https://1drv.ms/v/s!AvA5VwdtJFC9oCnHi7XQpQqHy-Wh
Is this one ok?
Christianity serving God
Sin is an Urge: Bill Hitchcock
Another great word from Bill Hitchcock…
https://www.facebook.com/bill.hitchcock.79
Sin Is An Urge
Jesus told the woman caught in the act of adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11). Go and sin no more is a guiding principle of the Christian religion. But have you ever stopped and really thought what sin was? After all, how can you stop doing something if you don’t have a clear picture of what “it” is?
Sin is an urge, a strong desire to go against the will of God and to act upon that urge. So sin has two sides to it, the urge and then the action. The Christian battle is with the urge to sin. It’s called temptation. As long as we stay in the fight with temptation then God will strengthen us and guide us to victory. But if we lose faith in God and His abilities we will lose the fight. We fall or transgress from the urge to the action and committal of sin. We now have yielded our self over to that sin. Jesus said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34)
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:12).
Once we have acted upon the urge to sin, we give up on God and yield to whatever sin it was. That sin now has dominion over our soul and body.
Sin is like alcoholism. The alcoholic is controlled and owned by alcohol. He has yielded himself to it completely. He knows it is bad but when he tries to quit the addiction draws him back in with strong cravings. All sin acts in the same fashion.
So what do we do once we realize that we are in complete darkness of sin?
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:5-9).
God is the light. If we repent of our sins He will cleanse us of all darkness and sin. He certainly will cleanse us for he does not want anyone to die and sin kills!
“For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” (Ezekiel 18:32).
Once cleansed we must resume the fight of temptation with the sin we were just freed from. The only way to do that is: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
But we must be very careful to never fall again for the second fall is usually much worse than the first. Jesus warned the man who had been healed of an infirmity of 38 years, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14)
Jesus died on the cross so we would have the ability to fight, fall, repent and fight temptation again. Never think it is too late. It isn’t. Don’t let sin reign in your body. Rid yourself of the darkness within.
Repent! Trust in God and live!
Bill Hitchcock
The Ministry Years: Miracle 33 – The Seventy Sent – theunfetteredpreacher
The seventy sent out, only found in Luke 10, the Full Chapter.
The Lord would have us, follow these instructions.
The Harvest, is truly great, we are His labourers. Will we venture forth?
First:
Do not go alone…. work in pairs, or be sure to have taken on the Yoke of Jesus.
(His yoke is easy, His burden is light, we shall find rest, in the Work of the Lord).
Second:
We should go forth, no money, extra clothing, or shoes. We must rely on God for our provision.
Today, Religion insists on sponsors.
Third:
We are to stay, where we are accepted, we are told to, eat what is given, bless those who are worthy, heal those who are sick, and Proclaim the Kingdom of God.
Let us get this straight.
We are to go.
We are to stay where we are accepted. (Shake the dust off if not accepted).
We are to eat and drink whatsoever is given to us.
We are to heal the sick.
We are to Proclaim the Kingdom.
What we do.
Attend Church on Sundays. If we are Spiritual, maybe Sunday night and Wednesday too.
If we go forth, we must have a sponsor that will supply our needs, when, God fails us.
We like to choose our foods, and drink, thank you.
We will pray for the sick. (If God is willing,) He might heal them.
We will mumble something about the Kingdom of God? Maybe…
The Seventy were rewarded, for their obedience.
“The seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.“
Yet, we are afraid to go forth, and when we pray, we question Gods will and abilities.
Do we then wonder, at the lack of results?
The truth is hid from the wise and prudent.
What does that make me? How about you?
Luke 10:1-21
Luke: 10:1-21
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.”
Thursday Special: An out of the ordinary man – video – theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2sz1hdag8w9vf69/2017-07-26%2016.43.48.mp4?dl=0
After Bible School, I traveled with “The Able Messengers” a drama, music and preaching ministry.
We traveled up and down the East Coast and ministered at Churches. After the group broke up, I traveled first alone, then with my bride.
I would almost always teach a Scripture Song, sing a Special, then preach. Sometimes 3 nights a week.
Then I made the mistake of trying to be a Pastor. At that time, it was an error. It took me 20+ years to get over, and to begin to preach again.
This Song is one of the Specials.
“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”
― Thelonious Monk
I only wish my pipes and chops were as good today, as 35 years ago.
You don’t use it you lose it.
Worship Wednesday: Video- Isaiah 55:12
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s70iexhtgaz27e9/2017-07-09%2013.28.30.mp4?dl=0
The Trees of the field:
“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”
― Thelonious Monk
Isaiah: 55:12
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
The Ministry Years: Miracle 31 – Where are the nine? – theunfetteredpreacher
Luke: 17:11-19
Ten Lepers cry out to be healed. This set of miracles is only found in Luke.
Jesus once again going where the people needed His touch. He entered a certain village. Ten Lepers, met Him, standing afar off.
They lifted their voices, crying out for Mercy.
Jesus heard and saw:
Would He have seen them, if they had not called out? We will know the answer, if and when we meet and ask Him, in the flesh, (our Resurrected Bodies).
The point we must take home is, they cried out, that they were Lepers was apparent to those who saw them. (Special clothing, missing flesh), they had to cry out unclean, if in a populated area.
Jesus spoke:
He gave them directions, go, show yourselves to the Priest. The Priest had the power to declare them clean, to accept any thanksgiving sacrifices, to pray with them.
As they went:
As they went, they were cleansed. When the Lord speaks, we must be ready and willing to do His bidding.
In the Old Testament a Leper, (a Noble from another country), was told to go wash in the Jorden River seven times.
One noticed:
In this instance, one noticed he had been cleansed, as they traveled. He turned back, fell at the feet of Jesus and Glorified God in a loud voice.
This man wasn’t a Hebrew, he wasn’t of the people of God, yet he was healed and came back to thank and gave the Glory to God.
Where are the nine?
We see Jesus seeing, hearing, healing…. How often do we see thanks given, people stopping their activities, to turn to and thank God?
I am sure, Jesus often wonders, where we are, after He does us a service. Small or great, do we recognize His hand in our daily lives?
Do we stop, and thank Him? I know, for me, it’s not often enough, I tend to marginalize, the daily, touch of the Master.
Always, looking for the signs, wonders and miracles. Not recognizing His hand in my life.
Luke: 17:11-19
And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
Go thy way, your faith has made you whole.
Continue on with your life. Now complete, whole, healed. That is the will of God, for all of us.
Try to remember, to stop n and Thank Him. He notices. Amen
The Foolish Moron: theunfetteredpreacher
The Foolish Moron is me.
Working, studying, teaching… thinking I am doing the work of God.
All I am doing is fooling myself.
I am desolate: theunfetteredpreacher
Psalm25:16-18
“Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.”
“I am desolate and afflicted.”
This is my cry this day. The troubles of my heart are enlarged.
I am distressed, disappointed and in despair.
Save me, O Lord…. Forgive me O Lord… Help me O Lord….
“A man’s pride shall bring him low:”
Help me, Lord….
“Due to loss of confidence” theunfetteredpreacher
“Due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,”
Two Squadron Commanders, from MCAS Cherry Point, were releaved of duty, “Due to loss of confidence in their abilities to command,”
I wish we could releave our Politicians and Supreme Court judges for the same reason.
I have no confidence in our Republican Lawmakers to do what they were elected for.
Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court, ruling on Obama care, disappointed us, with his ridiculous ruling that it was a tax.
Now they are neglecting to repeal and replace Obama Care, Build the Wall, or give us the Tax Relief President Trump, and they, campaigned and won on.
“Due to loss of confidence in their abilities to command,“
For this reason, we should be able to send them home, to their Mommies.
They are not men, they are more concerned about re-election then doing the right thing.
The Ministry Years: Miracle 30 – “O faithless generation” -theunfetteredpreacher
Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-42
These scriptures, are a picture of the Church today. Jesus, Peter, James and John, were on the mountain, in the presence of the Father.
The Disciples were down below, willing, but seemingly unable to do the work of God.
Today, the Lord is at the right hand of God. His Disciples, (us), are down here, unable to do the works of God.
The possessed, the sick, the hurting, are not finding relief. For the same reason.
“O faithless and perverse generation:”
We do not see the Power of God, today, unless we follow Benny Hinn, or other Faith Healers.
We may have known of Oral Roberts, R.W. Shamboch, or Katherin Kuhlman. These people believed God and surrendered completely to Him, and saw miracles happen.
“The Heavenly Father does not ask for golden vessels. He does not ask for silver vessels. God asks for yielded vessels – those who will submit their will to the will of the Father. And the greatest human attainment in all the world is for a life to be so surrendered to Him that the name of God Almighty will be glorified through that life.” – Kathryn Kuhlman
“It isn’t a matter of being worthy, for no man is worthy! It isn’t our perfection or our penitence, or a matter of our labors to reach the place of perfection or worthiness. It is God’s grace alone!” – Kathryn Kuhlman
If we would truly and totally surrender to God. To be able to say in truth.
“Here I am send me.”
Then go in obedience, and love, we would see the needs of those we touch, be met. It does not matter the need.
GOD IS ABLE, TO MEET AND EXCEED ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS.
He only needs a willing and obedient vessel.
When they could not cast out the deaf and dumb spirit, the Lord asked.
“How long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?”
“Bring him unto me.”
We need to learn to bring the needs to Jesus. How do we do this?
“This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Many today do not believe in fasting. This is foolish.
Fasting, or denying ourselves, food, TV, Internet, any of the things we love, can be hard, may seem impossible.
But; When we give up for a time, something our flesh desires, it gets the Lords attention. He realizes we are serious, determined, and willing to go to the wall, in obedience to Him.
Prayer and Fasting. Is the Lords prescription for a successful and powerful ministry. The road map to building His Kingdom.
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Only Believe. Why is that so hard? The boys father said.
“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
In our ignorance, we pray this prayer. The Lord says:
Romans 10:17
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Galatians 3:2
“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Galatians 3:5
“He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
The hearing of faith.
The Church should teach the Miracles of God, the Church needs to hear of them, so they begin to believe in them, to then act on these beliefs.
The Miracle Power of God is available to whosoever, will act in Faith. Well, will you?
Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-42
Mark 9:14-29King James Version (KJV)
14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:14-21King James Version (KJV)
14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Luke 9:37-42King James Version (KJV)
37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.
42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
Praise Friday: video – 7/21/17 – I will come and bow down: theunfetteredpreacher
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ivrxevf-V7H0XdJlA_KvXO7WdaL7C-qIww/view?usp=drivesdk
I will come and bow down, at your feet Lord Jesus.
Worship Wednesday: Video- Psalm 84:11-12: theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ikzn9sk4zuox51e/2017-07-09%2013.25.48.mp4?dl=0
The Lord God is a sun and shield:
“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”
― Thelonious Monk
I wish the same could be said for me…lol
Psalm: 84:11-12
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.“
The Ministry Years: Miracle 29 – The Transformation – theunfetteredpreacher
Luke: 9:28-36 Mark: 9:2-13 Matthew: 17:1-13
There are three accounts of the Transformation.
None by the actual parties involved. Does this make it untrustworthy? Not at all.
If not before, then after the Resurrection, Peter, James and John would have shared with the other Disciples.
The three versions, agree on the important points, differ on the writers perspectives of the event.
Six or eight days? Does it matter? NO.
A high mountain apart, or to pray? He went apart, always to pray.
His raiment shining, He was transfigured, His countenance was altered.
Yes, spend time in the presence of the Most High God, you are effected.
Moses, in Exodus 34:
He spent 40 days and nights, with the Lord. No food or drink, wrote out the Ten Commandments, (second time).
“When he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.”
Stephen, in Acts 6 and 7: Newly ordained as a Disciple, preaching of Abraham, and Moses, had signs, wonders and miracles, following.
“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,
Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
There arose certain of the synagogue, (angered who charged him with blasphemy).
They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
They cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
If we would find our way, to the Holy of Holies, and spend time with the Lord, we would see signs and wonders following us.
People would recognize the Lords presence in our life.
The Religious still have a problem when the Power of God exalts itself, through man.
Jesus. (Maybe a picture of the Resurrected body?) Scriptures below.
If you find your way into the Holy of Holies, and spend time with the Lord, you will be changed. (Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, 2 Corinthians 3:7)
The cloud, the voice: “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark: 9:2-13
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
10. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
11. And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
12. And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
13. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Matthew: 17:1-13
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2. And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
9. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
10. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Luke: 9:28-36
28. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
29. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
30. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
32. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
33. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
34. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
35. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
36. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
The Ministry Years: Miracle 28: I see men as trees – theunfetteredpreacher
Mark 8:22-26
This is another miracle we only find in the book of Mark. Much of it follows what we have seen before. Parts of it, are quite odd.
A new town:
Although people, the multitudes, found Him, wherever He went. He still needed to travel, from town to town.
Why? Not everyone who had needs, could make it to where He was.
I hear people complain of todays evangelists, and faith healers, needing private jets.
If Jesus needed to be alone, and had to borrow boats, from followers, (for His travels), do not todays preachers, who travel much further, and reach many more, need the same.
They brought and besought Him:
Wherever Jesus is present, and allowed to work, (within us, or our Churches), believers will seek Him out and bring the hurting, whether the hurt is physical, spiritual or mental. Jesus, will heal all.
That is why it is the gifts of healing. We need the gifts of Faith and Words of Knowledge and Wisdom, to know how to pray, what to do, to help those in need.
He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of town:
He needed to be apart from the unbelieving, even if they were believers. We need to do that today. Many believers, do not believe Jesus heals today. They accept being Powerless, while Jesus told us to go forth in Power.
He said, we would minister in Power and the Holy Spirit. It is up to us, to learn to ask for and use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Some think, we automatically know what and how to walk in the Spirit. Not true. We must practice, pray, then obey, if we expect to take up His Yoke, and find His Rest.
Now, something happens:
This was a blind man.
“He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought.”
We see Him spit in Chapter 7 also, again a man deaf and dumb. He spit, and touched his tongue. He, immediately, spoke and heard.
This blind man wasn’t immediately healed. Jesus laid hands on him twice. The first time, he saw, but not well. (Saw men as trees).
The second time, Jesus had him look up, and he was totaly healed. Again, I have no idea why He spit.
We must look up to the source of our faith, and walk in it.
It is interesting though, earlier, when His Disciples had forgotten to bring bread. He asked them three questions.
Do you not see? Do you not hear? Do you not remember?
He had just feed Four Thousand, with a few loaves of bread and fish.
Did they not see, hear or remember, God is able to supply all our needs, according to his riches in glory?
Mark: 8:22-26
“And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.”
Lord, help us to see, hear and remember, that You alone are our source. Amen
I heard the news today- Oh Nuts: theunfetteredpreacher
I heard the news today – Oh Nuts!
President Carter..
Glad he is no longer our worst President, is still a great guy. 92 years old, admitted to hospital in Canada. Heat stroke or dehydration while working on a Hospice House.
More strength and energy than I.
Corpus Christy, Texas…
A repair man, found himself locked inside an ATM. Passed notes to customers…. “help,” until someone finally called the Police.
They broke down the door…. he is out and safe.
Gender curious child..
Patents proud of son, who dons makeup and dress.
James Woods had the best response… not a quote… He grows up-and dismembers and puts them in a wood chipper.
I could not agree more. This is child abuse…
Those are my thoughts… and I am sticking with them.
Praise Friday: 7/14/17- video Jesus: theunfetteredpreacher
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16KEtFihtZqHgM-2sgYuOXLts_qf0jOaUgQ/view?usp=drivesdk
Jesus. A powerful worship tune, I learned when I was first saved.
The Miracle Years: 3rd Miracle – He saw their faith: theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zefhkg0uusza85z/2017-07-13%2022.48.52.mp4?dl=0
He saw their faith
13 minute short sermon…. for those in a hurry.
The Ministry Years: 27th Miracle- Nothing to eat: theunfetteredpreacher
Matthew 15:29-39 (KJV) Mark 8:1-9 (KJV)
There are multiple miracles in this account in Matthew.
Jesus had come to a mountain, and great multitudes brought to Him, the lame, blind, dumb, maimed and many others.
He healed them.
Do you recognize a pattern? When the presence of Jesus is there, people in need will find Him.
Those who are whole, will bring, those in need.
I have had people bring friends, and ask me to lead them to the Lord. (A sad state, we can’t lead them to Him, ourselves).
We need be able to explain, repentance and forgiveness. Even if we do not know the address of said scriptures.
We need to know the Master, so He can work through us to save, heal and set free those in bondage to sin and death.
We need to be vessels of His love and grace.
Matthew 15:29-39 (KJV)
“And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.”
Do the multitudes wonder, (during our services), when they see the dumb speak, the maimed made whole, the lame to walk? Do they glorify God?
Of course not, it isn’t happening today. Why? Jesus isn’t allowed to mess up our order of service.
We do things man’s way… not the way of the Lord. We do not know how to “wait upon the Lord.” What is more, we do not want to.
Next is the feeding of the four thousand. We all know the story.
“Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.”
Points to ponder:
He has compassion on them. Often we see this phrase. Jesus has compassion on those who seek and follow Him.
Compassion: a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.
The first mention of compassion in the Bible, was when Pharaoh’s daughter discovered Moses.
That compassion, changed the Hebrews path, from slaves, to saved.
Why, did Jesus, have compassion?
They had been with Him for three days, with nothing to eat.
When we are in the presence of God, all our needs physical, mental and spiritual are met.
Psalm 65:4
“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things, will be added unto thee.
Simple, we need to seek God. We need to learn to wait on Him. We need to trust, He will bless those who fear Him, who have a reverence for Him.
We know the rest of the story, He broke the bread and fed all.
When we leave that presence, we are responsible for ourselves.
We need to let Him break us, so that we can give of ourselves to meet the needs of others. He said, He would empower us, by giving us the Holy Spirit, to lead, guide, comfort and teach us.
Will we let Him? Will we accept all He has for us? Will we ask, to receive all He has for us?
I pray we will. Amen
Mark 8:1-9 (KJV)
“In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.”
Worship Wednesday: Video- Psalm 115:9-13: theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h8asgqxgrxgyqoy/2017-07-09%2013.13.20.mp4?dl=0
An old favorite, played and sung by me… I don’t have the voice or chops I once had.
“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”
― Thelonious Monk
I stand by his quote. lol
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.“
theunfetteredpreacher 