also the fruit you now bear. Who will tend the needs of these people? Will you write them letters? Will you visit and inquire of their needs from time to time? Will you make yourself available to any whom I send? Can you not reach out from where you are if adequate provision is made?”

 

                        “Are you willing to accept anything I decide?” Inquires the Spirit of me.

            The Word is the measuring rod and I am the one being measured.

 

  What kind of people are they who give broken gifts? What good is your help if it only becomes a hindrance? Are you trying to support and edify the will of our Heavenly Father, YHWH? If so, why do you pretend to assist and then walk away? Why do you even try?

  I thought even evil men knew how to give good gifts to their children. What of your neighbor? Are you not to treat him in like manner as to how you wish to be treated? Why do so many pretend and lie? I ask, why do the people lie?

                        Just who is justified now? Who is cheating whom?

                        What was born of greed, well it did breed,

                        “A kind of contempt that did not relent.”

Now, my indignation is His and its’ running it’s Course.

 

                        The promise that I made was that I would not

                        Relent until they repent.

                        Until they turn from their ways, I will not relent.

                        From God, I was sent.

  I know, I sound as though I am angry. Well, perhaps I am! Yes, if I’m mad, then I am mad about the relentless suffering people endure because of their own erring, willful hearts. I’m mad because they so listen to temptation and follow it with lustful eyes and drooling tongue.

  What am I to do as one appointed to serve the living God but speak the truth always? The truth about life and death, the truth about love and discipline, the truth about our Maker and His Salvation; the truth about our created purpose? Well, what am I to do as an appointed one? What is the appointment?

  Is it not also my obligation and duty to show another the error of his ways that he might recognize it and turn from his transgression, from all his sin? Is this not a deed, which also bears good fruit in us as well?

  Is this not love? Is it not my duty and obligation as a servant of the living God? Can you not understand the things, which I exhort? Do you not believe it is the voice of the living God? You know the Spirit of our Father granted us through the promise of discipleship, granted to those who obey?

Just Accept

Blessed be my Lord and King.

Everyone seeking, always seeking to take away

My life and freedom.

 

My spirit asks why? Why do they choose to lie?

They end up believing the lies. Why can’t they

Accept?

 

Why can’t they just accept, the life they were given

Was not to reject. Their lives, why can’t they just accept?

 

Of Him, if we chose to reject, unto the Father

We shall be rejected. Our names will be forgotten

And we will be remembered no more.

I’m on my way to where I don’t know. I got up outta

My seat and headed towards the door.

 

I’m on my way to where I don’t know. I’m on my way

To where I’ll go. Until I get there, I won’t know.

 

Like a secret mission, I do not yet need to know.

Into real-life situations I am sent. My mission is to

Lead those who are called, to repent!

“Take what is yours and leave this place you are in. You shall take all that is

yours. Take your leave now, My son. You are granted leave for a little

while, now rest from your works. Unto Me now, give your attention.

There is much to attend. There is much work to do. Listen My son, I AM.”

A New Beginning Awaits

 It all feels very strange Master. I long to see Your face for I have been replaced! My position as dock-master is now no more. On the surface, we know it is a money game but a deeper look will reveal a spiritual battle-taking place. It is the battle between the spiritual forces of wickedness and righteousness.

  I am being forced to leave my home because of my due diligence towards obedience. They do not like me nor can they appreciate my zeal for you Lord. Truly, I am no longer welcome in my hometown!

  So now that I have done this, what am I to do? I purposed myself to witness to many by example but one man, my X-boss abhors the example of Christ crucified that I live and preach. He really does not care for me but would rather use me, even abuse me. Money is his only object and the measure by which he lives, the acquisition of wealth and mammon.

  That man was my employer. He saw fit to replace me when I had sought what was right, just and due. My actions and many pleas demonstrated a radical view in his opinion. Yet, even the laws of the land and the dictates of just reasoning admonish him.

  He is an intelligent man when it comes to financial formula and he absorbs knowledge like a sponge, when it suits him. But he does not understand that application of his great knowledge under the directives of morality and just love would bring him wisdom. If he feared You Lord like I fear You, would he not be a changed man? Would he not have a changed mind Lord?

  At the great cost and sacrifice of loosing what income I had to provide for my three children, I stepped out on the limb and made a decision. I chose to act. I purposed to do the only right and just thing; making a bold proclamation of his error. I diligently sought to help him correct it by appealing to his heart, his conscience. Yet it seemed he had none.

  Now, I am perceived as a threat to him. He does not understand that I had only the best of intentions and desire for him. He did not see how faithful I was towards helping him achieve his goals.

 Now after long enduring the battle, this soldier finds himself needing rest and solitude away from the marina community I once managed. What appears to be an end of service to the people and community of Crow’s Nest Marina, chased out by it’s owner and my former employer, I and my three children take refuge aboard our sailboat Shalom across the bay.

  The one whom I once served faithfully has shunned me. Two thirds of the marina occupants are enraged by this and some of them have expressed their heart regarding this unjust treatment and it has indeed left my former employer feeling disparaged.

  I leave behind a handful of brethren to guard the front line while I seek rest and sanctuary. This soldier is being granted a short leave to dress his wounds and allow for some healing. All of this, climaxing on Fathers Day weekend in the year 2001.

  Today is a day to bless my Father, YHWH. To Him who is in Heaven and also His appointed King, my Master, Savior and Lord. Bless Your Household and Kingdom!

  Thank You Jesus, for it is an honor to share in Your suffering and in the suffering of my brethren who have gone before me. Indeed, “to live is Christ.” That is, living for the appointment and commission granted me through my faith, my trust in Him. For, as He suffered, I too am promised suffering. AMEN

  And so the story goes for others like me who diligently fight to serve in truth, justice and love. Though we fight with the sword of the Spirit, His Word, we do so in love. For the cause and purpose of His love, do we fight. We fight for right and just purposes (righteousness) so that His Kingdom is acknowledged and glorified; that His name will be ever glorified.

  We fight in the Spirit of our appointment (Christ). Not with guns and knives but in the spiritual realm and in righteousness, against the dark forces and powers of wickedness. As the battle rages on here, so it does also in Heaven.

  We stand up for our King and Savior. If I did not take a stand, who would? Most grumble and complain instead of taking a stand. They lay back in their chairs of comfort and watch as though life was a television show.

   Then they’re the ones who seek a profit for themselves seeking sordid gain. They’re like Judas who betrayed my Master. Their hearts are hardened and black. Very much blood is on the hands of those who seek for sordid gain. They would kill their own brother for the sake of a few dollars. These kind find themselves without peace and they’re own lives are a continuous chaos.

  The one who pays out the blood money is most accursed. He lives a life of paranoia and contempt. As he judges, so is he judged. All his judgments come back upon him. Indeed, he is accursed.

  Though I am not sent as an instrument of judgment, those who practice such are delivered right into it and by their own hand! I was sent to bring about reconciliation and peace among the people with God, our Father.

                           Doesn’t anybody get it? It’s time to stand up!

                           Stand up against the dark! Stand up for the

                           Appointment granted us by the Father.

                           Stand up for your King and His promised Kingdom!

                           Take the light and be the salt. Stand up and be

                           Counted as a child of promise. Stand up!

  Just as Jesus was appointed as the living Christ in the flesh of man, so are we to accept the appointment of Christ in our hearts. As He showed us, so are we to follow. Resist these days of growing evil and be separate from it. “Be separate from it,” says my Master.

  Become independent from the world around you and take a stand against it. Just as my Master has shown you, so do it! And when you suffer for doing what is right and just, give up your praise and thanksgiving to our Lord and King. As He suffered, so we too, also share in His suffering and we were promised it would be so.

  Be faithful and true to the Holy Spirit in you and do not disparage Him who is true.

  The Spirit groans for men’s souls but men will not submit and so He mourns. We as a people have forsaken our God and He mourns the great loss of fellowship. For as long as we embrace our transgressions (sins), we are forsaken. Our Heavenly Father is too pure to even look upon our sins and His divine Spirit cannot be a partaker of them.

  Now here again, I proclaim to all who call themselves Christian and to all who consider themselves “saved,” consider this great salvation offered to us through His sacrifice. “For there are three that bear witness in Heaven, the Father (YHWH), His Word and His Holy Spirit.” These three bear witness to all that man does.

  We also know that Jesus was His word manifested in the flesh of man, given us as an example to follow. Thank You Master for the Salvation you’ve offered up to all men. Let the one who has an ear discern these things and let the one who has an eye, perceive them and bear witness to the eternal truth.

  Turn away! Turn away! Repent for your crimes against our Father and His appointed King! If you awake another day and breathe another breath, it’s not too late. But if you should tarry long, the door may be closed. Don’t hesitate; accept it before it’s too late!

  You, who have seen the things that prevailed and witnessed the things that are, have borne witness to another of the Father’s choosing. Chosen for His great works, appointed to overcome the wickedness that surrounds and devours all and called to be faithful.

  You have witnessed the birth and growth of one whose citizenry is not of this world. He is a brother to others who are here on earth, being raised as sons of God. Once we’ve acknowledged this truth, we accept and receive our commissions and are sent out to engage in battle. Our common purpose is to bring about peace by defending His divine justice and love. We are given to restore hope in the hearts of the Father’s children. The God we worship and abide is a living God. He is faithful, true and full of love.

  I am sent to restore the hearts of the children back to the Father. The message is His Kingdom come! My mission is to restore willing hearts to reconciliation and peace with our Father of lights. Jesus is my King and as He bids, so I do submit and obey His command.

  Yes, I am under the King’s command and you will see and bear witness to the Kingdom’s rise in power. Indeed, “the Kingdom shall rise to power in the midst of its enemies.”

  “The words you speak and the praises you sing are only edifying for a moment in time o’ sons of men. The lives you lead are what speak through eternity. Abandon your ways o’ son of man and come follow Me.” Says the voice of the Spirit in me.

  These are the words and dictates of the Holy Spirit in me and again, I remind each one who has heard that still small voice, “Come, come all who are called. Come out from amongst them. Do not tarry long lest you fall away and wander further into darkness.”

Your humble and faithful brother in the appointment; By His command,        Nicholas

I penned the above exhortation on Father’s Day, 2001, the day I was evicted out of the marina community over which I was a faithful steward. That year had many things happening around the world over. Much of what I witnessed and did was recorded in my book, Apostasy Revealed. The above exhortation was intended to be a continuation from where Exhortation 17 left off in what later became my first published book. This particular exhortation expressed my struggle in life with a cold-hearted man who lacked compassion and empathy for others. Little did I know at the time, this story was not yet concluded? Nearly three years later, the story picks up again and though I sought not for revenge of what suffering this man brought upon my children, and me, others did. In the process of others seeking to avenge this man’s unruly treatment of common folk, I was dragged into the spotlight and sought as a witness to this man’s other sordid affairs. When asked to be a witness, one must carefully consider the implications of denying the opportunity to remain faithful steward. My choice was clear, as it had already been made.

And The Story Continues…

The activity swirling around me is not unlike a tornado that that swoops down out of the sky picking up debris from the ground and leaving a trail of devastation in its path. Some time ago, I wrote in one of my Scrolls that though "We should pick and choose our battles wisely, sometimes the battle chooses us." I no sooner got back into town, Tacoma, Washington; and the proverbial "feces" hit the fan! The first week of March had my face all over the TV on Seattle's major Networks because of some illegal activity that has been on-going for a number of years as it pertains to my X-Boss who is the owner of Crow’s Nest Marina, located on Commencement Bay in South Puget Sound. The articles can be viewed at the following links…

1)http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_030204ENBboatsinkingEL.496fbae3.html

2)http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=

WA%20Sunken%20Boats&searchdiff=8&searchpagefrom=1

3)http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/163180_sunk04.html?searchpagefrom=1&searchdiff=8

4)http://www.tribnet.com/news/government/story/4811699p-4752753c.html

I no sooner got back and was asked to cooperate in an investigation of illegal Boat scuttling (sinking) of abandoned, derelict boats by my former employer at Crow's Nest Marina. The State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Dept.of Ecology requested a meeting with me. An NBC affiliate, KING 5 News Broadcasting, was there to film the interview. The authorities asked me direct questions about any knowledge I had of this activity and well... I understood that as a faithful witness, I had to respectfully cooperate and "tell the truth."

We went for a boat ride in an "un-marked State vessel" and they asked me to pinpoint latitude & longitude coordinates over the watery graveyard. I attested to the knowledge of there being at least a dozen boats sunk outside the breakwater in front of the marina in depths from about 45 feet to 80 feet. As we maneuvered the vessel to each site, the Officials dropped an underwater movie camera on a cable over the wrecks and down to the sea floor. Each time, they captured on video, sunk vessels of all different types ranging in size from about 24' to 120.' The State Dept. of Ecology was satisfied that I had credible information about the alleged multiple “scuttling” and that I was a reliable witness. They assured me and said in the “on camera” interview that they had enough evidence to pursue the investigation further and planed to send divers down with cameras to get a more comprehensive documentary of all the scuttled vessels.

On the day that the "news" broke on TV, the authorities got a search and seizure warrant and busted down the owners front door at his house in Bellevue, WA and also raided the Crow's Nest Marina with guns drawn to confiscate all files, computers and business records. I understand from some residents that any who were near the office building and laundry-room were searched and patted down. This of course was also all on TV along with short segments of my interview. A number of witnesses have stepped forward to support the investigation and have been interviewed as well. No charges criminal or civil have been filed as yet though the initial news reports indicated that my x-boss had been arrested at his home in Bellevue. This did not yet happen. Needless to say, it does not look good for my old boss who has a nasty reputation of being a little dictator with a demi-god complex who continually oppresses the poor and fleeces the little people for every drop of blood (money) he can squeeze. He is being billed as a "Wet Slum-lord."

Even though some think that I am the "whistle blower," on this whole affair, I truly am not. Evidently, one or two other x-managers (after me) were also treated poorly and made to participate in the same illegal activity under duress. After being fired (as I was) they decided to alert the authorities in secret, which began the investigation. Another tenant recently had been stepped on by my x-boss and he then decided to go straight to the Coast Guard, DNR and the Media to spill the beans! This then caused the authorities to step up the pace of their investigation and because the media is relentless, the government will be held accountable for their tenacity and resolve to bringing justice about.

It also happens to be an election year and don't you know... they can't afford any bad press! I was assured that no recompense would befall me as I was very cooperative and was the only one who could provide the proof of the allegations being made so I will likely be used as a "State witness" on these matters. One of the former managers is a SCUBA diver and has been diving on these wrecks for some time now. He reports that he has counted 63 such scuttled vessels at the bottom of the marina entrance spread out across the entire "breakwater" zone of both adjoining marinas. When the divers do go down with their underwater cameras and document this scene, it is really going to get "hot" around here for all the marinas in the State. The authorities have said that both civil and criminal charges are likely to be filed. On March 17, 2004, Marv Coleman from the State Dept of Ecology informed me that the Feds are now taking over the case and criminal charges are almost certain. They are putting their case together right now and soon, the reporters will likely come knocking again.

You see, I didn't have a choice and as much as I "hate" excessive government and abusive authority... they exist to keep societies "transgressors" at bay, disciplined and punished. They too, have an authority appointed to them by God our Father. It seems to me that all the years of judgment that this man has practiced against us (the little people) is now coming back upon him in large measure just like I had warned about in my book, Apostasy Revealed. Judgment is sweeping the land... the entire planet and I tell you truly... we are the END DAYS.

Therefore, when called upon to serve God in "right and just" ways, give testimony, avert major crimes and/or devastation on any level... we need to take a stand and resolve to allow God to use us for this end because we are His vessels and tools to bring about awareness and promote "righteousness" even when we ourselves get caught up in sticky matters or sordid affairs. This becomes a wonderful opportunity to let God do what He promised in His Word. Everyone is promised to be held into account and the “right and just minded” people have opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Who is the more credible witness, a man who merely “alleges” that he saw another man continually do something wrong or a man who confesses that he was part of the wrong doing by way of association (employment) and is a "hands on" eyewitness?

When I was asked, "Were you ever ordered to scuttle vessels?" I replied, "Yes." Did you ever do this alone? I replied, "No, Verne was always there, directing and ordering. I had no decision making authority." The man has an evil heart and intimidates and threatens continually. He was not a nice man to work for and I was basically “fired” because I became less and less cooperative with him. I was continually getting reprimanded for doing the right thing like "reporting oil spills." The reporter asked, "Why was that?" I replied, "He simply did not like people around snooping into his business."

This could get a little messy but I've been assured that employees are generally not held responsible for this level of miss-deed when they are under directive by an employer. I needed to cooperate and demonstrate my moral disposition and show that I am about doing what is right and just... regardless of the cost. I'm thinking about writing several articles for press release as well as an Exhortation or two so that all the information that is needed will be made public and nothing can be hidden as so often is the case. Now that the story is out, it needs to be told truthfully and by those who are "accountability" oriented and not merely responding by way of a vengeful heart. There is a fine line between the two and what distinguishes one from the other is a person’s heart.

The "whistle blowers" on this matter acted out of revenge while I responded to questions asked of me from the aspects of "accountability." Holding your fellow man accountable is an "act of love."  I understand that since the initial broadcasts, many shoreline residents and former marina tenants have stepped forward to give their eyewitness testimony of these incidents supporting my truthful claims. When the gentle and/or professional approach doesn't work.... sometimes God intervenes and allows Satan to torment a few souls to straighten them out. Who knows... maybe my x-boss might become genuinely repentant through all this and be transformed! If that could happen with Saul (Paul) then God is able to do most anything for that intended purpose of "salvation from condemnation."

It is indeed time that all men and women everywhere stand up and take their positions of faith and practice seriously and SHOW the rest of the world to what extent we are willing to go; to achieve God's STANDARDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!

AMEN

“The Hour of Apostasy Revealed”

A New Radio Show

AM 1350 WDCF Tampa, Dade City and Zephyrhills, Florida

We’re still getting the radio Show details worked out and it looks like a Friday 7:00 - 8:00 P.M.April 2, 2004 debut. From there on the radio Show will be aired every Friday from 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. on AM 1350 WDCF.

The broadcasts can be caught live at on the Net during the show by clicking on 365.

Files of all radio shows will be available on our new website:

http://www.cephas-live-media.com/id22_m.htm

(this website is in process still incomplete. Keep trying in a few days)

I want to thank everyone for your patience in my responses to some of your mail and forum posts. I've really been swamped because I’m juggling so many balls in the air right now and the need to cover for food and shelter costs has meant that I have to work several business objectives aside from my ministry duties just to keep my family's heads above water. No joke, it's tough and a real grind but we must do what we must do to stay afloat. We’re living in the land of the "fee" and home of the "slave."

The more trying times are still yet to come and people everywhere need to be warned and hear the cries. It is really hard for me not being so readily available to devote as much time to the ministry as I have been but I hope you all will understand. I really don't have a choice, "A man must work and provide for his own." It is so written that "He who does not work is lazy and therefore he should not eat." See what I mean... it's all part of God's plan so I just have to accept that and be thankful that

He recently has afforded me the opportunity to become a licensed Captain and start earning a few dollars on a more consistent basis. The ministry work I do is what I am freely sharing with the world that wants to know and that has to balance out with God's other objectives. After all... I'm still raising three teenagers on a tiny boat and they need to eat. Any man that does not provide for his own is accursed. The Father's objectives are clear.

I love all of you and your fellowship is precious to me. Please, hold the above up in prayer and cover us all as we need God's grace now more than ever to overcome these darkening days. I give thanks to our Lord for you always and pray that you be equipped with every good tool to do the work of a faithful servant. AMEN

With all sincerity and love for the truth,

Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, faithful servant, messenger and scribe.

PS A limited Special Offer:

If you would like to read my book: "Apostasy Revealed" by Nicholas Stivers just mail us postage of $3 and your address. Our address is Cephas Ministry PO Box 1239 Zephyrhills, FL 33539-1239