Sunday, August 24, 2025

πŸ’₯ God knows what HIS people need, and leads us, throughout our lives

Barbara Preston, member of the body of Christ
 
Ecclesiastes 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
 
Not long ago, as I was walking through the house, I was thinking about how much I like living where we recently moved. The house is small but it feels like a safe and comfortable cocoon to me. And I recalled when I was younger, when we would move, how I always wanted a larger house than the one we last had. 

But this is a different season in our lives now. Our needs, abilities, and desires change as we live on this earth. And God knows what is to come in the lives of each one of us before it ever happens. HE knows when we need to make changes and knows exactly what will be best for us. 

We just need to listen for HIS instructions and go in the way HE directs us. We will always be where we need to be. 
 
Thinking about this reminds me of the following scripture … 

Psalm 48:14  For this God is our God for ever and ever: HE will be our guide even unto death.
 
 
 πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯

πŸ’₯ What do we choose to do and seek after?

 
Beth Martin, member of the body of Christ
 
This morning the following scripture stood out to me:
 
 Ephesians 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 
 
I asked myself what is the difference between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the mind.
 
I read the lusts (desires) of the flesh:
 
Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 
 
I started searching the Bible for "mind" and read that. Then proceeded to look at the definition of mind ......... then I heard, "self determination".
 
Self determination - the power or ability to make a decision for ourself, make choices, decide our purpose, this is our will, what we want our direction to be .......... so the desires of our mind is what choice we make or what we want our path to be.
 
How strong is our will/desire to seek and hear from God?  (and to obey God?)
 
How passionate is this desire? 
 
Is this stronger than our will for our husband, children, friends or things on this earth? 
 
Is this foremost in our thoughts to choose ... over all else we see and feel? 
 
Are we willing to be nailed to the cross for it? The Bible says we should be .....
 
Philippians 2:5-8
 
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
 
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
 
 
 πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯

πŸ’₯ Podcast: God causes us to have an abundant life

 

  
(This podcast was previously recorded and published on June 3, 2020)
 
Humans seek riches but God causes His people to have an abundant life through following HIM.

*****

Proverbs 2

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: HE is a buckler (shield) to them that walk uprightly.

(The WORD God gives to us shields us from perversions and wrong ways.)

8 HE keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints.

***

Every time we hear a Word from God and think on that Word and do that Word, we are shielded from the way that would harm us and we are taken in a way that blesses us.

As we draw nearer to the return of Jesus, we set our goal to be found by Jesus in peace, without spot, and blameless.  (II Peter 3:14)

As we think on those words God gives us and do them, they take us in the ways of God and keep us from the ways of men.

We fight the concepts of men which are opposite to the way of God.

One of the most important things for us to do is to search out the Word from God and meditate on that Word and do that Word.

If we have caught our foot in a harmful net, God has a way of escape for us.  As we do that shown us by God, we remove ourselves from that "net" that binds us to the evil of man.

I Corinthians 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.

First we see that there is no trap that is too strong for us.  God does not allow that.  We are able to get free.

Second, God knows what we need to do to free ourselves.

***

Humans stumble about not knowing what causes them to stumble.  But we have the power through God to see what it is that is causing us to slip.  And when we do see that, God also shows us how to avoid the trap so we can go in a straight way of good and not in evil.

***

John 10:10   Jesus says:  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

When we go in the way of the flesh or devils, we are harmed.  When we go in the way of the scriptures and the concepts brought to our minds by the Spirit of God we move into a more abundant life and avoid the traps.

Psalm 1 

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  

(We choose not to place ourselves in their paths.) 

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. 

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

***

Proverbs 1

10 If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

15 Walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Examples:  (Comments by Joan Boney)

During the Coronavirus of 2020, I became interested in following the happenings on television newscasts on CNN.  

But I found the commentators trying to stir me up in political ways to cause me to hate the government leaders in USA.  

Also I found them trying to make me think it would be good to "follow the science", which can seem to be perfect.  

(I knew this was not true for I know scriptures where Paul warned Timothy not to follow science, so called.)

I Timothy 6:20   O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

As I heard various doctors and scientists speak, I could tell they really didn't know what to do.  They speculated.  But the thing that was so bad is the newscasters and governors of states felt wise by that which these men of science and medicine were saying.  And the newscasters were condemning others who questioned this way and they were even scorning those who choose to go in another way.  And I could see they considered themselves wise in their own eyes in that which they were promoting.  Also I could see them covering themselves by what the data reported, not risking their own opinion before other people.   (I knew all these ways were against that which I read in Bible.)

* Bible teaches me to seek my wisdom from God who made heaven and earth and knows all things.

* I know how to seek wisdom from God and how to recognize that wisdom that comes to me from God.

Then I began to see these newscasters as hollow, dead men and dead women. (people without souls)

When I realized I needed to stop listening to them daily as I had been doing, my flesh resisted for it was being "tickled" by these newscasts.

I turned to God for help in escaping.  

God did two things to get me loose from them.  

* I became more deeply involved in Bible and exhortations and the time I was focusing on Bible ran into that news hour which I had been watching on TV.

* On one day when I finished my Bible and exhortations early, I had extra time on my hands where I could have watched the newscast as I had been doing.  So what was I to do with the time?  I asked God.  And the concept came to me:  "Take a shower and wash your hair."  I did that and found it ate up the time and I no longer had interest that day in seeing what the world was doing.

(God knows the way of escape that will work for each of us.)

And after I did what God showed me I realized I had entered into doing the scriptures:

Proverbs 2:10-12   If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.  Walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

(Their feet do run to evil.  They can't wait to tell their enticing stories and shed the blood of other men with their own wisdom.  I had avoided walking in the way with them by doing that which God showed me to do.)

I Timothy 6:20   O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Pam Padgett, member of body of Christ, also said to me that she could tell she was being corrupted by seeing newscasts.  She was reminded by this scripture: 
 
I Corinthians 15:33  Be not deceived:  evil communications corrupt good manners. 

***

Another example of following God into abundance:

The ministry owned a house in Texas where I had lived for almost 20 years.  When I was shown to move to Colorado in 2019, I put the house in Texas up for sale.  It did not sell and 1 1/2 years passed. 

In March, 2020, at the height of the Coronavirus shut down in USA, I turned to God in prayer asking God if there was anything I should do about that house in Texas.

Immediately, the concept was brought to my mind to reduce the price of the house and put it on a "special" sale for one-week.

I took this action and the house sold within 2 days.

But the selling price seemed so low.

However, when the money came to the ministry, it seemed there was so much money even with the low selling price.  I was really shocked when we began working with that money.  I had loaned the ministry almost all the money left to me by my dad.  I was able to repay myself.  I was able to repay Pam Padgett for all the extra ministry expenses incurred in the 1 1/2 years that the house did not sell.  I was able to give gratuities to 5 people who helped with the house: my contractor, my former housekeeper, a real estate advisor, and 2 former realtors who had shown the house several times.  And even after paying all these things, we deposited $190,000 in the ministry bank account from the sale of the house.

The sale price seemed to be so little but it provided so much money when it was divided up.

This is like the story of the loaves and fishes:  

(There seemed to be so little but they fed so many and had 12 baskets left over.)

Matthew 14

15 And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

17 And they say unto Him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

18 He said, Bring them hither to me.  


19 And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

It can seem to be so little, but end up being so much!
 
***
 
I Timothy 2:1-2  Paul said ... I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
 
*** 

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 
 
*** 
 
I Corinthians 5:9-13  Paul said ... I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
 
*** 
 
Deuteronomy 28:13  And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
 
*** 
 
Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
 
*** 
 
James 3:17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 
*** 
 
Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
 
πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯ 

Scriptures:

 
Philemon v. 6  That the communication of thy faith may become effectual (powerful) by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
 
*** 
 
Psalm 61:1-3 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
 
 
 ***
 
Psalm 43:3  O send out Thy light and Thy truth (the Word from God): let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles.  
 
 ***
 
John 10:27-30   Jesus says ... MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand.

29 MY Father, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY Father's hand.

30 I and MY Father are one.
 
 
*** 

1 Corinthians 10:21-23  Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than HE?

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient (proper; necessary): all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (They do not strengthen a person nor build him up in Christ) 
 
 
 πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯

πŸ’₯ Ephesians 3 (Reading through Bible)

 
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

How that by revelation HE made known unto me the mystery;

(as I wrote afore in few words,Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which HE purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

(the power of the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things, reminds us of that which Jesus says, guides us into all truth, shows us things to come.  John 14:26 & John 16:13)

21 Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯

Saturday, August 23, 2025

πŸ’₯ Podcast: Some think man is basically good. But what does God say in the Bible?

 

  
(This podcast was previously recorded and published on June 2, 2020)
 
As I understand it, a humanitarian promotes the thinking that man is fundamentally good, that he just needs to be taught.  

I used to think that way before I was born again and read the Bible.

The Bible shows us the truth from God's view so we can come to agree with God's thinking on the issues at hand.

So what does God say in the Bible about man?

*****

Genesis 6

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.

(I find it grieves me also when I see the wickedness of man.)

7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.


8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

***

Humans want to be "as gods", knowing good and evil:

Genesis 3

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.


***

II Thessalonians 2 

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.


***

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

***

II Peter 2

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.


3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;


6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)


9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

***

Paul tells us in the last days,  the wickedness will increase on this earth.

II Timothy 3

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

***

I John 5

18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.


21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 

***
God judges the world.  We are to judge the church:

I Corinthians 5

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without?
  (We do not judge the world.) do not ye judge them that are within? (We are to judge the evil in the church.)

13 But them that are without God judgeth. 

Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

(We have to judge that "brother" in the church when he is doing evil.)

***

Also we have to walk away from the evil done in this world when we see that evil.

We have often made the mistake of thinking we can change the evil.  (I've done this in past in the church.)

But as we grow closer to the end and the return of Jesus, we must be aware of keeping ourselves  that we not allow ourselves to be swept away by the evil that men do.

Before the Coronavirus, I rarely looked at any TV newscast.  I sometimes checked the written headlines of news on internet without taking into my own heart the evil being done by men in this world.

During Coronavirus, I began watching TV newscasts to see what was happening in this very unusual event.

But I became aware that I was living more in disturbance than I was living in peace.

I am also very aware that I do not have to judge this world.  (I Corinthians 5 tells us that.)  

Therefore I do not have to take sides, as the newscasters would try to get us to do.  I can refuse to judge the matter and change the TV to another channel, preferably one showing animals, dogs and cats!  (When I view animals on TV I have peace and joy.)

So I have begun "watching myself" and keeping myself from being pulled into worldly conflicts for these things bring destructions to both sides in the issue, neither side being godly.

For example:  In May, 2020, in Minneapolis a policeman contributed to the death of a black man by putting his knee on the neck of the black man's neck while the black man said he was in pain and couldn't breath.  

Then the protesters arose to seek vengeance for the death of the black man.  I was aware of the evil being done also by the protesters, for I know the scriptures:  

Hebrews 10

30 For we know Him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto ME, I will recompense, saith the Lord. 

We can simply refuse to judge the world, walking away, knowing God will judge everyone involved on both sides and God knows the hearts of all in the issue at hand which we do not know.  And we are told not to judge the world, but we are to judge the church.  I Corinthians 5.

Romans 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

But if there is evil in the church, we must judge that evil, refusing to keep company with that evil doer when he is called a brother and is doing evil, as Paul told us.

I Corinthians 5:11    But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  

***

In the end time, what is important for us?

II Peter 3

13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

So keeping ourselves is that which is important.  To do that we  must  judge  the "wicked brother" in the church ... but we must not put ourselves in a position  where we are  "taking sides" in the world.

And we must walk away after we see church people doing evil.

Titus 3:10-11  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

(If they don't turn at your first and second admonition, just walk away from them, knowing they will not turn.)

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Don't keep trying to correct that church person.  After the first and second admonition to him,  reject him.  Just stay away from him.

***

In the Bible, we are told to pray for "the king" and those in authority ... but we are not told that we have to vote for him.  

I Timothy 2

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;


I had a Baptist friend who was the most political person I've ever met.

She rejoiced that she could register her granddaughter to vote for the worldly elections at her Baptist church.  

(I was horrified that a church would do such a thing.)

Later I shared I Timothy 2:1 with her.  I told her I thought this would help her concerning her political angers.

She said it did help.

A few years later, she told me she had come to realize there is no solution in politics.

We, who are born again, are as strangers and pilgrims as we pass through this world.

Hebrews 11

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.


16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for HE hath prepared for them a city.

Work constantly to "live in peace", without spot and blameless in the sight of God.

***
 
Matthew 5:32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

I Corinthians 7:10-11 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
 

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Scriptures:

Romans 12:10-13  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.


Instant - immediate, precipitate, on the spot, swift, an immediate moment of time, a moment, without delay

Comments from Beth Martin:  When we pray instantly we close the door to our own flesh and devils that plague us.  We overcome.
 
 
 ***
 
Psalm 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in HIS way. 
 
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with HIS hand. 
 
*** 

Hebrews 10:34-36 (the apostle Paul says) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.


35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
 
 
 ***
 
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(Comments from Pam Padgett) 
Last month I took one of my dogs, Gus, to get his teeth cleaned. He will be 11 years old in a few weeks and the vet did some blood tests before putting him under anesthesia. The tests showed some problems with his liver, so the vet prescribed some medicine to help his liver for a month, then wanted to do another blood test to see the status of his liver.

The appointment for the second blood test was Thursday afternoon. Before the appointment, I felt strongly led to pray for wisdom in any decisions I would need to make as a result of the test. It seemed a little strange to pray for wisdom for this at that time since the blood tests might show no problem, but I felt I was being led by the Holy Spirit, so I did pray for wisdom in making any decisions needed.

The blood test showed there was still a problem, and the vet recommended an ultra-sound as a next step to try to see what is causing the problem. During our conversation, she spoke of typical signs of liver problems and Gus has none of these. In fact, rather than losing weight, she noted that he has gained a little over the past month.

As I started considering information the vet gave, it was like I could see the path to take, and it was a clear path, cutting through all the information given ... to keep Gus on the medicine for another month and not do an ultra-sound at this time.

I told the vet what I wanted to do and she said she would support this, especially since Gus has no symptoms and there are no signs of liver failure. She arranged for another month of medicine.

In addition to being grateful to God for HIS guidance in what to do, it is a comfort to me that I was led to pray for wisdom concerning the outcome of the tests before going to get the test done. God knows the future and I was helped and prepared, even before I knew the tests would still show a problem and that a decision would need to be made.

Isaiah 65:24 God says ... And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
 
 
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πŸ’₯ Ephesians 2 (Reading through Bible)


And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

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Friday, August 22, 2025

πŸ’₯ Podcast: In God we live and move and have our being

 

 
(This podcast was previously recorded and published on May 29, 2020)
 
Nothing makes me happier than hearing a word from God and following that word and then sharing that word with the church.

Truly it is in God we live and move and have our being!  Acts 17:28

We can look at television and occasionally find something we enjoy.  But most of the time I'm just switching channels.

But the word from God is life.  And by that word I have hope in the various circumstances of this life, and am comforted, and know what to do.

*****

Titus 3:9-11

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 

10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 

(heretic:  a person who refuses the power of truth in the matter at hand; in our case, church goers who will not obey the scriptures) 

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. 

When a church goer demonstrates a rejection of the scripture, you will not be able to change him.  He will pull you down.  When he demonstrates to us that he does not regard specific instructions whereby he can be helped, we must walk away, leaving him to his own way of thinking.

***

Romans 8:14    For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

*** 

Matthew 5:32   But I (Jesus) say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

***

Paul said:

II Thessalonians 2 

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

(Churches would "fall away" from scripture and set up another doctrine.  NASB calls this falling away, "the apostasy".) 

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

When a "brother" in the church is committing specific sins, put him away from you and refuse to keep company with him.

I Corinthians 5 

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  


7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

***
Psalm 119:105  THY word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

***

Psalm 111:10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do HIS commandments: HIS praise endureth for ever.
 
***

II Timothy 3

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Also in II Timothy 3:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

(By verse 5 we know Paul was warning us concerning those in the churches.) 

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,   

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

***

Psalm 119:130  The entrance of THY words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

***

And God will give us wisdom when we ask HIM.

James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

***

And we have access to God at all times.

Philippians 4

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
 
 
πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯ 

Scriptures:

 
Psalm 34:18  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 
 
*** 
 
John 15:13-14 (Jesus says)  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
 
 
 ***
 
Proverbs 26:20  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Comments from Beth Martin:
As long as we repeat anything someone said to another we risk stirring up strife. There are times that we are unable to anticipate someone else's reaction when considering our words. It is extremely important to pray while we are in a conversation. I find that often my attention is focused on the words of the other person rather than actively praying. As I focus on this daily it becomes easier. This is a ongoing struggle as I am often shocked as that which offends them would never offend me. We need God's judgment not our own when dealing with others.
 
 
*** 
 
1 Timothy 4:7-8  But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 
 
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
 
 ***
 
Proverbs 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
 
 ***
 
3 John v.2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
 
 ***
 
Psalm 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
 

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πŸ’₯ Ephesians 1 (Reading through Bible)

 
 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;

Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

(We who have HIS Spirit have assurance that we are in God.)

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.

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