Philippians 3:10, has long been my prayer.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

I would pray to ‘Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection.’ Not realizing that to truly know Him, I would need to change.

I needed to be conformed to His image, by the Fellowship of His Sufferings.

I didn’t want to suffer. I wanted the results, without the work. (The story of my life. lol)

It took time, then I began to pray the whole verse. Life changed. Not that I’ve suffered, I haven’t, yet my decisions, desires and heart changed.

Verses 7-14, became alive. I realized how utterly silly and useless, my accomplishments and ambitions had been. I had been seeking the ‘Power, not the Presence of God.’

The light bulb finally shone brightly, the path revealed. What was the word trying to reveal to me?

Philippians 3:8c,9

‘that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:’

My own righteousness was not enough, It was as dirty rags. (Isaiah 64:6) My belief in Him, brought me true Righteousness, I was Justified. (Just as if I never sinned).

My Faith made me blameless in the beloved.

Romans 4:3

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Romans 5:1.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 3:10. Brings us to Sanctification.

‘That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;’

We must ‘Separate ourselves from the cares and struggles of this life and become Christ-centered.’ (Phillippians 1:20-23; 2 Corinthians 7-11)

Our desires, lusts, and ambitions must be crucified, and the Lord’s interests embraced. To learn to be one with Him. (John 17, His prayer for us).

Glorification will in time then follow.

“If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” (Phillippians 3:11)

Philippians 1: 6.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

We will be Glorified, transformed by the renewing of our minds. We begin renewing our minds, as we grow, Christ will Glorify us.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2). (To become mature Christians).

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)

Our goal in this life is to become Christ-like, to embody His Love, Mercy, and Grace. That those we come in contact with will see Jesus in our Witness, Walk and Will.

Which brings us to the race. Phillippians 3:12-14.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

I am seeking everything and anything God has for me, forgetting my past, my failures, successes, my wants and wins and reach out for all the Lord would have me be.

Seeking more of Christ within and to shine without, that He would be Glorified, Worshiped, Loved and Obeyed in my Witness.

Galatians 1: 15-16a,b

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;”

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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For many years now, I have experienced, what I consider a problem, though I find myself accepting it, even as I disagree.

Whether in a Convenience Store, Hardware Store or Restaurant, there are folks who want to sweeten the deal we are getting.

Sometimes they give you a bigger portion, or they do not charge you for something, or give you a discount you do not deserve.

I think many of us accept these gifts gratefully. Not conscious of the fact that the clerk or server is helping us to steal from the owners of the establishment.

It’s a little thing, not grand theft, but it is taken away from the profits the owner is expecting and needs to keep the business in the black.

We should not accept these gifts. Yet, we do.

What do you think?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

The cross shows brightly in those who believe. Our Witness shines forth, as a light to the world.

“I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:12)

Our light shines less bright, as the world resides within us.

We must remember we live in the world but not of the world.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mathew 5:16)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Saints it’s a truth…

Ecclesiastes 3:17

“I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”

“There is a time”

The end of June 2018, my sweet wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 bone Cancer. It was a time of fear, a time of reflection, a time of confussion.

What else could go wrong? At the same time, I ended up hospitalized for acute renel failure, acute respiratory failure, and congestive heart failure.

We went to her Cancer Drs appointment, today. Her numbers are good. She feels good, the Dr said she would never be in remission, but the Cancer is at bay right now.

Thank You, Jesus!

I had my regular blood work done, (INR) and a full workup. My creatine level is 4.7. Not sure what that means except that my kidney is not functioning as it should.

Tests and appointments the beginning of next week. We are faithful, trusting in the Lord’s timing, and judgment.

‘For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.‘ (Romans 1,17)
Are we just? Is the righteousness of God revealed in me? I am concerned that my Christian Witness is not nearly strong enough and certainly not as pure as the driven snow.

Yet, I know my Redeemer, in Him do I trust.

Psalm 91:1-2

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Fame, Pain, and Gain: At times fame or pain have been primary motivators in my life.

Seeking Fame:

As a young man, I was sure that I would grow to be Rich and Famous. I have realized to achieve either, you must work hard and study. (Having Talent also helps). I was never fond of either endeavor, (and Talent eludes me).

I love to sing and play piano, but am I willing to put in the time or effort to become exceptional in either?

I love to lead Praise and Worship. The Lord has me playing piano at a Church that loves the Lord but is not of the Tribe of Judah. (Praise) They prefer Hymns and Ritual.

I desire to Preach. The Lord has me Teach. I have this Blog, and a Bible Stuy. But a Pulpit? (No one is offering one). The Lord protects me and works in mysterious ways.

James 4:5,6

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

The Lord is working within me to conquer the sins of covetousness and pride. I long to become worthy to share the Power of His Gospel with others.

Living with Pain:

Pain, our own or our loved ones, is certainly a motivator. There have been many who relie on drugs or alcohol to dull the hurt and fear, of the source of our Pain.

The need is to turn to the Lord.

Repent of the sin in our lives. Repent of our unbelief. Repent of our lack of knowledge of Gods will. Repent and turn to the Lord.

Psalm 25:18

“Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.”

Cultivating Gain:

This is where we should live. Seeking, Cultivating, Spiritual Gain. Not Temporal goods or desires.

To learn to be content where the Lord has us. (1 Timothy 6:6)

To learn to be servants of all, to bring more to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

To Gain, we must put Christ first and foremost. Spiritual life and work are our most effective weapons, in the cause of Christ. (Philippians 1:21)

Luke 9:25

“For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”

We need to put aside our Desire for Fame, the Inconvenience of our Pain, and concentrate on Cultivating Spiritual Gain, (the Wisdom to serve the high calling of Christian).

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Prayer is a wonderful practice, but, do you receive the answers you are looking for? I wonder if most of the answers, we receive, do not disappoint us?

The list of King Davids prayers is long and varied. From his time of running from King Saul to praying for his first child with Bathsheba. Most were answered in the affirmative, this last one was not.

He was a man after Gods’ heart, a faithful servant. He was a Righteous man, who sinned. He fasted, prayed and wore sackcloth because the baby was afflicted, having been born of lust, and murder. (2 Samual 11-12)

He desired life for the child, but, ‘the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.‘. (2 Samual 11:27). The child died.

Davids reaction? He cleaned up and Praised the Lord. How could he do this?

He realized this was Gods punishment for the sin in his life, and he knew what he must do.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

He turned to, not away from the Lord. We need to understand ‘Prayer Is Powerful.’

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Our actions may help or hinder our prayers. The first thing we need to do is take a page from Abraham.

“He believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.“

When our eyes and ears are opened to Gods love, we gladly believe and accept Salvation. It is sad that we do not expect His other promises to be as easy and true.

So we must be ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds’ (Romans 12:2).

This only comes about as we seek the Lord, in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Solomon and Hezekiah both had major Prayers answered. (1Kings 3:3-15)

Solomon had a dream. The Lord asked what he desired? In this dream, he recognized he didn’t know how to Govern Gods people. He asked for an Understanding Heart, so he could judge and lead the people Righteously.

The Lord granted his request and added Widom, Knowledge, Riches and Honor, so none before or after was as Wise.

The people were blessed as long as he walked in the Lord’s way as his father David had.

Hezekiah had a different experience. (2 Kings 19-20).

Israel was threatened by Sennacherib king of Assyria. He prayed and the Lord promised deliverance. Later we find.

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” (2 Kings 20:1)

His prayer was a reminder to the Lord, of how he was Righteous, and he walked with God, in truth, with a perfect heart and had done well.

He prayed for himself, the Lord answered his prayer and healed him. The Lord gave him a sign, the sun moved backward.

He was given a letter and a visit, from the King of Babylon. He showed him all the Treasures of Israel. Isaiah returned.

He was told all these Treasures would be taken to Babylon and his people, become slaves, after his death.

Hezekiah answered:

“Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?“. (2 Kings 20:19)

Not a shred of concern for his people. So why was this prayer answered in his favor?

“The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.”. (James 5:7)

Saints, please think of what you are asking, what it is that concerns you, and how the answer to your prayer may affect others.

As Righteous people, (those saved, sanctified, people who believe and trust God), can change the World. Our best prayers are for others and for Wisdom in sharing the Love of God.

Are your prayers for good, or could they harm others?

Is sin, or an ‘evil heart of unbelief,’ (Hebrews 2,:12), the cause of your prayers failure?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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