50 years ago, I was a 16-year-old kid working part-time at a local wooden chair manufacturer. I had just escaped 4 years of working for my Dad as a grease monkey, gas jockey and tire technician.

At the chair factory, I tended machines, (an adult ran them, I took the wood off and stacked it). I also stacked wood in the kiln to dry. Nothing too hard but I guess I was doing ok.

One day the boss brought me down to the paint shop. (In my parents time it had been a dance hall). When we got there, there was a line of chairs stacked four high, from the drying room, (which was full of stacked chairs), into the dance hall to the loading dock.

I was told a truck was on the way, I was to load so many chairs and the boss left.

I soon found out I had trouble keeping the trucker busy. As the truck filled up, he walked less while I was running back and forth to the drying room and pulling stacks of chairs.

All I can say is the truck was finally full, and neither one of us had any idea how many chairs were aboard. We both signed off and left.

The next day, the boss wanted to know how many chairs had been shipped? (Apparently), I had shipped out more than should have gone, and also let the driver take a stack of moving blankets. (Oh Boy).

Surprisingly, the boss said little but never had me load another truck.

Well, he had turned on a switch, and in the middle of the night last night the light bulb turned on.

The boss had left a blueprint. So many chairs in a row, if I had understood and taken the time to count and bring out the rest of the chairs I needed. I would have had the correct amount in place, and a lot less trouble filling the order.

I would have shipped the correct number, with less work.

Why did the light bulb go off now? 50 years too late?

I now teach the Bible. I realize, that we can give out too much information and the whole shipment can be lost.

The Bible is the drying room, it has more product then we need to ship each day. We need to bring out the amount to fill the order and just ship out that portion of the product the Lord would ship, and the truck, (the student), can comfortably accommodate.

Preparation is the key. I have not always, KISS. Clyde our Pastor once told me to remember who I was talking to.

One day, I hope all the lights come on and I become a productive member of the Lord’s Army.

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

In my Bible studies this week I have read Psalms 87-89, I saw a post about Psalms 88, and how it is a hopeless call for Grace Grace and Salvation.

In my studies, I discovered two brothers, (Ezrahites), who react differently to the troubles they see and experience.

The first Ezrahite mentioned is Ethan, a man that was so wise that it is said only Soloman was wiser. (1 Kings 4:29-31)

We next see Heman the Ezrahite. He wrote Psalms 88, which the Amplified Bible Explains is: [ A Petition to Be Saved from Death. ] [ A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the Chief Musician; set to chant mournfully. A didactic or reflective poem of Heman the Ezrahite. ]

This Psalm has only 18 verses, most describing his life’s conditions. (My prayers are often along these lines).

“For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.” (Psalms 88:3)

He blames the Lord for his condition:

“Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.” (Verse 7)

His friends have deserted him:

“Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.” (Verse 8)

He wonders why the Lord doesn’t seem to hear his cry.

“Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.” (Verses 9-10)

He has lost all Hope.

“LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.” (Palms 88:14-18)

There are three verses that show him reaching out for help.

“O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.” (Psalms 88:1,2,13)

Here was a man full of woe, he was losing hope, almost ready to give up life as he knew it.

Then in the next Psalm (89), we find Ethen the Ezrahite. The Ezrahite with Wisdom. Again from the Amplified Bible.
[ The Lord’s Covenant with David, and Israel’s Afflictions. ] [ A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of Ethan the Ezrahite. ]

Ethan experiences some of the same troubles but realizes it is because of the sins of himself and the people.

“How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.” (Psalms 89:46-48)

He had discussed the sins of the people and the promises of God. The Psalm started and ended looking up to God.

“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.” (Psalms 89:1,54)

Verse 1 is a song I sang in Bible School many years ago. If you allow the words to work within, your troubles become less with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory (1 Peter 1:8) become bigger in your life.

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

My sister-in-law law, (Janet), is having a time of it. She walks towards daylight, when the woods close in around her.

It is a time of great concern. She was successfully operated on, for the brain aneurysm, and things looked good.

Then the little foxes began to spoil the vine. They keep running tests and changing meds, in an attempt to keep her on a path to recovery.

I ask you to pray with us for Wisdom and Knowledge for those who are treating her. For Grace, Peace, and Comfort for the families.

As I have mentioned, they are all committed Christians and believe all is possible with God.

Thanks for your continued prayer.

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

When children, we are constantly asked; ‘What do you want to be, when you grow up?’ Fireman, Policeman, Spaceman are probably at the top of our lists. I don’t guess many of us dream of being garbage men, pool boys, or ditch diggers.

We are encouraged to go to college, study hard, become a Doctor or lawyer. We should be encouraging our children to become welders, truck drivers, electricians, auto mechanics. Good honest work, with decent pay and hours.

How many of us listen to and adhere to this advice? I didn’t, I was determined to be rich and famous, (until I realized that would take knowledge and hard work). Then I decided I could just coast and see what would happen. (Not much, and none of it good).

It took quite a while to settle into life as a productive, functioning adult. (Not sure I am there yet. lol)

The point is we really should have a plan. ‘A MAN PLAN.’

The great thing about a man plan is: It can change as circumstances change. We can decide when, where and how to perform it. We decide if it has been successful.

A man plan is a good thing, but following God’s plan is better. We don’t like this, we have no control we walk and wait by Faith.

We cannot control the timing, the outcome, or receive the praise when it is complete. Lord please help me to work Your plan, instead of mine.

Use me, Lord, that You be Glorified, Magnified, Exalted above all.

The words of Danial, (12:8), when told of the end times.

I heard, but I understood not:

My entire life, I have heard what I must/should/or never do and understood not. I have merrily gone my way, never considering the consequences of my actions or lack thereof.

I heard, but I understood not:

They are my words, as I walk with God. I read and hear the word of God, yet I understand not. The Church in no way resembles the First Century Christians.

Why is this?

Somehow we have lost sight of the size and power of the Almighty. In our life, God no longer IS. Now, He is a once was, a has-been, no longer able to work through His people to heal the sick, raise the dead, and comfort the brokenhearted.

The first-century Christians knew Jesus as a man that God was with, that God empowered to do His work. We need to realize He was a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, to become our perfect sacrifice, for a Holy God.

He gave us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit supplies the tools and power to build His Church. We have left them on the shelf, never to be examined, tested and or mastered.

These are the Talents left to His Servants, to be profited from, not buried, unused, still in the wrapping paper they were in when we received them.

We have heard, but understood not:

So we stumble along, occasionally finding a soul ripe for the harvest. When the Lord expects us to be witnesses and fully preach the Gospel, with signs and wonders following.

I will not be content, until the Lord has made me a vessel of His Power and Love. How about you?

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

Yesterday I was Blessed to be able to share at the first Christian Church in Morehead City. Another small Church with older Saints serving the Lord. Nice folks, yet sad, that there are so many churches with 18-40 of the faithful, and the next generations, (more than one), are missing.

I shared from Acts 3, (Such as I Have give I You), I’ve preached better but it was a welcome opportunity. Thank You, Lord.

I need to go back to the problem in our churches, the lack of the Power of the Holy Spirit to stir and change hearts and heal the sick. There is a verse in Paul’s writing, that states: ‘I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.’ (Romans 15:19) So what is missing? Through the MIGHTY SIGNS AND WONDERS, that were a staple of the First Century Church.

Why are these things missing? Why are we not using the tools the Lord left us to build His Church?

I will rant again later.

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

The News is so distorted, by partisan politics. A few years ago I heard the statistic that 95 percent of the people in the media are Liberals.

What is worse I find they all have the Trump Derangement- Disorder? They only publish that which can be called harmful to Trump and refuse to show the Rest of the Story.

The News tells you Biden didn’t do anything wrong, when the tape of him bragging about getting a foreign Attorney General fired, is easily found and played.

The financials of his sons $50,000, monthly income, from a business he knew nothing about.

Please pray for the TRUTH IN NEWS, to prevail.

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

Such as I have give I thee:

The Lord has commanded us:

Matthew 28:28-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
How have we answered that command? Am I obedient?

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising Go.d.” (Acts 3:1-8)

As Christians, we must be in the right place. Abram, was told to leave his family and people, Moses, had to wee and act upon noticing the burning bush, Andrew following John the Baptist. They all need to be in the right place, Spiritually more than Physical.

If we are paying attention to the Lord, He will lead us to the people He had prepared hearts and souls, to accept, reject, be planted, watered, harvested

when we pray for our selves or others, be open to the moving of the Spirit, praying for financial needs, when healing or a job is what is really needed.

We need to be open to Ask and continue to ask until we find peace. (WE don’t always see the answer). To seek and continue to seek, the Lord’s answer, we will find, peace in our hearts. We need to knock and keep on knocking.

WE need to expect an answer, God’s peace whether granted or not. Accept or reject, and move on. be prepared for the answer, for rain? an umbrella, for finances? a job? for peace,? sit at the feet of Jesus, medical problems,? Doctors,/diets, prayer.

Rejoice, a prayer answered or not, sing, shout share the Glory and Mercy of God. Sing and quote Scripture.

Explain your reason for Praise.

Acts 3: 10.

“And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? (Acts 3:10-12)

The answer, remind who, what when and where and how the answers come.

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16)

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

The Church today,(not yours, but a lot of them), are nothing like the first-century church. I think part of the problem is we have begun to think of Jesus as the all-powerful Godman from birth.

After all, how was it possible for Jesus to have never sinned? He must be a God. Who was this Jesus? Was he a man or God or some combination of both?

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

I contend that Jesus was a man. Just like us. We read He was born of the seed of David, (John 7:42, Romans 1:3, 2 Timothy 2:8), and the seed of Abram, (Galatians 3:16, Hebrews 2:16). Mary was impregnated with the seed of a man, by the Holy Spirit, and had a man child.

Yes, Mary and E!izabeth and the elders of the families knew these two children were special. (John the Baptist and Jesus). It doesn’t tell us they were raised any differently than other children, they just thrived in the faith.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:9,-10)

If He was a Godman and died for us, that’s incredible. But if He was just a man filled with the Holy Spirit, and was able to be sinless and give up His life for us, to me that is even bigger news.

He was able to do it because the Holy Spirit was within and upon Him from His Baptism. If having the Holy Spirit made such a difference in a man, what could He do in us?

The people knew He was the Holy one from God, (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:24, John 3:2). The Son of God, I don’t know if they thought of Him as God Himself.

“For what the law could not do, in that, it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:“ (Romans 8:3)

“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Galatians 3: 4-5)

Only John, and after the Resurrection recognized Jesus as God the Creator. Who gave His life for His Creation.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5)

Jesus was the Creator the Supreme Ruler of all, who allowed Himself to become a man, to redeem us from sin.

Lord to be like Jesus. I could sacrifice myself, it would do nothing for anyone else, but Jesus did it for us.

Thank You, Lord.

I believe when we get back to understanding, Jesus, Paul, Peter Abraham, Noah, and all the Prophets were just men, and Only one remained sinless and gave His life for us, the sooner he Church can find it’s power again.

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

When I read about the early Church, and compare it to the Church today; I wonder, What Happened? Why are we not the same powerful Church?

Where are the MULTITUDES, (Matthew’s term), seeking Him and His touch?

“Whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.” (Mark 6:56)

People, for the most part, do not bring the sick to the Church or to the People of God. Why?

Because we have failed to bring Jesus’s power, grace, and love, to them. We only know how to speak empty, faithless words.

How can we change this?

We need to teach once again the Full Gospel of the Kingdom.

‘Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.‘ (Romans 15:19)

Only by the Power of the Spirit of God, will we see the mighty signs and wonders that the Lord has left us to Build His Church.

We do not recognize the Work of the Spirit in our lives because we can not identify them in the Bible, or our lives.

It would be nice if ‘when Jesus perceived their thoughts or intents, it was followed, (by the Word of Wisdom or Knowledge or even the Discerning of Spirits) (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4)

The Lord left it to us to learn to accept and use His Gifts. We have, in ignorance left them on the shelves, unopened or not tried.

I desire to walk through the Gospel, showing which gifts are used where, when, how and by who. We need to understand what they do and how useful they will be in our walk with Christ.

It’s not just ‘A God Thing.’ It is The Thing God left us to build His Assembly. His Church, His Body.

Please walk with me, agree or better yet show me I am wrong. Grow in Christ, as we study His Word together.

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

I will be preaching October 6, at 11 am, at the Morehead City First Christian Church, across from Rabbit Hill Plaza on Bridges Street in Morehead City.

Please attend, if at all possible. If unable, (for whatever reason), please pray that I would be sensitive to the working and words of the Holy Spirit, and that those in this Fellowship, would be blessed.

This is a one-time substitution as Pastor David Cox needs to be elsewhere. I thank him and his flock for the opportunity to fill in for him.

Scripture to be announced.

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

To be the Chosen of God. To receive the promises of God, the privileges of a Son and heir of God.

The Peace that passes understanding, the Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, My God can supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

It sounds wonderful. It is our promise, it is Who We Are.

1 Peter 2:9

‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:’

Who are We?

We are a Chosen Generation:

Like (the 12 tribes), the Hebrews of Moses time, we who love and accept Christ as Lord and Savior, are brought out of the slavery, (of sin and death), into the promised land, a land of milk and honey. A place where the Lord is our Shepard, and we shall not want.

We are a Royal Priesthood:

As Christians, we are of the tribe of Levi. The people charged with knowing and protecting the Word of God, and the sharing of the Love, Mercy, and Grace of the Lord.

Leading in Praise and Worship, in the building of His Church, His Body.

We are a Holy People:

The Lord wants us to be Sanctified, set apart, have a renewed mind, to know His good, acceptable and perfect will. (Romans 12)

To become a Holy Nation, Justified, blameless in the beloved.

We are a Peculiar People:

The Lord uses the Weak to confound the Mighty, the Foolish to confound the Wise.

Titus 2:12-14

‘Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’

A Peculiar People, Zealous of Good Works, to do the Work Of God.

What are we called to?

We are called to Praise God:

For bringing us out of slavery, into the salvation of the Lord, to be a light to those who live in darkness. To comfort the brokenhearted, to heal the sick, to proclaim the year of the Lord.

Today is the day of Salvation if you will hear His voice, act on it Today. Walk-in His Light and Grace. Live a life that people desire to be like and follow you.

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

I don’t blame the hammer when I miss the nail and hit my thumb. I don’t blame the Lord when my prayers are not answered the way I planned.

In my teens, I was a drunken, stoned, anti-social, anti-American, unlovable clown. It shames me that I do not remember much of this period of my life. (Blackouts)

Am I like Easu, and cry out, ‘is there any blessing for me?’ I believe I have found in the Word, why I am still alive.

In Exodus 8, we find the plague of the frogs, Pharaoh pleads with Moses to take them away. (I found the key to my wrong turns).

Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted the frogs to leave? The answer was tomorrow. He suffered another day of frog infestations because he didn’t say NOW.

He brought it on himself. How often when we pray, we do we not specify our desire for immediate relief?

When I was 16, the Jesus people appeared. I was befriended and led to ask Jesus to be my Savior; In my ignorance, I thought I was agreeing to live without personal pleasure, so I promised, to serve him after I first had ten years of fun.

The next ten years serving the god of this world was the worst time of my life.

That was my tomorrow. I gave myself to the devil for 10 years. The year’s that I might have used for good; Instead, they were years of pain and shame.

I pray I never again say tomorrow or later when I should say on your six God. Use me, teach me, mold and make me an instrument of Your Love and Grace.

May people see You in my eyes, hear You in my Words, recognize Your Love in my life.

Friends, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’

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

I must confess, there was nothing in this life that I gave my heart, soul, mind, and strength to, either in school or work. I only did what I needed, to get by.

I don’t know if others lived much the same way?

Whether it was music, math, work or play, I would learn the basics, become mildly proficient, and run with that.

Until I fell in love with the Lord.

Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength, were suddenly seeking Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. I had found the reason I existed. To Know and Love the Lord.

I study the Word and Seek His face, allow the Holy Spirit to lead me to all Truth. I make sure the Truth has two or three witnesses. (Verses in the Word), to prove its truth.

Then I hunger for a platform to share. So far it has been this blog and teaching a Bible Study. This does bring a measure of satisfaction.

Yet the desire to speak the Word, with Signs, Wonders, and Miracles following remains. The current Pastor of the Church I play piano for, will not let me preach because I was licensed and ordained by a different body.

I will not become a Methodist, for very many reasons, but that is where the Lord has placed me at this time. I am doing my best to learn and submit, from these wonderful folks, but am frustrated that they reject the written Word for their dead Church Doctrine.

Please think of me in your prayer time. That God would allow me to recognize the desires He has put in my heart.

Thanks.

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