Christianity serving God

What if the Lord?  Day 124, 2017:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

The question of the day.  

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

This Psalm, was sung, as the people traveled to Jerusalem, to celebrate the five feasts.

I had to read this Psalm in several different translations, to understand the meaning.

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

David, the Psalmist, is encouraging the people to sing out in Praise, to recognize, and proclaim, to all who might hear, the need for the Lords guidance, direction and protection. 

He was telling the world, that if the Lord had not been on their side, they would have been devoured, destroyed, no longer a people.

He told them again, to Praise the Lord.  To realize it was His hand that kept them safe, it was only by the Grace of God, that they escaped the trap that was set for them.

That it was the Lord, who caused the enemy to fail.  It is the Lord, who leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, to the place of eternal life, and safety. 

So, today,  “What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

What disaster have we avoided, what sin, has He kept us from committing, what pathway to destruction,  has He turned us from?

As we continue to Seek His Face.  As we Seek His will and way for our life, we should never cease to Sing out Praise and Worship,  to ptoclaim His Love for all mankind.

True Praise and Worship, Honors Him, Glorifies, Magnifies and Exalts Him.  It brings us to that place of protection. 

As we submit to the Shepherds leading and guidance.   As we Submit to God, and resist the devil, and the devil flees.

We are victorious over sin and death.   Amen

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?“

Psalm 124  (NIV)

Psalm 124
A song of ascents. Of David.
“If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—

if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,

they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;

the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,

the raging waters
would have swept us away.

Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Opened their understanding:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Have the eyes of your understanding been opened?  Have you recognized Jesus as Lord and Savior? 

The day I was Saved, my understanding was opened.  I knew, Jesus was real.  

Suddenly the weight of sin, was lifted and I was walking on air.   I understood my need for Jesus.  

Many Christians have arrived at this place and rejoiced.  They know they are forgiven,  and they are fat, dumb, happy and satisfied, to reside there.

They do not “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” 

They are thankful, they attend church, they do their best to live right, it could be, they don’t smoke, drink or cuss, (or run with those that do).

Yet they do not understand, there can be more.  So, they do not expect more.  

The Lord has included things in the Bible to wake up our curiosity.   Deliberately hidden, in plain sight.  Available for all to who seek Him to find.

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

As Christians, we should have opened eyes. Some of the Revelations we received will just be interesting.

Why else would the Prayer of Jabez be hidden in the midst of who begat who, untill we are almost blind to the Word?

1 Chronicles: 4:9-10

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

I never saw it until a fellow Bible Student,  (Johnny Rushing), pointed it out.  Mr Wilkerson made a name for himself, publishing a book. “The Prayer of Jabez.”

It is a message to those who seek Him, the Lord is our Shepherd, He will supply all our needs.  We must be more honourable then the world, set apart Sanctified. 

That is probably the most famous of the verses the Lord has hid in plain sight,  for whosoever will seek them.

Our Pastor, Jim Burns has pointed out these scriptures,  I never put the two together till it was revealed. 
Cleophas’s wife was as at the cross, with the other Mary’s.   Later Cleopas and an other Disciple, are joined on their walk home to Emmaus. 

Was the second person Cleophas’s wife?  

Almost certainly.   (Cleophas. (John 19:25)  at cross
 Cleopas.   (Luke 24:18) on road to Emmaus. 

Different spelling a problem ?  

Read more of my stuff…   lol…  (never spell a word the same way twice).   Sorry, different authors, written at different times.   

Our old Pastor David Jones, brought out the truth that we are not made in the image of God.

Adam was, but:

Gen 1.  God created man in his own image,
Gen 5.  Adam, begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image;

Original sin was in the copies.

The one that changed my life is in Exodus 3:4.

“the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him”

Moses saw a burning bush…  the Lord, (the Law Giver), saw, and God, (Grace, Mercy, Salvation, (Jesus)), called to him.

Moses, the man who knew the Trinity better than anyone else, recognized and portrayed them for those who would see.

If we read the first five books carefully, we can see, consider, understand and believe the oneness and the differences between the Lord and God.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find Warriors led by the Lord and Prophets having more interaction with God.  (Read Jesus in the Old Testament).

If you study you may find when Christ became the only begotten Son….

Are there any hidden Scriptures you have found?

Luther discovered grace instead of works…  and changed the course of history. 

That is why we are called to “Study to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”

Saints:

2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

Are our hearts perfect toward Him?  He wants us to know His will, His Truth, His Promises.


Lord, open our eyes, ears and our hearts to You.  Amen 


Many believed in the Lord,…  and turned to the Lord.   theunfetteredpreacher 

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“Many believed in the Lord,…  and turned to the Lord.”

It is the will of God.  

That whosoever will, would see, consider, understand and believe in the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness of the Lord.

How is this to happen?  What must we do to spread His Word?  How shall they hear, if there is no preacher?  Will they believe, even if they hear?  

Will they believe if the preacher has no power?

Psalm 119:18  (KJV)

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

We cry out, “Open my eyes,”  do we then see?  Is there anything to see?  OPENED EYES…

We cry out that people would see, then talk them to death.  That is not God’s plan.  Peter knew the will of the Lord.  That people would see.

Acts 9:32-43  (KJV)
“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.  

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.”

The plan of the Lord, relies on people SEEING.  Christians today, hear the word and will of the Lord.  We do not witness, (SEE), the will, the work, the Power of the Lord.

Would it interest you to know, that the Psalmist cried out for the Lords eyes to be opened, as often as he  cried out for our eyes to see.

Lord, please open Your eyes, look into my heart and mind.  Cause me to walk in Your ways, empower me to do, Your will, use me to touch, Your people.

May “Many believe in and turn to You,” may You be Glorified, Magnified, Exalted above any other gods in this world, and in my life.  Amen

We had arrived in “1985”:    theunfetteredpreacher 

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In 1985, I was not yet “theunfetteredpreacher”.   

I was a preacher who moved to NC in the hopes of finding, and leading folks to Christ.  (I wanted a pulpit).

I had been saved, attended Bible School, led Worship, taught and preached for several years  as a traveling Evangelist.

I thought I was ready.  I thought I was chosen,  I thought I was anointed, I thought I was full of the power and wisdom of God.  (I was convinced).

One man, (me), and God would conquer the world.   (Or at least Morehead City).

We arrived.   

Invited by a friend from Bible School, he was interim  Pastor, for a small group, (35?), of folks who were hooked up with a fairly new thing.

A satellite ministry.   

We had seen it in Bible School.   The Faith movement, had gone to space.  The preacher, instead of just talking to his mega church, could send out by satellite, his message to the masses.

This was great for a lot of preachers, they would watch and listen to the Faith message, run to their flock and share it with them.  (Still happening today).

The flock, thought, (I assume), their pastor was a genius,  touched, anointed of God.  What wonderful words of life, he shared.

I was a disappointment.   I would not repreach, (For the most part), someone elses message.  

I did not consider someone elses revelation to be my manna from heaven.  I was determined to collect and share the manna I received from God.

I knew and agreed with the Faith message, but to me there was much more than just speaking and thinking positively.    

The Lord still expected us to be Holy.  He expected for us to DO JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY AND WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD.

Apparently, that was not a popular message.  

I received the left foot of fellowship.   (Bye now, good luck, keep your chin up…).

My wife had known better…        I was wrong.    I didn’t stand a chance.  (I really was not a good leader, preacher or even a good person).

It wasn’t long before I crawled into a hole and hid.   

I loved the Lord,  His people?    Not so much.

For years after this, my prayers never went beyond the ceiling of my prayer closet.  They bounced back, and around, completely missing the path to the One who could heal my troubled soul.

Like the Hebrews in the desert  I spent my time wondering.  Never able to enter into the promise, the place of rest in the Lord.

Today, I play piano, teach a Bible Study, and still long for a Pulpit.  I still want to share manna from heaven.

I still desire to lead people to the living God.  To see them Saved, Healed, Comforted, Set Free.  To live in and share the Power of God. 

Then sending them out to do the same.

I still haven’t entered into that rest.  

Is the desire of my heart, a desire given by God, or just a selfish desire to be noticed, looked up to, to be somebody?

Sad, isn’t it?


To Touch Him 6:  Jacob: theunfetteredpreacher 

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Of all the Biblical examples available.  

Of all the men, women and children, mentioned in the Bible, who is the most “unlikely” to teach us how to touch the Lord.

How to sway, to change the mind, or direction of the Lord.  To cause the Lord to act, in our favor. 

I have struggled with this for quite a while.  “All who touched Him, were made whole.”

A simple line of Scripture, found, the last line of Mark 6.   A truth, misunderstood,  misbelieved, misappropriated. 

We need to learn to touch Him.

Jacob is my guide.   (Genesis 25-33)

He is a thief, stealing his brothers blessing and birthright.   

Then reality sets in.  (Please read the story, only giving bare bones here).  Esau’s plan to kill him.

He wa ostracized from his family.  Sent away.  Having to leave all he knew behind.  

That is what and when his change of heart and mind, began.

He met Jesus, (at Jacobs latter), he made a vow to serve the Lord, and even tithe,  if he could eventually return home in peace.  (His vow, is powerful).

He served and was cheated by his Uncle,  for many years, accepting the bad he received from Laben as the crop he had sown and was now reaping.

When it was finally time to return to his country, he sent the best he had, to his brother, hoping to sooth and tame his brothers anger.

He became a man of repentance,  a man who knew how to not only touch God,  but how to receive what he sought. 

He wrestled with God and won,   It can be done.  

We just need to hang on, and never let go.  

Lord, please help us to stay at Your side, accomplishing Your will, Your way, in Your time.  Amen

Tales of my Family 14:   Martha:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Martha, 10 years older, (than I), according to her.  9 years according to Mom.  She baby sat.  During my pre-teen years, one of the most important people in my life.

When she left home to go to St. Bernard’s H.S.  I was brokenhearted.  Inconsolable.   

I am not sure why, she didn’t attend Oakmont, (she would have been in first graduating class, Dave was in the second).

(I just remembered, Dave put a car on the roof at Oakmont….  (I never could, complete with that))

I do know, she left me to go to school,  then she left me to get married.   She had her own life, how selfish.  lol.  (I am sure she was my first love).

(I got drunk for my first time at her reception…  (I was 10?), they poured wine for the toast, before folks sat to eat.   (She married a guy who rode a Vespa…  Can you believe it)?

I went around drinking all the wine.  Everyone was down stairs dancing). 

Dad was not happy.  They had to wait while wine was refilled, to do the toast.

I thought the world of her.   She seemed to have it together, (money wise).  She kept track, to the penny.   (Me, careless, hopeless,  helpless… clueless).

After I got saved, I would call her collect, and talk about Jesus.  

She never forgave me the collect calls, or the preaching.   “Don’t talk about religion.”  I heard that continually. 

I have never understood, her obsession with money.   Whether five dollars or five hundred, she kept track.   

One time, after Ken and she had visited,  Ken had helped me, (Ken, did all the work), put a window in my garage.

My tape measure went home with them.   No big deal…  When she realized it, she sent me ten dollars to replace it….   WHY???

It was no big deal….   I have lost more expensive tools then that….  I didn’t need the money, didn’t care about the money,  was really confounded that she sent the money.

It made me think more highly of her integrity, honesty, trustworthiness. 

I loved her and miss her.   I am not sure why, we could not discuss anything of importance.  

Religion, (Jesus), or Politics, (a Godless Liberal), she never did see the light.  So Sad, really. 

When first Saved, (when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior), I prayed, effectually,  fervently for my Family.   That they would find and accept this free gift, of love, joy and peace. 

I believe I heard the voice of God.

“I hear you Bill, enough…”

I rest in this.  

That the Lord will and has preformed that which I believe.   I do have the hope of seeing them all again.
Martha, her husband Ken,  (not the vespa guy), and Amy.

Dave and Martha

Moms funeral….   Emma, my beautiful niece,  her Dad Erick, and me.

Thanks for listening.   By the way, did not Martha date  a Tom Morse?   The name jumps out at me…

PTales of my Family 13:   Big Brother Dave: theunfetteredpreacher 

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David, was either 8 or 9 years older then I, depending on how my mother felt about answering.

I think I mentioned,  until I  was in my forties, she told me she was born in NY State.  Then one day, when passing my Aunt Loretta’s house, she told me she was born in the house next door.  

In Gardner MA…   You figure it out.  

She thought being born in NY, was a better story.   (Martha, my sister confirmed Gardner, how she knew???)

In any case, I loved Mom, but….

Now David, is one of my first memories.   I was just a little guy, we still lived in the house on Main St.  (In front of the garage).

(Originally there was a house and barn, the barn had a secret passage, into a speak-easy from prohibition.  All before my time and recollection).

Well, I was young, and stupid,  (stupid, longer then young).   We had a miniature collie we called Rags.  

During thunderstorms he would run into Gardner and hide at a gas station there.   We had to pick him up often. 

At some point he was hit by a car, and lost a leg.   David, put him in the bathtub,  told me he could do Magic, and make that leg appear and disappear. 

He could too….   So dumb….  Amazing…  lol

But he wasn’t always mean.  He taught me how to ride a bike,  got me on at the house on Cote Ave, and let me go down hill.  (I did learn, not quite that fast though).

He brought home a go cart, a chainsaw engine, no real brakes, and set me loose on that.

I looked up to him, he had a full beard at 18,  it took me till I was 30 to cover my face…  he loved cars and things mechanical.   

He loved working in the garage.  I think back, and miss him now.   We never had much in common…

Music was my love.  He liked Neil Diamond and car songs…  not a perfect match.   I wish I had cared enough to get to know him.

He taught me gun safety, but the targets were always too far away to hit, never mind hit a bulls eye.

I have fond memories.   If anyone has stories of my family, it would be nice to hear them.

Thanks

Rest in Peace, Big Brother…  you are loved.

To Touch Him 5:  From sinner to Saint:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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The change:
From despicable slime, to Saint, who finally became the Leader of the Lords people.  

 Jacob, becomes Israel.   How did this happen? 

   –  After receiving his brothers blessing, and an extra blessing.  

   –  After realizing his brother wanted him dead. 

   –  After realizing he had gone too far.  Cost too much.

He was being cast out, separated from those he knew,  from his family.  

This began to receive a change of heart.  

Life was no longer fun and games.  He had won, took his brothers place, his inheritance, even his pride.  

Now he was losing his way of life, the respect of his friends,  the life he was accustomed to.  

He was being sent away.   Losing his family. 

The Word tells us:

“Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;”

Jacob was alone, cast out, going to a place he knew not, to a people he had only heard of.

It grew dark, Jacob using a stone for a pillow made his bed.  He, in a dream, met the Father, and Son, and saw the Angels of the Son.

“He dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”  (Genesis 28)

Once again, he hears the blessings on his life, the blessings first given to Abraham. 

   >  The land will be his, and his decendents. 

   >  His seed will be multiplied, and will bless all the world.

   >  God will be with him, will keep him, wherever he goes, God will bring him back to the land of promice, God will not leave him, until the Word of the Lord is accomplished.  (Jesus, will never leave us or forsake us).

Like all of us, he was probably a little sceptical.   After all, he knew who he was;  I believe he was growing ashamed,  and was in repentance,  as he was forced to leave all he knew. 

“And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

And he called the name of that place Bethel:” (The House of God).

His attitude,  his actions, his direction and decisions, all changed, in computer terms, he was rebooted, his system was refreshed.

“Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:

And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” (Genesis 28)


When we meet and accept  Almighty God, as our Lord, God, Savior and Supplier.   We change, inside and out.  


 A changed life, a Vow, if God is with me, if God will keep me, If God will supply all my needs, so I may go home in peace, THEN SHALL THE LORD BE MY GOD, AND OF ALL I RECEIVED I WILL GIVE HIM A TENTH.

 This new relationship,  this Vow, changed the man Jacob, he was a new man, as he met his Uncle and bride to be.

To Touch Him 2:  Ye Shall Know the Truth:   theunfetteredpreacher 

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John 8:32  (KJV)

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Romans 12:2
“be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

At the time of the Exodus,  there were multiplied millions who knew God, and were in the GOOD WILL  of God.  As there are today.

They recognize and accept that God is Awesome, is all powerful, is all Holy, and is their Lord and Savior. 

Then there were and are, those, who have grown into the ACCEPTABLE WILL OF GOD.

This is more, a closer more obedient walk, we tithe,  give, help and care for the poor and afflicted.   

We share the Love and Grace of Christ.

The Gospel is in our hearts, we study to shew ourselves approved,  and Christ is recognized by those who come in contact with us.  

How about those who have found the PERFECT WILL OF GOD. 

This is the place, Jesus calls us to.  The place beside Him,  in His Yoke, walking with Him, obedient to Him, touching those He would touch.

Healing, setting free, making whole, comforting, blessing,  knowing that FAITH IS ALWAYS AN  ACTION. 

If we aren’t acting on our Faith, do we really believe?    Where are we on this scale? 

DO WE LIVE IN THE GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, OR IN THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD?

The Perfect Will of God, is a place available to whosoever will.  The breast of Jesus is big enough for us all to lean on.  (As John did).

Do you desire God to supply all your needs?  Do we want to believe He can do above and beyond all that we ask, think or even imagine? 

There is a place, where every word of God is true. 

Where we can see the Power of God, the Hand of God, the Wisdom, Grace, Love, Peace and Joy unspeakable,  and full of Glory.

If you would like to live in the Promise of God, it is a place available to all.   We can pray, plead and wait on the Lord.   

Or we can learn to touch the Lord.   “All who touched Him were made whole .”  (set free, made whole.)

Should we not learn how to touch Him?  Should we not long to know Him, Love Him, Walk with Him.

Lord, draw us to you, that we might know you, and find YOUR PERFECT WILL FOR OUR LIVES.  Amen




To touch Him 1:  Mark  6: theunfetteredpreacher 

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To touch Him, to touch the heart of God.  (That is my desire).  That is the place of Power, the place of answered prayer.  

That is when we begin;  To see, to know, to consider and to understand, that the Lord is alive,” that it is He, that is God, that it is  He, who is the Creator and Ruler of all. (Isaiah 41:20)  

That God, the Lord, our Lord, is not dead.  

The Gospel,  is not  just meaningless childrens stories, or fables, not empty promises, repeated over and over, just stories, not to be taken seriously. 

Whether it’s a great fish, (able to swallow a man), a talking donkey, or a talking snake, (who would lead us astray).  (All true…).

Samsons,  superhuman strength, or the impossible translation, of Phillip, from here to there.   

It all, happened, just as the book says. 

The Power and Promise of Salvation, of Healing, of our not suffering want, of our not being in need,  of our God, supplying all our needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  

The promise that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask, think or even imagine. 

All this is true, and all real.  All is possible.  All is available.    To any and all who learn to Touch Him.  

That lack of knowledge, (of how to touch Him),  is the reason His Church is Powerless and dieing. 

As Jesus walked among man, He would choose, who He would touch, heal and make whole.  

The lame man at the pool of Bethesda, or the man blind from birth, out of all those in need, he chose these two, the 7,000 he taught, healed, told the disciples to feed, because they had been with Him three days, with nothing to eat. ALL HIS CHOICE.

Why, did he just choose a few to make whole, when it seems there were multitudes? 

We have no clue, other than to teach those with Him, about sin and God’s love and grace.  He chose who He would touch.

In the time of Moses, the people said, “You talk to the Lord, and tell us what He wants.”  

In the New Testament we are told “to come boldly to the throne of Grace, to find Mercy and Grace in your time of need.”

It is a different time now, The Lord wants us to come to Him ourselves.   Jesus is now the intermediary, between God and man.

As we read the Word, we find in Mark: as people learned of Him,  (Jesus), their behavior changed.

The woman with the issue of blood, pressed through the crowd, touched the hem of His garment and was instantly healed.

Jesus told her, that her faith had made her whole. (Mark 5).

In Mark 6, we find Him going to His home town, they were amazed at His mighty works.  While He said, He could do no mighty works, just heal a few sick.

Because of their unbelief.  Later:

Mark 6:53-56  (KJV)

“And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”

“As many as touched him were made whole.”

The people from His home town were Amazed, and He could only heal a few sick folks, because of their unbelief. 

He chooses, who He heels.  His choice, His decision His will.   

 

Unless those in need learn to touch Him.

“As many as touched him where made whole.” 

 Saints we need learn to touch Him.   

Are we in need?  Do we truly  believe? 

Look for next post… let us learn how to touch Him, instead of waiting for Him.  If we can learn to touch Him, He meets our needs

We Fish By faith: shared from:  http://billhitchcock.blogspot.com/  

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http://billhitchcock.blogspot.com/

An interesting look at Faith:

We Fish By faith

It all boils down to this. You fish on faith and nothing else. You can have the right gear, fresh bait, ideal weather conditions, a great boat and electronics and decades of experience, but none of these things will guarantee you fish in the box. But you still go out and fish anyway because you fish on faith.

The evangelist said, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Your faith is the ground floor in which you stand and build towards your intended goal. What you have faith in and the degree of that faith will determine how you think and act. And here is the catch (pardon the pun). How you act will actually guide you in the direction of what you have faith for.

You head out in the morning, many of you while it is still dark. You push off, power up and look over the bow. Some may see a flash of green and a flash of red from the channel markers as you head towards the ICW. Others have nothing more than twinkling stars and a faint difference in the shades of black that separate the sky from water in the still dark morning.

It is dark, very dark. But you head out in faith with the promise of a catch.

It is easy to see why so many fishermen believe in God for they understand through experience what faith is. They know the spiritual significance of, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18) and believe and have faith in God and the day!
We hope for what will be as if it already is. That is faith and true conviction.

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:24-25).
A fisherman’s life is built on the substance of faith, the foundation of what currently is not. It is hope in the day and faith in the good Lord to provide. Fishermen are just like Abraham, “Who against hope believed in hope” of the promise to come. Against all odds and often common sense, we hope in the day.

Your catch is the promise to come that you have faith and hope in. It is the motivation within you that gets you up and out the door each morning. A warm bed can’t hold you and bad weather can’t stop you for your faith in the day won’t allow you to do anything but to work towards the promise to come. And although you will face many a trial and tribulation and stare defeat in the face, you will come home with a catch. Why? Because your faith and hope will not deny you.

Jesus Christ is the promise to come. It is He in who we have an unshakable faith in. It is the Holy Spirit within us that has quickened our spirit and motivated us to continue on in this life. And we have hope and faith in the His promise, “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:25).

This promise of life comes loaded with its share of trials and tribulations too! But Jesus told us it would. He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”. But we have peace because although we will face problems we will not be defeated!

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We head out each day in hope and faith of the promise of a catch. We live our life in the hope and faith of the promise of Jesus Christ to come. We are fisherman. We fish by faith and we walk through life by faith and not by sight.

King Saul and Samson – men of God? Nope: An old post revisited: theunfetteredpreacher

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King Saul and Samson – men of God? Nope

July 26, 2014 bill
When we think of these two men, who were used mightily by the Lord. It is natural to think of them as Godly men. After all one was the first King of Israel, who led them to many victories and the other was one of Israels most famous Judges, who did many mighty exploits.

They were not Mighty Men of God but men God used mightily. Let me explain:

Samsons parents were approached by an angel of the Lord, told though barren, they would have a child. A Nazarene, don’t ever cut his hair, he should eat only special food and drink.

They were obedient, the child grew, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he did mighty exploits. He delivered Israel from many enemies.

Then we have King Saul, made the first King of Israel because of his hight and looks.

Anointed of the Lord who made him a new man, while God gave him a new heart. He led Israel to many victories.

You might ask, why are these not great men of God then?

Neither of these men had a real personal relationship with the Lord and did not realize when the Spirit of the Lord left them.

Their concerns were being dissed and revenge.

When we study the life of David, we find a man after Gods heart. Who when confronted with his sin, cried out: “Take not your Holy Spirit away from me.”

A truly Godly man knows and fears grieving the Spirit. He is quick to repent and longs for the fellowship of the Lord.

Suffered many things of many physicians: theunfetteredpreacher

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I guess I am officially old.  

I seem to have Doctors Appointments weekly.  

At first, I  revolted, I cannot affort the first $12,000.00 so insurance will kick in.

Then I realized, if we didn’t get over $12,000.00 the hospital and Doctors don’t get paid, except for our $50.00 a month, we pay them.  (A lifetime commitment, how long will it take, to pay $12,000.00 at that rate?)

So bring on the tests, the medical people deserve to be paid.  (We really need to get a handle on medical and insurance, costs).

I am not happy to have to deal with all this stuff, but life catches up to us eventually.  

We do reap what we sow.

In any case, modern medicine is a blessing, 50 years ago, I would be dead 2 or 3 times, from my ailments.  

Not today…. We will be kept alive, long after our expiration date. Long after our best used by date,….   lol.

Do I have a point?  Not really, just getting it out of my system.  We all want to be healthy, to live a long life.  We want to be productive. 

The woman with the issue of blood.  Like us, longed to be healed.

Mark 5:25-34
“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

Saints,  we need to come to the realization that: 

 “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. ”

We spend a fortune,  our own and the publics, trying to live longer, healthier, stronger…. 

When we simply need to learn to touch Him.

That day, there were people all around Him, she had to work her way through the press of people, to achieve her goal. (To be healed).

It is the same today.  Jesus is swamped with requests, for healings, provision, comfort, and grace.  We have to press in and touch Him. 

We have to stand out from the crowd.  Jesus, will know immediately when we touch Him.  

He knows when it is an effectual fervent prayer, a groaning that cannot be uttered, when we come to the Holy of Holies to receive mercy and grace in our time of need. 

Do we know, how to reach Him?  

No, we have lost the art of prayer and praise.   

We no longer Worship, we celebrate our Rituals every Sunday.  We rarely touch the heart of God.

If I could, I would throw out every Ritual, Ceremony, Responsive Reading,  repeatative prayer… (you get the idea), and spend time and effort knowing, reaching out and touching Him.

We need to learn to be still,… and know,… that He IS God.  

We do not know how to reach Him.  We do not want to push through the crowd.  We do not realize the blessing of walking with Him.

It is easier to follow a plan, a ritual, a ceremony,  than to press in to touch Him.

It has been this way forever.  In Moses time, “You talk to God for us, tell us what He says“…

The Levites and Priests adding 600 laws to Gods 10.  (Rituals, Rules, Ceremonies)

He wants us to know Him.  To love Him. To Praise and Worship Him.  

Like Salvation, it is a personal decision, it is up to us.  No one can do it for us.  We must learn to touch Him ourselves.

Prayer, Praise,  Worship…  teach me Holy Spirit, draw me close to you.  

“That I might Know You, and the Power of the resurrection,  the Fellowship of Your suffering,  that I might be Conformed to Your Image.”   

Amen



God IS: theunfetteredpreacher 

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Last summer,  I was not feeling well. Arthritis mostly, I guess. In any case, I had little or no ambition.  

Having been in business for over 20 years, I am not surprised when work slows for a few weeks at a time, (I often, look forward to the break ).

So I wasn’t concerned when the first month went by and I hadn’t made even 50% of my average income.  

In fact, I even thanked the Lord, for a season of rest.  

Remember,  I was not feeling my best.  (Apparently not thinking either).   lol

It really wasn’t till I was half way through the second month, that the financial lack became a concern.  By the time the third month started, panic was setting in.

Since I am of a certain age, I opted to sign up for SS.  Immediate crisis averted.  (Thank the Lord, for the SS safety net).  

Still a problem, though, where were my faithful and true customers?  I really had not planed on retirement for another 3 years. 

I realized something was wrong.  

My phone was not ringing.  I would check it and find missed calls or voice mails.  I would not hear it ring.  Was I losing my mind?

 While out on the road  the phone would ring, when at home nope.

I tried calling my wifes phone, when we were both at home.  I could hear it ring while her phone was silent.  What is going on?

According to Sprint, our local tower was not forwarding our calls. 

It took close to two weeks, (after 3 months of not knowing we had a problem), to find, replace and repair the problem.   

It is repaired now, thank God, but business income, was forever lost, not to mention customers who found someone else to do their piano work.

I mention that to speak of this.  One thing leads to another.  

We often have no control.  We just hang on, look to the Lord and trust.  

This current  time of pneumonia and heart concerns, (the last couple of weeks), like our phone problems, are beyond our control.   

All we can do is look to the Lord, and just hang on and trust.

If God be for us, who can be against us?  

Anything can happen at anytime.  Our best plans, ideas and work can come up short.  

If we trust in the Lord, our apparent lack, becomes a time of rejoicing in the wonders of Gods provision. 

If we reside in His secret place, He is our Shepherd,  our refuge, our fortress, our God, in Him shall we trust.  

He IS, a very present help in times of trouble.  He IS, and IS  a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It is these times, the times we have no control, that draw us, closer to Him. We learn, to give it all to Him, to rest in Him.

Thank you Lord, for supplying all my needs, according to the riches of Your Glory in Christ Jesus,  my Lord, my Savior, my Rock.  Amen

Day 91, 2017:  Cause and effect:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Cause and effect,  sowing and reaping, what goes around, comes around,  ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. 

“To every action there is always opposed an equal reaction.”  Isaac Newton 

The Bible is filled with promises,  if we, then God… we give to receive, we love to be loved.

Psalm 91:14-16 (KJV) has some of my favorite examples. 

Because we love God:

   *  God delivers us

Because we know His Name:

  *  He willset us on high

When he calls upon Me:

   *  I will answer, 

   *  I will be with him in his troubles, 

    *  I will deliver him, 

    *  I will honour him.

   *  I will satisfy him with long life.

   *  I will shew him My Salvation. 

It is incredible,  God’s love, mercy, promises. 

They require so little from us.  The return for our efforts is multiplied many times.  (30, 60, 100 fold)

We need to sow these few things to God.

Love God, Know God, Call on God.  

This shows our reliance, our trust, our faith.

Psalms  91:14-16

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”

Thank You Lord, for Your Promises and Presence in my life.  Amen

Shared from Isaiah 53:5 Project

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10 tough questions for Christians – http://wp.me/p39Q8G-2Dp

Questions that we need to answer in our own lives.

God is love, but The Lord is a Warrior: theunfetteredpreacher

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Two Biblical Truths, seemingly at odds. 

1 John 4:8 (KJV)

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

God is indeed love.  Indisputably love.  

John 3:16-17 (KJV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

John 15:13  (KJV)

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

There are many Scriptures to support  this truth. 

 Those of us who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior,  have experienced, recognized, and accepted this truth.

The problem is some, have gone so far as to think, we are all Saved from Sin, because of His Love.  (Nothing is required on our part).

This my friend is a false Doctrine.  We could, all be saved.   Jesus died on that cross so that we might be saved. 

Jesus would, have us all come to the knowledge of the Truth, and find Salvation and Love, in Him.

The truth of the matter is.

Matthew 11:12. (KJV)

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.“

It is a battle, with our Natural Man,  our Human mind, our thoughts, and feelings.  It does not add up, it makes no sense.  If God is Love, why have so many died?

Many Christians have a hard time equating the God of Love, with the Lord of the Old Testament. 

So much death and destruction. The Law, verses Grace.  What is a man to believe? 

We must look to the Scriptures.  We must look beyond our common knowledge of who and what we believe. 

We may need to put aside some cherished beliefs, and replace them with the Biblical  truth of the Word.

God, indeed is Love, but who or what is the Lord?

I believe a careful study of the Spirit of God and the Spirit of the LORD, shows us plainly that the Lord of the Old Testament is the giver of the Law.

The God of the Old Testament is the Creator of all, the Supreme Ruler, the giver of Grace and Mercy.   In other words, Jesus. 

Are you interested enough to search the scriptures to see if this be true?  Or will you reject this out of hand?

You never heard this before,  it cannot be true.

Saints, we can believe our Church Doctrine or the Scriptures.  Unfortunately our Doctrines, only reflect the light received by our Denominational founders. 

They had a piece of truth,  (Luther is a great example).  He changed his world, because of the revelation knowledge from the Lord.

Revelation has expanded from saved by faith, to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.    Yet, many refuse to accept this new revelation. 

It is sad, when teachers teach this is the only explanation for this verse, or that the Lord doesn’t do that anymore. 

The Lord continually seeks for someone to show Himself strong.  He will teach, guide, or direct whosoever will.

Will you be whosoever?  Will you allow revelation knowledge, to enter your life?

I pray our hearts and mind will be open to the will and way of the Lord.  Amen

Spirit of the LORD in the New Testament:   theunfetteredpreacher 

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As we have studied the Spirit of God,  we found throughout the Bible, this Spirit is a Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all manner of workmanship. (For the building of His Church).

It is also a Spirit of Prophecy, of visions and dreams.  We find this Spirit in the Preachers of Righteousness,  Enoch,  Noah, Daniel,  the 3 Hebrew children, and throughout the New Testament. 

It comforts, guides, teaches, and leads us to Christ.  It is given to us by Jesus and those who accept this second blessing preach with power and find signs and wonders following. 

The Spirit of the LORD is something else.  It is a Spirit of warfare,  we find it first in the lives of the Judges. 

From Gideon, Samson, Jephthah and continues through to Saul, David and others.  It is a Spirit that guides, directs and gives the victory. 

As we look in the New Testament,  we find a few other differences. 

The Spirit of the LORD:

  *  Annoints to preachthe Gospel,  to the poor, deliverance to the captives,  to heal the brokenhearted, cause the blind to see, set free, those who are bound and bruised.   (Luke 4)

  *  Can cause us to rejoice in Spirit, as He reveals things that are hid.  (Luke 10:21)

   *  Can be tested by our lies… some have died. (Acts 5:9)

   *  Can translate us to another place or time.  (Acts 8:39)

   *  Gives Liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

   *  We are changed from glory to glory into the image of the Lord.  (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Spirit of the LORD.  A blessing from the Lord, to draw all to the Son.

The secret was revealed:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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“The secret was revealed”

Is it possible that even today, God’s secrets could be revealed? (Daniel 2) God revealed them to Daniel and the three Hebrew children.  Will He reveal them to us?

When Daniel, in captivity, a slave, refused to eat of the Kings rich food or drink his wine, God gave him favor with the chief-of-staff.

He was allowed to regulate his own diet, he chose to eat no pleasent food.  

God even went farther, “Elohim (God), gave these four men knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to understand all kinds of literature. Daniel could also understand all kinds of visions and dreams.”

Saints, God can and will do the same today, for us.  He is looking for those who will deny themselves, put on His yoke, and walk with Him.

It is so sad to hear believers say, God doesn’t do that anymore.  Why not?  What changed?

Throughout the Bible we find individuals who suddenly appear.  They seem larger than life. They preform all manner of feats and miracles. 

Read Hebrews 11.  Why are these people special?   “They believe God is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently  Seek Him. “

Saints, the secret to having God’s secrets revealed.  The ability to walk and work in the Gifts of the Spirit.  The blessings of knowing, understanding and having wisdom, is in knowing Him.

Matthew 7:21  (KJV)

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

We cannot claim to know Him, to loving Him,   and refuse to do His bidding. 

Daniel 2:19-23.  (NOG)

   “The secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision during the night. So Daniel praised the Elah  of heaven.    He said,

“Praise Eloah’s name from everlasting to everlasting
because he is wise and powerful.
   He changes times and periods of history.
He removes kings and establishes them.
He gives wisdom to those who are wise
and knowledge to those who have insight.
   He reveals deeply hidden things.
He knows what is in the dark,
and light lives with him.
   Elah of my ancestors, I thank and praise you.
You gave me wisdom and power.
You told me the answer to our question.
You told us what the king wants to know.””

We must realize where the wisdom, knowledge and understanding we need comes from.  We should humble ourselves in obedience to Him, seeking His face, with open hearts and minds, to receive the secrets He may reveal.

Once again I point you to Deuteronomy 29:29.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (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.”

This is a truth we should hang on to.  Amen

Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah: theunfetteredpreacher

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Deuteronomy 33:7
“And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.”

Moses is giving one of his 4, (if memory serves), departure speeches. In this one he is Blessing the individual tribes.

The Lord is ready to bring him up the mountain, so he can see the Promised Land, and be buried where no man can find him.  

He was to See, to observe, to know, the Promised Land,  is there,  but not to enter.

A great man of God, the Auther of the first 5 books of our Christian Bible and also of the Jewish Torah.  The book of the Law.

Moses, loved God, knew God, walked in the ways of God, yet is not allowed to enter the Promised Land. 

Why not?  Sin.  

He was told to speak to the rock, to receive water for the people.  The first time he received water from this rock, he was told to strike it.

He struck it again, the second time, instead of speaking to it, as he was told.  This was the Sin, that kept him from entering the Promised Land.

He was now,  ready to die.  He had brought the people to the border, someone else was to bring them home. 

One hundred and twenty years old. His eyes had not dimmed, his strength not diminished. 

So he is Blessing the tribes.  You can read them all in Deuteronomy 33.  I would like to focus on the blessing of Judah.

Deuteronomy 33:7
“And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.”

The blessing of Judah can be looked at in three parts.  The first is for the Lord to  hear the voice of Praise, (Judah).  

The book tells us the Lord inhabits the Praise of His people. 

In 2 Chronicles 20: we learn the Power of Praise.  As Praise, (Judah), led the army into battle,  the found their  enimies destroyed before they arrived.

The only thing they had to do was to collect  plunder. 

Saints, learn how to Praise.  Scripture songs, are God’s songs, sing them back to Him, lift up God’s  word, remind Him of His promises. 

Learn to focus, meditate, pray, speak the Word of God.  He watches over His Word to preform it.

The second part of the blessing:  “bring him unto his people.”  We can easily over think this one.

My take on it is, Lord bring Praise unto whosoever will.  

Praise is available to all, Praise will shew forth God’s marvelous works.

The Lord is Worthy to be Praised, by Praise we can be saved from our enemies. Praise Glorifieth God.

This saints is the purpose of Praise, to lift up God to all, to remind Him to fight on our behalf.  

It looses the Power of God in our lives.

“Let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.”  

The third part of the blessing.  Our hands to be ready, willing and able, to do the work, and for the Lord to be a help (a shield, a covering, a hedge of protection, a strong tower, a place of safty), from our enemies. 

Moses knew the Lord and God.  He encourages us to learn to Praise.  To find the path to the place of rest in the Lord.

Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

Lord, please open our hearts and minds to Praise.   Amen

Do we want to experience all God has for us?  Or do we wait for “that day?”

Today is the day of Salvation….