The Holy Spirit in Acts 16 – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

My morning reading today started in Acts 16,  I could not help but notice how active the Spirit was in Pauls life at this time.

Paul knew the Lord and how to hear and obey the Spirit.   We  could learn this also.

》The first step to hearing the Spirit is to be doing  what You already know the Lords bidding.  (Sharing the Gospel where you are).

Paul desired to go to Asia,  good idea, worthy work, not Gods plan:

“forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,”

“the Spirit suffered them not.”

His desire denied, do we see him sulking,  upset, indignant that God had the nerve to disagree with his plans?

Not hardly. ..what followed was prayer,  an attitude of yes Lord.  We find:

“a vision appeared to Paul in the night;”

“after he had seen the vision, immediately “

If you were to look up how many times  the Disciples moved immediately or straightway,  we might learn how to see results in our work for God.

Of course,  Paul and Silas  ended up in jail for their testimony.   They cowered in fear, knowing all was lost.  (not quite, lol)

“At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

Knowing God, obedient to the Spirit,  they counted it joy to be imprisoned for the Gospel.   The Word of God spread because they obeyed.

They went about preaching, teaching and a:

“certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination”

Followed,  proclaiming them to be men of God.

“Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”

We see an example of “Discerning of Spirits” and the “healing of same”.

image

Lord, I pray that all that love and serve you would learn to listen to and walk in obedience with Your Holy Spirit,  that we would see You working in our lives and in those we meet.

Amen

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
know you are loved

Healing in Luke – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

It is interesting how  Luke the Physician mentioned healing more than in any other Gospel.

Here are some parts of verses from Luke. 

I believe The Lord is still healing when He finds worthy vessels.  (People who will give Him the Glory, Honor and credit ).

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Continue reading

the unbelieving Jews: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

“the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” Acts 14:2

Do we see this scripture played out daily in our churches?   I think so. 

It reminds me of the Man of God in 1st Kings 13.

Continue reading

Whose Truth, Revelation Knowledge: – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

It always amazes me when talking with old and established Christian,  how quick they are to reject a Bible truth they haven’t seen or recognized.

They have lived a number of years not knowing this truth, so it cannot be. 

This is  sad.

They are denying themselves  the possibility of becoming  todays Martin Luther, or one of the Wesley brothers. 

They had found new truth,  in the old word.

Continue reading

Go and sin no more: – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

One of the most remarkable sayings of Jesus.  He told the woman caught in adultery to: “Go and sin no more.”

He also told the lame man from the pool of Bethesda the same when He saw him at the Temple.

So,oooo…..it apparently  is possible to “Go and sin no more.” 

Please don’t misunderstand,  I have read it, it is printed in red, Jesus told them, I have to believe they did it.

Continue reading

they which were scattered abroad :The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.”

Scriptures in this post are from Acts 11.

Now- scattered because of persecution of Stephen, they traveled as far as Antioch, preaching to the Jews.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.   And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”

Some even preached to the non-Jewish. ….they believed also.  “Then” Continue reading

How low can I go? – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

Proverbs 29:23
King James Version (KJV)
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

I awoke this morning realizing I am an insufferable know it all.

Continue reading

Ecstasy : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

(Gr. ekstasis, from which the word “ecstasy” is derived) denotes the state of one who is “out of himself.” Such were the trances of Peter and Paul, Acts 10:10; 11:5; 22:17, ecstasies, “a preternatural, absorbed state of mind preparing for the reception of the vision”   In Mark 5:42 and Luke 5:26 the Greek word is rendered “astonishment,” “amazement” (comp. Mark 16:8; Acts 3:10).

Ecstasy,  astonishment  both scary words for the Church…. Continue reading

I was in the spirit:

” I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,”

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”

“I was in the spirit”

“the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.”

“the man whose eyes are open hath said:  He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:”

“I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)”

Continue reading

Oooommm: – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

I was born in the 50’s, just in time for the Beatles, hippies, sex, drugs and rock and roll;  and of course,  free love.

I wish I  could say I have fond memories of those years but what I remember is a spoiled, drunk, stoned, obnoxious, self centered punk.

If I could erase parts of my life it would be those years.  Continue reading

Denominational Differences : – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

As I searched for Christ in the late 70’s, I prayed to find a God of Power and Might, I didn’t care for more hot air.  ..Growing up in the Catholic Church I knew the Bible stories, thought I was a Christian because I was Catholic.

I knew God was real, didn’t understand anything about a personal relationship.

Then I  met the Lord.   I was led to Him by a wonderful,  loving young woman and her mother, as I  was hitch hiking a ride to this place called Christian Retreat, in Bradenton Fla.

I fell in love with Jesus, Continue reading

Explanation of God by an 8 yr old: Good read

My Uncle Ty sent me this email;

Explanation of God by an 8 yr old
 
   Little Boy’s Explanation of God — Fabulous!!!   –
Out of the mouths of the Babes–

I certainly don’t think an adult could explain this more beautifully!
THIS IS FABULOUS!!!

It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista , CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to ‘explain God. ‘ I wonder if any of us could have done as well ?
(and he had such an assignment, in California , and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!)

EXPLANATION OF GOD:
‘One of God’s   main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn’t make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn’t have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.’
‘God’s   second most important job is listening to prayers An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn’t have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.’
‘God   sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad’s head asking for something they said you couldn’t have.’
‘Atheists are people who don’t believe in God.   I don’t think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren’t any who come to our church.’
‘Jesus is God’s   Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn’t want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn’t know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said OK’ And God   did not let Jesus stay in the grave, but raised him from the dead
‘His dad (God)   appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn’t have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God . Like a secretary, only more important.’
‘You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.’
‘You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there’s anybody you want to make happy, it’s God!
Don’t skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn’t come out at the beach until noon anyway.’
‘If you don’t believe in God,   besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can’t go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God   can. It is good to know He’s around you when you’re scared, in the dark or when you can’t swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.’
‘But…you shouldn’t just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.

And…that’s why I believe in God.’
(If you believe in God , please pass this on, and may God bless you too..)
Have an awesome day, and know that someone has thought about you!

 
 
 

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
know you are loved

To be like Barnabas : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

Who was Barnabas?

First off a man who gave up all, to follow Jesus:

“Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

A man who recognized the hand of God in Pauls life and took him to the brothers.

Continue reading

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

Acts 9:6 in part :
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

Paul had just been struck down  on the road to Demacus.  Meeting the Lord he had thought he was serving. 

Finding out his error, his first words:  “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

How often have I found out I am doing the wrong thing, or going the wrong way, or believing in a wrong or false premise?

Is my responce: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” ?????  Continue reading

Expired Faith: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

What is Expired Faith?

Expired Faith is a Faith that doesn’t really believe that the signs and wonders, miracles, gifts of the Spirit are possible today.

After all I believe, I pray for miracles,  I believe in healing, forgiveness, victory in Jesus.   I don’t experience these things in my life, so God must not be operating that way since the Apostles died away.

It’s not me, or my Denominational teachings that are holding God back.  It is just a time of silence like between the Old and New Testament.

BIRD FEATHERS!!!

Continue reading

Can you find Him? – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

Proverbs 8:17
King James Version (KJV)
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early will find me.”

image

Jeremiah 29:12-14a
King James Version (KJV)
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: “

Will you seek Him early?   Will you seek Him with all your heart?

image

He said He will be found.   I hope you seek Him.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
know you are loved

Bible bits and bytes: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

We tend to think of multitudes wherever Jesus went. Why?

Matthew uses the word 16 times, Luke twice

image

Much people :
Mark, (3 times),Luke (4, in acts 6) and John (3 times) all  use much people.

A freind once asked why Faith healers always had people falling down? (Slain in the Spirit ).
He said we don’t see that in the Bible.

Fell down meeting Jesus :

Matthew – 3 times
Mark – 2 and twice at his feet
Luke –  7 and 3
John  – 1

How many times – immediately healed, immediately left, immediately did:
Mt – 6
Mk – 16
Lu – 9
Jo – 4
Acts – 11
Gal – 1
Rev – 1

Straightaway or straightway :
Mt – 8
Mk – 19
Lu – 4
Jo – 1
Acts – 4

Will knowing this help in any way?  Probably not but I  thought it was interesting.

image

Lord, help us to see and understand what we read.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
know you are loved

what condition my condition is in: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

I just dropped in, to see what condition my condition is in.

1 Corinthians 13:11-12
King James Version (KJV)
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

There was a time,
    Then it was gone.

Continue reading

Mom was disappointed : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

I received at least 2 phone calls from my Mother, (may she RIP),  over the years, where you could hear hurt, disappointment and sadness in her voice.

I wish I had received neither.

One of them was in October, she called to ask if we had forgotten her birthday.  (In June).

Continue reading

Do we give up hope? – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

There are so many people outside the doors of our churches and homes, who do not know Jesus, do not want to hear about Jesus, will not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

WARNING:  LONG POST, DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU CARE FOR A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS.

I stand here flummoxed. …why do they not understand the peace, joy and grace that could be theirs?  Why can’t I convince even those in my own family to realize the gift of Forgiveness?

This is very frustrating.   There is something even more frustrating though.

That is the number of people who believe in and accept Jesus but who do not accept the fulness of His Holy Spirit.  I believe the Holy Spirit (and His Gifts ) are the Talents the Master left us and expects us to invest and increase until His return.

So many accept the impossibility  of Jesus  dying on the cross to save us from sin and death but the Power of the Holy Spirit. ….not for me, not for today, I don’t  need it,  God doesn’t  want us confused.

On the day of Pentecost the first Gift of the Holy Spirit given to all, was the Gift of Tongues. The crowd received the Gift of Interpretation.

Continue reading