spiritual life

That which is lacking in our faith: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

1 Thessalonians 3:10

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

What is lacking in our faith?

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

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

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

We lack: Diversity of thought.

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

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

Romans 2: 28-29

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 3: 18.

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

What is lacking in our Faith?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Batteries Not Included: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 2:5

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

The Fear of the Spiritual is Natural.

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

The Fear of the Spirit: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 14: 32.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Do we need the Holy Spirit? theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

Genesis 1: 1-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 12: 1,5

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 12:6

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

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

John 1: 1-5,10,14

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

The same was in the beginning with God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which brings us to the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12: 4,7

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 41:38

“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?”

Joseph had just explained Pharaohs dream, and saved the country from certain death, because of the drought.

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

Genesis 39:2

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

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

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

Exodus 28:3

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

Exodus 31:3-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Silent Sam, history denied: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

So why did they go crazy now?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problem solved.

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

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

Acts 19: 32.

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

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

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

Shame on us.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

If it be a question of words and names: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christianity,, Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

In Paul’s time, the Religious Jews wanted to presecute him for teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. The wise judge at that time Gallio answered them:

Acts 18: 15

“But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.”

Today we find those on the left ready to persecute those of us who consider the gay and transgender life styles to be sin.

PC speach has made even quoting the Bible hate speech.

Are there any wise judges, who will refuse to prosecute us for our Christian Faith? I hope so.

We find a State Government going after a Christian baker once again, for refusing to celebrate a transgender change, after he won a case about a gay wedding.

Saints, we must, put on the armour of God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, learn to stand fast, in the Faith.

Do not let the fact that the Government has legalized and made sin accepted, to the masses.

The Government is not God, or Godly.

The Lord calls us to stand in holiness, as living sacrifices, acceptable to God, our minds renewed by His Word. (Romans 12)

Pray we find the Godly back in charge of our government, so that we have a Judicial System that is fair, honest and wise.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Ye shall never fall: IF… theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

If you are diligent, ye shall never fall:

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

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 1:10

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

True Connections, of the Loved: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 6: 19-20

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

My Time In the Big House: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

They will keep me on the straight and narrow.

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

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

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

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

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

I wish I could thank them personally.

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Are you Connected? theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit,, Walking with God , , , , , , , , ,

In the past, I have likened the Christian life, to being a fire hose, connected to a fire hydrant. When the water is turned on, the hose can be directed to knock down, and put out the fire, fulfilling it’s purpose.

There is power, strength, and purpose to this hose, that would be difficult to accomplish, with any other water supply and delivery system.

As Christians, we need to learn how to turn on this power. If the water isn’t turned on, this hose is just a hose.

‘If’, as a Christian, I do not seek the face of God, ‘if’, I do not study to show myself approved, ‘if’, I do not renew my mind, by the washing of the water of the Word…

I may be connected, but there is no power, no power to overcome evil with good. No power, to heal the sick, no power, to cast out demons, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Without this power, we cannot fulfill our purpose in the Lord. Unfortunately, the Church, finds itself in this place, connected, but Powerless.

How, or Why, is this true? Turning on the water is easy, ‘If’, we possess the correct tools for the job. Somehow, the Church has lost the blueprints, and the tools, for turning on the water, for building a strong and vibrant Church.

We cannot place the blame for this, on anyone but ourselves.

Teachers can only teach what they know and understand. If they are good teachers or preachers, they will motivate us, to study the Word ourselves.

The Holy Spirit is drawing us closer to the Lord, ‘if’, we will accept and allow Him to show us all truth.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

Invasion of the Inlaws: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Serving God, Living in the Holy Spirit, , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July isn’t even a memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

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

They all fall down: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Christian Walk, Spiritual living , , , , , , , , , ,

Several months ago, a Baptist friend asked me, why do all these people fall down on TV, when the “Faith Healers” pray for them? 

He insisted that it didn’t happen in the Bible.

Matthew 2:11
fell down, and worshipped him:
Mark 5:33
fell down before him,
Mark 3:11
fell down before him,
Luke 5:8
he fell down at Jesus’ knees,
Luke 8:28
fell down before him,
Luke 8:41
fell down at Jesus’ feet,
John 11:32
she fell down at his feet,
Luke 17:16
fell down on his face at his feet,
Revelation 5:14
the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped
Revelation 22:8
I fell down to worship

Now, if I had given my friend these scripure verses, he would reply:

“Yes, but they were all in the presence of Jesus.”

I would say:  “My point exactly.”

image

  (“Faith Healers” are Holy Spirit Dispensers).

These “Faith Healers” have paid the price to work in His Power and Presence.  We need to long to be in the presence of Jesus.  We need to learn to Worship, Work and Walk in His Power.

If you look up the word “worship”, in the Strongs Concordance, you might be surprised, to find, it means, to fall down, or bow down in reverence.

Are our Sunday Services really Worship Services?

We hear the Word, sing a few Hymns, but very rarely experience the full blown presence of Jesus.  (Multitudes found Him, can we?)

I know, in your church there is always a noticeable presence of God. 

(Good, you need read no more).

I wonder, seriously, have the rest of us, really experienced the presence of the Great “I AM“, since our salvation experience?

He is the Great “I AM.”  From the first mention of His Name, people fell down to Worship.

Genesis 17:1-3
King James Version (KJV)
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,”

He fell on his face, his name was changed, he was circumcised.  He had met Jesus.

We recieved a new name, in heaven, a circumcision of our hearts, and most probably fell down and worshiped at meeting “The Great I AM, JESUS.”

Moses, had to take off his shoes, as he was on Holy Ground:  (Exodus 3)
“And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.” 

Jesus, when arrested, answered “I AM” and they fell down before Him.

In the time of the dedication of Solomons Temple, God made His presence known.

1 Kings: 8. 10,11
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,  So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.”

To me this is what we should be aiming for, to experience the presence, power and the glory of the Lord.

How do we coax Gods Power, His healing, His miraculous signs and wonders, His Glory into our midst?

It isn’t easy.

We look at the Giants of the Faith as being above us in a place and time, impossible for us to attain.

In reality, they are a road map, written so that whosoever will, can find that place of Faith.

In that one verse from 1 Kings we see a

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key.  Can we learn to use it?  Do you see what it is?

Lord, help us to seek and find Your face.  That we might truly know You and the Power of Your Resurrection. 

That we be made into Your image.  Worthy to be trusted and used by Your Spirit.  That signs and wonders will follow.   Amen

Wherefore my beloved: The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station

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Some sage advice from Paul and James.  Hearken Diligently to some Godly council.

1 Corinthians 10:14
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Flee from idolatry.  The Lord means business.

Exodus 201-4
King James Version (KJV)
“And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”

The Lord is pretty clear.  He wants our undivided love and obedience.   We must learn to love, listen and obey Him. 

He has delivered us, gave His life for us.  His desire and direction for our life, will always be better then our own.

Philippians 2:12
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Work out your own salvation:  Your own, is the key here, as much as we want everyone to know and love the Lord.  You are the one who counts.

As we grow in the Lord, we grow in the Fruit, people are attracted to tasty food.  The Lord should be a good taste in their mouths.

When they interact with us, our personality, honesty, trustworthiness, joy of and love of the Lord. Should draw them to ask, “what in our life, is different? ”  Why are we ….?

If we work on our selves,  others will notice.

“with fear and trembling”

Should we be in fear, trembling?  We should know the Lord wants us to be Holy, Separated unto Him, (sanctified), Consecrated,  (our lives dedicated to His Service).   Our minds renewed by the washing of the Word.  Our Faith increased by praying in the Holy Spirit.

Knowing the Lord, should relieve us, of Fear of Damnation and Hell….we are delivered from sin and death.  Our concern should be, of how we miss the mark.  Knowing we are forgiven, if and  when we realize it and repent.

James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

“swift to hear,”

How often have I heard what I wanted and not what was said, or meant? 

How often have we taken offense, where none was meant? 

Or Ingnored what we didn’t want to hear. 

The world refuses to hear and recognize the Love, Mercy and Grace of the Lord.  Pray that theirs ears are opened to the truth.

“slow to speak”

Boy, this is a lesson that is hard for me.  Like Peter, I am apt to say, “Not me Lord, I’ll never deny you.”   You know what happens.

Psalm 39:1
King James Version (KJV)
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”

James 1:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

James 3:1-10
King James Version (KJV)
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Proverbs 6:2
“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”
12-14
” A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.  He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;  Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.”
16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

Our tonuges, what comes out of our mouth, is often a problem.  It reveals what is in our hearts.  Is it truth and life or sin and death?

2 Peter 3:14
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,  be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

“Such things”
2 Peter 3:13b
“look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

We are looking for the promises of God, will we be found to be in peace, without spot, blameless?  Will we dwell in righteousness?

Again we must live a life of repentance.   Knowing when we miss the mark and be willing to turn from sin  to the Lord.

The only righteousness we have is given to us by the blood of Jesus.  He has bought and paid for all, only those who accept Him will profit.

If you want your friends and family to come to know the Lord,  do as I say, not as I did.  Love them in the love of the Lord.

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John 3:17
“He came not to condemn the world, but that through Him the world might be saved.”

Lord, open my eyes and heart, to obedience and service.

Neglected Caroline – lawn art

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As a boat, must be on water to serve its maker.  A Christian, must be in the world  to serve his Master.  So if a boat stuck on land is lawn art, what is a Christian that’s stuck in the church?

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Blogging 101 day 4

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Today’s Assignment: publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it.

My dream reader is someone who hungers and thirsts for a closer relationship with Jesus.  The purpose of this blog and my life is to point people to the “secret place of the most high”.  (Psalm 91).

I hope that every post would cause people to dig a little deeper in the Word.   Forget what they think they know and ask the Lord to draw them closer.

I have some “Billisms” , things I understand in the Word that I’ve never heard taught.  (If you’re interested, read the blog).  They hopefully will make you seek out the truth.

If you are seeking God, He can open your eyes and heart to something that will affect your life and help you to walk with Him daily.  All it takes is a desire for Him.  He will provide, protect and direct you to a place of comfort,  peace and joy unspeakable.

If you want to know Jesus check out the “Salvation way” page, if you want more Jesus in your life.  Get in the Word, until the Word is in you.

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The stranger (part 2)

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   God desires a pure, holy,  loving and obedient church.  That is why His warnings in Numbers were so dire.  (see: stranger that cometh nigh….)   

He was warning of wolves in sheeps clothing.  Unbelieving, believers. …”salvation is available but God doesn’t do that other stuff anymore.”

When Jesus said: “These signs shall follow those who believe,” there was no experation date.  The determining factor was belief.

We have become a body that doesn’t really expect God to meet our needs, heal the sick or comfort the brokenhearted. We have settled on a Gospel of love and peace;  a Gospel of Salvation and not much else, when the Gospel should have Power and Might.

Jesus stirred up the Religious,  He rocked the boat….He threw out the traditions of man and brought the Power of God.

Luke 4:18,19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

John 14:12
“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.”

He gave us that annointing, we just need to take the talents he has giving us and increase them.  (see Mathew 25).    

How did the church lose its power?  When our itching ears overcame our desire for inward change.

The Lord charged the Levites and Priest’s to keep the Tabernacle separate, holy, consecrated, annointed for His work.  To protect it from those who would defile it.   

Today the church cannot enter the promise,  because of unbelief.

Psalm 37:4
“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

The desire of my heart is to see people “saved, sanctified,  holy ghost filled and water baptized,  Jesus on their minds.  To find a new life.”  (to quote an old tune)

The key is learning to “delight ourselves in the Lord.”

de·light\di-ˈlīt, dē-\
noun
Full Definition
1 : a high degree of gratification : joy; also : extreme satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure
3 archaic : the power of affording pleasure

We must learn how to both delight ourselves in the Lord and be a delight to the Lord.   “To obey is better than sacrifice”…….”This is my commandment, that you love one another.”

When your life is devoted to pleasing God and loving others….you will find peace, grace, comfort and joy in the midst of our trials.

Lord, help me to be pleasing in your sight.   May I learn to delight myself in You.

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Joseph and the coming climate change

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Genesis 41:38.   “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?”

What the world is longing and looking for.  A man in whom the Spirit of God is.

This is an interesting choice of words, for to have faith, we must believe God is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently  seek Him.

The Spirit of God was with within Joseph,  God gave Joseph a Word of Knowledge and a Word of Wisdom. …the explanation of Pharaohs dream and what to do about it.  Pharaoh recognized the Spirit of God.   He marvelled and accepted it and the Egyptians were prepared for the coming climate change.

As we read about Joseph the Lord was there all the time.

Born from prayer:

Genesis 30:24.  she called his name Joseph; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son.

As a child, God gave him prophetic dreams and he was his Father’s favorite.   His eleven brothers hated him, sold him into slavery.   Where he prospered.

Genesis 39:2  the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:5. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

As top slave, his Masters wife tried to entice him into sexual sin.  When he refused, she accused him of rape and he was sent to prison.

Genesis 39:21   But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

While in prison,  God gave him interpretations of dreams which finally brought him before Pharaoh.  The Word tells us the Lord was with him but he recognized and prayed to God. (see the Trinity in the Old Testament)

Genesis 4 0:8. “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Genesis 41:16  “I cannot do it,” , “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

 Genesis 41:51  Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said,   “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

When his brothers came to find food because of the draught, Joseph’s prophetic dreams came true and he sent for his family.

Genesis 42:18  “Do this and you will live, for I fear God:”

Genesis 45:9  “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay.“

Joseph had the Spirit of God within him from birth.  He was open and obedient to God, walked with God, which caused the Lord to be with him and for him to prosper in all that he did.

If we would learn the simple truth;  “to obey is better than sacrifice” and do it.  I believe we would find ourselves as leaders causing all those around us to proper in the blessings of God.

Jesus please,  help me to walk with you, to be obedient to Your will.

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WHAT WAS THE BIBLES EXPIRATION DATE?

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It seems to me, a lot of churches have put  expiration dates on parts of the Bible.

Miracles, signs and wonders, revelations from God; all expired with the last of the Apostles.  (Until the new improved message,  arrived).

Jonah and the big fish died the same time as the tooth fairy. David and Goliath,  Noah and the flood, Samson,  Gideon, all just fables, stories for children. 

Morales, ethics, honesty, self-control,  self-respect,  self-reliance all expired,  dead, gone, buried.  Will they ever return?

Folks, when a large segment of the population, teaches their children it is OK  to abort, and not raise their little sister or brother; or that Heather has two mommies; or let’s go visit daddy in prison;   do not be surprised when they set fire to the cat.

What we have allowed to happen to our country and churches, will continue.

Our churches, like our politicians. …are empty suits.  All hot air and promises.  
Do we really see and talk about the great things God is doing?   Not often,  because He is not doing much,  with this stiff-necked generation.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

.Lord, I pray our hearts would turn your way.

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Mathew 25

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Matthew 25:  Jesus speaking to His disciples about the end times.  Parables,  stories,  whatever, people have tried to understand  this chapter forever.

So lets take a non-denominational look:

Wise and foolish virgins:   Oil for their lamps.

Continue reading →

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

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It is probably safe to say, all Christians expect and want to hear the Lord say: Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

I wonder how many of us will? As we read Matthew 25, consider are you a wise or foolish virgin? Is there extra oil for your lamp?

When we are first saved we usually burn the brightest. Our excitement of meeting the Lord is contagious. The joy of the Lord, peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit is alive in our lives until we find life on earth continues much like before.

Knowing Jesus doesn’t solve all our problems like magic. We still have consequences of our decisions and actions. The joy and freedom doesn’t seem to carry through. That is when we need to refill our lamps.

To be a wise bridesmaid we must continually renew our minds, to find the holy, acceptable and perfect will of God. That is when our lights burn the brightest.

That is how we will be ready for the day of His return or the day we leave this body.

How about the parable of the talents?
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

When Jesus went to sit at the Fathers right hand, He left us not money but the Holy Spirit. The comforter, teacher the one who will lead us to the truth. As those who believed waited for the promise the Holy Spirit descended and they began to speak in tongues.

The Holy Spirit has given the church gifts which most of the Churches have locked away in a closet.

Either they believe that they are not for today or are afraid they will not work as promised and they would be made the fool for believing.

Either way I believe they have hid their talents. If Jesus and His disciples needed signs and wonders to bring people to the Gospel who are we to think we can do it with out.

It is interesting to note:
1. Believers gathered waiting for promise
2. One accord, one place
3. Sound from heaven of a mighty rushing wind
4. Filled the house
5. Tongues of fire sat on them
6. They were filled with the Holy Spirit
7. They began to speak with other tongues

Another interesting verse:
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit,  and the Gifts of the Spirit are the talents that Jesus has left for us to increase.    More in next post