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.
I Chron. 16 ... Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Psalm 90:2 ... Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Psalm 91 ... Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Jn. 14:27 ... Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Mk. 11 ... And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Solomon's request and blessings from God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
After David died, God was with Solomon and he was strengthened in his kingdom. Solomon and all the people went to Gibeon where the brasen altar was before the tabernacle of the congregation. Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings on the altar.
2 Chronicles 1:1 1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. 3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. 4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. 6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
That night God appeared to Solomon asking what Solomon wanted God to give him. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people of God, over whom God had set Solomon. Solomon asked for what would help him do according the will of God.
2 Chronicles 1:7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
Because this was is what was in Solomon's heart, rather than riches, wealth, honor, the life of his enemies, or long life, God granted him wisdom and knowledge. And, even more than he asked, God also gave Solomon riches, wealth, and honor.
2 Chronicles 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Paul asked God to grant several wonderful things to those who believed there, things that would strengthen and establish them in the faith. And then Paul told that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think ...
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
After David died, God was with Solomon and he was strengthened in his kingdom. Solomon and all the people went to Gibeon where the brasen altar was before the tabernacle of the congregation. Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings on the altar.
2 Chronicles 1:1 1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. 3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. 4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. 6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
That night God appeared to Solomon asking what Solomon wanted God to give him. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people of God, over whom God had set Solomon. Solomon asked for what would help him do according the will of God.
2 Chronicles 1:7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
Because this was is what was in Solomon's heart, rather than riches, wealth, honor, the life of his enemies, or long life, God granted him wisdom and knowledge. And, even more than he asked, God also gave Solomon riches, wealth, and honor.
2 Chronicles 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Paul asked God to grant several wonderful things to those who believed there, things that would strengthen and establish them in the faith. And then Paul told that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think ...
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Must know will of God for ourselves
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. Jn. 6:15
Jesus knew the will of God for HIS life. The people did not know the will of God for HIM. But Jesus knew.
Jesus knew he would die for the sins of man. Jesus knew the plan of God. He knew His kingdom was not a natural kingdom of this world. So when the people would have come to make him a king, he went off by himself.
We must know God's plan for us. I have found God reveals much of His plan for me as I live on this earth so I will not be swept away by the glamor of the world, nor by my own ideas, nor by the ideas of others.
A recent example: After I went on Internet and began doing this writings, I began receiving invitations to go to various places and help with churches. But I knew it was not God's plan for me to do this though it seemed like a good thing to do. It was God's plan for me to stay still where I live and keep doing the writings. I knew this. So over and over I declined invitations. Even after declining I had "pastors" write telling me they were praying for me to have strength to come to their countries. But I knew the will of God for me.
You may have family or friends who think they know what you are supposed to do and they may tell you how to go.
The important thing for each of us is to know God's plan for our lives. And to go straight forward in HIS plan.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. Jn. 6:15
Jesus knew the will of God for HIS life. The people did not know the will of God for HIM. But Jesus knew.
Jesus knew he would die for the sins of man. Jesus knew the plan of God. He knew His kingdom was not a natural kingdom of this world. So when the people would have come to make him a king, he went off by himself.
We must know God's plan for us. I have found God reveals much of His plan for me as I live on this earth so I will not be swept away by the glamor of the world, nor by my own ideas, nor by the ideas of others.
A recent example: After I went on Internet and began doing this writings, I began receiving invitations to go to various places and help with churches. But I knew it was not God's plan for me to do this though it seemed like a good thing to do. It was God's plan for me to stay still where I live and keep doing the writings. I knew this. So over and over I declined invitations. Even after declining I had "pastors" write telling me they were praying for me to have strength to come to their countries. But I knew the will of God for me.
You may have family or friends who think they know what you are supposed to do and they may tell you how to go.
The important thing for each of us is to know God's plan for our lives. And to go straight forward in HIS plan.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Deut. 28 ... And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Psalm 9 ... The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 9 ... The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalm 19 ... The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 9 ... The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 9 ... The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalm 19 ... The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Deceived by covetousness
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Jesus taught that no servant can serve God and mammon, the Pharisees, who were covetous, derided (ridiculed) Jesus.
Luke 15:13 No servant 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. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
Instead of examining themselves by what Jesus taught and repenting of their covetousness, the Pharisees ridiculed Jesus, seeking to discredit the teaching and thereby justify themselves as Pharisees, while continuing in their covetousness.
But Jesus showed God's view of matter ...
Luke 15:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Man may deceive himself and other people with his words. But God knows what is in the heart of each person and is not deceived by vain words of man. If covetousness of worldly things, which is abominable to God, is in our hearts, this is not hidden from God. Nothing is hidden from God ...
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.
And those things that man holds in high esteem and wants to keep instead of submitting to the word of God, are really not valuable at all, but are abominable in the sight of God.
I was reminded of the following ...
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
When Jesus taught that no servant can serve God and mammon, the Pharisees, who were covetous, derided (ridiculed) Jesus.
Luke 15:13 No servant 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. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
Instead of examining themselves by what Jesus taught and repenting of their covetousness, the Pharisees ridiculed Jesus, seeking to discredit the teaching and thereby justify themselves as Pharisees, while continuing in their covetousness.
But Jesus showed God's view of matter ...
Luke 15:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Man may deceive himself and other people with his words. But God knows what is in the heart of each person and is not deceived by vain words of man. If covetousness of worldly things, which is abominable to God, is in our hearts, this is not hidden from God. Nothing is hidden from God ...
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.
And those things that man holds in high esteem and wants to keep instead of submitting to the word of God, are really not valuable at all, but are abominable in the sight of God.
I was reminded of the following ...
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Being raised from the dead
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. Jn. 5
Jesus is showing that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David live through God who raises the dead. The Pharisees believed in being raised from the dead but the Sadducees did not believe this.
Mk. 12 ...Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, 19Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 20Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? 25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. 26And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? 27He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Lk. 23 ... Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8And they remembered his words,
I Cor. 15 ... Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I Thess. 4 ... But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For 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 (precede) them which are asleep. 16For 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: 17Then 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. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
We who were dead in sins due to sin nature are raised from the dead through Christ that we now serve God and not sin as we once did. The second death now has no power over us who live with HIM.
Jesus said ... The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. Jn. 5
Jesus is showing that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David live through God who raises the dead. The Pharisees believed in being raised from the dead but the Sadducees did not believe this.
Mk. 12 ...Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, 19Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 20Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? 25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. 26And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? 27He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Lk. 23 ... Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8And they remembered his words,
I Cor. 15 ... Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I Thess. 4 ... But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For 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 (precede) them which are asleep. 16For 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: 17Then 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. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
We who were dead in sins due to sin nature are raised from the dead through Christ that we now serve God and not sin as we once did. The second death now has no power over us who live with HIM.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
John 14:26 ... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
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.
Psalm 56 ... What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalm 33 ... There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. 21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
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.
Psalm 56 ... What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalm 33 ... There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. 21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Preparing for return of Jesus
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Although we don't know when Jesus
will return, Jesus told how we are to be as we wait for His return ....
Luke 12:35 Let your loins be
girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like
unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding;
that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:
verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to
meat, and will come forth and serve them.
We are to have our loins girded about (dressed
and prepared) …. dressed
in the “new man” by daily dealing with ourselves and each matter we face
according to the will of God, being led by the Holy Spirit. No longer following the ways of this world,
lusts of the flesh, or thoughts from the devil, but turning to God and walking
in each word we are given. Seeking to please God, not ourselves or other people.
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off
concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that
ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness.
We are also to have our lights
burning ... staying alert, walking soberly and circumspectly in truth from
God, praying, and diligently doing the work God has assigned to us ...
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith,
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee
light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my
beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
And we are to wait and watch for the return of Jesus, not becoming
distracted or lazy, but to daily be prepared for His return.
Luke 12:38 And if he shall come in
the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are
those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known
what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered
his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son
of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Only those born of God can see things of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. Jn. 5
The Jews missed the miracle. God did not open their eyes to see. So they focused on the flesh. They focused on the law, the sabbath.
All understanding is from God. So when we see someone who really speaks a word from God and we recognize that word is from God, we know one another because both of us have understanding from God.
The devil tries to imitate God.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 9When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. 10And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. 13And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. Ex. 7
Then in the end times, the devil imitates great wonders ... and Jesus said if possible those great wonders would deceive even the elect ... Jesus said, 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. 25Behold, I have told you before. Mt. 24
And the devil and his ministers can speak words that seem like God and can quote scripture trying to imitate God. But there is a word "revealed" by God. Only God can do that. And the gates of hell cannot stand against the "revealed" word of God on the matter at hand. Mt. 16:13-19 And those of us who have the Spirit of God recognize each other by that understanding given by God and each of us speak words containing understanding given by God, thereby we know each other in the midst of the great deception of the end times.
But those of the devil pretending to be of God are always just a little off. (Like a radio station that isn't turned in to the station and makes a sound that is off a little.)
After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. Jn. 5
The Jews missed the miracle. God did not open their eyes to see. So they focused on the flesh. They focused on the law, the sabbath.
All understanding is from God. So when we see someone who really speaks a word from God and we recognize that word is from God, we know one another because both of us have understanding from God.
The devil tries to imitate God.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 9When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. 10And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. 13And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. Ex. 7
Then in the end times, the devil imitates great wonders ... and Jesus said if possible those great wonders would deceive even the elect ... Jesus said, 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. 25Behold, I have told you before. Mt. 24
And the devil and his ministers can speak words that seem like God and can quote scripture trying to imitate God. But there is a word "revealed" by God. Only God can do that. And the gates of hell cannot stand against the "revealed" word of God on the matter at hand. Mt. 16:13-19 And those of us who have the Spirit of God recognize each other by that understanding given by God and each of us speak words containing understanding given by God, thereby we know each other in the midst of the great deception of the end times.
But those of the devil pretending to be of God are always just a little off. (Like a radio station that isn't turned in to the station and makes a sound that is off a little.)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
Jn. 14 ... Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Psalm 42:11 ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
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.
Mt. 13:44-46 ... Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Isaiah 40:31 ... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 42:11 ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
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.
Mt. 13:44-46 ... Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Isaiah 40:31 ... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Cost to doing word of God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
As Jesus was at the house of one of the Pharisees to eat, He taught those who were there. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. (Luke 14:15 ) Jesus responded by giving the parable of a great supper in which those who were invited were not willing to leave their plans and what they were doing to come to the supper ... not willing to lay down their own lives in order to go to the supper ... and they did not taste of the supper.
Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Jesus continued by teaching the multitudes. We cannot set ourselves nor anyone above God and the Word of God if we are to follow Him ...
Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
We cannot follow Him if we don't obey, doing as we are led by the Holy Spirit, bearing our cross.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
There is a cost to doing the word of God .... nothing can be more important to us.
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
But if we lay down our lives so that we can do the will of God, we find our lives ... the life God gives us as we are led by the Holy Spirit on this earth, and afterward, eternal life.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
As Jesus was at the house of one of the Pharisees to eat, He taught those who were there. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. (Luke 14:15 ) Jesus responded by giving the parable of a great supper in which those who were invited were not willing to leave their plans and what they were doing to come to the supper ... not willing to lay down their own lives in order to go to the supper ... and they did not taste of the supper.
Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Jesus continued by teaching the multitudes. We cannot set ourselves nor anyone above God and the Word of God if we are to follow Him ...
Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
We cannot follow Him if we don't obey, doing as we are led by the Holy Spirit, bearing our cross.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
There is a cost to doing the word of God .... nothing can be more important to us.
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
But if we lay down our lives so that we can do the will of God, we find our lives ... the life God gives us as we are led by the Holy Spirit on this earth, and afterward, eternal life.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Our atonment is Jesus
Renee Bonfield ... evangelist
Immediately after I was given the following scripture: I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children,
My husband has Lymphadema in both of his legs. I
have been taking him for Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments every day Monday through Friday. One of the staff who works
with him is a Russian Jewish woman. She found out that my husband and I are Jewish. This Wednesday is a
Jewish holiday (Yom Kippur) This is a day in which Jewish people fast all day in order to atone for their sins.
Today this woman said to me "You won't be coming here on Wednesday will you?" I said "Yes, we will." She looked very
shocked and asked me, "Why? This is the holiest day of the year. Tell me, why." I said "Because Jesus Christ is
our Messiah. He is our atonement for sin." She muttered something and I said that's what the Bible teaches us. Then
she said "The Bible was ours." I said "And it still is." At this
point she walked away.
Immediately after I was given the following scripture: I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children,
and have overcome them: because greater is
He that is in you, then he that is in the
world.
With the froward God shows Himself froward
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently I was talking on phone and another call came in. Normally I will ignore it but I thought it was someone I needed to talk with but it turned out to be a man trying sell walk in showers. He had his sales talk down so he could hardly be stopped but I managed to cut in and I told him I had a new house, hoping to stop him from going further and it didn't work at all ... he raced forward with his sales pitch saying, "OH, we install showers in new homes" ... and he kept talking and I cut in again and said, "Mister ... you shouldn't try to sell something to a person who doesn't want to buy anything for you waste your time and their time." And I hung up. (He was still trying to talk when I hung up.)
Then I felt terrible ...I asked God for help and I was reminded of the following scripture ...
God says ... With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. 27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. Psa. 18
This completely healed me. There are times it is "godly" to speak this way and while we will appear "forward" to the evil doer, it is because of the evil in them that makes it seem that way. They view us as "froward" because they are froward. It is not us but them.
However, next time I won't answer the phone when I'm not sure about the person calling.
Recently I was talking on phone and another call came in. Normally I will ignore it but I thought it was someone I needed to talk with but it turned out to be a man trying sell walk in showers. He had his sales talk down so he could hardly be stopped but I managed to cut in and I told him I had a new house, hoping to stop him from going further and it didn't work at all ... he raced forward with his sales pitch saying, "OH, we install showers in new homes" ... and he kept talking and I cut in again and said, "Mister ... you shouldn't try to sell something to a person who doesn't want to buy anything for you waste your time and their time." And I hung up. (He was still trying to talk when I hung up.)
Then I felt terrible ...I asked God for help and I was reminded of the following scripture ...
God says ... With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. 27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. Psa. 18
This completely healed me. There are times it is "godly" to speak this way and while we will appear "forward" to the evil doer, it is because of the evil in them that makes it seem that way. They view us as "froward" because they are froward. It is not us but them.
However, next time I won't answer the phone when I'm not sure about the person calling.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Luke 12 ... Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
I Jn. 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.
I Jn. 1:9 ... If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I Jn. 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.
I Jn. 1:9 ... If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The church's ONE foundation
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
For the past two days, the following spiritual song has come up through my being and I have found myself going about singing this:
The church's ONE foundation:
The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is HIS new creation by water and the WORD.
From heav'n HE came and sought her to be HIS holy bride:
With HIS own blood he bought her,
and for her life HE died.
For the past two days, the following spiritual song has come up through my being and I have found myself going about singing this:
The church's ONE foundation:
The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is HIS new creation by water and the WORD.
From heav'n HE came and sought her to be HIS holy bride:
With HIS own blood he bought her,
and for her life HE died.
Led by Holy Spirit
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Paul and Silas were preaching the gospel in various places, they were stopped by the Holy Spirit from going to Asia. Although not allowed to go to Asia, Paul was shown in a vision to go to Macedonia. They immediately went to Macedonia, believing God had called them to preach the gospel there.
Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
While in Macedonia, Paul preached the gospel and a certain woman, Lydia, believed ... And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Acts 16:14)
Later, Paul and Silas were beaten and put into the inner prison after casting a spirit of divination from a damsel who had brought much gain to her masters through soothsaying.
Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
As Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, God brought a great earthquake, opened all the doors, and loosed every one's bands. Yet none of the prisoners left.
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
As a result of these things which showed the power of God, the prison keeper asked what he must do to be saved. Paul and Silas spoke the gospel to him and to all in his house. They believed and were baptized.
Acts 16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Paul and Silas were guided by the Holy Spirit in where to go. When the Holy Spirit forbid them to go to Asia, they didn't go there. When Paul was shown in a vision to go to Macedonia, they immediately set out to go there. By these things Paul and Silas were led by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to those who were to believe in Macedonia, according to the will of God.
This is a strong example in being sensitive to what God speaks through the Holy Spirit and to obey, knowing the Holy Spirit leads according to the will of God for our lives.
When Paul and Silas were preaching the gospel in various places, they were stopped by the Holy Spirit from going to Asia. Although not allowed to go to Asia, Paul was shown in a vision to go to Macedonia. They immediately went to Macedonia, believing God had called them to preach the gospel there.
Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
While in Macedonia, Paul preached the gospel and a certain woman, Lydia, believed ... And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Acts 16:14)
Later, Paul and Silas were beaten and put into the inner prison after casting a spirit of divination from a damsel who had brought much gain to her masters through soothsaying.
Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
As Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, God brought a great earthquake, opened all the doors, and loosed every one's bands. Yet none of the prisoners left.
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
As a result of these things which showed the power of God, the prison keeper asked what he must do to be saved. Paul and Silas spoke the gospel to him and to all in his house. They believed and were baptized.
Acts 16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Paul and Silas were guided by the Holy Spirit in where to go. When the Holy Spirit forbid them to go to Asia, they didn't go there. When Paul was shown in a vision to go to Macedonia, they immediately set out to go there. By these things Paul and Silas were led by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to those who were to believe in Macedonia, according to the will of God.
This is a strong example in being sensitive to what God speaks through the Holy Spirit and to obey, knowing the Holy Spirit leads according to the will of God for our lives.
Evil kings ruling over Israel
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
In reading through the Bible, I am currently reading in II Kings. There were so many kings who did evil in the sight of God and the people of Israel suffered a lot as the result.
But then I remember a long ago word of God on this matter when the people insisted they have a king to rule over them like the other nations. They went to the prophet Samuel insisting that they have this king. Samuel was very displeased with this and he took it to God. Here is what God said to Samuel.
I Samuel 8 ... And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. 11And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. 12And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
In II Kings, the evil we see come upon the people as a result of their king is a fulfillment of the word of God on the matter of being ruled by a human king.
The people wanted to be "like all the nations" ... they didn't want to be different.
We who belong to God are different. We don't fit in because we are different. And from time to time we would like to be like "the other nations", but thank God we are not like them.
In reading through the Bible, I am currently reading in II Kings. There were so many kings who did evil in the sight of God and the people of Israel suffered a lot as the result.
But then I remember a long ago word of God on this matter when the people insisted they have a king to rule over them like the other nations. They went to the prophet Samuel insisting that they have this king. Samuel was very displeased with this and he took it to God. Here is what God said to Samuel.
I Samuel 8 ... And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. 11And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. 12And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
In II Kings, the evil we see come upon the people as a result of their king is a fulfillment of the word of God on the matter of being ruled by a human king.
The people wanted to be "like all the nations" ... they didn't want to be different.
We who belong to God are different. We don't fit in because we are different. And from time to time we would like to be like "the other nations", but thank God we are not like them.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
I Jn. 5:18 ... We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Eph. 6 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Psalm 34 ... The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
James 5 ... Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Eph. 6 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Psalm 34 ... The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
James 5 ... Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Overcoming through spiritual warfare
Joan Boney ... apostle / prophet
I Chron. 12 ...caught my attention ...
The men who came to David to fight were fit for battle. They were expert in war. They were not of double heart. They could keep rank.
I thought of how we should be in the church.
We have to do the fundamentals of spiritual warfare.
We have to be very disciplined not to allow ourselves to dwell on the past.
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, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: Phil. 3
Yesterday, I had a thought come to me about something of the past. I refused to entertain it. We cannot think on past and go forward in things of God. Therefore we take strong action and refuse to think on things of past. Thoughts of past will come and we will have memories brought to our attention of past but what we must do is to refuse to continue to think on these, calling on God for HIS help in such moments.
And we must be diligent to take troublesome thoughts captive through prayer over the issue or through turning to God for help with the thought.
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;) 5Casting 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; II Cor. 10
Examples of fearful thoughts would be thoughts that you are not going to have enough money or you are not going to have what you need in your life in the form of people to help you.
Rather than trying to ignore these thoughts, turn to God in prayer asking Him if there is anything you need to do about this matter. Trust God to show you if you need to make adjustment. If you are reminded of a scripture after you pray, focus on that scripture. Determine to believe that scripture when you are shown a scripture.
Discipline such as this is critical for us.
Only though turning to God and focusing on anything HE says by HIS Spirit will we be able to overcome as we live on this earth.
And it is critical to remember to pray.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: Prov. 3
We must not try to figure out what to do without praying about the matter.
In a notebook, I am listing the various things I have prayed about so I can check when in doubt to see if I prayed about that specific matter. This seems to be helping me with prayer discipline. Also it is an anchor, for Proverbs 3 says God will direct our paths when we pray. It is a comfort to me to be able to look and see that I have prayed about the issue.
Overcoming is not accidental.
I Jn. 5:18 ... We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Eph. 6 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I Chron. 12 ...caught my attention ...
The men who came to David to fight were fit for battle. They were expert in war. They were not of double heart. They could keep rank.
I thought of how we should be in the church.
We have to do the fundamentals of spiritual warfare.
We have to be very disciplined not to allow ourselves to dwell on the past.
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, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: Phil. 3
Yesterday, I had a thought come to me about something of the past. I refused to entertain it. We cannot think on past and go forward in things of God. Therefore we take strong action and refuse to think on things of past. Thoughts of past will come and we will have memories brought to our attention of past but what we must do is to refuse to continue to think on these, calling on God for HIS help in such moments.
And we must be diligent to take troublesome thoughts captive through prayer over the issue or through turning to God for help with the thought.
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;) 5Casting 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; II Cor. 10
Examples of fearful thoughts would be thoughts that you are not going to have enough money or you are not going to have what you need in your life in the form of people to help you.
Rather than trying to ignore these thoughts, turn to God in prayer asking Him if there is anything you need to do about this matter. Trust God to show you if you need to make adjustment. If you are reminded of a scripture after you pray, focus on that scripture. Determine to believe that scripture when you are shown a scripture.
Discipline such as this is critical for us.
Only though turning to God and focusing on anything HE says by HIS Spirit will we be able to overcome as we live on this earth.
And it is critical to remember to pray.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: Prov. 3
We must not try to figure out what to do without praying about the matter.
In a notebook, I am listing the various things I have prayed about so I can check when in doubt to see if I prayed about that specific matter. This seems to be helping me with prayer discipline. Also it is an anchor, for Proverbs 3 says God will direct our paths when we pray. It is a comfort to me to be able to look and see that I have prayed about the issue.
Overcoming is not accidental.
I Jn. 5:18 ... We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Eph. 6 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Correct Prayer
Pam Padgett ... teacher
A disciple asked Jesus to teach them how to pray ...
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Jesus taught us to pray not just for physical needs, such as our daily food, but also for spiritual things, including that the will of God be done, that our sins be forgiven as we forgive others, that we not be led into temptation, and that we be delivered from evil.
Although we are flesh and have physical needs, our spiritual well being is of great importance.
And Jesus gave the following parable in which we see persistence in asking, and He told us that God will hear and answer our prayers ...
Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Jesus also explained that even more than a human father knows how to give good things to his son who asks, God will do for us when we ask Him ...
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
But we are not to pray according to fleshly lusts, lusts of this world. James gave the following warning ...
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
For those who walk uprightly, however, no good thing will be withheld ...
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
A disciple asked Jesus to teach them how to pray ...
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Jesus taught us to pray not just for physical needs, such as our daily food, but also for spiritual things, including that the will of God be done, that our sins be forgiven as we forgive others, that we not be led into temptation, and that we be delivered from evil.
Although we are flesh and have physical needs, our spiritual well being is of great importance.
And Jesus gave the following parable in which we see persistence in asking, and He told us that God will hear and answer our prayers ...
Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Jesus also explained that even more than a human father knows how to give good things to his son who asks, God will do for us when we ask Him ...
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
But we are not to pray according to fleshly lusts, lusts of this world. James gave the following warning ...
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
For those who walk uprightly, however, no good thing will be withheld ...
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
We are glorified by God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Humans are often trying to glorify themselves with their achievements or appearance, but God glorifies those HE calls.
Romans 8:29-30 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Glorified means: to be special, unusual,
"Special" is an interesting word. It means: "better, greater, or different from"
Everywhere I go, I know people are blessed because I am there.
Why? Because I am a carrier of the word of God and the Spirit of God dwells in me.
This makes me different, better, greater ... for few carry the word of God and the Spirit of God.
We are therefore glorified by God as we walk on this present earth.
Each person who carries the word of God should feel this way. For it is God who has made him different. It is God who glorified by giving HIS Spirit.
When we are with others who are of God then we are not "better, greater, different" from them for we have the same spirit. We are equal with the body of Christ by HIS Spirit. We submit one to another in such a case. The Spirit speaks as HE wills through whom HE wills. And we are all edified and corrected by HIS Spirit as needed.
But when we go into a room with people who do not have the Spirit of God, we are special, glorified, "better, greater, different" from those in the room who do not have HIS Spirit.
This should fight fear. For no matter how "important" a person is in the eyes of man, we who have the spirit of God are greater because we carry the Spirit of God.
Humans are often trying to glorify themselves with their achievements or appearance, but God glorifies those HE calls.
Romans 8:29-30 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Glorified means: to be special, unusual,
"Special" is an interesting word. It means: "better, greater, or different from"
Everywhere I go, I know people are blessed because I am there.
Why? Because I am a carrier of the word of God and the Spirit of God dwells in me.
This makes me different, better, greater ... for few carry the word of God and the Spirit of God.
We are therefore glorified by God as we walk on this present earth.
Each person who carries the word of God should feel this way. For it is God who has made him different. It is God who glorified by giving HIS Spirit.
When we are with others who are of God then we are not "better, greater, different" from them for we have the same spirit. We are equal with the body of Christ by HIS Spirit. We submit one to another in such a case. The Spirit speaks as HE wills through whom HE wills. And we are all edified and corrected by HIS Spirit as needed.
But when we go into a room with people who do not have the Spirit of God, we are special, glorified, "better, greater, different" from those in the room who do not have HIS Spirit.
This should fight fear. For no matter how "important" a person is in the eyes of man, we who have the spirit of God are greater because we carry the Spirit of God.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 34:7 ... The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Jn. 15 ... If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Amos 3:3 ... Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Rev. 3 ... Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Jn. 15 ... If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Amos 3:3 ... Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Rev. 3 ... Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Dealing in kindness
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Nahash, king of Ammon, had a son named Hanun. When Nahash died, David set out to show kindness and comfort to Hanun. David sent messengers to comfort Hanun, but the princes of Ammon spoke evil against David's motives in sending the messengers ...
1 Chronicles 19:1 Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. 2 And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. 3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
Hanun accepted the counsel of the princes and treated David's servants shamefully before sending them away ...
1 Chronicles 19:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
After doing this, Hanun feared that David would come against them, and hired others to help come against David. But, even though Hanun had dealt in such an evil way toward him, David did not come against them until Ammon came for battle.
1 Chronicles 19:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah. 7 So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. 8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. 9 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.
As Israel prepared for the battle against Ammon and the Syrians who had come to help them, Joab said Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight. (1 Chronicles 19:13)
The Ammons and Syrians fled before the armies of Israel ...
14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. 15 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
Nahash had done that which was good in the sight of God by showing kindness to David. But his son, Hanun, turned to and listened to counsel from evil men and did not see the kindness David showed to him. By trusting in, and following, those around him, Hanun went in a way of destruction.
As I read this, I was reminded of ...
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
We sometimes extend kindness toward someone and they lash out at us unexpectedly, hurting us. Although our flesh wants to retaliate, we are to keep our flesh from ruling and deal in spiritual ways, turning to God, committing the situation to Him, and seeking His wisdom in what to do.
1 Thess. 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
There are also times when someone shows kindness or deals well toward us, and evildoers come trying to stir us up against the person. We are warned to not go in the way of the wicked and evil, but to stay in the path of the just. We can do this by turning to God and trusting Him to keep us according to truth in the matter ...
Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Nahash, king of Ammon, had a son named Hanun. When Nahash died, David set out to show kindness and comfort to Hanun. David sent messengers to comfort Hanun, but the princes of Ammon spoke evil against David's motives in sending the messengers ...
1 Chronicles 19:1 Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. 2 And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. 3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
Hanun accepted the counsel of the princes and treated David's servants shamefully before sending them away ...
1 Chronicles 19:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
After doing this, Hanun feared that David would come against them, and hired others to help come against David. But, even though Hanun had dealt in such an evil way toward him, David did not come against them until Ammon came for battle.
1 Chronicles 19:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah. 7 So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. 8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. 9 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.
As Israel prepared for the battle against Ammon and the Syrians who had come to help them, Joab said Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight. (1 Chronicles 19:13)
The Ammons and Syrians fled before the armies of Israel ...
14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. 15 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
Nahash had done that which was good in the sight of God by showing kindness to David. But his son, Hanun, turned to and listened to counsel from evil men and did not see the kindness David showed to him. By trusting in, and following, those around him, Hanun went in a way of destruction.
As I read this, I was reminded of ...
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
We sometimes extend kindness toward someone and they lash out at us unexpectedly, hurting us. Although our flesh wants to retaliate, we are to keep our flesh from ruling and deal in spiritual ways, turning to God, committing the situation to Him, and seeking His wisdom in what to do.
1 Thess. 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
There are also times when someone shows kindness or deals well toward us, and evildoers come trying to stir us up against the person. We are warned to not go in the way of the wicked and evil, but to stay in the path of the just. We can do this by turning to God and trusting Him to keep us according to truth in the matter ...
Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Jesus intercedes for us
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Romans 8:34 ... It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Romans 8:34 ... It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
Phil. 4:19 ... But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37 ... Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psalm 1 ... Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
I Chron. 11:6 ... And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief... I Thess. 5:21 ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Proverbs 16:3 ... Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Psalm 37 ... Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psalm 1 ... Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
I Chron. 11:6 ... And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief... I Thess. 5:21 ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Proverbs 16:3 ... Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Way of life
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Those who walk by the Holy Spirit in the wisdom of God seek to serve God and seek their provision from God ... things above, not things of this world. By not seeking to find their lives on this earth, the wise are spared much of the strife, worry, disappointments, futility, and vain works of this world, and depart from the way that leads to destruction by following the Spirit of God instead of following the flesh.
Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
I was reminded of the instructions we've been given in the following ...
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6: 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 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.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
For those who have been called by God, our way of life should not be according to the ways of this world. We are not of this world, but have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, bought with a price, that we should glorify God as we live on this earth, and for eternity.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Those who walk by the Holy Spirit in the wisdom of God seek to serve God and seek their provision from God ... things above, not things of this world. By not seeking to find their lives on this earth, the wise are spared much of the strife, worry, disappointments, futility, and vain works of this world, and depart from the way that leads to destruction by following the Spirit of God instead of following the flesh.
Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
I was reminded of the instructions we've been given in the following ...
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6: 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 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.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
For those who have been called by God, our way of life should not be according to the ways of this world. We are not of this world, but have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, bought with a price, that we should glorify God as we live on this earth, and for eternity.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Called by God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
If you are called by God, then you are predestinated by God, you are justified by God, and you are glorified by God.
Romans 8:30 ...Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Therefore Paul says ... If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
So for each of us we examine ourselves:
Was I "called" by God? Did I hear the voice of God through the Spirit of God?
If so, I was "called" by God and HE set me into the body of Christ by HIS Spirit. HE predestinated me ... HE justified me ... HE glorified me.
If you are called by God, then you are predestinated by God, you are justified by God, and you are glorified by God.
Romans 8:30 ...Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Therefore Paul says ... If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
So for each of us we examine ourselves:
Was I "called" by God? Did I hear the voice of God through the Spirit of God?
If so, I was "called" by God and HE set me into the body of Christ by HIS Spirit. HE predestinated me ... HE justified me ... HE glorified me.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
Proverbs 14:27 ... The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Jeremiah 10:23 ... O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Proverbs 19:21 ... There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Jn. 15 ... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Mt. 16 ... Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Jeremiah 10:23 ... O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Proverbs 19:21 ... There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Jn. 15 ... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Mt. 16 ... Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Revelation from Spirit of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Paul gave us instructions concerning that which we should share and do when we share with the church and one of those things was if any have a "revelation" let him share it with the church. (I Cor. 14:26)
A revelation is information from the Spirit of God which allows us to better understand something of God.
Pam shared this type of revelation in a writing she did recently.
She was speaking of Phil. 3
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. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
It looks as if Paul was able to forget the past so it would not trouble him. But I have painful memories of the past return over and over and I have never been able to forget the past.
Then Pam said:
Paul told us that he didn't allow things in the past to distract him. Instead, he moved forward, pressing toward completing what God had called him to do and receiving the prize (reward). We are counseled to have this same mind ...
Now I think I understand ... I think Paul was saying when those painful memories return, we must "forget" them, setting them aside, so we can go on in the work of God.
I do this all the time. When the painful memory comes, I cry out to God ... "Oh, God help me." And I set very still and the memory goes away much as a puff of smoke drifts away. And I go on with other things. I don't wallow in the painful memory. I deal with it immediately by turning to God.
But that memory often returns weeks or months later and I do the same thing again, "OH God help me."
The way I deal with these painful memories reminds me of the time I had a tooth problem and when water would strike that area and sharp pain would come. I would just freeze and cry out, "God help me" ... and I would hold on until the pain went away.
Concerning the memories: I don't believe there is any way I can stop them from coming to me but I can deal with them by calling on God immediately. I don't allow those memories to stop my going forward in things of God. It only takes a second or so to deal with it and then I go forward again.
I think this is what Paul is talking about when he said he forgets those things behind. He did not allow those things to stop the work of God.
Paul gave us instructions concerning that which we should share and do when we share with the church and one of those things was if any have a "revelation" let him share it with the church. (I Cor. 14:26)
A revelation is information from the Spirit of God which allows us to better understand something of God.
Pam shared this type of revelation in a writing she did recently.
She was speaking of Phil. 3
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. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
It looks as if Paul was able to forget the past so it would not trouble him. But I have painful memories of the past return over and over and I have never been able to forget the past.
Then Pam said:
Paul told us that he didn't allow things in the past to distract him. Instead, he moved forward, pressing toward completing what God had called him to do and receiving the prize (reward). We are counseled to have this same mind ...
Now I think I understand ... I think Paul was saying when those painful memories return, we must "forget" them, setting them aside, so we can go on in the work of God.
I do this all the time. When the painful memory comes, I cry out to God ... "Oh, God help me." And I set very still and the memory goes away much as a puff of smoke drifts away. And I go on with other things. I don't wallow in the painful memory. I deal with it immediately by turning to God.
But that memory often returns weeks or months later and I do the same thing again, "OH God help me."
The way I deal with these painful memories reminds me of the time I had a tooth problem and when water would strike that area and sharp pain would come. I would just freeze and cry out, "God help me" ... and I would hold on until the pain went away.
Concerning the memories: I don't believe there is any way I can stop them from coming to me but I can deal with them by calling on God immediately. I don't allow those memories to stop my going forward in things of God. It only takes a second or so to deal with it and then I go forward again.
I think this is what Paul is talking about when he said he forgets those things behind. He did not allow those things to stop the work of God.
Exalting God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When those who don't know God see God work through our lives, they sometimes try to exalt us, not recognizing that what they see is the power of God.
When a man crippled since birth was healed by Paul, the people considered Paul and Barnabas gods ...
Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
But Paul and Barnabas turned the praise from themselves to God, making known that they were just men. They spoke of God and what He has done. And they exhorted the people to turn from gods that are not gods at all, vanities, to the living God, the Creator of all things.
Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
Comments by Joan Boney
We should exalt God. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (I Cor. 2) and though we exalt God and the natural man says nothing that does not mean he exalts God in his heart. For the things of God are foolishness to him. But that should not stop us from exalting God.
When those who don't know God see God work through our lives, they sometimes try to exalt us, not recognizing that what they see is the power of God.
When a man crippled since birth was healed by Paul, the people considered Paul and Barnabas gods ...
Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
But Paul and Barnabas turned the praise from themselves to God, making known that they were just men. They spoke of God and what He has done. And they exhorted the people to turn from gods that are not gods at all, vanities, to the living God, the Creator of all things.
Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
Recently the Holy Spirit led me, through thoughts, to go to an elderly
neighbor's house. He had fallen and was unable to get to a telephone.
Once there, I called for help and he was taken to the hospital. He
thanked me multiple times for coming and finding him, as though I had
done some great thing of myself. Although a few years ago I overheard
this neighbor say something that made me think he doesn't believe in
God, I was led to tell him that I believe the thoughts which caused me to go to his house were from God.
When we bring forth what the Holy Spirit leads us to speak about God and what He has done, God is exalted.
When we bring forth what the Holy Spirit leads us to speak about God and what He has done, God is exalted.
Comments by Joan Boney
We should exalt God. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (I Cor. 2) and though we exalt God and the natural man says nothing that does not mean he exalts God in his heart. For the things of God are foolishness to him. But that should not stop us from exalting God.
Burdens?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I was considering the following scripture ... Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
... and considering the meaning of the word, "burden" ... which means: a duty or responsibility that causes hardship, anxiety, or grief
And I realized how my plans and activities before I was born again were really burdens.
But the call of God on my life and the duties set on me by God have been no burden at all to me. In fact, they have been very easy for me to do and a great joy to me.
The burdens of my life were the things my own flesh and mind set about to do.
Makes sense to me that 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.
I was considering the following scripture ... Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
... and considering the meaning of the word, "burden" ... which means: a duty or responsibility that causes hardship, anxiety, or grief
And I realized how my plans and activities before I was born again were really burdens.
But the call of God on my life and the duties set on me by God have been no burden at all to me. In fact, they have been very easy for me to do and a great joy to me.
The burdens of my life were the things my own flesh and mind set about to do.
Makes sense to me that 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.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Scriptures: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 97:3 ... A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
II Thess. 2 ... Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, 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: 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:
Psalm 119:105 ... Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Jn. 10 ... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Mt. 5:8 ... Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Phil. 4:8 ... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
II Thess. 2 ... Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, 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: 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:
Psalm 119:105 ... Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Jn. 10 ... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Mt. 5:8 ... Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Phil. 4:8 ... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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