Jeremiah 29:11-13 ... For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray
unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find
me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We, who are chosen by God, are HIS children. If you have children, do you wish them evil. God is able to construct situations for us which bring us to the position he intends for us. At the time it is happening we may not see it as good for we may desire something else. But later we often acknowledge the good done by God and thank HIM for not allowing us to get what we wanted. His way for us is perfect. Our way for us is often fraught with lusts of our own desires, anything but perfect and often way to disaster.
Therefore we come to see what Paul knew ... Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Draw near to God first.
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Isaiah 41:1 ... Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
Come to God. Renew your strength. Pour our your heart to God. Then share what God has done for you. Show HIS might in your weakness.
Paul told Timothy .. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. I Tim. 4
For each of us: Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
A few days ago, I was looking for something to do in the 2 hours before bedtime. I considered TV. I considered reading Bible. (I have a list of Bible chapters listed daily from our writings and sometimes I just sit and read those chapters.) That night I decided I would read Bible chapters for a few minutes and then watch some TV. I began reading the various chapters. When I next looked up about 1 1/2 hours had passed. The time flew by. Then I moved to TV. I found myself looking at clock while watching TV. It seemed the time was creeping along. It may seem silly to list these chapters from the blog and read from time to time when we have the whole Bible at our disposal and can read anywhere anytime, but every time I do this I am persuaded it is a good thing for me to do. So I keep doing it. And when I do this, often God confirms to me a writing to do for you such as this writing. And sometimes I find when devoting myself to reading Bible this way it is like taking a shower, just letting the water of the word fall over my body. I find it calms me and steadies me. But always it is a good thing when I do this.
And Paul tells Timothy to give himself "wholly" to these things ...
Notice the statement in verse 16 ... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
For those who have children ... children of any age ... now that you believe in God and follow HIM, you cling to that which God has told you and you just continue to cling to that. At first it might seem to negatively affect your household. But in time, that wisdom God has given you and your faithfulness to do as God shows you will win out. Keep doing what is right in the sight of God even when everyone else goes a wrong way.
Isaiah 41:1 ... Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
Come to God. Renew your strength. Pour our your heart to God. Then share what God has done for you. Show HIS might in your weakness.
Paul told Timothy .. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. I Tim. 4
For each of us: Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
A few days ago, I was looking for something to do in the 2 hours before bedtime. I considered TV. I considered reading Bible. (I have a list of Bible chapters listed daily from our writings and sometimes I just sit and read those chapters.) That night I decided I would read Bible chapters for a few minutes and then watch some TV. I began reading the various chapters. When I next looked up about 1 1/2 hours had passed. The time flew by. Then I moved to TV. I found myself looking at clock while watching TV. It seemed the time was creeping along. It may seem silly to list these chapters from the blog and read from time to time when we have the whole Bible at our disposal and can read anywhere anytime, but every time I do this I am persuaded it is a good thing for me to do. So I keep doing it. And when I do this, often God confirms to me a writing to do for you such as this writing. And sometimes I find when devoting myself to reading Bible this way it is like taking a shower, just letting the water of the word fall over my body. I find it calms me and steadies me. But always it is a good thing when I do this.
And Paul tells Timothy to give himself "wholly" to these things ...
Notice the statement in verse 16 ... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
For those who have children ... children of any age ... now that you believe in God and follow HIM, you cling to that which God has told you and you just continue to cling to that. At first it might seem to negatively affect your household. But in time, that wisdom God has given you and your faithfulness to do as God shows you will win out. Keep doing what is right in the sight of God even when everyone else goes a wrong way.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
James 1:17 ... Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
That which "comes from above" is often THE WORD OF GOD.
What rejoicing we have when the Holy Spirit brings the word to our mind! I know nothing like it. And it is always perfect for that situation. I marvel in the wisdom of that word at that specific time. It is so accurate for the situation. It is so solid. It is so perfect. And it leaves nothing else to be said. It is complete.
Several years ago, I was playing golf with two women. One woman attended Church of Christ and the other Methodist. At some point the Methodist woman began speaking about people who judged. Out of my mouth came these words by Holy Spirit, "If you judge someone is judging aren't you judging." The Methodist woman gasped. She sounded like a balloon that had a pin stuck in it. (Perfect from above.)
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
That which "comes from above" is often THE WORD OF GOD.
What rejoicing we have when the Holy Spirit brings the word to our mind! I know nothing like it. And it is always perfect for that situation. I marvel in the wisdom of that word at that specific time. It is so accurate for the situation. It is so solid. It is so perfect. And it leaves nothing else to be said. It is complete.
Several years ago, I was playing golf with two women. One woman attended Church of Christ and the other Methodist. At some point the Methodist woman began speaking about people who judged. Out of my mouth came these words by Holy Spirit, "If you judge someone is judging aren't you judging." The Methodist woman gasped. She sounded like a balloon that had a pin stuck in it. (Perfect from above.)
Great gain
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Tim. 6:6 ... But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I have a woman who comes weekly to care for the house. She has been with me for several years. The Monday before Christmas on Wednesday of this year, I was talking with her and asking if her children were coming in and she said they were. I felt she was a little sad for me since it is apparent to her that I am alone. I looked at her and told her how happy I am. It probably amazed her that I could feel this way.
My life is not like other lives. I have accepted the role that I believe God has determined for me. I am very grateful to belong to God. I am very grateful to be a Christian.
When on TV someone speaks about the greatest thing that has ever happened to them, I always think of being a Christian as the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
And God lets me send exhortations to the church to encourage them. This is very important to me.
And I have HIS Spirit, the Holy Spirit, in me to lead me and guide me and teach me.
I have everything! And I want nothing more.
I Tim. 6:6 ... But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I have a woman who comes weekly to care for the house. She has been with me for several years. The Monday before Christmas on Wednesday of this year, I was talking with her and asking if her children were coming in and she said they were. I felt she was a little sad for me since it is apparent to her that I am alone. I looked at her and told her how happy I am. It probably amazed her that I could feel this way.
My life is not like other lives. I have accepted the role that I believe God has determined for me. I am very grateful to belong to God. I am very grateful to be a Christian.
When on TV someone speaks about the greatest thing that has ever happened to them, I always think of being a Christian as the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
And God lets me send exhortations to the church to encourage them. This is very important to me.
And I have HIS Spirit, the Holy Spirit, in me to lead me and guide me and teach me.
I have everything! And I want nothing more.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Each word of God has potential to change our lives. We grab that instruction and do it and hold on and keep on doing it and eventually it becomes a part of us.
I Tim. 6:But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
If you can grab verse 8 and make it a way of life it can change everything in your life. If you do this verse and keep on doing it your way of life on this earth will be completely different.
Phil. 2 ...Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Verse 7 -8 can also change your life if you can do them.
We crucify the flesh by doing such scriptures and there is great power here when we do them.
Jesus said ... If ye continue in my word (do the word and keep on doing the word), then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jn. 8
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Each word of God has potential to change our lives. We grab that instruction and do it and hold on and keep on doing it and eventually it becomes a part of us.
I Tim. 6:But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
If you can grab verse 8 and make it a way of life it can change everything in your life. If you do this verse and keep on doing it your way of life on this earth will be completely different.
Phil. 2 ...Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Verse 7 -8 can also change your life if you can do them.
We crucify the flesh by doing such scriptures and there is great power here when we do them.
Jesus said ... If ye continue in my word (do the word and keep on doing the word), then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jn. 8
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us,
and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Hebrews 11:6 ... But without faith it is impossible to please him: for
he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder
of them that diligently seek him.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Faith is a very simply and tangible thing.
Some people have a type of vapor faith. They go about saying, "Oh, God would never let that happen to me." But they give no evidence of their profession. Upon what do they base that statement?
When I have a problem and turn to God in prayer, I wait to hear what God tells me. He will bring to my mind something by HIS Spirit. It may be a scripture. It may be a dream. But it shows me the way to go. And by that I have foundation for faith. It is tangible foundation, real. It, that word, is a basis for what I believe. And I return to that word over and over on that subject when doubts try to come.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Faith is a very simply and tangible thing.
Some people have a type of vapor faith. They go about saying, "Oh, God would never let that happen to me." But they give no evidence of their profession. Upon what do they base that statement?
When I have a problem and turn to God in prayer, I wait to hear what God tells me. He will bring to my mind something by HIS Spirit. It may be a scripture. It may be a dream. But it shows me the way to go. And by that I have foundation for faith. It is tangible foundation, real. It, that word, is a basis for what I believe. And I return to that word over and over on that subject when doubts try to come.
Simplicity of the Gospel
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I've been in some church groups where people were always saying things like, "According to the Greek, this means ... " and they would go on to give lofty words from Greek language.
While re-reading I Tim. 6, a passage of scripture reminded me of those people in churches who delight in quoting Greek ...
I Tim. 6 ... Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
There are some church groups where they constantly strive over meaning of the words of the Bible and some especially speak of the meaning of these words in the Greek language.
Understanding comes from God. If understanding was attached to the Greek language then we could suppose the Greek people would be extremely godly. But I've never heard of that being the case. Paul said: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. I Cor. 1 Some seminaries follow strongly after Greek to understand Bible and they pursue things of God in a very intellectual way to impress people. It is interesting that Paul said the Greeks seek after wisdom ... intellectual things ... and therefore the gospel is foolishness to such. I've certainly heard some preachers do this. When you see this, Paul says: "from such withdraw yourselves" I Tim. 6:5
Understanding is from God ... God will teach those of us who belong to HIM.
There is a simplicity of the Gospel. Some people make the Bible to be very complex with lofty explanations of their own minds.
A woman once told me how wonderful the church service was at her church Sunday. She said, "I couldn't understand a word of what pastor spoke." It was some kind of high, lofty intellectual sermon. And she thought this good. Amazing. I just stared at her when she spoke this.
Paul was just opposite ...
I Cor. 2 ... And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
I Cor. 14 ... For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Beware of people who come striving over words in context of Bible. Beware of those who come with high sounding intellectual speech.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher and God gives us understanding of spiritual things by HIS Spirit. The concepts are often very simple but they are life changing. And that power to change us is from God by HIS Spirit. It is light and not darkness.
I've been in some church groups where people were always saying things like, "According to the Greek, this means ... " and they would go on to give lofty words from Greek language.
While re-reading I Tim. 6, a passage of scripture reminded me of those people in churches who delight in quoting Greek ...
I Tim. 6 ... Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
There are some church groups where they constantly strive over meaning of the words of the Bible and some especially speak of the meaning of these words in the Greek language.
Understanding comes from God. If understanding was attached to the Greek language then we could suppose the Greek people would be extremely godly. But I've never heard of that being the case. Paul said: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. I Cor. 1 Some seminaries follow strongly after Greek to understand Bible and they pursue things of God in a very intellectual way to impress people. It is interesting that Paul said the Greeks seek after wisdom ... intellectual things ... and therefore the gospel is foolishness to such. I've certainly heard some preachers do this. When you see this, Paul says: "from such withdraw yourselves" I Tim. 6:5
Understanding is from God ... God will teach those of us who belong to HIM.
There is a simplicity of the Gospel. Some people make the Bible to be very complex with lofty explanations of their own minds.
A woman once told me how wonderful the church service was at her church Sunday. She said, "I couldn't understand a word of what pastor spoke." It was some kind of high, lofty intellectual sermon. And she thought this good. Amazing. I just stared at her when she spoke this.
Paul was just opposite ...
I Cor. 2 ... And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
I Cor. 14 ... For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Beware of people who come striving over words in context of Bible. Beware of those who come with high sounding intellectual speech.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher and God gives us understanding of spiritual things by HIS Spirit. The concepts are often very simple but they are life changing. And that power to change us is from God by HIS Spirit. It is light and not darkness.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
John 3:21 ... But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Light reveals ... darkness hides.
I Jn. 1:7 ... But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The light is the Word ... When we hear a word from the Holy Spirit or read a word from Bible and we set about to do that word and we keep doing that word, we walk in the light of the word.
God is light and in HIM is no darkness at all. So when we start twisting things and are part light and part darkness we are going wrong way. God is total light ... no hypocrisy trying to make us look good ... total light.
We repent from the darkness when we see that way in our lives and we step forward in the light of the Word.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Light reveals ... darkness hides.
I Jn. 1:7 ... But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The light is the Word ... When we hear a word from the Holy Spirit or read a word from Bible and we set about to do that word and we keep doing that word, we walk in the light of the word.
God is light and in HIM is no darkness at all. So when we start twisting things and are part light and part darkness we are going wrong way. God is total light ... no hypocrisy trying to make us look good ... total light.
We repent from the darkness when we see that way in our lives and we step forward in the light of the Word.
Jesus by HIS Spirit
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said to HIS disciples ... Jn. 14:17-18 ... he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jesus is in us today by HIS Spirit which dwells in us to the end of our life on this earth.
Jesus comes to us by HIS Spirit, bringing thoughts about what to do as we live on this earth.
We see the way of God by HIS Spirit ... The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, doesn't speak of HIS own ideas but HE searches the heart of God to show us the will of God in the matter at hand.
I Cor. 2 ... Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Jesus said to HIS disciples ... Jn. 14:17-18 ... he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jesus is in us today by HIS Spirit which dwells in us to the end of our life on this earth.
Jesus comes to us by HIS Spirit, bringing thoughts about what to do as we live on this earth.
We see the way of God by HIS Spirit ... The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, doesn't speak of HIS own ideas but HE searches the heart of God to show us the will of God in the matter at hand.
I Cor. 2 ... Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Philippians 1:6 ... Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Christ:
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we see God begin a work in another person and we know the Holy Spirit is in that person, we can have confidence that God will win over other voices that might speak to that person.
Jn. 10:27 ... 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 pluck them out of my hand.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we see God begin a work in another person and we know the Holy Spirit is in that person, we can have confidence that God will win over other voices that might speak to that person.
Jn. 10:27 ... 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 pluck them out of my hand.
Boldness needed
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We see from Eph. 6:19-20 the apostle Paul feeling a need for strength in boldness to speak as God willed.
Paul says ...(pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Eph. 6
It may seem to us that Paul was very strong ... but consider the following about Paul ... I Cor. 2, Paul describes himself ... And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Moses was also very timid, fearful ... He argued with God when God told him HE was sending him to deliver HIS people ... Ex. 3 ... Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, (God persuaded Moses)
A boldness, courage, and faith is needed by each of us in our respective assignments.
Certainly those of you who are parents know this! Dealing with your children would require a special wisdom and boldness and courage as was needed by Paul and Moses. But when this is your assignment from God it is reasonable to believe God will put inside of you this boldness. It can't come from your head. It must be put in your heart by God.
I have found in my assignments God has a way of getting me to do what HE wants. Sometimes HE will give me a dream. Once I believe an angel of the Lord spoke to me to tell me the assignment ... that was when God put me on radio. I said to God, "Are you wanting me to go on radio? I'm not a speaker. I'm a writer." It really didn't matter what I thought I was.
Often the courage to speak comes to me as I am reading Bible. I have courage (faith) to write this now because I was reading Eph. 6 and the need for boldness was stated by Paul ... I thought of how some hold back for lack of faith and lack of courage.
Your assignment may not be to care for the church as mine is but you may have children and if so your assignment is certainly to care for those children regardless of the age of the children.
Everything requires faith, courage, wisdom and boldness. And it must come from God and we must have the faith when we call on God to believe HE will give us what we need in our assignment on this earth.
If you feel lacking and timid, you are certainly not alone. Everyone feels that way. Just look again at the examples of Paul and Moses feeling that way.
We see from Eph. 6:19-20 the apostle Paul feeling a need for strength in boldness to speak as God willed.
Paul says ...(pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Eph. 6
It may seem to us that Paul was very strong ... but consider the following about Paul ... I Cor. 2, Paul describes himself ... And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Moses was also very timid, fearful ... He argued with God when God told him HE was sending him to deliver HIS people ... Ex. 3 ... Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, (God persuaded Moses)
A boldness, courage, and faith is needed by each of us in our respective assignments.
Certainly those of you who are parents know this! Dealing with your children would require a special wisdom and boldness and courage as was needed by Paul and Moses. But when this is your assignment from God it is reasonable to believe God will put inside of you this boldness. It can't come from your head. It must be put in your heart by God.
I have found in my assignments God has a way of getting me to do what HE wants. Sometimes HE will give me a dream. Once I believe an angel of the Lord spoke to me to tell me the assignment ... that was when God put me on radio. I said to God, "Are you wanting me to go on radio? I'm not a speaker. I'm a writer." It really didn't matter what I thought I was.
Often the courage to speak comes to me as I am reading Bible. I have courage (faith) to write this now because I was reading Eph. 6 and the need for boldness was stated by Paul ... I thought of how some hold back for lack of faith and lack of courage.
Your assignment may not be to care for the church as mine is but you may have children and if so your assignment is certainly to care for those children regardless of the age of the children.
Everything requires faith, courage, wisdom and boldness. And it must come from God and we must have the faith when we call on God to believe HE will give us what we need in our assignment on this earth.
If you feel lacking and timid, you are certainly not alone. Everyone feels that way. Just look again at the examples of Paul and Moses feeling that way.
Joseph shown by God what to do
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Joseph was considering putting Mary, his espoused wife, away after learning she was with child before they came together, he was turned to go a completely different way by God. God sent an angel with instruction and information showing the will and purpose of God.
Joseph was a just man, wanting to do what was right in the sight of God. When he learned that Mary was with child, he considered putting her away from him privately so she wouldn't be made a public example ...
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while Joseph was considering this, and before he put Mary away, God intervened, sending an angel to Joseph in a dream. Joseph was given the information and instruction he needed to do according to the will of God ...
Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Along with the instruction to not fear taking Mary as his wife, the angel explained that Mary had conceived the child of the Holy Ghost. The angel also explained to Joseph that the child Mary carried would be a son, and this fulfilled what God had spoken before by a prophet. What had seemed like a serious problem that would result in Joseph putting Mary away, was actually according to the will of God, fulfilling what had been prophesied ...
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
After receiving the information and instruction from the angel, Joseph did as he was instructed, taking Mary as his wife, and naming the child Jesus when He was born.
Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
God wonderfully changed what Joseph had considered doing where Mary was concerned, revealing to Joseph HIS will and purpose in the matter, and instructing him in what to do.
When Joseph was considering putting Mary, his espoused wife, away after learning she was with child before they came together, he was turned to go a completely different way by God. God sent an angel with instruction and information showing the will and purpose of God.
Joseph was a just man, wanting to do what was right in the sight of God. When he learned that Mary was with child, he considered putting her away from him privately so she wouldn't be made a public example ...
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while Joseph was considering this, and before he put Mary away, God intervened, sending an angel to Joseph in a dream. Joseph was given the information and instruction he needed to do according to the will of God ...
Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Along with the instruction to not fear taking Mary as his wife, the angel explained that Mary had conceived the child of the Holy Ghost. The angel also explained to Joseph that the child Mary carried would be a son, and this fulfilled what God had spoken before by a prophet. What had seemed like a serious problem that would result in Joseph putting Mary away, was actually according to the will of God, fulfilling what had been prophesied ...
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
After receiving the information and instruction from the angel, Joseph did as he was instructed, taking Mary as his wife, and naming the child Jesus when He was born.
Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
God wonderfully changed what Joseph had considered doing where Mary was concerned, revealing to Joseph HIS will and purpose in the matter, and instructing him in what to do.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
1 John 2:28 ... And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he
shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at
his coming.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Live in HIM, in what HE says. Stay there. Continue there. Read Bible daily. Stay there.
We have emotional peaks and valleys. When we are having trouble, sometimes all we can do is grab onto one of the many promises of God and refuse to turn from that promise ... purposing to believe it. Deliberately put your trust in the Lord, in the Word.
Heb. 13:5 ... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
When we are plagued with thoughts that we have done wrong, we cling to the following truth: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Live in HIM, in what HE says. Stay there. Continue there. Read Bible daily. Stay there.
We have emotional peaks and valleys. When we are having trouble, sometimes all we can do is grab onto one of the many promises of God and refuse to turn from that promise ... purposing to believe it. Deliberately put your trust in the Lord, in the Word.
Heb. 13:5 ... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
When we are plagued with thoughts that we have done wrong, we cling to the following truth: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Meditation examples
Meditation: Joan Boney
Jn. 14 ... And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth;
comforter: (provision of comfort)
- physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
- consolation in grief or anxiety
- reassurance
- help
- one who gives satisfaction
- strength and support
All these things are done by the Holy Spirit who lives in the children of God.
The Holy Spirit will bring to our mind a scripture or dream to settle us and help us. Or the Holy Spirit will even enlighten us by bringing a concept we have never thought of concerning the subject. And we will laugh with delight at such.
A man named John Rodgers in our church group was considering building another storage building to hold his "stuff". As he thought on this, the thought came, "Why don't you just get rid of the stuff?" ... Holy Spirit ...
When my mother was living, I would go get our food daily. She rode with me. I would take the exact change for the food and leave my purse with her. At that time it cost $5.30. So I would take a $5 bill and a quarter and a nickle from my purse and go in for the food. One day I had a problem. I didn't have a quarter and a nickle. As I searched through the change holder, I had the following thought: "Three dimes will work." ... Holy Spirit ... I had several dimes ... I laughed.
At my previous house, there was a construction problem and I was left with very small kitchen. I didn't know what to do about it. I prayed. No answer. I prayed. No answer ... Again and again I prayed. This went on for about 4 years. One day, I entered the kitchen and a light went on in my mind.... Holy Spirit ... To solve the problem all I had to do was to move the refrigerator to the area where there was a built in pantry and put a pantry in the attached garage.
Over and over the Holy Spirit has helped me and taught me and comforted me ... and will do so even until the time I am removed from this present earth. Jesus says: Jn. 14 ... And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth;
Each person who belongs to God has been sealed with the Spirit of God ... Eph. 1 And HE helps us and comforts us as long as we live on this earth.
=================
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
One definition of "trouble" is worry (concern, anxiety, unease). Often a worry seems "small", but it affects me, like a weight or burden hanging on me, unless I turn to God with the worry ... depending on God's strength and help even with seemingly "small" worries.
Recently it seems I've been turning to God more with worries. Often when I pray about a worry, I no longer feel weighed down, knowing that God will help me according to HIS will.
An example that encourages me to turn to God with even small worries ... a week or so ago I remembered that a woman I once worked with has stopped by my house each of the past few years shortly before Christmas to visit and bring a gift. When I remembered this, I dreaded this visit, and started worrying about how to handle it. Then I stopped and turned to God, laying out how I felt and asking what, if anything, He wanted me to do. However God chose to work this out was my desire. Although I didn't hear to do anything, the dread and "weight" I felt about this expected visit lifted. I was no longer worried, and even forgot about it. The next time I recall thinking about this was Christmas day afternoon when I realized that this woman never called nor came to my house. I was thankful to God to have been spared this visit, and also that we can turn to Him with worries, even like this.
How much better it is to turn to God and depend on Him and His strength, rather than carrying worries around (trying either to ignore the problem, or to deal with it in my own strength).
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Jn. 14 ... And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth;
comforter: (provision of comfort)
- physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
- consolation in grief or anxiety
- reassurance
- help
- one who gives satisfaction
- strength and support
All these things are done by the Holy Spirit who lives in the children of God.
The Holy Spirit will bring to our mind a scripture or dream to settle us and help us. Or the Holy Spirit will even enlighten us by bringing a concept we have never thought of concerning the subject. And we will laugh with delight at such.
A man named John Rodgers in our church group was considering building another storage building to hold his "stuff". As he thought on this, the thought came, "Why don't you just get rid of the stuff?" ... Holy Spirit ...
When my mother was living, I would go get our food daily. She rode with me. I would take the exact change for the food and leave my purse with her. At that time it cost $5.30. So I would take a $5 bill and a quarter and a nickle from my purse and go in for the food. One day I had a problem. I didn't have a quarter and a nickle. As I searched through the change holder, I had the following thought: "Three dimes will work." ... Holy Spirit ... I had several dimes ... I laughed.
At my previous house, there was a construction problem and I was left with very small kitchen. I didn't know what to do about it. I prayed. No answer. I prayed. No answer ... Again and again I prayed. This went on for about 4 years. One day, I entered the kitchen and a light went on in my mind.... Holy Spirit ... To solve the problem all I had to do was to move the refrigerator to the area where there was a built in pantry and put a pantry in the attached garage.
Over and over the Holy Spirit has helped me and taught me and comforted me ... and will do so even until the time I am removed from this present earth. Jesus says: Jn. 14 ... And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth;
Each person who belongs to God has been sealed with the Spirit of God ... Eph. 1 And HE helps us and comforts us as long as we live on this earth.
=================
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
One definition of "trouble" is worry (concern, anxiety, unease). Often a worry seems "small", but it affects me, like a weight or burden hanging on me, unless I turn to God with the worry ... depending on God's strength and help even with seemingly "small" worries.
Recently it seems I've been turning to God more with worries. Often when I pray about a worry, I no longer feel weighed down, knowing that God will help me according to HIS will.
An example that encourages me to turn to God with even small worries ... a week or so ago I remembered that a woman I once worked with has stopped by my house each of the past few years shortly before Christmas to visit and bring a gift. When I remembered this, I dreaded this visit, and started worrying about how to handle it. Then I stopped and turned to God, laying out how I felt and asking what, if anything, He wanted me to do. However God chose to work this out was my desire. Although I didn't hear to do anything, the dread and "weight" I felt about this expected visit lifted. I was no longer worried, and even forgot about it. The next time I recall thinking about this was Christmas day afternoon when I realized that this woman never called nor came to my house. I was thankful to God to have been spared this visit, and also that we can turn to Him with worries, even like this.
How much better it is to turn to God and depend on Him and His strength, rather than carrying worries around (trying either to ignore the problem, or to deal with it in my own strength).
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Doing the will of God from the heart
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
In Eph. 6:6, Paul speaks of "doing the will of God from the heart."
Some people try to do scripture from the head. They read chapters such as Luke 6 and make out a list and say they have to do these things. When I read Luke 6, I am amazed for I know I can't do all the things listed in this chapter. But when the Holy Spirit shows me to do one of these things, then I am empowered to do such.
Doing things "from the heart" is so different from doing things because you think you have to do these things but you really don't want to do such.
There is a woman here who has cancer and is dying. I've never liked this woman. But when I heard of her current condition I really wanted to try to ease her suffering if possible. Daily she forces herself to get out of bed and she sits all day in her chair. (basically having nothing to do) She is very computer literate. I sent her a letter and told her about the blog and told her maybe it would be helpful to her. I did this not because I had to do it but because it was in my heart to do it. I just thought of the help it could be to someone who was helpless.
In Eph. 6:6, Paul speaks of "doing the will of God from the heart."
Some people try to do scripture from the head. They read chapters such as Luke 6 and make out a list and say they have to do these things. When I read Luke 6, I am amazed for I know I can't do all the things listed in this chapter. But when the Holy Spirit shows me to do one of these things, then I am empowered to do such.
Doing things "from the heart" is so different from doing things because you think you have to do these things but you really don't want to do such.
There is a woman here who has cancer and is dying. I've never liked this woman. But when I heard of her current condition I really wanted to try to ease her suffering if possible. Daily she forces herself to get out of bed and she sits all day in her chair. (basically having nothing to do) She is very computer literate. I sent her a letter and told her about the blog and told her maybe it would be helpful to her. I did this not because I had to do it but because it was in my heart to do it. I just thought of the help it could be to someone who was helpless.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
1 Peter 2:9-10 ... But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous
light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people
of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Now that we belong to God, we show the praises of God. We do this in words that we speak and we do this in actions.
We are different from the world.
We no longer do as they do.
We no longer speak as they speak.
They recognize us as different and as the world hated Jesus, they hate us. Because they can no longer see themselves as good when we are reflecting HIM. And we do reflect HIM when we belong to HIM.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Now that we belong to God, we show the praises of God. We do this in words that we speak and we do this in actions.
We are different from the world.
We no longer do as they do.
We no longer speak as they speak.
They recognize us as different and as the world hated Jesus, they hate us. Because they can no longer see themselves as good when we are reflecting HIM. And we do reflect HIM when we belong to HIM.
Meditation examples
Meditation: Joan Boney
Jn. 14:6 ... Jesus said ... Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus, THE WORD, is the way to go.
Jesus, THE WORD, is the truth in the matter at hand.
Jesus, THE WORD, is life ... other ways are darkness and death.
No man comes to the Father except by Jesus, THE WORD.
What about that person who cannot read or write? What about that person who has no Bible.
Whether we have Bible or not ... whether we can read or can't read ... the Word comes by the Holy Spirit and therefor is not limited to those who have Bibles nor to those who can read and write.
Also the heavens and all created testify to the works of God so no man is exempt.
Romans 1:20 ... For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
After my dad came to God, he said to his brother, "How can you not believe in God? Look at this. (He pointed to the heavens.) Look at this sky? How can there not be God?"
And the New Covenant is as follows: God says ... For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. 8
Several years ago, a woman said to me: "Aren't you glad you are an American?" She went on to indication because we are a Bible nation. I just stared at her without saying anything. But I knew the whole world is subject to God and God is not limited by anything. And God will speak to whom HE wills no matter where he lives. It is no problem at all for God.
====================
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
excellent: surpassing all others
lovingkindness: kindness resulting from love
That God ... the Creator of all things and having all power and knowledge ... knows every detail of my life and loves me and cares for me, is amazing and also very comforting to me.
While thinking about the lovingkindness of God, I was reminded of some of the ways God shows His love and kindness to us.
God sent Jesus to die, paying for our sins, and to be raised from the dead, that we might believe in Him and have eternal life ...
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God has given us the Holy Spirit living in us, teaching us, guiding us in truth, leading us, interceding for us ...
John 14:16 (Jesus said) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
God has called us to be His children, led by the Holy Spirit ...
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Truly the love and kindness God has shown to us is excellent ... surpassing all.
Jn. 14:6 ... Jesus said ... Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus, THE WORD, is the way to go.
Jesus, THE WORD, is the truth in the matter at hand.
Jesus, THE WORD, is life ... other ways are darkness and death.
No man comes to the Father except by Jesus, THE WORD.
What about that person who cannot read or write? What about that person who has no Bible.
Whether we have Bible or not ... whether we can read or can't read ... the Word comes by the Holy Spirit and therefor is not limited to those who have Bibles nor to those who can read and write.
Also the heavens and all created testify to the works of God so no man is exempt.
Romans 1:20 ... For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
After my dad came to God, he said to his brother, "How can you not believe in God? Look at this. (He pointed to the heavens.) Look at this sky? How can there not be God?"
And the New Covenant is as follows: God says ... For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. 8
Several years ago, a woman said to me: "Aren't you glad you are an American?" She went on to indication because we are a Bible nation. I just stared at her without saying anything. But I knew the whole world is subject to God and God is not limited by anything. And God will speak to whom HE wills no matter where he lives. It is no problem at all for God.
====================
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
excellent: surpassing all others
lovingkindness: kindness resulting from love
That God ... the Creator of all things and having all power and knowledge ... knows every detail of my life and loves me and cares for me, is amazing and also very comforting to me.
While thinking about the lovingkindness of God, I was reminded of some of the ways God shows His love and kindness to us.
God sent Jesus to die, paying for our sins, and to be raised from the dead, that we might believe in Him and have eternal life ...
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God has given us the Holy Spirit living in us, teaching us, guiding us in truth, leading us, interceding for us ...
John 14:16 (Jesus said) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
God has called us to be His children, led by the Holy Spirit ...
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Truly the love and kindness God has shown to us is excellent ... surpassing all.
Miracle from God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
My older sister had been at college two years when I started attending the same school. She dated a man who was a member of a fraternity, and she had become a member of the fraternity's "women's auxiliary", assisting with fraternity social functions. She was very excited for me to join the social circles she was in, and especially wanted me to meet members of the fraternity.
The first week of school my sister invited me to go to a student bar where many of the fraternity guys gathered on Thursday nights. I went, but found what was going on there to be so bad (lewdness, drunkenness, etc.) that I was unable to stay and I walked back to the dormitory.
A week or so later my sister asked if I'd go to an outdoor luau with one of the freshmen "pledges" at the fraternity. The luau site was about 20 miles away near a river, and there would be a campfire. The setting was very appealing to me, plus I was excited about having a date, and I agreed to go.
Then, a few days before the luau, my sister told me that arrangements had been made for one of the other fraternity guys to take me to the luau because my date would be spending the day at the luau site building a hut for us ... a young man I had never even met was building a hut "for us"!
Suddenly the reality of this luau became very clear to me. This was not going to be people sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows. The lewdness and drunkenness I had seen at the student bar was probably mild compared to what would be going on at this luau ... and I wouldn't be able to walk home.
I told my sister that I couldn't go along with this and did not want to go, but she kept insisting that it was too late for me to back out, that it was too late for this guy to find another date.
I turned very strongly to God, asking Him to somehow get me out of this situation. There seemed no way out. At one point I asked God to let me have appendicitis, preferring to be in a hospital having surgery than to go to this luau.
The morning of the luau I woke up and checked to see if I might have any pain that would indicate appendicitis, and was disappointed that I felt fine. I kept praying for God to somehow work this out. Time was really running out! When I looked outside, it was raining a little, but not much. However, the rain became heavier and heavier as the day went on.
Around 2 pm I received a call from the fraternity guy who planned to take me to the luau site. He told me how sorry he was to have to tell me this, but the luau had to be cancelled. The luau site had been totally flooded, washing away all the huts that had been built, which would include the hut my date had built for us. He told me how long the luau had been held at this same site (many years) and, although there had been rain at times in the past, nothing like this had ever happened before, flooding and causing the luau to be cancelled.
I rejoiced, knowing that God had delivered me.
My older sister had been at college two years when I started attending the same school. She dated a man who was a member of a fraternity, and she had become a member of the fraternity's "women's auxiliary", assisting with fraternity social functions. She was very excited for me to join the social circles she was in, and especially wanted me to meet members of the fraternity.
The first week of school my sister invited me to go to a student bar where many of the fraternity guys gathered on Thursday nights. I went, but found what was going on there to be so bad (lewdness, drunkenness, etc.) that I was unable to stay and I walked back to the dormitory.
A week or so later my sister asked if I'd go to an outdoor luau with one of the freshmen "pledges" at the fraternity. The luau site was about 20 miles away near a river, and there would be a campfire. The setting was very appealing to me, plus I was excited about having a date, and I agreed to go.
Then, a few days before the luau, my sister told me that arrangements had been made for one of the other fraternity guys to take me to the luau because my date would be spending the day at the luau site building a hut for us ... a young man I had never even met was building a hut "for us"!
Suddenly the reality of this luau became very clear to me. This was not going to be people sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows. The lewdness and drunkenness I had seen at the student bar was probably mild compared to what would be going on at this luau ... and I wouldn't be able to walk home.
I told my sister that I couldn't go along with this and did not want to go, but she kept insisting that it was too late for me to back out, that it was too late for this guy to find another date.
I turned very strongly to God, asking Him to somehow get me out of this situation. There seemed no way out. At one point I asked God to let me have appendicitis, preferring to be in a hospital having surgery than to go to this luau.
The morning of the luau I woke up and checked to see if I might have any pain that would indicate appendicitis, and was disappointed that I felt fine. I kept praying for God to somehow work this out. Time was really running out! When I looked outside, it was raining a little, but not much. However, the rain became heavier and heavier as the day went on.
Around 2 pm I received a call from the fraternity guy who planned to take me to the luau site. He told me how sorry he was to have to tell me this, but the luau had to be cancelled. The luau site had been totally flooded, washing away all the huts that had been built, which would include the hut my date had built for us. He told me how long the luau had been held at this same site (many years) and, although there had been rain at times in the past, nothing like this had ever happened before, flooding and causing the luau to be cancelled.
I rejoiced, knowing that God had delivered me.
Paul speaks of moderation
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Paul says ... Phil. 4:5 ... Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Then Paul says ... I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: Phil. 4:12
I think I understand what Paul was saying ...
The situation will not affect my relationship with God and Christ ... therefore I am "moderate" whether I am "abased" or whether I "abound".
I had a feeling of this moderation a few days ago. I've swung all over the place in my lifetime concerning Christmas. First, I wanted to "bless myself" (as people of the world do as Christmas) ... having all those "good" things ... a loving husband, someone who would give me wonderful gifts and show me I was loved ... and being part of feasts and such. Then I swung the other way and was "against" Christmas and hostile. Now I just don't care. I think now I am in a position of "moderation" ... Moderate means to make less intense.
I went to grocery a few days ago and the checker said, "Are you ready for Christmas." I simply replied, "Yes." and I said no more about the matter. I don't choose to put up decorations or try to find someone for dinners or do anything special. But neither am I hostile. I just go on with the same daily schedule that I always do. It does not separate me from God in any way. I know Christmas is not something that is of God. It is a worldly event. But it really doesn't bother me now.
In Phil. 4, Paul instructs us ... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A week or so ago something happened that greatly troubled me. It was in the sports world. I listened to several reports of the story and many of the TV speakers expressed the same troubling that I felt. But I didn't want to be troubled about this. So I turned to God in prayer and prayed for help with my attitude. I didn't have any specific instruction from God but a few days after this, I was talking to Pam and twice I thought of the subject over which I was troubled and twice I didn't say anything about it. After we spoke, I realized God had answered my prayer and had helped me not to speak about this matter. When we are troubled we so often carry the troubling story to others and spread to them the trouble. I didn't want to do this and I sincerely prayed and I believe God did something inside me to keep me from spreading the matter. I still don't like what is going on but I must somehow have been helped by God because of the fruits of not talking about it. I really rejoiced in this help from God.
Pray over that which troubles you ... Phil. 4:6-7
Paul says ... Phil. 4:5 ... Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Then Paul says ... I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: Phil. 4:12
I think I understand what Paul was saying ...
The situation will not affect my relationship with God and Christ ... therefore I am "moderate" whether I am "abased" or whether I "abound".
I had a feeling of this moderation a few days ago. I've swung all over the place in my lifetime concerning Christmas. First, I wanted to "bless myself" (as people of the world do as Christmas) ... having all those "good" things ... a loving husband, someone who would give me wonderful gifts and show me I was loved ... and being part of feasts and such. Then I swung the other way and was "against" Christmas and hostile. Now I just don't care. I think now I am in a position of "moderation" ... Moderate means to make less intense.
I went to grocery a few days ago and the checker said, "Are you ready for Christmas." I simply replied, "Yes." and I said no more about the matter. I don't choose to put up decorations or try to find someone for dinners or do anything special. But neither am I hostile. I just go on with the same daily schedule that I always do. It does not separate me from God in any way. I know Christmas is not something that is of God. It is a worldly event. But it really doesn't bother me now.
In Phil. 4, Paul instructs us ... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A week or so ago something happened that greatly troubled me. It was in the sports world. I listened to several reports of the story and many of the TV speakers expressed the same troubling that I felt. But I didn't want to be troubled about this. So I turned to God in prayer and prayed for help with my attitude. I didn't have any specific instruction from God but a few days after this, I was talking to Pam and twice I thought of the subject over which I was troubled and twice I didn't say anything about it. After we spoke, I realized God had answered my prayer and had helped me not to speak about this matter. When we are troubled we so often carry the troubling story to others and spread to them the trouble. I didn't want to do this and I sincerely prayed and I believe God did something inside me to keep me from spreading the matter. I still don't like what is going on but I must somehow have been helped by God because of the fruits of not talking about it. I really rejoiced in this help from God.
Pray over that which troubles you ... Phil. 4:6-7
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
John 12:46... (Jesus said) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus, THE WORD, is a light ... When HE speaks to us, the darkness flees.
We can't abide in darkness for we are changed to HIS light when we hear HIM. We deliberately move out of the darkness after we have a word from God.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus, THE WORD, is a light ... When HE speaks to us, the darkness flees.
We can't abide in darkness for we are changed to HIS light when we hear HIM. We deliberately move out of the darkness after we have a word from God.
Meditation Examples
Meditation: Joan Boney
Eph1...In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory
I thought of Romans 8:28 ... If everything is working after the counsel of God's own will then Romans 8:28 fits that also ...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
We are HIS workmanship ... came to my mind ... Eph. 2:10 ... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
And the Holy Spirit searches the heart of God to reveal to us the will of God in the issues of this life ... I Cor. 2
And Jesus taught HIS disciples to pray ... Lk. 11 ... Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Is the will of God done in heaven? I think we would agree it is. It is very reasonable to us.
When it comes to people of God, we see much evidence that God will work circumstances to bring about HIS own will in their lives ...
This is comforting to me. It causes me to relax, resting in God.
============
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
delight: take great pleasure in
The Lord, the Word of God, is true and pure. It is light, with no darkness. There is no corruption or deception in it. I can believe and trust what God says and will never be disappointed. It will stand and never be proven wrong.
While thinking about these things, rejoicing in how true and pure the word of God is, I recalled being troubled a little earlier today when I heard someone being interviewed on tv. This man presented as truth what was not true. When realizing this was troubling to me, I turned away from the television and turned to God about being troubled by the lies that were so smoothly presented as truth.
There is much deception and dishonesty in the world. (the whole world lies in wickedness)
But I can delight myself ... take pleasure ... in what God has said, which is truth. Such as ....
God is with me, will strengthen, help, and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10)
God will never leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus will return, and those who belong to Him will meet Him in the air, the dead in Christ rising first, and we will be with Him for ever (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
These are true and will not change.
Delight myself in what God has said, think on these things, and don't fret over evil in the world.
Eph1...In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory
I thought of Romans 8:28 ... If everything is working after the counsel of God's own will then Romans 8:28 fits that also ...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
We are HIS workmanship ... came to my mind ... Eph. 2:10 ... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
And the Holy Spirit searches the heart of God to reveal to us the will of God in the issues of this life ... I Cor. 2
And Jesus taught HIS disciples to pray ... Lk. 11 ... Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Is the will of God done in heaven? I think we would agree it is. It is very reasonable to us.
When it comes to people of God, we see much evidence that God will work circumstances to bring about HIS own will in their lives ...
This is comforting to me. It causes me to relax, resting in God.
============
Meditation: Pam Padgett
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
delight: take great pleasure in
The Lord, the Word of God, is true and pure. It is light, with no darkness. There is no corruption or deception in it. I can believe and trust what God says and will never be disappointed. It will stand and never be proven wrong.
While thinking about these things, rejoicing in how true and pure the word of God is, I recalled being troubled a little earlier today when I heard someone being interviewed on tv. This man presented as truth what was not true. When realizing this was troubling to me, I turned away from the television and turned to God about being troubled by the lies that were so smoothly presented as truth.
There is much deception and dishonesty in the world. (the whole world lies in wickedness)
But I can delight myself ... take pleasure ... in what God has said, which is truth. Such as ....
God is with me, will strengthen, help, and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10)
God will never leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus will return, and those who belong to Him will meet Him in the air, the dead in Christ rising first, and we will be with Him for ever (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
These are true and will not change.
Delight myself in what God has said, think on these things, and don't fret over evil in the world.
If an unbeliever asks you to a "feast"
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Cor. 10 ... If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
If you want to go, you are certainly free to go. The word "disposed" means "inclined" to do this, having a desire to do this.
Most of the time anymore, I don't want to go. But I know I am free to go if I want to go. If I don't want to go and if I do go when I don't want to go usually I bring trouble on myself one way or another.
There are some "feasts" that would trouble me more than others.
In USA, the typical feasts are Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day.
There was a time I wanted to go to these because it seemed it would be fun and I would be "included" in a group ... But for the most part I never enjoyed it the way I thought I would enjoy it. Now I don't even want to go.
The first thing that that troubles me now is the prayer at the beginning of the meal. People solemnly bow their heads and close their eyes. And someone prays. These are so often people who don't even believe in God the way we know God. Then the "prayer" is often forced and for show and it is obviously not a prayer that is real. It is a prayer for those people sitting there and somehow it signals, "now we can eat", after it ends. I really hate these "prayers" and I dread them if I think about it happening before I sit down at the table ... and when it is going on, I hate it ... and often I am thinking if I had thought about them "praying" I wouldn't have come to this dinner.
I had a favorite aunt. I believe she did belong to God. I know there were spots and blemishes on her face for God has shown me her in a dream. We often went to her house to eat. When it was a Sunday or "special" holiday, and we sat down to eat, she would turn to her husband and say, "Poppy, will you say grace?" His face always showed a type of anger and hatred because she had asked him to do this but he always "prayed" a very quick prayer which always said the same thing by rote, "Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies." My aunt seemed happy. My uncle was temporarily disgruntled. I always watched.
At the bridge center there were special meals at Christmas and the same man, John, prayed. He was a Church of Christ member and very pompous. He had a Ph.D and had retired from teaching in education department at a Church of Christ school. His "prayers" were very long. They were really more like sermons but devoid of Holy Spirit. After experiencing this a time or two, and being trapped at a table with others during John's "prayer", I learned to quickly go to bath room before John began praying and I remained in bath room until he finished. And while in bath room, I'm sure I usually complained to God about the "praying".
I don't believe I've ever heard a public prayer that was real prayer ... it was pre-planned and for show ... and this includes the prayers I have heard at church groups. It seems to have been the "traditional" thing to do before eating at at feast or before beginning a sermon at church. And I always disliked it.
Mt. 6 ... But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
The second problem I would have at this time of year has to do with Christmas and all the show without having any idea or thought as to what they are doing or trying to do. Christmas trees, decorations, gifts ... for what reason? There is nothing in Bible telling us to do these things. It is simply a tradition of man. I prefer not joining in such although the lights on the houses are attractive to my flesh.
Do we stop and think of that which we are doing? and why we are doing this?
Yet if you want to go, you are free to go.
There is a woman from bridge center who called me every week or two asking me to go to dinner with her. . I left bridge center about 2 years ago and quit bridge. I usually went with her. Sometimes I even wanted to go eat with her. But most of the time the talk was a problem and it got to point I couldn't even eat the food and just ended up throwing the money way. I finally began praying for God to just turn her another way when I crossed her mind. I haven't heard from her in about 2 months. And now I have decided I don't want to eat with other people anyway. Often they eat a lot faster than I do and I find it better for me to just quietly eat alone. So now if she did call, I would probably decline.
It is important for us to think of what we are doing. We do not have to go eat with unbelievers unless we really want to do this. And with believers, they will understand if we decline. So either way, God has made us free. Our flesh is the thing that will often get us into bondages which do no real good.
I Cor. 10 ... If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
If you want to go, you are certainly free to go. The word "disposed" means "inclined" to do this, having a desire to do this.
Most of the time anymore, I don't want to go. But I know I am free to go if I want to go. If I don't want to go and if I do go when I don't want to go usually I bring trouble on myself one way or another.
There are some "feasts" that would trouble me more than others.
In USA, the typical feasts are Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day.
There was a time I wanted to go to these because it seemed it would be fun and I would be "included" in a group ... But for the most part I never enjoyed it the way I thought I would enjoy it. Now I don't even want to go.
The first thing that that troubles me now is the prayer at the beginning of the meal. People solemnly bow their heads and close their eyes. And someone prays. These are so often people who don't even believe in God the way we know God. Then the "prayer" is often forced and for show and it is obviously not a prayer that is real. It is a prayer for those people sitting there and somehow it signals, "now we can eat", after it ends. I really hate these "prayers" and I dread them if I think about it happening before I sit down at the table ... and when it is going on, I hate it ... and often I am thinking if I had thought about them "praying" I wouldn't have come to this dinner.
I had a favorite aunt. I believe she did belong to God. I know there were spots and blemishes on her face for God has shown me her in a dream. We often went to her house to eat. When it was a Sunday or "special" holiday, and we sat down to eat, she would turn to her husband and say, "Poppy, will you say grace?" His face always showed a type of anger and hatred because she had asked him to do this but he always "prayed" a very quick prayer which always said the same thing by rote, "Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies." My aunt seemed happy. My uncle was temporarily disgruntled. I always watched.
At the bridge center there were special meals at Christmas and the same man, John, prayed. He was a Church of Christ member and very pompous. He had a Ph.D and had retired from teaching in education department at a Church of Christ school. His "prayers" were very long. They were really more like sermons but devoid of Holy Spirit. After experiencing this a time or two, and being trapped at a table with others during John's "prayer", I learned to quickly go to bath room before John began praying and I remained in bath room until he finished. And while in bath room, I'm sure I usually complained to God about the "praying".
I don't believe I've ever heard a public prayer that was real prayer ... it was pre-planned and for show ... and this includes the prayers I have heard at church groups. It seems to have been the "traditional" thing to do before eating at at feast or before beginning a sermon at church. And I always disliked it.
Mt. 6 ... But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
The second problem I would have at this time of year has to do with Christmas and all the show without having any idea or thought as to what they are doing or trying to do. Christmas trees, decorations, gifts ... for what reason? There is nothing in Bible telling us to do these things. It is simply a tradition of man. I prefer not joining in such although the lights on the houses are attractive to my flesh.
Do we stop and think of that which we are doing? and why we are doing this?
Yet if you want to go, you are free to go.
There is a woman from bridge center who called me every week or two asking me to go to dinner with her. . I left bridge center about 2 years ago and quit bridge. I usually went with her. Sometimes I even wanted to go eat with her. But most of the time the talk was a problem and it got to point I couldn't even eat the food and just ended up throwing the money way. I finally began praying for God to just turn her another way when I crossed her mind. I haven't heard from her in about 2 months. And now I have decided I don't want to eat with other people anyway. Often they eat a lot faster than I do and I find it better for me to just quietly eat alone. So now if she did call, I would probably decline.
It is important for us to think of what we are doing. We do not have to go eat with unbelievers unless we really want to do this. And with believers, they will understand if we decline. So either way, God has made us free. Our flesh is the thing that will often get us into bondages which do no real good.
Strengthened by remembering what God has done
Pam Padgett ... teacher
God did not allow Moses to enter into the land promised to the children of Israel beyond Jordan. But God chose Joshua to lead the children of Israel in possessing this land, and instructed Moses to encourage (strengthen) Joshua ...
Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the Lord was angry with me (Moses) for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
One of the ways Moses encouraged Joshua was to remind him of what God had done in giving Israel victory over Sihon king of Heshbon and over Og king of Bashan, completely destroying the people and giving Israel possession of the lands. Just as God had fought for Israel against these, so God would fight for Israel so they could possession the land promised to them beyond Jordan ...
Deuteronomy 3:21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22 Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.
God hardened the heart of Sihon the king Heshbon against Israel, and God delivered Sihon and all his people to be killed by the children of Israel ...
Deuteronomy 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. 31 And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land. 32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. 33 And the Lord our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. 34 And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: 35 Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
Then God led Israel to fight against Og king of Bashan. Although their cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars, and there were a great many unwalled towns, God delivered them into the hands of Israel who completely destroyed them ...
Deuteronomy 3:1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2 And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. 3 So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. 4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. 6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. 7 But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
Moses encouraged Joshua to remember how God had fought for Israel against Sihon and Og, and that God would do so against the kingdoms they were to possess as Joshua led them.
Remembering what God has done strengthens us as well. Recently I was strengthened when I was reminded of something God did in my life. At one time, I had tried very hard to impress those in upper management where I worked. But I turned from this. Some years later, I was again in a position to impress a vice president of the company. But the changes God had brought about in my life caused me to want no part of trying to impress him, and to simply speak honestly, even though the truth was not what he would want to hear. Being reminded of the changes God had made in this area of my life strengthens my faith that God is able and will continue to change me, the Holy Spirit working in me by the word given me, continually conforming me to His image.
God did not allow Moses to enter into the land promised to the children of Israel beyond Jordan. But God chose Joshua to lead the children of Israel in possessing this land, and instructed Moses to encourage (strengthen) Joshua ...
Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the Lord was angry with me (Moses) for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
One of the ways Moses encouraged Joshua was to remind him of what God had done in giving Israel victory over Sihon king of Heshbon and over Og king of Bashan, completely destroying the people and giving Israel possession of the lands. Just as God had fought for Israel against these, so God would fight for Israel so they could possession the land promised to them beyond Jordan ...
Deuteronomy 3:21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22 Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.
God hardened the heart of Sihon the king Heshbon against Israel, and God delivered Sihon and all his people to be killed by the children of Israel ...
Deuteronomy 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. 31 And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land. 32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. 33 And the Lord our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. 34 And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: 35 Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
Then God led Israel to fight against Og king of Bashan. Although their cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars, and there were a great many unwalled towns, God delivered them into the hands of Israel who completely destroyed them ...
Deuteronomy 3:1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2 And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. 3 So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. 4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. 6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. 7 But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
Moses encouraged Joshua to remember how God had fought for Israel against Sihon and Og, and that God would do so against the kingdoms they were to possess as Joshua led them.
Remembering what God has done strengthens us as well. Recently I was strengthened when I was reminded of something God did in my life. At one time, I had tried very hard to impress those in upper management where I worked. But I turned from this. Some years later, I was again in a position to impress a vice president of the company. But the changes God had brought about in my life caused me to want no part of trying to impress him, and to simply speak honestly, even though the truth was not what he would want to hear. Being reminded of the changes God had made in this area of my life strengthens my faith that God is able and will continue to change me, the Holy Spirit working in me by the word given me, continually conforming me to His image.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 71:16 ... I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The world speaks of the "righteousness" of other humans ... The world loves to exalt humans ... The world loves "feel good" movies where humans do things viewed as "good" and are exalted.
And the world hates the Word of God which exalts God.
I hate movies where humans are "good" for I know the nature of man is not good but evil. I hate exalting man.
It is God who is righteous and we who are of God speak of HIS righteousness and how HE delivered us and how HE delivers us from our own fleshly traps and the traps of other humans. And we speak of that.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The world speaks of the "righteousness" of other humans ... The world loves to exalt humans ... The world loves "feel good" movies where humans do things viewed as "good" and are exalted.
And the world hates the Word of God which exalts God.
I hate movies where humans are "good" for I know the nature of man is not good but evil. I hate exalting man.
It is God who is righteous and we who are of God speak of HIS righteousness and how HE delivered us and how HE delivers us from our own fleshly traps and the traps of other humans. And we speak of that.
The purchased possession of Jesus
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Eph. 1 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We who belong of God and believe in HIM are the "purchased possession" of Jesus.
Jesus purchased us. Jesus submitted to the will of God concerning us. No man took the life of Jesus but Jesus laid down his life by obedience to the will of God. Jesus suffered on the cross to buy us. Jesus paid for us with his own blood. Jesus purchased us. We are HIS possession.
This is what Peter explained in I Peter 1 ... Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (vain manner of life) received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Eph. 1 ...We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit "until the redemption of the purchased possession"
When we have the spirit of Christ living in us we know we belong to HIM. When we obey HIM we know we love God. Just as Jesus obeyed the Father and showed HIS love by obedience, we obey HIM, doing HIS will as we live in this earth, not serving ourselves or our flesh, for we have been purchased by HIM and we now belong to HIM and we serve and obey HIM.
Thus we "deny ourselves" ... we deny our own flesh, our life on this earth, in order to serve HIM. We refuse to fulfill the works of our flesh ...
Gal. 5 ... Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now we who believe are dead with Christ. Our flesh has been "cut away", circumcised with the circumcision that is without hands. We have been raised from the dead works of man and now our life is hid in HIM.
Therefore we no longer serve the flesh as we once did. We are now servants of God, belonging to Jesus. We deny our life, our rights, on this present earth for we "recon" ourselves dead to the flesh and alive to God, hid in Christ as HIS purchased possession.
We are not seeking to fulfill ourselves on this present earth. Our life is in Christ and when HE returns we will also appear with HIM for our life is now in Him.
Col. 3 ... If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Eph. 1 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We who belong of God and believe in HIM are the "purchased possession" of Jesus.
Jesus purchased us. Jesus submitted to the will of God concerning us. No man took the life of Jesus but Jesus laid down his life by obedience to the will of God. Jesus suffered on the cross to buy us. Jesus paid for us with his own blood. Jesus purchased us. We are HIS possession.
This is what Peter explained in I Peter 1 ... Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (vain manner of life) received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Eph. 1 ...We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit "until the redemption of the purchased possession"
When we have the spirit of Christ living in us we know we belong to HIM. When we obey HIM we know we love God. Just as Jesus obeyed the Father and showed HIS love by obedience, we obey HIM, doing HIS will as we live in this earth, not serving ourselves or our flesh, for we have been purchased by HIM and we now belong to HIM and we serve and obey HIM.
Thus we "deny ourselves" ... we deny our own flesh, our life on this earth, in order to serve HIM. We refuse to fulfill the works of our flesh ...
Gal. 5 ... Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now we who believe are dead with Christ. Our flesh has been "cut away", circumcised with the circumcision that is without hands. We have been raised from the dead works of man and now our life is hid in HIM.
Therefore we no longer serve the flesh as we once did. We are now servants of God, belonging to Jesus. We deny our life, our rights, on this present earth for we "recon" ourselves dead to the flesh and alive to God, hid in Christ as HIS purchased possession.
We are not seeking to fulfill ourselves on this present earth. Our life is in Christ and when HE returns we will also appear with HIM for our life is now in Him.
Col. 3 ... If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
God is faithful
Pam Padgett ... teacher
As God led the children of Israel to the land He had promised them, they came to lands inhabited by other peoples. Some of these lands had long before been given by God to Esau and the children of Lot. Because HE had already given these lands, God did not allow the children of Israel to possess them, faithfully upholding that He had given these lands to Esau and the children of Lot.
God had given mount Seir to Esau to possess. The children of Israel were instructed to pass though the land and purchase meat and water, but they were not to meddle with the people ...
Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the Lord spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days. 2 And the Lord spake unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: 5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. 7 For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
God had also given Ar to the children of Lot to possess. (Lot's son Moab is father of the Moabites, and his son Benammi is the father of the children of Ammon (Genesis 19)). Because of this, the children of Israel were not to distress the Moabites or Ammonites or battle with them ...
Deuteronomy 2:8 And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. 9 And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. .... 18 Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day: 19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
We're also told that God destroyed the inhabitants of the lands before the children of Esau and the children of Lot, so the people God gave the land to were able to dwell in them ...
Deuteronomy 2:17 That the Lord spake unto me, saying, 18 Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day: 19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession. 20 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; 21 A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the Lord destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: 22 As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day: 23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
God gave lands to Esau and to the children of Lot to possess. And God was faithful to His word, destroying the inhabitants of those lands before the children of Esau and the children of Lot so they could dwell in the lands.
And when God led the children of Israel to the land promised to them, He continued to be faithful to His word to Esau and the children of Lot ... not allowing the children of Israel to even meddle or distress the children of Esau and the children of Lot nor to possess even a foot of their lands, for God had given them their lands to possess.
God is faithful to do as He has said.
As God led the children of Israel to the land He had promised them, they came to lands inhabited by other peoples. Some of these lands had long before been given by God to Esau and the children of Lot. Because HE had already given these lands, God did not allow the children of Israel to possess them, faithfully upholding that He had given these lands to Esau and the children of Lot.
God had given mount Seir to Esau to possess. The children of Israel were instructed to pass though the land and purchase meat and water, but they were not to meddle with the people ...
Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the Lord spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days. 2 And the Lord spake unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: 5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. 7 For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
God had also given Ar to the children of Lot to possess. (Lot's son Moab is father of the Moabites, and his son Benammi is the father of the children of Ammon (Genesis 19)). Because of this, the children of Israel were not to distress the Moabites or Ammonites or battle with them ...
Deuteronomy 2:8 And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. 9 And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. .... 18 Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day: 19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
We're also told that God destroyed the inhabitants of the lands before the children of Esau and the children of Lot, so the people God gave the land to were able to dwell in them ...
Deuteronomy 2:17 That the Lord spake unto me, saying, 18 Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day: 19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession. 20 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; 21 A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the Lord destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: 22 As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day: 23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
God gave lands to Esau and to the children of Lot to possess. And God was faithful to His word, destroying the inhabitants of those lands before the children of Esau and the children of Lot so they could dwell in the lands.
And when God led the children of Israel to the land promised to them, He continued to be faithful to His word to Esau and the children of Lot ... not allowing the children of Israel to even meddle or distress the children of Esau and the children of Lot nor to possess even a foot of their lands, for God had given them their lands to possess.
God is faithful to do as He has said.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Joshua 1:8 ... This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;
but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe
to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make
thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Exhoration: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we have a specific Word from God or scripture, and we keep it before us day and night, thinking about that Word, it gets stronger and stronger and begins to filter over into that which we do daily.
For example: I Tim. 6 ... But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content
If we thought on this day and night, it would do a considerable work in our lives.
Sometimes we block our own way by thinking on money ... To do the above scripture would remove that blockage and open the space for us to see the way to go.
Yesterday someone quoted a verse in Phil. 4 ... I have been writing down the chapter of scripture quoted daily in these writings and throughout the day I will sit and read various chapters. I did read Phil. 4 ... and as I read it the following stood out to me ... verse 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. I thought especially of the word "lovely" and some of the things that seem "lovely" to me. Amazingly to me, this morning when I awoke something negative was in my mind but immediately I remembered the instruction to think on things "lovely" and I began doing that. The power of God through scripture worked through me.
Exhoration: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we have a specific Word from God or scripture, and we keep it before us day and night, thinking about that Word, it gets stronger and stronger and begins to filter over into that which we do daily.
For example: I Tim. 6 ... But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content
If we thought on this day and night, it would do a considerable work in our lives.
Sometimes we block our own way by thinking on money ... To do the above scripture would remove that blockage and open the space for us to see the way to go.
Yesterday someone quoted a verse in Phil. 4 ... I have been writing down the chapter of scripture quoted daily in these writings and throughout the day I will sit and read various chapters. I did read Phil. 4 ... and as I read it the following stood out to me ... verse 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. I thought especially of the word "lovely" and some of the things that seem "lovely" to me. Amazingly to me, this morning when I awoke something negative was in my mind but immediately I remembered the instruction to think on things "lovely" and I began doing that. The power of God through scripture worked through me.
Are you ready for Christmas?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently at grocery, the checker asked me, "Are you ready for Christmas?"
I calmly replied, "Yes."
I am ready for Christmas and I am ready for after Christmas for they are same to me ... My daily pattern is unchanged.
That day, I had several cans of soup in my basket and I did tell checker I was getting ready in case we had ice or snow, for we are at time of season we might have such. (I don't drive my car in ice or snow.) Then she went off on that subject and forgot Christmas.
I'm glad I'm not disturbed by Christmas. (There was a time I was disturbed by Christmas and New Years and such holidays thinking I had to had fun and be with people but I no longer think these days to be special days.)
Often when I think, "What day is it?" ... It really doesn't matter. My daily pattern is unchanged. I like it that way. I start my day with Bible. Hopefully I've had no problem with anyone (or with a topic) because that can affect me, so I try to get all problems settled with God prior to the new day. I like to read Bible with undisturbed and unaffected mind. I like to be led by the Holy Spirit. It is easier if I am at total peace when I begin the day.
Recently at grocery, the checker asked me, "Are you ready for Christmas?"
I calmly replied, "Yes."
I am ready for Christmas and I am ready for after Christmas for they are same to me ... My daily pattern is unchanged.
That day, I had several cans of soup in my basket and I did tell checker I was getting ready in case we had ice or snow, for we are at time of season we might have such. (I don't drive my car in ice or snow.) Then she went off on that subject and forgot Christmas.
I'm glad I'm not disturbed by Christmas. (There was a time I was disturbed by Christmas and New Years and such holidays thinking I had to had fun and be with people but I no longer think these days to be special days.)
Often when I think, "What day is it?" ... It really doesn't matter. My daily pattern is unchanged. I like it that way. I start my day with Bible. Hopefully I've had no problem with anyone (or with a topic) because that can affect me, so I try to get all problems settled with God prior to the new day. I like to read Bible with undisturbed and unaffected mind. I like to be led by the Holy Spirit. It is easier if I am at total peace when I begin the day.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
2 Samuel 22:33 ... God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
To me, the Word of God is the only safe way to go on this earth. I don't have the strength or power to make anything happen in my life and certainly I don't know how to perfect my life ... except by doing what I see to do that day and trusting God ... and especially important is pouring my heart out to God when I am concerned or troubled, very important, critical. Then I just marvel when God makes an internal change in me and I recognize that change and know I didn't do anything to cause the change except pray for help.
Recently I had what to me was a problem. It was troubling. It had to do with something I saw and heard on TV so of course I had no control over the subject. But I was disturbed. I knew it was silly. But I was still disturbed. I would even awaken in the mornings thinking of the subject and then cry out to God again asking for help, telling HIM I didn't want to awake thinking of this. I was helped by God. I didn't have a specific word over it. I didn't do anything to help. God just helped me when I cried out to HIM.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
To me, the Word of God is the only safe way to go on this earth. I don't have the strength or power to make anything happen in my life and certainly I don't know how to perfect my life ... except by doing what I see to do that day and trusting God ... and especially important is pouring my heart out to God when I am concerned or troubled, very important, critical. Then I just marvel when God makes an internal change in me and I recognize that change and know I didn't do anything to cause the change except pray for help.
Recently I had what to me was a problem. It was troubling. It had to do with something I saw and heard on TV so of course I had no control over the subject. But I was disturbed. I knew it was silly. But I was still disturbed. I would even awaken in the mornings thinking of the subject and then cry out to God again asking for help, telling HIM I didn't want to awake thinking of this. I was helped by God. I didn't have a specific word over it. I didn't do anything to help. God just helped me when I cried out to HIM.
Holy Spirit is the "earnest" of our inheritance
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Eph. 1 ... That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
After we believe the word given us by God, HE gives us the Holy Spirit ... God seals us with the Holy Spirit.
Many church people do not understand the Holy Spirit.
Here are 4 things God showed me that the Holy Spirit does in the believer.
Jn. 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.
Jn. 16:13 ... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
God sealing us with the Holy Spirit is a type of "earnest" ... showing that we belong to HIM.
When the Holy Spirit is in us we can know we belong to God.
If you were to make arrangements to purchase real estate, you might have to pay "earnest" money to prove you were really serious about the real estate.
The Holy Spirit is "earnest" from God showing us that we have part to share in the inheritance laid up by God for the people of God.
If we have the Holy Spirit in us, we are led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8
There is the Holy Spirit of God and there are other spirits of devils and of course there is the flesh which would pull us opposite from the way of God.
Jesus said, if we are HIS, we will recognize HIS voice. Granted the devil imitates the voice of God but there is always just something a little off. We should be able to recognize when the voice is not of the Spirit of God whether it comes from the mouth of another person or whether it comes as a thought directly to our minds.
Jn. 10 ... Jesus says ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Eph. 1 ... That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
After we believe the word given us by God, HE gives us the Holy Spirit ... God seals us with the Holy Spirit.
Many church people do not understand the Holy Spirit.
Here are 4 things God showed me that the Holy Spirit does in the believer.
Jn. 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.
Jn. 16:13 ... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
God sealing us with the Holy Spirit is a type of "earnest" ... showing that we belong to HIM.
When the Holy Spirit is in us we can know we belong to God.
If you were to make arrangements to purchase real estate, you might have to pay "earnest" money to prove you were really serious about the real estate.
The Holy Spirit is "earnest" from God showing us that we have part to share in the inheritance laid up by God for the people of God.
If we have the Holy Spirit in us, we are led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8
There is the Holy Spirit of God and there are other spirits of devils and of course there is the flesh which would pull us opposite from the way of God.
Jesus said, if we are HIS, we will recognize HIS voice. Granted the devil imitates the voice of God but there is always just something a little off. We should be able to recognize when the voice is not of the Spirit of God whether it comes from the mouth of another person or whether it comes as a thought directly to our minds.
Jn. 10 ... Jesus says ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
2 Timothy 1:7 ... For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Paul was writing the above scripture to Timothy, apparently to try to encourage Timothy to do the work to which he had been called. Paul mentions the faith of Timothy's grandmother and mother. And Paul encourages Timothy not to hold back but to go forward doing the work.
II Tim. 1 ... Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Fear is a great stumbling block ... When it is keeping us from doing the will of God, it cannot be from God.
Paul is pointing out to Timothy that fear he has is not from God.
Sometimes a fear is from God. Sometimes God will warn us about something that could harm us so we can make changes.
But a fear that keeps us from doing the will of God cannot be from God.
Regardless, when we have a fear, we should turn to God in prayer and ask HIM about this fear ...
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Paul was writing the above scripture to Timothy, apparently to try to encourage Timothy to do the work to which he had been called. Paul mentions the faith of Timothy's grandmother and mother. And Paul encourages Timothy not to hold back but to go forward doing the work.
II Tim. 1 ... Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Fear is a great stumbling block ... When it is keeping us from doing the will of God, it cannot be from God.
Paul is pointing out to Timothy that fear he has is not from God.
Sometimes a fear is from God. Sometimes God will warn us about something that could harm us so we can make changes.
But a fear that keeps us from doing the will of God cannot be from God.
Regardless, when we have a fear, we should turn to God in prayer and ask HIM about this fear ...
Much opportunity for sin in talk
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Prov. 10:19 ... In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Have you noticed how much opportunity there is for evil when we get to chatting with people?
Yet the world today is set on fire to chat ... cell phones and email and text messages make it so easy to talk.
And aren't we set on fire to share horror stories we have seen on newscasts?
None of this avails us or the listener.
Several years ago, elections were taking place in USA. I am very non-political but I found even I began to want to express an opinion. I almost had to put my hand over my mouth to keep myself from talking one day when I was with neighbors. I didn't talk. But it was really hard for I wanted to talk.
Keeping that tongue crucified can be challenging and the truth of Proverbs 10:19 is the more words said the more likely there is to sin.
It seems to me that everywhere I go people are saying careless words which trouble me for there is so much chance to sin when you speak by habit carelessly, without real meaning. People are set on fire to talk. And when I enter in with them I notice how I am set on fire also.
If I can remember to speak words that cause reflection of God in my conversation, I'm not so quick to jabber.
And if I can remember to call on God for help when confronted with such things it certainly helps me.
The pitfalls are everywhere I go. But I seem to be saying fewer words now than before.
Prov. 10:19 ... In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Have you noticed how much opportunity there is for evil when we get to chatting with people?
Yet the world today is set on fire to chat ... cell phones and email and text messages make it so easy to talk.
And aren't we set on fire to share horror stories we have seen on newscasts?
None of this avails us or the listener.
Several years ago, elections were taking place in USA. I am very non-political but I found even I began to want to express an opinion. I almost had to put my hand over my mouth to keep myself from talking one day when I was with neighbors. I didn't talk. But it was really hard for I wanted to talk.
Keeping that tongue crucified can be challenging and the truth of Proverbs 10:19 is the more words said the more likely there is to sin.
It seems to me that everywhere I go people are saying careless words which trouble me for there is so much chance to sin when you speak by habit carelessly, without real meaning. People are set on fire to talk. And when I enter in with them I notice how I am set on fire also.
If I can remember to speak words that cause reflection of God in my conversation, I'm not so quick to jabber.
And if I can remember to call on God for help when confronted with such things it certainly helps me.
The pitfalls are everywhere I go. But I seem to be saying fewer words now than before.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
1 Timothy 6:17 ... Charge them that are rich in this
world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but
in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Will that money you store up really save you to the end of your life on this earth? Will that tight first around that money do it?
Certainly money accumulates without our even trying to get it. But to try not to spend any of it would cause you much grief and could even take you in the wrong way.
Our salvation must be in God and not in what we can do. For we cannot be safe by our thinking.
If finances change and we have more money or if finances change and we have less money, the key is always God ...
And when we focus on the instruction to be content having food and raiment ... and we have food and raiment ... many fears should vanish.
Live within your means. Resist the temptation to spend money you do not have even when it is for a "good" cause. To be in debt to do something is not the way of God for us. When we have to go into debt, we need to reexamine the way we are going. If God wants us to do something the money and the way will be there to do the work. If the money is not there we need to stop and turn to God and wait. We do not live the way of this world. The way of this world is not peace. Neither are we tight fisted, thinking we might need that money, thus living in fear. Turn instead to God and pray over your plan and allow HIM to settle your way. If you belong to God, HE will lead you.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Will that money you store up really save you to the end of your life on this earth? Will that tight first around that money do it?
Certainly money accumulates without our even trying to get it. But to try not to spend any of it would cause you much grief and could even take you in the wrong way.
Our salvation must be in God and not in what we can do. For we cannot be safe by our thinking.
If finances change and we have more money or if finances change and we have less money, the key is always God ...
And when we focus on the instruction to be content having food and raiment ... and we have food and raiment ... many fears should vanish.
Live within your means. Resist the temptation to spend money you do not have even when it is for a "good" cause. To be in debt to do something is not the way of God for us. When we have to go into debt, we need to reexamine the way we are going. If God wants us to do something the money and the way will be there to do the work. If the money is not there we need to stop and turn to God and wait. We do not live the way of this world. The way of this world is not peace. Neither are we tight fisted, thinking we might need that money, thus living in fear. Turn instead to God and pray over your plan and allow HIM to settle your way. If you belong to God, HE will lead you.
Prove all things: Hold fast that which is good.
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The apostle Paul instructed: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. I Thess. 5:21
Several days ago, I began listing each scripture posted in the writings we do on the Internet that day. Then later in the day, I would go back and read the entire chapter which contained that scripture.
To me this was just one more way to help me to get more into Bible each day.
I have a regular pattern daily. I read blog. Then I do personal reading, letting God work with me through various bodies of scripture. Then I write on Internet any message that I believe God wants me to share. All this usually takes me 2-3 hrs. each morning.
I get my food daily. I have books that I read for entertainment (usually detective type mysteries).
In the evenings, I usually still have between 2-3 hrs to pass time until time before bed. Often I try TV but don't often find programs that I want to watch and usually just end up switching channels and wearing myself out.
Since I have been keeping this list of scripture, I have gone to it in evening and have begun reading those chapters from Bible. I believe this is beneficial to me. It seems to settle me and keep me from wanting to talk on phone. And a few days ago, I saw another fruit. It gave me a type of control over my tongue. I was very disturbed over a secular matter I saw on TV over which I have no control at all. (It would be like you're being disturbed over a news story you saw on TV.) Very strange when this happens but I find usually I am set on fire to tell another person this story that set me on fire. But this time, I controlled my tongue. I didn't share the story. It would not glorify God. It was just a disturbing secular story. And I remembered the following scripture: Eph. 4:29 ... Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
I felt some of this control was coming from my doing this extra Bible reading. For me, I believe it is a good thing to list these scriptures and read these chapters from Bible. Perhaps it would help you also. I don't make it a rigid rule to do this. And I might not cover every scripture listed that day. But I just start and read until I am tired. Often as I read, I will see something in a chapter to focus on. The Bible is the living word of God so even when I have read a chapter many times, I still often find something that stands out to me and strengthens me in the way of God.
The apostle Paul instructed: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. I Thess. 5:21
Several days ago, I began listing each scripture posted in the writings we do on the Internet that day. Then later in the day, I would go back and read the entire chapter which contained that scripture.
To me this was just one more way to help me to get more into Bible each day.
I have a regular pattern daily. I read blog. Then I do personal reading, letting God work with me through various bodies of scripture. Then I write on Internet any message that I believe God wants me to share. All this usually takes me 2-3 hrs. each morning.
I get my food daily. I have books that I read for entertainment (usually detective type mysteries).
In the evenings, I usually still have between 2-3 hrs to pass time until time before bed. Often I try TV but don't often find programs that I want to watch and usually just end up switching channels and wearing myself out.
Since I have been keeping this list of scripture, I have gone to it in evening and have begun reading those chapters from Bible. I believe this is beneficial to me. It seems to settle me and keep me from wanting to talk on phone. And a few days ago, I saw another fruit. It gave me a type of control over my tongue. I was very disturbed over a secular matter I saw on TV over which I have no control at all. (It would be like you're being disturbed over a news story you saw on TV.) Very strange when this happens but I find usually I am set on fire to tell another person this story that set me on fire. But this time, I controlled my tongue. I didn't share the story. It would not glorify God. It was just a disturbing secular story. And I remembered the following scripture: Eph. 4:29 ... Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
I felt some of this control was coming from my doing this extra Bible reading. For me, I believe it is a good thing to list these scriptures and read these chapters from Bible. Perhaps it would help you also. I don't make it a rigid rule to do this. And I might not cover every scripture listed that day. But I just start and read until I am tired. Often as I read, I will see something in a chapter to focus on. The Bible is the living word of God so even when I have read a chapter many times, I still often find something that stands out to me and strengthens me in the way of God.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Mark 8:34-35 ... And when he had called the people unto him with
his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For
whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his
life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The only thing to be considered in the matter is the Word of God.
In approximately 1980, I had the following dream. I was traveling with a group of people. We landed on an island. It was hot. It was dirty. There were pineapple fields. When it was time to go it was obvious to me they intended to leave me there on that island. There were children on the island. I said, "I won't stay ... I won't stay here ..." Then I added, "Unless YOU want me to ..." They left me there to care for those children. There was a pastor and wife on island but they wouldn't come out of their house.
I knew this was God leaving me there to take care of those children in the church where the pastor wouldn't lay down his life to care for them.
Even today, 30+ years after that dream, I am reminded of that dream as one of my assignments from God. It helps me to keep doing the work assigned to me. And God gave me everything I needed to have to care for those children. I was given the spiritual gift of exhortation. Exhort means to urge earnestly by advice, warning. Often I will think I don't have anything and then I will remember one little thing and start writing and as I write so many things are brought forth ... It reminds me of Elijah and that little cloud that came before the rainfall. There had been no rain for 3 years ... And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 44And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. 45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. 46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18
It is by faith that we take that one little step when we believe God has called something to our attention or has called us to do an assignment.
And to uphold The Word of God, we often have to lay down our own lives. But all that really matters is does God want me to say or to do that.
The world tries to find its life... to be all they can be ... to achieve all they can achieve.
But we are led a totally different way ...
Phil. 2 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
We are all the church ... some are assigned by God to care for the church. It doesn't matter whether we are to sit in the church or care for the church. What does matter is for each of us to do faithfully the role assigned by God.
If you are married, you are assigned the role of caring for your mate and your children. You must do that faithfully even when you don't want to do it. You just take that step to do the work assigned you. And by faith you step out and God strengthens you even when you don't want to do the assignment.
And some are assigned to care for the church ... Eph. 4 ... When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Unfortunately I've met many who want to be ministers without being called by God to be a minister. They just want to be such. And some are looking for a ministry to do without being called by God to do such. And some find ministries which are not really of God and they wreck havoc in the church and in their own lives and in the lives of their families.
Heb. 4 ... For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Each of us must know our assignments and remain faithful to do our assignments and often that assignment is laying down our own lives to do the assignment. And that assignment may not appeal to us but we, like Christ, are convinced it is what God assigned and therefore, like Christ, we do it ... Jesus said, concerning HIS life ... Jn. 10:18 ... No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
And if God assigned the role to us, God will uphold us and equip us fully for the assignment. And when that is the case, all we do is faithfully do the assignment until our death or until Jesus returns for the church. We do it on days when we rejoice over the assignment. And we do it on days when we do not want to do the assignment. And all is done by faith in God.
Josh. 1:9 ... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The only thing to be considered in the matter is the Word of God.
In approximately 1980, I had the following dream. I was traveling with a group of people. We landed on an island. It was hot. It was dirty. There were pineapple fields. When it was time to go it was obvious to me they intended to leave me there on that island. There were children on the island. I said, "I won't stay ... I won't stay here ..." Then I added, "Unless YOU want me to ..." They left me there to care for those children. There was a pastor and wife on island but they wouldn't come out of their house.
I knew this was God leaving me there to take care of those children in the church where the pastor wouldn't lay down his life to care for them.
Even today, 30+ years after that dream, I am reminded of that dream as one of my assignments from God. It helps me to keep doing the work assigned to me. And God gave me everything I needed to have to care for those children. I was given the spiritual gift of exhortation. Exhort means to urge earnestly by advice, warning. Often I will think I don't have anything and then I will remember one little thing and start writing and as I write so many things are brought forth ... It reminds me of Elijah and that little cloud that came before the rainfall. There had been no rain for 3 years ... And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 44And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. 45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. 46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18
It is by faith that we take that one little step when we believe God has called something to our attention or has called us to do an assignment.
And to uphold The Word of God, we often have to lay down our own lives. But all that really matters is does God want me to say or to do that.
The world tries to find its life... to be all they can be ... to achieve all they can achieve.
But we are led a totally different way ...
Phil. 2 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
We are all the church ... some are assigned by God to care for the church. It doesn't matter whether we are to sit in the church or care for the church. What does matter is for each of us to do faithfully the role assigned by God.
If you are married, you are assigned the role of caring for your mate and your children. You must do that faithfully even when you don't want to do it. You just take that step to do the work assigned you. And by faith you step out and God strengthens you even when you don't want to do the assignment.
And some are assigned to care for the church ... Eph. 4 ... When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Unfortunately I've met many who want to be ministers without being called by God to be a minister. They just want to be such. And some are looking for a ministry to do without being called by God to do such. And some find ministries which are not really of God and they wreck havoc in the church and in their own lives and in the lives of their families.
Heb. 4 ... For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Each of us must know our assignments and remain faithful to do our assignments and often that assignment is laying down our own lives to do the assignment. And that assignment may not appeal to us but we, like Christ, are convinced it is what God assigned and therefore, like Christ, we do it ... Jesus said, concerning HIS life ... Jn. 10:18 ... No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
And if God assigned the role to us, God will uphold us and equip us fully for the assignment. And when that is the case, all we do is faithfully do the assignment until our death or until Jesus returns for the church. We do it on days when we rejoice over the assignment. And we do it on days when we do not want to do the assignment. And all is done by faith in God.
Josh. 1:9 ... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
The Holy Spirit teaches us all things
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
4 things the Holy Spirit does for us ...
- teach us all things (Jn. 14:26)
- remind us of everything Jesus has said (Jn. 14:26)
- guide us into all truth (Jn. 16:13)
- show us things to come (Jn. 16:13)
I've had many times which I've been frustrated or confused with things pertaining to this life and God, by the Holy Spirit, has shown me what to do, giving me an understanding, and leading me in a path to stop the confusion and bewilderment.
Recently this happened at my drive-in bank. I have a very unusual bank. It hardly ever has anyone at the windows when you drive up to make deposit. So usually I go to the window at the teller's station where she pushes out a drawer and I put the deposit into that drawer. There are other deposit areas where there is a tube and you put the deposit into a tube and it goes to teller when you push send. But usually I go directly to the window.
Something strange began happening when I tried to make deposit at window. The teller began asking me, "Is this a deposit?" I couldn't understand this. Why didn't she just pull in the drawer and look? It would then be very clear to her when she saw what I put into the drawer. Over and over this happened and each time I was disturbed.
Finally the answer came, I believe by the Holy Spirit. Just go to the tube area away from the teller. That way the deposit would go directly inside when I push send and teller would not be asking me if I was making a deposit. She would have to open the tube and she would see.
I did this last time I made deposit and it worked fine.
It seems a little thing, but if it disturbs us, God is interested and sends way of peace to us.
I realized later that perhaps at the window drawer people put rolls of coins or bags of money from businesses so perhaps bank was encouraging people making deposits to go to the tube deposit areas.
Jn. 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.
Jn. 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.
4 things the Holy Spirit does for us ...
- teach us all things (Jn. 14:26)
- remind us of everything Jesus has said (Jn. 14:26)
- guide us into all truth (Jn. 16:13)
- show us things to come (Jn. 16:13)
I've had many times which I've been frustrated or confused with things pertaining to this life and God, by the Holy Spirit, has shown me what to do, giving me an understanding, and leading me in a path to stop the confusion and bewilderment.
Recently this happened at my drive-in bank. I have a very unusual bank. It hardly ever has anyone at the windows when you drive up to make deposit. So usually I go to the window at the teller's station where she pushes out a drawer and I put the deposit into that drawer. There are other deposit areas where there is a tube and you put the deposit into a tube and it goes to teller when you push send. But usually I go directly to the window.
Something strange began happening when I tried to make deposit at window. The teller began asking me, "Is this a deposit?" I couldn't understand this. Why didn't she just pull in the drawer and look? It would then be very clear to her when she saw what I put into the drawer. Over and over this happened and each time I was disturbed.
Finally the answer came, I believe by the Holy Spirit. Just go to the tube area away from the teller. That way the deposit would go directly inside when I push send and teller would not be asking me if I was making a deposit. She would have to open the tube and she would see.
I did this last time I made deposit and it worked fine.
It seems a little thing, but if it disturbs us, God is interested and sends way of peace to us.
I realized later that perhaps at the window drawer people put rolls of coins or bags of money from businesses so perhaps bank was encouraging people making deposits to go to the tube deposit areas.
Jn. 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.
Jn. 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.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Jeremiah 29:11 ... For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
As a parent, what are your thoughts toward your children.
When we are chosen by God and HE is our Father, are HIS thoughts of evil to destroy HIS children. Isn't God better than even the best earthly parent? For earthly parents don't always know what is best but God always know what is best for us. HE works things out to bring us to "an expected end" ... Therefore we are confident in the following: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Psa. 84 ... 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. 12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
If it is a good thing for us, God will not withhold it.
If it is something that would keep us from doing the will of God as HE desires, that is another matter. Then it would not be a good thing.
There have been times I have wanted something and it was withheld from me. Years passed and I was thanking God HE kept me from getting that.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
As a parent, what are your thoughts toward your children.
When we are chosen by God and HE is our Father, are HIS thoughts of evil to destroy HIS children. Isn't God better than even the best earthly parent? For earthly parents don't always know what is best but God always know what is best for us. HE works things out to bring us to "an expected end" ... Therefore we are confident in the following: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Psa. 84 ... 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. 12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
If it is a good thing for us, God will not withhold it.
If it is something that would keep us from doing the will of God as HE desires, that is another matter. Then it would not be a good thing.
There have been times I have wanted something and it was withheld from me. Years passed and I was thanking God HE kept me from getting that.
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