I don’t know whether it is the pain or the pills that are making it hard for me to study and to write.

I read,  and a verse catches my eye, I begin to search out the word and the brakes,  self apply. 

My mind seems to close, I have lost my way.  My train of thought has fallen off the tracks.  

My drive wheels, are just spinning,  moving fast, going nowhere, and going there slowly.   There is grease on the tracks.   

I cannot think, I cannot write.  

Like my desire for a platform, a pulpit, a people to share the word, I am going nowhere.

Like this post.   Lord, help.   Amen

Here are some verses we should both memorize, and learn the addresses.   If your Bible has a concordance start there.

I will have several on hand if needed.

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

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

My sweet wife, Bette and I have been married, for 33 years, this month.  I now know, it is love, but, when I first saw her?  

I think, a little lust, might have been involved.

Speaking with some friends about marriage,  I commented that in all our years together, we never, seriously contemplated divorce. 

Murder, (Well…)  …  lol

The truth is it took time to know each other.  

There are things both of us have come to know about each other…  That quite frankly, are not so flattering. 

Are they deal breakers?  

No, they are a small part, of the people we love.

The woman, I made a vow, to love, and cherish till death, (there it is again…  lol), does us part.    

The point is, all becomes evident,  as we walk with each other daily.   Good times and bad.  We have each other.

I know I have disappointed her many times in many ways,  she has been angry, embarrassed, humiliated, broken and loved.

It is all part of the package, an uncomfortable truth of life.  She has never left me nor forsaken me.

Why?  

Because, her example, of what LOVE IS, comes from her abiding in, the beloved.  She loves and walks with Jesus,  first.

Then she can find, the strenghth, courage, and ability to keep me straight. (The peace, joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost),

My reason for this post, originally, to encourage my friends who read this, to get to know the Lord.  As well as your spouse.   

NOW,…   

I just want to end it by thanking my sweet Lord, for Bette, my love and the wonderful child, (Celeste), He has given us.

If they were the only Blessings the Lord ever gave,  my heart would be full.  

Thank You, Jesus

Psalm: 137. 4. 

“How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?“

Is your church of the tribe of Judah?   When first saved, I thank God I was in a Church that loved the Word.

We sang the Word, in choruses,  we were taught the Word in Sermons,  in Baptisms in Communion.

I am in a Church now, that sings of “The Old Country Church, ”  with great enthusiasm, they have not been taught to sing the Word of God.

The people love the Lord, like the Catholic Church I attended as a child.  

They have met the Master,  but left the Holy Place to return to their respective lives.  

From lack of Biblical knowledge, they have been robbed of the Fellowship of the Lord.  He isn’t a real part of their Christian life.

They serve Him, as best they can, without the realization, or inclination to draw closer.

Matthew 22:13-14  (KJV)

“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
   For many are called, but few are chosen.”

They are invited to the marriage supper.   They have chosen to attend.   They have not donned the wedding garment.   They do not understand that they haven’t.   The knowledge of what it is, is not there.

For years I struggled with the scripture, 
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Many accept Salvation, then reject His offer of more.  A closer personal relationship.  

Psalm: 65. 4. 

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

The Lord desires, that we approach Him, and take up His Yoke.  Realize this:   

We must take up His Yoke.  It is not placed on us, we are not driven like cattle to do His work or will.  It is our choice. 

The only one who keeps us from a close relationship with our Lord is us, because we lack the understanding of His call.

As a Catholic,  I believed the Gospel,  as many Christians do today,  the problem wasn’t that the Lord was not real, I believed.

I resented the fact that I had to change, I had this command to “be ye perfect, and walk before Me.”

For that is what I understood.   He placed a yoke upon us, a yoke to make us obey, and to do His  will, His work.   (I rebelled at His demand).

I did not understand His Grace, in Genesis 17, the Lord (the Law Giver), said to Abram,  “walk before Me and be ye perfect.”   

I did not hear God (the Creator, our Saviour), say, “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee,”  We really don’t recognize the distinction. 

Grace doesn’t burden us, yoke us, make us slaves.

NO, GRACE, invites us, to Take His Yoke.

Matthew: 11. 28-30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.    For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

We miss the blessing, in our misunderstanding of His word.

More next time.    

  

theunfetteredpreacher.com

These are some Bible Study Questions for this week. Will you look them up?

2 Peter: 1. 10. WHAT THINGS has the Lord provided to make us strong and faithful Christians.

2 Peter: 1. 3.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

2 Peter: 1. 8.
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 1.10
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

In 2 Peter 1, find the things that will make us strong and faithful Christians.
~

Does this list remind you of any other lists?
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How about: 1 Timothy 6, Galatians 5, Ephesians 4, Proverbs 6? Any others?
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In what ways are the positive lists the same?
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What things do you need to work on to draw you closer to Christ.
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Which areas do you feel you are strong in?
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List the things that draw us away from Christ.
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Comments please…
“Appreciate compliments from strangers, but treasure feedback from friends.”  

(This quote Copied from friend and teacher, Bruce Gibbs who copied from Andy Needham:)

It is now mine… lol

The Word of the day?   Simple, it is  repeated 26 times in Psalm 136. 

 “For his mercy endureth for ever.”
Whose mercy?  Gods.   It is also new every morning.

Today is the day.  Accept his Love and Grace.  Recognize His mercy.

A good word, from my friend Nelson…

R. N. HOPKINS
CREATIVE IDEAS AND WITTY INVENTIONS

This morning my thoughts are on a verse I heard quoted a number of years ago as, “I wisdom dwell with prudence and give knowledge of creative ideas and witty inventions.” (Proverbs 8:12) There was a time when many of the inventions which are now a part of everyday life were greeted with ridicule and skepticism. However, the dreamers persisted and changed life as it was known.

There are many seemingly impossible creative inventions yet to be discovered and put into use for the benefit of others. Wisdom is the principal thing to seek for those who believe this to be true, for wisdom is the practical application of knowledge or thoughts. If we can think it, it can be done. Nothing shall be impossible to him who believes (that nothing shall be impossible). This manner of thinking is not for the timid of heart because of the mindset of the majority of people. Very few are creative thinkers, dreamers and doers. Therefore, they do not know how to respond to someone who not only “thinks outside of the box”, but has decided to crawl out of the box altogether to a no boundaries and endless realm of free thinking and creativity.

So, what does this “I can do all things” person do to remain in possession of creative thought and action until realization of their dreams? Here are a few suggestions:

Keep it to yourself. At least in the beginning. Meditate on your idea(s) until it becomes engrafted into yourself. An engrafted tree limb comes from another source to unite with another tree to produce the purposed fruit. Before harvest both the limb and the root tree must endure the process of growth. In a similar fashion our ideas and creative thoughts come from another source. We must choose to think and to see (at first with only our “minds eye”) during the growth process. Together enduring the “elements” contrary to the desired fruit. This may take a while or not. But until you have truly engrafted your thought/idea to become part of you it is best not to share it or you may become convinced it cannot be.

Write/draw your idea out. A little each day or all at once when you have the light of creativity shining. Challenges will come to diminish or extinguish the light but as a light switch is turned on to dispel darkness your written thoughts will be the light encouraging you to “keep on trucking”. “It is written” was the process Jesus Christ used when tempted to depart from His purpose. It will work for you too.

When you are confident share with others in hopes of finding one mind and one accord for the purpose of iron sharpening iron. Gain additional perspective, questions, insight and input from someone who understands and can be onboard with you without throwing you overboard.

Rehearse and nurse but never curse the process. Even setbacks should be seen as setups for comebacks. Never give up on what is in your heart. Heart is the key word here. Desire and wishful thinking are not the same thing. Desire will deliver over time. Wishful thinking is a waste of time. Keep in mind, ”ALL things work for my good” If it were easy someone else would have already brought forth your ideas. Since they did not it is up to you to endure until the end.

The Promise of the Lord,  if we trust in Him, He will abide with us forever.  No one can snatch us away, cause us to leave Him.  (This does have conditions, read on).

Psalm: 125
“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. 

The wicked, shall not rest upon, (always be there, ruling ), the righteous.  (Lest… a word that means “for fear that”).  The Righteous would turn to sin.

We see this in our country,  a Godless President brings strife, unrest, divisions, that builds and grows stronger.  

It takes time for the Righteous to regain dominance, and for peace to return.

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. 

The Upright in heart and the good, receive good from the Lord.  Are we good?  What motivates us? 

For me, sadly, it is not only the love of God and a desire to serve.   No I battle with pride, with the desire to be seen and recognized, to be looked up to.

I fail miserably on the humble, haughty scale.  Lord help.

Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. 

The Lord keeps, guides, protects and directs the righteous.  That pesky Freewill, is what causes us our problems. 

We can, and many do, turn aside.   The lost, those whose heart is for the Lord, (but searchingl, He seeks, He is available to find.

Those, who like the Prodigal, deside to leave Him.

He watches and waits, He doesn’t chase.  

He allows us to walk away, and leads us with the wicked, to eventual destruction. 

If we stay true?  Peace shall engulf us.

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.”

Lord, help me to defeat the sin that so easily besets me.  Help me to be true.  To love You, and to walk with You.  Amen

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

The question of the day.  

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

This Psalm, was sung, as the people traveled to Jerusalem, to celebrate the five feasts.

I had to read this Psalm in several different translations, to understand the meaning.

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

David, the Psalmist, is encouraging the people to sing out in Praise, to recognize, and proclaim, to all who might hear, the need for the Lords guidance, direction and protection. 

He was telling the world, that if the Lord had not been on their side, they would have been devoured, destroyed, no longer a people.

He told them again, to Praise the Lord.  To realize it was His hand that kept them safe, it was only by the Grace of God, that they escaped the trap that was set for them.

That it was the Lord, who caused the enemy to fail.  It is the Lord, who leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, to the place of eternal life, and safety. 

So, today,  “What if the Lord had not been on our side?”

What disaster have we avoided, what sin, has He kept us from committing, what pathway to destruction,  has He turned us from?

As we continue to Seek His Face.  As we Seek His will and way for our life, we should never cease to Sing out Praise and Worship,  to ptoclaim His Love for all mankind.

True Praise and Worship, Honors Him, Glorifies, Magnifies and Exalts Him.  It brings us to that place of protection. 

As we submit to the Shepherds leading and guidance.   As we Submit to God, and resist the devil, and the devil flees.

We are victorious over sin and death.   Amen

“What if the Lord had not been on our side?“

Psalm 124  (NIV)

Psalm 124
A song of ascents. Of David.
“If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—

if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,

they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;

the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,

the raging waters
would have swept us away.

Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Have the eyes of your understanding been opened?  Have you recognized Jesus as Lord and Savior? 

The day I was Saved, my understanding was opened.  I knew, Jesus was real.  

Suddenly the weight of sin, was lifted and I was walking on air.   I understood my need for Jesus.  

Many Christians have arrived at this place and rejoiced.  They know they are forgiven,  and they are fat, dumb, happy and satisfied, to reside there.

They do not “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” 

They are thankful, they attend church, they do their best to live right, it could be, they don’t smoke, drink or cuss, (or run with those that do).

Yet they do not understand, there can be more.  So, they do not expect more.  

The Lord has included things in the Bible to wake up our curiosity.   Deliberately hidden, in plain sight.  Available for all to who seek Him to find.

Luke: 24. 45.
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures:

As Christians, we should have opened eyes. Some of the Revelations we received will just be interesting.

Why else would the Prayer of Jabez be hidden in the midst of who begat who, untill we are almost blind to the Word?

1 Chronicles: 4:9-10

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

I never saw it until a fellow Bible Student,  (Johnny Rushing), pointed it out.  Mr Wilkerson made a name for himself, publishing a book. “The Prayer of Jabez.”

It is a message to those who seek Him, the Lord is our Shepherd, He will supply all our needs.  We must be more honourable then the world, set apart Sanctified. 

That is probably the most famous of the verses the Lord has hid in plain sight,  for whosoever will seek them.

Our Pastor, Jim Burns has pointed out these scriptures,  I never put the two together till it was revealed. 
Cleophas’s wife was as at the cross, with the other Mary’s.   Later Cleopas and an other Disciple, are joined on their walk home to Emmaus. 

Was the second person Cleophas’s wife?  

Almost certainly.   (Cleophas. (John 19:25)  at cross
 Cleopas.   (Luke 24:18) on road to Emmaus. 

Different spelling a problem ?  

Read more of my stuff…   lol…  (never spell a word the same way twice).   Sorry, different authors, written at different times.   

Our old Pastor David Jones, brought out the truth that we are not made in the image of God.

Adam was, but:

Gen 1.  God created man in his own image,
Gen 5.  Adam, begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image;

Original sin was in the copies.

The one that changed my life is in Exodus 3:4.

“the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him”

Moses saw a burning bush…  the Lord, (the Law Giver), saw, and God, (Grace, Mercy, Salvation, (Jesus)), called to him.

Moses, the man who knew the Trinity better than anyone else, recognized and portrayed them for those who would see.

If we read the first five books carefully, we can see, consider, understand and believe the oneness and the differences between the Lord and God.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find Warriors led by the Lord and Prophets having more interaction with God.  (Read Jesus in the Old Testament).

If you study you may find when Christ became the only begotten Son….

Are there any hidden Scriptures you have found?

Luther discovered grace instead of works…  and changed the course of history. 

That is why we are called to “Study to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”

Saints:

2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)

“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. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

Are our hearts perfect toward Him?  He wants us to know His will, His Truth, His Promises.

Lord, open our eyes, ears and our hearts to You.  Amen 

“Many believed in the Lord,…  and turned to the Lord.”

It is the will of God.  

That whosoever will, would see, consider, understand and believe in the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness of the Lord.

How is this to happen?  What must we do to spread His Word?  How shall they hear, if there is no preacher?  Will they believe, even if they hear?  

Will they believe if the preacher has no power?

Psalm 119:18  (KJV)

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

We cry out, “Open my eyes,”  do we then see?  Is there anything to see?  OPENED EYES…

We cry out that people would see, then talk them to death.  That is not God’s plan.  Peter knew the will of the Lord.  That people would see.

Acts 9:32-43  (KJV)
“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.  

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.”

The plan of the Lord, relies on people SEEING.  Christians today, hear the word and will of the Lord.  We do not witness, (SEE), the will, the work, the Power of the Lord.

Would it interest you to know, that the Psalmist cried out for the Lords eyes to be opened, as often as he  cried out for our eyes to see.

Lord, please open Your eyes, look into my heart and mind.  Cause me to walk in Your ways, empower me to do, Your will, use me to touch, Your people.

May “Many believe in and turn to You,” may You be Glorified, Magnified, Exalted above any other gods in this world, and in my life.  Amen

The change:
From despicable slime, to Saint, who finally became the Leader of the Lords people.  

 Jacob, becomes Israel.   How did this happen? 

   –  After receiving his brothers blessing, and an extra blessing.  

   –  After realizing his brother wanted him dead. 

   –  After realizing he had gone too far.  Cost too much.

He was being cast out, separated from those he knew,  from his family.  

This began to receive a change of heart.  

Life was no longer fun and games.  He had won, took his brothers place, his inheritance, even his pride.  

Now he was losing his way of life, the respect of his friends,  the life he was accustomed to.  

He was being sent away.   Losing his family. 

The Word tells us:

“Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;”

Jacob was alone, cast out, going to a place he knew not, to a people he had only heard of.

It grew dark, Jacob using a stone for a pillow made his bed.  He, in a dream, met the Father, and Son, and saw the Angels of the Son.

“He dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”  (Genesis 28)

Once again, he hears the blessings on his life, the blessings first given to Abraham. 

   >  The land will be his, and his decendents. 

   >  His seed will be multiplied, and will bless all the world.

   >  God will be with him, will keep him, wherever he goes, God will bring him back to the land of promice, God will not leave him, until the Word of the Lord is accomplished.  (Jesus, will never leave us or forsake us).

Like all of us, he was probably a little sceptical.   After all, he knew who he was;  I believe he was growing ashamed,  and was in repentance,  as he was forced to leave all he knew. 

“And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

And he called the name of that place Bethel:” (The House of God).

His attitude,  his actions, his direction and decisions, all changed, in computer terms, he was rebooted, his system was refreshed.

“Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:

And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” (Genesis 28)

When we meet and accept  Almighty God, as our Lord, God, Savior and Supplier.   We change, inside and out.  

 A changed life, a Vow, if God is with me, if God will keep me, If God will supply all my needs, so I may go home in peace, THEN SHALL THE LORD BE MY GOD, AND OF ALL I RECEIVED I WILL GIVE HIM A TENTH.

 This new relationship,  this Vow, changed the man Jacob, he was a new man, as he met his Uncle and bride to be.