Religion

The LORD hath been mindful of us:   theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

This may seem a little long, but if you are familiar with the scriptures it should be a quick read.

Psalm: 115. 9-13

“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.   

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”

This is one of my favorite scripture songs…  Forgotten until, I come upon it once again.

I am not a big fan of Contemporary Christian Songs…  some seem to bring us to the throne, but never make a change in our hearts and minds.

Hymns?  Good messages,  too many words, must read…  we have to think too much.  

 Is either of these Worship?

Not really,  we may call it that, but Worship, is being totally one with the Lord.  In reverence, in obedience, in mind, body and spirit. 

That is why I believe scripture songs truly bring us into His Presence, and soften our hearts to His Word. 

They are easily remembered, enjoyable and simple to sing.  Most importantly:  It is The Word and will of the Lord. 

Look at the scripture:

First order of business, for all of us:

~  “Trust in the LORD:”

Why should we “Trust in the LORD:”

~ “He is their help and their shield.”

Are you an Israelite,  a priest,  do you Fear the Lord? (Love, obey and reverence Him?)  Is He your Savior?

If so “He is your help and shield.”

He also promises:

~ The LORD hath been mindful of us:”

We are not just here on our own.  We have the same opportunity to walk with the Lord, talk to the Lord, as Adam.   He longs to walk with us in the cool of the day,

~  “he will bless us;“

In Deuteronomy 28:1-13, we find the promises of the Lord to those who listen and obey.

* these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,

* Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, of thy ground, of thy cattle, the increase of  thy flocks.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city,in the field.

* Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, goest out.

* Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and in the field.

* And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; be afraid of thee.

* The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

* The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

* The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

*  The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.


*  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

These Blessings of the Lord are ours, only if we Accept them.  Listen and Obey Him, Love and Serve Him.   

Like Salvation,  we must ask, accept and change direction.  If anyone of these is neglected, then we miss His best for us.

Finally, we find, His Blessings are for all, from the least to the greatest.

~ “Both small and great.“

The Lord would have all, to come to a Saving Knowledge of His Love.  

We cannot force others to partake,  to acknowledge His Love.  

When we sing the Words of this song,  people will see, consider, understand and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.

It will be evident in our countenance, actions and hearts.  

Lord, open our hearts to TRUE WORSHIP.

 Amen

Jesus, at birth, man or God?  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

The Bible tells us a lot about Jesus, He is called many things.  Emmanuel, God with us, the Son of God, Son of man, Savior, Lord, Almighty God. 

 The Prince of Peace, a bright and morning star, Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is the Lord, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

How  about?  “The seed of Abraham?”
Hebrews 4:16-17

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

The Holy Spirit came over Mary, the power of the Highest overshadowed her.  Jesus was born, the seed of Abraham…. not full of the Spirit… a man.

Hebrews: 4. 14. 

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Can God be tempted?  

We can try His patience, test His anger, even cause Him to repent of His plans, (Moses on the mountain… reminding the Lord of His promises).

James 1:13
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

Only men and angels fall prey to the temptation of the Devil.   Why would God, Himself have a problem with lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?

Philippians: 2. 7. 

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:   And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

“was made in the likeness of men:”

Jesus, until His Baptism was all man.  The only miracle recorded before this was water into wine.   A special dispensation,  “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”  

He had not yet received the Holy Spirit,  The Father allows the Holy Spirit to work through Him as He did when Jesus sent the Desciples out 2 By 2 to heal the sick, and cast out Devils. 

They did this before they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.   God is able to do the impossible,  for His Word to go forth.
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Jesus was a flesh and blood man, the beloved Son of the Father.  He is able to use us, empower us, if we allow Him.  Elijah,  did miracles, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.  

Many believers can be used by the Father, even before the Holy Spirit Baptism and indwelling. 

James 5:17
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”

Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

I believe and know;  every man, woman and child, wrote about in the Word, whether sinners or saints.  Were all humans, just like you and I.

The Lord uses them for evil or good.  We can be used by the Lord to further His Kingdom.  

We seem to use our power, (results, sad), when we should be seeking the POWER OF GOD. 

Saints, let us, let the Lord work within us…. we need to be empowered by the Lord, to do His will.  

1 Corinthians 2:5
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Amen 

Open thou mine eyes;  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

Psalm: 119. 18.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Saints, the Lord has been silent in my life, now for many days. I have many posts started, and no inspiration to complete them.

The Word of the Lord, has stirred my heart, but not to fulfillment.

My prayer is that the Lord would open a door of utterance. I seek a pulpit, a place to share the Lords love and grace.

I stand believing signs and wonders will follow. As the Word is proclaimed.

No Commentaries, No daily verses, No book of Discipline, No Lectionary, just the Word.

If we run into something we don’t understand, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct.

We must learn to Trust and Rely on Him and His Word. We must take up His yoke, and walk with Him.

Then our eyes will be opened, and His Word will be alive.

Thank You, Jesus… Amen..

Set thine house in order; theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

There came a time, when Isaiah brought news to Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 20

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

It is interesting the way Hezekiah handled the news.  Did he complain and mope?  Did he just accept the Word of the Lord?   NO:

“Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,”

We need to learn, our first response should be turning from our troubles, and turning to the Lord.

Pay attention to what he prayed.  He reminds the Lord of his devotion. 

“I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.”

Like Moses, he reminds the Lord of their past relationship.  With weeping.  He allowed his emotions into his prayer, he was real.

Isaiah didn’t get very far, he had to bring another word from the Lord to Hezekiah. 

It is interesting to note, Hezekiah had powerful prayers, prayers that moved the Lord.  Hezekiah didn’t receive the Lords answers himself. 

“And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him,”

When we allow ourselves to pray, in groanings that cannot be uttered,  when we allow our Spirit to speak directly to the Lord…  He shows us His will.

“Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.”

He doesn’t stop there, He goes to the heart of the matter.

“And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

He gave directions for a healing poltus…  Isn’t it just like us, we want more.  We want confirmation. 

And Hezekiah said,  “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?“

Isaiah said, “This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forth ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?  And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”

Ask for the impossible,  seek that which is beyond our grasp, expect the Lord to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, think or even image. 

“Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

After this, Hezekiah foolishly showed all the kingdoms treasures to strangers from Babylon. 

Isaiah said:  “Hear the word of the Lord.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

This is really bad news.  Sadly, Hezekiah answered:  “Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?”

Who cares what happens to my people and children, as long as peace reigns in my time.

A sad end to a once great king.

None like him:  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

2 Kings: 18:5

“He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.”

What a Testimony,  it’s right up there with David, the man after Gods heart, and Enoch and Noah, who walked with God, Levi, whom the Lord said walks with Me.

Do we really trust in the Lord God?  Is the Lord writing  that on our tombstone?   Probably not.

We don’t really exercise our faith, our lives are too  easy. Our troubles, usually caused by our own decisions.  Not from persecution, not because we stand strong for the Lord. 

We don’t have to fear not, only believe… for our daily bread, our rent, or clothing,  we have modern medicine keeping us alive and well.

These things all diminish our need, our reliance on God.   We can take it from here.

Until something happens to cause us to reach out.   An accident, an incurable decease,  our children in trouble.   

We call out then, and wonder at the hopelessness that haunts and freezes our souls, minds and hearts.

We need to turn back to the Lord.  Realize it is He who has allowed us to prosper, He who has granted us health, strength,  wisdom and peace.  

Not we ourselves,  we are just the sheep of His pasture. 

So who had this great testimony?   Hezekiah, the King of Judah.  It is said:

~ “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord”
~ “he clave to the Lord, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments”
~ “he trusted in the Lord God of Israel;”

The result:
~ “the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth:”

Saints,  I would like that on my tombstone. I would like that in my life.

I purpose in my heart to learn to walk in this revelation,  to do the right thing, to cling to the Lord, and not leave Him, to trust and Rely on Him and His Word.

To expect to be prosperous in the Work of the Kingdom.  To see souls saved, the sick healed, the brokenhearted comforted.

To live in the Will of God, to forsake my own desires, wanting only Him.

Lord, hear my prayer…  Amen

I hear you:  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , ,

I hear you, here he goes again…  the Holy Spirit,  the Gifts… GIVE IT A REST…

For over 30 years I had fellowship with Full Gospel people, for the last 6, with Evangelicals. 

The NON-FULL GOSPEL CHURCHES, NEED THE SPIRIT.   THE CHURCH NEEDS THE POWER OF GOD.

So I am sorry.  I will continue to encourage we all seek the Gifts, the Power,  the Presence of God.

Just do it….   trust the Lord to guide you to all truth.

Shared from Bob Geller

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

In my quiet time this morning, I was moved by the thoughts that Wiccans and other New Age religionists worship the Earth, and the wonders of Nature, yet deny the Creator of those things. One cannot gaze at the “Last Supper” or the “Mona Lisa” and deny the existence or genius of Leonardo. Neither can one read “Gone With the Wind” and deny Margaret Mitchell. Without Beethoven, the Symphonies would not have been written.

Just so, how can one look at the wonder of a DNA molecule, or the Andromeda Galaxy, without seeing the Hand of the Creator? Surely, the creation is less than the Creator, and the omnipotent genius and power of God is evident in that creation. No amount of time and accident can possibly explain the intricate and simple designs of God.

Do we “BELIEVE”?  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christian Walk, serving God , , , , ,

Genesis 15:6

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

The first time “Believe” in the Bible.  Abram, who walked with and sacrificed to the Lord many years, desired a son, was childless, until.

“The Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

Abram asked who shall be my heir?  The answer, Saria will have a son.

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

Believe, the imposible.  That is what Abram did.  He knew the Lord, and believed His word.

He had a son at 99.years old, his wife at 90.

Jesus told many:  “Fear not, only believe.”   They saw the dead raised, the sick healed, the blind to see, the lame to walk.

Do we “BELIEVE?”    I don’t think so, if we did Jesus said:  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.“

The only conditions “BELIEVE,” and, “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.“

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.

Since we do not, do the things Jesus did and more, our error lies in one of these two areas.

“Belief and or love”  What say you?  What do we do?   What can we do?

For years I have thought if I could only conquer the sin that so easily besets me, … and “only then,” would I be a useable vessel of Gods power and love.

WRONG!!!

“Belief and love”

Lord, help my unbelief….  Help me to love…  Amen



Blueprint for Church Growth:  theunfetteredpreacher.com

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , ,

The Blueprint for Church Growth is given to us at least twice in the Word.  Old and New Tesament Scriptures.

A simple line drawing, several points overlapping, easy to understand, but hard for the religious to accept.

When we do things Gods way, we cannot take the credit.  Things happen that are beyond our control or abilities.  Growth, cannot be explained, signs, wonders, healing, miracles.

Everyone knows,  It Must Be God.  He receives the glory.  

As long as we keep doing things in our own strength, our own wisdom, our own power, we will see mans results.

Slow or no growth, signs, wonders, miracles, healings… NOPE.

Gods Plan:

➢ “the people is one” (Genesis 11)

➢ “all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2)

The first point:  The people are one, one desire, one mind, one spirit.  All looking for an answer from above, no worries about the here and now.

➢ “they have all one language”  (Genesis 11)

➢ “all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues”  (Acts 2)

Here comes the sticking point.  
➢ now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. (Genesis 11)

➢ the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2)
Genesis 11:6

“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.”

Acts 2:1-4, 46-47

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

They were one, not because of public speaking in tongues.  They were one because they spoke to God in His language, that He gave them.

1 Corinthians 14:2
King James Version (KJV)
“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.”

Romans 8:26-28
King James Version (KJV)
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

When we are one, praying Gods will, in one accord, NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE,  THE LORD WILL ADD TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED. 

the people is one,  (Genesis 11)

➢ all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2)

➢  they have all one language  (Genesis 11)

➢ all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues  (Acts 2)

➢ now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.  (Genesis 11)

➢ the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  (Acts 2)

Amen

Nevertheless: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christian living, serving God , , , ,

Numbers 14:44
“But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.”

God had told them to enter the promised land.  They would defeat the inhabitants,  and inherit the land.  

They  wouldn’t, so the Lord told them they would wonder in the wilderness one year for every day, the promised land had been searched.

The Lord said:
“Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:”

The original generation of the Exodus, would die in the desert, never entering the promise.

Originally they had been promised the victory over the inhabitants of the land.

When they refused to enter as the Lord commanded, He told them not to go. 

After realizing their error,  they  decided  better late then never, and went to battle  anyway.

The Lord did not go with them. They were beaten badly.

When we ignore the Lords command, do not presume it would work just as well later.

We must follow Gods plan, in Gods time, to see Gods results.

Nevertheless… As you go forward in the faith…

Is God going with you?

O ye simple, understand wisdom:  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , ,

“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



The bricks of our Faith:  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , , ,

We can and should learn some lessons from the Old Testament.  A light bulb turned on for me, this morning, concerning bricks. 

The first mention of bricks in the Bible is in Genisis 11:3,6

“And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

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.”

The building of the tower of  Babel, they had the tools, the materials, the skills, one language and unity of purpose.

“To reach heaven.”   Nothing could stop them, they could do anything they image.  

Until the Lord stepped in.

The next mention is in Exodus 1:14:

“And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.”

The Hebrews, 400 years after Joseph saved the land from drought, a new king, had put them into slavery.

Moses, sent by God, came to set them free, we see the Pharaohs immediate response.

Exodus 5:7

“Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.”

This was a major problem,  making bricks was hard work and time consuming already.  

I think I found this at Eastons Bible dictionary, long ago… If from somewhere else, I apologise, for the lack of mention.

Their efforts produced great results, and although time-consuming, their procedures can be followed to create mudbricks of your own:

1. Mix topsoil and water to create a thick mud.

2. Add straw. While the composition of the mud will affect the exact proportions, as a general rule, add a half pound of straw for every cubic foot of mud mixture. If you have access to grain chaff (a byproduct of threshing), you can use that as temper. If not, chop straw into very small pieces—called straw chaff—and use that.

3. Knead the mud mixture with your bare feet for four days.

4. Once it has fermented (after four days of kneading), leave the mixture alone for a few days.

5. Knead the mixture again on the day you plan to form your mudbricks.

6. Pour the mud mixture into molds (the shape of your choosing) and let them solidify in the molds for at least 20 minutes.

7. Remove from molds and deposit on a drying floor layered with sand and straw to prevent the bricks from sticking to the floor itself.

8. Let the bricks dry for a week.

After the bricks have dried, they are ready to be used—whether to build something new or to reconstruct ancient walls!

Exodus 5:14

“And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?”

Exodus 5:19

“And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.”

So tell me, how or what are the bricks of our Faith?

Look again, at the first mention.  

➢ One language

➢ One purpose

➢ The materials

➢ The Skills

We could have all these things if we would just do that which the Lord requires.

Skills, the Holy Spirit will lead, guide and direct us to all truth, He will teach us, comfort and dwell within us.

John 14:17

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Materials, “My God shall supply all my need, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Purpose, leading the lost to Christ.  Building His Church.

Language: 

Jude 1:20  “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”

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.”

Romans 8:26-27

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
When we reject the Gifts of the Spirit, as not being for today, or God didn’t give them to me, we are not using the Straw the Lord supplies for the building of His Church.

Please, take off your Denominational glasses, read the Word anew, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.

It is hard work making bricks, (building His Church), wirhout the Straw of the Holy Spirit, it only leaves rigour, bitterness and failure.

Allow  the Lord to equip you for His service, Speaking in Tongues is the One Language…  Gods language.

Lord, help us to build Your Church.  Lord, teach us to PRAY.   Amen

Don’t drink the FOOL AID: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living , , , , ,

So many have drunk and are drinking the FOOL AID.  

“God is LOVE, He wouldn’t send me to hell, just because I am gay, or because  I’m having an affair, or I’m involved in some other, so called, victimless activities.

After all we haven’t hurt or killed anyone, we donate to the Red Kettle at Christmas and give our worn out stuff to Charity.

We are good people, normal people, we don’t need the crutches of religion, we are moral, honest, good people.

This scripture cannot apply to us.”

Ezekiel 12:2
“Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.”

This Church, is a picture of our country, our states, our leadership, Federal and State, even unfortunately in some of our churches.

The Truth is available to all, the Word of God.

We see not, hear not, believe not, understand not, consider not, do not…  

I heard a preacher lately, who said God has been silent since the resurection.  We have the Bible and that’s all God has to say.

The problem with this is, there are parts of the Bible that he doesn’t understand, or does not accept for today.  He tells us:

“That ended with the Apistles.  God doesn’t do that anymore.”

Saints, that is not acceptable…

Deuteronomy 29:29

“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.”

There is so much that has not been revealed, to those who will not see or hear.  

We start in the Spirit, we get saved, baptized, maybe even Spirit filled.

Then we proceed in our Natural Man.  It is easy to study, to teach and preach the Word with no Power, except our own.

Galatians 3:3

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

It takes the Holy Spirit to work in the Spiritual Gifts, in the Power to Save, Heal, to DO THE TRUE WORK OF GOD.  To take up His Yoke.

We don’t do that, because if we work in the Power of the Spirit, we cannot take credit.

We would rather make excuses, for Gods inaction, rather then dig deeper Spiritualy, to find that place of Victory, the place where GODS WILL IS DONE.

You realize He healed all that were afflicted. 

 He told us to go out and do the same.  When we fail, because we are working in our power, INSTEAD OF GODS, we claim God isn’t doing that anymore.

ABSOLUTLY UNACCEPTABLE…  GOD SAID IT, WE SHOULD BE DOING IT.  If it isn’t getting done?  It is our fault.

Mark 8:18

“Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?”

Matthew 13:43

“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

We haven’t fought through to the Holy of Holies, we have decided, I’ve got it from here, Lord.  We are not the righteous of God in Christ Jesus.

We haven’t got it, our Churches don’t have it. 

Not a few Pastors should be sanctioned for malpractice.  Am I serious?   Absolutely.

If we do not push into a place where signs and wonders are following…  we really do not believe in the Full Gospel, “Jesus was just lying, telling us tales, untruthful.”

He wasn’t, we have let Him down.   

Look around,  some have found and are walking in the place, where signs and wonders abound. 

Why not us?   Don’t drink the FOOL AID.  ONLY BELIEVE.     Find your place in Jesus.   Seek diligently the best gifts, could it be any plainer?

DO IT.

 Amen

Do we “BELIEVE”?  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christian Walk, serving God , , , , ,

Genesis 15:6

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

The first time “Believe” in the Bible.  Abram, who walked with and sacrificed to the Lord many years, desired a son, was childless, until.

“The Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

Abram asked who shall be my heir?  The answer, Saria will have a son.

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

Believe, the imposible.  That is what Abram did.  He knew the Lord, and believed His word.

He had a son at 99.years old, his wife at 90.

Jesus told many:  “Fear not, only believe.”   They saw the dead raised, the sick healed, the blind to see, the lame to walk.

Do we “BELIEVE?”    I don’t think so, if we did Jesus said:  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.“
The only conditions “BELIEVE,” and, “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.“

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.

Since we do not, do the things Jesus did and more, our error lies in one of these two areas.

“Belief and or love”  What say you?  What do we do?   What can we do?

For years I have thought if I could only conquer the sin that so easily besets me, … and “only then,” would I be a useable vessel of Gods power and love.

WRONG!!!

“Belief and love”

Lord, help my unbelief….  Help me to love…  Amen



Pauls thorn?  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christian living, serving God , , , , , ,

I have thought long and hard about writing this post, we have so many learned mens opinions on this subject.  Why do I come up with something different, and dare write it?

What kind of fool am I?  

Please comment….

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
King James Version (KJV)
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Why did he have a “Thorn in the flesh?“

So he would be humble.  “lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.”  “lest I should be exalted above measure.”

What was the “Thorn in the flesh?”

“The messenger of Satan to buffet me.”

Not much help, we will look deeper.

He asked the Lord three times to take this “messenger of Satan,” away.

The Lords answer:  “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Pauls reaction:  “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

A thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan.  A big enough problem that he asked three times for relief.   While gladly accepting it, if Christs power would rest upon him.

So what was this thorn?

As we study the scriptures we can easily point to his eye problems, he mentions this several times.  It’s probably his eyes.

We could blame persecution, guilt from when he persecuted the church or that he received persecution.  Nope, it’s probably persecution, somehow.

It is thought it might be a sickness, like malaria, epilepsy, convulsive attacks or even a carnal temptation or depression.  Yeah, that must be it.

Why don’t we check the scriptures, The Lord said His grace is sufficient.

Let’s see if any of these combinations are in the word:   grace and persecution:  grace and sickness:  grace and healing:  

It’s funny how grace is never paired with, persecution, sickness, healing or eye problems.

In fact, the only thing I see paired up with grace, (Gods un-merited mercy, or Salvation), is SIN.

Exodus 34:9

“And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.”

Romans 5:20

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Romans 5:21

“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:1

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”

Romans 6:14

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace”

Romans 6:15

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

Ephesians 1:7

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Ephesians 2:5

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

We just do not want to think that Paul might have had a sin, he could not conquer.  Just like me.

No, Paul did the  miraculous, raised the dead, healed the sick, had revelations from God.  He could not have been struggling with a secret sin.

Hebrews 1:1-2

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Saints, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

Paul, like every other great man of God, was a man just like you and I.  We all struggle with sin, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Like David, Paul knew how to repent, and turn back towards God, and to walk in obedience.

We can also.   If we would.


The Lord will use those who continue to seek His face.  Do not let that sin stop, the Lord from raising you up for His service.

His “strength is made perfect in our weakness.”   Let Him make you strong.  Amen