Hebrews 13:5-6 ... Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Isaiah 54:17 ... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Psalm 121 ... I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Mt. 6 ... Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Psa. 37 ... But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. \
II Peter 1 ... Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Accepting God's truth
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
In order to have truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding from God, we pay the "price" of being willing to put aside our own ideas, thoughts, ways, and how we may want to see things, so we may seek and believe God's view and way on each matter. Our flesh tries to protect itself or the flesh of others, and to figure out what to do. God presents the matter in truth ... as God views the matter ... and His wisdom, instruction, and understanding are perfect and will not fail.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
When God has given us His truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding, we need to cling to what He has said and not "sell" it for approval from others. The ways of God are not the ways of this world, and are often unpopular and even hated by those who go in the ways of this world. The word of God is hated by the world, but cherished by those who have been called by God to walk in His light.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
In order to have truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding from God, we pay the "price" of being willing to put aside our own ideas, thoughts, ways, and how we may want to see things, so we may seek and believe God's view and way on each matter. Our flesh tries to protect itself or the flesh of others, and to figure out what to do. God presents the matter in truth ... as God views the matter ... and His wisdom, instruction, and understanding are perfect and will not fail.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
When God has given us His truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding, we need to cling to what He has said and not "sell" it for approval from others. The ways of God are not the ways of this world, and are often unpopular and even hated by those who go in the ways of this world. The word of God is hated by the world, but cherished by those who have been called by God to walk in His light.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
God turns discouragement through information
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Elijah the prophet became so discouraged he wanted to die. He said to God, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. I Kings 19
Then God gave Elijah some information which made a difference. God said to Elijah: Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I Kings 19
Elijah wasn't alone in serving God although he thought he was alone.
Elijah the prophet became so discouraged he wanted to die. He said to God, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. I Kings 19
Then God gave Elijah some information which made a difference. God said to Elijah: Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I Kings 19
Elijah wasn't alone in serving God although he thought he was alone.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Bringing blessings upon yourself
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Psalm 34 ... Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
When we have the Spirit of God in us there is a type of "check" on us when we start to speak or start to participate in something that is wrong.
Yesterday I saw something about keeping away from those who harm us and I thought of people who do not harm me. When I have spoken with some people it is like thorns are in me and I have to pull out those thorns. Their way is not of God though it is often religious and their tongue shows their way which is not of God and it brings grief to me. Correction does no good and only drags me down. So I just put these people away from me whenever possible so I won't have to see their way.
For those of us who have the Spirit of God, it is important not only to do verse 13, but also to avoid those who go another way and grieve us.
It is normal to think they will change if we correct them and we want to help them but lately God has called my attention to II Thess. 2 ... There are those who cannot be turned because they are living under a strong delusion that is from God. When the delusion is from God, we will not be able to change it. We cannot go against God. It is important to see God does bring strong delusion upon some people because they failed to love the truth and took pleasure in unrighteousness.
II Thess. 2 ... Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (this is the church turning from scripture to set up their own doctrine to please themselves and others), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (These are people who rule over God by rejecting the way of God and scripture and setting up another way in the church.) 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We have to recognize that God will bring them a strong delusion. There was a time I would correct over and over. Now I just walk away from them.
I receive emails from ministers almost daily and they tell me things which show they are going under a strong delusion. Now, I just avoid them instead of correcting them. I just delete the email as soon as I see the delusion. Often I mark their emails as spam so if they send more it will automatically be removed without my seeing it. There is nothing I can do for them when the delusion is from God and now I see that this is what is happening.
It is important for each of us to recognize the concept of the strong delusion from God. When a person identifies himself as a Christian and is going in a way which is not of God and that person will not change from the way that is not of God, we need to avoid that person so we can live in peace. We will never be able to live in peace when we hear what they say and see what they do and they will not be corrected.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Mt. 7
So if their words grieve us when they speak and their way is not of God, these people produce thorns and grieve us. We avoid them.
Psalm 34 ... Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
When we have the Spirit of God in us there is a type of "check" on us when we start to speak or start to participate in something that is wrong.
Yesterday I saw something about keeping away from those who harm us and I thought of people who do not harm me. When I have spoken with some people it is like thorns are in me and I have to pull out those thorns. Their way is not of God though it is often religious and their tongue shows their way which is not of God and it brings grief to me. Correction does no good and only drags me down. So I just put these people away from me whenever possible so I won't have to see their way.
For those of us who have the Spirit of God, it is important not only to do verse 13, but also to avoid those who go another way and grieve us.
It is normal to think they will change if we correct them and we want to help them but lately God has called my attention to II Thess. 2 ... There are those who cannot be turned because they are living under a strong delusion that is from God. When the delusion is from God, we will not be able to change it. We cannot go against God. It is important to see God does bring strong delusion upon some people because they failed to love the truth and took pleasure in unrighteousness.
II Thess. 2 ... Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (this is the church turning from scripture to set up their own doctrine to please themselves and others), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (These are people who rule over God by rejecting the way of God and scripture and setting up another way in the church.) 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We have to recognize that God will bring them a strong delusion. There was a time I would correct over and over. Now I just walk away from them.
I receive emails from ministers almost daily and they tell me things which show they are going under a strong delusion. Now, I just avoid them instead of correcting them. I just delete the email as soon as I see the delusion. Often I mark their emails as spam so if they send more it will automatically be removed without my seeing it. There is nothing I can do for them when the delusion is from God and now I see that this is what is happening.
It is important for each of us to recognize the concept of the strong delusion from God. When a person identifies himself as a Christian and is going in a way which is not of God and that person will not change from the way that is not of God, we need to avoid that person so we can live in peace. We will never be able to live in peace when we hear what they say and see what they do and they will not be corrected.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Mt. 7
So if their words grieve us when they speak and their way is not of God, these people produce thorns and grieve us. We avoid them.
Dealing with opportunity
Pam Padgett ... teacher
2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. 9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. 14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
It stood out to me how simple the actions of the Shunammite woman were. Elisha came across her path when he passed through the place where she lived, and she gave him food. She did this each time Elisha passed by. She perceived he was a man of God, and asked her husband about providing a place for Elisha to stay when he passed by ... a little chamber with a bed, table, stool, and candlestick. Each thing she did was simple, easily done and not what might be considered great works nor with fanfare. Yet by these simple things she cared for Elisha, providing food and shelter when he passed by.
And, even when Elisha sought to know what could be done for her, she didn't seek anything for herself in return. Although she didn't seek anything for herself, she was blessed by God as she conceived a son even though her husband was old.
I thought of how we don't go out looking for good works to do, drawing attention to ourselves or seeking benefits for ourselves. But when someone comes across out path and there is an opportunity to do what is good in the sight of God (not of the flesh, but as led by the Holy Spirit), we simply do it.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Comments by Joan Boney
It stood out to me that this woman perceived Elisha was a man of God. I am amazed at the number of people who come across my path and fail to perceive that I am of God. Jesus said to the woman of Samaria: If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Jn. 4
2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. 9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. 14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
It stood out to me how simple the actions of the Shunammite woman were. Elisha came across her path when he passed through the place where she lived, and she gave him food. She did this each time Elisha passed by. She perceived he was a man of God, and asked her husband about providing a place for Elisha to stay when he passed by ... a little chamber with a bed, table, stool, and candlestick. Each thing she did was simple, easily done and not what might be considered great works nor with fanfare. Yet by these simple things she cared for Elisha, providing food and shelter when he passed by.
And, even when Elisha sought to know what could be done for her, she didn't seek anything for herself in return. Although she didn't seek anything for herself, she was blessed by God as she conceived a son even though her husband was old.
I thought of how we don't go out looking for good works to do, drawing attention to ourselves or seeking benefits for ourselves. But when someone comes across out path and there is an opportunity to do what is good in the sight of God (not of the flesh, but as led by the Holy Spirit), we simply do it.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Comments by Joan Boney
It stood out to me that this woman perceived Elisha was a man of God. I am amazed at the number of people who come across my path and fail to perceive that I am of God. Jesus said to the woman of Samaria: If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Jn. 4
How God appears to us today
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The following is an interesting example of God appearing to Elijah.
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. I Kings 19
And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, I Kings 19
We will often have an idea, a gentle thought ... God speaks this way ... but so does the devil. So we have to pray after we have the idea to see which spirit brought that idea. (Try the spirits whether they are of God ... I Jn. 4)
God will sometimes give a dream to show instruction or to give needed information.
The Spirit of God in us causes scripture to stand out to us so we can receive specific instruction for that point in time.
And we are told the following: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3
One of the primary ways we know if the idea is from God is by this: Is it easy to be intreated? Is it easy to be administered?
If you feel uncomfortable about the direction, back off ... pray ... ask God to confirm the direction ... It might be a spirit not of God trying to get you to do that.
Many "good" works are not of God.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
The following is an interesting example of God appearing to Elijah.
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. I Kings 19
And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, I Kings 19
We will often have an idea, a gentle thought ... God speaks this way ... but so does the devil. So we have to pray after we have the idea to see which spirit brought that idea. (Try the spirits whether they are of God ... I Jn. 4)
God will sometimes give a dream to show instruction or to give needed information.
The Spirit of God in us causes scripture to stand out to us so we can receive specific instruction for that point in time.
And we are told the following: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3
One of the primary ways we know if the idea is from God is by this: Is it easy to be intreated? Is it easy to be administered?
If you feel uncomfortable about the direction, back off ... pray ... ask God to confirm the direction ... It might be a spirit not of God trying to get you to do that.
Many "good" works are not of God.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Being disturbed without cause
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
As I read surely they are disquieted in vain I thought of the many time I have been worried, anxious, or upset about things that really didn't matter, or things in which there was nothing I could do. All of the turmoil resulted in nothing worthwhile or lasting. We see this frequently in the world. But being disquieted is opposite to being in peace, and we are to be diligent to be in peace. So it is important that we deal with what is causing us to be disquieted, rather than trying to ignore the problem.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 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.
When we are disquieted, the problem may be caused by our trying
to exalt ourselves or gain recognition in some way, putting pressure on
ourselves and placing ourselves as adversaries to others. Our flesh is
always ready to rise up but, as Paul did, we need to bring our flesh
under subjection, and seek to live in humbleness and obedience to God. When we sincerely seek God's will, instead of our own will, we are calmed and no longer in strife.
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Disturbing thoughts brought by the devil cause us to be disquieted. We need to present each of these thoughts to God and ask Him to give us His truth about the matter. As we conform our thinking to the truth God gives to us, we can move forward in peace.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We may be worried about what may happen in the future, or tormented by something in the past. We need to deal with those things we have before us at this point in time.
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Sometimes there is a matter in our path needing to be dealt with which causes us to be disquieted. Rather than fretting ourselves and trying to figure out what to do on our own (Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:27), we can turn to God and ask Him to help us and show us what to do. When we do this, we have the following assurance ...
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
As I read surely they are disquieted in vain I thought of the many time I have been worried, anxious, or upset about things that really didn't matter, or things in which there was nothing I could do. All of the turmoil resulted in nothing worthwhile or lasting. We see this frequently in the world. But being disquieted is opposite to being in peace, and we are to be diligent to be in peace. So it is important that we deal with what is causing us to be disquieted, rather than trying to ignore the problem.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 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.
| disquieted: - worried, anxious - to be in great commotion or tumult - to rage, war, moan, clamor - to be in uproar |
peace: - an undisturbed state of mind - freedom from disagreement or quarrels - freedom from war; stopping war - calm; quiet; tranquility |
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Disturbing thoughts brought by the devil cause us to be disquieted. We need to present each of these thoughts to God and ask Him to give us His truth about the matter. As we conform our thinking to the truth God gives to us, we can move forward in peace.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We may be worried about what may happen in the future, or tormented by something in the past. We need to deal with those things we have before us at this point in time.
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Sometimes there is a matter in our path needing to be dealt with which causes us to be disquieted. Rather than fretting ourselves and trying to figure out what to do on our own (Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:27), we can turn to God and ask Him to help us and show us what to do. When we do this, we have the following assurance ...
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The falling away in the end times
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The Bible shows us that in the end times, there would come a falling away of churches ... They will depart from sound doctrine and holy scriptures and set up another doctrine which pleases man and thereby it will allow antichrist to reign in the church groups.
Paul warns Timothy about this falling away in the church groups.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. II Tim. 4
And here is another statement concerning this falling away inside the churches.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (churches will depart from scripture thus they will fall away), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God (this would happen in the churches), shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
And Paul warned that things will not get better but worse ...
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. II Tim. 3
We will not be able to turn them when we see them depart from scripture because the "strong delusion" is from God. II Thess. 2
We will have to leave them alone and take care of ourselves doing all that we can do to enable us to continue in the ways of God.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
The Bible shows us that in the end times, there would come a falling away of churches ... They will depart from sound doctrine and holy scriptures and set up another doctrine which pleases man and thereby it will allow antichrist to reign in the church groups.
Paul warns Timothy about this falling away in the church groups.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. II Tim. 4
And here is another statement concerning this falling away inside the churches.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (churches will depart from scripture thus they will fall away), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God (this would happen in the churches), shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
And Paul warned that things will not get better but worse ...
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. II Tim. 3
We will not be able to turn them when we see them depart from scripture because the "strong delusion" is from God. II Thess. 2
We will have to leave them alone and take care of ourselves doing all that we can do to enable us to continue in the ways of God.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Go unto all the world ... Really?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mk. 16
A few days ago, the above scripture was cited concerning going into all the world ... I've often heard in church groups this called "the great commission" as preacher tells of the works he has planned and especially as preacher takes up collections from the congregation.
When this was called to my attention: Consider who Jesus was speaking to when He spoke this.
Jesus was speaking to the 11 apostles when HE said this.
He was not speaking to the housewife in Detroit.
People who use scripture this way can get into a lot of trouble.
Scripture must be considered in correct context.
And when we do go forth it must be by the Spirit of God. But sometimes God will tell us not to go.
In 1982, I was going all over the United States to the cities where I was on radio and having meetings. I had a dream at that time. In the dream I was shown a very serious situation that posed great danger and in the dream I heard these words: "Don't go until you see Exodus 15." I cancelled all meetings and stayed home.
The only thing important is following the instruction giving you by the Spirit of God.
Recently the Spirit of God showed me that God has worked it out where I can share the word of God without leaving my house. (by writing on Internet) I receive many invitations to go out and speak to church groups and to conferences for ministers. But I am persuaded God has told me not to go out. So I decline invitations.
When we belong to God we have the Spirit of God and by this we follow the instructions from God.
If you feel you have been shown to go into a situation that is dangerous, you'd better be sure it is the Spirit of God leading you. Jesus prayed 3 times not to have to go to the cross. He didn't rush into it. Then when HE was certain it was the will of God, HE went. So be certain.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mk. 16
A few days ago, the above scripture was cited concerning going into all the world ... I've often heard in church groups this called "the great commission" as preacher tells of the works he has planned and especially as preacher takes up collections from the congregation.
When this was called to my attention: Consider who Jesus was speaking to when He spoke this.
Jesus was speaking to the 11 apostles when HE said this.
He was not speaking to the housewife in Detroit.
People who use scripture this way can get into a lot of trouble.
Scripture must be considered in correct context.
And when we do go forth it must be by the Spirit of God. But sometimes God will tell us not to go.
In 1982, I was going all over the United States to the cities where I was on radio and having meetings. I had a dream at that time. In the dream I was shown a very serious situation that posed great danger and in the dream I heard these words: "Don't go until you see Exodus 15." I cancelled all meetings and stayed home.
The only thing important is following the instruction giving you by the Spirit of God.
Recently the Spirit of God showed me that God has worked it out where I can share the word of God without leaving my house. (by writing on Internet) I receive many invitations to go out and speak to church groups and to conferences for ministers. But I am persuaded God has told me not to go out. So I decline invitations.
When we belong to God we have the Spirit of God and by this we follow the instructions from God.
If you feel you have been shown to go into a situation that is dangerous, you'd better be sure it is the Spirit of God leading you. Jesus prayed 3 times not to have to go to the cross. He didn't rush into it. Then when HE was certain it was the will of God, HE went. So be certain.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
House of feasting and house of mourning compared
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
In a house of feasting, there is little (if any) thought of things other than pleasures of this world.
But when we hear that someone has died, it reminds us that our time on this earth is temporary. Whether we die, or whether we're still alive when Jesus returns, we are on this earth for only a time. And we which believe the scriptures know that our time on this earth is not all there is. When Jesus returns, the dead in Him will be raised first and then those who remain and have not yet died will, with them, meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
It helps us stay sober ... focused on what is lasting and important ... to consider that the pleasures of this world are only for a time, but those who are in Christ will be with the Him forever.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
In a house of feasting, there is little (if any) thought of things other than pleasures of this world.
But when we hear that someone has died, it reminds us that our time on this earth is temporary. Whether we die, or whether we're still alive when Jesus returns, we are on this earth for only a time. And we which believe the scriptures know that our time on this earth is not all there is. When Jesus returns, the dead in Him will be raised first and then those who remain and have not yet died will, with them, meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
It helps us stay sober ... focused on what is lasting and important ... to consider that the pleasures of this world are only for a time, but those who are in Christ will be with the Him forever.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Incorrect prayer can destroy faith
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently I received a letter from a pastor asking me to come to his church group. I explained to him that I cannot travel. However, I am faithful to print everything God gives me and he and others are welcome to copy that which is on Internet and share it with others and translate as needed.
I received another letter from him saying the orphans he cares for are praying that I will be strong enough to travel.
I was horrified at such prayers.
God has clearly shown me not to travel.
When people pray that I travel, they will be praying something that is against the will of God and their prayer will not be answered. This can destroy faith.
When we pray, we cannot pray according to our own will. We have to pray according to the will of God.
In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus taught ... Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mt. 6:10
When Jesus was faced with going to the cross, HE prayed 3 times ... that if possible this cup be removed from HIM ... But then HE said, Not my will but thy will be done ...
When we pray, we have to be able to pray a prayer of faith ... and a prayer of faith has to be a prayer God puts into our heart and therefore according to the will of God.
You can hurt your faith by praying against the will of God on an issue and many people pray against the will of God for they do not consider God's will but only consider their own desire.
Recently I received a letter from a pastor asking me to come to his church group. I explained to him that I cannot travel. However, I am faithful to print everything God gives me and he and others are welcome to copy that which is on Internet and share it with others and translate as needed.
I received another letter from him saying the orphans he cares for are praying that I will be strong enough to travel.
I was horrified at such prayers.
God has clearly shown me not to travel.
When people pray that I travel, they will be praying something that is against the will of God and their prayer will not be answered. This can destroy faith.
When we pray, we cannot pray according to our own will. We have to pray according to the will of God.
In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus taught ... Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mt. 6:10
When Jesus was faced with going to the cross, HE prayed 3 times ... that if possible this cup be removed from HIM ... But then HE said, Not my will but thy will be done ...
When we pray, we have to be able to pray a prayer of faith ... and a prayer of faith has to be a prayer God puts into our heart and therefore according to the will of God.
You can hurt your faith by praying against the will of God on an issue and many people pray against the will of God for they do not consider God's will but only consider their own desire.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
A shepherd cares for the sheep. The sheep eat and drink and when the shepherd sees the food drying up, the shepherd moves the sheep to new pasture. The shepherd drives away wolves and other things that hurt the sheep.
When we belong to God, we are given His Spirit. By HIS Spirit we hear from God. So God guides us (His sheep) by HIS Spirit.
God knows how to reach us in a way that we can understand.
So we, who belong to God, hear HIM when HE speaks. We just rest in HIM, knowing HE sees all things and will provide for us as long as HE leaves us on this earth.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
A shepherd cares for the sheep. The sheep eat and drink and when the shepherd sees the food drying up, the shepherd moves the sheep to new pasture. The shepherd drives away wolves and other things that hurt the sheep.
When we belong to God, we are given His Spirit. By HIS Spirit we hear from God. So God guides us (His sheep) by HIS Spirit.
God knows how to reach us in a way that we can understand.
So we, who belong to God, hear HIM when HE speaks. We just rest in HIM, knowing HE sees all things and will provide for us as long as HE leaves us on this earth.
Riches of world vs. riches of God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
As I read these verses, I thought of how riches of this world (such as possessions, reputation, and people) are appealing to our flesh. But if we seek after these riches, we often put ourselves in the path of trouble, temptations, compromise, and travail.
In order to keep ourselves in peace and in a position to hear what God would speak to us and to do what is right in His sight, often requires us to choose less. Rather than seeking more possession, we are to be content with what we have, trusting God to provide everything we need. Rather than seeking to bring attention and glory to ourselves and to draw others to us, we are to seek to do what is pleasing to God, bringing glory to Him.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
As I read these verses, I thought of how riches of this world (such as possessions, reputation, and people) are appealing to our flesh. But if we seek after these riches, we often put ourselves in the path of trouble, temptations, compromise, and travail.
In order to keep ourselves in peace and in a position to hear what God would speak to us and to do what is right in His sight, often requires us to choose less. Rather than seeking more possession, we are to be content with what we have, trusting God to provide everything we need. Rather than seeking to bring attention and glory to ourselves and to draw others to us, we are to seek to do what is pleasing to God, bringing glory to Him.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Children of the promise are seed of Abraham
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9
And what of Ishmael?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! 19And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. 20And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. Gen. 17
There is an elect of God ... the seed of the promise ... Paul explains ...
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Romans 9
For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9
And what of Ishmael?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! 19And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. 20And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. Gen. 17
There is an elect of God ... the seed of the promise ... Paul explains ...
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Romans 9
Sunday, August 26, 2012
No want, no lack
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We have so many scriptures telling us that if we belong to God and follow HIM there will be no want, no lack.
If we belong to God, we are given the Spirit of God to live in us and guide us. And when we follow God's Spirit we make adjustments in all that we do on this present earth as we live here. As we make these changes and choices based on the leading of the Spirit of God in us, we come into a different life.
First, we learn to be content instead of striving for more.
I Tim. 6
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
So instead of trying to get things of this world and get ahead in this world, we go another direction. We set our goal to learn the will of God in the issue at hand and then to do the will of God.
We learn to think of today instead of tomorrow.
Jesus said ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Mt. 6
Instead of making all those plans about what we are going to do tomorrow and making that list of the things we are going to do, we live another way on this earth. Our way is to seek God's will in the matters at hand and after we feel we know the will of God, we do that.
This is completely different from the way most people approach life.
When we approach things this way we are no longer thinking of things we want to get for ourselves or achievements we want to accomplish. Now we think of that which God wants. And we try to do HIS will. And as we go along, things are added to us without our trying to get those things. We end up having no lack, no want just as the scriptures tell us.
We have so many scriptures telling us that if we belong to God and follow HIM there will be no want, no lack.
If we belong to God, we are given the Spirit of God to live in us and guide us. And when we follow God's Spirit we make adjustments in all that we do on this present earth as we live here. As we make these changes and choices based on the leading of the Spirit of God in us, we come into a different life.
First, we learn to be content instead of striving for more.
I Tim. 6
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
So instead of trying to get things of this world and get ahead in this world, we go another direction. We set our goal to learn the will of God in the issue at hand and then to do the will of God.
We learn to think of today instead of tomorrow.
Jesus said ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Mt. 6
Instead of making all those plans about what we are going to do tomorrow and making that list of the things we are going to do, we live another way on this earth. Our way is to seek God's will in the matters at hand and after we feel we know the will of God, we do that.
This is completely different from the way most people approach life.
When we approach things this way we are no longer thinking of things we want to get for ourselves or achievements we want to accomplish. Now we think of that which God wants. And we try to do HIS will. And as we go along, things are added to us without our trying to get those things. We end up having no lack, no want just as the scriptures tell us.
God fulfills HIS word
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When a woman poured very precious ointment on Jesus' head, the disciples had indignation because the ointment had not been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus responded to them ...
Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
For more than two thousand years, what this woman did has been told, just as Jesus said. While thinking about this, I was reminded of the covenant God made that all flesh would not be destroyed by waters of a flood again, giving the rainbow as a token of the covenant, which we still see in the clouds today ...
Genesis 9:11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. 12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. 17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
As we consider that throughout the Bible, from generation to generation and even today, we see God fulfilling His word, our faith in God continuing to fulfill His word is strengthened.
When the disciples asked Jesus about the end times, one of the things Jesus said is ... And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12)
We see iniquity abounding more and more today. One of the things that helps us endure, continuing in the ways of God, is to think on and believe what God has told us, such as the following ....
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
This world and all the wickedness of this world will be burned up, and righteousness will dwell in that which is to come.
God will fulfill His word.
When a woman poured very precious ointment on Jesus' head, the disciples had indignation because the ointment had not been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus responded to them ...
Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
For more than two thousand years, what this woman did has been told, just as Jesus said. While thinking about this, I was reminded of the covenant God made that all flesh would not be destroyed by waters of a flood again, giving the rainbow as a token of the covenant, which we still see in the clouds today ...
Genesis 9:11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. 12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. 17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
As we consider that throughout the Bible, from generation to generation and even today, we see God fulfilling His word, our faith in God continuing to fulfill His word is strengthened.
When the disciples asked Jesus about the end times, one of the things Jesus said is ... And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12)
We see iniquity abounding more and more today. One of the things that helps us endure, continuing in the ways of God, is to think on and believe what God has told us, such as the following ....
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
This world and all the wickedness of this world will be burned up, and righteousness will dwell in that which is to come.
God will fulfill His word.
Patient waiting for return of Jesus
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
II Thess. 3
Recently God has given me some type of understanding concerning the patient waiting for the return of Jesus.
When that is our focus, it changes everything. You are no longer consumed with earthly projects or people or things or reputation among others. You see yourself in a new way. You are just patiently waiting for the return of Jesus.
how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. I Thess. 1:10
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
II Thess. 3
Recently God has given me some type of understanding concerning the patient waiting for the return of Jesus.
When that is our focus, it changes everything. You are no longer consumed with earthly projects or people or things or reputation among others. You see yourself in a new way. You are just patiently waiting for the return of Jesus.
how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. I Thess. 1:10
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Wisdom from above
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
"Easy" means: achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.
If the way you are going is difficult and you don't have enough money, somehow you are not yoked to God's plan for your life. Your hard life is contrary to scripture so you can't be going in way of God.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psa. 23
If you are being led into turbulence where there is lack, this is not the way of God. If the Lord is really leading you, then there is no want (no lack) ... the pastures are green (not desolate) .. the waters are still (not turbulent). So if your way is difficult, you must be leading yourself by your own desire or following an "angel of light" (Satan). II Cor. 11
You can stop now and evaluate your life and see if the Lord is really your shepherd or if you are following something not of God. For when the Lord is leading you your way will be "easy". There will be no lack. There will not be a lot of turbulence.
Jesus said ... Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
"Easy" means: achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.
If the way you are going is difficult and you don't have enough money, somehow you are not yoked to God's plan for your life. Your hard life is contrary to scripture so you can't be going in way of God.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psa. 23
If you are being led into turbulence where there is lack, this is not the way of God. If the Lord is really leading you, then there is no want (no lack) ... the pastures are green (not desolate) .. the waters are still (not turbulent). So if your way is difficult, you must be leading yourself by your own desire or following an "angel of light" (Satan). II Cor. 11
You can stop now and evaluate your life and see if the Lord is really your shepherd or if you are following something not of God. For when the Lord is leading you your way will be "easy". There will be no lack. There will not be a lot of turbulence.
Controlling words
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
One of the ways the flesh tries to exalt itself and tries to show itself to be wise is by speaking many words. But a godly person, having wisdom and knowledge from God, takes care in what he speaks. Rather than allowing the tongue to speak uncontrolled, the godly person tries to keep his heart pure and humbly brings forth those things that are pleasing to God.
James counseled us to be ready to hear, but slow to speak and to be angry. He also warned us of the evil that the tongue can bring forth, and that we are not to allow this ...
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
James 3:2 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 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. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 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. 7 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: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
While considering these things, I was also reminded of the following ...
Ecclesiastes 5:Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Surely we are to pour our hearts out to God and bring forth our requests to God (Psalm 62:8, Philippians 4:6), but we also are to humbly seek God's will on the matter, waiting to hear what He would speak to us through the Holy Spirit. It isn't our words, but what God speaks, that is important.
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
One of the ways the flesh tries to exalt itself and tries to show itself to be wise is by speaking many words. But a godly person, having wisdom and knowledge from God, takes care in what he speaks. Rather than allowing the tongue to speak uncontrolled, the godly person tries to keep his heart pure and humbly brings forth those things that are pleasing to God.
James counseled us to be ready to hear, but slow to speak and to be angry. He also warned us of the evil that the tongue can bring forth, and that we are not to allow this ...
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
James 3:2 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 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. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 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. 7 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: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
While considering these things, I was also reminded of the following ...
Ecclesiastes 5:Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Surely we are to pour our hearts out to God and bring forth our requests to God (Psalm 62:8, Philippians 4:6), but we also are to humbly seek God's will on the matter, waiting to hear what He would speak to us through the Holy Spirit. It isn't our words, but what God speaks, that is important.
Are you suffering for doing good or for doing evil?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
If you are in a period where you are suffering, you must examine the issue to see whether you are suffering for doing good ... or whether you are suffering for doing evil.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. I Peter 2:20
Several years ago, I wanted to marry. I was suffering greatly when I would see other women with husbands. Then I had the above scripture called to my attention and I realized I was suffering because of a "fault" ... It is not that I wanted another woman's husband. But I was jealous and troubled because that woman had an husband and I had none. It was a fault in me. When I gave up that fault and agreed to the will of God being done in my life, the suffering stopped.
There are men who rob others and when they get caught they suffer. But their suffering is not for doing good but for doing evil.
John the Baptist was put in prison for doing good. He spoke up against adultery and was put in prison and later beheaded.
So if you are suffering, is it for doing good or for doing evil. If it is for evil, repent and give up the evil and agree to the word of God and agree to the will of God being done in your life. If your suffering is for doing good, then God will sustain you in the suffering, so just commit yourself to God.
You can examine the following to see if the suffering is for doing evil.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Gal. 5
If you are in a period where you are suffering, you must examine the issue to see whether you are suffering for doing good ... or whether you are suffering for doing evil.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. I Peter 2:20
Several years ago, I wanted to marry. I was suffering greatly when I would see other women with husbands. Then I had the above scripture called to my attention and I realized I was suffering because of a "fault" ... It is not that I wanted another woman's husband. But I was jealous and troubled because that woman had an husband and I had none. It was a fault in me. When I gave up that fault and agreed to the will of God being done in my life, the suffering stopped.
There are men who rob others and when they get caught they suffer. But their suffering is not for doing good but for doing evil.
John the Baptist was put in prison for doing good. He spoke up against adultery and was put in prison and later beheaded.
So if you are suffering, is it for doing good or for doing evil. If it is for evil, repent and give up the evil and agree to the word of God and agree to the will of God being done in your life. If your suffering is for doing good, then God will sustain you in the suffering, so just commit yourself to God.
You can examine the following to see if the suffering is for doing evil.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Gal. 5
Friday, August 24, 2012
Trying to deceive God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When the son of Jeroboam, king of Israel, became sick, Jeroboam sent his wife to Ahijah the prophet, but told her to disguise herself so it wouldn't be known that she was his wife. Ahijah was blind and Jeroboam's wife disguised, yet God made known the entire matter to Ahijah ... who she was, what she was coming for, and that she was disguised.
1 Kings 14:4 And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. 5 And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.
We cannot hide anything from God, nor can we deceive Him. God sees the truth about us and about each matter.
Psalm 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
As soon as Jeroboam's wife came to the door, Ahijah brought light to the situation, not allowing the deception to come forth at all, and letting her know immediately that he had heavy tidings for her ...
1 Kings 14:6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.
Ahijah didn't try to "soften" what God had told him about the matter, as the flesh wants to do. He spoke in a straightforward manner what God had told him, bringing forth truth clearly and simply. I was reminded of the following ...
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Comments by Joan Boney
Here is another example from New Testament where people tried to deceive God with dire consequences.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts 5
When the son of Jeroboam, king of Israel, became sick, Jeroboam sent his wife to Ahijah the prophet, but told her to disguise herself so it wouldn't be known that she was his wife. Ahijah was blind and Jeroboam's wife disguised, yet God made known the entire matter to Ahijah ... who she was, what she was coming for, and that she was disguised.
1 Kings 14:4 And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. 5 And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.
We cannot hide anything from God, nor can we deceive Him. God sees the truth about us and about each matter.
Psalm 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
As soon as Jeroboam's wife came to the door, Ahijah brought light to the situation, not allowing the deception to come forth at all, and letting her know immediately that he had heavy tidings for her ...
1 Kings 14:6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.
Ahijah didn't try to "soften" what God had told him about the matter, as the flesh wants to do. He spoke in a straightforward manner what God had told him, bringing forth truth clearly and simply. I was reminded of the following ...
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Comments by Joan Boney
Here is another example from New Testament where people tried to deceive God with dire consequences.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts 5
What do you have in your house?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I had an interesting concept
presented to me by Holy spirit recently ... I was reading the following
...Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the
prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou
knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to
take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2And Elisha said unto her, What
shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And
she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of
oil. 3Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy
neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4And when thou art
come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt
pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is
full. 5So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her
sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 6And it came
to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring
me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And
the oil stayed. 7Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go,
sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the
rest. II Kings 4
She had oil in her house so God used that to provide for her and her sons.
The concept I had is "Just use what
you have." God will multiply what you have in your house ... If we have 3 people writing on blog use that ... If we
have 2 people use that ... If we have one person, use that. Regardless
it will be sufficient to provide for the people of God.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Before I called, God answered
Joan Boney ... apostle/ prophet
This morning doorbell rang. Neighbor from down the street told me my mailbox fell over. He said he would fix it for me. I didn't even know there was a problem. (But I knew God put it into this man's heart to take care of the problem for me.)
A few days ago, the same thing happened concerning TV. The doorbell rang and a man from DISH satellite was at door. He said there was problem with TV installation. I told him everything seemed to be working fine. But he said their equipment shows problem. So I told him to come in. He came in and installed a cable to the router and while he was at my house he told me of a program which is arranged with Blockbuster where you get 20 additional stations for $10 month and they show old movies. I called after he left and arranged this. I've been having some difficulty filling time in late evenings before going to bed. This new program has worked so far for me.
In both cases, someone just appeared at my door.
There is a scripture that fits this:
God says ... And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24
This morning doorbell rang. Neighbor from down the street told me my mailbox fell over. He said he would fix it for me. I didn't even know there was a problem. (But I knew God put it into this man's heart to take care of the problem for me.)
A few days ago, the same thing happened concerning TV. The doorbell rang and a man from DISH satellite was at door. He said there was problem with TV installation. I told him everything seemed to be working fine. But he said their equipment shows problem. So I told him to come in. He came in and installed a cable to the router and while he was at my house he told me of a program which is arranged with Blockbuster where you get 20 additional stations for $10 month and they show old movies. I called after he left and arranged this. I've been having some difficulty filling time in late evenings before going to bed. This new program has worked so far for me.
In both cases, someone just appeared at my door.
There is a scripture that fits this:
God says ... And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24
Penalty for serving multiple "gods"
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart from God and to the gods of his wives. As a result, God told him all but one tribe would be taken from his son and given to one of Solomon's servants.
1 Kings 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.
God sent the prophet Ahijah to tell Jeroboam, one of Solomon's servants, that he would reign over Israel, and promised to build Jeroboam a sure house if he would go in the ways of God ...
1 Kings 11:37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. 38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
After Solomon died, God caused his son Rehoboam to speak harshly to the people of Israel. They rebelled against Rehoboam, and made Jeroboam king over all but the tribe of Judah. And God also stopped Rehoboam from coming up against Jeroboam.
1 Kings 12:22 But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 23 Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 24 Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD. 25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.
God had called and caused Jeroboam to be king over Israel, and had protected him from Rehoboam. But then Jeroboam started acting according to thoughts which were contrary to what God had said He would do if Jeroboam did what was right in His sight. Jeroboam did that which is very evil in the sight of God while trying to protect his kingdom, even though God had promised him the kingdom if he did what was right in the sight of God as David had done. (1 Kings 11:38) Rather than turning to God with his concerns and trusting God to do as He said He would do, Jeroboam tried to protect his kingdom himself, and did that which is evil in the sight of God.
1 Kings 12:26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. 33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.
While thinking about this, I thought of how God has chosen us and done many things showing His protection and provision toward us. But thoughts come to us which are against what God has said, trying to tear down our faith in God and to cause us to go in a way opposite to the way of God.(antichrist) We are instructed to not deal with these by our own wisdom, but by turning to God and allowing Him to establish us in His truth in the matter. As we turn to God and believe what He brings to our attention to deal with the thoughts, we are kept in the ways of God.
2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart from God and to the gods of his wives. As a result, God told him all but one tribe would be taken from his son and given to one of Solomon's servants.
1 Kings 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.
God sent the prophet Ahijah to tell Jeroboam, one of Solomon's servants, that he would reign over Israel, and promised to build Jeroboam a sure house if he would go in the ways of God ...
1 Kings 11:37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. 38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
After Solomon died, God caused his son Rehoboam to speak harshly to the people of Israel. They rebelled against Rehoboam, and made Jeroboam king over all but the tribe of Judah. And God also stopped Rehoboam from coming up against Jeroboam.
1 Kings 12:22 But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 23 Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 24 Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD. 25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.
God had called and caused Jeroboam to be king over Israel, and had protected him from Rehoboam. But then Jeroboam started acting according to thoughts which were contrary to what God had said He would do if Jeroboam did what was right in His sight. Jeroboam did that which is very evil in the sight of God while trying to protect his kingdom, even though God had promised him the kingdom if he did what was right in the sight of God as David had done. (1 Kings 11:38) Rather than turning to God with his concerns and trusting God to do as He said He would do, Jeroboam tried to protect his kingdom himself, and did that which is evil in the sight of God.
1 Kings 12:26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. 33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.
While thinking about this, I thought of how God has chosen us and done many things showing His protection and provision toward us. But thoughts come to us which are against what God has said, trying to tear down our faith in God and to cause us to go in a way opposite to the way of God.(antichrist) We are instructed to not deal with these by our own wisdom, but by turning to God and allowing Him to establish us in His truth in the matter. As we turn to God and believe what He brings to our attention to deal with the thoughts, we are kept in the ways of God.
2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Godly/ungodly: compare their ways
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psa. 1:6
The righteous person is a servant of God. The ungodly is a servant of himself.
The righteous person knows how to wait on God before doing anything. The ungodly has a long list of things he wants to accomplish .. his works.
The righteous person depends on God for everything ... wisdom, instruction, material things. The righteous person isn't trying to do anything or accomplish anything. The goal of the righteous is to do that which God wants done and to please God in the way he does it.
The righteous believes the word of God and conforms his own way to that word when he learns of that word. The ungodly explains away the word of God in order to continue in his own pleasure and preference.
The righteous is godly. The unrighteous often has a form of godliness and tries to appear godly to others and may even think of himself as godly as he pursues his own plans.
The righteous deliberately makes himself of no reputation, refusing to exalt himself, exalting the word of God.
There are many differences between the way the righteous and the way of the ungodly but the way of the ungodly is a way of death even when it seems to work.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psa. 1:6
The righteous person is a servant of God. The ungodly is a servant of himself.
The righteous person knows how to wait on God before doing anything. The ungodly has a long list of things he wants to accomplish .. his works.
The righteous person depends on God for everything ... wisdom, instruction, material things. The righteous person isn't trying to do anything or accomplish anything. The goal of the righteous is to do that which God wants done and to please God in the way he does it.
The righteous believes the word of God and conforms his own way to that word when he learns of that word. The ungodly explains away the word of God in order to continue in his own pleasure and preference.
The righteous is godly. The unrighteous often has a form of godliness and tries to appear godly to others and may even think of himself as godly as he pursues his own plans.
The righteous deliberately makes himself of no reputation, refusing to exalt himself, exalting the word of God.
There are many differences between the way the righteous and the way of the ungodly but the way of the ungodly is a way of death even when it seems to work.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Knowing the will of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Many will be turned away by Jesus at the last judgment because the good works they are doing are not works authored by God. Mt. 7:22
One of the first things God taught me is the following.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
When the idea is from the Spirit of God it is easy to do.
Another scripture which shows this is James 3:17 ... But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Again we see the wisdom from God is easy to be administered.
If it is difficult to do and you don't have enough money to do it then something is wrong. Either the leading is not from God or you are going about doing it the wrong way. When you have a plan from God it is easy to be administered.
Many will be turned away by Jesus at the last judgment because the good works they are doing are not works authored by God. Mt. 7:22
One of the first things God taught me is the following.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
When the idea is from the Spirit of God it is easy to do.
Another scripture which shows this is James 3:17 ... But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Again we see the wisdom from God is easy to be administered.
If it is difficult to do and you don't have enough money to do it then something is wrong. Either the leading is not from God or you are going about doing it the wrong way. When you have a plan from God it is easy to be administered.
Commit your works to God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
commit - give in charge or trust; deliver for safekeeping; hand over; put in custody of
When we commit our works to the Lord, we submit our works to the will of God, desiring God to show us what He wants us to do in the way He wants us to do it. When we do this, God makes our thinking regarding the work firm and stable. God somehow shows us the way we are to go and establishes our thoughts in that way.
While considering this, I recalled how God established my thoughts when I was looking for a house to purchase. After looking at several houses, four or five seemed like they would work, but when I tried to make a decision, it was like a jumbled mess of thoughts in my mind which I wasn't able to sort through. I asked God to somehow show me what to do ... whether I should make an offer on any of the houses I had seen (and if so, which one), or whether I should keep looking at other houses.
As I prayed, I had the thought to start reviewing everything I knew about each of the 4-5 houses and just talk with God about each one, committing the decision about what to do to Him. While doing this, my thoughts were directed to various things about each house. The random, jumbled thoughts became clear and realistic. By the time I completed reviewing each of the houses, one stood out as a sound choice for me, and I didn't need to look further. It was so clear to me that God had established my thoughts as I sought His will in the matter.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
commit - give in charge or trust; deliver for safekeeping; hand over; put in custody of
When we commit our works to the Lord, we submit our works to the will of God, desiring God to show us what He wants us to do in the way He wants us to do it. When we do this, God makes our thinking regarding the work firm and stable. God somehow shows us the way we are to go and establishes our thoughts in that way.
While considering this, I recalled how God established my thoughts when I was looking for a house to purchase. After looking at several houses, four or five seemed like they would work, but when I tried to make a decision, it was like a jumbled mess of thoughts in my mind which I wasn't able to sort through. I asked God to somehow show me what to do ... whether I should make an offer on any of the houses I had seen (and if so, which one), or whether I should keep looking at other houses.
As I prayed, I had the thought to start reviewing everything I knew about each of the 4-5 houses and just talk with God about each one, committing the decision about what to do to Him. While doing this, my thoughts were directed to various things about each house. The random, jumbled thoughts became clear and realistic. By the time I completed reviewing each of the houses, one stood out as a sound choice for me, and I didn't need to look further. It was so clear to me that God had established my thoughts as I sought His will in the matter.
Paul: A New Testament apostle
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Paul was the first of the New Testament apostles given by Jesus after the resurrection.
When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph. 4
Paul was not even born again until after Jesus was resurrected.
Paul is not the last of the apostles. Paul is the first of the New Testament apostles.
What do apostles do in the New Testament church?
Primarily apostles make "rulings" concerning scripture.
For examples: Many churches today approve remarriage after divorce and explain away scripture on this subject because it would not be popular to speak that which is taught in the scripture.
Apostles will cling to scripture unto death and will fight in the churches to bring scripture back as the rule.
Jesus said: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Mt. 5:32
3 forms of adultery spoken of in above scripture:
- Man who divorces a "faithful" wife will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.
- The "faithful" wife will commit adultery if she remarries after divorce.
- The man who marries divorced woman commits adultery.
Paul (apostle) confirmed this teaching of Jesus over and over as he taught the New Testament church.
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. I Cor. 7
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. I Cor. 7
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Romans 7
There are many other sins in the church that New Testament apostles would stand against. There are perversions of doctrine in the church that apostles stand against. This is a primary function of New Testament apostles ... to uphold godly, scriptural doctrine in the church.
Devils would like to take over the churches. And in fact Paul said the time would come when antichrist (opposite to Christ) would reign in the church and the churches would fall away from scripture and set up another doctrine. II Thess. 2
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (The falling away is not people leaving the church but the falling away are churches falling away from scripture to set up a more approved doctrine to approve men), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:(even in Paul's day this was happening but it would get worse before the end) only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (Don't be surprised to see ministers of Satan doing miracles in the churches.)10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
But apostles will fight for truth of scripture and doctrine.
Paul was the first of the New Testament apostles given by Jesus after the resurrection.
When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph. 4
Paul was not even born again until after Jesus was resurrected.
Paul is not the last of the apostles. Paul is the first of the New Testament apostles.
What do apostles do in the New Testament church?
Primarily apostles make "rulings" concerning scripture.
For examples: Many churches today approve remarriage after divorce and explain away scripture on this subject because it would not be popular to speak that which is taught in the scripture.
Apostles will cling to scripture unto death and will fight in the churches to bring scripture back as the rule.
Jesus said: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Mt. 5:32
3 forms of adultery spoken of in above scripture:
- Man who divorces a "faithful" wife will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.
- The "faithful" wife will commit adultery if she remarries after divorce.
- The man who marries divorced woman commits adultery.
Paul (apostle) confirmed this teaching of Jesus over and over as he taught the New Testament church.
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. I Cor. 7
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. I Cor. 7
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Romans 7
There are many other sins in the church that New Testament apostles would stand against. There are perversions of doctrine in the church that apostles stand against. This is a primary function of New Testament apostles ... to uphold godly, scriptural doctrine in the church.
Devils would like to take over the churches. And in fact Paul said the time would come when antichrist (opposite to Christ) would reign in the church and the churches would fall away from scripture and set up another doctrine. II Thess. 2
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (The falling away is not people leaving the church but the falling away are churches falling away from scripture to set up a more approved doctrine to approve men), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:(even in Paul's day this was happening but it would get worse before the end) only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (Don't be surprised to see ministers of Satan doing miracles in the churches.)10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
But apostles will fight for truth of scripture and doctrine.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Knowing when the work is of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psa. 23
If you or someone else is doing a work and there is a lack of money and it is very difficult, I know the work is not authored by the Spirit of God for it is opposite to the scriptures. When the work is authored by God, the money is there for the work and the work is not hard but is easy.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
But some are being destroyed by God with "good works" ...
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
Jesus said ... ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Mt. 23:15
They think the work is of God (they think the sacrifice is for God) but the work is very hard and they never have enough money to pay for the work and they burden their families and others as they try to get money for the work. These works are not of God.
Jesus says: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
When the work is of God, it is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be administered ... James 3:17
When the work is authored by God, there is no want. Psa. 23
At the end of March, I had a dream which caused me to go on Internet and do these writings. We can go all over the world sharing the word of God on Internet without cost. Is this easy to be entreated? It certainly is.
I have many invitations to go to other countries around the world and speak to church groups and ministers. Is that the will of God? Would it be easy to be entreated? I am 75 years old and partially crippled by an accident. It would be very expensive to do this travel and it would be very difficult to do. Is this my assignment from God? Of course not! God has clearly shown me that HE has set the work up so I can easily do it from my own home with my handicap and age.
So we can, by the scriptures, know if the work is of God. We can tell if our own ideas are of God. We can tell if that which others are doing is of God when we know the Holy Scriptures.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psa. 23
If you or someone else is doing a work and there is a lack of money and it is very difficult, I know the work is not authored by the Spirit of God for it is opposite to the scriptures. When the work is authored by God, the money is there for the work and the work is not hard but is easy.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
But some are being destroyed by God with "good works" ...
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
Jesus said ... ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Mt. 23:15
They think the work is of God (they think the sacrifice is for God) but the work is very hard and they never have enough money to pay for the work and they burden their families and others as they try to get money for the work. These works are not of God.
Jesus says: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
When the work is of God, it is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be administered ... James 3:17
When the work is authored by God, there is no want. Psa. 23
At the end of March, I had a dream which caused me to go on Internet and do these writings. We can go all over the world sharing the word of God on Internet without cost. Is this easy to be entreated? It certainly is.
I have many invitations to go to other countries around the world and speak to church groups and ministers. Is that the will of God? Would it be easy to be entreated? I am 75 years old and partially crippled by an accident. It would be very expensive to do this travel and it would be very difficult to do. Is this my assignment from God? Of course not! God has clearly shown me that HE has set the work up so I can easily do it from my own home with my handicap and age.
So we can, by the scriptures, know if the work is of God. We can tell if our own ideas are of God. We can tell if that which others are doing is of God when we know the Holy Scriptures.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
Wise as serpents, harmless as doves
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The prudent carefully and cautiously considers what is said, whether in a thought or something spoken by another person, while the naive takes in each word without considering whether it is is valid, true, reasonable, and wise, and whether it is according to scripture.
Jesus warned us that we are in the midst of wolves, and must be wise. Human "wolves" do and say whatever they think will get what they want, without regard for truth.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Peter warned us that the devil walks about seeking to devour us. Often the devil uses thoughts as a means to snare us.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
When Jesus told of the end times, He warned us not to be deceived even by those who say things that seem religious ...
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (As was revealed to Joan, we're told here that many deceivers will say that Jesus is Lord.)
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
As we deal with thoughts and words man speaks, we are able to turn to God, asking for wisdom. God has promised to give us wisdom when we ask in faith.
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. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
We have also been given the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who guides us into all truth. We need to heed what the Holy Spirit calls to our attention, for it is truth about the matter.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
God has provided what we need to prudently consider what is said to us.
And I've been reminded of the following instruction we've been given ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess. 5:21 )
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The prudent carefully and cautiously considers what is said, whether in a thought or something spoken by another person, while the naive takes in each word without considering whether it is is valid, true, reasonable, and wise, and whether it is according to scripture.
Jesus warned us that we are in the midst of wolves, and must be wise. Human "wolves" do and say whatever they think will get what they want, without regard for truth.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Peter warned us that the devil walks about seeking to devour us. Often the devil uses thoughts as a means to snare us.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
When Jesus told of the end times, He warned us not to be deceived even by those who say things that seem religious ...
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (As was revealed to Joan, we're told here that many deceivers will say that Jesus is Lord.)
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
As we deal with thoughts and words man speaks, we are able to turn to God, asking for wisdom. God has promised to give us wisdom when we ask in faith.
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. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
We have also been given the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who guides us into all truth. We need to heed what the Holy Spirit calls to our attention, for it is truth about the matter.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
God has provided what we need to prudently consider what is said to us.
And I've been reminded of the following instruction we've been given ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess. 5:21 )
Not too hard for God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
II Kings 2:3 ...The king of Israel, and two other kings went out to fight against the king of Moab ... The journey took 7 days and there was no water for them nor for their cattle. They sought out a prophet, Elisha.
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. 14And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. 15But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. 16And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. 17For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. 18And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. 19And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
Elisha is saying, "This is no big deal to God to provide water for you and your cattle."
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water. 21And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. 22And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood: 23And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. 24And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country. II Kings 3
Not only did God provide the water, the water itself was used to mislead the Moabites. When they looked at the water, they thought blood was on the water because it appeared red. But what they were seeing was a reflection of the sun on the water. This caused the Moabites to made decisions which caused their destruction.
When a Christian rejects the truth and clings to another doctrine, that person takes pleasure in a form of unrighteousness. There is a penalty as follows: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
So God saves and God destroys. Nothing is too hard for God. Here is an example of God sending a lying spirit to destroy. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 21And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 22And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. 23Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. II Kings 22
Here is another example of God sending a strong delusion so people who loved pleasure rather than loving HIM would be destroyed.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
II Kings 2:3 ...The king of Israel, and two other kings went out to fight against the king of Moab ... The journey took 7 days and there was no water for them nor for their cattle. They sought out a prophet, Elisha.
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. 14And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. 15But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. 16And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. 17For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. 18And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. 19And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
Elisha is saying, "This is no big deal to God to provide water for you and your cattle."
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water. 21And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. 22And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood: 23And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. 24And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country. II Kings 3
Not only did God provide the water, the water itself was used to mislead the Moabites. When they looked at the water, they thought blood was on the water because it appeared red. But what they were seeing was a reflection of the sun on the water. This caused the Moabites to made decisions which caused their destruction.
When a Christian rejects the truth and clings to another doctrine, that person takes pleasure in a form of unrighteousness. There is a penalty as follows: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
So God saves and God destroys. Nothing is too hard for God. Here is an example of God sending a lying spirit to destroy. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 21And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 22And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. 23Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. II Kings 22
Here is another example of God sending a strong delusion so people who loved pleasure rather than loving HIM would be destroyed.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thess. 2
Monday, August 20, 2012
God's provision
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel and he was alone in wilderness and God sent an angel to Elijah with provision.
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 5And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. I Kings 19
Things like this encourage me. God continually provides for our needs.
Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel and he was alone in wilderness and God sent an angel to Elijah with provision.
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 5And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. I Kings 19
Things like this encourage me. God continually provides for our needs.
Walking in integrity
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 26:11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
integrity - the state or condition of being whole, undivided, and unified; complete; quality of being honest, sincere, and having strong moral principles
It especially stood out to me that when we have integrity we're undivided, holding to what we believe, regardless of what others may think. When we try to please others, there is a temptation to compromise in some way. When we're undivided in our thinking and desires, holding to what God has taught us and put in our hearts, the qualities of honesty, sincerity, and being strong in moral principles follow.
Jesus taught us the following ...
Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
When we walk in integrity, we hold fast to what is right in the sight of God, without wavering or compromise ... seeking to serve only God.
Psalm 26:11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
integrity - the state or condition of being whole, undivided, and unified; complete; quality of being honest, sincere, and having strong moral principles
It especially stood out to me that when we have integrity we're undivided, holding to what we believe, regardless of what others may think. When we try to please others, there is a temptation to compromise in some way. When we're undivided in our thinking and desires, holding to what God has taught us and put in our hearts, the qualities of honesty, sincerity, and being strong in moral principles follow.
Jesus taught us the following ...
Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
When we walk in integrity, we hold fast to what is right in the sight of God, without wavering or compromise ... seeking to serve only God.
Reverend? No man in Bible called himself this
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The Bible is the example for the New Testament Church. By the Holy Scriptures we know the pattern for us to live on this present earth.
There is no place in the Bible where a man called himself "Reverend".
The ministers in the New Testament called themselves by the ministry offices to which they are appointed by God: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher ... Eph. 4:11
Paul identified himself as "apostle/teacher" ... In his various letters to the churches we see this.
... Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. I Cor. 1 (We see the same thing in verse 1 of Romans, II Cor, Galatians, Ephesians, Colosians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus)
Peter did same thing.
Peter:
... Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. I Peter 1
... Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: II Peter 1
-----------------------
The ministers of God in the Bible called themselves apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher
(Eph 4).
This is proper for a minister in the New Testament church today.
Also we see the following:
Jesus said ...
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Mt. 23
The Bible is the example for the New Testament Church. By the Holy Scriptures we know the pattern for us to live on this present earth.
There is no place in the Bible where a man called himself "Reverend".
The ministers in the New Testament called themselves by the ministry offices to which they are appointed by God: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher ... Eph. 4:11
Paul identified himself as "apostle/teacher" ... In his various letters to the churches we see this.
... Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. I Cor. 1 (We see the same thing in verse 1 of Romans, II Cor, Galatians, Ephesians, Colosians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus)
Peter did same thing.
Peter:
... Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. I Peter 1
... Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: II Peter 1
-----------------------
The ministers of God in the Bible called themselves apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher
(Eph 4).
This is proper for a minister in the New Testament church today.
Also we see the following:
Jesus said ...
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Mt. 23
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Answer to prayer
Cathy Varner ... member of body of Christ
For awhile I've been praying about a concern and a few days ago God brought some thoughts to my mind which gave me the solution.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately and it's become kind of uncomfortable to have my head and neck bent down so much. Plus I'd been concerned about it having some long-term detrimental effect.
I was wanting some way to be able to have the reading material held up higher so I wouldn't have to bend my head down so much. I tried to hold things up higher but that was difficult. I'd thought all along that maybe a music stand, what holds the sheet music for people playing an instrument, would work. We'd had one when the kids were younger, but I didn't think we had that anymore.
Then a few days ago I was thinking about this subject again, and I began to think about the tables they serve food on to patients in the hospital. How the table part fits overtop the bed. But where could I possibly find something like that? Then I suddenly remembered a small office table my husband has, which is very similar to those hospital tables. It was upstairs in an office area we don't use much. He said I could use it. I was surprised at all the features, which turned out to be perfect for my needs. The table was kind of low, but I saw it was adjustable and I can set it up as high as needed. It has two sections and the larger section tilts and has a ledge on bottom to hold the book. It was even better than what I thought. I am thankful for this answer to prayer.
For awhile I've been praying about a concern and a few days ago God brought some thoughts to my mind which gave me the solution.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately and it's become kind of uncomfortable to have my head and neck bent down so much. Plus I'd been concerned about it having some long-term detrimental effect.
I was wanting some way to be able to have the reading material held up higher so I wouldn't have to bend my head down so much. I tried to hold things up higher but that was difficult. I'd thought all along that maybe a music stand, what holds the sheet music for people playing an instrument, would work. We'd had one when the kids were younger, but I didn't think we had that anymore.
Then a few days ago I was thinking about this subject again, and I began to think about the tables they serve food on to patients in the hospital. How the table part fits overtop the bed. But where could I possibly find something like that? Then I suddenly remembered a small office table my husband has, which is very similar to those hospital tables. It was upstairs in an office area we don't use much. He said I could use it. I was surprised at all the features, which turned out to be perfect for my needs. The table was kind of low, but I saw it was adjustable and I can set it up as high as needed. It has two sections and the larger section tilts and has a ledge on bottom to hold the book. It was even better than what I thought. I am thankful for this answer to prayer.
Being kept from path of destroyer
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
A year ago, God called my attention to the following instruction from the Bible:
Gal. 6:14 ... But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Daily for the next 7 or 8 months, I tried to do this: I stopped participating in things where humans were praised. I cut out various TV shows. I carefully edited everything that I did which would any any way bring glory (praise) to me personally.
Then the following was called to my attention:
Phil. 2 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation,
I checked carefully to see that I was not trying to impress anyone in any way ... Every day for about 4 months I checked this.
Then the following was called to my attention:
I Thess. l ...how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
I very strongly saw how my role was simply to wait to be taken out by Jesus whether it be by my death or by the return of Jesus. Either way, I would be removed from this present world. And I was to patiently wait for this and focus on this as I wait. This concept caused things of this present life which once concerned me to dim greatly and vanish as concerns. It really doesn't matter, became the theme concerning this of this life.
By following and acting upon scriptures such as these, I am kept from the path of the destroyer.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
A year ago, God called my attention to the following instruction from the Bible:
Gal. 6:14 ... But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Daily for the next 7 or 8 months, I tried to do this: I stopped participating in things where humans were praised. I cut out various TV shows. I carefully edited everything that I did which would any any way bring glory (praise) to me personally.
Then the following was called to my attention:
Phil. 2 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation,
I checked carefully to see that I was not trying to impress anyone in any way ... Every day for about 4 months I checked this.
Then the following was called to my attention:
I Thess. l ...how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
I very strongly saw how my role was simply to wait to be taken out by Jesus whether it be by my death or by the return of Jesus. Either way, I would be removed from this present world. And I was to patiently wait for this and focus on this as I wait. This concept caused things of this present life which once concerned me to dim greatly and vanish as concerns. It really doesn't matter, became the theme concerning this of this life.
By following and acting upon scriptures such as these, I am kept from the path of the destroyer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)