Christianity

LORD taketh pleasure in his people:

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

Psalm: 149. 4.
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.”

“The Lord taketh pleasure in His people:”

We don’t often think about the Lords pleasure, but being made in His image, it shouldn’t be hard to imagine.

Do we not take pleasure in our children?  Do they have to do something note worthy for us to delight in them?

image

Not at all, seeing them joyful, carefree, excited gives us joy, knowing they are safe, healthy, happy.  

It is no different for God and His children.  Us.

Psalm 35:27
“Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.”

Psalm 103:21
King James Version (KJV)
“Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”

Psalm 147:11
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

The Lord loves us and wants us to prosper, not just financialy, Spiritualy, phycicaly, emotionaly…..in all areas of our lives.

It pleased Him to send His Son.  That we might be His.

Isaiah 53:10
“Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.”

His pleasure is us…He would have us all be His.

Ezekiel 18:23
“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”

Ezekiel 18:32
“For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”

God takes pleasure in us.  Are we full of His peace and joy?  Are we walking toward or with Him?

image

Are we holding His hand, walking in the way we should go?  Give God pleasure, love Him, Praise Him, spend time with Him.

as many as touched him: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

“as many as touched him were made whole.”

This is the last line of Mark 6.  We know of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5, who pushed through the crowd to touch the hem of the garment of Jesus.

Virtue went out of Him, she was healed.  Here in Mark 6, we find a whole town that knew to touch the hem of His garment. 

As many as touched Him “were made whole.”

image

        (We strut around, missing Gods best).

Continue reading →

And the people served the Lord: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , , ,

“And the people served the Lord “

I would love that to be what I was remembered for.  “Bill served the Lord.”  Wow,  if only that were accurate.  This would be closer to the truth:

“Bill desired to serve the Lord and sometimes did.”

image

Judges 2:7
King James Version (KJV)
“And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.”

I have longed to see the great works of the Lord,  since before I found Him. 

As a matter of fact,  My prayer was that I wanted to know and serve a Lord of Power.   Not just of Words,  (hot air, empty prayers).

I am convinced that He brought me to Christian Retreat in Florida,  so I would see just that.   I lived,  worked and attended The Institute of Ministry and the Pastoral Training School.  

I worked there about 3 years.  Left there licenced and ordained to preach, teach,. . .   ready to marry and bury.   Did ok as an Evangelist,  failed as a Pastor.

Ran away from it,  (with my tail between my legs).  I still loved the Lord,  but had lost my hope and nerve.  

I didn’t understand how to work with His people.  To me they were Satans spawn.   They couldn’t be trusted,  relied on, or confided in.

That was wrong,  the problem was within me,  not them.   It took about 20 years in the desert for me to come around,  and realize the truth. 

Is it possible to understand why they served the Lord and then stopped?

“all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua”

Why stop then?  What happened? Are we experiencing the same problem today?   Few do the necessary work to know and  be used of the Lord.

“who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.”

The people who had experienced the Lord.
Isaiah 41:20
“That  they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.”

This is what we are missing today,  in our churches.  Very few have seen anything but a few healed souls, and we call that miracles.  When Jesus was in His home town all He could do was heal a few sick people.  Why?

Because of their unbelief.  They thought He was doing mighty things.  He couldn’t.  Same thing today, no earth shattering miracles, in the early  church people were healed by the Apostles shadows.  Raised from the dead.  

image

Today our preaching puts more to sleep, then sets their faith on fire.  We have lost the Power of God.  Sorry folks we need todays Peter, Paul and James and John to rise out of our dead churches, and show us the way to the Holy of Holies, so we can find Grace and Mercy in our time of need.

Lord, help us to be usefull vessels of Your power and love.

Thank You.

(Are) the desires of thine heart. . . (just lust)? :

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

The desires of thine heart. . . . Sometimes our hearts desire is not a wonderful thing.  It could be something that brings us grief,  sorrow,  troubles and pain.

image

We love to think of getting the desires of our hearts,  but we neclect to delight ourselves in the Lord;  and that my friend is our down fall.

Has our desire grown into lust?   Do we want something so badly that God will give us this desire,  even if it is hurtfull?   I have always concidered lust to be a sexual thing.

Mt 5:28
“Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

We lust after many things,  not just sex.

Continue reading →

I heard the Lord say: 12/20/14

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian living, Christianity,, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual health, Spiritual living, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , , , ,

image

“This is your last Christmas “.

IT WASN’T. It is funny how you can be sure you have heard His voice, and have misunderstood, miss heard, don’t understand the time frame. Well I am not sure which I did, but I have lived through an other Christmas.

If you are Interested, this is the post that was supposed to follow my departure.

If you are reading this, that was a word from the Lord. As I write, It is now April of 2015, I feel alot better than I  did in December.  But I  woke up this morning  with the thought to get my house in order.

Today I tune a couple of pianos for Gail Ebron.  What a treasure she and Gene have been.  God fearing customers since I started in business, along with the Tunnels probably my most steady customers for 20 years.  Thank you.

I  do have a very small life insurance policy,  but I am afraid my trust is in God to take care of Bette and Celeste. I am sure He will do a better job without the help I’ve given Him the last 30 years.

My 2 girls have been my biggest blessing,  they have given me love and joy that I  have not deserved.  I am so proud of them both.  It is just God, that I ended up with such a wonderful family.

I failed  to be the miracle working man of God I desired to be.  I tried to Submit to God and Resist the Devil.  I wanted to be a useful vessel.  A man God could trust, rely on, depend on, to walk with Jesus.

Some days I almost am.  Others I am out in the puker brush doing my own thing.  God forgive me.  I ‘m not anything but a sinner saved by His Grace.

Work wise I have a few pianos I wish I had never seen.  Work that I failed, never should have attempted.   I gave every job my best, on some my lack of knowledge, experience led me down the garden path.  Thank God I  gained the knowledge and experience to see fewer of these each year.

Other than family, this blog has given me a reason to go on.  It has been a blessing to share whatever insights I’ve received from the Lord. I  pray it has caused some to get a little closer to our Saviour.

I may add more to this as time goes by.

12/16/15
Get your house in order….I have failed at that also. Will I die before Christmas? Some days I think so. Others I feel fine, till I don’t.

I need to finish getting the piano parts ready for Bette to sell, same with the train things. There is so much stuff I should throw away, before I go away.

More importantly, Celeste graduated from UNCW, with a gold cord…so proud, Lord, please bless her with work she enjoys and is financially satisfying.

Taylor is a good kid, bless them both please Lord. If they marry, may he be a better husband, father and provider then I have been.

I worry about Bette, lots of low sugars lately…Lord, please guide and protect her….Thank You for her, she is a blessing.

Lord, thank you for this blog and the people who have read, followed and liked my writing. I pray You have been Glorified as I have been satisfied. I do hope You have used it to touch hearts.

I look at this, (the blog), as all I have to leave my girls, and they don’t even read it. I had hoped a book would be the result of some posts…..lol.

Jesus, thanks for allowing me to teach your Word at FMUMC. I pray they walk closer to You because of what they have learned.

The choir has been a blessing also. Thanks.

Bless our extended families. I trust You will take care of my girls. I love You.
Blessings

ps
I am obviously alive, it doesn’t change my feelings of failure, regret, and satisfaction. Our lives don’t run in a straight line, we weave and bob, zig and zag.

We do our best to be the people we dream to be. Faithful, loving, selfless, forgiving, helpful, joyful, peaceful, Christ like.

Well, there’s always next year.
image

Blessings to all. May the Lord, help us to see Him as we look at our reflections in the eyes of others. Change our hearts O Lord. . . .

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

Veiw from my window: Merry Christmas

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , ,

image

image

image

image

      Merry Christmas  and  Happy New Year.

The Lord knows: – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Walking with God , , , , , , ,

Sexual Sin:   Do I have your attention?

Sex sells but you can get arrested for selling Sex.    

Jesus said:
” I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

image

                                                 ? Isn’t she beautiful?
2 Peter 2:14
King James Version (KJV)
“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”

Eyes full of adultery,  and that cannot cease from sin.  This is pretty serious stuff.  Those who:  Walk after the lust of the flesh,  of uncleaness,  selfwilled. . . Who are not afraid to speak evil.   They have exercised their hearts with covetous practises. . .

Wow…..Lord,  we have a problem.   I am so glad that this next verses are truth:

2 Peter 2:9
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

Galatians 5:18-21
King James Version (KJV)
“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Revelation 2:21-23
King James Version (KJV)
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

Lord,  Help us to repent.   Help us to walk in Your Light.  May Your light shine through us.  May people run to YOUR LIGHT.

God is light: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

I used to live by a body of water that ran east to west.   It was the boat launch,  in Morehead City,  NC.  I would go there to pray,   I was there many early mornings or at dusk.

I began to recognize the line of light or darkness move across the water.   Gradually lighter or darker but progrssive lines of demarcation.  As I looked up you could see it in the clouds also.

image

I mention this because the light or darkness within us is just as visible.   People can see whether we walk in the light. For example,  the world without Christ.

Isaiah 59:8-10
King James Version (KJV)
“The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.  Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.  We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.”

Most of the world is in that condition. There is no Judgement for their sin,  they do not travel on a straight path, there is no truth in them. They know no peace,  they don’t believe there is any. 

Their ways are desolate,  they are DEAD MEN WALKING. . .

This is not The Lords plan.  He would have all come to the light,  He sent His Son,  not to condemn the world,  but that through Him the world  might be saved.  Those who have paid attention and opened their hearts have recognized and excepted the light.

Isaiah 9:2
King James Version (KJV)
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

Isaiah 2:5
“O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

Those who find the light,  are blessed beyond measure.  We all walked in darkness but now in the light.   Let your light so shine,  that God is Glorified,  Exalted,  Lifted Up,  Praised.

Our lives should draw others to the Lord.  If we walk in the light,  we will.

Psalm 89:15
“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.”

Jesus,  the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

image

Ephesians 5:8
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Thank You Lord,   may Your light shine through me.

There is hope, in the Lord. Don’t give up.

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian living, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual life, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

image

                         Don’t give up hope, 
                            we can survive.  
                           Gods on our side.
                         MERRY  CHRISTMAS

Study to shew thyself approved: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Now concerning spiritual gifts, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

As a Christian I have heard all the reasons for not reading the Old Testament.

It’s not relevant,  now that we have Jesus.

It’s too confusing,  why are their names so hard,  and the towns?

Continue reading →

Wherefore my beloved: The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

Some sage advice from Paul and James.  Hearken Diligently to some Godly council.

1 Corinthians 10:14
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Flee from idolatry.  The Lord means business.

Exodus 201-4
King James Version (KJV)
“And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”

The Lord is pretty clear.  He wants our undivided love and obedience.   We must learn to love, listen and obey Him. 

He has delivered us, gave His life for us.  His desire and direction for our life, will always be better then our own.

Philippians 2:12
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Work out your own salvation:  Your own, is the key here, as much as we want everyone to know and love the Lord.  You are the one who counts.

As we grow in the Lord, we grow in the Fruit, people are attracted to tasty food.  The Lord should be a good taste in their mouths.

When they interact with us, our personality, honesty, trustworthiness, joy of and love of the Lord. Should draw them to ask, “what in our life, is different? ”  Why are we ….?

If we work on our selves,  others will notice.

“with fear and trembling”

Should we be in fear, trembling?  We should know the Lord wants us to be Holy, Separated unto Him, (sanctified), Consecrated,  (our lives dedicated to His Service).   Our minds renewed by the washing of the Word.  Our Faith increased by praying in the Holy Spirit.

Knowing the Lord, should relieve us, of Fear of Damnation and Hell….we are delivered from sin and death.  Our concern should be, of how we miss the mark.  Knowing we are forgiven, if and  when we realize it and repent.

James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

“swift to hear,”

How often have I heard what I wanted and not what was said, or meant? 

How often have we taken offense, where none was meant? 

Or Ingnored what we didn’t want to hear. 

The world refuses to hear and recognize the Love, Mercy and Grace of the Lord.  Pray that theirs ears are opened to the truth.

“slow to speak”

Boy, this is a lesson that is hard for me.  Like Peter, I am apt to say, “Not me Lord, I’ll never deny you.”   You know what happens.

Psalm 39:1
King James Version (KJV)
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”

James 1:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

James 3:1-10
King James Version (KJV)
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Proverbs 6:2
“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”
12-14
” A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.  He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;  Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.”
16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

Our tonuges, what comes out of our mouth, is often a problem.  It reveals what is in our hearts.  Is it truth and life or sin and death?

2 Peter 3:14
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,  be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

“Such things”
2 Peter 3:13b
“look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

We are looking for the promises of God, will we be found to be in peace, without spot, blameless?  Will we dwell in righteousness?

Again we must live a life of repentance.   Knowing when we miss the mark and be willing to turn from sin  to the Lord.

The only righteousness we have is given to us by the blood of Jesus.  He has bought and paid for all, only those who accept Him will profit.

If you want your friends and family to come to know the Lord,  do as I say, not as I did.  Love them in the love of the Lord.

image

John 3:17
“He came not to condemn the world, but that through Him the world might be saved.”

Lord, open my eyes and heart, to obedience and service.

2 Peter 1:8,9 Study – The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Christian Walk, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , ,

Peter is giving us instructions on how to live a Godly life. In the first four verses of 2 Peter 1,  he tells is our “precious faith”, is the same faith as the Apostles.

He goes on to tell us, Jesus, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,”  we can live a Godly life, a life of peace, joy and love.

He has also, “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:”  wow…not just promises but exceeding great and precious promises.

That we might become, like Jesus, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”  

Jesus, beat the devil, the ways of this world, by knowing and living in the Word,  by speaking the Word.  We can too, that is the path to a victorious Godly life.  He then tells us to grow in the following ways, to exercise them in our life.

“faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.”

Then another promise.

2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

Throughout the Word the Lord causes the barren to be fruitful,   Peter is telling us how to become fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus.  By exercising these things, we will bare fruit, (bring many into the Kingdom.

If we fail to grow in these areas, we are blind and cannot see far off. 

Quite simply, we are not understanding the Lords plan and purpose for our Salvation.  

He shed His blood, not so we alone, can live with Him, but so all we bring with us, can also.  He came into the world, not to condemn but that through Him the world may be saved.

Have we forgotten why we were forgiven?  We have joined the heavenly host, we must train and prepare for Spiritual Battle. “Go ye therefore”

2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

2 Peter 1:5-7 Study The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , ,

As we continue on, the first words of verse 5 seem confusing. “And beside this” but it simply means since: “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”  We need to continue growing in Jesus.

Peter then gives us a list that is quite close to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.

2 Peter: 1. 5-7
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;   And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

These 2 lists are close.

Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

“giving all diligence,”
We must learn to be consistent, methodical in our prayer and study life.  Like  Appointment TV…get into a rhythm, let God set His watch by your consistency. (Wish I was more consistent. ..do as I say…).

“add to your faith”  “faith”
We start out with a measure of faith.  We build up our most Holy Faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and learning the Word.  As we exercise our Faith we must learn to exercise virtue.

What is virtue?  “goodness“
Morality, modesty, honesty, character. ….all the things our politicians don’t understand. As we grow in God these virtues should be growing also.

“Knowledge:”   “peace”
See Study 2 Peter 1:2

“temperance”  “temperance “
Moderation in food, drink, speech, actions, life.  Even sharing our faith…in love….
Philippians 4:5
King James Version (KJV)
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

“patience”  “longsuffering”
James 1:2-8
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Learn to wait on the Lord, in peace and joyfully.  Somehow I missed “Godliness”  In 2 Peter 1:3, so here it is:

“godliness”  “gentleness”
Timothy 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
Timothy 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Timothy 6:6
King James Version (KJV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
2 Timothy 3:5
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Abstain from lude and rude activities, be content, “believe God is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Don’t pretend to be Holy, strive to be Holy.

“brotherly kindness;”  “Meekness”
Brotherly love, fellowship, you don’t always have to be right, the best, the boss.

“charity”  “love, joy”
“They will know you are my disciples by your love.”  “This is My commandment that you love one another. “

Like fruit, it takes time, nourishment, (the Word), and water, (prayer), to grow and be consumed and accepted as sweet comfort to the lost.

2 Peter: 1. 5-8
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;   And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

I understand these aren’t a great match, but you get the idea.

Lord, help us to grow in you.

2 Peter 1:3 Study – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

A very long post, sorry.

I hope this study is helpful to my Bible class.  I am trying to teach how to dig into the Word and understand the meaning themselves.  It’s funny before Salvation, you could not get me to study anything,  now I hate to stop.

Let’s look at 2 Peter 1:3.

2 Peter: 1. 3.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Devine (Godly), Power, what is this?  Resurrection, Healing, Words of Wisdom and Knowledge, Faith…ect. 

Matthew 22:29
King James Version (KJV)
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

How is God’s Power manifested?

Continue reading →

2 Peter 1:2 – Teaching Outline. – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, religion, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

This post will not be so long but I  believe interesting nevertheless.

2 Peter 1:2
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you”
Grace, Gods unmerited Mercy and Favor is the typical explanation of its meaning,  but looking from its first mention:

“Noah found Grace in the sight of the Lord”

To Paul and sin and Grace is sufficient,  I believe we could substitute Salvation for Grace in many places.

Peace, is the Peace of God in the midst of our problems, strife of life, hurts and bad health.  It is the “Peace that passes understanding.”

Multiplied. …really?

“through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

Continue reading →

2 Peter 1:1 – Teaching Outline -The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Christian Walk, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , ,

As we look at 2 Peter 1:1,  We will try to understand his writings,  verse by verse, and sometimes word for word.   The common meanings and understandings can be different from how we perceive them.  So please allow me, to tell us, what we probably  already know.

2 Peter: 1. 1.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

Peter starts out telling us who he is:
A servant:
When he says servant he isn’t talking about the guy who mows your lawn or the nice lady that comes in once a week to clean.

  The word used for Servant of Christ, means Bond Slave or Love Slave.  In Biblical times you could become a slave if you didn’t pay your debts,  and stay a slave for 7 years or until the debt was paid.

Sometimes people were treated so well, they asked to stay provided for, cared for, protected by their Master.  He would back them up to the edge of the door and make a hole in their earlobe with an awl.

Continue reading →

partakers of? – The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

Do you realize how much we partake in, (share, take part of or become like), the things and qualities of the world, or of God?   We really need to become more aware of what is entering our minds, bodies and souls.

Is it life and truth or death and destruction?

image

Continue reading →

Peppermint Chap Sticks: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, serving the Lord, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

“Seek and ye shall find.”

My wife apparently loves Peppermint Chap Sticks,  she discovered them a few years ago. 

Unbeknownst to me, this year, she remembered she couldn’t find them last year.
(She thought).  Soooo…

Continue reading →

I hate to …?

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Christian Walk, Photography, serving God, Walking with God , , , , , , ,

We are proud parents today.  Our daughter graduated from UNCW.  

We had a great time visiting with her, her boyfriend, Bette’s sister and husband.

image

image

She has always been a great kid…..now a wonderful adult.   Please pray with us that she finds a job that is fruitful, satisfying and interesting.

She is hoping to go into library science.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
know you are loved

given unto us: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote being a useful vessel for the Lord, Bible, Christian Walk, Photography, religion, serving God, Spiritual living, The Fix-it Shop - Filling Station, walking in the Spirit, Walking with God, WORD WITH OUT RELIGION , , , , , , ,

Given unto us:

Have you ever considered the wonders the Lord has “given unto us”?  In the Old Testament the Blessings were tangible, physical, observable.

“unto us is this land given in possession.”  

We see land promised and given to Gods people as a measure of the Lords pleasure.  If He was really pleased:

Continue reading →