My Obsession:  theunfetteredpreacher – http://wp.me/p4qqra-1WH

A reblog of my desire

I read a post from, 

“FaithBible Ministriesblog.com”  

What is your spiritual gift?

The question was ” What is in your hand?”

That is a great question for all who are seeking their place in the Kingdom.  

As a guy who loves to preach, who also plays piano… I am often given the job of playing while others who cannot play, preach.

They may not preach well, but that is where they desire to be.  The question is should they ? 

The test for me is:

~  Is there power in our words?

    *  are souls saved?

    *  are the sick healed?

    *  are there signs and wonders following ? 

Unfortunately, for most of our Churches, the answer is no.

Now, a Preacher may tell a good story, he might even motivate you to action.  

He may entertain, cause you to laugh or cry.  The test is this.

Jesus said:  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

A lot of Denominations, claim these verses were added, they do not belong.  So I guess we throw out this one also.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

They say it doesn’t apply, because  they believe but, signs and wonders aren’t following them.

Why not ? 

I used to blame the lack of signs and wonders in my life on the sin, that so easily besets me.

As I studied, I began to understand, Pauls sin, didn’t disqualify him from having signs following .   

So the problem is in the quality of our belief .   What exactly, what do we believe ? 

Salvation , certainly.   

Miracles,  God doesn’t do that anymore . .. 

 Really, tell me where it states that in the Word?

Oh, you think the Bible is that which is perfect?  NO, IT IS NOT.

When Jesus returns is that, which is perfect, will be here.  

Until that time, we need to reach up on the shelf , open the box of Gifts of the Spirit and ask the Holy Spirit for the Gift of Faith, the Gift of Working of Miracles ,  or the Gifts of Healing. 

If you are afraid of Tongues and Interpretation, seek the other Gifts.  Do not throw them all out because you don’t understand some . 

Seek the Holy Spirit ,  the Helper, Comforter,  the Teacher, the Leader to all Truth . 

Read the Word, be instant in season and out, have an answer, have faith… believe , pray and receive . 

Look behind you…  do you see them?

Your Will…  Amen

Luke 24:45
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

Our Lord had died on the cross, been buried, rose again, and showed himself alive, by many infallible proofs.

He appeared to them, many times for forty days, speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

As He broke bread with them, He “Opened their understanding, that they might understand.”
Isn’t it interesting, not so they would, but they might.

With the Lord, it is all FREEWILL, all whosoever, all our choice, and only our choice. 

We are all given a measure of Faith.  What we do with it is our choice.  Does it lay dormant, unknown and not used?

Or have you learned to build up your most Holy Faith.  (See Jude for directions).

All our choice.  To believe and receive, to walk in faith or without.  We alone decide our fate.  He never forces His love on us, we must ask to receive. 

We must seek, comfort, peace, joy, healing, power and “understanding“. 

The first time understanding is mentioned in the Bible is at the Tower of Babel.  The Lord said:

Genesis 11:7
“Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

The Lord, God and the Holy Spirit as one, seeing and understanding.

“Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.”

One language.  Today, whosoever will, can receive the One language, given to us to communicate with the Lord.

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.”

This is our prayer language, it does not need Interpretation.  Our Spirit communicates directly to God and “now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

This is  not the post I had planned to write. I had no intention of bringing up the Gift of Tongues again. 

I am grieving and groaning within….

I am consumed by the “ZEAL OF GOD “  to see His will be done.  “To build HIS CHURCH. ”

As the Pharaoh gave the Hebrews, all they needed to build the strongest, most useful,  bricks to build His temples, that they would withstand any conditions, from weather or war.  Good times and bad.

The Lord gave us all we needed to build His Body.  We refuse to add the ingredient that will make it strong, able to withstand weather or war.

We refuse the straw.  Like the Hebrews, we have to go find it.  Unlike that time, Jesus said wait till you receive.  The Holy Spirit, the Lord, Jesus freely gives, all good and perfect gifts.

You are able to understand and proceed.  You are charged with building His Temple, His Kingdom, His Church.

You, Whosoever will, have Freewill.   Will you accept the gift of God.  Use the available tools, and do the will of God?

We have a glut of “us 4 and no more“, Churches.  (I am speaking of Churches with 30 or so active members, that cannot seem to grow).

Is there a reason, a problem, a Biblical Solution? 

Absolutely:  The Lords will is:

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”

We need to be of one mind.  This has nothing to do with the corporate world, and everything to do with the Spiritual. 

We will never agree on the color of the carpet, the Praise songs we sing, the style of preaching our Pastor may employ, the time and order of Service. 

Or anything else in this world.

“We must have one mind to Serve, Love and Obey the Lord.”

That is what is important. 

We have devolved into an order of Service that is focused on a Worship Leader and a Preacher.

This is great to teach the believers, but death to real growth.  We have instituted a closed system.  

We all have a way we look at the Word, understand the Word, explain the Word.  We must let other parts of the body to speak.

With no source of new Revelation, death is soon to follow. 

(See the Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist,  all people that love God, but without a Billy Graham, or a motivational speaker, not much growth).   

Most of us do not have Billy’s Annointing, or the skill to lead the multitudes. 

So what is the Biblical Answer?

“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

covet earnestly the best gifts:”

The Church is not just Worship and Preaching. 

 Is your Sunday and weekday Service open for the Apostle, Prophet, Teacher to share?

Probably not.

Is there room for workers of miracles?   Do you anoint the sick with oil, pray corporately for healing?

Are your people who do everything willing to let others help and into the club?  (There is too much, “That’s my job.)”

People want to help, physically, spiritually, financially.   We must give them the opportunity. 

Our government in the Church, should only guide to Jesus… POINT TO THE SPIRITUAL, the Lord promised He would take care of the rest.

Our facility upkeep is important but second to Spiritual upkeep and growth. 

Yes, I am sorry,  but diversities of tongues is included.  (Check  my old posts for information  on this).

I do not know why this next one is hard to understand?

“Covet earnestly the best gifts:”

What is the BEST GIFTS?  HOW DO I KNOW?

The best gift is the one needed right now.  That is what the Lord wants to give us.  A good and perfect gift, that comes down from above.

So how do we allow the Lord to GROW HIS CHURCH?

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.”

The Worship Leader and Pastor are not the only ones the Lord speaks to. 

In the Old Testament,  we have a servant girl informing Nathan of the miracle ministry of Elijah.

God will cause His Praise to come forth from stones if we keep silence.   This does not have to be messy.

Just forget:

Our order of Service.   You will not find it in the Word.

Our insistence of Music.  The Lord would have us sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs. 

Our reliance on the Worship Leader.  We must learn to Worship ourselves,  learn to enter the Holy of Holies to find mercy and grace in our time of need.

Our reliance on the Pastor for our Spiritual Food.  If you need to be fed, you haven’t progressed to the meat of His Word.  Learn to feed yourself. 

We  all have the opportunity, the ability, and the responsibility to draw close to Him.   

If we would, He promised to draw close to us.

Let Gods people, seek Him and share His Revelation knowledge one with another. 

AMEN

This may seem a little long, but if you are familiar with the scriptures it should be a quick read.

Psalm: 115. 9-13

“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.   

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”

This is one of my favorite scripture songs…  Forgotten until, I come upon it once again.

I am not a big fan of Contemporary Christian Songs…  some seem to bring us to the throne, but never make a change in our hearts and minds.

Hymns?  Good messages,  too many words, must read…  we have to think too much.  

 Is either of these Worship?

Not really,  we may call it that, but Worship, is being totally one with the Lord.  In reverence, in obedience, in mind, body and spirit. 

That is why I believe scripture songs truly bring us into His Presence, and soften our hearts to His Word. 

They are easily remembered, enjoyable and simple to sing.  Most importantly:  It is The Word and will of the Lord. 

Look at the scripture:

First order of business, for all of us:

~  “Trust in the LORD:”

Why should we “Trust in the LORD:”

~ “He is their help and their shield.”

Are you an Israelite,  a priest,  do you Fear the Lord? (Love, obey and reverence Him?)  Is He your Savior?

If so “He is your help and shield.”

He also promises:

~ The LORD hath been mindful of us:”

We are not just here on our own.  We have the same opportunity to walk with the Lord, talk to the Lord, as Adam.   He longs to walk with us in the cool of the day,

~  “he will bless us;“

In Deuteronomy 28:1-13, we find the promises of the Lord to those who listen and obey.

* these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,

* Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, of thy ground, of thy cattle, the increase of  thy flocks.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city,in the field.

* Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, goest out.

* Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and in the field.

* And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; be afraid of thee.

* The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

* The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

* The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

*  The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

*  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

These Blessings of the Lord are ours, only if we Accept them.  Listen and Obey Him, Love and Serve Him.   

Like Salvation,  we must ask, accept and change direction.  If anyone of these is neglected, then we miss His best for us.

Finally, we find, His Blessings are for all, from the least to the greatest.

~ “Both small and great.“

The Lord would have all, to come to a Saving Knowledge of His Love.  

We cannot force others to partake,  to acknowledge His Love.  

When we sing the Words of this song,  people will see, consider, understand and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.

It will be evident in our countenance, actions and hearts.  

Lord, open our hearts to TRUE WORSHIP.

 Amen

The Bible tells us a lot about Jesus, He is called many things.  Emmanuel, God with us, the Son of God, Son of man, Savior, Lord, Almighty God. 

 The Prince of Peace, a bright and morning star, Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is the Lord, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

How  about?  “The seed of Abraham?”
Hebrews 4:16-17

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

The Holy Spirit came over Mary, the power of the Highest overshadowed her.  Jesus was born, the seed of Abraham…. not full of the Spirit… a man.

Hebrews: 4. 14. 

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Can God be tempted?  

We can try His patience, test His anger, even cause Him to repent of His plans, (Moses on the mountain… reminding the Lord of His promises).

James 1:13
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

Only men and angels fall prey to the temptation of the Devil.   Why would God, Himself have a problem with lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?

Philippians: 2. 7. 

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:   And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

“was made in the likeness of men:”

Jesus, until His Baptism was all man.  The only miracle recorded before this was water into wine.   A special dispensation,  “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”  

He had not yet received the Holy Spirit,  The Father allows the Holy Spirit to work through Him as He did when Jesus sent the Desciples out 2 By 2 to heal the sick, and cast out Devils. 

They did this before they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.   God is able to do the impossible,  for His Word to go forth.
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Jesus was a flesh and blood man, the beloved Son of the Father.  He is able to use us, empower us, if we allow Him.  Elijah,  did miracles, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.  

Many believers can be used by the Father, even before the Holy Spirit Baptism and indwelling. 

James 5:17
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”

Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

I believe and know;  every man, woman and child, wrote about in the Word, whether sinners or saints.  Were all humans, just like you and I.

The Lord uses them for evil or good.  We can be used by the Lord to further His Kingdom.  

We seem to use our power, (results, sad), when we should be seeking the POWER OF GOD. 

Saints, let us, let the Lord work within us…. we need to be empowered by the Lord, to do His will.  

1 Corinthians 2:5
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Amen 

Psalm: 119. 18.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Saints, the Lord has been silent in my life, now for many days. I have many posts started, and no inspiration to complete them.

The Word of the Lord, has stirred my heart, but not to fulfillment.

My prayer is that the Lord would open a door of utterance. I seek a pulpit, a place to share the Lords love and grace.

I stand believing signs and wonders will follow. As the Word is proclaimed.

No Commentaries, No daily verses, No book of Discipline, No Lectionary, just the Word.

If we run into something we don’t understand, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct.

We must learn to Trust and Rely on Him and His Word. We must take up His yoke, and walk with Him.

Then our eyes will be opened, and His Word will be alive.

Thank You, Jesus… Amen..

There came a time, when Isaiah brought news to Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 20

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

It is interesting the way Hezekiah handled the news.  Did he complain and mope?  Did he just accept the Word of the Lord?   NO:

“Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,”

We need to learn, our first response should be turning from our troubles, and turning to the Lord.

Pay attention to what he prayed.  He reminds the Lord of his devotion. 

“I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.”

Like Moses, he reminds the Lord of their past relationship.  With weeping.  He allowed his emotions into his prayer, he was real.

Isaiah didn’t get very far, he had to bring another word from the Lord to Hezekiah. 

It is interesting to note, Hezekiah had powerful prayers, prayers that moved the Lord.  Hezekiah didn’t receive the Lords answers himself. 

“And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him,”

When we allow ourselves to pray, in groanings that cannot be uttered,  when we allow our Spirit to speak directly to the Lord…  He shows us His will.

“Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.”

He doesn’t stop there, He goes to the heart of the matter.

“And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

He gave directions for a healing poltus…  Isn’t it just like us, we want more.  We want confirmation. 

And Hezekiah said,  “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?“

Isaiah said, “This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forth ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?  And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”

Ask for the impossible,  seek that which is beyond our grasp, expect the Lord to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, think or even image. 

“Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

After this, Hezekiah foolishly showed all the kingdoms treasures to strangers from Babylon. 

Isaiah said:  “Hear the word of the Lord.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

This is really bad news.  Sadly, 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?”

Who cares what happens to my people and children, as long as peace reigns in my time.

A sad end to a once great king.

HOW TO APPRECIATE SPEAKING IN TONGUES – http://wp.me/p4m3HK-tV

Truth And Lies About Speaking in Tongues – http://wp.me/p4m3HK-u4

Good word, ask and receive…