Why we like Man’s Plan: theunfetteredpreacher

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This post was written in 2016, seems appropriate today:

There are good reasons we tend to go with our MAN PLAN, rather than Gods. Even after we are saved, we are more old man, then new.

Salvation is just the start of our Sanctification, (separation unto God’s service).

We need to deliberately draw closer to God, to allow the Holy Spirit to change us from our innermost man.

We tend to shy away from change.

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(Man, trying to hide….God sees you.)

The MAN PLAN is our natural state. The reasons we like MANS PLAN:

~ We see immediate results.

~ We can control, change the plan as needed.

~ We get the credit.

~ We are active, busy, seen and noticed.

There is a decided difference when working on God’s plan. The problem with Gods plan is:

~ Results come in God’s time, not ours.

~ We do not always see the results.

~ We have no control.

~ We cannot take credit.

~ This kind comes by prayer and fasting.

It is much harder for our natural man to let go and let God. (We think He needs our help, our input).

We want busy hands, we have no time to reflect, separate ourselves, pray, be dedicated to true service, Worship, Praise, Meditation,

It is against our natural inclination to sit at the feet of Jesus and serve Him as He serves us.

Martha and Mary are our examples:

Luke 10:38-42
King James Version (KJV)
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Is the work of seeking God hard? Do our friends think we are lazy, unproductive, shiftless? Yup, most likely.

I wonder if Martha had sat with Mary, would Jesus have had all she was worried about taken care of?

Of course, He could have. We just don’t believe He will.

He fed the 5,000, healed the sick, raised the dead.

He is willing and able to fulfill all our needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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Allow Him to change you. Allow God’s plan to work in your life today. Allow the Spirit to rule in your life, work on your behalf, to do the will of the Father.

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The House we build: theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Samuel 7:1-2

“And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.”

These verses just stuck with me. The Lord had given David rest from his enemies. Today if we are in Christ, we are in a place of rest, if we walk with Him and do His, instead of our will.

What touches my heart is David’s desire to build a permanent house for the Lord God.

Do you have the desire to be closer to, more obedient, more useful to the Kingdom of God? We decide and are in control of all these things. Are we building a suitable house for the Lord?

Our bodies are the Temples of God:

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We should have a desire to be a Temple the Lord would be comfortable in.

That means a Holy, Sacrificial life, a life lived for the Lord. We will never live a sinless life, but the ‘Lord can help us to live a blameless life.’

We live a blameless life only when our lives are God-centered, when we love mercy, do justly and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

That only happens when we have accepted the Yoke of Jesus.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ (Matthew 11:28-30)

Remember Peter told us who we are. Do you walk in this truth?

“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; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:8-10)

Which brings us to a place of satisfaction, through the goodness of God’s house, even of His Holy Temple. We must be chosen and approach God, (accept the Yoke of Jesus). (Psalms 64:5)

We would begin to live within the boundaries of Psalms 23,87,91,115 and more. Our God desires to take care of and bless us.

He will Chastain the disobedient, until they repent, and turn to God to receive forgiveness. He would have all come into the knowledge of His Love.

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Powerful Biblical Prayers: Davids Prayer theunfetteredpreacher

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As King David had fought and won peace for the people Israel. There was rest throughout the kingdom. David asked Nathan the Prophet if he should build a house for the Lord?

Nathan said yes, build a house for the Lord, it is a good thing.

That night, Nathan received a word from the Lord.

“Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.

In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?“
(2 Samuel 7:5-7)

Nathan was reminded, the Lord to that time, had never asked for a permanent house be built for Him. He was satisfied with the Tabernacle made of tents and a moveable alter.

His concern was the people be fed. (Peter, feed my sheep).

The Lord said David a man of war, could not build His house, but the Lord would raise up a son, worthy of this honor.

Solomon was the original son, anointed, to build the house of the Lord, but not the permanent house, that Son of David is Jesus.

Jesus is the cornerstone of the Lord’s Church. It isn’t a Church of cedar or stone, but a Spiritual Church born of the Power of God.

Davids prayer:

2 Samuel 7:18-29

“Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.

For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?

For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.

And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.

For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.”

His prayer, like the prayer of Moses, asks who am I? Why would you use me? I am not worthy, why have you chosen my family for this honor.

We should also compare this prayer with the Prayer taught to the Disciples. We have called it the Lord’s prayer, we recite it without hearing or understanding it’s power.

The Lord is Praised, thanked, recognized as God. His will is done, not ours, His provision and power is recognized.

He again is blessed His Word recognized as true, His blessings proclaimed.

We should pray as David did and as the Lord taught the Disciples. We would find our prayers powerful, meaningful and profitable.

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Or The Called, the Chosen, the Faithful: theunfetteredpreacher

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The best rendition of the title tune from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly I’ve heard was from the ‘Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’. Watch and listen here; (https://youtu.be/pLgJ7pk0X-s)

This post isn’t about those three, I direct your attention to ‘The Called, and Chosen and Faithful’.

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14)

I am convinced that Matthew 25 is giving as a lesson of being called, chosen and faithful.

The Called:

Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the wise and foolish Virgins.

The 10 Virgins were called to the wedding of the Master. The wise brought extra oil for their lamps while the foolish did not. As the Master delayed His return they all slept.

When the Master arrived the foolish realized they did not have enough oil to enter the wedding supper. They attempted to get oil from the wise but had to leave to find oil.

The Wise (those who were ready), entered with the Master and when the foolish returned, they were denied entrance. They were not prepared for His Coming.

The Chosen:

The Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30

The Master, before he left for a far country, brought his servants together and gave them Talents according to their abilities. To one he gave 5, to one 2, and to one, 1. When he returned he asked what was done with the Talents.

The one with 5 had increased them to 10, the one with 2, to 4, the one with 1, had hidden the 1, and only had that to return.

No excuses were accepted, the two that had increased their Talents were praised and given more responsibilities. The one who hid the Talent was banished to outer darkness.

The Faithful:

Matthew 25:31-46 The Parable of the Sheep and Goats.

The end of time, all are gathered to the judgment, the Sheep are those who did the will of the Lord.

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

These are the Sheep, who were welcomed into the Kingdom, the Goats had done none of the above and were condemned to everlasting fire.

This chapter of Matthew has been taught many times, about being ready, being wise with money, and obedience. I would like to direct your thoughts to the Spiritual.

The oil is the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, we must spend time with Him being continually filled with His Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18). The called.

Walking with Him, in His Yoke, and enter the feast.

The Talents, the Reformation Bible Study says of talents:

‘The English word “talent” meaning a natural endowment or special ability is derived from this parable.‘

Let us look beyond money, Jesus did not leave us money to build His Church, but the Gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-9; and Ephesians 4:12-16)

The one talent I believe is the Gift of our prayer language.

1 Corinthians 14:2

“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”

It is both the simplest Gift to acquire and the Gift most rejected. People will not give their mind and mouth to the Lord. (Very sad).

People do not understand the difference between our prayer language, where we talk in private to God and tongues and interpretation, which is a public Gift.

I believe all would accept any or all of the other Gifts, but when they reject the first given, it may hinder the acceptance of the rest.

Please do not bury the Talent, the Lord would have you to increase, ask for all the Lord would give you to increase the Kingdom. The chosen.

The Sheep and Goats. The easiest way to compare is the Sheep follow, while Goats always BUTT.

The Sheep accept all the Lord says and gives. While the Goats question whether these things be possible?

Luke 18:27

“And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.“

Saints we need to act on the impossible, trust the Lord, Walk with Him and Build the Church of God.

“With signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Preach the Full Gospel of God.” (Romans 15:19)

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The Promise of the Holy Ghost: theunfetteredpreacher

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The Holy Ghost, the Breath, the wind, the life of the Trinity. The Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (Ghost), after the Resurrection, to give us the power and tools to build His Church. (Acts 2)

The Holy Ghost:

The Spirit of truth. (John14:17;15:26)

The Holy Spirit (Ghost) is the comforter, and teacher and a reminder of His will. (John 14:26;15:26)

The Spirit searches all things. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

The comforter reproves the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the Spirit of truth, He will guide us, and show us things to come. (John 16:7-13)

The Spirit helps our infirmities, making intercession for us. For we know not what we should pray. (Romans 8:26)

The Holy Ghost is given to them who obey Him. (Acts 5:32)

The Holy Ghost can forbid us to preach to some, and send us to others (Acts 16:6;18:25-27)

The Holy Spirit by signs, wonders, miracles and the Gifts of the Spirit gives us the witness of His will. (Hebrews 2:4)

We can find rest, if we avoid the evil heart of unbelief, and trust in Him. (Hebrews 3: 6-12)

The Holy Spirit moves holy men to prophecy. (1 Peter 1:21)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit is the Promise of Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

The Gifts of the Spirit, the indwelling of the Spirit, the Power of the Spirit, has been given to the Church to build His body.

How’s that working for us?

If we recognize that Matthew 25, (watch for a post explaining this), is all about us and the Holy Spirit, the Talents the Lord left us is obviously not money, but the Gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-9; Ephesians 4:11-16)

We must pray the Lord, calls us to a closer walk, the wisdom and grace to use the power He has given to those who believe, to build His Church.

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The Ghost of Our Faith: theunfetteredpreacher

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The Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, for the first century Church, was an Awesome, Powerful and Necessary participant of their lives.

Jesus said He would send the Spirit, to guide, direct and protect us, to empower us for His service, to heal the sick, cause the lame walk and the blind to see. To comfort the brokenhearted, and raise the dead.

The Holy Spirit fulfilled that promise for many years until He didn’t. What happened?

Man’s Wisdom versus the Wisdom of God. Man’s Plan, versus God’s Desire. Man’s Fear versus Faith.

“Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

It is a time of great anxiety, a Pandemic, a deadly virus, what must we do?

We as a Church have come to man’s wisdom. That is OK, it is where we live, it is the level of Faith and Trust we have in God.

I include myself in this mix. The Power of God today seems outdated and somehow a sweet dream. He doesn’t do that anymore. (If He ever really did?)

When the disciples of John the Baptist came and asked Jesus, are You the One? He answered:

“Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.“. (John 7:22)

If someone came to the door of our Churches today, what would they see or find?

An empty building, full of empty suits, speaking empty words of Faith that is no longer believed.

I know we love and desire to serve the Lord. My heart breaks every time I miss the mark of the high calling of God. Yet, I continually miss the mark.

We must take a lesson from Abraham: ‘He believed God and it was counted as righteousness.’ (Romans 4:3). (The Birth of Isaac)

‘You see that Abraham’s faith and what he did worked together. His faith was shown to be genuine by what he did.‘ (James 2:22 NOG). (The Sacrifice of Isaac)

The lesson of Enoch:

“By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.“ (Hebrews 11:5-6)

WE MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.

He rewards us with health, deliverance, protection from plagues and the arrows of our enemies. As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death He is with us, our cup runneth over. (Psalms 23; 91)

Faith is mentioned 336 times in the Bible. It is the Rock of our Salvation If we could only believe?

“All things are possible to him that believes.” (Mark 9:23)

Unfortunately, we no longer rely on the Holy Ghost, we are living with The Ghost of Our Faith.

I pray the Church will return to its first love and regain the Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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The Virus: theunfetteredpreacher

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3/18/2020. Worldometer numbers:

There are 320 million people in the United States, according to Worldmeter numbers, we have 7301 cases in the States.

There have been 116 deaths. Twelve people are in critical condition, an average of 22 people per million are affected.

Are these numbers big enough to stop life as we know it?

Lord, help us to use the wisdom you give us. This fear and panic is unwarrented. Closing of businesses, fear of crowds, stay in your homes?

What is going on? Why are they pushing this?

Read and trust in the Word. Do you believe God, or man?

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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Shall He find faith on the earth? theunfetteredpreacher

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This scripture comes from a parable Jesus told, and is recorded in Luke 18.

It seems a woman continued to plead for justice from a judge. Her tanacity, her persistence, caused the judge to both hear and give her justice.

Will we call upon Him, and continue to pray, to have hope, even in the midst of troubles, sickness, and injustice?

When we see so many Christians fearful of this virus, we see they have little faith, and should stay away from crowds, as the government recommends.

If their faith were real, they would come together to pray, plead and praise the Lord. Standing Fast, to see His Salvation.

So, ‘Shall He find faith on the earth?’

I wonder?

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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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I Stand Corrected, You were Right: theunfetteredpreacher

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Yesterday, I was on a tear. I could not believe all the closings of schools, churches, stadium events, even many workplaces. How can people be such Wussies? Afraid of a virus?

I was reminded of the NCAA Tournament, (in the ’90s), when Michel Jorden scored some 38 points while battling the Flu, throwing up in a bucket, during the game. (That was what men did, no retreat, no surrender). America is the Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave.

What happened?

I was terribly wrong. If you do not go into crowds, (for sports, church or any activity), for fear of contracting the virus, you are doing exactly the right thing. Stay in, so you are not infected or infect others.

This is ‘JUST COMMON SENSE.’ We should use the minds the Lord has given us. After all, the early Christians hid from those who would persecute them. We want to live to fight another day.

That is the Worlds Wisdom. No one can fault us for that.

I do wonder what we are doing with our Measure of Faith? We believe in Salvation, but not much beyond. Why? Because we are not fully grown, adult Christians. We are Unbelieving Believers.

We have not exercised our Faith, Grown it, Used it, Practiced it because we are not taught how to feed ourselves, we are only fed Sunday mornings, and some of us Sunday night and Wednesday.

We cannot grow strong and effective with so little nourishment and exercise.

If we do not believe the Word of God, we should not try to walk in that Word.

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” The evil spirit said. (You cannot rely on someone else relationship with God. We must have our own.). (Acts 19:15).

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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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MAN’S WISDOM: theunfetteredpreacher

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Man’s Wisdom is running wild. Stay at home! Don’t go to places where there are crowds of people. Put on your bubble wrap, helmets and elbow, and knee protection!

Coronavirus is coming! Nothing can help us, we’re all going to die! Oh if only there was a loving God who could save us!

It’s a shame we ejected Him from the public square.

As Christians, we should know better, but we have some leaders of the Church who encourage us to stay away. We might make others sick!

Have they not read and believed the Bible?

The plagues have been stopped throughout the Bible. From Moses and Phineas (Numbers 16:50; Psalms 106:30) to David and Jesus (2 Samual 24:25; Luke 7:21) men of Faith have seen the Lord work.

Instead of separation, we should be coming together in Fastings and Prayer, in Sacrifice and Praise, Worship and Intercession.

We are no longer the Church. We no longer believe in or trust the Lord to lead, guide, love and protect us.

We have: “Professed ourselves to be wise, and became fools.” (Romans 1:22)

We no longer only believe and expect the Lord to perform His Promises. We must remind ourselves of Deuteronomy 28:1-15 and Psalms 91.

Pray the Scripture Promises. Stand Fast and See the Salvation of our God.

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May God Forgive our UNBELIEF!

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Wimps are Us! theunfetteredpreacher

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What has happened to the Great Country that once was? We humor the mentally ill, who believe they are of the opposite sex of their genitalia.

We have closed down public meetings, in fear of this virus. Even in our so-called Bible-believing Churches, we are not meeting for fear of this virus.

What happened to the men and women who built this incredible country. Wimps are Us!

We need a Winston Churchill to work beside President Trump to give us a backbone once more.

The Left-wing and the media are doing their best to destroy us. As Christians, I have to ask, “Where is your faith? Who is your God? Is He not able to deliver you from this plague?

READ AND BELIEVE PSALMS 91:1-16

” He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the highest, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

We no longer believe and trust in the Lord. Shame on us and on the supposed leaders of our Churches.

READ AND BELIEVE THE WORD OF THE LORD!

Stop this foolishness, know who you are in Christ, stand fast in the faith, and see the salvation of your God.

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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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I Pity the Fool: theunfetteredpreacher

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Romans 1: 22.

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools”

I watch fools in action daily. They have turned from the truth of God to the lies of the evil one.

They pronounce judgment on those who would protect life and glorify those who snuff out life before it is lived.

The lust of the flesh has drawn them into rebellion and sin, they no longer see and recognize the truth of creation.

Romans 1:18-21

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

An old jazz song comes to mind, ‘I pity the fool’.

Like nature, we announce the truth of the Gospel. That is the sum total of our mission. People are free to accept or reject that truth.

Unfortunately, many choose the lie, over the truth. Our behavioral sins, pull us away from the truth. That sin, to us, is justified, God is love, we are ok, even when we sin.

The truth of the Word is; ‘We can be forgiven, but, we must turn from our sin and repent.’ Only then will we be blameless, justified, pure, covered by the blood of Christ.

FORGIVEN!

‘God is Love.’ He sent His Son to save us all. We must believe and receive, change our direction, walk towards and with Jesus, to the throne room of Grace. The place of salvation.

The World Professes to be Wise. They have told us sin is acceptable. Proving themselves to be fools.

The Lord demands we be Holy, Acceptable, our minds renewed, that we will know the Good, Acceptable and Perfect Will of God.

‘I pity the fool.’

I pray they see and accept the truth before it is too late.

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We all have the relationship we want with God.
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The Ramblin Man: theunfetteredpreacher

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The Ramblin Man: and

Do you wonder why the average church in the US has less then 100 active members?

Do you wonder why there is a little church on every corner?

Do you wonder about church splits, over the color of the rug, or some other non-spiritual, or scriptural reason?

Do you wonder why your needs do not get fulfilled, whether spiritual, physical, emotional or financial, … even when you are faithful in attendance at church?

The Lord asked Peter, 3 times if he loved Him?

Peter answered 3 times yes…

If we asked your Pastor, Do you love Jesus? His answer would be yes…

The Lord told Peter 3 times: Feed My Sheep.

Herein lies the rub.

We do not understand how to feed, SPIRITUAL FOOD.

Churches are small, needs are not met, there are splits and divisions, no peace, joy or love… and especially NO POWER.

Because we are not feeding the sheep.

We preach many anointed messages, teach many interesting things, but our people hunger for spiritual food, as we give them milk.

Deuteronomy 28, tells us to ‘harken diligently’, to be systematic in our Study, Prayer and Teaching and Preaching.

We need to go beyond the basic message.

1 Corinthians 3
King James Version (KJV)
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal and walk as men?

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?”

We have church people who do not know how to pray the word of God and apparently many pastors with the same problem.

Our Pastors are Rambling Men, they do not study systematically so they do not preach and teach systematically.

We need to go through the books of the Bible showing our folks where the scriptures are we pray, explain the content, the history, the meaning then, how it applies now.

That way, they are getting small bites, that they can digest easily, and it builds on what they ate last week.

The churches I see that are successful, are teaching, building the body. One book, one verse at a time.

Trusting in the Holy Spirit to teach, not church doctrine…. the word.

Ask the Holy Spirits guidance on those verses you’ve never heard taught, or have been told do not apply to us today.

There is no sell-by date on the word of God. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Once again I leave you with Deuteronomy 29:29

Why? Because there is so much revealed, that we ignore.

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

Lord, help us to recognize that which is revealed, so that we may do Your work. Amen

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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What Measure Faith? theunfetteredpreacher

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All mankind is given the ‘Measure of Faith’. ( Romans 12:3) What is that measure? The amount needed to believe the Gospel and accept Christ as Savior.

He died for us all, we can all be delivered, saved, and healed. We need only ‘To Believe,’. (Mark 5:36).

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

He must be Preached. Taught. Honored and obeyed. His Power must be Demonstrated! It is up to us. How and Why have we failed?

Paul in Romans 15:19 tells us he fully Preached the Gospel. To fully Preach the Gospel, involves more than Words, it includes the Power of God.

“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.”

Unfortunately, many who Preach do not Demonstrate His Power. Why? Their Measure of Faith doesn’t Measure.

Faith needs to be active in the one praying as well as the one prayed for.

The Preacher must pray the Prayer of Faith. The recipient must believe to receive. Is the Lord able to ‘See your Faith’?

Do you fight to get close so you can touch the hem of His garment? ( Luke 6:19) How often did Jesus say; ‘According to your Faith?’

Every believer has the ability to heal the sick, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf. What? Do you disagree?

Are you a believer? A disciple? A Faithful Follower of the Lord? Do you long to know Him more?

John 14:12

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.“

When He sent out the 12 in Matthew 10:7-8, He commanded them:

“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.“

We are His disciples and apostles today. There is no expiration date on the Power of God. No, the lack of signs, wonders, and miracles, is our problem, we no longer seek His anointing, His hand working through us.

Saints, Pray, Fast, Ask, Seek, and Knock. His Mercy, Grace, and Power are available to ALL WHO BELIEVE.

What is your Measure of Faith? We must Build it! Grow in Jesus (Jude 1:20; Romans 12:1-3)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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A diet of Milk or Meat: On to Perfection 1: theunfetteredpreacher

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https://wp.me/p4qqra-2QE

An older post. Worth a read

That I may know him: theunfetteredpreacher

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Philippians 3: 10.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;”

This has been one of my scripture prayers for a long time. (Right up there with Psalms 51:10-15). When I first prayed it, I would skip over the fellowship of His sufferings. (Who wants to suffer)

It took me a while to understand that if we didn’t share in His sufferings we could hardly share in His power. The sufferings teach us humility, without which, we cannot be conformed to His image. (Being confirmed to his death).

We must come to know Him, to walk with, trust and rely on Him. Bette and I have been in intense prayer, for our finances.

We had faith, but time was up today. This morning a woman knocked on our door, handed my wife an envelope containing the amount we needed to avoid a personal crisis.

Praise the Lord. He is our Shepard, we do not want, He is able to supply our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

He is both able and willing to do, above all we can ask, think or even imagine.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Love, Grace, and Mercy.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Are You Blessed or Cursed? theunfetteredpreacher

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Are You Blessed or Cursed? As a Christian, I have had many opportunities to ask this question, in my own life.

The Preacher tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:2:

“All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.“

I have had times of want and times of plenty. The times of plenty are desired and longed for, yet want and trouble can appear in a moment.

The secret to surviving both is our attitude and actions. We all experience trouble, how do we react? Why is it happening to us?

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy to thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20: 5-6)

If you feel you are cursed or blessed, it may a generational condition. In my family, my Dad had an accident as a young man and a friend of his died.

In my life, I caused an accident, (drunk driving), that caused a woman to die. I do not know about earlier generations, but I accepted Christ, and believe, I have stopped the curse for my daughter and any future grandchildren.

In Deuteronomy 28, we find the causes of both blessings and curses. The first 14 verses tell us how to be blessed, the other 50+ verses how to be cursed.

Deuteronomy 28: 15.

“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:”

Deuteronomy 28: 58.

“If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; 59. Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.”

The curses are many and quite harsh. It is easy to get on the curses list. Refusing to listen to and obey the Lord.

On the other hand, it is easy to claim and live with blessings.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 World English Bible

“It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that Yahweh your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth:

and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field.

You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock.

Your basket and your kneading trough shall be blessed.

You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out.

Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee before you seven ways.

Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

Yahweh will establish you for a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and walk in his ways.

All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Yahweh; and they shall be afraid of you.

Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give you.

Yahweh will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow.

Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do [them],

and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”

Obedience…. So easy it is hard. Well worth the effort though.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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