loving Jesus. following God

He brought forth his people with joy: theunfetteredpreacher

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“He brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:” (Psalms 105:43)

As we look around us, when we see our friends, our fellow Christians, Church people, our families. 

What do we see?

I would guess not many outward signs of joy and gladness.

How can this be?   His promise for His people (us), is to bring them forth with joy.  His chosen people (us), with gladness. 

 Like so many of the promises of God.  We need to seek them to find them.   Whether healing, comfort, peace, rest, mercy and grace, Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

All are freely given.  So where are they in our time of need?

Saints, “The Kingdom of God, is at hand.”

What does this mean?  What should it mean?

God promises to give us “the desires of our hearts. ”
(Psalm 37:4 (KJV))

“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” 

He shall give us the desires of our hearts.  The catch?   Delight thyself in the Lord.

I am a firm believer, that most of us have never known, how to delight ourselves in the Lord.

   *  We must learn to love the Law of the Lord, Meditating, praying and living it. (Psalms 1:2)   “Thou shalt love the Lord your God, will all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Mark 12:30)

   *  With the Law in our hearts, we will delight to do His will.  (Psalms 40:8)

   *  We must learn to Praise the Lord, Fear the Lord, to Love His Commandments and statutes    (Psalms 112:1; 119:16)

   *  We must proclaim His Testimonies, what He has promised and what He has done.

Revelation 12:11 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

If we learn to live these truths, we should see joy, gladness, and the desires of our hearts.

Do you know the desires of your heart?

I know myself, I long to have a platform, to teach, preach, see the lost saved, the hurting healed, and the needs of His children met.

Yet, I long for the Pulpit,  without the Church.  A stage, an audience,  a people seeking more of the Lord in their lives.

The opportunity to share Jesus.    Amen 


   

Day 66, 2017:  Come and hear: theunfetteredpreacher 

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Psalm 66:16-20  (KJV)
  “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
    I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
    If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
    But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
    Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”
Nuff said.

Boiled Bacon Again: A Righteous Rant:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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I hear on the main stream news:

There is no evidence of wire tapping of Trump.  Clapper says ‘O’, didn’t order it,..  it is done, no investigation needed.

How about the FISA requests?   It seems conservative outlets can access them?  Why can’t main stream?

FBI says no evidence of Russian tampering with election…, yet, we must investigate.  The seriousness of the charge…. demands answers.

Is there any wonder, we voted for Trump… the swamp of Washington and of the News media must be drained.

Truth must be reported, treason must be exposed. 

On another note.

I keep hearing Bruce, being called Caitlin, also a young girl, who thinks she is a boy and going to court to use the boys room in high school. 

The news refers to her as him.

Adults of all stripes should be shouting from the rooftops.   

STOP THIS MADNESS.  USE YOUR BRAIN.  QUIT ALLOWING THIS IDIOTIC, UNGODLY FOOLISHNESS TO FLOURISH. 

It used to be leval heads prevailed.   Now it seems the free love, anti establishment,  hippies from the 60’s are manning the watch towers.

Up is down, good is bad, right is wrong.

STOP THE WORLD…(i want to get off).

Bacon should not be boiled.  No one desires soggy bacon, anymore than they desire false, fake news.   STOP IT!

Day 65, 2017:  Living in Gods courtyard:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Psalm 65:1-4
King James Version (KJV)

   “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
   O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
   Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
   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.”

This Psalm has been very special to me since I first understood it’s scope and meaning in my life.

It starts with Praise.

I am in a little UMC, playing piano, (mostly a multitude of Hymns).  That are meaningful to the Pastor and congregation. 

My problem,  complaint, even dissatisfaction lies in the belief that you cannot forget about yourself and focus on being one, with God.  

If you are forever reading the next word you are to sing.  

This is why I prefer short, Praise Songs, mostly Scriptures put to music.

They are God’s word, sung in Praise.  They become part of us, live in our hearts.  Bring comfort, peace and joy to our lives as we sing.

They lead us to that moment of connection, that time of silent knowing, experiencing, recognizing, the presence of God.

Worship.

That just isn’t happening with what we are singing.

It leads to Prayer.

When we truly learn to Praise and Worship, we bring ourselves to a voluntary humility, a place of recognition and subjection to God.

We Recognize our sin, followed by  Repentance.

A place where He hears our Prayers.

It then leads to forgiveness.

We can then be cleansed of our sins, forgiven, become blameless in the beloved.

This is when God chooses to draw us closer.

He calls us to dwell in His courts, to rely on His strength, love and provision. 

This is when He for a truth, becomes, “Our Lord and Shepherd.”

This is when and where we “Shall not want“.

Psalms 23, becomes reality,  not just a prayer.

I leave you with the Amplified Bible Version of these Scriptures.   I  pray we all take them for our own.

Psalm 65:1-4
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Psalm 65
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A song.
  “To You belongs silence (the submissive wonder of reverence which bursts forth into praise) and praise is due and fitting to You, O God, in Zion; and to You shall the vow be performed.
   O You Who hear prayer, to You shall all flesh come.
   Iniquities and much varied guilt prevail against me; [yet] as for our transgressions, You forgive and purge them away [make atonement for them and cover them out of Your sight]!
   Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.”

 Oh Lord, 

Hear my prayer.

Amen 

Tales of my father 10:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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It always amazes me when thoughts long forgotten, return so vividly to mind. 

We had gone out for dinner, Mom, Dad, myself, an Aunt and Uncle, to an Italian place in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. 

My family had never been there, my Aunt and Uncle,  thought it was the cats meow.  

I was probably about 10, bored and into checking everything out.

After wondering around for awhile.  I checked out the mens room.  Before I could finish my business.  Two older boys came in and while standing behind me, pulled out a knife.

I finished, turned around, and nearly needed the throne.  I walked by them, pulled on the door to leave, and they kicked the door shut.

Yep, the throne would have been appropriate.   Nothing was said.

I once again reached for the door. Bang, slammed shut again.  Oh boy, what fun.

Suddenly,  the door flew open and this big man in a wife beater,  stood in the door. 

“Is everything alright? ”  

“Yes Dad, sure.”  As I ran out the door.  I found my Dad and he ran into that bathroom but the kids were long gone.

I don’t know if we stayed to eat,  but, I do know we never returned.

That was the day I learned, never leave home without a knife.

On another occasion we had left a cookout and saw a house that had burned down.  Someone my parents knew, and they talked about whether insurance would replace and how glad they were no one was hurt.

Somehow, Dad got off on a tangent, talking of someone else, who had slipped on the ice at another friends house.

He was incensed,  that they sued the homeowners.   He though these things should be settled like men.   A law suit, was un-forgivable.   

Many years latter, more than 50, I experienced this.

When I was at a friend’s business a few years ago at Christmas time… I was rushing, tripped and broke my top plate.  (False teeth).

My friend was horrified… gave me money to get them repaired. After they were fixed, I went to thank her, after all it was my fault.

She thanked me for not suing her.  

The thought never entered my mind…   I was so surprised and pleased, she paid to fix the teeth, when I felt she was too kind.

Like I said, memories,  how the little things we say and do effect others.

I had a Nephew,  quite a few years younger then I.   The example he saw in my life, (as a teenager), has brought me great shame and sadness. 

If when I was young and stupid, I had not been so stupid…. it would have been nice.

Well, what can you do?  Hope you enjoyed.

When all you see is the pain: theunfetteredpreacher

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Just got out of the Theater,  watching, “The Shack”.

Most times I think it is a mistake to humanize God.

Not this time.  Powerful,  touching,  a loving, understanding, all knowing forgiving God.

I highly recommend it.  LEAVE YOUR RELIGION HOME…  EXPERIENCE THE RELATIONSHIP.

When all you can see is the pain, you cannot see God.

Be Blessed

Meet the Spirit of the Lord:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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The Holy Spirit seems to be made up of the different Natures, or facets of the Father and Son.

As we look at the scriptures  featuring the Spirit of God, we find He covers the earth, gives visions, empowers prophets, explains dreams.

Gives wisdom, understanding, knowledge and wisdom to build His Church.

As we look at the scriptures of the Spirit of the LORD we will recognize a difference. 

The first mention is in Judges 3:

“The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand;”

The Spirit of the LORD, they went to war.  Then again:

“It came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.”

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah.”

We find this in Judges 11, an outcast, asked to save Israel,  a story that ends in tragedy. 

The Spirit of the LORD, came upon Samson, Judges 13-15…  another man of war, that delivered Israel. 

1 Samuel 10, we find the Spirit of the LORD, causing Saul to Prophecy, while God gave him a new heart.

By 1 Samuel 16, the Spirit of the LORD,  departs from Saul, and an evil Spirit from the Lord troubled him.

People were aware that the Spirit of the LORD, could carry them away.  2 Kings 2:

“Lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley.”

In Isaiah: 11:2  

“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;”

We find an almost identical verse as found f or the Spirit of God.

We find the Spirit of the LORD will fight for us. Isaiah 59:
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

 In Micah 3, we find the Prophet. (The gift of Prophecy).

“I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

In the New Testament the Spirit of the Lord is present also.

Luke: 4. 18. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

We find Jesus quoting Isaiah.  Then Peter to Sapphire when the couple lied to the Spirit.


Acts: 5. 9. 

“Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.”

As for Philip. 

Acts: 8. 39. 

“And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

Liberty is given:


2 Corinthians: 3. 17. 

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”


2 Corinthians: 3. 18. 

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.“

It is the Spirit of the LORD,  that helps us to grow in the Lord from glory to glory.

The next post will look at the Holy Spirit.   

Do we know the Holy Spirit?  theunfetteredpreacher 

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What do we know about the Holy Spirit?  

 Jesus said He would send Him to us, He would lead us to the truth, would comfort and teach us.

He would be with us.

We first meet Him in Genesis 1.  He is revealed as the Spirit (wind or breath). of God.  The Creator and Supreme Ruler of all.

Genesis 1:1-2Names of God Bible (NOG)

“In the beginning Elohim (God) created heaven and earth.

The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God), was hovering over the water.”

At this stage of Creation, all there was, on the earth, was water, but God’s Spirit was hovering over it.  

As His Spirit is today.

The Spirit of God is always there for whosoever seeks Him.

The second time we hear of Him is also in Genesis. 

Genesis 41:38 (NOG)

 So Pharaoh asked his servants, “Can we find anyone like this—a man who has Ruach Elohim in him?”

A man with the Spirit of God within.  A man who went from being sold into slavery, to become second only to Pharaoh in power and standing, in Egypt. 

He would interpret dreams, had knowledge and wisdom to prepare for the future.  

The Spirit of God, exalted him above his brothers.  It cost him though.

Psalm 105:17-19King James Version (KJV)

“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.”

It was a long troubled time from dream to fruition.   He saved his family and all of Egypt from famine.

The Spirit of God next appears in two almost identical passages in:

Exodus  (KJV)

“And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,”

Being filled with the Spirit of God,  gave him wisdom, understanding,  knowledge, in all manner of workmanship. 

All to build God’s Tabernacle in the desert. 

He gives us that Spirit, to build His Church, His Kingdom on earth, today.

 We find this Spirit in Balaam, King Saul and others, who would then  proclaim the Word of God in Prophecy.

Others have visions… It is the Spirit of Adoption,  that brings us into His family.

We find an instant in Sauls life when the Spirit,  gave him a righteous anger, to draw the people together for war.

We also see an evil Spirit from God,  afflicted Saul after his sin.

In the New Testament,  we find the Spirit of God.

Descending like a Dove at Jesus’s Baptism, casting out Devils. 

People are being led by the Spirit.  Mighty signs and wonders are being done by the Power of the Spirit. 

We understand Spiritual things only by the power of the Spirit.

The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit. 

We must be careful, we can also grieve the Holy Spirit of God. 

That is quite a list.  He also goes under the Name of The Spirit of the LORD. 

As we go through that next, you may be surprised at this different Nature, or Side of our Lord God.



My bacon is boiled:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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The news I hear,  the foolish things that are now  accepted,  even encouraged.  Brings my bacon to a boil.

Transgender, Transsexuals,  Transracial, Transdisabled.    (Mad, we’ve gone mad, I say).

From Snowflakes and Babies pretending to be adults, who do not accept the out come of a lawful election.

To a graduating class, In Ohio, I think.

Traditionally the graduation gowns were red for the boys and white for the girls.

Untill now .

One young women doesn’t recognize herself as either sex.   (??Really,  how is this possible???)

So the adults in charge made a command decision.

Red gowns with white sashes for all.

Pretty cleaver, don’t you think?

NO IT ISN’T. 

SOMEONE WITH A SPINE, SHOULD TELL THE YOUNG WOMAN….YOU ARE A GIRL.   GOD MADE,  MEN AND WOMEN….   

STOP THIS RIDICULOUS PLAY ACTING AND GROW UP.

Apparently,  the adults need to grow up also.

Is it society or her parents, maybe both.  (Is it malpractice?)

It used to be, when Klinger wanted to dress like a girl, he did it, but didn’t expect us to join in his delusion. 

Now we all have to accept, and join in the act, or we are not compassionate and understanding of their very, real, struggle. 

GROW UP, GROW A PAIR, AND STAND FAST.

Bacon, should never be boiled, only fried.

Are adults, no longer, able to say, THAT IS RIDICULOUS, STOP IT?

It used to be adults were adults.

Lord, please, activate the part of our brain, that thinks.

Thanks,

Amen

Nevertheless he regarded our affliction:  Psalm 106: 43-45 theunfetteredpreacher 

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“Nevertheless he regarded our affliction:”

It doesn’t matter, how far we might have fallen from Him.

It doesn’t matter, how often we may have failed Him.

It doesn’t matter, how many times we have disappointed Him.

“Nevertheless he regarded our affliction:”

“When he heard our cry:”

It doesn’t matter that we have gone astray,  lost our way, disobeyed. “He regards our afflictions:”
“When he hears our cry:”

The Father loved us so much, He gave us His Son.  The Son loved us unto His death.   The Son gave us the Holy Spirit.

So He will never leave us or forsake us.  His mercies are new every morning. 

“He regards our afflictions:   When he hears our cry:“ 
When we have turned away,  He is there, within reach.  Waiting, Expecting, Remembering His promise.

“THAT HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US.”

We must turn to Him.

We must cry out to Him.

We must remind Him of His promise.

He will see our condition,  He will hear the cry of our hearts.  

He will shower us with His Comfort, Peace, Mercy, and Grace.  (Salvation).

We will be Accepted, in the beloved.    Forgiven, Blameless.   

Why?

“He regards our afflictions:“

Amen

Psalm 106:43-45 (KJV)

43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

They forgat God their saviour:   The Desert years:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Psalms 106, gives us a Condensed Version of the 40 years in the desert. 

They forgat God their saviour :

Those 5 words Condense it even further. 

Signs, wonders and miracles, they saw it all.  Yet, they arive at the Red sea, and “they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.”  (Psalms 106)  (Yeah but, what have you done for me, today?)

“Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.”

Isn’t it amazing,  He saved them, because of His promise, to make His mighty power known.

Why did He save me, or you?  Saints, it is simple, it is truth, it is misunderstood. 

“That he might make his mighty power to be known.”

When people see, a committed Christian, an upright, trustworthy, honest, stand up whosoever,  who was once, a lying, cheat and sinner.

His mighty power is known.  

What is even more powerful, more miraculous power, is available to those who believe. 

He parted the sea, they crossed on dry ground, He buried their enimies, under the serf.

“Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.   They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:   But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.”

His manna, wasn’t enough, their clothes and sandals, never wearing out…, not enough.

“And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”   Why?

“They forgat God their saviour.” 

Saints,
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”<i

</i

We need to know God, know His promises, believe His word, and act like we do.  Amen

Epaphras: Zeal, revealed:  theunfetteredpreacher

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I have written of this man before: Epaphras,  a man mentioned by Paul, three times.  

Nonetheless a man who stood apart.  An example for whosoever will, to learn of, and follow.  

We tend to think, the heroes of faith are beyond anything we can achieve.  Here is a real, live, everyman.  We can all aspire to be like, Epaphras. 

A Giant in the Kingdom.   What do we know?

He was:

   《  A fellowservant, with Paul of Christ so:

           ~  Paul and others, gave thanks to God, in prayers, since they, heard of your faith in Christ, and your love of the Saints.

He was:

    《  A faithful minister of Christ:

            ~  Who declared, your love of Christ in the Spirit, to us.

He was:

     《  A faithful Servant of Christ (as are you, at the Colossians Church)

            ~  He labours fervently, for you, in prayers:   That you might, stand perfect and complete, in all the will of God.

     《  Paul himself bears record, that Epaphras has great zeal towards the believers there and in the surrounding area.

He was:

     《  A fellow prisoner, with Paul,  for the Gospel 



Colossians 1:3-8 (KJV)

3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 4:11-13 (KJV)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Philemon 22-24 (KJV)

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

The Importance of being Remembered:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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I write this short post, to encourage us to write our memories for sure but what is much more important, is obituaries when people pass on.

When my brother died, we had one in the local MA. Papers.

When my nephew, (Scott Frenette),  Mother, (Dorothy Currier Cote), and Sister (Martha Cote Frenette, Florence), died, I don’t believe we had any, in any papers anywhere.

I have grown to regret these decisions.

We have public records of their births, little information on

their lives…

No record at all of their death, or that their lives meant something to anyone.

It really is like they never existed, other than on the birth certificate.

Friends, that is just too sad.  Everyone touched someone, was loved, is missed.

Please show them the respect, the courtesy of sharing your love, in words.

End of Sermon…. Amen

Tales of my Father 9:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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This tale involves myself and a few friends.   I wonder if they will chime in and reveal who they are.

I learned to drive around age 12, Dad would let me drive cars and trucks, into and out of the work bays, so they could be repaired.

He also gave me old wrecks to drive in the garage yard, mostly after hours.

My favorite car, even to this day, is a Metropolitan…  only manufacturered for a few years in the fifties.

I and several friends had a ball driving that little car.   At one time, someone who lived on the third floor of the apartment house on the corner.

Threw down a stack of Playboy magazines, WOW, at 13, that was a major find….  No wonder I am so screwed up…  lol

During business hours one day, I decided to teach a friend how to drive.  Since it was during working hours, we only had a twenty foot, one lane path to drive on.  (Customer Cars on both sides)

No big deal right?   Just drive straight,  back up straight… no problem.

My friend apparently was more nervous than I thought.

He panicked, hit and put, a good sized indentation in the door of a customers 1963 Corvette.

Dad was furious,  the customer more so… it was a beautiful car.

I don’t believe I gave anymore driving lessons.

More to come, hope you enjoyed.

Day 51 of 2017: A cry for Mercy: theunfetteredpreacher 

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I realize I did not get this written on day 51 of 2017… that as I write this it will soon be day 54.

I cannot lay the blame anywhere, but at my own feet.

I would just skip it, but this Psalm has brought me through some rough times over the years.

Specifically verses 10-13.

Psalm 51:10-13 (KJV)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

There have been times I have prayed these verses repeatedly over several days and even weeks.  Seeking Relief….

I think I am beginning to realize.  Why?  

After Bible School,  I was sure I was called to preach, yes, even to Pastor. 

When I worked as an Evangelist, we saw some people get saved, but I was no Billy Graham.   

So I tried my hand at being a Pastor.  Maybe my job was to train those already saved.

My first error…  I wasn’t ready.

It could be I wasn’t even called…  I had been a pretty good Worship Leader…  I just couldn’t understand people. 

I got saved and devoured the Bible, spent hours in my prayer language… one on one, with the Lord.

I really believed, everyone that has been saved sought Him, as I did.  That all knew the word, as I did.

I crashed and burned.  I quit the ministry and was miserable for many years.   I prayed those verses, often.

They never seemed to rise through the roof of my car.   

I was then asked to substitute for an ill piano player at Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church. 

The first time I sat at the piano….  I realized,I was back in the place of Grace.

Since, I have started teaching and preaching once more.

I have found, many Christians are ignorant of the word.  Whether in the Spiritual or Physical. 

In any case the Lord, restored the joy of Salvation to me, He upholds me.  

Now, it is easier to speak of Jesus.  To point the way and hope others follow.

Ask, keep on Asking,  Seek, keep on Seeking, Knock, keep on knocking…

Eventually, your request will be answered, what you seek will be found, the door will open.

Will you step through?    Amen

Day 50, 2017:  The mighty One, God, the Lord:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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God the Judge of the Righteous and the Wicked.

A Psalm of [a]Asaph

50: 1

 “The mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken,
And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting [from east to west].”

The mighty One, God, the Lord: 

To those who believe,  that is who He Is. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The Creator and Ruler of the world.

He is speaking.

Yet, ears to hear and eyes that see, are few and far between. 
2
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shone forth.”

His light shines forth, it warms, comforts He makes it available:

“So that they may see and know,
And consider and understand together,
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
That the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:20 (AMP)

3

“May our God come and not keep silent;
Fire devours before Him,
And around Him a mighty tempest rages.”

The Psalmist, is crying out for the day of judgment.   
4
“He summons the heavens above,
And the earth, to judge His people:”
5
“Gather My godly ones to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

He would speak to His people first:
6
“And the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is judge.

 Selah.”  (Stop and consider this)
7
“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you:
I am God, your God.”

He is speaking to His children, not to the world.
8
“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices;
Your burnt offerings are continually before Me.
9
“I will accept no young bull from your house
Nor male goat from your folds.
10
“For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
11
“I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is [b]Mine.”

You are only sacrificing to Me what is already Mine.  The Lord, instituted, the sacrificial system,  the people, like the people today did not understand what the Lord desires. 
12
“If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
For the world and all it contains are Mine.
13
“Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
Or drink the blood of male goats?
14
“Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving
And pay your vows to the Most High;”

He doesn’t need those things.  He desires, heartfelt Praise, true Worship, genuine Thanksgiving. 

Then He welcomes us to:

15
“Call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.”

Only then does He promise to rescue us out of the bondage of sin and shame.  Only then will we truly Honor and Glorify Him.

He now speaks to those who are not, (by their own decisions), His.
16
“But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite My statutes
Or to take My covenant on your lips?
17
“For you hate instruction and discipline
And cast My words behind you [discarding them].
18
“When you see a thief, you are pleased with him and condone his behavior,
And you associate with adulterers.
19
“You give your mouth to evil
And your tongue frames deceit.
20
“You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.”

The world today, everything is upside down, evil is acceptable and expected.  The Righteous are feared, ridiculed, rebuked, shunned. 

Men act like Women, Women think they are Men.  

They train up their children to hate authority, to question their own sex, to disrespect themselves and each other. 

21
“These things you have done and I kept silent;
You thought that I was just like you.
Now I will reprimand and denounce you and state the case in order before your eyes.
22
“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be no one to rescue [you].”

Here, once again… offering one more chance to change their way.  To turn to and accept His Gift of Mercy and Grace, Salvation…
23
“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him],
I shall show the salvation of God.”

This last verse, is a wonderful Praise song.  (In KJV).

We really should learn and lift it up to the Lord.

Psalm: 50. 23. 

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
Our Praise glorifies, lifts up, exalts the Lord.  Tells Him we know He is: “The mighty One, God, the Lord:“

Praise, and the word of our confession:

Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

” And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Amen

Footnotes (Amp)

Psalm 50:1 

Asaph was a Levite and one of the leaders of David’s choir. He was the head of one of the three families permanently in charge of the temple music. 

His family formed a guild that bore his name and is frequently mentioned (2 Chr 20:14; 29:13, 30). Twelve psalms (50; 73-83) are attributed in the titles to the family of Asaph. 

A hundred and twenty-eight of Asaph’s family members, all singers, came back from Babylon and took part when the foundations of Zerubbabel’s temple were laid (Ezra 2:41; 3:10).
Psalm 50:11 Or in my mind; lit with Me.

Fulness of God?   theunfetteredpreacher 

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A little long, the road to Fulness.

The Fulness of God.  What is that?  What does that mean for me?  

Colossians 2:9
“For in him (Christ),  dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

The “fulness of the Godhead bodily.”   ???

The Names of God Bible says simply: 

“All of God lives in Christ’s body.”

All that The Deity ever was, is, or is going to be, is fulfilled in Christ.  The Love, Joy, Majesty, Compassion, Judgment, Power, Light and Life.

The Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, Sanctification, Justification, Salvation.   It all resides in Jesus.  

 Jesus created all that was created, under the direction of the Father, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.  He is the all in all.

Colossians 2:10

“ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Are we really complete in Him?  Do we have a clue, what that means?  

We are complete, forgiven,  blameless… covered by His love, His blood,  we have all we need, to be victorious, to be  bold, conquerors. 

So why aren’t we?

“For it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus) should all fulness dwell;”  (Colossians 1:19)

It also pleased the Father, for Jesus to:

“To present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1:22)

Do we know these facts, that we are holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in His sight?

We need not cower in fear, before a great and awesome God…  we are the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus, His son.

As long as we walk with Him, we are accepted in the beloved, but that’s not all.

There is more, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, not only are you saved and set free from sin and death, not only are you holy, unblameable, unreproveable, sanctified, and forgiven .

We have a destination,  a place He would have us travel to. 

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”  (Ephesians 4:13)

The unity of the faith…  What is that?

The 5 fold ministry, is to bring us to this unity. To give us the knowledge of His love, His power.

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

We will not attain this unity, this knowledge, we will not become the perfect man, we will not attain the measure of the stature, to attain the Fulness of Christ. 

Until we accept the Full Council of God.  Not just Salvation, Grace and Mercy.

We must become a people of Power.  A people the Lord can trust, to use His unlimited Grace and Mercy, to effect change, in the world.

“To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”  (Ephesians 3:19)

Jesus is the FULNESS OF GOD,  He would have us to be FULL OF GOD, ALSO.

God is not just a God of pretty words….  He is still a God of Power, a God of Signs and Wonders, and Miracles.

The 5 fold Ministry, is supposed to bring us to this place.   It hasn’t. 

Why not?  Because living in the Fulness of God, is not easily attained.  It isn’t just getting saved, reading the Word and living our lives.

It requires us to submit to the Holy Spirit, to Draw us to Him.

Ephesians 3:16-21  (AMP)

“May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love,  be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love];   

and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,   to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

The Spirit is able to bringing whosoever is willing into the “Fulness of God.”  If that is a desire of your heart.

All of God resides in Jesus, who would have us, to allow the Fulness of God, to reside in and guide, direct and protect us.  To allow His will to be done today, as it is in heaven.

John 1:15-17
King James Version (KJV)

“John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 16:11

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

The promises of God, we are offered the Fulness of God, Saints, that includes the Power of God, the Love of God, the Comfort of the Holy Spirit,  the JOY of the Lord.

Will you allow the Holy Spirit to Lead you to that place, of perfect Love, Grace and Mercy. 

When we arrive, we will find, signs, wonders and miracles are following.   Amen 

The 49th day of 2017: A warning for all: theunfetteredpreacher

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I am reading a Psalm a day this year. So far they have been relatively short, and not all have touched me.

Today’s warning to the rich, (not me,  I can only wish, lol), did touch my heart.

I have selected verses first from the Names of God Bible.   I just like the ease of understanding.

But for the last verse, no other translation compares with the Amplified Bible.

Psalm 49:1-3  (NOG)
For the choir director; a psalm by Korah’s descendants.
“Listen to this, all you people.
Open your ears, all who live in the world

common people and important ones,
rich people and poor ones.

My mouth will speak wise sayings,
the insights I have carefully considered.”

This is such a sad truth.  So many refuse to listen.  I saw a meme on FB, this morning, “worthless things in 2017.”

There were several things, a floppy disk, a pay phone, a VCR,  last on the list was a Christian Bible.

The comments were so sad… the gist was, all lies, not even good poetry,  we can learn more from Dr Seuss.

I pray you don’t agree.

Psalm 49:7-10 (NOG)

“No one can ever buy back another person
or pay Elohim (God), a ransom for his life.

The price to be paid for his soul is too costly.
He must always give up

in order to live forever and never see the pit.

Indeed, one can see that wise people die,
that foolish and stupid people meet the same end.  They leave their riches to others.“

Everyone can see, we all die.  Our wealth cannot keep us from Hell.  We must give up, let go of our desires, plans, our sins and shame, and give ourselves to God.

All we gain on earth is left to others.  The temporary riches of this world, or we can share the eternal riches of Salvation. 

Psalm 49:15. (NOG)
“But Elohim (God), will buy me back from the power of hell,  because he will take me. 

Selah”  (stop and consider this)

Oh that people would stop and consider:

John 3:16-17(AMP)

 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.”

That the world might be saved.   Individual choice.  We must deside for ourselves. We must repent, turn towards God, He is always within reach.

Just a “HELP LORD” away.

This last verses is a great Spiritual Truth.

Psalms 49:20. (AMP)

“A man [who is held] in honor,
Yet who lacks [spiritual] understanding and a teachable heart, is like the beasts that perish.”

He Who Lacks Spiritual Understanding,  lacks the Wisdom, to recognize and accept a personal, loving God, who longs to Save us from the pit.

The Lord also desires, we would Draw Near, spend time, to love and learn from Him.

Salvation is just the start of an eternity filled with love and life.

I pray you will continue to draw close, and recognize the Power of His Mercy and Grace.

Amen

The Ministry Years: – 23rd Miracle-   A word of Knowledge – theunfetteredpreacher 

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Mark 6:45-53. Matthew 14:22-33

He had just fed the 5,000, yet they still couldn’t believe.   I have a few points to make.

Mark 6:45-52 (KJV)

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him, walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

(Matthew 14:28-32)
(28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.)

Mark 6:51-52

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
***********

straightway:

It is funny how far our faith has fallen.  When we lay hands on the sick, do we really expect instant healing?

No we don’t believe.   He said if we did, the sick would be healed, the dead raised, the lame to walk.

Immediately and straightway were the normal, healed, when Jesus was present.  That it isan’t the expected today, brings into question,  is Jesus truely  present,  in our lives?

“These signs shall follow those who believe.”

Straightway,  Jesus sent His Disciples to cross the water while He, went up the mountain to

he saw them:  

Jesus alone, on the mountain, had a Word of Knowledge, or a vision,  He saw them struggling to cross the water.  It was during the forth watch.  (3 to 6 am)
 he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea,  and would have passed by them:

Jesus and Peter, both walk on water.  Matthew adds the news about Peter.  Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw his circumstances and cried out for help.  Mark states they thought they saw a spirit.

Jesus is always just a call away, whether for Salvation,  Healing, Provision….  Jesus is always within range to help.

went up unto them, the wind ceased:  they were sore amazed.

So sad, such a short memory.

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

How soon we forget the miracle of Salvation.  We really don’t trust Him for much past that. Our hearts are hardened?

How?  Why?  

We do not, study to show ourselves approved, we don’t, fast and pray, just to be closer to Him, to Know Him better, to learn how to love Him.

(Matthew 14:33)

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Help us to Worship You, to recognize:  thou art the Son of God.

Lord, draw us close, help us to Know You, Walk with You, to Do Your Will.   Amen
*********

Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.