Hebrews 12:1-3 ... Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners
against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When the Jews delivered Jesus to Pilate to be judged, Pilate examined Jesus and then Pilate returned to the Jews and said: he went out again unto the Jews, and said unto them, "I find in him no fault at all." Jn. 18:38
But the Jews insisted they wanted Pilate to deal with Jesus. And though Pilate found no fault with Jesus, we read the following action of Pilate ...
Jn. 19 ... 1Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
They scourged Jesus and mocked Jesus and then crucified Jesus.
And we are told:
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners
against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
By the Holy Spirit, God encourages us to continue in the area to which God has assigned us.
Certainly we become discouraged and we even begin to think, "What good does it do for me to do this?
When I think that way, so often the Holy Spirit reminds me of the following and by this I am restored and straightened out. I Cor. 15...58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Division because of Jesus
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jn. 7 ... 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41Others said, This is the Christ.
But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43So there was a division among the people because of him.
In this we see the Word separating the believers from the unbelievers.
The unbelievers, through their own wisdom, explain away the Word.
Christ was to come from the seed of David and out of the town of Bethlehem. They saw Jesus come out of Galilee so HE couldn't the prophesied Messiah was their reasoning.
Those persons not of God find ways to get it wrong.
But when the Word comes it divides. It divides households. One believes and as result is changed from the others in the household who are not of God.
When the Word comes HE divides.
Lk. 12 ... 51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mt. 10 ... 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Sitting among the rulers of the Pharisees at that time was Nicodemus who had come to Jesus by night and believed on Jesus but he was sitting among the Pharisees.
Jn. 7 ... 45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53And every man went unto his own house.
Jesus was from Galilee ... but HE was born in Bethlehem and was of the house of David. The rulers wanted to condemn Jesus and looked for ways to condemn Jesus because of envy. All of a sudden, the people were talking of Jesus. The rulers were blinded and blinded themselves because of their envy. They didn't want to know the truth about Jesus. The truth would have separated them from high places.
Jn. 7 ... 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41Others said, This is the Christ.
But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43So there was a division among the people because of him.
In this we see the Word separating the believers from the unbelievers.
The unbelievers, through their own wisdom, explain away the Word.
Christ was to come from the seed of David and out of the town of Bethlehem. They saw Jesus come out of Galilee so HE couldn't the prophesied Messiah was their reasoning.
Those persons not of God find ways to get it wrong.
But when the Word comes it divides. It divides households. One believes and as result is changed from the others in the household who are not of God.
When the Word comes HE divides.
Lk. 12 ... 51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mt. 10 ... 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Sitting among the rulers of the Pharisees at that time was Nicodemus who had come to Jesus by night and believed on Jesus but he was sitting among the Pharisees.
Jn. 7 ... 45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53And every man went unto his own house.
Jesus was from Galilee ... but HE was born in Bethlehem and was of the house of David. The rulers wanted to condemn Jesus and looked for ways to condemn Jesus because of envy. All of a sudden, the people were talking of Jesus. The rulers were blinded and blinded themselves because of their envy. They didn't want to know the truth about Jesus. The truth would have separated them from high places.
More than enough
Pam Padgett ... teacher
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Jesus distributed the five loaves and two fishes to feed five thousand men. The loaves and fishes were not first multiplied. It did not seem there would be enough for everyone. But Jesus distributed the five loaves and two fishes to the disciples, who then each started distributing to the people. As the loaves and fishes continued to be distributed, each person taking as much as they wanted, there was more than enough for all to be filled.
Often God provides for us in a similar way. As we are led by the Holy Spirit, we find there is enough for whatever step we are shown to take or the need we have. When we are shown another step to take or there is another need, there is enough for that. At some point we may look back and it is amazing that there was plenty of whatever we needed, even when things unexpected to us came along.
Over the past several months I had several large expenses, many of which were unexpected. At times there were fears. But as I turned to God with fears and concerns, and tried to go in the way I was led in dealing with each matter as it came along, there has been plenty, more than enough.
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Jesus distributed the five loaves and two fishes to feed five thousand men. The loaves and fishes were not first multiplied. It did not seem there would be enough for everyone. But Jesus distributed the five loaves and two fishes to the disciples, who then each started distributing to the people. As the loaves and fishes continued to be distributed, each person taking as much as they wanted, there was more than enough for all to be filled.
Often God provides for us in a similar way. As we are led by the Holy Spirit, we find there is enough for whatever step we are shown to take or the need we have. When we are shown another step to take or there is another need, there is enough for that. At some point we may look back and it is amazing that there was plenty of whatever we needed, even when things unexpected to us came along.
Over the past several months I had several large expenses, many of which were unexpected. At times there were fears. But as I turned to God with fears and concerns, and tried to go in the way I was led in dealing with each matter as it came along, there has been plenty, more than enough.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Psalm 18:25-27 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 18:25-27 ... With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful;
with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26 With the pure
thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself
froward. 27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring
down high looks.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When you speak things of God to a person who is unruly (froward) that person will see you as being rude (froward).
If that person is darkness and you are light, the light will hurt their eyes and they will flee so they can continue in darkness where they are comfortable for they are children of darkness. They will think evil of you because evil is what they are.
When we speak to an upright man (a man who is of God) it is another matter. That upright man will identify with the upright and will love the light given off by another upright person.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When you speak things of God to a person who is unruly (froward) that person will see you as being rude (froward).
If that person is darkness and you are light, the light will hurt their eyes and they will flee so they can continue in darkness where they are comfortable for they are children of darkness. They will think evil of you because evil is what they are.
When we speak to an upright man (a man who is of God) it is another matter. That upright man will identify with the upright and will love the light given off by another upright person.
Eating the flesh/drinking the blood of Jesus
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jn. 6 ... Jesus says ... 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.
How do we eat the flesh of Jesus?
Jesus is THE WORD. We eat the flesh of Jesus by eating the word of God which comes down from heaven today by HIS Spirit which dwells in us.
And we drink the blood of Jesus by eating the Word of God. And life is in the blood. Life is in the Word.
Jn. 6 ... Jesus says ... 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.
How do we eat the flesh of Jesus?
Jesus is THE WORD. We eat the flesh of Jesus by eating the word of God which comes down from heaven today by HIS Spirit which dwells in us.
And we drink the blood of Jesus by eating the Word of God. And life is in the blood. Life is in the Word.
Problem resolved by word from God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Last summer a severe thunderstorm with pounding hail came over the area where I live. After the storm a lot of granules from the roof had washed onto the deck and sidewalk. I called my insurance company and was told to have a roofer inspect the roof. The roofer who has done work for me in the past said the roof needed to be replaced. He also met with the insurance adjuster and talked with the insurance company on the phone. I was told that my insurance company was willing to pay only for replacing some of the shingles.
Because of some miscommunications, another roofer had also looked at the roof and said it needed to be replaced. The insurance companies for neighbors all around me were paying to have new roofs installed because the hail damage was so significant.
It seemed that my insurance company was not paying for a new roof when they should.
I prayed, asking God what to do, and heard to ask the roofer to provide an estimate for a new roof, and for me to write the insurance company telling them I was asking the roofer to do this and explaining why I thought a new roof was needed.
I sent an email to the insurance company as I heard to do. But when I called the roofer and asked him to provide an estimate for a new roof, his response was very unexpected. He said I was wasting his time because this would do no good. I again asked if he would just provide the estimate and I would submit it to the insurance company. He then told me to find another roofer.
The second roofer who had looked at the roof was very willing to put together an estimate for a new roof, which he did very quickly. I sent this estimate to the insurance company with a note letting them know about the new roofer.
Just a few days after receiving my emails and the estimate, the insurance company called to let me know the claim for a new roof was approved and a check was being prepared. The man I spoke with said that they had told the first roofer to submit an estimate for a new roof, but he refused to do this and just argued with the insurance company.
The problem had seemed large and complex before I prayed. I thought the insurance company was the source of the problem. But when I heard from God and took action according to what I heard, the problem was quickly untangled. It became clear that the first roofer was the source of the problem. Once he was removed, the matter was resolved very quickly.
Last summer a severe thunderstorm with pounding hail came over the area where I live. After the storm a lot of granules from the roof had washed onto the deck and sidewalk. I called my insurance company and was told to have a roofer inspect the roof. The roofer who has done work for me in the past said the roof needed to be replaced. He also met with the insurance adjuster and talked with the insurance company on the phone. I was told that my insurance company was willing to pay only for replacing some of the shingles.
Because of some miscommunications, another roofer had also looked at the roof and said it needed to be replaced. The insurance companies for neighbors all around me were paying to have new roofs installed because the hail damage was so significant.
It seemed that my insurance company was not paying for a new roof when they should.
I prayed, asking God what to do, and heard to ask the roofer to provide an estimate for a new roof, and for me to write the insurance company telling them I was asking the roofer to do this and explaining why I thought a new roof was needed.
I sent an email to the insurance company as I heard to do. But when I called the roofer and asked him to provide an estimate for a new roof, his response was very unexpected. He said I was wasting his time because this would do no good. I again asked if he would just provide the estimate and I would submit it to the insurance company. He then told me to find another roofer.
The second roofer who had looked at the roof was very willing to put together an estimate for a new roof, which he did very quickly. I sent this estimate to the insurance company with a note letting them know about the new roofer.
Just a few days after receiving my emails and the estimate, the insurance company called to let me know the claim for a new roof was approved and a check was being prepared. The man I spoke with said that they had told the first roofer to submit an estimate for a new roof, but he refused to do this and just argued with the insurance company.
The problem had seemed large and complex before I prayed. I thought the insurance company was the source of the problem. But when I heard from God and took action according to what I heard, the problem was quickly untangled. It became clear that the first roofer was the source of the problem. Once he was removed, the matter was resolved very quickly.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
John 12:46 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
John 12:46 ... (Jesus said) I (THE WORD) am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We, who belong to God, do not continue to live in darkness. We flee darkness. We are no longer of this world. We have been changed by God. We are now dead to this world. Those things that once mattered no longer matter. Those people we once pursued worldly pleasures with no longer appeal to us. We can't do those things we once did for now that we belong to God we are dead to this world. We are crucified with Christ that our flesh no longer rules as it once did. Now we are light in the Lord and we follow "real" light. The people of this world live in darkness. We can't live that way when we are light. For light and darkness are not compatible. If you enter a dark room and turn on the light what happens? The darkness will disappear. So it is in dealing with this world. When we turn on the light, they will often flee. We can't abide in darkness as we once did, doing things of darkness for now we are light in the Lord.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We, who belong to God, do not continue to live in darkness. We flee darkness. We are no longer of this world. We have been changed by God. We are now dead to this world. Those things that once mattered no longer matter. Those people we once pursued worldly pleasures with no longer appeal to us. We can't do those things we once did for now that we belong to God we are dead to this world. We are crucified with Christ that our flesh no longer rules as it once did. Now we are light in the Lord and we follow "real" light. The people of this world live in darkness. We can't live that way when we are light. For light and darkness are not compatible. If you enter a dark room and turn on the light what happens? The darkness will disappear. So it is in dealing with this world. When we turn on the light, they will often flee. We can't abide in darkness as we once did, doing things of darkness for now we are light in the Lord.
Devil complicates things
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
This week I had a problem and I was trying to figure out what to say to address this problem. After going around in circles, I began to pray, asking God what I should do. And I heard, "Just tell him what happened."
I did that and it was very clear.
This week I had a problem and I was trying to figure out what to say to address this problem. After going around in circles, I began to pray, asking God what I should do. And I heard, "Just tell him what happened."
I did that and it was very clear.
God met the need before it was known
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Recently John 15:18-21 was called to my attention by the Holy Spirit, and I spent time considering this ...
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
A day or two later while walking one of my dogs I saw the car of a woman I have known for many years. We had worked together, and she and her husband lived in our neighborhood until about a year ago when they rented out their house here and moved to their cabin in the mountains. I haven't seen her in several months and thought she would stop her car when she saw me so we could speak briefly. But when I waved to her, she obviously saw me but barely acknowledged me and just drove on.
There was a little "sting" when she did this, but then I recalled we will be hated by those of the world because we are not of the world, and the world does not know God. This woman does not know God and has shown hatred toward what I believe God has led me to do (such as helping the elderly neighbor next door). It was very helpful to consider that she doesn't know God, and therefore hates the work of God she sees in me. The "sting" quickly disappeared.
She and I had worked at the same place, lived in the same neighborhood, are very close in age, and even enjoy some of the same activities. We seem similar in the flesh, but we are not the same. For she is of the world, but God revealed Himself to me and chose me so I am no longer of this world. There is not resentment in my heart toward this woman, but gratitude toward God.
At the time John 15:18-21 stood out to me, I had no idea I would even see this neighbor. But God knew I would be shunned by her, and had prepared me for this before it happened.
Recently John 15:18-21 was called to my attention by the Holy Spirit, and I spent time considering this ...
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
A day or two later while walking one of my dogs I saw the car of a woman I have known for many years. We had worked together, and she and her husband lived in our neighborhood until about a year ago when they rented out their house here and moved to their cabin in the mountains. I haven't seen her in several months and thought she would stop her car when she saw me so we could speak briefly. But when I waved to her, she obviously saw me but barely acknowledged me and just drove on.
There was a little "sting" when she did this, but then I recalled we will be hated by those of the world because we are not of the world, and the world does not know God. This woman does not know God and has shown hatred toward what I believe God has led me to do (such as helping the elderly neighbor next door). It was very helpful to consider that she doesn't know God, and therefore hates the work of God she sees in me. The "sting" quickly disappeared.
She and I had worked at the same place, lived in the same neighborhood, are very close in age, and even enjoy some of the same activities. We seem similar in the flesh, but we are not the same. For she is of the world, but God revealed Himself to me and chose me so I am no longer of this world. There is not resentment in my heart toward this woman, but gratitude toward God.
At the time John 15:18-21 stood out to me, I had no idea I would even see this neighbor. But God knew I would be shunned by her, and had prepared me for this before it happened.
Flee fornication
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Cor. 6 ... Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
At the time of sexual intercourse, the two become one flesh. You are not made one flesh by a marriage certificate, by a piece of paper. You are made one flesh by sexual intercourse whether you go through a formal ceremony or not.
Therefore it is a very serious thing to have sexual intercourse.
Fornication and adultery are different from all other sins. Paul explains: Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
We who are of God flee fornication as Joseph did when Pontifer's wife tried to force him. Joseph fled naked, for his robe came off in her hand. But Joseph would rather flee naked than sin against his master Pontifer. Though his robe was used against him, Joseph chose to live righteous though he suffered.
I had a similar thing happen once when I lived in Dallas. I attended a church group there and was dating a man from that group. We came to my apartment for coffee after an event. I went into the kitchen to make the coffee. He came out completely naked and tried to force me into sex. I managed to get loose and I fled my apartment having only my car and apartment keys. I stayed away until I saw his car was gone. Though anyone could have come into my apartment and steal my things since my door was unlocked I chose this rather than the evil of this man. I simply fled when I got loose from him.
I've had more difficulty with men in church groups who are expected to be godly than I have with men of this world. There is much evil lurking in church groups and the simple often fail to recognize this evil for we do not expect people in the church group to be evil.
I Cor. 6 ... Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
At the time of sexual intercourse, the two become one flesh. You are not made one flesh by a marriage certificate, by a piece of paper. You are made one flesh by sexual intercourse whether you go through a formal ceremony or not.
Therefore it is a very serious thing to have sexual intercourse.
Fornication and adultery are different from all other sins. Paul explains: Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
We who are of God flee fornication as Joseph did when Pontifer's wife tried to force him. Joseph fled naked, for his robe came off in her hand. But Joseph would rather flee naked than sin against his master Pontifer. Though his robe was used against him, Joseph chose to live righteous though he suffered.
I had a similar thing happen once when I lived in Dallas. I attended a church group there and was dating a man from that group. We came to my apartment for coffee after an event. I went into the kitchen to make the coffee. He came out completely naked and tried to force me into sex. I managed to get loose and I fled my apartment having only my car and apartment keys. I stayed away until I saw his car was gone. Though anyone could have come into my apartment and steal my things since my door was unlocked I chose this rather than the evil of this man. I simply fled when I got loose from him.
I've had more difficulty with men in church groups who are expected to be godly than I have with men of this world. There is much evil lurking in church groups and the simple often fail to recognize this evil for we do not expect people in the church group to be evil.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Hebrews 3:1-6 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Hebrews 3:1-6 ... Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of
the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest
of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him
that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his
house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory
than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath
more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded
by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And
Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant,
for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken
after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose
house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We are "faithful" to God to do that appointed to us by God.
If you are husband, you are certainly to support your wife and family.
If you are wife, you are to faithfully "serve" your husband and children, in ways of God.
If you are appointed to church office ... apostle/prophet/evangelist/pastor/teacher (Eph. 4) ... you faithfully do that.
And we have to "hold fast" the confidence and the hope in God. This we do through turning to God and paying attention to Holy Spirit that shows us the way of God.
Sometimes we are in valley where things seem hard to us. But when I turn to God in these times, I'm always uplifted and encouraged in the way of God by the Holy Spirit which reminds me of various things of God.
Being faithful to God and holding fast is made possible for us as we turn to God.
I Cor. 10:13 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Heb. 10 ... Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We are "faithful" to God to do that appointed to us by God.
If you are husband, you are certainly to support your wife and family.
If you are wife, you are to faithfully "serve" your husband and children, in ways of God.
If you are appointed to church office ... apostle/prophet/evangelist/pastor/teacher (Eph. 4) ... you faithfully do that.
And we have to "hold fast" the confidence and the hope in God. This we do through turning to God and paying attention to Holy Spirit that shows us the way of God.
Sometimes we are in valley where things seem hard to us. But when I turn to God in these times, I'm always uplifted and encouraged in the way of God by the Holy Spirit which reminds me of various things of God.
Being faithful to God and holding fast is made possible for us as we turn to God.
I Cor. 10:13 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Heb. 10 ... Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Chosen by God; Taught by God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jn. 6 ... Jesus said ... 44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught (by) God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned (from) the Father, cometh unto me.
Salvation is by the will of God for each individual HE calls.
Heb. 8 ... God says ... 10For 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.
God puts HIS laws directly into our hearts and minds so we know HIM and we know the will of God.
And to the NT church God gives HIS Spirit as "earnest" of our salvation. (It is like earnest money when you go to buy property. It holds the property until you are ready for it.) We, who have the Holy Spirit, have been given an "earnest" by God to the day of our salvation if we continue in His word and do not draw back unto the perdition we came from before God revealed HIMSELF to us.
So if you are of God it is because God drew you to HIM and gave you HIS Spirit and made you one with HIM.
In your household there are likely those who do not understand. Neither would you understand except it was by the will of God. No man can get this for himself. You can't get this for any other person. It is all by the will of God. But those persons chosen by God are changed and no longer one with this world for they are now one with God.
Col. 3 ... 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Because we belong to HIM and have been made one with HIM, we are changed from our previous life. We no longer live in adultery, fornication, idolatry and our previous sins. At this point, we choose HIM after we have been chosen by HIM for we choose to put away those past sins unto death and live in HIM who is truth and holiness. We live by HIS Spirit which is now in us.
Jn. 6 ... Jesus said ... 44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught (by) God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned (from) the Father, cometh unto me.
Salvation is by the will of God for each individual HE calls.
Heb. 8 ... God says ... 10For 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.
God puts HIS laws directly into our hearts and minds so we know HIM and we know the will of God.
And to the NT church God gives HIS Spirit as "earnest" of our salvation. (It is like earnest money when you go to buy property. It holds the property until you are ready for it.) We, who have the Holy Spirit, have been given an "earnest" by God to the day of our salvation if we continue in His word and do not draw back unto the perdition we came from before God revealed HIMSELF to us.
So if you are of God it is because God drew you to HIM and gave you HIS Spirit and made you one with HIM.
In your household there are likely those who do not understand. Neither would you understand except it was by the will of God. No man can get this for himself. You can't get this for any other person. It is all by the will of God. But those persons chosen by God are changed and no longer one with this world for they are now one with God.
Col. 3 ... 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Because we belong to HIM and have been made one with HIM, we are changed from our previous life. We no longer live in adultery, fornication, idolatry and our previous sins. At this point, we choose HIM after we have been chosen by HIM for we choose to put away those past sins unto death and live in HIM who is truth and holiness. We live by HIS Spirit which is now in us.
Light for the people of God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
God brought various signs and wonders on Pharaoh and the people of Egypt by the hand of Moses before delivering the children of Israel from Egypt. One of these was great darkness over the land of Egypt. For three days the darkness for the Egyptians was so thick it could be felt and they could not see one another. Yet the children of Israel had light in their dwellings ...
Exodus 10:21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
We see a similar thing as we are around those of the world, not physical darkness but great spiritual darkness. Trying to find their way in whatever they are doing but not having the Holy Spirit guiding them.
But for those who have been born again, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us by the word God gives, shining light on the way we should go.
God brought various signs and wonders on Pharaoh and the people of Egypt by the hand of Moses before delivering the children of Israel from Egypt. One of these was great darkness over the land of Egypt. For three days the darkness for the Egyptians was so thick it could be felt and they could not see one another. Yet the children of Israel had light in their dwellings ...
Exodus 10:21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
We see a similar thing as we are around those of the world, not physical darkness but great spiritual darkness. Trying to find their way in whatever they are doing but not having the Holy Spirit guiding them.
But for those who have been born again, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us by the word God gives, shining light on the way we should go.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Flesh vs. Spirit
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When I am considering something to write on this blog here is one way for me to discern between flesh and Spirit. If I am looking for something to write it is my flesh. If I keep being reminded of some edification, it is the Spirit. If I am reading the Bible without looking for something to write, and then realize I need to write that it is Spirit.
Anytime we are trying to do something it is suspect.
Thus Paul says: 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Gal. 3
Sometimes I will say to God, "I don't have anything to write ..." and I will be reminded of something. And I get up and write that, knowing it was the Spirit that called it to my mind.
But if I think, "I don't have anything to write ..." and should be tempted to pick up the Bible and look for something, I should just put Bible down and walk away, knowing I'm likely to be operating by the flesh.
Jn. 6:62 ... 63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
When I am considering something to write on this blog here is one way for me to discern between flesh and Spirit. If I am looking for something to write it is my flesh. If I keep being reminded of some edification, it is the Spirit. If I am reading the Bible without looking for something to write, and then realize I need to write that it is Spirit.
Anytime we are trying to do something it is suspect.
Thus Paul says: 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Gal. 3
Sometimes I will say to God, "I don't have anything to write ..." and I will be reminded of something. And I get up and write that, knowing it was the Spirit that called it to my mind.
But if I think, "I don't have anything to write ..." and should be tempted to pick up the Bible and look for something, I should just put Bible down and walk away, knowing I'm likely to be operating by the flesh.
Jn. 6:62 ... 63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Ephesians 3:20-21 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Ephesians 3:20-21 ... Now unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I've found in several cases in my life that God worked it out for me to have certain things which I never expected to have on this earth. It was "exceeding abundantly" above all I could even imagine.
From the time I was born again, 1975, my interest was Bible and things of God. I owned a business at that time but my interest was no longer in my business although I continued to run the business for about 4 more years.
But what I cared about was Bible. I read Bible. I tried to do what I thought was right in the sight of God and I just kept doing this.
It is amazing but I took no thought about money. I was out of debt because God led me that way. I didn't require much money. But above all my interest had changed. Now Bible is what I cared about.
At the time this happened, I lived in an apartment in Dallas. It was extremely modest. We had a coin operated laundry room at back of apartment. I never expected to have a washer-dryer in my house. I never even expected to live in a house. I never would have dreamed of a sound system. Today I have all these things "exceeding abundantly" above all I could even imagine.
I did not set out to get any of these things. They were just added to me over the next 30 years, by the will of God as I tried to do that which I believed God wanted me to do.
It was the following ... Mt. 6 ... 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Yet I wasn't consciously following Mt. 6 ... It was just that all I cared about was Bible and things of God ...and I followed after that and took no thought for the things of this life ... and everything else was just added bit by bit.
But it is certainly exceeding abundantly above anything I could imagine.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I've found in several cases in my life that God worked it out for me to have certain things which I never expected to have on this earth. It was "exceeding abundantly" above all I could even imagine.
From the time I was born again, 1975, my interest was Bible and things of God. I owned a business at that time but my interest was no longer in my business although I continued to run the business for about 4 more years.
But what I cared about was Bible. I read Bible. I tried to do what I thought was right in the sight of God and I just kept doing this.
It is amazing but I took no thought about money. I was out of debt because God led me that way. I didn't require much money. But above all my interest had changed. Now Bible is what I cared about.
At the time this happened, I lived in an apartment in Dallas. It was extremely modest. We had a coin operated laundry room at back of apartment. I never expected to have a washer-dryer in my house. I never even expected to live in a house. I never would have dreamed of a sound system. Today I have all these things "exceeding abundantly" above all I could even imagine.
I did not set out to get any of these things. They were just added to me over the next 30 years, by the will of God as I tried to do that which I believed God wanted me to do.
It was the following ... Mt. 6 ... 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Yet I wasn't consciously following Mt. 6 ... It was just that all I cared about was Bible and things of God ...and I followed after that and took no thought for the things of this life ... and everything else was just added bit by bit.
But it is certainly exceeding abundantly above anything I could imagine.
Hidden by the will of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus spoke often in parables so that the ones not chosen by God would fail to understand. And certain events bewildered those not chosen by God.
Jn. 6 ... Jesus said ... And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus was hidden from them for they reasoned with their natural eye.
Another point where this happened is as follows: Jn. 7 ... 45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. 53And every man went unto his own house.
They thought they had proof this Jesus could not be the Messiah. They didn't realize Jesus was born in Bethlehem where the promised Christ would be born. They were blinded to things of God by their own wisdom.
Jesus spoke often in parables so that the ones not chosen by God would fail to understand. And certain events bewildered those not chosen by God.
Jn. 6 ... Jesus said ... And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus was hidden from them for they reasoned with their natural eye.
Another point where this happened is as follows: Jn. 7 ... 45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. 53And every man went unto his own house.
They thought they had proof this Jesus could not be the Messiah. They didn't realize Jesus was born in Bethlehem where the promised Christ would be born. They were blinded to things of God by their own wisdom.
When we are hated for doing the will of God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
When we are hated or persecuted in some way for doing the will of God, we may feel a sense of loss, grief, and sometimes bewilderment.
But this teaching Jesus gave us can be such a comfort in these times. We are reminded that Jesus was also hated and rejected as He did the will of the Father. Because we are His servants, hatred and persecution come to us as well. We are not alone in facing these things.
And those who reject us don't know God. If they knew God, they would not reject us for doing His will. But we know God and are known by God. For God has chosen us and we belong to Him. Wonderful things!
Jesus also taught that when we are hated and persecuted for His sake, we should rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for we have great reward in heaven ...
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We can be greatly helped and able to overcome ... even rejoicing and being exceedingly glad ... by conforming how we see the situation to these things.
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
When we are hated or persecuted in some way for doing the will of God, we may feel a sense of loss, grief, and sometimes bewilderment.
But this teaching Jesus gave us can be such a comfort in these times. We are reminded that Jesus was also hated and rejected as He did the will of the Father. Because we are His servants, hatred and persecution come to us as well. We are not alone in facing these things.
And those who reject us don't know God. If they knew God, they would not reject us for doing His will. But we know God and are known by God. For God has chosen us and we belong to Him. Wonderful things!
Jesus also taught that when we are hated and persecuted for His sake, we should rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for we have great reward in heaven ...
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We can be greatly helped and able to overcome ... even rejoicing and being exceedingly glad ... by conforming how we see the situation to these things.
Monday, May 26, 2014
1 Cor. 6:12 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
1 Cor. 6:12 ... All things are lawful unto me, but all things are
not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought
under the power of any.
Exhortation: Joan Boney... apostle/prophet
Expedient means suitable, appropriate, edifying.
There are many times I will begin to watch a TV show and start to feel uncomfortable. Often that show is just not suitable for me. I am free to watch it but it will not edify me and will only trouble me so why put myself though such a thing? I usually just turn it off.
Sometimes I can see what it about to come before it comes on a TV show, again knowing it will not be appropriate for me, I just turn away.
I do same thing in reading books for entertainment. Often I skip through many pages, not wanting to take these things in.
I might be "free" to watch it ... but it would not be good for me to do this and I will end up troubling myself needlessly (without profit) if I watch it.
Exhortation: Joan Boney... apostle/prophet
Expedient means suitable, appropriate, edifying.
There are many times I will begin to watch a TV show and start to feel uncomfortable. Often that show is just not suitable for me. I am free to watch it but it will not edify me and will only trouble me so why put myself though such a thing? I usually just turn it off.
Sometimes I can see what it about to come before it comes on a TV show, again knowing it will not be appropriate for me, I just turn away.
I do same thing in reading books for entertainment. Often I skip through many pages, not wanting to take these things in.
I might be "free" to watch it ... but it would not be good for me to do this and I will end up troubling myself needlessly (without profit) if I watch it.
God reveals Himself
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Here is a remarkable example of God revealing Himself by HIS own will.
Jn. 4 ... (the Samaritan woman talking to Jesus) ... 25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
This woman knew Christ was coming. How did she know?
The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans ... 9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Yet this Samaritan woman knew Messiah was coming even before she met Jesus at the well. God had to have revealed HIM to this woman.
Isaiah 53 ... 1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
God reveals Himself to whom HE will.
God revealed Himself to the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8 ... 26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. God sent Phillip there to talk with this man by the will of God.
Then we have the example of God revealing Himself to Peter ... Mt. 16 ...13When 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.
Salvation is of the will of God and God will draw in those who are HIS. HE has a way. And no man is stronger than God. God's will, will be done.
Here is a remarkable example of God revealing Himself by HIS own will.
Jn. 4 ... (the Samaritan woman talking to Jesus) ... 25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
This woman knew Christ was coming. How did she know?
The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans ... 9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Yet this Samaritan woman knew Messiah was coming even before she met Jesus at the well. God had to have revealed HIM to this woman.
Isaiah 53 ... 1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
God reveals Himself to whom HE will.
God revealed Himself to the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8 ... 26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. God sent Phillip there to talk with this man by the will of God.
Then we have the example of God revealing Himself to Peter ... Mt. 16 ...13When 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.
Salvation is of the will of God and God will draw in those who are HIS. HE has a way. And no man is stronger than God. God's will, will be done.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Matthew 12:47-50 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Matthew 12:47-50 ...
Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand
without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto
him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he
stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my
mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father
which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The world considers family (blood relatives) to be honored and upheld regardless of what they have done wrong. This is the theme of many books and we often see people taking in the most vile offenders because they are "family", blood relatives.
Several years ago, a Baptist woman took into her house her granddaughter who was having sex outside marriage and having babies. I said to another Baptist woman, "How can she do this?" She replied, "Because it is her granddaughter." (It never made sense to me.)
And often these evil doers attend church and call themselves Christian while doing fornication and adultery.
Paul told us to put such out of the church ... not to eat with such ... not to keep company with them ... when they call themselves "brothers" in Christ and do such things.
I Cor. 5 ... Paul says ... I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
We are told not to judge the world but we are supposed to judge the church, holding the church in a position of holiness ... not permitting such evils in the church ... I Cor. 5 ... Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Concerning blood relatives, Jesus said ... Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And HE pointed out that HE considered them to be those persons who do the will of the Father.
One time my neighbor asked me if I would rent one of my bedrooms to him. He and wife were having a get together and several friends and family from out of town were coming to the event and they did not have enough room in their house to keep everyone.
I replied, "I would not rent a room ... but they were welcome to use it."
He went on to say he would have his wife's daughter and "her friend" stay there. I questioned him about this and learned they were lesbians. I then said I couldn't have this in my house. He said he didn't approve of this either but it was his wife's daughter. He seemed to agree with me. I told him married couple could stay at my house. But it turned out no one stayed and since that time I haven't seen him. But even if these people are of the world and not the church, I wouldn't want this in my house. Neither would I permit unmarried people to share a room in my house. I just don't want such in my house. I know it is in the world, but I wouldn't want it in my house.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The world considers family (blood relatives) to be honored and upheld regardless of what they have done wrong. This is the theme of many books and we often see people taking in the most vile offenders because they are "family", blood relatives.
Several years ago, a Baptist woman took into her house her granddaughter who was having sex outside marriage and having babies. I said to another Baptist woman, "How can she do this?" She replied, "Because it is her granddaughter." (It never made sense to me.)
And often these evil doers attend church and call themselves Christian while doing fornication and adultery.
Paul told us to put such out of the church ... not to eat with such ... not to keep company with them ... when they call themselves "brothers" in Christ and do such things.
I Cor. 5 ... Paul says ... I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
We are told not to judge the world but we are supposed to judge the church, holding the church in a position of holiness ... not permitting such evils in the church ... I Cor. 5 ... Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Concerning blood relatives, Jesus said ... Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And HE pointed out that HE considered them to be those persons who do the will of the Father.
One time my neighbor asked me if I would rent one of my bedrooms to him. He and wife were having a get together and several friends and family from out of town were coming to the event and they did not have enough room in their house to keep everyone.
I replied, "I would not rent a room ... but they were welcome to use it."
He went on to say he would have his wife's daughter and "her friend" stay there. I questioned him about this and learned they were lesbians. I then said I couldn't have this in my house. He said he didn't approve of this either but it was his wife's daughter. He seemed to agree with me. I told him married couple could stay at my house. But it turned out no one stayed and since that time I haven't seen him. But even if these people are of the world and not the church, I wouldn't want this in my house. Neither would I permit unmarried people to share a room in my house. I just don't want such in my house. I know it is in the world, but I wouldn't want it in my house.
Flesh glories in flesh
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Cor. 1 ... For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
In the 1970's the football coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry, often spoke of witnessing. He said he was in the perfect place to witness, being a famous coach of a famous, winning team. In the 1980's I was in a prayer group in Dallas the the wife of the owner of the Dallas Cowboys was in that group. By that time the winning Cowboys had turned into a losing Cowboys and were often at the bottom of the league. I said to this woman, now that the Cowboys are a losing team is Tom Landry still a good witness of Jesus Christ? All this is fleshly.
We do not come to Christ nor draw men to Christ because we are rich, famous. If they are drawn to Christ through us and their admiration of us this is fleshly and is not real.
Jesus said no man can come to Him except the Father draw him. Jn. 6
In I Cor. 1, this is what God is saying to us. "That no flesh should glory in His presence." ... Not many high men according to the flesh (famous men, rich men) are called. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
I Cor. 1 ... For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
In the 1970's the football coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry, often spoke of witnessing. He said he was in the perfect place to witness, being a famous coach of a famous, winning team. In the 1980's I was in a prayer group in Dallas the the wife of the owner of the Dallas Cowboys was in that group. By that time the winning Cowboys had turned into a losing Cowboys and were often at the bottom of the league. I said to this woman, now that the Cowboys are a losing team is Tom Landry still a good witness of Jesus Christ? All this is fleshly.
We do not come to Christ nor draw men to Christ because we are rich, famous. If they are drawn to Christ through us and their admiration of us this is fleshly and is not real.
Jesus said no man can come to Him except the Father draw him. Jn. 6
In I Cor. 1, this is what God is saying to us. "That no flesh should glory in His presence." ... Not many high men according to the flesh (famous men, rich men) are called. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
1 Thess. 5:21 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
1 Thess. 5:21 ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
At the end of these daily writings, we list the Bible chapters used in these writings. Most days, I begin my Bible study by reading these chapters. Some days I read all the chapters. Other days I read some of these chapters. But each time I do this, God will bring out something which confirms to me the value of reading these chapters. Therefore I keep doing this.
There are people who say they are Christian but when I speak with them they bring forth things that trouble me. (thorns and thistles) When this happens many times, I withdraw myself from them. This is an example of proving all things. If the fruits are rotten, the tree is corrupt. If the tree was a good tree, the fruit would be good. Therefore Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits." Mt. 7 We prove them by what they say and do, not by what we say and do. Sometimes the good in us tends to block out the evil in them but after we get away from them I find God by His Spirit reminds me of the evil they spoke and by this I know them.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
At the end of these daily writings, we list the Bible chapters used in these writings. Most days, I begin my Bible study by reading these chapters. Some days I read all the chapters. Other days I read some of these chapters. But each time I do this, God will bring out something which confirms to me the value of reading these chapters. Therefore I keep doing this.
There are people who say they are Christian but when I speak with them they bring forth things that trouble me. (thorns and thistles) When this happens many times, I withdraw myself from them. This is an example of proving all things. If the fruits are rotten, the tree is corrupt. If the tree was a good tree, the fruit would be good. Therefore Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits." Mt. 7 We prove them by what they say and do, not by what we say and do. Sometimes the good in us tends to block out the evil in them but after we get away from them I find God by His Spirit reminds me of the evil they spoke and by this I know them.
John the Baptist hunts the Messiah
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Mt. 11 ... And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
These works are works that no man can do ... Only God could do these works.
Today we recognize those people who are of God by their fruits born by the Spirit of God ... by the Spirit that is in them.
There is such a difference between those people who say they are Christians and those people who have the Spirit of God dwelling in them ... and understand by the Spirit of God.
From what I have seen in church groups today, the vast number of people in the congregations do not have the Spirit of God.
Only God can give HIS Spirit to a person. You cannot get HIS Spirit by joining a church group.
You can only be born again and have the Spirit of God if God does the work. Many look as if they have the Spirit of God but their fruits are always a little off and they reveal something is just not right ... something is missing ... even those scriptures they choose to speak feel wrong to us ... That is because they are performing religious works by their own reasonings.
By their fruits you will know them.
Jesus said in the last days many would come in His name saying HE is the Lord. Mt. 24 ... But be not deceived.
Pay attention. If you have the Spirit of God and are not deceived by your own flesh you can tell when something is of God ... and you can tell when the religious works are simply religious works authored by humans.
Mt. 11 ... And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
These works are works that no man can do ... Only God could do these works.
Today we recognize those people who are of God by their fruits born by the Spirit of God ... by the Spirit that is in them.
There is such a difference between those people who say they are Christians and those people who have the Spirit of God dwelling in them ... and understand by the Spirit of God.
From what I have seen in church groups today, the vast number of people in the congregations do not have the Spirit of God.
Only God can give HIS Spirit to a person. You cannot get HIS Spirit by joining a church group.
You can only be born again and have the Spirit of God if God does the work. Many look as if they have the Spirit of God but their fruits are always a little off and they reveal something is just not right ... something is missing ... even those scriptures they choose to speak feel wrong to us ... That is because they are performing religious works by their own reasonings.
By their fruits you will know them.
Jesus said in the last days many would come in His name saying HE is the Lord. Mt. 24 ... But be not deceived.
Pay attention. If you have the Spirit of God and are not deceived by your own flesh you can tell when something is of God ... and you can tell when the religious works are simply religious works authored by humans.
Bible chapters
Today's writings from:
I Thess. 5
Mt. 7
Mt. 11
Mt. 24
Acts 14
Acts 10
Gen. 7
Jn. 5
Psa. 68
I Thess. 5
Mt. 7
Mt. 11
Mt. 24
Acts 14
Acts 10
Gen. 7
Jn. 5
Psa. 68
Friday, May 23, 2014
Romans 8:35-37 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Romans 8:35-37 ... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or
peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the
day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We who are of God have the Holy Spirit in us to lead us, guide us, show us things to come ... We are connected to God and to Jesus as one by HIS Spirit which dwells in us. No man can remove HIS Spirit from us. Only God can remove HIS Spirit from us.
The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, speaks truth to us. (The devil brings lying thoughts to us.) Often when the devil brings a lying thought, immediately the Holy Spirit will bring a thought which puts to death the lying thought. We overcome through God by HIS Spirit.
Also we see past this current life by HIS Spirit and therefore are able to endure some things the world cannot endure because they see only this world.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We who are of God have the Holy Spirit in us to lead us, guide us, show us things to come ... We are connected to God and to Jesus as one by HIS Spirit which dwells in us. No man can remove HIS Spirit from us. Only God can remove HIS Spirit from us.
The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, speaks truth to us. (The devil brings lying thoughts to us.) Often when the devil brings a lying thought, immediately the Holy Spirit will bring a thought which puts to death the lying thought. We overcome through God by HIS Spirit.
Also we see past this current life by HIS Spirit and therefore are able to endure some things the world cannot endure because they see only this world.
How the Son of God was revealed to the people
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jn. 1 ... 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ...
But the name of "the Word" was not told to the people. They did not know HE would be called Jesus.
Andrew (Peter's brother) heard John the Baptist witness as to this Jesus being the Son of God. Jn. 1 Andrew told Peter about this and said to Peter ... We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Mt. 16 ... 13When 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 Jesus directly to Peter.
Some believed when they saw the works done by Jesus. Lazarus had been dead 4 days when Jesus arrived at the tomb. After such a time, the body would stink, Martha (the sister of Lazarus) said to Jesus.
Jesus said: Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Jn. 11
Very powerful witness of the works of Jesus. 45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. So some believed on Jesus at this point while others ran to the Pharisees. We see that some were then of God and others were not of God.
Jn. 12 ... 9Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
... The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
So now the Pharisees have the problem of those witness who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. They went about telling of this. And Lazarus was walking about alive as a witness.
Many believed yet some did not believe.
Sometimes Jesus revealed HIMSELF by telling the person what he was doing in the past ... This happened with Nathaniel.
Jn. 1 ... The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
We also see this in Jn. 4 with the woman at the well ...
Jn. 4 ... Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
... 25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
... 28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Today most of the people of this world have likely heard of this Jesus. There can be no doubt there was a child born to Mary and this child was named Jesus. Some believe on HIM while others do not believe on HIM. Those appointed to be saved are saved and are given the Holy Spirit and believe.
Acts 2:47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The Bible is filled with examples of God choosing those persons appointed to salvation.
God choose Abraham and then created the nation of Israel and then chose them. Then God surprised Peter by showing him HE made a way for salvation to come to the unclean, to the Gentiles, and then God told Peter not to call that which God cleansed unclean. Acts 10 What a shock ... God was saving Gentiles!
God saves whom HE pleases.
Like a wildfire salvation was occurring, not just among the Jews but also among other nations.
But all this was as God determined and to whom God determined.
Thus Paul explained: they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Roman 9
Eventually we come to understand the amazing truth. Salvation is of God and to whom God wills. It is not of works of man for then man would glory. It is simply by the will of God. It has nothing to do with good nor with evil, as is explained by the children Jacob and Esau who before they were born having salvation determined by God and damnation determined by God. The same example of being created to damnation coming through the example of Pharaoh. He was made a vessel to destruction by the potter, by God.
So we who are determined by God to salvation rejoice that God chose us.
There is such a thing as a reprobate mind which is one who turns away from the truth and is damned.
II Cor. 13 ... 5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Romans 1 ... 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Heb. 10 ... 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
We often cite Romans 1 as homosexuals and lesbians being turned over to reprobate mind but it also pertains to fornicators, adulterers, covetousness, and others.
One of the reasons we are faithful to God to do these daily exhortations is because of the following instructions.
Heb. 10 ... 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. 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Jn. 1 ... 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ...
But the name of "the Word" was not told to the people. They did not know HE would be called Jesus.
Andrew (Peter's brother) heard John the Baptist witness as to this Jesus being the Son of God. Jn. 1 Andrew told Peter about this and said to Peter ... We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Mt. 16 ... 13When 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 Jesus directly to Peter.
Some believed when they saw the works done by Jesus. Lazarus had been dead 4 days when Jesus arrived at the tomb. After such a time, the body would stink, Martha (the sister of Lazarus) said to Jesus.
Jesus said: Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Jn. 11
Very powerful witness of the works of Jesus. 45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. So some believed on Jesus at this point while others ran to the Pharisees. We see that some were then of God and others were not of God.
Jn. 12 ... 9Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
... The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
So now the Pharisees have the problem of those witness who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. They went about telling of this. And Lazarus was walking about alive as a witness.
Many believed yet some did not believe.
Sometimes Jesus revealed HIMSELF by telling the person what he was doing in the past ... This happened with Nathaniel.
Jn. 1 ... The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
We also see this in Jn. 4 with the woman at the well ...
Jn. 4 ... Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
... 25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
... 28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Today most of the people of this world have likely heard of this Jesus. There can be no doubt there was a child born to Mary and this child was named Jesus. Some believe on HIM while others do not believe on HIM. Those appointed to be saved are saved and are given the Holy Spirit and believe.
Acts 2:47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The Bible is filled with examples of God choosing those persons appointed to salvation.
God choose Abraham and then created the nation of Israel and then chose them. Then God surprised Peter by showing him HE made a way for salvation to come to the unclean, to the Gentiles, and then God told Peter not to call that which God cleansed unclean. Acts 10 What a shock ... God was saving Gentiles!
God saves whom HE pleases.
Like a wildfire salvation was occurring, not just among the Jews but also among other nations.
But all this was as God determined and to whom God determined.
Thus Paul explained: they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Roman 9
Eventually we come to understand the amazing truth. Salvation is of God and to whom God wills. It is not of works of man for then man would glory. It is simply by the will of God. It has nothing to do with good nor with evil, as is explained by the children Jacob and Esau who before they were born having salvation determined by God and damnation determined by God. The same example of being created to damnation coming through the example of Pharaoh. He was made a vessel to destruction by the potter, by God.
So we who are determined by God to salvation rejoice that God chose us.
There is such a thing as a reprobate mind which is one who turns away from the truth and is damned.
II Cor. 13 ... 5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Romans 1 ... 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Heb. 10 ... 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
We often cite Romans 1 as homosexuals and lesbians being turned over to reprobate mind but it also pertains to fornicators, adulterers, covetousness, and others.
One of the reasons we are faithful to God to do these daily exhortations is because of the following instructions.
Heb. 10 ... 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. 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Bible chapters
Today's writings from:
Rom. 8
Jn. 1
Mt. 16
Jn. 11-12
Jn. 4
Acts 2
Rom. 9
II Cor. 13
Rom. 1
Heb. 10
Deut. 31
Heb. 13
Prov. 4
Phil. 4
Rom. 8
Jn. 1
Mt. 16
Jn. 11-12
Jn. 4
Acts 2
Rom. 9
II Cor. 13
Rom. 1
Heb. 10
Deut. 31
Heb. 13
Prov. 4
Phil. 4
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Isaiah 40:29-31 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Isaiah 40:29-31 ... He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have
no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be
weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon
the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we are helpless, then we are strong for we realize our strength is in HIM and not in ourselves.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When we are helpless, then we are strong for we realize our strength is in HIM and not in ourselves.
The Son of God's name
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
From the beginning, the Son of God's name was THE WORD ...
Jn. 1 ... 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
When the Son of God came in the flesh, HE was named Jesus ...
Mt. 1 ... 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
In the book of Revelation, we read the time will come when HE will have a new name.
Revelation 3 ... 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Several years ago, I had the following dream. I was in a room waiting with other people. Someone came and gave me clothing in which I was to dress. They called my name but I didn't know it was my name. Then they said to me, "That is your name." It was a new name. I was to meet my husband there.
From the beginning, the Son of God's name was THE WORD ...
Jn. 1 ... 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
When the Son of God came in the flesh, HE was named Jesus ...
Mt. 1 ... 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
In the book of Revelation, we read the time will come when HE will have a new name.
Revelation 3 ... 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Several years ago, I had the following dream. I was in a room waiting with other people. Someone came and gave me clothing in which I was to dress. They called my name but I didn't know it was my name. Then they said to me, "That is your name." It was a new name. I was to meet my husband there.
Wisdom and power of God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus with a woman caught in adultery, they were trying to tempt (test) Jesus, wanting to find fault. They reminded Jesus that Moses commanded that a woman caught in adultery should be stoned and asked Jesus what He said about this.
John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
When Jesus responded the wisdom and power of His response was so strong that the scribes and Pharisees were convicted by the remembrance of their sins. None of them was without sin. They left, seeing their own sin. Their plan to find cause to accuse Jesus resulted in them being convicted by their own conscience.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
And Jesus dealt with wisdom, power, and justice with the woman, giving her the judgment ... go, and sin no more.
John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Paul explained that Jesus (the Word) is the power and wisdom of God. ....
1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
When the Holy Spirit brings a Word from God to us ... drawing our attention to a scripture, or bringing the Word directly to our mind by a thought, or in a dream, or delivered by another person ... no matter how it is given to us, that Word is the power and wisdom of God.
And Jesus told us when we are persecuted for doing the will of God we should not try to work out beforehand what to say. For we will be given words and wisdom that even our adversaries cannot contradict or resist ...
Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
The Word of God which the Holy Spirit brings to us is wisdom and power of God
When scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus with a woman caught in adultery, they were trying to tempt (test) Jesus, wanting to find fault. They reminded Jesus that Moses commanded that a woman caught in adultery should be stoned and asked Jesus what He said about this.
John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
When Jesus responded the wisdom and power of His response was so strong that the scribes and Pharisees were convicted by the remembrance of their sins. None of them was without sin. They left, seeing their own sin. Their plan to find cause to accuse Jesus resulted in them being convicted by their own conscience.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
And Jesus dealt with wisdom, power, and justice with the woman, giving her the judgment ... go, and sin no more.
John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Paul explained that Jesus (the Word) is the power and wisdom of God. ....
1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
When the Holy Spirit brings a Word from God to us ... drawing our attention to a scripture, or bringing the Word directly to our mind by a thought, or in a dream, or delivered by another person ... no matter how it is given to us, that Word is the power and wisdom of God.
And Jesus told us when we are persecuted for doing the will of God we should not try to work out beforehand what to say. For we will be given words and wisdom that even our adversaries cannot contradict or resist ...
Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
The Word of God which the Holy Spirit brings to us is wisdom and power of God
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
John 8:12 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
John 8:12 ... Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light
of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus, THE WORD, is the light.
God speaks the word to us by HIS Spirit by bringing thoughts, ideas, concepts to our mind. After this, we know what to do in the situation we are dealing with on this earth.
The people of the world stumble about in the darkness of the world, doing all manner of things which people consider to be wise.
We who are of God go another way. We simply pray and try to do what we believe God wants us to do and when we have a word from God we go that way and we walk in light and in wisdom.
Prov. 4 ... But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus, THE WORD, is the light.
God speaks the word to us by HIS Spirit by bringing thoughts, ideas, concepts to our mind. After this, we know what to do in the situation we are dealing with on this earth.
The people of the world stumble about in the darkness of the world, doing all manner of things which people consider to be wise.
We who are of God go another way. We simply pray and try to do what we believe God wants us to do and when we have a word from God we go that way and we walk in light and in wisdom.
Prov. 4 ... But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
When a believer is married to an unbeliever
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Cor. 7 ... If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
The above amazing scripture sets the rules for the believer who is married to an unbeliever.
The believer is to live as a believer and then if that unbelieving mate is pleased to dwell with you as a believer let him (or her). But you have to operate as a believer without compromising to please the mate. You live as a believer and let the unbeliever choose. Some unbelievers will leave not wanting to put up with you. Some will remain and are "content to dwell with you as you live the life of a believer." But you do not compromise in order to make the unbeliever happy. You continue to live as a believer and let the unbeliever make the choice.
And Paul says: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.
I Cor. 7 ... If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
The above amazing scripture sets the rules for the believer who is married to an unbeliever.
The believer is to live as a believer and then if that unbelieving mate is pleased to dwell with you as a believer let him (or her). But you have to operate as a believer without compromising to please the mate. You live as a believer and let the unbeliever choose. Some unbelievers will leave not wanting to put up with you. Some will remain and are "content to dwell with you as you live the life of a believer." But you do not compromise in order to make the unbeliever happy. You continue to live as a believer and let the unbeliever make the choice.
And Paul says: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Proverbs 31:30 ... Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Proverbs 31:30 ... Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Physical beauty is so often a downfall. It is like Satan who fell from heaven and he was the most beautiful of all creatures.
Isaiah 14 ... Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Often people take something that is beautiful and from God and pervert it and turn it into hell as they seek their own glory from their inherited beauty or intelligence or talent.
It is such a shame. But like Lucifer, the devil, they act in their perversions as they trouble themselves and others with their gifts from God that should be a blessing but end up damning them. So it is with the physical beauty of some and with the talents of others and with superior intelligence and various achievements.
It would have been better for them had they been born ugly.
Eternity is a long time. When a rich, famous, or physically beautiful person dies, I often think: And where are you now?
It is very sad to me.
Prov. 31 starts with the question: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
In the NT that godly man or woman is the one God has chosen, the one God reveals HIMSELF to. When God does that, God also gives that man or woman the Holy Spirit so that man or woman can go in another way instead of a self-consuming way of this world. This causes salvation to be of God and not of ourselves. Salvation is by the will of God when it comes to the individual.
Exhortation: Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Physical beauty is so often a downfall. It is like Satan who fell from heaven and he was the most beautiful of all creatures.
Isaiah 14 ... Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Often people take something that is beautiful and from God and pervert it and turn it into hell as they seek their own glory from their inherited beauty or intelligence or talent.
It is such a shame. But like Lucifer, the devil, they act in their perversions as they trouble themselves and others with their gifts from God that should be a blessing but end up damning them. So it is with the physical beauty of some and with the talents of others and with superior intelligence and various achievements.
It would have been better for them had they been born ugly.
Eternity is a long time. When a rich, famous, or physically beautiful person dies, I often think: And where are you now?
It is very sad to me.
Prov. 31 starts with the question: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
In the NT that godly man or woman is the one God has chosen, the one God reveals HIMSELF to. When God does that, God also gives that man or woman the Holy Spirit so that man or woman can go in another way instead of a self-consuming way of this world. This causes salvation to be of God and not of ourselves. Salvation is by the will of God when it comes to the individual.
Books, teaching materials
Everything we have is published on our internet writings. You will find extensive teaching materials in these writings. Please feel free to copy these and distribute them to your church groups.
Joan Boney
Joan Boney
Waiting for the promised Son of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jn. 1 ... In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
It was prophesied that a Messiah would come and rule forever over Israel.
They waited for decades, for centuries.
All of a sudden Andrew (the brother of Peter) said he has found the Messiah.
How would they know him. His name was not revealed to them. They knew a few things about HIM. They knew he would be born in Bethlehem. They didn't know when. They didn't know HIS name. So how would they know HIM?
Jn. 1 ... The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him (John) speak, and they followed Jesus. 38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
The witness John the Baptist gave of Jesus being the Messiah was used by God to reach Andrew who believed Jesus was the promised Messiah. Andrew's brother was Peter. Andrew went and told Peter they had found the Messiah, the Christ. And Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.
While Andrew believed, many did not believe this was the promised Messiah. Some went to the Pharisees to tell them of these events for they did not believe. So some believed others did not believe.
I sat and thought what that time would be like. Can you imagine. For generations they had waited. Now John the Baptist says the promised Christ is here. After all this time of waiting.
It is a little like those of us who are waiting to be removed from this present earth ... waiting for the second coming of Jesus.
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.
Today there is an amazing thing as we wait. Many today believe Jesus is the son of God as presented in the Bible. But many do not have the Spirit of God as they sit in their churches believing. These people are not born again. Some of them just followed relatives to church and have sat their for decades but do not have the Spirit of God.
It is a special miracle from God to see THE WORD and to be given the Spirit of God so we can know things of God.
We can't give anyone the Spirit of God. We can't cause anyone to be born again. We didn't even cause ourselves to be born again. This is because being born again is not by the will of man. It is by the will of God.
Jn. 1 ... But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (His name is THE WORD) 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
Those reading this writing who are born again should be amazed, overwhelmed, that God revealed HIMSELF to them. I know people who have sat in church all their lives and believe Jesus is the Son of God but are not born of the Spirit of God therefore are not born again and cannot enter the kingdom of God. They simply do what their ministers tell them to do and sit there thinking they are the children of God. But they have not the Spirit of God and we who do have the Spirit of God know they do not have the Spirit of God.
By their fruits you will know them.
They are dead while we, who have the Spirit of God, are alive. We recognize the dead among us. They can't understand what we say for only God gives understanding to any of us.
All this fits what Paul said about the elect of God in Romans 9 ... For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
One is chosen by God and God reveals HIMSELF to that one while another is not chosen by God.
It is an amazing concept which the human mind can have difficulty accepting but it is there for us and some of us accept it because God causes us to accept it. For others the concept is foolishness and they just keep sitting there at church but they are dead to things of God, while we are alive because of God.
Jacob and Esau were both children of Isaac. While they were still in the womb, having done no good nor evil, God loved one and hated the other. It is the elect of God. We just accept it.
Romans 9 ... when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
If we are chosen by God, we are not chosen because of the good works we have done. We see this by the above scripture. If we are chosen it is simply because it was the will of God that we have the Spirit of God.
The mind of man will not accept this ... Man wants to think it was something in him that caused God to choose him. Or he believe the choice was his and not God's that he chose God. Then salvation is of man and not of God. Some of us know it was nothing we did to cause God to choose us. Most will not know this.
So where does this take us ... Romans 9:16 ... So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
You cannot make this happen with your works.
God reveals HIMSELF to whom HE wishes to reveal HIMSELF.
And the rest sitting there without the Spirit of God are as follows: Jude ... 17But, 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 (those who imitate the real people of God) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
How does this make you feel? If you are of God you rejoice because you know you have HIS Spirit. And you marvel in God and not in yourself. And you are overwhelmed with God and very thankful.
Few people are of God.
The devil copies God. Some think because they speak in tongues it is proof they are of God. I have met many like this but they are not of God. I know that by the spirit working in them. I see their works. I hear they slightly off sounds. I know they are not of God.
Some seem they shouldn't be of God but I read their writings and see the fruits from their writings and I know they are of God and have the Spirit of God.
We know them by their fruits. We can't produce the good fruit unless we have the Spirit of God leading us to do the work. Many try to copy without having the Spirit. But they are always a little off and God always reveals to us that they do not have HIS Spirit. And finally we accept that they don't have HIS Spirit. And we know they can't understand what we say though often they pretend to understand. They are always revealed to us at some point by what they say and what they do. We can't follow God with those persons who have not the Spirit of God.
Jn. 1 ... In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
It was prophesied that a Messiah would come and rule forever over Israel.
They waited for decades, for centuries.
All of a sudden Andrew (the brother of Peter) said he has found the Messiah.
How would they know him. His name was not revealed to them. They knew a few things about HIM. They knew he would be born in Bethlehem. They didn't know when. They didn't know HIS name. So how would they know HIM?
Jn. 1 ... The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him (John) speak, and they followed Jesus. 38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
The witness John the Baptist gave of Jesus being the Messiah was used by God to reach Andrew who believed Jesus was the promised Messiah. Andrew's brother was Peter. Andrew went and told Peter they had found the Messiah, the Christ. And Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.
While Andrew believed, many did not believe this was the promised Messiah. Some went to the Pharisees to tell them of these events for they did not believe. So some believed others did not believe.
I sat and thought what that time would be like. Can you imagine. For generations they had waited. Now John the Baptist says the promised Christ is here. After all this time of waiting.
It is a little like those of us who are waiting to be removed from this present earth ... waiting for the second coming of Jesus.
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.
Today there is an amazing thing as we wait. Many today believe Jesus is the son of God as presented in the Bible. But many do not have the Spirit of God as they sit in their churches believing. These people are not born again. Some of them just followed relatives to church and have sat their for decades but do not have the Spirit of God.
It is a special miracle from God to see THE WORD and to be given the Spirit of God so we can know things of God.
We can't give anyone the Spirit of God. We can't cause anyone to be born again. We didn't even cause ourselves to be born again. This is because being born again is not by the will of man. It is by the will of God.
Jn. 1 ... But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (His name is THE WORD) 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
Those reading this writing who are born again should be amazed, overwhelmed, that God revealed HIMSELF to them. I know people who have sat in church all their lives and believe Jesus is the Son of God but are not born of the Spirit of God therefore are not born again and cannot enter the kingdom of God. They simply do what their ministers tell them to do and sit there thinking they are the children of God. But they have not the Spirit of God and we who do have the Spirit of God know they do not have the Spirit of God.
By their fruits you will know them.
They are dead while we, who have the Spirit of God, are alive. We recognize the dead among us. They can't understand what we say for only God gives understanding to any of us.
All this fits what Paul said about the elect of God in Romans 9 ... For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
One is chosen by God and God reveals HIMSELF to that one while another is not chosen by God.
It is an amazing concept which the human mind can have difficulty accepting but it is there for us and some of us accept it because God causes us to accept it. For others the concept is foolishness and they just keep sitting there at church but they are dead to things of God, while we are alive because of God.
Jacob and Esau were both children of Isaac. While they were still in the womb, having done no good nor evil, God loved one and hated the other. It is the elect of God. We just accept it.
Romans 9 ... when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
If we are chosen by God, we are not chosen because of the good works we have done. We see this by the above scripture. If we are chosen it is simply because it was the will of God that we have the Spirit of God.
The mind of man will not accept this ... Man wants to think it was something in him that caused God to choose him. Or he believe the choice was his and not God's that he chose God. Then salvation is of man and not of God. Some of us know it was nothing we did to cause God to choose us. Most will not know this.
So where does this take us ... Romans 9:16 ... So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
You cannot make this happen with your works.
God reveals HIMSELF to whom HE wishes to reveal HIMSELF.
And the rest sitting there without the Spirit of God are as follows: Jude ... 17But, 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 (those who imitate the real people of God) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
How does this make you feel? If you are of God you rejoice because you know you have HIS Spirit. And you marvel in God and not in yourself. And you are overwhelmed with God and very thankful.
Few people are of God.
The devil copies God. Some think because they speak in tongues it is proof they are of God. I have met many like this but they are not of God. I know that by the spirit working in them. I see their works. I hear they slightly off sounds. I know they are not of God.
Some seem they shouldn't be of God but I read their writings and see the fruits from their writings and I know they are of God and have the Spirit of God.
We know them by their fruits. We can't produce the good fruit unless we have the Spirit of God leading us to do the work. Many try to copy without having the Spirit. But they are always a little off and God always reveals to us that they do not have HIS Spirit. And finally we accept that they don't have HIS Spirit. And we know they can't understand what we say though often they pretend to understand. They are always revealed to us at some point by what they say and what they do. We can't follow God with those persons who have not the Spirit of God.
That which is according to the will of God stands
Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Saul died, David asked God whether he should go to any of the cities of Judah. God told David to go to Hebron. Although God had chosen David to be king over Israel and Samuel had previously anointed David as God instructed, Saul had still been recognized as king among the people. But now the men of Judah came and anointed David king over Judah ...
2 Samuel 2:1 And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. 2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household:and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. ....
But Abner, who had been captain of Saul's armies, made Saul's son, Ishbosheth, king over the rest of the kingdom.
2 Samuel 2:8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
A king's son would be expected to inherit his father's kingdom. But God had ordained David to reign, and Ishbosheth would not long reign over Israel. David came to reign over the entire kingdom as a series of events unfolded:
There was war between the house of Saul and the house of David. The house of Saul grew increasingly weaker while the house of David grew stronger.
2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
Although Abner strongly fought for the house of Saul, Ishbosheth confronted Abner about Saul's concubine. Abner was angry and turned from Ishbosheth, vowing to turn Israel to David ...
2 Samuel 3:6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? 8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? 9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; 10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. 11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
Abner sent messengers to David to make a league with him, to be with David and bring all of Israel to David. David agreed to this league if his wife, Michal (Saul's daughter), was brought back to David. This was done, and Abner communicated with the elders of Israel to turn them to David ...
2 Samuel 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: 18 Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. 19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast. 21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
Before Abner could gather Israel to David, however, he was murdered by Joab. David mourned Abner's death and spoke strongly against the wickedness Joab had done and brought judgment on him ...
2 Samuel 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: 29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
Ishbosheth was also murdered by wicked men who thought David would be pleased. But David judged what they had done as wickedness and had them slain ...
2 Samuel 4:8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the Lord hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. 9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: 11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? 12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.
Then Israel came and anointed David king over them, as Judah had already done ...
2 Samuel 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. 2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.
God chose David to rule over all of Israel. When Abner set Saul's son Ishbosheth over all but Judah, this did not stand. Abner, himself, even came to support David and set out to bring the entire kingdom under David's reign.
And as the various events unfolded, David was established before the people. They saw that the armies under David grew stronger and stronger, were reminded how David had led them in times past, and that God had said David would save them from their enemies, feed them, and be a captain over them. The people also saw that David dealt justly with the murderers of Abner and Ishbosheth.
David was king over the entire kingdom, as God had ordained.
What God has said will stand.
When Saul died, David asked God whether he should go to any of the cities of Judah. God told David to go to Hebron. Although God had chosen David to be king over Israel and Samuel had previously anointed David as God instructed, Saul had still been recognized as king among the people. But now the men of Judah came and anointed David king over Judah ...
2 Samuel 2:1 And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. 2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household:and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. ....
But Abner, who had been captain of Saul's armies, made Saul's son, Ishbosheth, king over the rest of the kingdom.
2 Samuel 2:8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
A king's son would be expected to inherit his father's kingdom. But God had ordained David to reign, and Ishbosheth would not long reign over Israel. David came to reign over the entire kingdom as a series of events unfolded:
There was war between the house of Saul and the house of David. The house of Saul grew increasingly weaker while the house of David grew stronger.
2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
Although Abner strongly fought for the house of Saul, Ishbosheth confronted Abner about Saul's concubine. Abner was angry and turned from Ishbosheth, vowing to turn Israel to David ...
2 Samuel 3:6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? 8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? 9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; 10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. 11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
Abner sent messengers to David to make a league with him, to be with David and bring all of Israel to David. David agreed to this league if his wife, Michal (Saul's daughter), was brought back to David. This was done, and Abner communicated with the elders of Israel to turn them to David ...
2 Samuel 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: 18 Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. 19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast. 21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
Before Abner could gather Israel to David, however, he was murdered by Joab. David mourned Abner's death and spoke strongly against the wickedness Joab had done and brought judgment on him ...
2 Samuel 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: 29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
Ishbosheth was also murdered by wicked men who thought David would be pleased. But David judged what they had done as wickedness and had them slain ...
2 Samuel 4:8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the Lord hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. 9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: 11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? 12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.
Then Israel came and anointed David king over them, as Judah had already done ...
2 Samuel 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. 2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.
God chose David to rule over all of Israel. When Abner set Saul's son Ishbosheth over all but Judah, this did not stand. Abner, himself, even came to support David and set out to bring the entire kingdom under David's reign.
And as the various events unfolded, David was established before the people. They saw that the armies under David grew stronger and stronger, were reminded how David had led them in times past, and that God had said David would save them from their enemies, feed them, and be a captain over them. The people also saw that David dealt justly with the murderers of Abner and Ishbosheth.
David was king over the entire kingdom, as God had ordained.
What God has said will stand.
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