Spiritual living

Desires

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“LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:”  (Psalm 10:17)

Our Desires.  What are your desires?  They can be many and varied.

Many of us think first, of carnal worldly things.  Cars, homes, food, physical and financial health.  A special Companion to love, and to peacefully exist.

All these things are fine, but should they be at the top of our list?

Are you thinking short or long term?  So far my goals and thinking in life have been centered on today.  Earning a living, meeting today’s needs.

Which, by the way, was one of the Lord’s commands when they entered the promised land, and also taught, in the Lord’s prayer. (Exodus 16:4; Matthew 6:34)

I guess I didn’t think that I would grow old, like the rest of humanity.

No plans for retirement, no insurance, no savings, 401k, or any other safety net.

That has brought me here.  Old and not able to continue working.  Yet,  I am at peace.

Out of work, broke, hurting, filled with the knowledge that my only hope is God.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and His Righteousness!

Have I been an obedient servant or a fool?  I wish it was a servant, but the first half of my life I wasn’t concerned with the things of God.

This second half has been very different.  I accepted Jesus as both Lord and Savior.  Many Want the savior, it is harder to let Him be Lord.

It is amazing, how with our eyes on Him our desires change.  The Worlds riches are not as attractive.

I have learned, we MUST STAND FAST ON HIS WORD! It is the Word that conveys the Power and Grace of God.

God spoke the world into existence and told us to Believe and Confess. Speaking, confessing is important for our Salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

So our Desires should be changed as we walk with the Lord.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

God Bless you, come back again. Please leave a comment.

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Invisible Mother: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit,, Spiritual living , , , , , , , , , ,

Great truth written by Nicole Johnson

🔹Invisible Mother🔹

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way
one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be
taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping
the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see
me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of
hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock
to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is
the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

Some days I’m a crystal ball; ‘Where’s my other sock?, Where’s my phone?,
What’s for dinner?’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes
that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared
into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s
going, she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a
friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she
was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there,
looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to
compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she
turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you
this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn’t exactly
sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘With admiration
for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover
what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could
pattern my work:

1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record
of their names.

2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never
see finished.

3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

4) The passion of their building was fuelled by their faith that the
eyes of God saw everything.

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the
cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird
on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that
will be covered by
the roof. No one will ever see it’

And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost
as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you. I see the sacrifices you
make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve
baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to
notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see
right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of
the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work
on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went
so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime
because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s
bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the
morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3
hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a
monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there
is anything more to say to his friend, he’d say, ‘You’re gonna love it
there…’

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re
doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel,
not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the
world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

❤️
➖Original author: Nicole Johnson

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

2 Peter 1:8,9. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:8,9
December 18, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
Peter is giving us instructions on how to live a Godly life. In the first four verses of 2 Peter 1, he tells is our “precious faith”, is the same faith as the Apostles.

He goes on to tell us, Jesus, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” we can live a Godly life, a life of peace, joy and love.

He has also, “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:” wow…not just promises but exceeding great and precious promises.

That we might become, like Jesus, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Jesus, beat the devil, the ways of this world, by knowing and living in the Word, by speaking the Word. We can too, that is the path to a victorious Godly life. He then tells us to grow in the following ways, to exercise them in our life.

“faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.”

Then another promise.

2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

Throughout the Word the Lord causes the barren to be fruitful, Peter is telling us how to become fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus. By exercising these things, we will bare fruit, (bring many into the Kingdom.)

If we fail to grow in these areas, we are blind and cannot see far off.

Quite simply, we are not understanding the Lords plan and purpose for our Salvation.

He shed His blood, not so we alone, can live with Him, but so all we bring with us, can also. He came into the world, not to condemn but that through Him the world may be saved.

Have we forgotten why we were forgiven? We have joined the heavenly host, we must train and prepare for Spiritual Battle. “Go ye therefore”

2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
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2 Peter 1:5-7. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:5-7
December 17, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
As we continue on, the first words of verse 5 seem confusing. “And beside this” but it simply means since: “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” We need to continue growing in Jesus.

Peter then gives us a list that is quite close to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.

2 Peter: 1. 5-7
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

These 2 lists are close.

Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

“giving all diligence,”
We must learn to be consistent, methodical in our prayer and study life. Like Appointment TV…get into a rhythm, let God set His watch by your consistency. (Wish I was more consistent. ..do as I say…).

“add to your faith” “faith”
We start out with a measure of faith. We build up our most Holy Faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and learning the Word. As we exercise our Faith we must learn to exercise virtue.

What is virtue? “goodness“
Morality, modesty, honesty, character. ….all the things our politicians don’t understand. As we grow in God these virtues should be growing also.

“Knowledge:” “peace”
See Study 2 Peter 1:2

“temperance” “temperance “
Moderation in food, drink, speech, actions, life. Even sharing our faith…in love….
Philippians 4:5
King James Version (KJV)
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

“patience” “longsuffering”
James 1:2-8
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Learn to wait on the Lord, in peace and joyfully. Somehow I missed “Godliness” In 2 Peter 1:3, so here it is:

“godliness” “gentleness”
Timothy 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
1 Timothy 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Timothy 6:6
King James Version (KJV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
2 Timothy 3:5
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Abstain from lude and rude activities, be content, “believe God is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Don’t pretend to be Holy, strive to be Holy.

“brotherly kindness;” “Meekness”
Brotherly love, fellowship, you don’t always have to be right, the best, the boss.

“charity” “love, joy”
“They will know you are my disciples by your love.” “This is My commandment that you love one another. “

Like fruit, it takes time, nourishment, (the Word), and water, (prayer), to grow and be consumed and accepted as sweet comfort to the lost.

2 Peter: 1. 5-8
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

I understand these aren’t a great match, but you get the idea.

Lord, help us to grow in you.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.

Know, you are loved.
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2 Peter 1:4. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:4
December 16, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
As we study the next verse we find wonderful promises, we need to grab with both hands.

2 Peter: 1. 4.
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

“given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:”

We really can not comprehend the blessings the Lord has for those who learn to walk in His Yoke, by His side, doing His will at His direction and in His Power.

Exodus: 1. 7.
“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”

Ephesians: 3. 20.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

All through the Word we find the Lord blessing His chosen. We are His chosen today, we shouldn’t be in want, or fear, but full of “Power and of Love and a Sound Mind.” He loves us, won’t “give a stone when we ask for bread.”

“ye might be partakers of the divine nature,

The Word tells us we are partakers of the divine (Godly) nature. The Word tells us we are partakers of many things.

“partakers of my grace., partakers of his promise ,partakers of the inheritance, partakers of the sufferings, partakers of the benefit, partakers of the heavenly calling, partakers of the Holy Ghost,partakers of his holiness.partakers of Christ’s sufferings, partakers of the divine nature, be not partakers of her sins, partakers of that one bread.partakers of his promise,partakers of the Lord’s table, partakers of their spiritual things,”

“divine nature,”
We become sons, and Hebrews 6:4-5, can be quite exciting when we grasp its meaning.

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,”

We have been enlightened, (we know and recognize the Lord). So we have tasted Salvation, the heavenly gift. We have the Holy Spirit, we need to allow Him freedom to work.

We taste the good Word of God, and we should have a taste of the Powers of the world to come. (The Gifts of the Spirit working through us).

John 1;12
“12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Romans 8;8-11
“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Romans 8:29
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

The Precious Promises are a way to conquer sin and death in our lives. We can if we just learn to trust and walk in Him. Be conformed to His image.

“having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Lust, Greed, Covetousness, Pride, feet that shed inocent blood, lying tounges, sowing discontent. I haven’t checked but I think these are in Proverbs 6, the 7 deadly sins.

2 Peter: 1. 4.
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Lord, help us to claim and live in Your Precious Promises.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon

Know, you are loved.
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2 Peter 1:3. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:3
December 16, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote following God, Religion, serving God, Walking in the Spirit
A very long post, sorry.

I hope this study is helpful to my Bible class. I am trying to teach how to dig into the Word and understand the meaning themselves. It’s funny before Salvation, you could not get me to study anything, now I hate to stop.

Let’s look at 2 Peter 1:3.

2 Peter: 1. 3.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Devine (Godly), Power, what is this? Resurrection, Healing, Words of Wisdom and Knowledge, Faith…ect.

Matthew 22:29
King James Version (KJV)
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

How is God’s Power manifested?

Luke 9:43
King James Version (KJV)
“And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did,”

Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 6:7

1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

So we see the Gospel of Jesus is the Power, the Holy Spirit within us is His delivery system. We need to learn to let it flow. That Divine Power has:

“given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,”

Genesis 24:1
“And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.”

In the Old Testament blessings were physical most the time, when you were right with God, He blessed you with land, peace and protection.

Deuteronomy 26:9
“And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.”

2 Chronicles 14:7
“Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.”

Psalm 124:6
“Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.”

In the New Testament things changed, first He gave us Salvation through the Birth, Death and Resurrection of our Lord.

Then He and the Father gave us Spiritual Gifts.

Authority:
Luke 9:1
“gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.”

2 Corinthians 10:8
“For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:”

Consolation and hope:
2 Thessalonians 2:16
“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,”

Power, love, a sound mind:
We have the mind of Christ.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Salvation :
2 Timothy 1:9
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”

The Holy Spirit :
1 John 3:24
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”

1 John 4:13
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

1 John 4:13
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

Understanding, to know the truth:
1 John 5:20
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

Hope no shame, full of love:
Romans 5:5
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

“through the knowledge of him”

Genesis 2:9 “the tree of knowledge”

Just any knowledge is not a good thing, it is Godly knowledge we must partake of.

Exodus 35:31
“And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;”

1 Samuel 2:3
“Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.”

2 Chronicles 1:11
“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:”

Proverbs 2:5
“Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.“

Hosea 4:6
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”

Romans 11:33
King James Version (KJV)
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 1:17
King James Version (KJV)
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

Ephesians 4:13
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Colossians 1:10
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

2 Peter 1:2
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

Seek Godly knowledge. …it will be vary rewarding.

“that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Glory:
The heavens reveal His Glory, the Bible tells us as we Glorify Him, He returns Glory to us, in the Old Testament, this Glory could be land, riches, prosperity, peace.

What is His Glory in the New Testament?

Virtue:
Morality, Honesty, Integrity, Modesty. ..

2 Peter: 1. 3.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Time for you to give me feedback and you research 2 Peter 1:4. We can compare research after the Christmas break.

2 Peter 1:2. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:2 – theunfetteredpreacher
December 14, 2015

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2 Peter 1:2
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you”
Grace, Gods unmerited Mercy and Favor is the typical explanation of its meaning, but looking from its first mention:

“Noah found Grace in the sight of the Lord”

To Paul and sin and Grace is sufficient, I believe we could substitute Salvation for Grace in many places.

Peace, is the Peace of God in the midst of our problems, strife of life, hurts and bad health. It is the “Peace that passes understanding.”

Multiplied. …really?

“through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

The Knowledge of God and Jesus:
Knowledge” is an important theme in 2 Peter (related words occur eleven times);
the fundamental saving knowledge of God gained in conversion (1:2, 3, 8; 2:20).

:3b
“through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
Knowledge of Him calls us to Glory, (Biblically explained as abundance, wealth, land, blessings), as our lives glorify God, by our obedience, virtue, Praise and Prayer he gives us Glory.

:8
“ if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He has just given us a list, that is vary close to matching the Fruit of the Spirit, and told us to increase in these is Knowledge.

2:20a
“if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, “
This Knowledge will help us escape the sin and shame of the world. (Lord help me gain this Knowledge).

Knowledge of God and of Jesus are connected because God is known savingly only in and through Jesus Christ.

Matt. 11:27
“All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”

The Lord wants us to know Him.

Hosea 4:1
King James Version (KJV)
“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.”

Hosea 6:6
King James Version (KJV)
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

Through out the Old Testament, the Lord is looking for a people who will “Walk with Him.”

The Lord only found a few, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David to name a few of the few.

He wants us to walk worthy :
Colossians 1:10
King James Version (KJV)
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

2 Corinthians 10:5
King James Version (KJV)
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

What a Blessing if we were to learn, come to understand the Knowledge of God and Christ.
Romans 11:33
King James Version (KJV)
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

Beware:
1 Corinthians 15:34
King James Version (KJV)
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”

It is a shame if people can’t see the Jesus, alive and well in our lives.

2 Peter 1:2
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

Lord, I pray for opened eyes and hearts for the truth of Your Word.

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

2 Peter 1:1. theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Peter 1:1 –
December 14, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

As we look at 2 Peter 1:1, We will try to understand his writings, verse by verse, and sometimes word for word. The common meanings and understandings can be different from how we perceive them. So please allow me, to tell us, what we probably already know.

2 Peter: 1. 1.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

Peter starts out telling us who he is:
A servant:
When he says servant he isn’t talking about the guy who mows your lawn or the nice lady that comes in once a week to clean.

The word used for Servant of Christ, means Bond Slave or Love Slave. In Biblical times you could become a slave if you didn’t pay your debts, and stay a slave for 7 years or until the debt was paid.

Sometimes people were treated so well, they asked to stay provided for, cared for, protected by their Master. He would back them up to the edge of the door and make a hole in their earlobe with an awl.

This signified they were free men, who gladly remained and worked for their Master. This is the message of Peter, Paul and all who truly serve our Lord.

An Apostle:
Originally only the 12 were Apostles, after the Resurrection, Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, and called himself an Apostle. When the Holy Spirit was given Apostles were one of the 5 fold ministry gifts.

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers.

Apostles are often thought of as people who start churches, train someone in the Word to Pastor and hopefully others for the other Gifts and then moves on, to repeat the same.

This is of course a slave and apostle of our Lord.

“to them that have obtained like precious faith””
Here he is talking to us, Believers on Christ and telling us something profound.

Our Faith is the same as his and all the othe Disciples, we should be experiencing all the things they did.

Hebrews 6:4-6
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,”

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

We have been enlightened, and tasted the heavenly gift of Salvation, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore we must learn to taste Good Word of God, (learn, love, meditate, speak, live), when we do we will also taste the powers of the world to come.

Saints, the Gifts and Power of the Holy Spirit should be working within our churches today. Ask the Father what impedes there use in our lives?

“like precious faith”
Precious Faith, do you consider your faith as precious? The word Precious occurs 70+ times in the Word, Precious jem stones mostly, also Precious Promises and Precious Blood.

Precious, something that if you found it, you would sell all you had, to aquire this Precious thing.

Our Faith is Precious, we must build our Faith by being crucified, (losing ourselves), to aquire the Lord

“through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”
Because of and through the righteousness of the Father and Son.

2 Corinthians 5:21
King James Version (KJV)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Romans 10:3
King James Version (KJV)
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Romans 1:17
King James Version (KJV)
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 3:21-22
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”

Our Righteousness is revealed by our Faith in Christ, it is only the covering of His Precious Blood that makes us “The Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. “

Lord please may this lesson help your chosen to find and embrace Your life and love.

2 Peter: 1. 1.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

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

Their cry came up unto God: theunfetteredpreacher

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I don’t think God hears our cry today. Why?

We are not crying out, for the lost, for those in bondage to sin and addictions.

We cried out for ourselves, and God heard, and delivered us. We do not intercede for others who are still in chains.

We don’t pray, Witness, or pull them out of the fire. We just watch them burn.

The Church has no Power, because we are, Us 4 and no more.

(That’s my job, you can’t have it. I do that, I don’t need your help. I’ve got it, thanks, anyway.)

The Lord comes in like a flood, when His children cry out.

Exodus 2: 23.

“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Exodus 3: 7.

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;”

The lost need to be led to their freedom, it is our job the lead them.

To fast and pray for them, even to Cry out to God, by reason of their bondage.

The Lord had Moses, ready to stand in the gap. Could you be the Moses, they need Today?

Just, fast and pray, cry to the Lord. Stand still and see the Salvation of God.

How I Am, became Once Was: theunfetteredpreacher

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How “I AM” became “He Was”

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(or how the church lost the Power of God)

Some might say this is blasphemy. ” Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” But unfortunately it is the truth.

We no longer preach the Great “I AM”. The church is weak, ineffective, ingrown. ” Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”” Not my church,” you say.

I ask, do our churches really measure up to the early church? ” He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” They had no building, pulpits, children’s ministry, teen ministry, homeless ministry.

They had the POWER OF GOD and He added to the church daily such as should be saved. Be honest if someone comes into church with a contagious disease, we are more likely to say you should have stayed home till you feel better. When we should say “Be healed in the name of Jesus.”

What are we to do?

God heard the cries and groaning of the Hebrew captives in Egypt, because they were in bondage and He remembered His promise to Abraham.

Moses hiding in the desert, turned aside to see a burning bush. The Lord saw and God said; ” Take off your shoes, you are on Holy Ground”.

The first step in the transformation of “I AM” to “He Was” is that we really do not treat the Lords presence as Holy anymore. I am not a clothes line preacher…if you are at the beach…..beach clothes are certainly fine for church. I am more concerned with our attitudes. Do we understand Reverence, Sanctity, Praise, Meditation, Worship?

God heard our cries and groaning when we were trapped in the bondage of sin and shame. He desires us to pay attention to whatever our personal burning bush is and take off our shoes; this means, set ourselves apart, present ourself a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable unto God. Our minds should be renewed by reading Gods Word. Then we will know the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

When we enter church, we should think of it as turning aside to see our burning bush….Entering into the presence of God.

The second step in the transformation is how we introduce God.

Moses asked God: “Who should I say sent me?” God answered: “Tell them I AM THAT I AM sent you.”

God is the Great “I AM”; He preformed signs, wonders and miracles to free the Hebrews so that the Egyptians would: “see, know, consider, understand and believe that the Lord “IS” and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

When Jesus was on the earth He preformed signs, wonders and miracles and sent His disciples to do the same. For the same reason: So people would “see, know, consider, understand and believe that Jesus is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

He promised that “these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

When Jesus sent out the 12 they cast out devils and healed the sick. At The Day of Pentecost they spoke with new tongues. …had a boldness to preach, they had power and knowledge to handle the Serpent, the devil and God confirmed the Word with signs following.

So what happened?

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;”

The signs and wonders have grown scarce. We have to many wonderful speakers and not enough dedicated seekers.

I am not saying we don’t love the Lord. Just that we have forgotten what it means to Walk with the Lord. To seek His face and will, in all that we do.

We are afraid our prayers will not answered, we don’t want to say He doesn’t do that anymore, we want to believe but we don’t really know how to reach the Holy of Holies. We can tho. …

The church can and will have power again, when we fast, pray, meditate, praise and above all learn to Worship and share the Great “I AM”. “He is a very present help in times of trouble. ” “Ask, ye shall receive, seek, and you will find, knock, and the door will be opened.

ps.
Have you ever wondered if the gifts of the Spirit might be the talents that the Master left for us to increase till His return. A lot of churches have buried those talents.

It hath pleased the Lord : 4 theunfetteredpreacher

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To please the Lord, should be our goal, and maybe we could aim higher still. We can be a delight.

Proverbs 15:8

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”

The Lord, delights in the prayers of the Upright, the Righteous.

A Prayer that is not just crying out for help, but a prayer of Worship, Praise, and Submission to His Will, recognizing Who He is, what He does, and what He expects from us.

Proverbs 12:22

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

Proverbs 11:20

“They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.”

Proverbs 11:1

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.”

The Lord delights in us as we deal justly, righteously, in good faith.

In business, He expects us to make a fair profit, not to cheat or overcharge.

To do our best, in quality and quantity, to be good Witnesses of His Love and Grace.

Psalm 18:19

“He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

2 Samuel 22: 20.

“He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Numbers 14:8

“If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.”

The promises of God are Yes and Amen, the Promised Land is here for any who will enter.

He is waiting for us to enter in, and do the Work of the Ministry.

He will deliver us and reward us according to our Walk with Him, our attitude, and actions.

According to how well we Walk with Him, taking up His Yoke.

Psalm 37:23-24

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

He delights in us as we Walk in His Ways, if we stumble off the path, He holds us in His hand.

He sometimes needs to get our attention.

Proverbs 3:12

“For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

At times we need to help our children to stay on the straight and narrow, the Lord needs to help us also.

Proverbs 3:11

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:”

Hebrews 12:5

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:”

At times we need to be reminded, who we are, and what we have done. Like David, we do not always recognize our sin.

When we do, we need to repent.

Psalm 51:15-17

“O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

See also Psalms 51:10-13 (Often my prayer)

1 Samuel 15:22

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

To obey is better than sacrifice…..

It isn’t hard to please or even delight our God.

This verse is a song, that sums up our Walk with Christ.

Micah 6: 8.

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?“

If we take it one step at a time, the Lord will smile upon us, give us Peace and Rest. Wisdom and Grace to become the True Servants, He has called us to be.

Amen

He that saith, unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; theunfetteredpreacher

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Proverbs 24:24-25

“He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.”

Once upon a time, we had righteous leaders in Washington.

Our Country grew and prospered.

Our leaders were righteous, not because they were good, but because they believed in, and stood for Godly principles.

They sinned and failed morally, but the knew the road to Redemption.

We have gone, through a time, (16 of the last 25 plus years). Where immoral people have lead our land, and we can see the results.

God is taken from our schools, court houses, public meetings, sports….

There are those who celebrate this, as progress, a good thing.

What have we wrought?

School shootings, Gay marriage, Christian businesses, fined, even closed down, for not bowing down, to the left.

Just for standing firm, in their faith.

We must stand fast, and rebuke this Godless course, we are on.

We now have a leader, a regular guy, ( not a politician), who stands up for us, the people who are ignored and dumped on regularly.

Is he a Godly man, NO, but he might be a blameless, forgiven man.

He might be, just the man, to rebuke those who call evil, good, wrong, right, sin, a virtue.

The man we need for this time.

It isn’t a shooting war yet, but the left seems determined to make it one. Are you ready to stand fast, defend your God, Country and Children?

I hope so. Not until then, will they be rebuked and we receive the blessings of God. Amen

It hath pleased the Lord: 3 theunfetteredpreacher

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Revelation 4: 11.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“

The Universe’s and all that is in them, including ‘we the people,’ were created for God’s Pleasure.

We find Jesus, as a man, doing God’s will, Pleasing Him.

So how do we Please Him?

■ By Speaking, Preaching, Sharing the Gospel. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

■ Do good and to communicate, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)

■ The Sacrifices, of Reverence and Awe come from an appreciation of who God is. Acceptable worship combines these motives. (Hebrews 12:28,29)

■ Visiting widows and orphans, Sacrifices of words must be accompanied by deeds of love toward others. (James 1:27)

■ Helping others Financially (Philippians 4:18)

■ That we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

■ Enoch, pleased God. He believed that God IS. (Hebrews 11:5,6)

■ It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21)

All these things Please God. When God is Pleased, we receive a promice.

Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.“

When we do not please God, by not believing on His Word, or Trusting in His Protection. We may die in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:5)

It is easier to question God, than to believe Him. We gladly except the Promise of Salvation, we feel the weight of Sin and Shame leave us as we are Filled with Christ.

We fail, by not following up, by sacrificing our wants and desires, in study and prayer, accepting God’s way, by Walking With Him.

Matthew 5: 6.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

To Please God, to be truly Righteous, we must Hunger and Thirst for More of Him.

Set our faces, like flint, to love, Worship and obey Jesus, as He leads and guide’s us by the Holy Spirit.

Saints, learn to set your hearts, to Pleasing God. You believe and you are blessed now.

Walk with Him, and receive His Blessings, a new.

Amen

It hath pleased the Lord: 2 theunfetteredpreacher

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Revelation 4: 11.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“

It has pleased the Lord, to Create all that is physical, by the Power of His Word. (He is Spirit).

Jesus is the Word, He pleases the Father. Shouldn’t we?

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mt 3:17, 17:5. Mk 1:11, 9:7 Lkba 3:22, 9:35, 20:13.

People heard this at His Baptism, and at the Transfiguration. Jesus made a point of telling us that He was doing the Fathers will.

John 5:30
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”

John 6:39
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

Jesus, was born of the Seed of Abraham and David, He was a man. Not a man/God, but a man.

He suffered the same temptations and trials that we all suffer, but did not sin.

He was a man after God’s own heart, a friend of God.

Luke 2:40
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

Strong in Spirit, Filled with Wisdom, the Grace of God was Upon Him.

This is what made Him different from you or I, as He grew, His desire was to serve and please the Father, He studied and proved Himself at the age of 12.

At 30, He was ready to begin His mission.

I heard a story about Mozart.

In his latter years a man came and asked, “How do I write a symphony?

Mozart encouraged him to start smaller, to write a symphony is no easy thing.

The man said: “But you wrote your first at 9 year’s old.”

Mozart replied: “Yes, but I didn’t have to ask how.”

So be it known, some men are able to do the extraordinary.

Jesus, even as a child, was strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom, and the Grace of God was Upon Him. Yet, He was just a man, a child, who loved God.

He did no Miracles till He received the Holy Spirit and Power, at His Baptism.

His obedience as a man is what pleased God. He showed us, that we could be obedient also.

We just need to seek the Spirit, He will give us Wisdom, and we will recognize His Grace. (Salvation, Justification, Righteousness and Sanctification).

We must; Know His Word, Speak His Word, Believe His Word, and Walk in His Word.

If we care to Please our God. Amen

It hath pleased the Lord: 1 theunfetteredpreacher

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Have you ever considered what pleases God? Most of my life, I only cared about making myself happy.

My prayers, actions and plans, were about me. (Sometimes, Bette, my wife or Celeste, our daughter). Not often,… mostly me.

I considered, how will that affect me? What should I do? Come on, I need you to do this.

Wow, it hurts to read the truth. But, we all are a little self absorbed. It might be golf, tennis, watching sports, some even play sports.

I love to play piano and sing, study the Word, Preach and Teach. I also love to create my own little worlds.

As a kid, my cousin Jim, (He’s no longer Jimmy, as I am no longer Billy). Played army, or Man from Uncle, more than catch, or other games. We were in our own world.

My Dad, made me an HO, Model Train layout. Nothing fancy, but it was fun.

When my folks moved to Florida, they sold all my old stuff. I had not taken it with me when I left home, years before, so I guess it was fair game.

I considered it lost.

Got married, moved to NC, lived in a 12×54 foot trailer, with a 5’3″ baby grand taking up a lot of living room space.

Year’s passed, when I discovered N Scale Model Trains. I wanted one. Where would I put it? Bette said, “Why not on the piano?”

Wonderful idea, I went a step further,… I put the layout, in the piano. (On top of the harp).

Why did I do this? I took great pleasure, creating my own little kingdom, something I could control.

For the same reason, God created the Universe, the planet’s, trees, seas, fish and Us.

For His pleasure.

Then He gave us Freewill. What was He thinking. lol… He had a plan.

He wants us to please Him. Our choice, will you, please Him?

Revelation 4: 11.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“

I wonder? Stay tuned.

Are we Righteous? 2. theunfetteredpreacher

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Are we Righteous? Again the short answer is yes. Only when we Believe and Confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9-10)

The Blessings of the Righteous, from Proverbs 11.

“Righteousness delivereth from death.” (4)

“The Righteous is delivered out of trouble”(8)

“The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:” (6)

“The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” (21) (Noah’s family, Acts 16:31)

Who shall deliver us? (Romans 7:24, 2 Timothy 4:18, only Jesus)

“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:” (5)

“When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:” (10)

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:” (11)

He will direct our path, when we have a Righteous leader, we will be blessed.

“To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.” (18)

“The desire of the righteous is only good:” (23)

“The righteous shall flourish as a branch.” (28)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;” (30)

“The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth:” (31)

The Blessings are for today… as well as the future.

Proverbs 15:29
The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.”

Acts 13:39
“Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and declared righteous—something the Jewish law could never do.”

Hosea 10:12
“Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you.”

He hears us, frees us from guilt and sin, calls us to share, the Blessings of Knowing and Trusting in Him, and doing His will.

Do we believe? Do we walk in Righteousness, by listening to that still, small voice, and sharing Him to those He directs us to.

By praying for the sick, and expecting them to be healed. (We must pray a prayer of Faith).

This hurts me to admit, but it is easier to believe for the healing of the young, than for the old.

Being old, I realize my condition was self made… no one to blame but myself.

Can the Lord heal me anyway? Yes, do I believe it? Sadly, probably not, it is what I deserve.

Is this a correct belief? Absolutely Not.

“Lord, help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

I am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. These promises are for me today, tomorrow and forever.

God has Saved me, He will direct, deliver, hear, and answer, my prayers. He loves me, and only desires good things for me.

I must share His love, comfort the brokenhearted, heal the sick… bring life to those Spiritually Dead.

Raise the dead, when the Gift of Faith is present. Obey the Holy Spirit in all He teaches.

He will guide, direct and protect those who allow Him. We must surrender to His will, and deny ourselves.

Are we Righteous? theunfetteredpreacher

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The simple answer is yes, but is that enough? Do we understand what it means, (to be Righteous?), the Blessings we should be Walking in?

Our Righteousnes comes only from God, it is not something we earn, or can mold ourselves into.

Webster’s defines Righteous:

1 : acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2 a : morally right or justifiable, a righteous decision
b : arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality, righteous indignation.

A great definition, but not the Bible defination.

When we look to the first mention of righteous, is in the life of Noah.

“And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” (Genisis 7:1)

What did the Lord see? A man who heard from God, and acted on it.

“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” (Genesis 6)

Noah believed God, and acted on that belief. (He built the Ark). His Faith was seen, and recognized as Righteousness.

We see this definition confirmed, in the life of Abram, and Saria. Old, beyond childbearing age, yet when told they would have a son, Abram.

“He believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

This to me, is the true definition of Righteousness.

Believing God, Confessing it with our mouth. (Romans 10:9,10)

This is what causes us to be Blameless in God’s sight, Forgiven, Justified, covered by the Blood of Jesus.

“Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ’s righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8).” Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Just as if I had never sinned.

That is what simple belief and confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior gives us.

It is the start of many Blessings, the Lord has for His Called, Chosen and Faithful. (Revelation 17:14).

A good start to understanding His Blessings can be found in Proverbs 11.

Thanks for reading, Watch this space.

The Sin: theunfetteredpreacher

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The Sin:

Am I the only person who loves and serves the Lord who fights and loses a never ending battle with, The Sin.

What is The Sin? Hebrews 12:1

“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily beset us,”

That thing, that drags you down everytime you think you have conquered it.

Or am I alone.

Lord, save me.

The Keyboard of Our Lives: theunfetteredpreacher

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Life is a keyboard, as babies, we only use a few of the available keys. As we learn to walk, talk, run and sing, every new skill, or task we master, we use more of the keyboard.

We can express, love, joy, peace, and pain, happiness, displeasure, disappointments, or even the blues.

All from this simple keyboard.

If we pay attention, study and work, we can play, beautiful tunes. From simple melodies, to classical, (these can be a real workout).

A good percentage of us, sadly, only use,

a small portion of the available keys. We are satisfied, competent, and at ease where we are.

Wonderful.

As Christians, we are called to:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

The Lord wants and expects us to grow, He gave us a full keyboard. As we mature in Him, Power, Love and a Sound Mind, should be our Norm.

His promises, should be in our hearts and minds, we should know Him and the Power of the Resurection, the fellowship of His Suffering, we need to be conformed to His Image.

He would have us build His Kingdom. In front of us, within reach, at hand, is the Full Council of God. How much of this keyboard, do we actually use?

How much are we taught?

Sad, isn’t it.