You need to know the Lord.
miracles
Boat for sale: Confusion Reigns: theunfetteredpreacher
Confusion:
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,“
Confusion:
A state of mind. Most of our confusion can be found to be man made.
Unfortunately, this is the state, we seem to be living in.
Up is down, down is up, wrong is right, right is wrong, man is woman, and woman is man.
Confusion, we often cause it. In small inocent ways.
Sven notices his neighbor has a sign in his yard-
“Boat for Sale.”
“Ole,” he says, “you don’t own a boat. All you got is your old tractor and your combine.”
“Yup,” said Ole. “And they’re boat for sale.”
Sometimes, … well… a misunderstanding.
A young couple, bring their newborn into the home. The wife days, “This doesn’t look like our baby…”
The man answered, “Don’t you remember?The baby filled her diaper and you told me to go change the baby.”
Man made confusion. The confusion we are dealing with today, is definitely man made.
It is running rampant in our world today. We have gone over the edge.
Our youth do not know, whether they are boys or girls, men or women?
Feelings today, … are more important than common sense, or ancient wisdom.
What has given us this confusion? It is not from God.
It is happening because, as a society, we have rejected God.
At a college graduation. (A true story), in the mid-west.
The schools tradition, for graduation, was the men wore a blue gown, the women white.
One young girl thought she was a man, and refused to wear the white gown.
What should they do, for this confused young (Woman?)
Common sense would tell her. Our Forefathers would have told her. An adult should have told her.
“You are a woman. Wear the white.”
There would be, no discussion, no counseling, no arguing… Case closed.
Is that what happened? Of course not.
Not in this P.C. world. Afraid that we might scar her tender feelings for life, Confusion now reigns supreme.
Everyone wore blue gowns with a white sash.
Problem solved? Not at all.
No, her confusion has infected the whole school.
There was not a man in sight.
How did we get here?
Leviticus 18:22-24 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:”
Leviticus 20:11-13 (KJV)
“And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
Sexual sin, so prevalent today. Has brought us CONFUSION. In NC, we have the bathroom bill.
Many seem to believe that adult males belong in the showers with young girls.
These people are not just confused, the confusion has caused them to become evil.
From gay rights, (same sex marriage), to multiple partners to man/child sex…. all are ok, to the confused.
Ten Commandments, do not mention same sex relationships. Why?
It was beyond the evil they could imagine. Why would we need to be warned about the unnatural?
In the Bible, confusion is first found in Genisis 11. The building of the tower of Babel.
“The whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. They had brick for stone, and slime had for morter, so they said, let us make brick.
Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
The Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
So the Lord scattered them abroad, from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.”
He reversed that confusion on the day of Pentecost.
Not that we now, understand each other, but that our Spirit, speaks directly to God.
Our prayers, (in the Spirit), reflect Gods, will and will cause us to do, exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask, think or even image.
Instead of embracing His Holy Spirit to guide, direct and protect us, who will keep us from evil, that it might not grieve us.
The Holy Spirit ‘s is feared, His Gifts for building the Church, rejected, misunderstood.
The Holy Spirit is not allowed to rule and reign in our mortal bodies. Sad, confusion.
Psalm 71:1
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
We sinned sexual sin, it has brought us confusion, soon to follow, destruction.
Lord, please change our hearts, minds and direction, help us to turn towards You. Amen
To Touch Him: Our Desire? theunfetteredpreacher
The last verse of Mark 6:
as many as touched him were made whole.
We must learn how to touch Him….. “My God shall supply all my needs.”
Whether it’s Healing, Comforting, Providing financial, physical, or spiritual needs, OUR GOD IS ABLE.
The Old Testament is full of testimonies of individuals, who learned how to touch the Lord.
They had a special relationship. One we should covet as our own.
Starting with Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Solomon….
All individuals, all for a time, walked with and touched the Lord, and the will of God went forth in Power.
In the time of Moses, the people feared to deal with the Lord, personally. They wanted to hear what God wanted, through a Mediator.
When Jesus came, He changed the rules.
Now, all of us are “to come boldly to the throne room of Grace, to receive Mercy and find Grace in our times of need.” (Hebrews 4)
We should learn from the Old Testament, the Word tells us:
2 Chronicles 16:9
“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.”
We find God stepping in to keep Abimelech, from sinning with Sarah, when Abraham, claimed she was his sister.
“God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.” (Genesis 20)
The integrity of his heart, touched God, and God, kept him from sin.
The Lord is watching us today, Wanting to show Himself strong, for those whose hearts are perfect towards Him.
Any chance your heart is perfect towards Him? What does that mean?
It is interesting, we can fail to do the right thing, yet have a perfect heart. We can also do the right thing, and miss the mark.
1 Kings 15:14
“But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days.”
“But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days.”
2 Chronicles 25
“Amaziah,did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.”
An interesting read, without a perfect heart, he fell away, and it did not end well for Amaziah.
“Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the Lord they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.“
To have a perfect heart towards God, does not mean we follow Him perfectly. We can miss the mark and still please Him.
We need to seek His face, want Him, desire to obey Him, to love, Worship and praise Him.
In the New Testament, we are told to:
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
We find that all of us, whosoever will, can learn to touch the Lord.
“All who touched Him, were made whole.”
We all can touch Him. We are all called to the Holy Place, the throne room of Grace.
Do not be disappointed when we fall short, not able to stay in His presence .
There are only two, who seemed to Master pleasing God. Enoch and Elijah. Both now in heaven, in bodily form, ready and waiting to return in the fulness of time.
Look to God the Auther and Finisher of our Faith. Be true to Him, He is true to us.
Mountain and Moses: theunfetteredpreacher
We know the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God. How the first tablets were broken, and Moses went again up the Mountain to receive the replacements.
So Moses went up the Mountain twice, alone. Right? Wrong. He ascended the Mountain, six times.
We need to reread the story, it’s a bit more complex.
The first trip is recorded in Exodus 19:1-6 He received a fairly straightforward message from God to the people.
Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
The Lord told him to sanctify the people for the third day.
The second trip up the Mountain is in Exodus 19:16-24.
“Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.
And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”
The Lord then sent Moses back down, to make sure no one tried to see the Lord.
Then told him to come back up with Aaron.
The Third trip.
At this point, God tells Moses and Aaron the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:18-22:
“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.”
The Problem the Church has today, is the people still want someone else to talk with God and relay His Word.
God tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace, and receive the mercy and grace we need.
The Forth trip is in Exodus 24:32
Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy elders this trip.
“And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.”
Now Moses continues up the Mountain, with Joshua to receive the Ten Commandments.
“And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.”
We do not know how far Joshua went up the Mountain, I believe he stayed at Moses side.
“Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.”
“God gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”
“The LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:”
“I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.”
Moses prayed for the people, reminded God of His promises, and God repented, changed His mind.
“And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.”
Fifth trip is in Exodus 32:30-35, Moses prayed once again,
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.”
After this they built the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Exodus 33: 7.
“And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.”
It was after this, in Exodus 34, that Moses made his own tables of stone, and went back up the Mountain, for another 40 days and nights to receive the Ten Commandments, once again.
His Sixth trip up the Mountain.
The First Order of Business: REST 2: theunfetteredpreacher
To learn to REST.
Hebrews 4
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
Adam and Rest:
The first day of Adam and Eves lives, was the Sabbath, a day of Rest.
Adam had been told he had dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowls of the air, and all living things, of the earth.
That plants, and every green herb were for meat. (Some speculate, before the fall, they were vegetarians).
He lost the close fellowship, the Rest of walking with God, at the time of the fall, he experienced Spiritual Death.
Noah and Rest:
Noah, whose name means Rest, found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He was just and perfect in his Generation. He walked with God.
At five hundred years old, he was told to build the Ark. It was a project that took one hundred years. As he was entering the Ark the Lord told him he was the Righteous of his Generation.
Righteousness and Rest, are joined at the hip. Peter said, Noah was a Preacher of Righteousness. The writer of Hebrews called him, the heir of Righteousness.
His Rest was in his obedience to the Lord, he believed and built the Ark. He warned the world, for one hundred years, no one listened.
There were none saved, in the flood, but his wife and children. Yet, Noah found Rest, in accomplishing the will of the Lord, we can also find Rest; when we are obedient to and walk in the Lord’s plan.
Moses and Rest:
For Moses, Rest did not come easily. As he led the Hebrew people out of captivity, they saw many signs, wonders and miracles.
Yet, sin seemed to multiply under Moses leadership.
When the people sinned, (the Lord, would have destroyed this people.
Moses reminded the Lord, of His promise, to the people, and the Lord, repented, (changed His mind), and the people were not destroyed.
We find, while they wondered the desert, (for forty years), they gathered Manna that fell from heaven six days a week. None on the seventh day.
They needed to gather and cook, on the sixth day, enough, so that they could observe the Rest, of the Sabbath.
Moses, frustrated, (for once again, the people had sinned), had a conversation with the Lord.
Exodus 33:12-15
“And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
And he (The Lord), said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee Rest.
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.”
Moses, prayed a prayer, we should all pray.
~ shew me now thy way.
We should always seek the ways and will of the Lord. It is easy to do things man’s way, and claim the credit.
If we allow God to work, we may wait, for the results, but we cannot claim the credit.
~ that I may know thee.
It is not enough, to know His ways, we need to know Him, to learn to be comfortable in His presence, to live a life of loving obedience.
We need to understand His time, His way, His purpose.
~ that I may find grace in thy sight.
Grace – Gods blessing of Salvation, His Comfort, Peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
His Grace is the place of Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. The only place we find His Rest.
We should always seek the place of Rest in the Lord. It is found in obedience and righteousness, (believing God).
Are we missing the mark, are we, restless, ineffective, frustrated?
Seek His REST. Accept His Grace, walk in Righteousness.
Learn to find and stay in His Rest. He is a rock, and this ways are perfect.
Walk with Him. Amen
Our First Order of Business, REST: 1 : theunfetteredpreacher
God reveals His truths to any and all who will recognize and accept them.
This is a Scriptures I hold dear, realizing there is much more to learn.
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.”
David Jones, who was the Pastor of the UMC, (where I play piano), speaking under the Anointing of God, (in passing), pointed out, that the first thing man had to learn, was to rest in God.
REALLY? Is that true?
What is more important? theunfetteredpreacher
What is more important? What we believe? Or what the Bible actually says?
In my life, if I find the Bible contradicting what I’ve always thought or believed. I search the Word for the truth.
If I find two or three scriptures that agree? I have a choice to make.
Do I change my beliefs, or cling to my old ways?
So far, and I hope forever, I will throw out the old and believe the Word.
It breaks my heart, that so many will not search the scriptures and see if it is true.
They reject, out of hand, that they may have been taught incorrect information.
Their Pastors, Daddies, or Church Doctrine have authority over the written Word.
Sad. We must study to show ourselves approved, workmen rightly dividing the truth.
I only wish we would. Amen
Why all the Confusion today? theunfetteredpreacher
From the NFL, Stand, kneel, hand over heart, or locked arms?
They claim; “It’s not the flag or military, we dishonour, we have just chosen the time we would normally honor them, to dishonour.”
Really?
How about, Dr Suess, is he, out of date, racist, tired and worn out, or fun and entertaining?
Men are women and women are men. Oh dear, what bathrooms do we use?
How has this come to be? What has happened, that common sense, has left the building.
The greatest generation has raised a clueless, confused and gullible, generation.
Our generation never grew up.
Make love not war. If it tastes good eat it. If it feels good do it. If you like it do it again.
Don’t tell me, not to do that. Who do you think you are? Don’t you dare judge me…
Nobody knows, how hard my life is. I need to kick the dog, beat up my wife, abuse my kids.
I am just letting off steam. It’s none of your business.
How did we come to this, state of Confusion?
I was not surprised, to find the answer in the Bible.
God is not the author of confusion, but of love, peace and joy. So what happened?
Man’s freewill. We have many warnings in the Word. Know God, know Peace.
Harkin Diligently, to do and follow God, Blessings result, even in the midst of trials and tribulation.
Reject God and His Word, we see the results in the world we are experiencing.
I leave you with three chapters, to read. I will just include some of the relevant scriptures here.
Sorry guys, sexual sin, legalized, practiced and praised. Please take the time to read the full chapters.
Sex is a beautiful special gift to mankind. To be enjoyed, by a man and woman in their marriage bed.
Leviticus 18:22-23
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.”
Leviticus 20:12-13
“And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
The marriage bed was a gift, we turned it into our own curse.
Romans 1:20-25
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
Saints, the confusion, the shootings, the racial unrest, the troubles we face daily, abound because of sin.
Our freewill, the gift from God, has allowed us to deny, His love and grace.
Showing respect, knowing which bathroom to use, even the use and abuse, of guns, are not controlled by our laws, but only by our LOVE OF GOD.
We need to pray our country back to where God is Glorified and Honoured, even in with different forms of Worship.
God is bigger and more powerful than we allow Him to be.
Seek His Face….. Find Forgiveness and Love….. Share that with those you disagree with.
Let God change our hearts and minds.
Peace, wonderful peace is within reach.
Amen
Lust, revisited: theunfetteredpreacher
For years, I believed Lust, was just about sex. It isn’t.
Lust isn’t just something that young boys and old men battle. It is a battle all, male and females fight.
Lust is covetousness. It is:
The apple is good to make one wise, to be like God.
The guy across the street got a new car… (I need one).
Why did he get the promotion? I ‘m better, smarter, work harder, and more deserving than him.
Lust is a big problem for Pastors also.
I have heard, from Pastors…
All they do is music and drama, I heard they allow drinking, they don’t preach the true Gospel, like I do.
They teach a false Gospel, they itch the ears of the people.
That’s why so many attend there.
GROW UP… THEIR CHURCHES GROW, BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS THERE.
Yes, you preach what you understand is the Gospel, and it is. Only there is no power.
The Gospel is confirmed by signs,wonders and miracles.
Some miracles are crowds being saved… like Billy Graham’s ministry. Maybe the 600 member church down the street, is seeing this.
Some miracles are Healings, signs and wonders like Katherin Kuhlman, RW Shamboch, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn.
Do you notice anyone missing? Yeah, me and you.
I lust, yes I covet, a pulpit, a platform, a ministry that sees people saved, healed, comforted….
I do not reject those who are successful, I long to learn… to grow.
That is my desire. Is it God’s desire? I guess not, He hasn’t opened any doors of utterance.
I have prayed. He tells me the Blog is my platform.
I wonder if it helps anyone to grow closer to Christ?
Does anyone really read and understand?
I believe the big ministries are anointed of God and have many followers, not because they are fakes, but because they have fasted, prayed, studied, and groaned in prayer.
Until they have touched the hem of His garment. They have learned to come boldly to the throne of Grace.
They know how to pray and walk in the will of God. Are they perfect? lol, not even close.
They know how to repent and keep pushing closer to Christ.
They have found Grace and Mercy in their time of need.
They needed the presence of God in their lives more than their next breath.
When that is true for me….. and you, we will see. God confirming His Word.
Mark 16:17-18 (KJV)
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Mark 16:20
“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
Do we really believe?
2 Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Do not throw the Word out. The change must be in us. Amen
I can’t get no-oo, satisfaction: theunfetteredpreacher
I can’t get no-oo, satisfaction, and I try, and I try, and I try, and I try…. I CAN’T GET NO, …..
The Rolling Stones, we all sang along…
We never found Satisfaction. We are still seeking, hoping, and wondering, if it can be found.
So many of us, are not satisfied, even today.
We don’t have enough, money, a big enough TV, a nice enough car, or a big enough house, pool, pet, ect…
We all want more. (Please sir, may I have more?) [Oliver].
Whether rich or poor. We are never satisfied.
The Disciples, (when told to feed the 4,000), said: How can we satisfy so many?
The Bible warns us “the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8)
“The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life.” (1 John 2:16)
These are the things of this world, they are the cause, of all sin. We need to look beyond this world.
So many, because of Harvey and this weekend, Irma. Have or will lose everything.
Yet, others I know and love, in the last few weeks, have lost a piece of their hearts, their own flesh and blood.
Unrelated, to the Natural or National Disasters.
I cannot imagine the pain and frustration of any of these loses.
It rains on the just, as it rains on the wicked.
The just have a great advantage. The availability of the Mercy and Grace of God.
The pain is still real, the grief, the lack of understanding, of the whys and wherefores.
The tearing apart of our hearts.
Yet, comfort can be found.
Psalm 116:3-7 (KJV)
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.”
There will be rest and peace, after the mourning, the pain will subside, hope will return, “weeping may endure through the night, but joy commeth in the morning. ”
The Lord will comfort and keep you through the darkest hours. The light of day shall awaken you, to His love and grace.
Lord, I pray for those who have lost, all but hope, the last few weeks.
Only You, Lord, are able to comfort and restore, that which they have lost.
Whether it is in this physical world or in the spiritual.
You alone, Oh Lord, are our hope and future. Help us, as we call on Your Name.
Let those who trust on You, fear not, and only believe. Amen
My Story: theunfetteredpreacher
The Fence:
We had an old wooden fence around our front porch.
The spindles were not all even in its spacing, and our dog had many avenues of escape.
Bette, my sweet wife, wanted the new prefabricated fence.
Prefabricated? Yeah, right,… delivered in pieces… with directions for assembly.
The top picture, was the first to be put together. I was so proud… straight, leval… (pretty work). lol
It took my wives help to fit the spindles into the top rail and connect it to the end posts.
The next step? Turn the corner. The desire? To match the hight of the first piece.
Looks like I was one half inch low…. I didn’t notice at the time. I finished that section. (Again could not have got the top rail on without Bette’s assistance).
Again straight and leval, all the way down the other sections.
So pleased with myself, (and thankful for Bette’s assistance), only the gate left on the far end. I sat in my rocker to admire my fine work.
One word… SATISFACTION. until, … I noticed that second section, at the corner.
Now, I know, it should have been cleaned and painted first. It wasn’t. Nuff said.
No, it was the corner itself.
So proud of it being straight and leval. How did I end up higher than the first section?
I didn’t notice I had not knocked the top rail to the bottom of the clip it hooked to.
So the rest of the fence is higher than the original.
No worries…. I can live with and laugh at my mistakes.
It will still keep the dog inside. (We hope).
It still looks ok.
No the fence really isn’t the point of the story.
The story is the Gospel, Jesus gave us the first section.
Straight, leval, strong and true.
Full of Power to heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, to save the lost.
The Church turned the corner. Didn’t notice, we weren’t matched up perfectly.
We had the Word, the promise, the hope of Salvation, of Healing of Love, Peace and Joy.
What’s missing? Power.
The Church, by not matching the plan of Jesus, has lost the Power of His Promise.
Where have we gone wrong?
Like the Jews, before Jesus. We took His Words and added to it.
We added Ceremonies, Rituals, Readings, Order…. theses are all man’s inventions.
Jesus taught, touched, ate and met needs.
The Apostles sang, shared, prayed,taught, touched, ate and met needs.
In one accord…. believing His PROMISES.
We have an order of service, the music minister leads us to the announcements and offering.
Then the Pastor leads us in prayer and readings. If he is any good he teaches and touches the needs of the flock.
The problem is, the Pastor, loves the Lord, but has no inspired word from God.
It is easy to teach and preach. We can do that in our natural man.
To work in the Power of God, takes the Spiritual Man.
A man who doesn’t just read and study the Word, but believes and acts on it also.
We must lay hands on the sick, if we expect the Lord to work through us.
We must not give excuses, if we do not see results. According to our Faith and the Faith of the one in need…. so be it.
SAINTS, EXPECT THE WORD TO BE TRUE.
IT IS TRUE. THAT WE DO NOT SEE IT WORKING, IS OUR PROBLEM NOT HIS.
BELIEVE AND RECEIVE.
Build yourself by the renewing of your mind, studying to show yourself approved, recognizing and acting on the Revelation you will receive as you determine to draw closer to God.
Know the power of His Resurrection, the fellowship of His Sufferings, be Conformed to His Image.
Take up His Yoke. Walk with Him.
Build His Church.
The Ministry Years: The final recorded Miracles: theunfetteredpreacher
The final reported Miracles of the Risen Savior.
We should keeps our eyes, ears, hearts and minds open to the possibility of seeing Him ourselves.
Luke 24
two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus,
Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
the eleven gathered together,
as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations
it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Matthew 28
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 20,21
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias;
many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Mark 16
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
“they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.“
The Word confirmed, with signs and wonders following.
Lord, please confirm Your Word. Amen
The Ministry Years: -41st Miracle – The Resurrected Christ – theunfetteredpreacher
The women who had “departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”
Had left Mary Magdalene behind weeping.
She was rewarded by seeing the Risen, not yet Resurrected Jesus. She could not touch Him, yet before the others could get to town.
He had traveled to heaven:
Psalm 2:7 (KJV)
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
Acts 13:33
“God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”
Hebrews 1:5
“For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”
Hebrews 4:7-11 (KJV)
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
Hebrews 5:5
“So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”
1 John 4:9
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
When Christ completed His mission, to die for our sins. When He returned to the Father, He received His Resurrected Body and became, THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON.
It was after this, He met the women fleeing to town, to announce His Resurrection.
They were able to touch Him. “As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”
The only begotten Son, had completed His task, the world through Him could be Saved.
As you read on, we find the lies begin.
Matthew 28:1-15 (KJV)
“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.
And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
The Ministry Years: – 40th Miracle – the risen Christ- theunfetteredpreacher
The Risen Christ, not yet Resurrected, not yet in His Glorified Body, appeared first to Mary Magdalene.
A women, that He had cast out seven devils.
How is it possible that she was the one and only who saw Jesus, alive, yet before ascending to the Father and being Glorified?
“saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.”
“Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
We have seen her many times (12), in the Gospels.
She was special, the others with her, had left, she stayed in tears.
Like John, the Disciple that rested on Jesus’s breast, and was the only Disciple to die a natural death.
Mary Magdalene, was Special for her love.
Please do not misunderstand, all the Disciples loved the Lord, and the Lord loved them all.
Somehow, both John and Mary, had found the Holy of Holies, the special place, the secret place, under the shadow of His wings.
They found the place of rest, that remains for all who love Him.
Oh Lord, help me to find and enter into the Secret Place, the place where I will see, (Psalms 91), “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”
The Secret Place, Lord, I long to live there. Amen
Mark 16:9-11 (KJV)
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
John 20:11-18 (KJV)
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?
She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?
She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
The Ministry Years: Miracle 38. – – theunfetteredpreacher
Luke 22:48-54 (KJV)
The healing of the servant of the high priests ear.
No muss, no fuss, He reached out and touched. Why do we have such a hard time, accepting the promise of our doing the same?
We no longer believe like a little child, knowing our needs and desires are met.
Just a touch from Jesus, saves, heals, sets free, comforts, gives peace, joy, and love.
Accept Him and His Gifts today.
Don’t be like Peter.
Luke 22:48-54 (KJV)
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
Expired Faith: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
What is Expired Faith?
Expired Faith is a Faith that doesn’t really believe that the signs and wonders, miracles, gifts of the Spirit are possible today.
After all I believe, I pray for miracles, I believe in healing, forgiveness, victory in Jesus. I don’t experience these things in my life, so God must not be operating that way since the Apostles died away.
It’s not me, or my Denominational teachings that are holding God back. It is just a time of silence like between the Old and New Testament.
BIRD FEATHERS!!!
theunfetteredpreacher 