Christianity serving God

Pastor, where are you leading?  theunfetteredpreacher

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There are so many Churches, so many Pastors, so many frustrations.

Pastors who love the Lord, who desire to make Disciples of Christ.  Unfortunately, their Church isn’t growing.  Frustration… after Frustration.

There could be several reasons.

  • You have reached the number of people you can Disciple.  Are you having success?  Is your flock doing the work?
  • Are you teaching the full council of God?  Probably not.  Prosperity, poverty, tithing, giving, Gifts of the Spirit, healing, Old Testament, New Tesrament, Sin, Sanctification, justification.

It is almost impossible for one man to teach the full council.  We all know what we know, teach what we know, believe the parts of the Word, we believe.

Some teach humility, poverty, justification.  Others teach prosperity, tithing, giving, Sanctification.

Some teach about the Spiritual, others focus on the Natural.

These are all valid Biblical truths.  How can that be, you would have to be double minded….  NOT SO.

We must realize, there is a time in our lives for all these things.  Do not get stuck in any one, they are all in His Word, there to guide us to truth.

We must ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct.  Allow others to teach the parts we don’t understand.  Check it against the Word.

If you think it is wrong, but it is in the Word, it is YOU, WHO IS IN ERROR.

Deuteronomy 29:29

King James Version (KJV)

“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.”

If it is in the Word, it is profitable for us.  If we don’t understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to show you.  DO NOT JUST REJECT IT OUT OF HAND.  IT IS FOR ALL OF US.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

We must take off Doctrinal glasses, read the Word, accept the Truth of the Word, over the Doctrine of our Denominations.

Let the Word and the Holy Spirit, lead us to all truth.  Open our eyes and hearts, to receive the life, truth and power of Your Word, Oh Lord.   Amen

Happy Independence Day

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If our founders were alive today, the world would have heard another shot….   

It is time to stand for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, once again.

Life in the womb?  Freedom?  All we do is to pursue Happiness….

We must Stand Fast, Act like men, Look for the Salvation of God.

The Supernatural is Gods Natural:  theunfetteredpreacher

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It bothers me that the Church as a whole, has rejected the reality of Gods Natural State.  Jesus promised that signs shall follow, they don’t.

Is God a man that He should lie?  

Oh, we believe it is possible for God to do the Supernatural, but for some reason He isn’t.

We prefer to think, we are in a time of silence, like the Hebrews were before Moses and the Exodus.

Let us take a look at that, why did the Lord finally send Moses with signs, wonders and miracles to save His people?  

Was His nap time over, so now, He could save His people….  NO, READ THE BOOK.

Let us look at the words of God, (Jesus in my mind) and the Lord, (the Father), from Exodus 2 and 3.

“It came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.   And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.“

The children signed by reason of the bondage, and they cried.

  •  The first step to seeing a ministry of power, we need to sigh and cry out.  “I cannot stand this life of bondage to sin and shame any longer.  I cannot let the lost continue without direction, the sick to suffer, the brokenhearted to mourn.  Lord, it is time to act!!!!!”
  • God heard their groaning, remembered His promise, had respect for His children, and sent a Savior.

Now let us see what the Father said.

“The Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.   Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.“

  • I have seen the affliction of my children
  • I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters.
  • I know their sorrows
  • I have come down to deliver them
  • I will bring them to a land of milk and honey
  • Their cry has come to Me
  • I have seen their oppression
  • Come, I will send thee, (Moses), to save my people

He heard their cry, saw their affliction, knew their sorrows….

You see our problem, the reason we do not see the Supernatural Power and might of the Lord, is like the Hebrews, the bondage we are in hasn’t reached the unbearable….  

We are fat, dumb and happy, with the little we have.  We are satisfied, with who we are and who we allow the Lord to be.

The Lord Jesus is not satisfied, I am sure He is frustrated in His love for us.  He gave us the means and way to victory in this life, and we leave it wrapped on the shelf, unopened and dusty. 

 Buried and forgotten. You have read it here before, the Gifts of the Spirit are the Talents the Master left His Church.  (You and me).   To use to build His Church, to INCREASE HIS KINGDOM.

What is wrong with us that we do not learn to use the one Talent given to all that believed.  (READ IT AGAIN)  They all spoke with tongues.  It isn’t just for use in public,  it is how our spirit, communicates with Gods Spirit, perfectly, read Romans 8, that is how all things work together for good.

In Jude it tell us we build up our most Holy Faith.  If your Church Doctrine says this passed away… THROW IT OUT, BELIEVE GODS WORD, ASK FOR THE GIFTS… WALK IN THE POWER AND MIGHT OF THE LORD.

He sent a man, Moses, to free His people.  He will send another, could it be you or me?  Jesus, wants the world to see, consider, understand and know He is Lord.  He has given us that task.

I do not understand how people who claim to love the Lord, can leave His gifts unopened.  I desire to walk in all the Lord will give me.  I long for His will to be done in my life and in the world.   
If Jesus used signs and wonders to attract belivers, why do we think we can do without?    Amen



      How deep is your Faith:  theunfetteredpreacher

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God ,

      When I was young in the Lord, I was quick to judge.  I would decide who was a real Christian and who was lacking.  (lol… foolish, I know).

      He’s not really a Christian, he smokes, or swears, he doesn’t attend  church 3 services a week. His attitude is bad.  He is not nice.

      How can they  love the Lord.  They are not as holy, set apart, as special as me.  They don’t have much fruit.

      As I’ve grown, I have begun to  understand the Love of God is bigger than my beliefs. 

      Salvation isn’t a test of wheather you sin or not.  (We all do).

      It isn’t a race to see who has the most fruit.  Or who is the most holy.

      Salvaton is simply accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.  If we have, we are covered by His blood, We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

      Now, I accept there are those who believe, who walk a less than wonderful example of His love and grace than others, but;

      It is Faith that saves us. Foolishness, to those who do not believe. To us the power of God.

      How deep our faith is, is our personal choice.  I write this blog, hoping that it will draw people closer to the Lord.  Deeper in faith, stronger in the Lord.

      To make them realize Gods promises are real and avalible to those who believe, seek and except them.  In hopes they will desire more.

      In “Elisha, a man of God 1:”  I commented how bold and taste less it was for him to ask for a double portion of Elijahs anointing.

      It wasn’t;  The Lord tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace, to receive mercy and grace in our time of need.

      He tells us to covet earnestly the best Gifts, (of the Spirit), the one we need right NOW, is the best one, right NOW.   Healing, Prayer, a Miracle, a Word of Wisdom or Knowledge, Faith…

      We deside how to build our faith.

      Luke 6:4

      “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

      Have we dug deep, do we understand this simple fact?

      Psalm 135:6

      “Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”

      The Lord doesn’t do things because of our understanding of His Word.  He does what He pleases, whether it’s the hardening of Pharaohs heart, or causing the King not to sin, with Abrahams wife.

      1 Corinthians 2:10

      “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

      Daniel 2:22

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

      We need to let go of the Church Doctrine that denies the Power and Teachings of Jesus.

      Ask the Lord to open our eyes and hearts, ask for a double anointing, to do His will.  Amen

      Shared from Elihu’s Corner

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living ,

      Expanding the Core: Building relationships with Christians in the Church – http://wp.me/p5H6wI-2bY

      To have a friend we must be friendly…  to build the church….  same thing.

      good advice, good read

      Elisha, a man of God 2:  theunfetteredpreacher

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , ,

      2 kings 2

      He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

      And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

      When the annointingof the Lord is upon you, it is recognized.  Some, who are secure in who they are, will allow you to minister and grow.

      Others will do their best to keep you down.

      And they said unto him, “Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley.” 

      Elisha answered:  “Ye shall not send.”

      And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send.” They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

      And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, “Did I not say unto you, Go not?”

      And the men of the city said unto Elisha, “Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.”

      Elisha answered:  “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.” 

      And they brought it to him.   He went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, “Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.”

      Elisha, a word of knowledge, and working of a miracle.  (We could have these Gifts of the Spirit, if we would seek them).

      So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

      And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, “Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.”

      He turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

      And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

      Like Elijah, calling down judgement…  The Anointed of the Lord, have Power.

      We need to boldly seek the anointing of God, the Gifts of the Spirit, the Power of God, if we are to see His Church grow and prosper.

      Amen

      Tales from my Father 5:  theunfetteredpreacher

      Video bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , , ,

      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

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , , , ,

      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.

      image

      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.

      image

      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.

      image

      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

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , , , , ,

      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?”

      image

      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?”

      Tales from my Father 4: theunfetteredpreacher

      bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , , ,

      My Dad, all his working life, was at the Shop by 6am to do paper work.  Home about 7:30 for breakfast.

      Back to work by 8,  lunch around noon,  (a 20 minute nap), back to work after 45 minutes.   

      Home for supper at 6pm or later.  Down stairs, printing press running by 7, up for tv by 10.    Bed by 11.

      His printing press:  Originaly a foot powered press,  (he added an electric moter), all type hand mounted,  backwards.  Very old school even then.

      He printed mostly business cards, raffle tickets, some business stationary.

      I think he enjoyed it because it was quiet, no customers around, just the work.  He could not be still, when he read the paper, it was always funnies first.

      He was a devoted Catholic, a professional swearer, arms of steal for such a small man.

      He told me in his youth, he would have to pitch hay up to the hay loft. 

      He would put so much on the pitch fork that the handle would break, so he could take a brake, to replace it.

      We laughed, but we were not a funny family,  life was serious business.  When I practiced music, Dad would ask me to play his favorite song.

      “Far, far away”….  funny huh?

      My brother took to the family business at a young age, rebuilding carburetors, by the age of 3. 

      Me from 12 to sixteen, I pumped gas, changed oil, fixed tires, did brake jobs…

      That was the full extent of my car knowledge.  At 16, I went to work in a wood shop, and never looked back.

      I was loved, every year we went camping or to the Worlds Fair in NYC, 1964?  Then to Expo in Canada… a few years later.

      I was spoiled, wanted for nothing.  I am sorry I couldn’t do the same for my daughter.

      Elijah, a man of God 13: theunfetteredpreacher

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      King Ahab has died, his son takes the throne.

      We  know a few things as we start 2 Kings.  Ahaziah, the son of Ahab is now King of Israel in the Capital Samaria.

      He reigned for just two years, and walked in the way of both Ahab and Jezebel, which was the way of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin.

      He provoked the Lord to anger, as his father had done, by serving and worshiping Baal.

      2 Kings 1:
      “Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.”

      This first verse is interesting because the Moabites were of the lineage of Lot.  At this point they are refusing to pay tribute to Ahaziah.

      When the Hebrews were entering the promised land they were told to leave the Moabites alone.

      They were to destroy all the tribes who were there except for Lot and Esaus descendants.

      It was on a mountain in Moab that Moses saw the promised land.  He was 120, his eyes had not dimmed nor his strangth failed.

      He was buried on that mountain, no one knows where.

      2 Kings 1:
      At this point in our story, Ahaziah, aparently  fell from a window, through some lattice work , and was grieviously injured. 

      In his sickness, he sent messengers to the temple of Baal, to find out if he would recover.

      But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them,

      “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?”

      We need to take a closer look at Elijah,  he was an example to us, of how the Lord will use a willing vessel. 

      He was open to the Word of the Lord, like no other Bible character.   He received and acted on Words of Knowledge, Words of Wisdom, Prophecy… ect.

      With Abram, we find the Lord had said…  The Lord spoke more than once to get Abram to listen and leave the land of UR.

      Moses, needed a burning bush, to draw his arrention to the Lord.   Elijah, when we first meet is delivering the Word of the Lord.

      Then the Lord speaks, “You better go hide.”

      Elijah continued:  “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.”

      Elijah then departed wnd left the messengers to go back and tell the King, the Word of the Lord.

      Ahaziah, questioned them, they told the tale. He asked:  “What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?”

      It is here we find the resemblance to John the Baptist.  “He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins.”

      Ahaziah, recognized him as Elijah the Tishbite, and sent a captain with his 50, to go and bring Elijah back.  The captain found Elijah on the top of a hill, and spoke to him.

      “Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.”

      This sounds to me a reasonable request.  Elijah answers:  “If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty.”

      Not surprisingly that is exactly what happened.  Not just this one time, but twice.

      The third captain did something different.

      “The third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.   Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.”

      And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, “Go down with him: be not afraid of him.” And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.  

      Elijah told the King:   “Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.”

      So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken.

      image

      Elijah, a man of God.   Lord I pray, make me a man You can use.  Amen

      I am disappointed! theunfetteredpreacher

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      I am disappointed!   WHY?  Because I believe the Scripture.

      1 Corinthians: 4:20
      “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

      When I was first seeking God, I begged Him to show me that He was a God of Power and Might, not just words.

      Growing up in a Catholic Church, I heard all the words, wondered at the mystery, and was disappointed with the reality.

      When I was saved, I was introduced to a God of Power and Might,  a God, who was alive, loving, comforting, healing, who gave true joy and peace.

      A God who knew and provided my needs before I knew them myself.  He was within me, around me, all I sought, wanted or needed.

      I was part of a community of believers.  Bold, working in  the Gifts and Calling of the Lord.

      Acts 4:29-31
      King James Version (KJV)
      And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

      By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

      And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

      Where did their boldness come from?  The Lord stretching forth His hand to heal, and signs and wonders happening by the Name of Jesus.

      Some 30+ years later, I am disappointed!  The body of believers don’t believe. 

      We see few if any signs and wonders, we stay home from Church when sick, so we don’t spread our colds or flu.

      We don’t expect signs, wonders and miracles, they just don’t happen anymore.   WHY NOT?

      Is God not the same yesterday, today and forever?  

      Has His ability to preform said works, diminished? 

      Expired? 

      Has he forgotten how?

      No, we seem to be content, we are saved, loved by God, the redeemed of the Lord. 

      What more could we want?

      I will tell you what I want! 

      The Power of God, in my life, real, and mighty for the pulling down of strong holds, powerful for the saving of souls.

      Wonderful for healing, comforting, bringing peace and joy to the afflicted, the lost, depressed, all those in need of a touch from God.

      The Kingdom of God in POWER.  The Lord honoring His Promises in MY LIFE.

      How and when, will I see this?  When I am totally His. 

      When we like Elijah,  speak and act on His Word, even in the face of the King.  When we tell His story like Stephen, even as we are being stoned to death.

      We are not bold.  We are not powerful.  We really are not faithful, true to His calling, active in His work.

      Well maybe you are… 

      I sure fall short.  I am disapointed, desolate and afflicted.  I long to be true, called, chosen and faithful.

      I have answered the call, been accepted into the chosen.  My failure, is in being faithful.

      I am the problem.  “I”, “I”, “I”…  this truth is devastating.

      image

      Like this home, covered in ivy, the temple of the Holy Spirit within me, is covered and strangled by my wants, desires, my sin and shame.

      Lord, please, change my heart, my mind, my life.  May I be a man after Your own heart and desires. 

      May I be a vessel, You can use to proclaim Your Kingdom in Power. 

      May Your promise of signs, wonders and miracles follow… Because I believe.   Amen

      the only begotten: From the Isaiah 53.5 Project

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      https://thei535project.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/q-was-jesus-created-if-he-is-called-the-only-begotten-son/comment-page-1/#comment-26184

      good word

      The wise men; what wisdom is in them? theunfetteredpreacher

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      “The wise men;  what wisdom is in them?”

      The wise men of our Public Schools, the wise men of our Universities, the wise men of our Government; 

      Even the wise men of our Churches;  “what wisdom is in them?”

      “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?”

      Please note, I include even our Churches in the question, “what wisdom is in them?”

      The world has excepted the nonsense of  climate change as being because of man. 

      Ignoring the ice ages, and hot weather that have been cycling through-out time, wilfully and willingly.

      We are being told LGBTQ’s are to be accepted, embraced and our children taught  that it is all natural and good.  (It isn’t).

      I know these folks have always been with us.  I understand they believe they have no choice, that it is who they are.  (Not true).

      Our elected loosers in Washington, would denie us our rights, while further driving God out of our lives.  (Godlessness prevails, evil grows in the hearts of man).

      The real problem, apparently, is the Word of God.  It reveals our sins, causes us discomfort, points us to repentance.  (This is truth).  We cannot have that.

      That is why we must not teach it to, or even let our children possess a Bible, never mind share it with their classmates.

      Enough about the world, why the Church?

      We have the same problems in Church,  we ignore the parts of the Bible we don’t agree with.

      For some:  It is humility, poverty, trials and tribulation.  For others:  It  is prosperity, success, healing, peace and joy.  Still others:  The Gifts and Power of the Holy Spirit today.  Signs, wonders, miracles, tongues, interpretation, prophecy.

      They don’t understand the truth of the Word so they throw it out.  It is all in there, all valid beliefs, truths of God, according to your faith so be it. 

      Woe, to the teachers and preachers that speak against the parts they do not understand.   (Yes they are legion).

      So many reject the things they do not understand, instead of asking the Lord to enlighten them.

      They bury the Talents…  They do not increase…  Spiritualy themselves, and they cause what followers they have to stay immature, ineffective and ignorant.

      We need the parts of the Word we do not understand the most.  If we allow Him, the Holy Spirit would lead us to all truth.  He will teach us all things.  Empower us for His service.

      We should experience increase in all parts of our lives and ministries.

      image

      Lord, open our eyes, our hearts and our minds, to accept all you have for us, to fulfill Your will.
      Amen

      Elijah, a man of God 12: theunfetteredpreacher

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      1 Kings 22, is an interesting chapter, Elijah isn’t mentioned, but the Lord does things a little differently from what we might expext.

      Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.  He walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord:

      Judah and Israel are going to work to recover land lost to the Syrians.  Now Jehosaphat, the King of Judah, was a good and Godly man, it is inexplicable that he joins forces with the wicked Ahab, the King of Israel.

      Yet, here he is.

      “And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.”

      Ahab had about four hundred (false) prophets, who told them:  “Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”

      Jehoshaphat, found this a little odd and said:
      “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?”

      Apparently, there was one, Ahab answered:  “Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.”

      Jehoshaphat, wanted to hear his word, so he was called.  Meanwhile, some of the false prophets were acting out the great victory they foresaw.

      Micaiah, was warned to speak good things like the false prophets.  He replied:  “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.”

      This harkens back to the story of Balaam, in Numbers 22.  Balek wanted Balaam to prophecy evil for Israel.  Balaam said he could only speak the Word of the Lord.

      We hear a donkey speak, in todays story we find something unusual once again.

      Ahab asks him, shall we go?  The answer surprises him.

      Micaiah replied:  “Go, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.” 

      The same words as the false prophets… 

      Ahab knew something was wrong and said:
      “How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord?”

      Apparently, Ahab knew he was not doing what the Lord desired.  He knew the Lords prophet shouldn’t agree with the others.

      Then Micaiah, spoke again:  “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.”

      Ahab said unto Jehoshaphat,  “Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?”

      The word of the Lord came to Micaiah once again:  “Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

      And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

      And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him.

      And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

      Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee.”

      This story, here and in 2 Chronicles 18 is the only place a lying spirit is mentioned in the Bible  

      Saints, we know the Lord can make snakes and donkeys speak.  Now we know He can use  lying spirits, (notice, a small s), to accomplish His goals.

      These are evil spirits, used by the Lord to do His bidding.  The Lord uses the use-able. 

      If we aren’t allowing Him to use us,  how and by whom are we being used?   Are we a light shining in a dark world, or a black hole, sucking up the light.

      A false prophet smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?”

      Micaiah said, “Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.”

      Ahab proclaimed:   “Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son;   And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.”

      Bread and water of affliction:  We only find this phrase in the story of Micaiah and one other place,

      Isaiah 30:20-21
      “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:  And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

      Even in the midst of the worst adversities, the Word of the Lord will be there to guide, direct and protect us.

      Micaiah said, “If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me.  Hearken, O people, every one of you.”

      So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

      Ahab disguised himself while Jehoshaphat had on his royal robes.  The Syrians were ordered to go after Ahab.  

      At first they targeted Jehoshaphat, realized their error and by chance hit Ahab.  He bled out and died in his chariot.

      And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.”

      Micaiahs prophecy fulfilled, and then we find Elijahs prophecy fulfilled.

      And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the Lord which he spake.

      So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

      We have seen men of God, Obediah, hid and fed 100 prophets of God, Micaiah, who brought the Lords truth once again to Ahab.

      Then his word coming true, once again Elijah.  All three were vessels used by the Lord to accomplish His purpose.

      We need to be available also.

      image

      Lord, please open our hearts and minds to be ready to answer Your call.  May we make a difference for Your Kingdom.   Amen

      Elijah, a man of God 11: theunfetteredpreacher

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      We next find Elijah, in 1 Kings 21, the story of Naboths vineyard.  A simple story, of greed, deception, and murder.

      Naboth had the misfortune of having inherited a vineyard, next door to Ahab and Jezebel.

      Ahab, wanted that vineyard.  He first did the right thing and offered to buy it.  Only Naboth, wouldn’t think of selling his inheritance.

      Ahab, cried once again to Jezebel.  She devised a plan to steal the land and get rid of all the Naboths.   It worked.

      “And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

      And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite.”

      A word of knowledge.  (He was told the situation).   Then he had a Word of Prophecy.  (Ahabs future fortold).

      “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.

      And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?” And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.”

      Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?

      Elijah answered, “I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord.

      Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

      And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin.”

      And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.   Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.”

      “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

      And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.”

      We find and interesting truth here:

      “And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.”

      Ahab learned to repent.   The wicked one repented… How could the Lord allow this?

      “And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,”

      “Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.”

      The Lord delayed the consequences of Ahab evil, …..  What?

      Exodus 20
      “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”

      We may repent and be forgiven, but the consequences of are sin are felt.  Every action, has a reaction of equal or greater proportion.

      image

      Choose to love the Lord, you will cause mercy to flow to many you love.    Amen