biblical teachings

Desires

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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To Build Christs Church: bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

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It seems we have churches on every corner of every street, for every mood, whim, or desire of the people.

Saints, this is a problem.   Some of us follow John,  others follow Joel, Franklin, or Benny, some maybe even follow Barney from Mayberry.

We have Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, and on and on it goes. 

WHERE ARE JESUS’S FOLLOWERS?

I am a Christian, I joined  HIS Chuch the day I gave my life to the Lord.  HIS CHURCH, I see no need of another.

I do need Fellowship and Biblical Teachings, people to pray and counsel with, but not a denominational connection. 

The Bible has not changed, but our understanding, our looking through the glass becomes focused on today’s needs and priorities.  

We find our understanding enlightened, expanding as we grow in the Lord.

So let us get back to why a church on every corner for all our priorities and carnal desires.

WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?

Is it the biggest donors, the loudest crybabies, the most disagreeable, or maybe we have gone, the other way?

We have a great communicator, charismatic leadership, a wonderful music ministry, unparalleled children’s church.

Woman’s groups, home groups, study pods, soft comfy chairs, good video all that contemporary conveniences you could ask for.

That is the problem!  Where is the Lord?

What we want.  That is the problem. It is not our church!  We must learn, it is the LORDS CHURCH!

We need to do things His way.

He gave us the directions, the tools, the Godly leadership, and wisdom to build His Church.   Why are we building our church?

The Ministry Gifts (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 4; Ephesians 4) He promised are all we need, in Him, to be successful and triumphant. The Holy Spirit will guide and direct us.

We must take them off the shelf, study to show ourselves approved, and learn which ones the Lord has for us today.

The problem is, some of these Gifts can be duplicated and executed by man.

Many Teach, Preach, Sing, and Play instruments, because they practiced, studied, worked, and made themselves successful in that endeavor.   They are the people we turn to lead our church.

Should any of these people be leading Christ’s  Church?  That depends on Their position in the body of Christ.

I believe many churches are built by the Entertainment division of the  Ministry.  

We need to look deeper, to use the Spiritual Gifts to understand who is working in them, or are they working under their human powers.

Are you ready to Be led by the Lord? To leave the comforts and security.  To reach out and allow the Lord to bring you into a closer walk?

“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.” (Psalm, 65:4)

This promise needs to be seen, considered, understood, and believed.  The Promise of God is yes and for us. (Acts 2:39; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Deuteronomy 29:29)

Please let me know your thoughts. Pray for enlightenment, and the Power of God to see us through.

Thanks for visiting. Know you are loved. bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.

Our Daily Bread:   theunfetteredpreacher

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The Lord taught us to pray for our Daily Bread. (Not weekly, monthly, or yearly bread).

Sufficient today is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34)

Why Daily? If we look at the first mention of just enough, look to Exodus 16:4.

‘Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.’ – (Exodus 16:4)

Why? To prove them, to see who would walk in His ways. Many tried to save for tomorrow. (Went Bad, smelled and worms),

Some did not gather enough on the sixth day, so they were short. They looked on the 7th, they were not supposed to work on the Sabbath. (Collect Manna)

It is a simple concept. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phillippians 4:19)

Do we trust Him. Really? We will see.

Thanks for visiting. Know you are loved. bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

I’m About To Lose My Mind: theunfetteredpreacher.com

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In this, the shortest month of the year, (February), I find myself in the hospital for the second time.

I had scratched my leg, (it was itching,) and low and behold it began to hurt.

I showed my sweet wife and she immediately called the Dr and I ended up here for 4 days.

No, not because of the leg.

I had Congestive Heart Failure, due, I later found out because of Pulmonary Hypertension.

A vain in my heart was closed up and would not allow blood and oxygen to flow freely to my lungs.

Shortness of breath, weakened body, just wanted to sleep all the time. Was the result.

They successfully got the fluid out of my lungs, (but I still have fluid in my belly).

My kidney ( I only have one,) Dr Doesn’t want me taking anymore water pills, so it looks like it will be a needle in my belly to drain. (Oh Boy!)

I was home for a while and the sore leg now, is swollen and extremely painful.

Back to the hospital 13 hours ago for another 3 or 4 days. (? We will see)

I really wanted to point out and apologize to my night nurse. The pain meds I received only made me painless for a couple of hours.

I had hoped for much longer.

She is wonderful and forgiving of my short temper and fixed me up as soon as she could.

I read letters to our local Newspaper, ‘The Carteret News-Times,’ and often it is compaints.

Not from me though, I have been blessed every time I have had to stay here.

Clean, professional, caring, knowledgeable and pleasent staff. From the maintenance people to the Nurses and Drs.

I give it a 5 star rating for bed, breakfast and recuperation.

I also want to thank Dr Davis and his staff for wonderful care. I am so blessed!

Thanks for visiting.

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

A closer walk with Jesus, my desire.

Thanksgiving: theunfetteredpreacher.com

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My Thanksgiving morning work, is to put up the outside Christmas lights. (With Celestes help)

So Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. (Celeste does more of it each year. Thank the Lord).

Thanks for visiting.

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The Happy Pilgrims: theunfetteredpreacher

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The Happy Pilgrims. They should be dancing. The Turkey, not so much, he’s not sure why he was invited for dinner.

Thanks for visiting.

Know You are Loved.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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The secret things: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

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This scripture keeps coming to mind, it tickles me, the way our Lord works.

Deuteronomy: 29. 29.
“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.”

~“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:”

What secret things?

How old is our earth and the universe?

Why did God made Global warming and Ice Ages?

Why Transfiguration, Sanctification, Justification, Mercy and Grace?  Sheep and goats???

The Rapture:  Is it the church or the wicked who are removed?

When is the end of the world?

Not all things are secret,  the Lord has revealed many things, such as:

Why were we created? 

Why give us Free Will?

~”those things which are revealed”

Revelation 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

We are created and given free will, for His pleasure.  His desire is to see us prosper in faith and everyday life.

Think of the pleasure we receive when we witness our childrens success, or smiles of joy.

How much more pleasure does the Lord receive when we do well and walk with Him, when we find joy in Him.
Daniel 2
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:”

“He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”

“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

“I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee:”

He tells us, if we ask, we will receive, if we seek we will find, knock and the door will be opened.

Do we ask for and seek wisdom?  No we ask for things.  Do we ask for and seek His anointing?

Do we ask and seek the secret things, the things He desires of us?

What does the Lord desire of thee?

Micah 6:8

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

I often wonder, what is with the ?…  ???

He just told us all the rituals and sacrifices do not meet His standard.   I beleive it is there to make us question what we really need do.

➤ Do justly..  Be fair, discerning, wise

➤ Love mercy..  Forgive, let it go, don’t hold on to the hurts, arrows and lies thrown at you

➤ Walk humbly with God.. learn to take His yoke, walk with Him, obeying His voice, doing His will, for His glory.

Matthew 13; Jesus said:

“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”  

We need to learn to walk with Him, trust Him, rely on Him.  Let the Holy Spirit reveal His will and way for our life.

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

Are we doing His will?  Lord, help us to obediently walk with You.   Amen

Tales from my Father 5:  theunfetteredpreacher

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My Dad made sure we had a weeks vacation every summer.   Most of the time it was camping.

The first years it was a tent, then we graduated  to a tent camper.  He built a pull out draw, that held a gas camping stove, cabinets for food and a place for an ice chest.

It was made so you could cook inside in bad weather or pull it outside, under a tarp, for good weather.

It really worked great.  Until the raccoons figured out how to open the cabinets and ice chest.  They ate well, once, anyway… lol

He taught me to fish cat fish at night.  He would find a fist sized rock, tie a big rubber band to one end, and  a fishing line to the other.

He would throw it as far out in the lake as he could.  The fish would bite, we’d reel them in, re-bait, release the line and it would zoom back out.   

No casting, same place every time.  It worked a treat.

We would visit every National, or State Park and every battle field, fort, or famous persons home we came across.

We often brought a friend to keep me company, what fun.

At home the rest of the year, on Sundays, if we weren’t out for a ride, and ice cream or hot dogs, we would play badminton, or catch.

It drove me crazy that I had to wait till after his 20 minute noon time nap.   

Many good memories.  

I hope Celeste has as many.

The soul of the people was much discouraged : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

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Numbers 21:4-5
“And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.   And the people spake against God, and against Moses,

Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”

I will speak the truth: 

“I am much discouraged because of the way.”

I am not speaking against God, but I do wonder why He has brought me to this place to die? 

There is no life, no praise, the bread I am fed has no power to transform, to cause growth.

There is no one who understands or cares to seek Your face, to realize change.

There are moments, fleeting, elusive, just fragments, pieces, a glimpse of victory. 

Followed closely by defeat. 

The war is in the heavenlies, the battle is in my mind.  I should overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.

I’m do not…  “The Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.”

Help me, Lord,  to overcome:  “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”   I need you now, today….  Amen

Elisha, a man of God 1: theunfetteredpreacher.com

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Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

And Elisha saw it.   He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;  and smote the waters, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”

Elisha, because he saw Elijah taken to heaven by a whirlwind, received  a double portion of Elijahs annointing.

His first act and words:  “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

A miracle, the waters parting, Elisha smote the waters, they parted, he passed over and a ministry is born.

How is this possible?   Where did he find this boldness?  First, “give me a double
portion.”  (How Rude, Taste Less, Unseemly).

Then “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”

Bold, strong, expectant, full of faith and power.  Why?  He didn’t learn this in seminary.

He had been with a “man of God.”  A man who called down fire…  A man who raised the dead…  A man who was fed by ravens and then a little oil and meal, for three plus years.

Personal experience, he didn’t just watch Elijah, he learned how to pray, how to hear and understand the Lords, Words of Wisdom and Knowledge,  he knew the Lord. 

He knew the Lords will and ways, he walked with Him, he was His voice and strong right arm, here on earth, at that time.

Elisha, like Elijah was just a man.  Just like you or me.   If we would push in to that Holy place at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him.

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We will become, vessels fit for His use.  Lord, please draw us close.  Amen

Jesus went: theunfetteredpreacher

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The lesson we refuse to learn from Jesus…

“Jesus went“…  Yes, He went to the Synagogues, and to cities and towns.  He taught, He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, He healed all and every manner of sickness and disease among the people.  (Matthew 4:23, 9:35)

“Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”  (Matthew 14:14)

Jesus did not just do things on the Sabbath,  He was out among the needy and lost daily…

On the Sabbath, He dealt with believers.

Both groups, received compassion, both groups were healed, comforted, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.”  (Matthew 14:25)  Even walking on water…. to reach the needy.

Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

“Jesus went”  
“He was anointed by God”   
“He went about doing good”
“He healed all the oppressed of the devil”
“God was with Him”

We expect people to come  to our Church on Sunday to hear the Good News. 

It is true that multitudes followed Jesus, wherever He went. 

WHY?  He healed all who were sick or had a disease.

All we seem to have to share with folks are words.  NO POWER, NO HEALING, NO PEACE OR JOY.

It is no wonder our Churches are dying, attendance is down, interest is non-existent.

We need to be become the righteous of God in Christ Jesus.  How?  We are half way there when we believe for Salvation.

We need to up the ante,  Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Abraham already believed in the Lord, he had Sacrificed, Worshiped the Lord for 24 years. 

What counted for righteousness was his belief that he would have a natural son, beyond his years.  (The impossible)

The Lord, Jesus, gave us the Holy Spirit, who gave the Church, (that’s you and I), the Gifts of the Spirit.  (Signs, Wonders, Miracles)

It is sad that even the Spirit filled Churches, do not teach, promote or exercise the Gifts.

WHY?   To see and work in the Spirit, we must dig into the Spirit, spend time in fasting and prayer, learn to walk in obedience to the Lord.

Deny ourselves… Rely totaly on Him…  Rest in Him… 

Sorry, we want folks to come to us, when we have nothing to offer….  Not going to happen.

We need to practice the presence of God.  It is His Power, His Grace, His Love  people seek.

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We must learn how to allow Him to work.  Learn how to get out of His way.  To allow His Power and Love to shine through us to those in need.   Amen

The Great Holy Spirit Robbery: theunfetteredpreacher

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Why are there so many small Churches?  Maybe we have not grasped and accepted the whole council of the Lord.

Matthew 25:1-13
The wise and foolish virgins:

I’ve heard the teachings, that it was a great honor to be in this group, waiting perhaps for days, until the bridegroom appeared.

How the wise had brought enough oil to wait Him out, but the foolish ran out and Had to go and find oil,  thereby missing the bridegrooms coming.

Then, when they were finally ready, the bridegroom refused them entrace to the marriage supper.

We are warned to watch, for we know not when the bridegroom will appear.

Matthew 25:14-30
The Talents:  (Were the talents money or skills?)

Again the teachings, the Master leaves his servants, 5, 2, and 1 Talent according to their ability.  He leaves, when he returns, he finds.

The one with 5, increased to ten,  the one with 2 increased to four,  both were told to enter into the joy of the Lord.

The one who had received one, buried it.  The Master was not pleased… “You should have at least invested it, so I would gain the interest.”

“Take his Talent and give it to the man with ten.  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

Cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there is weeping and nashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats:  (It’s not about live stock).

Quite simply have you done what the Lord comanded?  Fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty,  met the needs of the needy?

Are you a sheep, have you accepted the Lords commands, have you done as He has expected? 

Or are you a goat, butt, butt, butt….I don’t need that, Lord, do it my way.

If a goat, “these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

What is this chapter really about?  Knowing and doing the will of God.

The oil for the lamps:
Is being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Talants: 
Jesus, our Master left us the Holy Spirit and Power,  The Holy Spirit gave us the Gifts of the Spirit, the tools for building His Kingdom.

We need to seek the best gift… the one needed right now, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, miracles, prayer….

Most Denominations have buried the gifts, not increased their use,  have not built up the Church.

The Sheep and Goats:
The Sheep: 
Those who have accepted the Gifts, grown in the Lord, have learned to increase the Church, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Goats: 
Those who think they don’t need the Gifts. They do not realize, they had to ask for and accept Salvation. 

They need to ask and accept the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues.

They must learn and accept the difference between our prayer language, (no interpretation needed), and public tongues, (interpretation, mandated).

With the proper use, there is no confusion, just a release of the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Growth, excitement, people are drawn to the love, grace, peace the healing, comfort the blessing of the presence of the Lord.

I love the folks and my Pastor in the UMC, I attend, but it is dying, the Pastor doesn’t believe he needs the Gifts.

He does not understand they are the tools for personal and corporate growth.

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He has built a fence between him and the Power and Victory in Jesus.  Lord, tear down this wall…

Lord, open their eyes,  I beg You.  Amen

Elijah, a man of God 14: theunfetteredpreacher

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2 Kings: 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel.”

Elisha said unto him, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”

So they went down to Bethel.   And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?”

Elisha answered:   “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

Elijah said unto Elisha,  “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho.”

I find it interesting, that Elijah seems to be discouraging Elisha from coming with him.  Elisha, apparently knew not to let go, and leave him.

Elisha answered:   “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”

So they came to Jericho.   And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?” 

Two different groups of prophets, with the Word of Knowledge, of Elijahs emanate departure.

Once again, he answered,  “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

Elijah said unto him,  “Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan.”

Third times a charm…  Elisha said,   “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”

And they two went on.   And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.  

Moses:  Exodus 14 and Joshua: in Joshua 3,  walking across a body of water on dry ground…  Apparently it wasn’t even muddy.

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.”

Elisha said, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

That would be my desire also, I long to see and be apart of the Power of God.  He asked for something only the Lord could give.

Elijah answered:   “Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”

Here we have one more Word of Knowledge, a Gift of the Spirit, given to us on the Day we received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Why have so many Denominations buried these Gifts,  they are the Talents Jesus left us to increase the Church.

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Fire, the Lord once destoyed all flesh with water….  Fire, is the fate now.

Elisha saw it, and he cried,  “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.”

And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.   He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;  And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said,

“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”

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That is my cry, everytime I pray for the sick and afflicted, the depressed, discouraged, the lost.   That is my prayer today, right now….

“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”