1 Thessalonians 3:10

“Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?”

What is lacking in our faith?

My first post on this scripture, I concentrated on the lack of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I wish to dig a little deeper, in this post:

In our Denominations we have created a closed system. Baptists only hear other Baptists. Methodists, more Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, We only hear from our own.

In our smaller Churches, we only hear our Pastor, or Sunday School Teachers. This causes the Body to be lacking much, in Faith.

We lack: Diversity of thought.

We lack: New Revelation Knowledge, new to us personally or a Revelation for the body.

Understanding, or Seeing in the Spirit as well as in the Natural.

Romans 2: 28-29

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

We must learn to see, hear and act on the Spirits Guidance and Wisdom. We lean towards Man’s Wisdom, as it seems good to us, but, Is It God’s way and will? Man’s Wisdom and Ways are often contrary to God’s.

Any one of us can gain Godly Wisdom, Revelation, and Understanding of the Word, If we learn to study and believe the Word. Unfortunately, we do not study as we should, we expect the Pastor to study and reveal God’s Will and Way, just like the Hebrews, In the time of Moses.

The people said Moses, you speak to and hear from, the Lord, and you tell us, what He wants and we will do it.

We soon lose our Faith in the Lord. Without a personal relationship, the Lord does not seem to care, or be counted on in our times of need.

Romans 3: 18.

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

What is lacking in our Faith?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Has this happened to you? It is a Sunday or a Holiday, and you have received a gift. A tool or toy you have desired for a long while. You rejoice, the day has arrived. You turn it on, and nothing happens.

It is then that you read the small print, Batteries Not Included. To make matters worse, all the stores you might purchase Batteries, are closed. (It is a Sunday in the 50’s, the Blue Laws are in effect).

Yes it happened to me, and your family has probably experienced it also. You have what you desired, but it does not preform as promised.

When we are Saved, (accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior), there are Biblical promises that stay just out of reach. Jesus tells us in John 14, that we should be doing the work He did and more if we only believe. (John 14:12)

We love Him and serve Him but the miraculous seems to be unattainable. The Power of God is missing in our lives. ‘Batteries not included.’

We need the second step in our Salvation. Jesus was Baptised by John the Baptist, in obedience to the Father’s will. It was at this Baptism of Obedience that Jesus received the Holy Spirit and Power to preform Miracles, Heal the sick, Raise the Dead…

We have made the Believers Baptism, a Baptism of repentance, of leaving the Old Man and receiving the New. We should believe we have been changed when accepting Christ, and be Baptised in Obedience, expecting to Receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:1-6)

1 Corinthians 2:5

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

The Fear of the Spiritual is Natural.

If we are to serve God and build His kingdom, we must learn to walk in the Wisdom and Power of the Holy Ghost. In 1 Corinthians 12 -14 we find the Gifts Christ gave the Church. We need to take them off the shelf an discover the ‘Battries,’ (the Power) that God has given us.

All the Power we need is at hand, the Kingdom of God is at hand. We need to connect to the Power source, by way of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

The Holy Ghost, The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, the Comforter, the Teacher of Truth, the Third member of the Trinity. GOD, The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord.

To speak of one is to speak of all three. They are ONE.

Some fear that giving their life to God, means they can no longer enjoy themselves. They would be entering the world of Do`s and Don’ts, of Rules and Regulations, Strict Adherence to the Denominations thoughts, beliefs, Rituals, and Customs.

None of that is True, if you give your heart and mind to Christ, you will experience a Freedom and Joy that you have never known. Because the Holy Spirit draws you to Salvation, He Teaches, Comforts, Leads, Guides, He is always with us.

The fear or uncertainty of what the Holy Spirit is, or does, is pretty standard in the Evangelical world. We may speak of the Holy Spirit, and believe He is within us, but we do not understand how He works.

I have heard Preachers say; ‘If God wanted me to have the Gifts, (the Baptism of the Holy Spirit), He would have given it to me.’ Or, ‘It’s not for today, there are Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, and Mormans, that speak in tongues, so it must be from the devil, these people are not even Christian.’

I once thought, if people didn’t believe as I did, they were not saved. I trust I have grown since that time. Not sure of the Seventh Day Adventists, or the Mormons, but Catholics recite the same Apostles Creed as Evangelicals do. they believe that Jesus died on the Cross to save them, they just do not realize they could have a closer relationship, a personal walk with Jesus, Yoked to Him, enjoying His company, accepting His Comfort and Joy.

I believe this fear of the Holy Spirit, and the Gifts is because people do not realize that they are in control. The Spirit does not take us over and cause us to speak gibberish or any thing else.

1 Corinthians 14: 32.

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

The concern is from one area only. Tongues and Interpretation. For some reason, this scares otherwise fearless Christians. It is

It is the first Gift if the Spirit, the 120 received and is the one Gift all could use. It is a gift to encourage the Church, (with Interpretation), and a Gift to build up our Faith. (Jude)

As a Prayer Language it is our Spirit speaking to the Lord. We may not understand, we are not supposed to understand, it is a Gift that lincs us to God. We do not know what we pray, but it is the perfect prayer, that God wants us to Pray.

When we refuse to ask for and accept the Gift that God offers, we are hiding the Talent given us, instead of growing it. (Matthew 25). I beleave the Gifts are the Talents the Master left us. Those who learn their use, grow in the Faith. Are able to bring Healing and Comfort and even Faith to those without. The Gifts of the Spirit, release the Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Why someone who loves God, would not SEEK ALL HE WOULD HAVE US HAVE, is beyond me.

Saints, pray for all God would give you, to complete you in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Why has God sent us the Holy Spirit? Have you received Him since you believed? What are we to do with Him, once we have Him?

The Holy Spirit is sent to Teach us, Comfort us, to lead, and guide us, to all truth.

Genesis 1: 1-2

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

God, the Creator and His Spirit were there at Creation. If God Created, what was His Spirit doing? He moved upon the face of the waters. Doing what?

The Trinity, is hard for us to grasp, how can the Three be one.

An illustration I heard many years ago, helped to clear up my understanding.

If you think of Creation as being an automobile, it has many different systems or parts, to make it useful.

So to break it down, The Lord is the planer, the Administrator. The giver of the Law.

1 Corinthians 12: 1,5

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”

In a Company or in the Church, there is typically one man in charge. He plans, oversees, directs, and is ultimately holding everything together.

So imagine all of Creation is a Car. The Lord, (the Father, the giver of the Law), designed the car, He is in all of Creation. Without Him there would be no Creation, just emptiness and a void.

Now we are told God Created the Heavens and the Earth. So God is different from the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:6

“And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”

God is the operations manager, ultimately the one overseeing and doing the Work.

John 1: 1-5,10,14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

So let’s put God, (Jesus), in the drivers seat. He is the one fulfilling the Law, and bringing the hope of Grace, to the World, He is driving the car. He spoke, and it was done.

As we study the Scriptures, we can see how the Lord and God are one in purpose, and work towards same results.

At the time of Noah, the Lord said He would destroy all flesh. As we read further, we find God saying He also would destroy all flesh. (Genesis 6)

He added, to Noah, here is how you escape the wrath to come. Build an Ark, and here are the plans.

As we study the Word we can find many instances where God showed man Grace, the way to avoid the wrath of the Lord, the giver of the Law.

Which brings us to the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12: 4,7

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

The manifestation of the Spirit, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

The Spirit of God is the third member of the Trinity, in agreement with both the Lord and God, and at their direction, He is the Power that completes the Work.

Now why did He, Jesus, promise us the Holy Spirit? The Spirit of God is mentioned 20+ times in the Old Testament.

The second and third mentions, tell us why He is sent to us.

The Lord gave Joseph the Power of interpretation of dreams and raised him up, to become second only to Pharaoh.

Genesis 39:2

“And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.“

The Lord, used Joseph to cause people to look towards the Lord. To realize God’s Power and Grace.

The Third mention just flat out tickles me. The Lord said:

Exodus 28:3

“And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.”

Exodus 31:3-5

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

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

The Lord gave them the Spirit of God, so they could build Him a Tabernacle. A place for Him to dwell, and people could find Him.

That is why we were given The Holy Spirit, so God would have a dwelling place, and others could find Him in us, in our Witness.

“And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

The Holy Spirit was given so that we would have the Ability, Wisdom and Knowledge, to build His Kingdom.

I believe we need His Holy Spirit today, more than ever before.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Last evening a crew of crazy college students, tore down the statue of Silent Sam. A stature that honored the students from UNC Chapel Hill, who left the school to fight in the Civil War.

There were over 1,000 privates and many officers that fought, many died on the fields of battle.

This statue was dedicated in 1913, to honour their sacrifices, and stood there over 100 years, no problem.

So why did they go crazy now?

For some reason, liberals are determined to erase our history, destroy our patriotism, and encourage Socialism.

Which will be the death knoll, of this once great country.

I hear, ‘America was never great.’ This informs me, they have no clue of our history, and of those who died from the Revolutionary War to Today’s Conflicts.

All so that they would have the privalidge to protest today. The answer is really simple. Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Some refuse to accept the election even now, so they must yell, scream, and destroy, all that is in their way.

Many apparently do not even know what they are protesting, it is a case of what was once called WILDING.

The NFL, should have taken decisive action at the first sign of this follishness. Kneelers should have been sent to the locker room, fined and if it was repeated, fired.

Problem solved.

Instead it has all escalated to clowns trying to remove our history, instead of learning from it. Our Higher Education System, has failed us completely.

Our students from Elementary School to College, lack the information, the basic knowledge, that would cause them to understand our Constitution, the rights and privalidge’s we enjoy, and the reasons we should guard and protect our Heritage, and practice our traditions.

Acts 19: 32.

“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.”

Confused, Ignorant, and Dangerous, and we only have ourselves to blame.

We gave our children into the care of Government Schools, when so many in Academia hate our country and the rule of law, so those they indoctrinate, follow suit.

Shame on us.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

If you are diligent, ye shall never fall:

Diligence, is mentioned close to 60 times in the Bible. If we care to know God, to grow in the Faith, to understand His will and ways, we must learn to be diligent.

I could list all the ways, or all the things we must be diligent about. Or just admit, for the last couple of months, I have not diligently done anything.

There was a time, I would read the Word daily, and the Lord would open up my understanding, I would then, do my best to share, to whosoever would read or listen.

He has not given me a pulpit, (though I do love to preach), so, this blog is my platform, to share His Word and His love.

I pray that I will become diligent once again in study and sharing. I hope those who read, will be blessed, and will be encouraged to study and to grow in their faith.

1 Peter 1:10

“Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

IF??? It all depends on us, to be diligent in the Lord, to grow into the person, He desires us to be. He wants us to be a living Testimony of His Love and Grace, in our own way, in our own voice, in His Power, and direction.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

True Connections, of the loved, and Blameless in Christ.

‘We all have the relationship we want with God. I desire a more intimate one.’

All who have accepted Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, have a Connection, a Relationship, a Knowledge of, our Lord.

I desire to encourage all who believe, to walk a closer, more intimate, and Holy life.

When Bette and I were married in 1984, through our arrival and the first 6 to 8 months, in Morehead City, NC, (1985), we neither had, nor missed having, a TV.

The second time my parents came to visit, they had a portable TV, (12 inch, complete with rabbit ears), that, according to them, we could not live without.

Until that time, NPR was our main source of news, and entertainment. (‘Forgive me, I had no idea, how uninformed that had made me’).

We set up the TV, with rabbit ears, and turned it on. If I remember, we could almost watch 3 or 4 channels.

That was enough, soon we bought a TV and hooked up to cable. Now, we were connected.

Thinking back on that today, I realize all the channels and choices we have now, were available, to some extent in 1985.

We were not equipped, to connect to and receive, their signals.

As I look around me today, I realize many people are connected to entertainment TV and Radio.

So much so that, younger folks will change Radio Stations when music is interupted by the News or even regular commercials.

I have found for me, Talk Radio, both secular and Christian, is a better fit, and realize, I receive more information, and quality reporting from the News, and more to engage my interest in the opinion blocks, from this media.

My point is; What we know, how we think, and our reactions to lifes bumps and pot holes, depends on what we are connected to.

When we get saved, we begin our connection with the Trinity. Sadly, some seem to be satisfied, with their foot in the door, and look no further.

(We are connected to the supply, but receiving only a trickle).

Those who are serious about walking with God, need a bigger, more powerful connection. The difference from rabbit ears, and cable. (3 or 4 stations, to 100+).

As we grow in the Lord, prayer, fellowship, and faith will abound. Our lives will change, from the inside out.

When we have a secure connection, signs, wonders and miracles will follow. The Anointing of God will flow through us and touch those around us.

People will recognize the presence of God, and gather from far and wide, for a Word, a Touch, a Satisfying completeness to their lives.

Jesus, went about healing the sick and lame, comforted the hurting, and preached ‘The Kingdom of God, is at hand.’

It was, and still is, through those who believe. Saints, check your connection, be sure it is secure, then, Go out and share the Love of Christ.

He Commanded, that we realize Faith is an action word… So pray and obey.

Ephesians 6: 19-20

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

I just spent 14 days in the Big House, then another 8 being rehabilitated.

I have served my time, and been released into the custody and care of my wife and family.

They will keep me on the straight and narrow.

The Big House in question is Carteret Health Care, with rehabilitation at Croatan Ridge.

They tell me I wasn’t well, I am guessing they were right.

The first week is a blur. Yet, I never felt neglected, alone or afraid.

The hospital, once again was exceptional, from the cleaning staff to the lab workers, the Doctors and Nurses were kind, caring, understanding, and most helpful.

Professional, and more than Competent, my caregivers exhibited a great deal of knowledge and grace.

I wish I could thank them personally.

At Croatan Ridge, I was again met by a competent staff. The nursing staff was caring, and helpful. The folks in Physical Therapy were just wonderful, helping me to regain my strength and endurance.

I would not choose to repeat that 22 days, but I am very happy they were there when I did.

Thank you, Doctors, Nurses, and all who are part of the life saving work in our local area.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

The last few days of June, 2018, saw our lives turned upside down.

My precious wife Bette, had planned a trip, with her sister Donna, to their home town in Minnesota.

Bette, had moved some heavy plants and thought she had twisted, or strained her back. We decided to have it checked out.

It turns out, she had fractured a couple of vertebrates in her back, but that wasn’t all. She was diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer.

We were soon spending the day at the hospital, while they biopsied the tumors in her breasts and the 12 in her back.

When I was allowed in back to see her, two nurses, saw me. They called Donna to come take care of Bette, while they found me a room in the Coronary Care Unit.

I had Acute Respiratory Failure, Acute Renal Failure, Congestive Heart Failure, Pneumonia and other assorted problems.

July isn’t even a memory.

Meanwhile, Bette’s sister Eunice and husband Roger, drove from Minnesota, to be here when Bette started chemotherapy. (There is hope, that the cancer can be beat back).

By the time I returned home from the hospital and rehab, (22 days after admittance). The Inlaws had become not just welcomed, but indispensable.

We have relied on the love of Bette’s family, to lift us in prayer as well as caring for our physical needs.

I thank the Lord, that we have Spirit Filled family and friends. I am sure, we would not have made it, without their prayers.

My friend, Pastor Nelson Hopkins, from Impact Church in Morehead City, came and prayed the prayer of faith, that started my turn back to the living. (Thank you my friend).

Saints, if you have not received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, since you believed, I beseech you, ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to all the Lord has for you.

The Lord would have us prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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