Fame, Pain, and Gain: At times fame or pain have been primary motivators in my life.

Seeking Fame:

As a young man, I was sure that I would grow to be Rich and Famous. I have realized to achieve either, you must work hard and study. (Having Talent also helps). I was never fond of either endeavor, (and Talent eludes me).

I love to sing and play piano, but am I willing to put in the time or effort to become exceptional in either?

I love to lead Praise and Worship. The Lord has me playing piano at a Church that loves the Lord but is not of the Tribe of Judah. (Praise) They prefer Hymns and Ritual.

I desire to Preach. The Lord has me Teach. I have this Blog, and a Bible Stuy. But a Pulpit? (No one is offering one). The Lord protects me and works in mysterious ways.

James 4:5,6

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

The Lord is working within me to conquer the sins of covetousness and pride. I long to become worthy to share the Power of His Gospel with others.

Living with Pain:

Pain, our own or our loved ones, is certainly a motivator. There have been many who relie on drugs or alcohol to dull the hurt and fear, of the source of our Pain.

The need is to turn to the Lord.

Repent of the sin in our lives. Repent of our unbelief. Repent of our lack of knowledge of Gods will. Repent and turn to the Lord.

Psalm 25:18

“Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.”

Cultivating Gain:

This is where we should live. Seeking, Cultivating, Spiritual Gain. Not Temporal goods or desires.

To learn to be content where the Lord has us. (1 Timothy 6:6)

To learn to be servants of all, to bring more to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

To Gain, we must put Christ first and foremost. Spiritual life and work are our most effective weapons, in the cause of Christ. (Philippians 1:21)

Luke 9:25

“For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”

We need to put aside our Desire for Fame, the Inconvenience of our Pain, and concentrate on Cultivating Spiritual Gain, (the Wisdom to serve the high calling of Christian).

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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Prayer is a wonderful practice, but, do you receive the answers you are looking for? I wonder if most of the answers, we receive, do not disappoint us?

The list of King Davids prayers is long and varied. From his time of running from King Saul to praying for his first child with Bathsheba. Most were answered in the affirmative, this last one was not.

He was a man after Gods’ heart, a faithful servant. He was a Righteous man, who sinned. He fasted, prayed and wore sackcloth because the baby was afflicted, having been born of lust, and murder. (2 Samual 11-12)

He desired life for the child, but, ‘the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.‘. (2 Samual 11:27). The child died.

Davids reaction? He cleaned up and Praised the Lord. How could he do this?

He realized this was Gods punishment for the sin in his life, and he knew what he must do.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

He turned to, not away from the Lord. We need to understand ‘Prayer Is Powerful.’

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Our actions may help or hinder our prayers. The first thing we need to do is take a page from Abraham.

“He believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.“

When our eyes and ears are opened to Gods love, we gladly believe and accept Salvation. It is sad that we do not expect His other promises to be as easy and true.

So we must be ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds’ (Romans 12:2).

This only comes about as we seek the Lord, in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Solomon and Hezekiah both had major Prayers answered. (1Kings 3:3-15)

Solomon had a dream. The Lord asked what he desired? In this dream, he recognized he didn’t know how to Govern Gods people. He asked for an Understanding Heart, so he could judge and lead the people Righteously.

The Lord granted his request and added Widom, Knowledge, Riches and Honor, so none before or after was as Wise.

The people were blessed as long as he walked in the Lord’s way as his father David had.

Hezekiah had a different experience. (2 Kings 19-20).

Israel was threatened by Sennacherib king of Assyria. He prayed and the Lord promised deliverance. Later we find.

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” (2 Kings 20:1)

His prayer was a reminder to the Lord, of how he was Righteous, and he walked with God, in truth, with a perfect heart and had done well.

He prayed for himself, the Lord answered his prayer and healed him. The Lord gave him a sign, the sun moved backward.

He was given a letter and a visit, from the King of Babylon. He showed him all the Treasures of Israel. Isaiah returned.

He was told all these Treasures would be taken to Babylon and his people, become slaves, after his death.

Hezekiah answered:

“Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?“. (2 Kings 20:19)

Not a shred of concern for his people. So why was this prayer answered in his favor?

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Saints, please think of what you are asking, what it is that concerns you, and how the answer to your prayer may affect others.

As Righteous people, (those saved, sanctified, people who believe and trust God), can change the World. Our best prayers are for others and for Wisdom in sharing the Love of God.

Are your prayers for good, or could they harm others?

Is sin, or an ‘evil heart of unbelief,’ (Hebrews 2,:12), the cause of your prayers failure?

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

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

Psalm 53: 2.

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

Are there any that understand, that DO SEEK GOD?

As I look at the Church on Sundays and the Bible Studies on Wednesdays, then look outside the Church, any day, I have to Ask.

The answer is a sad few, seek God. Why is this true? Our Christian Witness is lacking. What, do we lack, you might ask? The Power of God.

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: (John 1:12)

Those of us who Know the Lord, Know the Power, of Grace and Forgiveness. Those who know not the Lord, can not understand it, it is Spiritually Discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14) It is all Foolishness, Needless and Senseless, to the Unsaved.

When the Lord wanted to cause people to recognize His Power, He performed Signs, Wonders, and Miracles. That people would See, Consider, Understand and Believe, He IS GOD. (Isaiah 41:20)

Folks sat up and took notice. Many only followed for the perks, but many followed because their eyes and hearts were opened. Jesus understood and did not commit to those whose hearts were not His. (John2:24)

Saints, we should be seeing the Power of God, not just for Salvation, but to change lives, by comforting the brokenhearted, healing the sick, meeting the needs of people. NOT JUST PHYSICALLY, BUT SPIRITUALLY.

Jesus said only Believe, all things are possible to them that Believe. (Mark 9:23)

Are there any that Understand, that Seek God?

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

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 have to admit, I always wondered what this part of Psalm 23 meant. I thought “He anoints my head with oil” was figurative language for God keeping the Psalmist healthy. I never knew this parallel.

Anoint my head with oil

“Sheep can get their head caught in briers and die trying to get untangled. There are horrid little flies that like to torment sheep by laying eggs in their nostrils which turn into worms and drive the sheep to beat their head against a rock, sometimes to death. Their ears and eyes are also susceptible to tormenting insects. So the shepherd anoints their whole head with oil. Then there is peace. That oil forms a barrier of protection against the evil that tries to destroy the sheep. Do you have times of mental torment? Do the worrisome thoughts invade your mind over and over? Do you beat your head against a wall trying to stop them? Have you ever asked God to anoint your head with oil? He has an endless supply! His oil protects and makes it possible for you to fix your heart, mind, and eyes on Him today and always! There is peace in the valley! May our good good Father anoint your head with oil today so that your cup overflows with blessings! God is good and He is faithful!!”

#GoodFriday

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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The Call Denied:

I have been playing piano at this little UMC, for many years. I have Preached a few times, and have taught a mid-week Bible Study for years.

I recently found out I could no longer preach because I was Licenced and Ordained in a Non-Denominational Church, many years ago. (Apparently, it’s ok, to teach Bible Study).

My opinion is, I joined the Church, the day I received the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior. I call myself theunfetteredpreacher because my Doctrine comes directly from the Word, not man’s opinion of the Words meaning.

I do not pretend to know all, but I am perfectly able to understand the basics.

Believe and Confess Jesus as Lord. He was born a man-child, (by a Virgin), died was buried and resurrected on the third day, ascended to heaven and made believers, Blameless in the Beloved.

The Rituals, Ceremonies, Rules, and Regulations of our Churches, are all man-made, man enforced and the Lord is dismissed out of hand.

I do not know that the Lord is truly welcomed into our Services.

Yes, I understand the Pastor is responsible for the Safty of the Flock. The Church has every right to deny access to the Pulpit, to whomever it pleases. So Be It.

The Pastor told of Wesley being an Anglican all his life but was denied the Pulpit, in that Church. So he hit the road, and people followed.

My dilemma is, I look behind me and see no one following. All I can do is accept my lot and pray for guidance and Wisdom.

I ask for your prayers also.

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

For Jesus to restore the Supernatural Church, the Church must learn receive the supernatural promises written in God’s word. Much debate today, mostly within church circles, for the world could care less, denies the power of God’s word.

Many today become “saved” and hold on and hope for the best in this life and to land on heaven’s shores in the next. All the while ignorant or ignoring the words of Jesus that He came not only to seek and to save the lost but also that we could have life more abundantly.

The pauper mentality will not get it done. I am not just talking about material blessing which is a part of the inheritance of believers but especially the lack of power to show forth infallible proofs of His resurrection. The Lord working with us. Confirming His word.

It is not for debate but for display of the mighty works of Almighty God who is watching over His word to perform it.

He is looking for people that will proclaim it for they emphatically believe it will transform the lives of those who will receive it.

The Gospel is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation! Spirit, soul and body!
Believe it or not!

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I have always thought we should be praying for our Church the way Paul Prays in his letters. (Romans 1:7-13; 1 Corinthians 1:3-13)

For my Bible Study, I’ve taken a closer look at Pauls Prayers. The Word always surprises me, how when you study, it reveals the voice of the Lord.

In the letters to both the Roman and Corinthian Churches, he prays very similar prayers.

First, he speaks to all the believers in those churches, and to all the Saints of that time and to us today.

He Thanks God for the Grace, (Salvation), and Peace, that the Lord has bestowed upon us.

That our Faith would be evident to all, that we would be empowered in all utterance and knowledge, that Christ within us, is our Testimony.

He prays always, (without ceasing), he desires that we would receive a ‘Spiritual Gift,’ that we might be established, ready for the Return of Christ Jesus.

There are several lists of Spiritual Gifts.

Ephesians 4:11-12;

Apostles, Prophets Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers; for our perfection, for the work of His Ministry through us, to build the body of Christ.

Romans 12:6-9;

Prophesy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Ruling.

The Gifts differ for each of us depending on the Grace given by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11;

A Word of Wisdom, A Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Divers Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues.

The Holy Spirit gives every man several Gifts, according to their ability.

Do you know the Gifts you have? We can request the Gifts needed at our time of need.

A Word of Wisdom or of Knowledge is Wisdom and Knowledge for a specific Situation. It is not the Wisdom and Knowledge he tells us to Pray for in sharing His Word, for building His kingdom, for our daily life.

Paul tells us to desire the best Gifts. (The Gift needed NOW).

We willingly believe we can have most of the Gifts, yet many refuse to ask for the one Talent given to every man who has a voice. The ability to pray the perfect will of God, by praying in the Spirit.

The prayer language of Tongues is not the Gift of Tongues that needs Interpretation. That is the Public speaking of Tongues, not the private Prayer Language.

If you have a question of the difference please ask, the Holy Spirit to make it clear. If you would like the Scriptures to Study, I will send them to you.

The Holy Spirit gives His Gifts, to build the Lord’s Church. When we fail to appropriate them, Church Growth is effected.

Falling Membership, lack of Discipleship, a Powerless, ineffective Witness of Christ. Pray for the Revelation of His will.

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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Is the Church dying? It seems to be so. Why? Too many of them are closed (isolated), systems.

The Baptists only listen to and learn from other Baptists. Methodists with Methodists, etc…

We stay within our Denominations and Doctrines.

Or worse, the only teaching our Church receives is from it’s Pastor. (No guest speakers, teachers, other voices).

This is somewhat understandable.

Our Pastors are mandated, by God to lead and grow the flock. It is an awesome responsibility. They must guard against error.

Unfortunately, that can squelch growth in the knowledge of, and the working of, the Spirit.

A healthy Church is one that is growing in Wisdom and Knowledge, always moving closer to Godly principles, desires and Gods power.

(Sorry, Jesus healed all that were afflicted, multitudes flocked to Him, is He present in your services? Are people yearning to learn? Is the Holy Spirit changing lives?)

If your Church isn’t growing, the people are not receiving the food, needed for growth.

Is your church an isolated system?

“The internal energy of an isolated system stays constant. The entropy of an isolated system tends to increase.”. (Someone smarter than me, said this).

If we don’t allow new Biblical revelation to be explored if all we can share is: “This is what I’ve been taught, and by God, that’s all there is. This is all we need.”

We are starving ourselves, and our flocks, we are not allowing the Holy Spirit freedom to lead.

Sadly, the church is not receiving the meat of the word. We must always seek more of God and expect His Holy Spirit to lead us to all truth.

Luther, the Wesley’s, Billy Graham, like the Pope, did not and do not have all spiritual knowledge.

We all see through a glass darkly, only the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to the truth and then, only when we allow the light of truth into our lives.

We need to constantly challenge our faith, grow in our faith, allow other points of view, into our Churches, ask the hard questions of our Pastors, teachers, always comparing what we hear, to the Word, to see if it is true.

It is our responsibility to study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth.

Saints, a closed system is a stagnant system. It is impossible to grow and flourish. We as individuals, need to go to Church to grow, our Churches need to be open to Biblical Revelation for growth.

Our Church needs to be an open system, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to all truth.

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts. Amen

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

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Jesus is restoring the Supernatural Church is stated, not because He gave and then took back. Men have taught and continue teaching doctrines of carnal understanding to the neglect of spiritual truth as it relates to the Kingdom of God. In doing so they have limited the power of God and His intended change for our world. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” This Kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace and joy, in the Holy Spirit and is now within each and every born-again believer of the Gospel of Christ as the POWER of God.
This power of God is faith in God. Jesus says in verse 22 to have faith in God is to speak in such a way that your life and circumstances are changed by what you speak out of your mouth in faith,not doubting in your heart.
Abraham was not weak in faith but strong in faith, “being fully persuaded that what God had promised to/about him, God would do.”
One of the Laws of the Spirit in the Kingdom of God is taught in this passage from Mark. “Believe. Speak UNTO what you believe without doubting and you SHALL RECEIVE what you speak.” From your heart (inner man) out your mouth. UNTO. Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believes and with his mouth confession is made UNTO salvation. You call God’s plan of salvation INTO your life by speaking UNTO salvation. Not of works but of words. Words of faith in God. Now, ALL things are new and all things are of God.
You believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth all theses new things of God for your life. No more lack, fear, sickness, defeat, stress, strife, etc. All the new things of God, abundance, newness of life, peace, joy, favor, health, etc. are yours NOW! (Ephesians 1:3) You have LIFE in His Spirit, now LIVE in His Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (Romans 1:17)
Jesus is restoring the Supernatural Church to anyone who will receive the revelation knowledge (truth) the Holy Spirit teaches in spite of what may be true at the moment. Bible (God’s) Truth changes everything. So “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Be supernaturally natural!

Paul was the Master of the run-on sentence. I have attempted to ferret out the relevant prayers in some of his teachings. (lol).

He was not only teaching and speaking to the Church of his time but also to us. No matter our Denomination, the work of building the body of the Lord continues.

From where I stand, we need to re-acquaint ourselves with how to advance the cause.

Romans 7:7-13

Thanksgiving.

For our fellow workers in Christ, they are spreading the Faith, even if in a different name brand Church, than ours.

If they are sharing Christ, they are with us. We need to pray for those we know and intercede for all others around the world.

Prayer without ceasing.

Is this even possible? Yes, it is an attitude, a lifestyle, living a life where our Faith and Love of Christ is on display. (Abram, praying for Sodom, Christ in the Garden).

In this case, Paul had been praying to visit these Churches, that he would prosper in his work of building up, the Church. (People)

He wished to Impart a Spiritual Gift, that would establish them in Christ. Wisdom, Faith, Prophecy, Giving? I do not know which or how many of the Gifts of the Ministry or Spirit they had need of.

He desired that he see and recognize they had the information to stay the course. That the Fruit of the Spirit and thereby the Church would grow.

Romans 16:24-27

Praise.

He ends his teaching by giving God the Glory. For the Power to Establish them in the Faith, the Power to Preach, to Reveal the Mystery of Faith, he gives the Glory to Christ. Amen

We must relearn to pray, Effectual, Fervent Prayers. For the completion of Gods will in our lives and Church.

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

Romans 1:7-13

“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making a request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

Romans 16:24-27

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”