Shall not God search this out?

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Psalm 44:21
King James Version (KJV)
“Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.“

As I’ve studied the Word, I believe one of the reasons we see so few mighty miracles, signs and wonders, even positive answers to prayers, is because of the condition of our hearts.  Why do I desire to see the power of God, is it so He will be glorified or so I’ll be in the spotlight?

Jeremiah 17:9
King James Version (KJV)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

What are my motives?  I cry out: “Create in me a clean heart O Lord,  renew in me a right Spirit.

Am I a vessel the Lord can trust and use, or will I be filled with pride?

1 Chronicles 28:9
King James Version (KJV)
“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.”

Have I a perfect heart and willing mind towards God?

I know I am saved, sanctified, holy ghost filled and water baptized,  Jesus on my mind, I found a new life.   But I am still a man at war with my fleshly desires.

I love the Lord but I am still a prideful man, a stiffnecked and rebellious person.   More often than not I want God to do things my way, rather than doing  the Lords will.   This is why I miss the mark, I fail in doing the will of God.  I fail to see the power of God in my life or ministry.

Psalm 77:5-7
King James Version (KJV)
” I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.  I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.   Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?”

Romans 8:27
King James Version (KJV)
“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

I do search my heart, ask the Lord for a clean heart.  Believe He has given me a new heart.  One that hungers and thirsts for Him.  I long to see His will done.  Thank You Holy Spirit for Your intercession, love, comfort and teaching.

Lord make me a vessel that you can use, that souls will be saved.  Bodies healed and made whole.  That You be lifted up, Glorified,  Magnified, Praised, Worshipped and Obeyed.

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Fleet Caroline at rest. 12/10/14

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All these vessels,  waiting to fulfill their purpose.   Reminds me of the church.   Waiting to be used, when all we need to do is cast off.

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Take heed to thyself. …

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These scriptures are from Deuteronomy 4,  I believe they are wisdom for us today…..I think it reads quite well also.

“But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;

But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you,

For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

When thou shalt beget children, and children’s children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves,

And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you.

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands,

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”

We must turn to God and be obedient,  Lord help us to know and love you.

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For where two or three are gathered together in my name,

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Matthew 18:20
King James Version (KJV)
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Do we really understand the power we have as Christians if we are truly together?  Spiritually together,  of one mind and heart in agreement.   Jesus,  God Himself is in our midst.

If God be for us, who can be against?

I bring this up because of a wonderful picture of this Scripture I found at: 
http://whiskedawaykenya.com

This young lady has a vidio of three Kenyon men, steeling a meal from between 6 and 15 Lions.
Without using their weapons.   We need to be watchful of lions.

1 Peter 5:8
King James Version (KJV)
 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:“

The Lord warns us that the devil is likened to a roaring lion…..seeking those he can devour.
He comes to kill, steel and destroy.  It seems impossible that we could steel from him.  These men from Kenya show us how it is done.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
King James Version (KJV)
“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.“

One can prevail, ( to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest).

Two shall withstand,  ( : to not be harmed or affected by (something)
: to deal with (something, such as an attack or criticism) successfully).

Threefold cord not easily broken, ( violently separated into parts : shattered).

These three men walking in a line, scare off a pack of lions, walk up to the kill and cut off meat for their own use.  Walk away unmolested.   Wow. Well worth a visit and watch.

The point is as Christians,  alone we can prevail but it is a hard fight.  Two more easily withstands the attack, without much damage, three together is not easily defeated.  There is strength in the body of believers.

When the church was in one accord,  it was added to daily.  The Spirit of the Lord was present,  there was power, fear of the Lord. Miracles, signs and wonders.  The church needs this above all else.

I think we need to come together in one accord….heart, soul, mind and strength. ….bow down before the Lord and live out the Lords prayer,  not just repeat it.   Learn to Worship the King in Spirit and truth.

Lord help us to understand and welcome Your presence in our lives and church.

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Merry Christmas

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Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua:

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Joshua 24:31
King James Version (KJV)
“And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel.“

This verse of Scripture is really quite incredible. …Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and the days of the elders that out lived him.  What a testimony,  Moses didn’t have this testimony.   Has anyone else? Not once did the congregation rebell or resist doing what the Lord commanded through Joshua.

Can we say that about any other leaders flock?   I don’t think so.  Is this an accurate statement?

What set Joshua apart from other leaders:

  ■  He was Moses trusted second in command
He knew how to follow, he was faithful in whatever he was asked to do.

  ■  He was Moses General in battle.  (Lord is my banner)
He won the battle as long as Moses hands were lifted to the Lord.   He  trusted   in Lord for victory.

Exodus 17:13-16
King James Version (KJV)
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.  And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:  For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

  ■  Recipient of Gods word through Moses.
Received and accepted the word of the Lord, as given by Moses.  Did not have personal relationship with God yet. Was worried for Moses when another received a word from the Lord.

  ■  With Moses when the ten comments were given.  (40 day fast?).
Did he fast also?

Exodus 24:12-13
King James Version (KJV)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.  And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.”

Exodus 24:16-18
King James Version (KJV)
“And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.  And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.”

  ■  Stood with Moses and sons of Levi.  (golden calf over 2000 died).

  ■  Joshua stayed in the presence of the Lord.
Exodus 33:11
King James Version (KJV)
“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.”

  ■  Sent to search promiced land.  One of two that gave a good report.

  ■  Chosen and annointed by the Lord to lead the people.

Numbers 27:18
King James Version (KJV)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;”

Deuteronomy 34:9
King James Version ( KJV )
“Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”

  ■  Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun.

  ■  Led Hebrews into promised land

  ■  Only suffered one defeat in war.

His reaction to defeat was to realize there was sin in the camp.  He called the people together to do the following:

      ●  Confess

      ●  Consecrate themselves

      ●  Be sanctified

      ●  Stoned the sinner

Sounds like the sinners prayer to me.  Right up to the death of the old man.

“Joshua; left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.”

Joshua led quite a life

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Is a Promise Delayed, a promise denied?

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Are you waiting to receive a promise from God?  Something you saw in the Word and claimed as your own?  A desire of your heart, you’re sure you received from God?

A ministry,  financial need, work, salvation for loved ones?

There are many things we hope and pray for, believe the Lord will give us, that stay just out of our reach.

This can seem cruel,  thoughtless, mean.  Why isn’t this need, want or promise fulfilled?

Am I desiring something that will hurt me or others?  No.  Is it a selfish,  I deserve it, I’m  so much holier than thou, thing?  No.

What is the problem?

Let us take a quick look at Joseph:

Psalm 105:17-22
King James Version (KJV)
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:  Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.

 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.   He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:  To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.”

The verse in the middle is the key:

“Until the time that his word came : the word of the Lord tried him. “

Joseph, in his youth, was given a prophetic dream, he told his brothers. …they showed him.  Bow down indeed.

Sold into slavery,  accused of rape, sentenced to prison. ……years pass…

Where was his faith?    Was he thinking,  am I crazy? Or my Lord promised.

What are you thinking, saying,  believing?

Until his dream came true….his brothers appeared before him and bowed.   That Word, (promise), tried his faith.  Every day of his life.

He believed God is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

That is what we must do. 

1 Corinthians 1:9
King James Version (KJV)
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Wait, Hope, Believe. ..God is faithful,  you will receive.

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

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How big is your God? 3

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I’ve thought and prayed about the post How big is your God?, 1 & 2  and the post Your God is too small!!!

” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

To me this is a simple truth that I see played out in 5 different scriptures in the Old Testament and stated twice quite plainly in the New.

Now I am a born again believer who believes. “You must be born again. “

So what do we do with this biblical revelation?   Is the Word in this case unclear?  Is it possible that we missed the meaning.

Or is it possible that our Doctrinal beliefs are like the joke, we told as kids.  “If God can do anything,  can He make a rock so big He can’t lift it?”

Has God made it impossible for our loved ones who haven’t declared Christ, to be saved or if they choose to stay with us are they like Noahs family or the unbelieving spouse in Corinthians?   My God is as big as His Word….How big is your God?

I honestly don’t know about our families. …I do know what the Word plainly states.  In Revelation 21:4 it says:

” God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

If the Lord doesn’t save them…..He will wipe our tears and death, sorrow, crying and pain will be gone, they will have passed away.

Either we will see them in heaven or the Lord will be drying many tears.

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What is truth?

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Baptist truth, Muslim truth, conservative or liberal truth, Born Again or baby baptized?   The Grand Jury or protesters?   Evolution or Bible?

I love Jesus Christ,  have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.   The Bible is my truth.  Yes, my concern is the last 7000 years.  Don’t know or care what was before Adam.  If anything.

The big fish, the Red Sea parting, the plagues,  the sun standing still, healings, miracles, signs and wonders.  All possible,  all history in my life.  I guess I am just ignorant.

Redemption in one Name above all others.  Salvation,  eternal life, peace, joy, comfort and yes Truth.

There is truth….it is in the Word,  it is the Word,  it is alive, available and looking for you, today.

Even unbelievers should be able to tell that wrong is now right, up is down and we the people are in a world of hurt.

We are no longer teaching our children respect for one another, the law,  morals, responsibility or giving them a work ethic.

We need to come back to the Lord,  Seek Him while He may be found.  Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Today if you will hear His voice,  harden not your hearts.

Ask Jesus to forgive you,  ask Him into your heart. …you will understand the peace that passes understanding,  joy unspeakable. ….

Jesus is alive, Jesus is the way, the truth. the life.

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Blogging 101 thanks for the memories

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Just a quick note to thank all that checked out my blog “theunfetteredpreacher.com”, a special thanks to those who chose to follow and again to those who made comments.    I really appreciate all of you.

WP. Thanks for the opportunity to learn more of your services and products.  My site looks much better now……who knew so much could be done?

Thanks again,
Bill

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The Filling Station / Sanctification

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Genesis 2:3
King James Version (KJV)
 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

To be Sanctified is to be set apart,  to be special, holy.  God made the seventh day, the Sabbath a holy day of rest.  A day to reflect on what was done before and enjoy the fruit of His labour.  (Walking with Adam and Eve in the garden).

This Walk, a relationship with man is the reason we were created.

Revelation 4:11
King James Version (KJV)
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.

We were created to give God pleasure.   To be Holy, Acceptable and Perfect,  all things we have failed to be.  God saw our need, without His presence within us, we could never please Him, truly know and Worship Him.

He chose us, sets us apart,  made it possible for us to walk with Him.

2 Thessalonians 2:13
King James Version (KJV)
 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are Justified by His Grace.  Made sinless in Gods eyes.  “Just as if I’d never sinned”, Justified.  Then He gave us His Holy Spirit to do the work of Sanctification,  to set us apart,  to make us Holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Romans 6:16
King James Version (KJV)
 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Leviticus 20:7
King James Version (KJV)
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. 

1 Peter 1:15-16
King James Version (KJV)
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;   Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

God wants a Holy people,  when we don’t have time to pray, meditate,  let the Word of God work its way into our hearts,  minds and Spirit. We rob ourselves and God of His true pleasure.

Psalm 65:4
King James Version ( KJV )
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

God chose us, Justified and Sanctifies us as we allow.  He will cause us to approach Him, allow us to dwell in His courts, (the secret place of the Most High).

He promises those who dwelt there, (who walk with Him), that they will be satisfied with His goodness.  He gives us the desires of our hearts.

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Your God is too small!!!

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So many of us claim to believe that God is everywhere,  knows everything and can do anything.

Except, He doesn’t do signs and wonders anymore, no miracles or healings, (unless it might be His will this one time).

Heaven forbid He might talk to you personally or have a relationship with you. It’s ok to talk to Him but if He talks back, (your nuts). 

You talk in tongues?   See above.

We have His Word,  the Bible, He need not bother us with His presence any longer.  We can find out what He thinks and wants by reading His Word.

Except we don’t, or if we do, we choose what to believe.

We decide how we will worship, pray, praise….
We decide what is holy, sanctified, undefiled. ..
We decide who is saved, what sin is and who does it.

I have a few scriptures for your consideration:

Psalm 14:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

Psalm 115:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Psalm 2:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Psalm 11:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Psalm 121:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 135:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

Please realize,  the Lord is God.  He does what He wants, when He wants and how He wants.

Our job is to love, worship and obey.  To tell of His wonders.  To let God be God. 

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