Colossians 2:6-10 ... 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you
with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I
with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the
stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him,
and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught (by God), abounding therein
with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the
world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of
the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of
all principality and power:
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
How do we "receive" Jesus Christ?
Jesus is the Word of truth. As God illuminates to us The Word, we receive Jesus. It comes through the Word being revealed from God by His Spirit.
Many sit in churches today and hear the word but without illumination from God. Of their own minds they try to figure it out. But they do not turn to God. They turn to their own minds and to the minds of other humans.
Understanding is from God. We cannot understand things of the Spirit by our minds.
We have a great many sitting in church groups and thinking they are Christians without the Spirit of God.
Mt. 16 ... When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
God revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ.
When Jesus asked the question and Peter answered the question. Jesus said Peter was blessed because what he answered was revealed by God and not by man. This is the rock... the word revealed by God. The gates of hell will not stand against that which God reveals by His Spirit.
So we who belong to God hear from God by His Spirit concerning the things of God. We live in that word. And we are made complete through that word as we go through this present life for God speaks to us many times to show us HIS way as we live on this earth.
We who hear from God and follow the directions revealed to us from God by His Spirit are the sons of God.
Jude ... But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18How that they told you there should be mockers (imitators) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
These "mockers", imitators, try to copy those people who have the Spirit of God. But they do not have the Spirit of God. They sit among those who are of God but they are not of God having not the Spirit.
Everything of God is done by the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said: Jn. 6:63 ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sometimes God uses very strong "supernatural" acts
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Eze. 37 ... The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
II Cor. 13 ... Paul says ... I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
As I read Ezekiel 37, I was reminded of that which happened to me shortly after I was born again. In the night, I was "transported" into heaven. I was with God, and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (I saw nothing but I knew I was with them in the Spirit.) At that time I was "merged" into Jesus, made one with the Word of God. It was wonderful. A few days after this the exact same thing happened again. In the night (a second time) I was "transported" into heaven. Again I was with God, and with Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit. Again I saw no images but it was a connecting in the spirit. Again at that time I was made one with Jesus, the Word of God.
I had no idea at the time what this meant. But I was on fire for the Word of God. I owned a business at the time and I was no longer interested in the business. All I cared about was the Bible, the word of God.
Years later, I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) visiting my favorite aunt. I felt the Spirit leading me to share this experience with my aunt. I really did not want to do that! My aunt was a member of the denomination called Church of Christ. They would not accept such an experience. But I knew I must share this with her. So I did. After I told her what happened she said, "Something like that happened to me once and it was all golden." This aunt was very different from anyone else I knew. I was very relaxed around her. Obviously, we both had a very strong call of God on our lives. And we were different from other people because of God.
I came to believe what happened to me was setting me into the two ministry offices which God ordained: apostle/prophet. A few years after being transported into heaven, I closed my business and then God put me on radio by speaking to me in the night. I was asleep and a very loud voice spoke three words to me: Hartford, Seattle, KWJS. (This voice was like a trumpet ... I think it was an angel of the Lord who spoke to me) Within a week, I was on radio, KWJS. (This was in approximately 1979)
At the end of March, 2012, I was given a dream which I believed was showing me to go on the Internet and present messages from the Spirit of God. Within 3 days of this dream, we were publishing on Internet in the form you now see.
Eze. 37 ... The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
II Cor. 13 ... Paul says ... I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
As I read Ezekiel 37, I was reminded of that which happened to me shortly after I was born again. In the night, I was "transported" into heaven. I was with God, and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (I saw nothing but I knew I was with them in the Spirit.) At that time I was "merged" into Jesus, made one with the Word of God. It was wonderful. A few days after this the exact same thing happened again. In the night (a second time) I was "transported" into heaven. Again I was with God, and with Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit. Again I saw no images but it was a connecting in the spirit. Again at that time I was made one with Jesus, the Word of God.
I had no idea at the time what this meant. But I was on fire for the Word of God. I owned a business at the time and I was no longer interested in the business. All I cared about was the Bible, the word of God.
Years later, I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) visiting my favorite aunt. I felt the Spirit leading me to share this experience with my aunt. I really did not want to do that! My aunt was a member of the denomination called Church of Christ. They would not accept such an experience. But I knew I must share this with her. So I did. After I told her what happened she said, "Something like that happened to me once and it was all golden." This aunt was very different from anyone else I knew. I was very relaxed around her. Obviously, we both had a very strong call of God on our lives. And we were different from other people because of God.
I came to believe what happened to me was setting me into the two ministry offices which God ordained: apostle/prophet. A few years after being transported into heaven, I closed my business and then God put me on radio by speaking to me in the night. I was asleep and a very loud voice spoke three words to me: Hartford, Seattle, KWJS. (This voice was like a trumpet ... I think it was an angel of the Lord who spoke to me) Within a week, I was on radio, KWJS. (This was in approximately 1979)
At the end of March, 2012, I was given a dream which I believed was showing me to go on the Internet and present messages from the Spirit of God. Within 3 days of this dream, we were publishing on Internet in the form you now see.
God provides what is needed to follow Him
Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Psalm 105 we're told about the children of Israel being delivered from bondage to the Egyptians, and see that God prepared them for the way ahead ...
Psalm 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
God brought them out of Egypt with silver and gold. When they left Egypt, they didn't know they would need these things, but God led them before leaving Egypt to spoil the Egyptians ...
Exodus 12:35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
While in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle and all that was in it. Moses was to tell the people to brings offerings that would be used in building the tabernacle ...
Exodus 25:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, 4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats 'hair, 5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers 'skins, and shittim wood, 6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, 7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
The people brought offerings, even more than the workmen needed ...
Exodus 36:5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
And not one person in all the tribes of Israel was feeble. About six hundred thousand men, beside children, came out of Egypt, and not one of them was feeble. Amazing! God led them through a wilderness. But God prepared them, even in physical health, to make the journey.
They also were not feeble in skills. Skilful workmen were among the people to build the tabernacle and all in it.
God knows every detail of what we will need to follow His instruction. When God is leading us, we have everything needed.
In Psalm 105 we're told about the children of Israel being delivered from bondage to the Egyptians, and see that God prepared them for the way ahead ...
Psalm 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
God brought them out of Egypt with silver and gold. When they left Egypt, they didn't know they would need these things, but God led them before leaving Egypt to spoil the Egyptians ...
Exodus 12:35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
While in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle and all that was in it. Moses was to tell the people to brings offerings that would be used in building the tabernacle ...
Exodus 25:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, 4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats 'hair, 5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers 'skins, and shittim wood, 6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, 7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
The people brought offerings, even more than the workmen needed ...
Exodus 36:5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
And not one person in all the tribes of Israel was feeble. About six hundred thousand men, beside children, came out of Egypt, and not one of them was feeble. Amazing! God led them through a wilderness. But God prepared them, even in physical health, to make the journey.
They also were not feeble in skills. Skilful workmen were among the people to build the tabernacle and all in it.
God knows every detail of what we will need to follow His instruction. When God is leading us, we have everything needed.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Isaiah 26:3-4 ... Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the
Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... Jn. 16:33 ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Jesus is THE WORD. When we have a word from God concerning the matter at hand we have a very sure anchor and the gates of hell cannot prevail against that word from God. As we think on that word given us by God and believe that word, we settle ourselves.
At the time I was a new Christian (1975), a man filed an unjust lawsuit against me. I was terrified. Each time the fear swept over me, the Holy Spirit would remind me of a scripture to comfort me and assure me. (One of the names of the Holy Spirit is the Comforter Jn. 14 & Jn. 16)
One scripture brought to my mind was Isaiah 54:17 ...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
6 days before the trial was to begin, the man dropped all charges against me and also against the others cited by him in the suit.
But during the months between the filing of the suit and the dropping of the suit, when I didn't know what would happen, many fears came to me and with each fear God would remind me of a scripture to fight the fear. I had about 17 scriptures given me during this time. I recorded these on a cassette tape and played them all night as I slept and I thought on these scriptures continually during that 4 or 5 month period. These were my peace and comfort during a very trying time.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... Jn. 16:33 ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Jesus is THE WORD. When we have a word from God concerning the matter at hand we have a very sure anchor and the gates of hell cannot prevail against that word from God. As we think on that word given us by God and believe that word, we settle ourselves.
At the time I was a new Christian (1975), a man filed an unjust lawsuit against me. I was terrified. Each time the fear swept over me, the Holy Spirit would remind me of a scripture to comfort me and assure me. (One of the names of the Holy Spirit is the Comforter Jn. 14 & Jn. 16)
One scripture brought to my mind was Isaiah 54:17 ...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
6 days before the trial was to begin, the man dropped all charges against me and also against the others cited by him in the suit.
But during the months between the filing of the suit and the dropping of the suit, when I didn't know what would happen, many fears came to me and with each fear God would remind me of a scripture to fight the fear. I had about 17 scriptures given me during this time. I recorded these on a cassette tape and played them all night as I slept and I thought on these scriptures continually during that 4 or 5 month period. These were my peace and comfort during a very trying time.
I am ashamed when I think of my ways
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Sometimes we will get into strife over secular matters. We seem so right. Later I am usually ashamed of myself for this when the matter is secular.
And when I think of my past acts, often I am ashamed.
But when I think of those things God has done in my life, even if it causes others to be offended, I am not ashamed.
Eze. 20 ... (God says) I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen. 42And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers. 43And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. 44And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Romans 1 ... I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Gospel means: God's story
I'm not ashamed of God's story, of God's view, when He shares it with me and shows me the way to go on this earth. But many are offended when I tell what God has shown me. But I'm not ashamed because that is God's story (the gospel) given to me by the Spirit of God.
But I am often ashamed when I recall what I have done by my own thinking, apart from God. I repent and God forgives me. Nevertheless I am ashamed of myself. But I am never ashamed of God, of what HE says and what HE does though it often brings shame and reproach to me when I share it with others. Still I am not ashamed though some rail against me when I share the word given me by God.
Sometimes we will get into strife over secular matters. We seem so right. Later I am usually ashamed of myself for this when the matter is secular.
And when I think of my past acts, often I am ashamed.
But when I think of those things God has done in my life, even if it causes others to be offended, I am not ashamed.
Eze. 20 ... (God says) I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen. 42And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers. 43And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. 44And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Romans 1 ... I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Gospel means: God's story
I'm not ashamed of God's story, of God's view, when He shares it with me and shows me the way to go on this earth. But many are offended when I tell what God has shown me. But I'm not ashamed because that is God's story (the gospel) given to me by the Spirit of God.
But I am often ashamed when I recall what I have done by my own thinking, apart from God. I repent and God forgives me. Nevertheless I am ashamed of myself. But I am never ashamed of God, of what HE says and what HE does though it often brings shame and reproach to me when I share it with others. Still I am not ashamed though some rail against me when I share the word given me by God.
Stedfast in faith during adversities
Psalm 105:16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him. 20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Joseph was tried by the word God, suffering persecution as he spoke and acted according to the word of God. But he continued to believe and serve God.
God gave Joseph dreams showing that his father, mother and even his brothers who hated him would bow down to him ...
Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? 11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
His brothers hated Joseph even more as he spoke the dreams he had been given by God. Because of their hatred toward Joseph, his brothers sold him to Midianites who sold Joseph to Potipher in Egypt. But, the Lord was with Joseph, and Joseph continued to believe and serve God. When Potipher's wife wanted to commit fornication with Joseph. Joseph refused saying he would not sin against God ...
Genesis 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
When Joseph would not commit fornication with her, Potipher's wife accused Joseph of trying to rape her, and Joseph was put into prison. But Joseph still believed God, and God was with him. When two of the fellow prisoners dreamed dreams, Joseph told them that interpretations belong to God. God gave Joseph the interpretation of the dreams. (Genesis 40)
Later, when Pharoah had a dream and no one could give an interpretation, the butler remembered that Joseph had interpreted his dream when in prison. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh ...
Genesis 41:15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Joseph told the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, saying that God was showing Pharaoh what HE was about to do. Pharaoh set Joseph over all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Joseph prepared for the famine that was shown in Pharaoh's dream, providing food during the famine not only for the Egyptians, but also for his own father and brothers as well.
Genesis 50:18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Joseph's faith in God was tried as he suffered persecution for believing and speaking truth from God. Yet Joseph continue to believe in God, going in the ways of God, and acknowledging God to those around him. And, according to the will of God, Joseph was helped each step of the way.
The word God had given Joseph in the dreams also came to pass, his father and brothers doing according to what Joseph instructed when them came to Egypt. And the children of Israel were fed even during famine. What God speaks will happen.
We, also, are sometimes tried as we uphold the word of God. I was reminded of ...
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Ephesians 6:10-18 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the
whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins
girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When I was born again in 1975, I was going though some very severe problems. A professor from Dallas Theological Seminary came to try to help me. He said, "All you need to do is put on the whole armor of God." I replied, "Fine ... how do I do that." He said, "You just put on Jesus." That made no sense at all to me. I was not helped at all by this professor and I continued in suffering. In a matter of weeks God took over and began teaching me by HIS Spirit and I was helped and sustained.
Many years later, God taught me what it means to put on the whole armor of God.
You dress yourself in the various parts of the armor:
- truth from God
- righteousness: Doing that which is right in the sight of God
- peace: putting away personal achievements and strife and choose to focus on HIS kingdom knowing that this world is not my kingdom, thus not getting upset over this world and the things of this world as I once did.
- faith: Taking all problems and issues to God and letting HIM show me what to do and resting in that concerning the problems of this life.
- salvation: Knowing the Jesus paid for my sins, past and present and futher
- the word of God: holding fast to that which God speaks by HIS Spirit. The gates of hell cannot stand against the word God gives us on the issue at hand.
- praying over everything.
Every day, before we leave our houses, we dress in physical clothing. We would not think of going out naked.
We must also learn to dress daily in spiritual clothing by focusing on the Word of God, putting on truth from God by HIS word so we can stand against the wiles of the devil.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When I was born again in 1975, I was going though some very severe problems. A professor from Dallas Theological Seminary came to try to help me. He said, "All you need to do is put on the whole armor of God." I replied, "Fine ... how do I do that." He said, "You just put on Jesus." That made no sense at all to me. I was not helped at all by this professor and I continued in suffering. In a matter of weeks God took over and began teaching me by HIS Spirit and I was helped and sustained.
Many years later, God taught me what it means to put on the whole armor of God.
You dress yourself in the various parts of the armor:
- truth from God
- righteousness: Doing that which is right in the sight of God
- peace: putting away personal achievements and strife and choose to focus on HIS kingdom knowing that this world is not my kingdom, thus not getting upset over this world and the things of this world as I once did.
- faith: Taking all problems and issues to God and letting HIM show me what to do and resting in that concerning the problems of this life.
- salvation: Knowing the Jesus paid for my sins, past and present and futher
- the word of God: holding fast to that which God speaks by HIS Spirit. The gates of hell cannot stand against the word God gives us on the issue at hand.
- praying over everything.
Every day, before we leave our houses, we dress in physical clothing. We would not think of going out naked.
We must also learn to dress daily in spiritual clothing by focusing on the Word of God, putting on truth from God by HIS word so we can stand against the wiles of the devil.
Little thoughts, big consequences
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Recently I was vividly reminded of how critical it is to deal correctly with thoughts that come to our minds. Thoughts can seem very small and insignificant. But they greatly affect us, changing what we do and say.
I was attacked by the devil with thoughts telling me that I cannot do the work of a teacher in the body of Christ. (I don't remember the exact thoughts now.) When I turned to God with these thoughts, I kept being reminded of Isaiah 41:10, and especially that God would strengthen me ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
This attack seemed to come with no reason or provocation. But while talking with Joan, I recalled that I had not dealt with a thought while writing messages. That thought was telling me that what I wrote was "too preachy". Later I also recalled other thoughts I had not dealt with when writing messages ... "that's not important, so don't say it" and "that's just rambling". Instead of taking these thoughts to God and asking Him to show me His view of the matter, I followed these thoughts and the messages became weak and ineffective.
And, by not dealing with these thoughts, I had opened the door to the devil to attack me and try to stop the work altogether. The attack had not come "out of no where" as I initially thought.
By not taking these thoughts to God and getting established by Him, the few words that came in the form of thoughts did much damage.
Thoughts seem as nothing, but they affect us, causing us to go one way or another. They lead us in the wrong way if they are of the devil, or in the right way if they are of the Holy Spirit. The only way we can tell which thoughts to follow is by turning to God.
Recently I was vividly reminded of how critical it is to deal correctly with thoughts that come to our minds. Thoughts can seem very small and insignificant. But they greatly affect us, changing what we do and say.
I was attacked by the devil with thoughts telling me that I cannot do the work of a teacher in the body of Christ. (I don't remember the exact thoughts now.) When I turned to God with these thoughts, I kept being reminded of Isaiah 41:10, and especially that God would strengthen me ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
This attack seemed to come with no reason or provocation. But while talking with Joan, I recalled that I had not dealt with a thought while writing messages. That thought was telling me that what I wrote was "too preachy". Later I also recalled other thoughts I had not dealt with when writing messages ... "that's not important, so don't say it" and "that's just rambling". Instead of taking these thoughts to God and asking Him to show me His view of the matter, I followed these thoughts and the messages became weak and ineffective.
And, by not dealing with these thoughts, I had opened the door to the devil to attack me and try to stop the work altogether. The attack had not come "out of no where" as I initially thought.
By not taking these thoughts to God and getting established by Him, the few words that came in the form of thoughts did much damage.
Thoughts seem as nothing, but they affect us, causing us to go one way or another. They lead us in the wrong way if they are of the devil, or in the right way if they are of the Holy Spirit. The only way we can tell which thoughts to follow is by turning to God.
Man with financial problems
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
A man sent me an email yesterday telling me he had financial problems and needed prayer.
I responded as follows to this man:
============
Prayer will not help you, strange as this sounds.
Problems with finances have to do with many other things.
First, your entire life has to be set around this scripture: "Having food and raiment let us therewith be content."
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.
I assume you are in debt.
This would require you to buy necessary food but resist spending money for unnecessary items and use all money that you earn to pay toward the debt.
Once you get out of debt ... stay out of debt.
Learn to live within your means.
There have been a few times that I was in debt. When that was the case I wouldn't even purchase a 50 cent cup of coffee since it was not necessary. I just used even that 50 cents to put toward paying the debt. And eventually the debt was paid and my life was reconstructed. By focusing on the needed food and eliminating that food which I did not need and by living within my means my life after debt changed.
A man sent me an email yesterday telling me he had financial problems and needed prayer.
I responded as follows to this man:
============
Prayer will not help you, strange as this sounds.
Problems with finances have to do with many other things.
First, your entire life has to be set around this scripture: "Having food and raiment let us therewith be content."
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.
I assume you are in debt.
This would require you to buy necessary food but resist spending money for unnecessary items and use all money that you earn to pay toward the debt.
Once you get out of debt ... stay out of debt.
Learn to live within your means.
There have been a few times that I was in debt. When that was the case I wouldn't even purchase a 50 cent cup of coffee since it was not necessary. I just used even that 50 cents to put toward paying the debt. And eventually the debt was paid and my life was reconstructed. By focusing on the needed food and eliminating that food which I did not need and by living within my means my life after debt changed.
False doctrine and idols today
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... Jn. 4 ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Idols are built on false doctrine.
In some church groups, people light candles thinking such connects them with God in some tangible way. This is false doctrine.
God is a spirit. We cannot use flesh to connect to God.
Some people in church groups eat crackers (wafers) and grape juice thinking this is the Lord's supper and thinking this is "communion" with God. This is a false doctrine. We commune with God through by the Spirit through the word of God. We cannot commune with God by eating crackers (wafers) in church. Such is simply a fleshly, emotional action.
In past, I played bridge. There was a woman who would come to bridge on Sunday afternoons. She was all dressed up and proudly announced that she took communion at church that day. But this woman cheated at bridge when she played with the less mature players. As we became more experienced we would catch her cheating and stop her and she wouldn't try to cheat us again. But when we were younger players she added points to her own score or took points away from our score. Yet she took her "communion" which was a false image. The eating of crackers and drinking of grape juice at church did not change this woman into the image of Christ. Only the word of God can change us into the image of Christ. The word of God is the communion with God.
If we worship God we must worship God in spirit and in truth. We cannot worship God with false doctrine. Nor can we add things to the church gathering when those things are not in the Bible.
Most churches I know of in USA have added various false doctrines to their service, doctrines not in the Bible. When I see these I always speak with pastor. If there is no correction in service, I just leave that group. We cannot sit where there are false doctrines made into religious idols.
Poison gas dream: In approximately 1980, God gave me the following dream. There was a room filled with people and a man was speaking to these people. I went in and sat down and began listening. Then another man rushed into the room and said, "Stop ... can't you see. It's too late. It's already begun." The first man resumed speaking. But I looked out the window to see what was happening. I was shocked in what I saw. There was a civil defense warning system on top of a tall pole. A type of poison gas was coming out of the speaker. The shocking thing was this: The system that was set up to warn us was being used to poison us. In the dream, I looked at the man sitting next to me. His eyes were open. He had a big smile on his face. But he was dead! He was a corpse though he was looking directly at the speaker and seemed to be paying attention. Then I looked at the other people in the room and they were all dead though they looked alive. And as I sat there listening to the speaker, I felt myself falling asleep (dying). I knew it would kill me too if I sat there among them.
Later God showed me this is what is happening in the church gatherings today. Instead of being warned, people are being gassed to death with the doctrines.
All this is what antichrist does. Antichrist moves into the church groups with false doctrines. The preachers and people take up these doctrines and make them into an idol and worship these false doctrines, departing from true doctrines of Bible. This is the falling away spoken of in II Thess. 2 ... A falling away will come. That does not mean people will leave their church groups but rather the falling away is a falling away from scripture and a setting up of another doctrine to take the place of scripture. We certainly see this today in many church groups.
For example ... consider the way churches have fallen away from what Jesus said in Mt. 5:32 ... Jesus said the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Humans in church groups have removed this and have set up doctrines to approve humans in what they want to do. We who are still of God cannot sit among them when this is the case.
Another false doctrine is the idea that dead humans watch over us after they die. Jesus explained to his disciples that those who are dead are as people when they are asleep.
Jesus said: Mt. 11 ... Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Paul spoke of dead people as being people who are "asleep" ... I Thess. 4 ... But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Your dead relatives are not watching over you. There is no protection in dead people. Dead people are "asleep". God watches over us.
Another false doctrine is to pray to dead people ... Dead people are asleep. It will do no good to pray to dead people. Dead people cannot hear you. Jesus is different. Jesus is risen from the dead. The other dead people will arise at the second coming of Jesus as we see in I Thess. 4 cited in the paragraph above. But until the 2nd coming of Jesus, dead people are asleep. Consequently it is false doctrine to pray to Mary as the Catholics do. It is false doctrine to set up dead "saints" and to expect them to watch over you. All the church are "saints", called by God, appointed by God to the church. But when we die, we will be asleep until the 2nd coming of Jesus. II Thess. 4
Jesus said ... Jn. 4 ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Idols are built on false doctrine.
In some church groups, people light candles thinking such connects them with God in some tangible way. This is false doctrine.
God is a spirit. We cannot use flesh to connect to God.
Some people in church groups eat crackers (wafers) and grape juice thinking this is the Lord's supper and thinking this is "communion" with God. This is a false doctrine. We commune with God through by the Spirit through the word of God. We cannot commune with God by eating crackers (wafers) in church. Such is simply a fleshly, emotional action.
In past, I played bridge. There was a woman who would come to bridge on Sunday afternoons. She was all dressed up and proudly announced that she took communion at church that day. But this woman cheated at bridge when she played with the less mature players. As we became more experienced we would catch her cheating and stop her and she wouldn't try to cheat us again. But when we were younger players she added points to her own score or took points away from our score. Yet she took her "communion" which was a false image. The eating of crackers and drinking of grape juice at church did not change this woman into the image of Christ. Only the word of God can change us into the image of Christ. The word of God is the communion with God.
If we worship God we must worship God in spirit and in truth. We cannot worship God with false doctrine. Nor can we add things to the church gathering when those things are not in the Bible.
Most churches I know of in USA have added various false doctrines to their service, doctrines not in the Bible. When I see these I always speak with pastor. If there is no correction in service, I just leave that group. We cannot sit where there are false doctrines made into religious idols.
Poison gas dream: In approximately 1980, God gave me the following dream. There was a room filled with people and a man was speaking to these people. I went in and sat down and began listening. Then another man rushed into the room and said, "Stop ... can't you see. It's too late. It's already begun." The first man resumed speaking. But I looked out the window to see what was happening. I was shocked in what I saw. There was a civil defense warning system on top of a tall pole. A type of poison gas was coming out of the speaker. The shocking thing was this: The system that was set up to warn us was being used to poison us. In the dream, I looked at the man sitting next to me. His eyes were open. He had a big smile on his face. But he was dead! He was a corpse though he was looking directly at the speaker and seemed to be paying attention. Then I looked at the other people in the room and they were all dead though they looked alive. And as I sat there listening to the speaker, I felt myself falling asleep (dying). I knew it would kill me too if I sat there among them.
Later God showed me this is what is happening in the church gatherings today. Instead of being warned, people are being gassed to death with the doctrines.
All this is what antichrist does. Antichrist moves into the church groups with false doctrines. The preachers and people take up these doctrines and make them into an idol and worship these false doctrines, departing from true doctrines of Bible. This is the falling away spoken of in II Thess. 2 ... A falling away will come. That does not mean people will leave their church groups but rather the falling away is a falling away from scripture and a setting up of another doctrine to take the place of scripture. We certainly see this today in many church groups.
For example ... consider the way churches have fallen away from what Jesus said in Mt. 5:32 ... Jesus said the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Humans in church groups have removed this and have set up doctrines to approve humans in what they want to do. We who are still of God cannot sit among them when this is the case.
Another false doctrine is the idea that dead humans watch over us after they die. Jesus explained to his disciples that those who are dead are as people when they are asleep.
Jesus said: Mt. 11 ... Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Paul spoke of dead people as being people who are "asleep" ... I Thess. 4 ... But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Your dead relatives are not watching over you. There is no protection in dead people. Dead people are "asleep". God watches over us.
Another false doctrine is to pray to dead people ... Dead people are asleep. It will do no good to pray to dead people. Dead people cannot hear you. Jesus is different. Jesus is risen from the dead. The other dead people will arise at the second coming of Jesus as we see in I Thess. 4 cited in the paragraph above. But until the 2nd coming of Jesus, dead people are asleep. Consequently it is false doctrine to pray to Mary as the Catholics do. It is false doctrine to set up dead "saints" and to expect them to watch over you. All the church are "saints", called by God, appointed by God to the church. But when we die, we will be asleep until the 2nd coming of Jesus. II Thess. 4
Making your children to walk through the fire
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Eze. 20:31 ... For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel?
When someone offends us and we complain about what he did to us in front of other people, we make those other people "walk through the fire" of our anger.
Instead we need to stop, separate ourselves, talk to God about the problem and settle it with God. If God shows us something to do to put the fire of the offense out, we need to do that. Usually these things we strive about are secular things and really do not matter though at the time of strife these things seem to matter.
Eze. 20:31 ... For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel?
When someone offends us and we complain about what he did to us in front of other people, we make those other people "walk through the fire" of our anger.
Instead we need to stop, separate ourselves, talk to God about the problem and settle it with God. If God shows us something to do to put the fire of the offense out, we need to do that. Usually these things we strive about are secular things and really do not matter though at the time of strife these things seem to matter.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
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.
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
God made us. God created us in HIS own image. God breathes His image into each of us by His word and each time God speaks His word to us by His Spirit and each time we believe that word spoken by the Spirit of God and restructure our lives according to that specific word, we are created by God.
Over and over throughout this life we are recreated into the image of God by the word of God. We are continually changed from the nature of man to the image of God by His Word.
Thus God makes us ... and we do not make ourselves.
We are made a fit people by His Word.
It is a continual process.
And it is such a comfort when we look back on what we are doing and realize it was God who told us that thing and we did not conjure it with our own minds ... nor did we learn it from men. We learned it from God.
Thus we see the following:
I Jn. 2 ... But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28And now, little children, abide in him;
Abide in HIM doing what HE has taught you by His Spirit.
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
God made us. God created us in HIS own image. God breathes His image into each of us by His word and each time God speaks His word to us by His Spirit and each time we believe that word spoken by the Spirit of God and restructure our lives according to that specific word, we are created by God.
Over and over throughout this life we are recreated into the image of God by the word of God. We are continually changed from the nature of man to the image of God by His Word.
Thus God makes us ... and we do not make ourselves.
We are made a fit people by His Word.
It is a continual process.
And it is such a comfort when we look back on what we are doing and realize it was God who told us that thing and we did not conjure it with our own minds ... nor did we learn it from men. We learned it from God.
Thus we see the following:
I Jn. 2 ... But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28And now, little children, abide in him;
Abide in HIM doing what HE has taught you by His Spirit.
The Lord's Supper
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When I visited my favorite aunt, she took me to church with her. They passed around crackers and grape juice in a very solemn way and called it "The Lord's Supper." They had a table at the front of the room and printed on the table were the words "Do this in remembrance of ME." The bowls of crackers and the glasses of grape juice sat on that table.
My aunt would break off a bit of cracker and put it in her mouth. Then she would drink the grape juice from the small glass. The other people in the room did the same.
After I was adult and attended church, I did what they did. But I never felt right about doing this. I never understood what it meant. I never saw any relationship at all between Jesus and crackers and grape juice.
But I kept on doing this because they did it.
Years later God showed me the Lord's Supper is not eating crackers (wafers) and drinking grape juice (wine).
The Lord's supper is partaking of the Word of God..
I stopped eating crackers and stopped drinking grape juice and stopped calling this the "Lord's supper".
When you look at our Internet site you see a banquet served by God by His Spirit. The Word of God is there all spread out like a huge feast. Whosoever will can come to the table and fill his plate and eat the Word of God.
This is the true "Lord's Supper." There is power in this supper to give life to those who partake for it is the real body of Jesus and the real blood of Jesus and the life of Jesus by the Spirit of God by the Word of God. But the power is in the doing of the word of God given by the Spirit of God. This is the eating of the word. When we eat the word, there is an action involved. You can read the word and it can seem important but unless you apply the word in an appropriate way to your own life on this earth it will avail you nothing.
Here is an example:
Paul said: 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,
After you read this word, what do you do with it?
Do you go on with your life trying to excel over others and trying to be of high reputation? Do you dress and try to make yourself important in the eyes of other humans?
Or do you purpose to go forward doing nothing more to make yourself important in sight of other humans?
The way you apply the word to your life is the power.
I Cor. 14:20 ... For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
When I visited my favorite aunt, she took me to church with her. They passed around crackers and grape juice in a very solemn way and called it "The Lord's Supper." They had a table at the front of the room and printed on the table were the words "Do this in remembrance of ME." The bowls of crackers and the glasses of grape juice sat on that table.
My aunt would break off a bit of cracker and put it in her mouth. Then she would drink the grape juice from the small glass. The other people in the room did the same.
After I was adult and attended church, I did what they did. But I never felt right about doing this. I never understood what it meant. I never saw any relationship at all between Jesus and crackers and grape juice.
But I kept on doing this because they did it.
Years later God showed me the Lord's Supper is not eating crackers (wafers) and drinking grape juice (wine).
The Lord's supper is partaking of the Word of God..
I stopped eating crackers and stopped drinking grape juice and stopped calling this the "Lord's supper".
When you look at our Internet site you see a banquet served by God by His Spirit. The Word of God is there all spread out like a huge feast. Whosoever will can come to the table and fill his plate and eat the Word of God.
This is the true "Lord's Supper." There is power in this supper to give life to those who partake for it is the real body of Jesus and the real blood of Jesus and the life of Jesus by the Spirit of God by the Word of God. But the power is in the doing of the word of God given by the Spirit of God. This is the eating of the word. When we eat the word, there is an action involved. You can read the word and it can seem important but unless you apply the word in an appropriate way to your own life on this earth it will avail you nothing.
Here is an example:
Paul said: 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,
After you read this word, what do you do with it?
Do you go on with your life trying to excel over others and trying to be of high reputation? Do you dress and try to make yourself important in the eyes of other humans?
Or do you purpose to go forward doing nothing more to make yourself important in sight of other humans?
The way you apply the word to your life is the power.
I Cor. 14:20 ... For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Man will not destroy earth... God will
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
There is no reason to fret over nuclear weapons as the people of this world fret. Man will not destroy this world. God will destroy this world. This is what the Bible teaches. If you know the Bible, you will not be troubled by man.
II Peter 3 ... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
No man can cause the heavens to pass away. Only God can do that and God will do that at the end.
Mt. 24 ... Jesus says ... Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
No man can do this. Only God can do this.
Right now, God is keeping the solar system in place. Heb. 11 ... For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
After the flood, God promised HE would never again destroy the earth by water. The rainbow was put in the sky by God as a covenant, as a promise this would never happen again.
Gen. 9 ... And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
But God will shake both heaven and earth and the earth and heaven will be destroyed by God in HIS time, but not by water. The earth will be destroyed by fire, but not by fire made by man. (II Peter 3)
Heb. 12 ... See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.
Many years ago, I had a dream where the earth slipped on it's axis. Before the earth is totally destroyed by God, I believe this is what will happen. Humans will be terrified when this happens. The earth will be slightly moved in the solar system causing great problems.
When the earth is moved this way, before it is completely destroyed, many things will change for man.
Jesus explained ... Lk. 21 ... And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
The prophets of Old Testament told of a time coming when money would be of no use to man ...
Eze. 7:19 ... They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
Isaiah 2 ... And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
It is silly to be afraid of men who have no power to do these things. Fear God! And keep HIS Word.
Jesus explained ... Mt. 10:28 ... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
There is no reason to fret over nuclear weapons as the people of this world fret. Man will not destroy this world. God will destroy this world. This is what the Bible teaches. If you know the Bible, you will not be troubled by man.
II Peter 3 ... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
No man can cause the heavens to pass away. Only God can do that and God will do that at the end.
Mt. 24 ... Jesus says ... Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
No man can do this. Only God can do this.
Right now, God is keeping the solar system in place. Heb. 11 ... For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
After the flood, God promised HE would never again destroy the earth by water. The rainbow was put in the sky by God as a covenant, as a promise this would never happen again.
Gen. 9 ... And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
But God will shake both heaven and earth and the earth and heaven will be destroyed by God in HIS time, but not by water. The earth will be destroyed by fire, but not by fire made by man. (II Peter 3)
Heb. 12 ... See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.
Many years ago, I had a dream where the earth slipped on it's axis. Before the earth is totally destroyed by God, I believe this is what will happen. Humans will be terrified when this happens. The earth will be slightly moved in the solar system causing great problems.
When the earth is moved this way, before it is completely destroyed, many things will change for man.
Jesus explained ... Lk. 21 ... And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
The prophets of Old Testament told of a time coming when money would be of no use to man ...
Eze. 7:19 ... They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
Isaiah 2 ... And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
It is silly to be afraid of men who have no power to do these things. Fear God! And keep HIS Word.
Jesus explained ... Mt. 10:28 ... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 148:13 ... Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his
name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and
heaven.
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
Human beings want their own name to be excellent. So humans often go to great length to honor their own names. They want to be held in high regard among other men. They often base what they do in what other humans will think of them. Rarely do they consider what God thinks of them.
Herod is one example of a man who greatly desired reputation among men and honored his own word above that which was right in the sight of God.
Mt. 14 ... At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 4For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 8And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. 9And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. 10And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 11And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
To serve God, we have to lay down our own lives and our own reputations among men. We have to focus on one thing only: What does God want me to do and say?
Jesus said ... Jn. 5:44 ... How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
Human beings want their own name to be excellent. So humans often go to great length to honor their own names. They want to be held in high regard among other men. They often base what they do in what other humans will think of them. Rarely do they consider what God thinks of them.
Herod is one example of a man who greatly desired reputation among men and honored his own word above that which was right in the sight of God.
Mt. 14 ... At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 4For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 8And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. 9And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. 10And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 11And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
To serve God, we have to lay down our own lives and our own reputations among men. We have to focus on one thing only: What does God want me to do and say?
Jesus said ... Jn. 5:44 ... How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Taking thoughts captive
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
God brings thoughts to our mind by HIS Spirit.
But the devil also brings thought to our mind and the thoughts of the devil are opposite to the thoughts and will of God.
Therefore we are told to "try the spirits whether they are of God" (I Jn. 4) ... We have to take questionable thoughts to God in prayer, asking God for His truth in the matter at hand.
This week, Pam Padgett, had the thought: "You're getting too preachy." So she acted on that thought and began watering down her teaching until it became powerless. I talked to her about the change. Then she told me of the thought that she was getting too "preachy". But she failed to take that thought to God to see if it was from Him.
Later that night I was reminded of the following scripture:
I Cor. 1:21 ... For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
After this, Pam had following experience: She awoke one morning with a terrible fear that she could not do the work of God. She cried out to God for help and the following was brought to her mind.
Isaiah 41:10 ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
The devil brought the negative thought to Pam and the devil brought the fear to Pam. This is what the devil does. Anti-Christ means opposite to Christ ... opposite to the will of God.
God brought the truth to Pam when she turned to HIM.
But also note that when she opened the door on the first thought by failing to turn to God, the devil then brought the fear.
We have to deal with these thoughts otherwise we open more doors for devils to attack us with thoughts that would take us opposite to the way of God.
God brings thoughts to our mind by HIS Spirit.
But the devil also brings thought to our mind and the thoughts of the devil are opposite to the thoughts and will of God.
Therefore we are told to "try the spirits whether they are of God" (I Jn. 4) ... We have to take questionable thoughts to God in prayer, asking God for His truth in the matter at hand.
This week, Pam Padgett, had the thought: "You're getting too preachy." So she acted on that thought and began watering down her teaching until it became powerless. I talked to her about the change. Then she told me of the thought that she was getting too "preachy". But she failed to take that thought to God to see if it was from Him.
Later that night I was reminded of the following scripture:
I Cor. 1:21 ... For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
After this, Pam had following experience: She awoke one morning with a terrible fear that she could not do the work of God. She cried out to God for help and the following was brought to her mind.
Isaiah 41:10 ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
The devil brought the negative thought to Pam and the devil brought the fear to Pam. This is what the devil does. Anti-Christ means opposite to Christ ... opposite to the will of God.
God brought the truth to Pam when she turned to HIM.
But also note that when she opened the door on the first thought by failing to turn to God, the devil then brought the fear.
We have to deal with these thoughts otherwise we open more doors for devils to attack us with thoughts that would take us opposite to the way of God.
Eating the flesh of Jesus
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... Jn. 6 ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Jesus is the word made flesh.
The flesh of Jesus is the word of God.
The blood of Jesus is the word of God.
Eating the flesh of Jesus and drinking the blood of Jesus is partaking of the Word of God which is life.
I Cor. 11 ... For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. Jn. 6:35 & 38
Jesus, The Word, is the bread of life. As we partake of the Word of God, we partake of Jesus. This is the Lord's supper. This is the power of God to change our lives.
25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
The blood of Jesus is life to us. When we read the Bible and do what it says to do by the Spirit of God is it like having a blood transfusion.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
In this, Jesus is speaking of eating and drinking the Word of God which is Jesus. We remember Jesus by doing the word of God. All power and life is in the Word of God. Without the word of God we have no life.
27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
A person eats and drinks unworthily when he fails to do the instruction given by the Word of God.
29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
All of the above has to do with the way we partake of the Word of God which is Jesus. None of this has anything to do with eating crackers (wafers) or drinking grape juice (wine) at a church service. There is no power at all in crackers (wafers) and grape juice (wine). There is great power in the word of God when we do it correctly and when we belong to God.
Jesus said ... Jn. 6 ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Jesus is the word made flesh.
The flesh of Jesus is the word of God.
The blood of Jesus is the word of God.
Eating the flesh of Jesus and drinking the blood of Jesus is partaking of the Word of God which is life.
I Cor. 11 ... For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. Jn. 6:35 & 38
Jesus, The Word, is the bread of life. As we partake of the Word of God, we partake of Jesus. This is the Lord's supper. This is the power of God to change our lives.
25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
The blood of Jesus is life to us. When we read the Bible and do what it says to do by the Spirit of God is it like having a blood transfusion.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
In this, Jesus is speaking of eating and drinking the Word of God which is Jesus. We remember Jesus by doing the word of God. All power and life is in the Word of God. Without the word of God we have no life.
27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
A person eats and drinks unworthily when he fails to do the instruction given by the Word of God.
29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
All of the above has to do with the way we partake of the Word of God which is Jesus. None of this has anything to do with eating crackers (wafers) or drinking grape juice (wine) at a church service. There is no power at all in crackers (wafers) and grape juice (wine). There is great power in the word of God when we do it correctly and when we belong to God.
Care in dealing with thoughts and ideas
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Many ideas and thoughts come to us. Some are from the Spirit of God and are important. Some are from wrong spirits and can do harm. Some are from our own flesh and can interrupt the way of God. Some thoughts are fearful and destructive and must be dealt with. Regardless it is important for us to deal with thoughts and ideas in an appropriate way.
First, we are told: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. I Jn. 4:1
Some people move on every idea that seems good to them without praying to God concerning that idea. This is unsafe, even when the idea seems good. Nothing is hidden from God. As we commit that "good" idea to God in prayer we travel a more secure road. Many plans seem good but end in destruction.
Then Paul warned us as follows:
II Cor. 10 ... For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Again, prayer is a very important key in dealing with thoughts. God knows all. Turn to God with such, asking HIM about the thought, asking HIM if there is anything you need to do, depending of God to establish and settle you in the issue. This is the only safe way.
Talk with God!
Many ideas and thoughts come to us. Some are from the Spirit of God and are important. Some are from wrong spirits and can do harm. Some are from our own flesh and can interrupt the way of God. Some thoughts are fearful and destructive and must be dealt with. Regardless it is important for us to deal with thoughts and ideas in an appropriate way.
First, we are told: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. I Jn. 4:1
Some people move on every idea that seems good to them without praying to God concerning that idea. This is unsafe, even when the idea seems good. Nothing is hidden from God. As we commit that "good" idea to God in prayer we travel a more secure road. Many plans seem good but end in destruction.
Then Paul warned us as follows:
II Cor. 10 ... For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Again, prayer is a very important key in dealing with thoughts. God knows all. Turn to God with such, asking HIM about the thought, asking HIM if there is anything you need to do, depending of God to establish and settle you in the issue. This is the only safe way.
Talk with God!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Galatians 5:15-16 ... This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and
ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For 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.
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
A primary question with the above scripture is: How do you walk in the Spirit?
In Galations 5, we read: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
One of the delights of the flesh is "variance & emulations" ... Variance means to debate, to strive, to fight ... Emulation means to try to out do another person.
There is no way to walk in both light and darkness at the same time. So when we set about to achieve for ourselves and beat other people, we cannot walk in love. It is impossible.
The flesh wants one thing ... the Spirit wants another.
The way of the flesh and the way of God are opposite to one another.
So if you walk in the Spirit you will not be trying to out do another person.
Jesus said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
This is just one example of walking in the Spirit.
Exhortation: (Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet)
A primary question with the above scripture is: How do you walk in the Spirit?
In Galations 5, we read: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
One of the delights of the flesh is "variance & emulations" ... Variance means to debate, to strive, to fight ... Emulation means to try to out do another person.
There is no way to walk in both light and darkness at the same time. So when we set about to achieve for ourselves and beat other people, we cannot walk in love. It is impossible.
The flesh wants one thing ... the Spirit wants another.
The way of the flesh and the way of God are opposite to one another.
So if you walk in the Spirit you will not be trying to out do another person.
Jesus said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt. 11
This is just one example of walking in the Spirit.
How close are we to return of Jesus?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We do not know the exact day Jesus will return ... nor do we know the hour. No one knows but God. But we do know the season ...
Jesus said ... Mt. 24 ... Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
At the end of winter, we see the very tiny green start to come on the end of the Willow trees. We know that leaves will come soon and summer will be next.
As the iniquity abounds, the end draws near. The iniquities of the world are signs to us just as leaves on trees.
Is it getting worse? Of course it is. The homosexuals demand their rights and abound in ways no one could have imagined only a few decades back. In the 1960's, in the USA, homosexuals were arrested when discovered in public. Now in USA homosexuals are rampant and are demanding marriage rights among themselves.
Abortion is now legal in USA.
Aren't these evils signs?
And there are even signs in the skys ... Amazingly this year, starting with February, we saw meteors moving out of place. One fell in Russia. In March one was noted in Australia. In April, sightings were in Argentina. Even a secular newscaster on NBC said, "There sure are a lot of these sightings lately."
We have to be moving much closer to the return of Jesus.
Peter said: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
Let each one of us be warned ... It is our individual responsibility to keep ourselves in peace, without spot, and blameless ... so when Jesus comes we, the church, will be ready.
If there is anything you dread in future, you are not living in peace. You need to take care of that which you dread. You may need to cancel it, when possible. Here is an example: The doctor retried who was supplying prescription for sleeping pills for me. I have been taking sleeping pill nightly since my accident and operation 2 1/2 years ago. (There is metal rod in my left leg and pain when I lie down. Rather than take pain medicine I selected sleeping pill to help me sleep.) After she retired, I thought I would try to not take pill to sleep. But after 3 days, I found I was so tired I couldn't read the Bible or write exhortations. So I went to another doctor. He went over a list of medical tests and I told him I did not want those tests. He did not try to persuade me to take any tests. Then he mentioned blood test. I agreed to this. But I went away with dread. And every day I dreaded the time I would do this. Today I wrote him and told him I had decided not to do blood tests. If he wants to remove me from his client list he can do so and I can hunt another doctor who will work with me without the tests. I do not think he will remove me. But by writing him, I removed the dread and returned to living in peace. And I face my next appointment with him in six months with honesty.
Each of us must control our circumstances through action and through prayer so we can live in peace.
And we have to keep ourselves "without spot and blameless" ... again that comes by taking every fear and every concern to God in prayer and by doing that which we believe to be right in the sight of God. This is a continual work.
Also important as we see the day of the return of Jesus approaching is following instruction:
Heb. 10 ... And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Thus you see the increased exhortations we do in these writings to encourage each of us in the way of God and to illuminate the way of God in contrast to the way this present world is going.
We do not know the exact day Jesus will return ... nor do we know the hour. No one knows but God. But we do know the season ...
Jesus said ... Mt. 24 ... Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
At the end of winter, we see the very tiny green start to come on the end of the Willow trees. We know that leaves will come soon and summer will be next.
As the iniquity abounds, the end draws near. The iniquities of the world are signs to us just as leaves on trees.
Is it getting worse? Of course it is. The homosexuals demand their rights and abound in ways no one could have imagined only a few decades back. In the 1960's, in the USA, homosexuals were arrested when discovered in public. Now in USA homosexuals are rampant and are demanding marriage rights among themselves.
Abortion is now legal in USA.
Aren't these evils signs?
And there are even signs in the skys ... Amazingly this year, starting with February, we saw meteors moving out of place. One fell in Russia. In March one was noted in Australia. In April, sightings were in Argentina. Even a secular newscaster on NBC said, "There sure are a lot of these sightings lately."
We have to be moving much closer to the return of Jesus.
Peter said: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
Let each one of us be warned ... It is our individual responsibility to keep ourselves in peace, without spot, and blameless ... so when Jesus comes we, the church, will be ready.
If there is anything you dread in future, you are not living in peace. You need to take care of that which you dread. You may need to cancel it, when possible. Here is an example: The doctor retried who was supplying prescription for sleeping pills for me. I have been taking sleeping pill nightly since my accident and operation 2 1/2 years ago. (There is metal rod in my left leg and pain when I lie down. Rather than take pain medicine I selected sleeping pill to help me sleep.) After she retired, I thought I would try to not take pill to sleep. But after 3 days, I found I was so tired I couldn't read the Bible or write exhortations. So I went to another doctor. He went over a list of medical tests and I told him I did not want those tests. He did not try to persuade me to take any tests. Then he mentioned blood test. I agreed to this. But I went away with dread. And every day I dreaded the time I would do this. Today I wrote him and told him I had decided not to do blood tests. If he wants to remove me from his client list he can do so and I can hunt another doctor who will work with me without the tests. I do not think he will remove me. But by writing him, I removed the dread and returned to living in peace. And I face my next appointment with him in six months with honesty.
Each of us must control our circumstances through action and through prayer so we can live in peace.
And we have to keep ourselves "without spot and blameless" ... again that comes by taking every fear and every concern to God in prayer and by doing that which we believe to be right in the sight of God. This is a continual work.
Also important as we see the day of the return of Jesus approaching is following instruction:
Heb. 10 ... And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Thus you see the increased exhortations we do in these writings to encourage each of us in the way of God and to illuminate the way of God in contrast to the way this present world is going.
Shocked!
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Last night, I was so shocked as I was watching CNN. I do not normally watch secular news. But I have been watching since this Boston Marathon bombing.
Last night they were speaking of an "interfaith" meeting. I have heard of these but I thought this meant the Baptist and Church of Christ were going to get together and meet. But last night they explained that the Christians, Jews, and Muslims were planning a service together. I was shocked!
There is no way a Christian could sit down with Jews or Muslims and have church! Impossible.
Jews do not believe in Jesus Christ as savior.
We go directly to God through Jesus Christ. It is impossible to eliminate Jesus Christ from the church.
Muslims don't believe in our God who made heaven and earth ... nor do they believe in Jesus Christ.
I cried out to God when I heard this. I said to God: Do you see what they are doing? Do you hear this?
I was livid. How much worse can things get on this earth? How could any real Christian think of sitting down and planning a church service with Jews and Muslims.
I was really crying out to God over what they are doing.
Eze. 9 ... He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; 4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 7And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. 8And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? 9Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. 10And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. 11And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.
Last night, I was so shocked as I was watching CNN. I do not normally watch secular news. But I have been watching since this Boston Marathon bombing.
Last night they were speaking of an "interfaith" meeting. I have heard of these but I thought this meant the Baptist and Church of Christ were going to get together and meet. But last night they explained that the Christians, Jews, and Muslims were planning a service together. I was shocked!
There is no way a Christian could sit down with Jews or Muslims and have church! Impossible.
Jews do not believe in Jesus Christ as savior.
We go directly to God through Jesus Christ. It is impossible to eliminate Jesus Christ from the church.
Muslims don't believe in our God who made heaven and earth ... nor do they believe in Jesus Christ.
I cried out to God when I heard this. I said to God: Do you see what they are doing? Do you hear this?
I was livid. How much worse can things get on this earth? How could any real Christian think of sitting down and planning a church service with Jews and Muslims.
I was really crying out to God over what they are doing.
Eze. 9 ... He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; 4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 7And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. 8And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? 9Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. 10And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. 11And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.
Power is in doing the word of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
There are many things people do in church groups where there is no power and in doing these things there is only a fleshly, emotional feeling ... but no real power of God.
There is no power in lighting of candles. There is no place in Bible nor in New Testament were we are told to light candles in connection with a religious request. We are told to pray when we have a need or problem.
Phil. 4 ... 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.
If you light candles and then pray, it will avail you nothing for our faith has to be in doing what God says in his word and the candles are not in word of God. (not in Bible)
Partaking of the Lord's supper is eating and drinking the word of God correctly, applying the word to your own life. In that there is great power.
There is no power at all in eating crackers and drinking grape juice at church and calling it the Lord's supper. This is not the Lord's supper but is a doctrine set up by fleshly men. There is no power at all in doing this.
Eating crackers and grape juice is the same as people who light candles at the Catholic church. There is no power and these are just fleshly acts that have nothing at all to do with the Spirit of God. These things were set up by fleshly men in churches.
Nor do you pray to Mary or any so-called saint. There is no power in that prayer. We who belong to God pray directly to God through Jesus Christ by faith in God.
There are many things people do in church groups where there is no power and in doing these things there is only a fleshly, emotional feeling ... but no real power of God.
There is no power in lighting of candles. There is no place in Bible nor in New Testament were we are told to light candles in connection with a religious request. We are told to pray when we have a need or problem.
Phil. 4 ... 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.
If you light candles and then pray, it will avail you nothing for our faith has to be in doing what God says in his word and the candles are not in word of God. (not in Bible)
Partaking of the Lord's supper is eating and drinking the word of God correctly, applying the word to your own life. In that there is great power.
There is no power at all in eating crackers and drinking grape juice at church and calling it the Lord's supper. This is not the Lord's supper but is a doctrine set up by fleshly men. There is no power at all in doing this.
Eating crackers and grape juice is the same as people who light candles at the Catholic church. There is no power and these are just fleshly acts that have nothing at all to do with the Spirit of God. These things were set up by fleshly men in churches.
Nor do you pray to Mary or any so-called saint. There is no power in that prayer. We who belong to God pray directly to God through Jesus Christ by faith in God.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Galatians 5:15-16 ... This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall
not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For 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.
Psalm 148:13 ... Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
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.
Psalm 148:13 ... Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
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.
Evil communications corrupt good manners
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Cor. 15 ... Paul said ... Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
There are some people who bring out the worst in us and we go away from them sorry that we acted as we did. There are settings that bring out the worst in us. There are books and TV shows that bring out the worst in us. We are affected when we put ourselves in the path of some things and in the path of some people. I have relatives that I just can't call on phone and visit with them. Each time I do this, I grieve. So I have learned to avoid this. There are places I find bringing out the worst in me. I had to quit playing bridge because this was happening to me when I went to the bridge center. Each of us have to identify such things for ourselves and learn to put such away from us for it does affect us in a wrong way.
I Cor. 15 ... Paul said ... Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
There are some people who bring out the worst in us and we go away from them sorry that we acted as we did. There are settings that bring out the worst in us. There are books and TV shows that bring out the worst in us. We are affected when we put ourselves in the path of some things and in the path of some people. I have relatives that I just can't call on phone and visit with them. Each time I do this, I grieve. So I have learned to avoid this. There are places I find bringing out the worst in me. I had to quit playing bridge because this was happening to me when I went to the bridge center. Each of us have to identify such things for ourselves and learn to put such away from us for it does affect us in a wrong way.
If you can stop the day or the night ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
In Jeremiah 33, we see such interesting concept concerning God and HIS covenant. Basically God is saying, "If you can stop the day from coming and the sun from shinning that day ... or if you can stop the night from coming, then MY covenant can be stopped."
Of course we can't stop the day or the night from coming ... so we know God's covenant is as secure as our inability to stop the day or the night.
Jeremiah 33 ... And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, 20Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; 21Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. 22As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. 23Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 24Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. 25Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; 26Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.
God's covenant with the New Testament Church:
Heb. 8 ...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. 10 ... This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
In Jeremiah 33, we see such interesting concept concerning God and HIS covenant. Basically God is saying, "If you can stop the day from coming and the sun from shinning that day ... or if you can stop the night from coming, then MY covenant can be stopped."
Of course we can't stop the day or the night from coming ... so we know God's covenant is as secure as our inability to stop the day or the night.
Jeremiah 33 ... And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, 20Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; 21Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. 22As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. 23Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 24Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. 25Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; 26Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.
God's covenant with the New Testament Church:
Heb. 8 ...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. 10 ... This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Proverbs 10:19 ... In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Continue in the liberty Jesus purchased for us
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
When we were born again, we were freed to live by faith, having the Holy Spirit in us bringing us the word of God and leading us so we are able to go in the way of God. We are freed to serve God by following His Spirit. Not trying to follow a set of rules by our minds. Not being bound by ways of this world and lusts of our flesh.
The devil also tries to put us in bondage to things which are not of God, often by bringing condemning thoughts as one of his snares.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
We resist the devil by being steadfast in the faith, standing firm in paying attention to what God has spoken to us through His Spirit and doing those things. When other thoughts come, we can turn to God and allow ourselves to be established in HIS will, our thoughts brought into obedience to the word of God, that we might continue in the liberty Jesus has purchased for us.
As HIS sheep, we seek to follow only HIS voice, the word that the Holy Spirit brings showing the way of life, and to flee others ...
John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
When we were born again, we were freed to live by faith, having the Holy Spirit in us bringing us the word of God and leading us so we are able to go in the way of God. We are freed to serve God by following His Spirit. Not trying to follow a set of rules by our minds. Not being bound by ways of this world and lusts of our flesh.
The devil also tries to put us in bondage to things which are not of God, often by bringing condemning thoughts as one of his snares.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
We resist the devil by being steadfast in the faith, standing firm in paying attention to what God has spoken to us through His Spirit and doing those things. When other thoughts come, we can turn to God and allow ourselves to be established in HIS will, our thoughts brought into obedience to the word of God, that we might continue in the liberty Jesus has purchased for us.
As HIS sheep, we seek to follow only HIS voice, the word that the Holy Spirit brings showing the way of life, and to flee others ...
John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Following God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
And this is what really matters ... hearing from the Spirit of God and following HIM by heeding that which the Spirit of God speaks to you.
The bottom line to everything is hearing from God by HIS Spirit.
If we have the Spirit of God then God is the teacher.
But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need
not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of
all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you,
ye shall abide in him.
I Jn. 2:27
I Jn. 2:27
The Spirit of God that is in us "whispers" ideas to our minds, showing us what to do and showing us where to focus.
Therefore
we can only "abide in HIM" by hearing the whisperings of the Spirit of
God and living by what we hear from the Spirit of God, making adjustment
to our life as needed.
I
find there are not many who actually have the Spirit of God though they
think they belong to God ... Nor are there many who actually follow the
Spirit of God.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 71:3 ... Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually
resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock
and my fortress.
Psalm 19:14 ... Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 ... Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
The word of God is powerful
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Even though Jesus was willing to physically go to heal the servant of the centurion, the centurion knew that by only speaking, Jesus could heal his servant. Just as the centurion spoke and the people under him did as he said, the centurion recognized that by just speaking, Jesus had great power, even over the servant's afflictions. Jesus only needed to speak, and the servant's affliction would be healed.
The centurion wanted his servant to be healed. But his faith was not in his desire. His faith was in Jesus, in what Jesus said. He knew his servant would be healed if Jesus spoke. And he was ...
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
While reading this account it stood out to me how powerful the word of God is. In whatever we face, the word of God brought to us by the Holy Spirit is what is important. This is the power of God in the situation, showing His view and His will in what we're dealing with. Our faith can only be in the word given to us by God in the matter. As we believe the word brought to our attention by the Holy Spirit, and go according to that word, we see the power of God in the situation.
Another example I believe shows the power of the word of God in our lives ... recently I asked God to show me His view of a problem I had with a woman I once worked with. I was reminded of a scripture that cut right through the matter, clearly showing me how I was wrong in how I handled the situation. (I contacted her and apologized.) It was amazing how this scripture drove directly to the heart of the matter and laid it open. It didn't matter what I thought; I wasn't able to sort through the situation myself. But the word of God on the matter very clearly and powerfully shined a light on the truth.
Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Even though Jesus was willing to physically go to heal the servant of the centurion, the centurion knew that by only speaking, Jesus could heal his servant. Just as the centurion spoke and the people under him did as he said, the centurion recognized that by just speaking, Jesus had great power, even over the servant's afflictions. Jesus only needed to speak, and the servant's affliction would be healed.
The centurion wanted his servant to be healed. But his faith was not in his desire. His faith was in Jesus, in what Jesus said. He knew his servant would be healed if Jesus spoke. And he was ...
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
While reading this account it stood out to me how powerful the word of God is. In whatever we face, the word of God brought to us by the Holy Spirit is what is important. This is the power of God in the situation, showing His view and His will in what we're dealing with. Our faith can only be in the word given to us by God in the matter. As we believe the word brought to our attention by the Holy Spirit, and go according to that word, we see the power of God in the situation.
Another example I believe shows the power of the word of God in our lives ... recently I asked God to show me His view of a problem I had with a woman I once worked with. I was reminded of a scripture that cut right through the matter, clearly showing me how I was wrong in how I handled the situation. (I contacted her and apologized.) It was amazing how this scripture drove directly to the heart of the matter and laid it open. It didn't matter what I thought; I wasn't able to sort through the situation myself. But the word of God on the matter very clearly and powerfully shined a light on the truth.
Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
God knows, even if no one else knows
Renee Bonfield ... evangelist
One time in the 1980's I was a new Christian. I
went to the super market to buy some groceries. After paying my bill, I picked up a TV guide not intending to steal
it, but walked out of the store without paying for it.
As I was on my way home, about two blocks from the store, the thought kept coming to me that this is a big chain store, and they will never know or miss this money. Then I just couldn't continue going home. I had the feeling that this is like stealing and that I must go back to the store and pay for this.
I went to the same checker and explained that I had left the store without paying for the TV guide and would like to pay for it now. The checker said "Oh that's Ok you don't have to pay for it." I said "Oh yes I do" She said "Why, know one will know" I said "God will know, and He watches everything I do." Then she reluctantly took the money.
As I was on my way home, about two blocks from the store, the thought kept coming to me that this is a big chain store, and they will never know or miss this money. Then I just couldn't continue going home. I had the feeling that this is like stealing and that I must go back to the store and pay for this.
I went to the same checker and explained that I had left the store without paying for the TV guide and would like to pay for it now. The checker said "Oh that's Ok you don't have to pay for it." I said "Oh yes I do" She said "Why, know one will know" I said "God will know, and He watches everything I do." Then she reluctantly took the money.
Money will be of no value
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The prophet, Isaiah, spoke of a time when gold and silver (money) would be of no help to man.
Isaiah 2 ... And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
In the day of the Lord, God will move the earth, shake the earth. Men will be terrified for there will be nothing at all they can do.
God showed this to me in the following dream: The earth slipped on it's axis. The scientists and religious leaders were meeting with the politicians to see what could be done. A TV newscaster was trying to present a report of this and he was so terrified he stopped speaking and couldn't finish the report.
At the time God shakes the earth and moves the earth in the solar system, man can do nothing. And this will happen prior to the day of the Lord and the return of Jesus.
At the present time the earth is hung in the solar system. It is just floating in space, not hanging on anything. The earth is kept in place by God, as are all things in the solar system. The time will come when God speaks and the heavens and earth will move out of place. Things we can't even imagine will happen. But nothing will be the same again. Money, property, all those things man trusts in will be valueless at that time. It is hard to imagine what it will be like but the prophets of Old Testament told of it. And also we read about it in New Testament. We know it will happen.
Heb. 12 ... See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.
II Peter 3 ... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Eze. 7:19 ... They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
The prophet, Isaiah, spoke of a time when gold and silver (money) would be of no help to man.
Isaiah 2 ... And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
In the day of the Lord, God will move the earth, shake the earth. Men will be terrified for there will be nothing at all they can do.
God showed this to me in the following dream: The earth slipped on it's axis. The scientists and religious leaders were meeting with the politicians to see what could be done. A TV newscaster was trying to present a report of this and he was so terrified he stopped speaking and couldn't finish the report.
At the time God shakes the earth and moves the earth in the solar system, man can do nothing. And this will happen prior to the day of the Lord and the return of Jesus.
At the present time the earth is hung in the solar system. It is just floating in space, not hanging on anything. The earth is kept in place by God, as are all things in the solar system. The time will come when God speaks and the heavens and earth will move out of place. Things we can't even imagine will happen. But nothing will be the same again. Money, property, all those things man trusts in will be valueless at that time. It is hard to imagine what it will be like but the prophets of Old Testament told of it. And also we read about it in New Testament. We know it will happen.
Heb. 12 ... See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.
II Peter 3 ... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Eze. 7:19 ... They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Philippians 3:13-14 ... Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended:but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.
Psalm 96:4-5 ... For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Psalm 96:4-5 ... For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Faith used by devil as a trap
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When you think God is leading you to do something, it is so important to "try the spirit" to see if the spirit that brought that idea to you is from God. (I Jn. 4:1 ... Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:)
Satan comes with thoughts like "an angel of light" ... II Cor. 11
It can seem like God speaking ... and we can get excited that we heard something from God ... But we must confirm that which we heard, trying the spirit that carried that idea which seems like a good work.
I try the spirit by prayer, asking God for confirmation. And I wait until I am persuaded whether the idea is God telling me to do something or whether it is from another spirit.
If the idea would cause me to go into debt, I know it is not God but is a trap. Sometimes the idea will cause us to spend money the wrong way. For example: I receive many invitations from pastors around the world. They invite me to come speak to their church groups. Often they invite me to speak at minister conferences or to help young ministers. But is this God's way for me? So I settle it through prayer and by waiting for God to confirm HIS way. Recently I had a dream which showed me if I went out it would be a needless waste of money and it would trap me out there and it would be difficult for me to get back to where I am now. Where am I now? I am doing these writings which go all over the world and cost us nothing except for the advertising which helps the writings to be more visible on Internet. And is it really important for them to see me in the flesh? What is important is the message I carry. And I carry that message daily on Internet for all in the world to be able to see. I know God doesn't want me to travel. And if I did travel, it would use the money and my energy in another way. As it is now, we use the money to buy more advertising so we can be visible to all in the world in a greater way. And all my energy is devoted to hearing from God and sharing that all over this present world by Internet.
And what is visible is the message of exhortation, not our own flesh. So you see how going out in the flesh would stop much of the real work of God. The devil would like me to travel, stopping the work while seeming to do the work. But God wants me to do the work which HE has shown me to do which is the Internet writing which God gave me a dream which showed me to write on Internet. So I stay home and write, using our money to advertise so more can see the writings around the world.
Faith has to be based on hearing what God wants you to do in the issue at hand.
Abraham went out by faith. But the important thing is this. God told Abraham to go out. Then Abraham went after hearing from God. (At one time God told me not to go out, so I stayed home.) Faith is always based on hearing first from God. Noah heard from God telling him to build an arc. There are people today who try to make provision for future without hearing from God. Paul heard from Jesus on road to Damascus.
So many ministers who contact me tell me of their works but they do not tell me of the Spirit of God speaking to them to do these works. And mostly the works are great burdens to themselves and their families. And usually they end up asking me for money to help them to do the work. I always know in these cases their work is not of God and they are following another spirit. For when God is leading us there is "no want". Psalm 23:1 ... HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. Mt. 11 ... There is "no need" when God is leading. Phil. 4:19
When you think God is leading you to do something, it is so important to "try the spirit" to see if the spirit that brought that idea to you is from God. (I Jn. 4:1 ... Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:)
Satan comes with thoughts like "an angel of light" ... II Cor. 11
It can seem like God speaking ... and we can get excited that we heard something from God ... But we must confirm that which we heard, trying the spirit that carried that idea which seems like a good work.
I try the spirit by prayer, asking God for confirmation. And I wait until I am persuaded whether the idea is God telling me to do something or whether it is from another spirit.
If the idea would cause me to go into debt, I know it is not God but is a trap. Sometimes the idea will cause us to spend money the wrong way. For example: I receive many invitations from pastors around the world. They invite me to come speak to their church groups. Often they invite me to speak at minister conferences or to help young ministers. But is this God's way for me? So I settle it through prayer and by waiting for God to confirm HIS way. Recently I had a dream which showed me if I went out it would be a needless waste of money and it would trap me out there and it would be difficult for me to get back to where I am now. Where am I now? I am doing these writings which go all over the world and cost us nothing except for the advertising which helps the writings to be more visible on Internet. And is it really important for them to see me in the flesh? What is important is the message I carry. And I carry that message daily on Internet for all in the world to be able to see. I know God doesn't want me to travel. And if I did travel, it would use the money and my energy in another way. As it is now, we use the money to buy more advertising so we can be visible to all in the world in a greater way. And all my energy is devoted to hearing from God and sharing that all over this present world by Internet.
And what is visible is the message of exhortation, not our own flesh. So you see how going out in the flesh would stop much of the real work of God. The devil would like me to travel, stopping the work while seeming to do the work. But God wants me to do the work which HE has shown me to do which is the Internet writing which God gave me a dream which showed me to write on Internet. So I stay home and write, using our money to advertise so more can see the writings around the world.
Faith has to be based on hearing what God wants you to do in the issue at hand.
Abraham went out by faith. But the important thing is this. God told Abraham to go out. Then Abraham went after hearing from God. (At one time God told me not to go out, so I stayed home.) Faith is always based on hearing first from God. Noah heard from God telling him to build an arc. There are people today who try to make provision for future without hearing from God. Paul heard from Jesus on road to Damascus.
So many ministers who contact me tell me of their works but they do not tell me of the Spirit of God speaking to them to do these works. And mostly the works are great burdens to themselves and their families. And usually they end up asking me for money to help them to do the work. I always know in these cases their work is not of God and they are following another spirit. For when God is leading us there is "no want". Psalm 23:1 ... HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. Mt. 11 ... There is "no need" when God is leading. Phil. 4:19
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Proverbs 10:29 ... The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 29:25 ... The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
2 Corinthians 3:5 ... Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Proverbs 29:25 ... The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
2 Corinthians 3:5 ... Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Seek reward from God, not man
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Receiving praise and admiration from those around us is something the flesh desires. There are temptations to do works and actions in such a way that they will be seen by others. But Jesus told us this is what hypocrites do ... doing works that appear to be "good", while really seeking to advance themselves among men. And the glory of man is the only reward to be gained by doing this.
Jesus taught us to do the opposite, to not try to be seen by others when we give alms, or pray, or fast. Quietly and simply going about what we are led of the Holy Spirit to do, that we might please our heavenly Father. Although other people will not know what we have done, our Father sees all things, even those things done in secret. When we act according to the will of God, HE will reward openly.
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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.
Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Glory of man is fleeting, quickly forgotten. Rewards from God will not be forgotten by Him, and are of great value.
Receiving praise and admiration from those around us is something the flesh desires. There are temptations to do works and actions in such a way that they will be seen by others. But Jesus told us this is what hypocrites do ... doing works that appear to be "good", while really seeking to advance themselves among men. And the glory of man is the only reward to be gained by doing this.
Jesus taught us to do the opposite, to not try to be seen by others when we give alms, or pray, or fast. Quietly and simply going about what we are led of the Holy Spirit to do, that we might please our heavenly Father. Although other people will not know what we have done, our Father sees all things, even those things done in secret. When we act according to the will of God, HE will reward openly.
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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.
Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Glory of man is fleeting, quickly forgotten. Rewards from God will not be forgotten by Him, and are of great value.
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