Content, hopeful, thankful: bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
obeying the Spirit
My Heavenly Harp: theunfetteredpreacher
I am pleased to have acquired this harp from an old, no name, baby grand.
If you recall I once had the shell of a different baby grand as a lawn planter. (It was not repairable).
It finally fell too far apart, and cost too much to keep it filled with plants. (Exit piano.)
I now have this new, (old), harp, and have finally placed it where it belongs. (My sweet wife will come to love it. lol).
Soon the Confederate Jasmine should begin to weave itself through the strings and cast iron.
It smells and looks so good, when in bloom.
I am a Happy Man.
Thanks for visiting.
We all have the relationship we desire with the Lord. My desire is for a more intimate one.
theunfetteredpreacher.com
How long will ye vex my soul? theunfetteredpreacher
Job 19:2
“How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?“
The richest man, the most righteous man, a perfect man, of his time. He feared God and hated evil.
He was afflicted by his ‘comforters,’ and after losing everything, he cries out to them and the Lord.
“How long? How long, will you vex my soul? How long, will you break me, with your words?”
Have you been at that place? Broken, torn asunder, confused….?
It seems to be a familiar place to me. I apparently live there.
Tears, Fears, Loneliness, are knocking on my door. Will they still find me, if I refuse to open?
To late, they are here. There is no way to avoid them.
The only coarse of action, is to cling to the Lord. To trust, He will bring us through the trials and tribulations of this life.
He is my Shepard, my Hope and my Comforter… Amen
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
What does it mean? theunfetteredpreacher
What does it mean, to Preach the Gospel?
There are multitudes of Preachers and Teachers, who are Proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. “Christ in you, the hope of Glory,” even today.
Yet, it is still a mystery to some.
Colossians 1:26-29
“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
We warn and teach, in our wisdom, all who will listen, so all men could be perfect in Christ. (In our Wisdom, is the problem).
Our goal, should be to manifest God’s Wisdom. Has it been manifested to you?
I don’t know that it has, looking at our Powerless Ministries.
Is Christ really within? Do we manifest, (proclaim, show forth), His Love, Grace and Power?
I believe, most of us, fail this test. Our Words, may be correct, our prayers beautiful…
Our results, less than promised.
Why is this?
Jesus, sent John’s Disciples back to him, to proclaim what they had seen. The blind, seeing, the lame, walking, the lepers, cleansed, the deaf, hearing, the dead raised. (Matthew 11:4-6)
The only thing visiters to our Services see, is the Gospel proclaimed to the poor, (those without). We lack Power in our Words, and Actions.
As the believers went forth, Preaching the Kingdom, the Lord was with them, confirming His Word, with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
When I look behind, I see nothing, no signs, worders or miracles, no followers either, (lol), for that matter.
Hebrews 4:1-3
“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.
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.,
The Word we have heard has not profited us as it should have, we do not rest in the Lord. The Hebrews did not enter into the Promise, because of an evil heart of unbelief.
Paul spoke of striving to Fully Preach the Gospel of Christ. This included signs and wonders, by the Power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:19)
Saints, I covet your effectual fervant prayers today, we just received bad news. Will elaborate at a latter time.
We need His Mercy, Grace and Power today.
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
Neglected Caroline. 6/16/18
November 2014
June 2018
“Why do you not understand?” theunfetteredpreacher
So many do not understand, so much, including me.
I do not understand why the Lord chose the shedding of blood for the remission of sin.
He could have chosen running the 4 minute mile, or playing the Flight of the Bumblebee, on any instrument. Or scaling a rock cliff.
No, He needed, wanted, the blood. I do not need to understand why.
It is what He demands, for the remission of sins, to make us Blameless in Christ. Accepted by the beloved.
As believers, we accept this truth.
A problem arises, when we use man’s wisdom, to explain the Spiritual things of God.
In Acts 2, it tells us that all the believers who had gathered received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
All the people who spoke other languages, heard them in their own language. Ergo, they spoke in foreign languages.
That is not what the Bible says. “They spoke in other Tongues.”
Ecstatic Spiritual Utterances, which the Lord gave the hearers interpretation, in their own languages.
Some information from The Encyclopedia of The Bible.
Tongues, Gift of
granted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (comp. Joel 2:28, 29).
Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1 Cor. 12:10-14:30, “divers kinds of tongues” and the “interpretation of tongues.” This “gift” was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be “a sign to them that believe not.”
Tongues in the OT. The NT doctrine of tongues—ecstatic spiritual utterances not consciously or rationally controlled by the speaker, but believed to be a direct product of divine operation and Spirit-filling—has a long pre-history in the OT. When Peter explained this phenomenon to the crowds of Jewish pilgrims gathered at Jerusalem, he did so in terms of the words of Joel (Acts 2:15-21). Secondly, in 1 Corinthians 14:21f., Paul explained the evidential nature of tongues to the unbeliever from Isaiah (Isa 28:11).
Most scholars would agree that the ecstatic experience recorded of the seventy elders (Num 11:24-29) is an OT reference to “speaking in tongues,” although the word used in the text is “prophesied.” Clearly the phenomenon is, in this context, the outward sign of the Spirit’s coming and presence. This ecstasy is not directly attributed to Moses himself; indeed, his position is contrasted with that of the ordinary “prophet” (12:7, 8). It may be that the OT נָבִיא, H5566, (prophet) actually means “ecstatic speaker.” Samuel also was surrounded by a group of ecstatics (1 Sam 19:18-24); their infectious “prophesying,” which seems to have been at least akin to “tongues,” was held to be a sign of Yahweh’s presence; yet Samuel’s reputation as a prophet was based on something else (1 Sam 3:20). The same is true of Elijah and Elisha. There is also evidence for similar ecstatic behavior at this time on the part of the prophets of Baal, prob. included ecstatic utterances (1 Kings 18:28). In the later days of the great “writing prophets” of Israel, there is no reference to any such phenomena whatsoever, unless the “trances” of Ezekiel should be so considered.
I think these words, explanations help to clear up our thinking.
Question, the Holy Spirit, relyon Him to guide you to Teuth.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
God and His Timing: theunfetteredpreacher
In Bible study Wednesday night, we studied 2 Corinthians 3:4-4:6. Paul, in these Scriptures encourages us to understand, that it is the Spirit, that calls us, changes us, makes us able ministers of God.
When people reject us, or what, we share, they are really rejecting God. As the Lord told Samuel, when the people demanded a King.
Even knowing this, I allowed myself to become frustrated, when a beleiver, Baptist taught, misquoted Scriptures, and it’s meaning to me.
From Acts 2, when all the believers, received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues.
That I claimed, people who didn’t speak in tongues, or have the B of S, were not Saved.
I pointed put, we must be believers to receive the Baptism, and we must ask Him, for the Gifts, if they didn’t ask, they would never receive.
Point 1. You must be a believer, to ask and accept the Holy Spirit into your life. You can ask and accept the Gift of Tongues or not.
It does not affect your Salvation, if you refuse the Gifts God wishes to give you.
I believe, the Gift of Tongues, (our prayer language, is the first one God gave the believers, because it is the easiest one to learn to use. It was last on the list because people in Corinth, misused it.
I can understand how easy that is. It is a wonderful, experience.
The Lord gives us a Special Prayer Language.
(Seperate, from the Tongues and Interpretation we use to edify the Church).
So our Spirit can speak directly to God, without our understanding.
He Replied? God knows all the languages, there are. Why would He give us a Special one? He alreay knows our needs and desires.
Point 2: The Scriptures on our Prayer Language:
1 Corinthians 12: 1.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
Speaking of our Prayer Language:
1 Corinthians 14: 2.
“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
We need not interpret our Prayers…
1 Corinthians 14: 4.
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
To Edify ourselves is not a bad thing. To Edify, means to build up, Physically or Spiritually.
Jude 1: 20.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”
When we pray in tongues, we build up our Faith. When we in public, have Tongues,with Interpretation, we also build up the Church.
1 Corinthians 14: 4-5
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
Point 3: Should we seek the Gifts of the Spirit?
1 Corinthians 14: 13,14 18-19
“Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”
Point 4: Should we encourage others to ask for the Gift of Tongues, or any of thr Gifts? Public Tongues with Interpretation.
1 Corinthians 14:20-22
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
Again the difference between Church and Private Prayer.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
We are in control, it is up to us, when we use Tongues:
1 Corinthians 1r:32-33
“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
1 Corinthians 14: 37-40
“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Let all things be done decently and in order.”
I need to remember, they are rejecting God’s word not me.
Open their eyes, ears, and hearts, that they might grow in You.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Directions for Sharing: theunfetteredpreacher
As Christians, Paul gives us direction, on what and how we should share the Gospel of the Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 3:4-4:6)
First, we must realize, it’s not about us, we are not capable of changing ourselves, or anyone else.
It is Jesus who gives us Power, (the Holy Spirit), to change, to become His image. (from living a life of darkness to light)
It is only through His Power, (the Holy Spirit), that our sharing becomes life to those who hear.
Jesus alone, makes us Able Ministers of the Gospel. We minister life, only by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were continually reminded of their failings, their sin. (daily, yearly, continuous sacrifices, always seeking absolution).
Moses, covered the fading of the Glory of God, with a vail. You had to go to the Mountain or Tabernacle, to meet with, to satisfy God, to spend time with Him.
Of course, this was not completely true, some, Noah, Abram, David, were the exceptions.
Today, the Spirit resides within us, we only need to call out, to Praise and Worship, to receive His Glory. To remind Him that He said, “I will never leave you, or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
Hebrews 9:28.
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Because we have this promise, (of the Spirit within), we have hope. We no longer need the Ritual shedding of blood, or the Ceremonial actions of sprinkling that blood.
We are covered with His blood. This is a truth I do not understand…. Blood sacrifices.
“Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. (Matthew 26:28)
We now, simply call upon the Lord, by the Power of His Spirit, He responds. We simply put on…
Colossians 3:14
“put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Colossians 3:12
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
Colossians 3:10
“put on the new man,”
Colossians 3:9
“put off the old man with his deeds;”
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 4:24
“put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Galatians 3:27
“put on Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:53
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
We are only able to put on, these things, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, He is the agent of change.
He has given us a ministry, by His Power, to share His love and Grace. Not rules, or rituals, but love, grace, liberty…
The lost, can not understand, the freedom of becoming love slaves of Jesus. It is pure, simple, we need not use religious speech, justification, sanctification, even salvation.
When they seem to reject us, and the need for Salvation, it is not our job to convince them.
They are not really rejecting us, but God. It takes the Power of the Holy Spirit to turn on the light of the Lord, in their hearts.
Our job, faithfully share the love and grace and forgiveness, that we received. Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
theunfetteredpreacher.com
If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. theunfetteredpreacher
“We are all born ignorent, but it takes hard work to remain stupid.” Ben Franklin
Why do so many of us remain stupid? Oh, not that we know nothing, but that most of what we know, is meaningless, temperal, not eternal.
1 Corinthians 14: 38.
“But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”
So many reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must set it before them, if they refuse it? They will remain ignorant.
Then we have those who have gladly accepted the Gospel, yet reject much of it, that they do not understand. These people remain stupid.
They have rejected the best of the Gospel. Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.“
Oh, we know, we are the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21), in Christ Jesus, we sing we have peace like a river, (Isaiah 66:12), but do we really experience joy in the Holy Ghost?
Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3, what true ministry should be. First, we must teach the New Covenant, it isn’t the Law that should guide us, but the Spirit.
We need to recognize His leading, council, and guidance.
Learn to walk in the Spirit, not the flesh, to put on the Spiritual as we take off the Natural.
Allow the Holy Spirit to write, God’s law on our hearts (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–12). The Holy Spirit will give us a love for God’s moral standards and the power to obey them. (Rom. 8:4; 1 Cor. 7:19)
We must, realize Christs blood makes us righteous, it is just like we never sinned, we are Justified, we are called to seperate ourselves out for His service, to become Sanctified.
This is started in our Salvation, but we must Transform and Renew our minds, by studying and obeying the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 3: 6. It is Jesus:
“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
We have been delivered from our bodies of sin and death, and given the power to overcome temptations. The Power to become true children of God, able to walk in victory, even as it loooks like we are defeated.
Galatians 1: 4. It was Jesus:
“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
I am Disappointed, Displeased and Disgusted: theunfetteredpreacher
I am Disappointed, Displeased, and Disgusted. In my youth, I desired to grow up to be an entertainer.
My favorites were Danny Thomas, Dick Van Dyke, and as I grew older Bob Hope, and Bill Cosby.
It is amazing, if you see them today, (on film or Netflix), or hear them on old audio tapes, they are still funny, patriotic, and family frendly.
(Cosby, was loved by all, till he spoke some conservative truths, he didn’t even turn in his liberal card, just agreed with some truth). Now hated, shunned, hated. SAD
You cannot find family frendly broadcast TV, anymore. Language, Sex, Perversions are all glorified.
Do not get me wrong.
I love sex as much as the next guy, at times I even swear like a sailor. (lol) Especially if I slam my hand in a door.
If I am just aggregated, and you are standing close, you would hear me muttering, in less than what polite society used to accept.
Perversions? Well in our world today, believing the Bible, as truth, globel warming a hoax, and respecting our Police, Military, and those in Authority is the new Perverse.
I was on FB, and saw a video meme from the onion, that looked like it might be funny.
It wasn’t, GD’s, FU’s, FThis, every other word in the first two minutes… I didn’t listen anymore.
Even funny written quotes, seem to need foul language.
Saints, as long as we allow it to continue, it will get worse. We need to stand up, and demand things must change.
We need to pray, that the Lord will bring Godly leaders into entertainment, sports, TV, Politics, local and beyond.
Lord Help!!! Please… Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
What does your Bible Say: theunfetteredpreacher
We all have persoal Bibles. Verses that we understand and hold on to. The part of the Word we accept, memorize, and rely on.
Lord help the man who disagrees with our interpretation.
It is said, that Thomas Jefferson, made his own Bible. By cutting out the verses he liked, and making his own.
I believe it, because, we see the very same thing today.
Denominations, have done much the same. They preach the Church Calendar, the Lectionary.
Making their own Bible, with the parts they like and understand. Condemning their flocks, to a limited knowledge of the Lord, and a powerless relegion.
A Ministry of little thought or prayer, and no revelation, (yet, they believe they have it all).
We end up with dry, and tasteless Worship Services. All ceremony, lacking substance, light and life.
Reverence, without joy, rituals, lacking praise, ceremony with out Godly intervention.
A relegion that is comfortable, that doesn’t require much of the flock. Just show up Sunday, punch your time card, your place in heaven is secure.
There is no reason to study, to transform your mind and heart, the Pastor knows the way, and will guide you.
Saints, we need to know the whole council of God. We need to know His Word, so we know we are traveling in the right direction.
I am not saying our Denominations are leading us astray, only that they sometimes can hinder our understanding of the Lord, and what He requires of us.
It is our responsibility to seek the Lord, the Pastors and Teachers, should be leading us, to a closer walk with Him.
We should be encouraged to search the Word. If we ask them for guidance, they should give Biblical Wisdom and Knowledge, not mans wisdom, or interpretation.
Sometimes, it’s a mystery, is the answer.
Do not try to explain why the answers you seek, are not apparent.
Sometimes, it is a test, or even no. Accept it, move on.
Allow God to be God. It is our job to be obedient, His to answer. Seek the full council of God, not man. Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
What draws you? theunfetteredpreacher
How is it that Billy Graham, could preach the same message for over 50 years, and still draw a stadium full of listeners?
Why do people flock to certain Pastors, Teachers, Speakers, and not others?
Good Grammar? Music, Excitement, Entertainment?
Why don’t they flock to hear me, or any of the Pastors, Teachers, or Speakers, in the thousands of little Churhes,in our towns?
One reason: The Anointing of God.
Somewhere, Somehow, the Anointed of God, found the key to God’s favor and grace.
The Lord does not love them more than the rest of us, but they found the place, leaning on the breast of the Lord.
They have learned to come boldly to the Throne Room of Grace, and have received the Mercy and Grace they needed.
It shows in the Power, that accompanies their message of the Gospel. Results….
There is plenty of room for us all. If? If we will seek the Heart of God.
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
As I Look… theunfetteredpreacher
As I look in the mirror, I do not recognize the old man looking back.
As I look at my actions, I wonder where my better man went?
As I search my heart, it brings me to tears. I am selfish, prideful, and lazy.
Yet…
As I look to God, I recognize, undeserved mercy and grace.
I realize, in repentance I am forgiven, blameless under the blood of my Savior and Lord.
How long, Oh Lord? How long must I deal with my Natural Sinfulness?
Who will deliver me from this body of sin and death?
Only Jesus.
Please Lord, change my heart, mind and attitude. Help me to be obedient, fill me with Your love and grace. Amen
O ye simple, understand wisdom: theunfetteredpreacher
A revisit
O ye simple, understand wisdom: theunfetteredpreacher
“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.” Proverbs 8:5
How often have we heard, “It’s not that simple.”
Usually from people trying to make a decision, one way is hard, but right. The other is easy, but sleazy.
Or, “It’s complicated.” When it really isn’t.
We put up straw men, (: a weak or imaginary argument or opponent that is set up to be easily defeated), when it is something we know we should do, “but don’t wanna.“
That’s not really the point. He is talking to all of us, who would rather stand on tradition, Church Doctrine, or our own understanding, then the Word of God.
“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.“
The first mention of Wisdom in the Bible, tells us Godly Wisdom is a Spirit.
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.”
Godly Wisdom is given for a specific task. In this case, to make the sanctified, (set apart for God’s service), garments for the High Priest. Only to be used, while ministering to the Lord.
Individuals also received the Spirit of Wisdom for the building of the Lords Tabernacle or Home, in the desert.
We see in the New Testament the Spiritual Gifts include a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.
Both are things we could not know or understand in our Natural Man. They are given to us for the building of His Church, His Body for the work of the Gospel.
The Word of Knowledge is best shown in the life of Jesus.
He saw Phillip under the fig tree, (before being introduced), He saw the Desciples, in the midst of a storm in the sea, (before walking on water out to them).
Or with Rahab the harlet, when she told the spies to return another way. She knew if they didn’t, they would be captured.
A Word of Wisdom, tells us how to accomplish a certain task. Like building Gods Church. Or a certain path or way to proceed to avoid difficulty.
“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.”
Our problems arise when we use the Wisdom of our Natual Man.
We use Man’s wisdom all the time.
Webster says Wisdom is:
“: knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life
: the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand
: knowledge of what is proper or reasonable : good sense or judgement.“
That is Man’s wisdom, we need it, and we should seek it, but do not expect it to line up with the Wisdom of God, or use it for the Work of the Gospel.
Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
We need to seek out “Godly Wisdom. ”
A fair amount of our Churches are barely hanging on, attendance, tithes and giving are barely making expenses.
Our Natural Man tries Special Services, Home Coming, a movie and a meal, all to no avail.
To increase attendance, we must have a wonderful, engaging speaker, (that’s probably not you or I). Or the Spirit of God. We need the Spirit of God to grow His Church.
The Spirit of God, cannot be found in our Rituals, Traditions or Church Doctrines. The Bible is clear.
John 4:23
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
What does this mean? We need to learn to sit at His feet. To learn to hear Him. To enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and His courts with Praise.
Sounds like an old song, doesn’t it? It is and it is the Word of God. (Psalm 100).
Our Sunday Services are so structured there is no room for the Holy Spirit to appear. We invite, then deny Him entrance.
We don’t wait on the Lord, we expect a microwave experience. Set for 30 seconds then enjoy.
Like a woman, the Holy Spirit needs to be romanced. We must learn true Praise. Not just the Doxology, but a lifting of our voices, our hearts, a clearing of our minds of all but expecting an in counter with God.
That in turn needs to morph into Worship. A bowing down of our will to Him. Allowing Him to truly reign in our hearts.
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
If we would allow Him, He would teach us the way to the Holy of Holies. We can and must learn how to enter boldly, to find the grace and mercy we need.
1 Corinthians 2:5
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
The Church needs the POWER OF GOD. If it wants to be the place where the Lord resides and the multitudes gather to learn His ways.
Open our eyes and hearts to welcome Your Spirit into our Services. Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
A Simple Truth: theunfetteredpreacher
A Simple Biblical Truth
Romans 10:9-10
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
A Simple Truth:
Believe and Confess/Confess and Believe. They go together like a horse and carriage, or love and marriage.
Which comes first?
Today it is anyones guess,… but historically; The horse pulled the carriage, Love led to marriage and believing leads to confession.
As Christians, belief and confession is the only, acceptable road to Salvation. I know of no other path to the Father except through the Son.
Taking this as truth, we should live this:
Mark 16:
“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.” Jesus to believers.
Why do we see so few signs:
(: something (such as an action or event) which shows that something else exists, is true, or will happen). Websters definition.
We see very few wonders:
(: a feeling caused by seeing something that is very surprising, beautiful, amazing, etc.
: something that is surprising or hard to believe). Webster again.
“SHALL FOLLOW” Do they? IF SO; THEY ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.
For well over 35 years, I have been telling myself, these things are not happening because:
➤ “I cannot be trusted”:
1. To give Him the Glory.
2. To remain faithful and true.
3. To humble myself to His will.
➤ “I am not Spititual enough to be used”:
I am not walking in the light, life and in the power of His Yoke. I am not at rest in Him. I am not in tune with His will.
This all may be true, for me, but, what is your excuse?
IT IS ALL NONSENCE:
Jesus, did not give any conditions, or experation dates… THE ONLY CONDITION… IS BELIEVE.
As we must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, to be Saved, we must confess His will and Word to see results.
Signs and Wonders, should be and must be the natural result of our belief. If we do not see them we have a problem with our belief.
The problem is if? If it is Your will? Really, did you not understant what He said?
“THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW”.
Who?
“THOSE THAT BELIEVE”.
That should be you and me.
We will see signs and wonders following, when we learn the simple truth. Believe and Confess.
Yes, that simple.. “Be healed in the Name of Jesus.” Be thou removed in the Name of Jesus.”
It is the Name of Jesus, that holds the power of resurection, healing, deliverance, recovery of sight, hearing, a sound mind.
We confess Salvation, because we believe.
We need to confess and believe to see…
Does it make sense? Not really, then again Salvation is a fact, and, still a mystery.
Start to stand on Gods Word, Believe Gods Word, ACT ON GODS WORD.
Saints, the Devil is in our (unspoken), Doctrine. Speak, Believe and See the Salvation of God.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
A Simple Truth #2: theunfetteredpreacher
An older truth, revisited
A Simple Truth #2: theunfetteredpreacher
In my post A Simple Truth #1, I explained why learning to truly Praise the Lord, is how we come to know Him better.
Psalm 76
King James Version (KJV)
“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.”
A Simple Truth #1:
“In Judah is God known:” Judah simply means Praise.
By Praising God, we Magnify, Glorify, Exult His Majesty. We make Him first in our lives and lead others to recognize His presence. So let us look at:
A Simple Truth #2:
~”In Salem also is his tabernacle,”
Salem, simply means peace.
hitchcocks-bible-names-dictionary
“Salem. complete or perfect peace”
Peace is where He Resides.
Isaiah 26:3
King James Version (KJV)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
We are His Tabernacle, His home, as we learn of Him, to trust in Him, to rely on and expect Him to bless us.
As we walk in His truth. PRAISE AND PEACE.
“There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle.”
That is where we find protection from our enimies and the tools we must use to defeat them.
Find His peace, by singing, praying, meditation, repeating His Word. It is through knowing and believing His Word we have the victory.
Saints, I cannot emphasize enough, how important it is to know Gods Word.
His promises, providence and His principles for a Godly life.
2 Simple Truths, that will allow whosoever to stand fast and quit ye like men.
When we refuse these Simple Truths our religion becomes more important than our relationship.
Our rituals more important than His presence.
Our Worship Service a form of Godliness, that denies the Power of God.
Please acknowledge, accept and practice these Simple Truths. Allow the Lord access to your heart.
In Praise is God known. He resides in Peace.
He keeps us in perfect peace, when our mind is on Him, when we trust in Him.
Psalm 76
King James Version (KJV)
“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.”
Thanks for visiting. Come back soon.
Know you are loved.
theunfetteredpreacher.com
Neither was the word revealed. theunfetteredpreacher
Have you experienced times, when the Word is closed to you? Some days, I can open the Word anywhere, and receive a Word from the Lord for me.
It is personal, a revealation, a blessing beyond imagination.
Then, there are times like now, it is dead, empty, meaningless. As it must be for unbelievers.
Why does this happen? My best guess is, I have ignored, or missed the mark, of the high calling of God on my life.
What?
I have not followed the last revealation of the Lord. Probably something that seemed insignificant to my natural man, but was extremely important in the Spiritual.
Or it could just be a test, to see if I will continue to Seek His Face, even when He is not easily found?
It could be that I am deaf and blind to the Lord’s desires.
Most probably the later…. lol
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
Lost? Or Running? theunfetteredpreacher
In my post about Fritz running away, a freind mentioned the Shepard who leaves the 99, to find the one who is lost.
The conundrum is Fritz wasn’t lost, he was running.
We were in the wrong, going after him. The difference between the lost sheep and the Prodigal son, is the key.
A lost sheep wonders away, he is not paying attention to the Shepard. There is no malice, no thought of rebellion, no desire to separate himself.
He just realizes he is not where he belongs.
The Shepard, understands, and seeks him, to bring him back to the flock.
The Prodigal, deliberately leaves the household, the Father, does not go after him, but watches for his return. He understands the need of the son to find his place in the world.
When the son realizes his mistake, he comes back to the Father and repents of his sin.
The Father receives with open arms, as He did the lost sheep. The difference is in the one who is either lost, or in hiding.
Fritz was hiding, looking for his own place in the world, we should not have chased him, but waited for his return. He did not wonder away, but ran.
He was not ready to come home, so he needed to be caught, not welcomed into the car.
Lord I pray, when I stray, I am just not paying attention, that I not be hiding, or running from You.
Lord, keep me close. I need You. Amen
Running away: theunfetteredpreacher
My wife and I have had three dogs, during our 34 years of marriage. All of them have been runners. Why?
They are fed daily, loved on, (petted, spoken to, praised), Multiple times a day.
Yet, leave an opening, and they are gone.
Now, Fritz, our current dog, has always jumped in the car, when we chased him down, Not this last time…
He kept going, ignored us, and explored more of the neighborhood.
I finally found him, (behind a neighbors house), picked him up, (only 20 pounds), and started back to the car. I fell. I did not lose the dog though.
I hung on for dear life. The problem, it turns out, was I could not stand up, without letting Fritz go.
I laid there, hoping my wife or someone would come by. I attempted to stand several times. No Joy.
Finally, a man came out of his home, I asked for help. He kept Fritz where he was, while I found my feet, he opened the door of my car, I brought the dog home.
Bette, brought the dog in, (I was useless). She told me to clean the blood off. What blood?
Blood from cuts on my face, from my fall.
I will never understand why, a dog we love and only want the best for, runs.
I also will never understand, those who know the Lord’s love, and understand, He wants the best for us, why, we continue to run from, instead of to Him.
Why, do we think Freedom from God, is better than Freedom In God.
We lack understanding, of the Spiritual. We cling to the Natural.
Lord, draw me close to You. Amen
Starbucks, you’re nuts: theunfetteredpreacher
Close your stores for three hours or more.
When all it should take; is a quick 4 words or less.
DON’T GET STUCK ON STUPID!
OR, USE YOUR BRAIN!
theunfetteredpreacher 