Podcast: When GOD turns them over to a strong delusion

 

(This podcast was previously published on January 11, 2021)

 

Sometimes we meet a church goer who is totally irrational to the truth.  Even when facts from the Bible are presented to him he insists on clinging to that which is taught at his church group. 

 

Why can't he repent?  Why does he continue to hold to a lie? 

 

The answer to this is in II Thessalonians 2. 

 

These people were once enlightened to the truth from God but then "fell away" and chose to go with another doctrine which was opposite to doctrines of Christ in the Bible.

 

In such cases we see the following: 

 

II Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

When God sends that person "a strong delusion" there is nothing we can do to make that person understand even when we present many godly exhortations, for that person has been deluded by God.

We just have to walk away and leave him alone.

Acts 28

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

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Even when all of the plagues of the great tribulation come to this earth, none of the wicked will understand but the wise will understand.

 

Daniel 12

1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Revelation 9

20  And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

 

Revelation 16 

 

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 

 

11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. 

 

21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

John 8    Jesus says:

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

John 12

37  But though HE had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him:

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

40 HE (God) hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

God turns them over to "a reprobate mind" because they refuse to keep the "knowledge of the truth of God" before their minds.

Romans 1

28 And 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;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who 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.

***

They would not continue with truth from God, so God gave them over to believe a lie that they could not repent and be saved.

Even when the plagues came, and it was obvious only God could bring those plagues, they blasphemed God instead of falling down before God in repentance.

God had turned them over to "a strong delusion" to believe a lie that they all might be damned who rejected the truth from God and clung to lies.

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💥 Scriptures:

 

Psalms 119:153-154  Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget THY law.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to THY word.

 

 ***


Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.

 

*** 

Psalm 30:11-12  Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

 

12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to THEE, and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto THEE for ever.

 

*** 

 

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

 

*** 

 

Colossians 3:1-4  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with HIM in glory.

 

*** 

 

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

 

 

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💥 Matthew 11 (Reading through the Bible)

 

1-6    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.

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  And said unto Him, Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:   The 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.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.

*****

7-15    And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?   But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

But what went ye out for to see?

A prophet?

yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

*****

16-19    But whereunto shall I liken this generation?

It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,  And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

(Always reacting in an inappropriate way.)

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

*****

20-24    Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not:

(Seeing His works, should have caused them to repent.)

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

*****

25-27    At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight.

All things are delivered unto Me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.

*****

28-30    Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

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💥 Podcast: Paul, called to be an apostle

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on January 5, 2021)

 

When did the New Testament church begin?  How did the church become established?

There was no New Testament church when Jesus walked on this earth in the form of a man.  There was only the synagogue of the Jews.

As HE lived on this earth, Jesus appointed 12 apostles to be His disciples, including Judas who betrayed HIM.

After Jesus was resurrected, the 11 apostles selected 2 men over which they drew lots to see who would replace Judas.  

Acts 1:26   And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

(So Matthias became the 12th apostle.)

As this was happening, Paul (Saul) was busy persecuting the followers of Jesus.  From heaven Jesus called Paul and spoke to Paul making Paul an apostle.

Paul tells us this story in Acts 26 as he testified before king Agrippa.

Acts 26:9-19   I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.  And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in ME.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

So where does Paul fit in the church?  They already have 12 apostles.  

Here is the story of the New Testament church and our calling today as "saints".

 

 

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💥 Scriptures

 

Hebrews 13:15  By HIM therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to HIS name.

 

 ***

 

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

 ***

 

Proverbs 10:29-30   The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

 

***

 

Psalm 97:11-12  Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 

 

12 Rejoice in The Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of HIS holiness.

 

 ***

 

Proverbs 22:4  By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

 

*** 

 

Psalm 32:8  God says ... I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with MINE eye. 

 

 

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💥 Matthew 10 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 1-31    And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

And when ye come into an house, salute it.  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

 

*****

32-33    Whosoever therefore shall confess ME (the Word) before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.

But whosoever shall deny ME (the Word) before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.

*****

34-39    Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

He 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.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it

 

*****

40-42    He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me.

He 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.

And 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.

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💥 Podcast: When a minister teaches another man's work

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on December 4, 2020)

 

Recently when a man came to me identifying himself as a "pastor", he said he needed a projector to be able to share my teachings with his church.  I told him, "Just teach Bible." (This man was trying to get me to buy a projector for him and send it to him in the Philippines.  I live in USA.)

 

The apostle Paul spoke to the people that which God had given to him to speak.  Paul said he spoke by the "grace" God gave to him.  Paul didn't copy other men's works nor build on the works of other men.  Paul shared with the church that which God had given to him.

 

The apostle Paul said:

 

Romans 15

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

 

18  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

 

20  Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 

 

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💥 Scriptures:

Psalm 119:165  Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

 

*** 

 

John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on HIM, If ye continue in MY word, then are ye MY disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

 ***

 

Psalm 34:4  I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

 

 ***

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

 

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 

 

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

 ***

 

Isaiah 55:8-11  For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall MY word be that goeth forth out of MY mouth: it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

 

*** 

 

Ecclesiastes 10:12-13  The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 

 

 

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💥 Matthew 9 (Reading through the Bible)

  

1-8    And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city.

And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?  For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith HE to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

*****

9    And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow ME.

And he arose, and followed Him.

(I've always taken this as an example.  When God speaks a word to me, I act upon that word quickly, as soon as I am persuaded that word is from God.)

*****

10-13    And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

(The second coming will be to gather the righteous.)

*****

14-17    Then came to Him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

*****

18-26    While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay THY hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed Him, and so did His disciples.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment:

For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.

But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And the woman was made whole from that hour.


And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed Him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

*****

27-31    And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed Him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.

And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?

They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad His fame in all that country.

*****

32-34    As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

*****

35-38    And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.

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💥 Podcast: Where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16)

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on January 12, 2021)

 

One of the works of the flesh of man is "emulations" (Galatians 5:20).

It is the nature of man to exalt himself above other people.  People do this in different ways.  By physical appearance, by achievements, by the clothes worn ... It is natural for us to do this one way or another.

The apostle Paul says:  They that do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  (I Corinthians 6:9-10 and  Galatians 5:19-21)

We once did these things but now we are born again, given by God HIS Spirit, so we learn to go another way.

Galatians 5:22-25   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

In 1960, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to be orchestra director at Kimball High School.  One of the high school teachers invited me to go to a college football game.  I was shocked that anyone actually chose to do this.  In college, I played in the band and we were forced to go to football until after the halftime performance and then they let us leave.  My friends and I left!

The teacher at Kimball said, "It only costs $6."  

I replied, "You mean you pay to go?"

For the next 60 years I hated the opposing team and was a fan.  

Then God began to wean me away and modify my life in this activity.

We learn the way of this world.  Then the Spirit of God pulls us away from that way and takes us another way.  And in the end we come to see all that matters is God's way.

And we then feel sorry for those who are trapped in the ways of this world.  But we are very grateful to God that HE showed us the truth.

*****

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:   Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made Himself of no reputation,

I once played duplicate bridge.  At the bridge center, as my partner and I were trying to beat the other people, I often thought of Jesus and Paul.  I couldn't imagine them doing what I was doing.  I asked God to get me loose from this.  God did.

God answers our prayers when they are according to the will of God.  (I John 5:13-15)

***

The apostle Paul was very highly skilled in the Jew's religious, even above many other men:

I Corinthians 3:3-10   For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS sufferings, being made conformable unto HIS death;

(I used to pray verse 10 over myself frequently.  God was pleased to answer that prayer also!)

***

Like Paul, God changes us day by day into the image of Jesus as we are given the Word and as we make adjustments which are appropriate to the Word.

I Corinthians 15:30-31   And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

(We die "to self" as God calls to our attention an adjustment which we need to make to that which we have been doing on this earth.)

On January 4, 2021, I realized it would be better for me to make a change in our Podbean heading and instead of identifying myself as Jesus Ministries, Dr. Joan Boney, I now identify myself by the following: 

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney, called to be an apostle and prophet of Jesus Christ according to Ephesians 4:11-12. 

Although I do have an earned doctorate, the important thing for anyone to know about me is that I am called by God for the work of apostle and prophet. 

(No doubt this identification will bring me some shame and even persecution from church goers.)

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💥 Scriptures:

 

James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

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1 Chronicles 16:34  O give thanks unto the Lord; for HE is good; for HIS mercy endureth for  ever. 

 

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Psalm 36:7  How excellent is THY lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of THY wings.

 

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Psalm 25:9  The meek will HE guide in judgment: and the meek will HE teach HIS way. 

 

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep HIS covenant and HIS testimonies.

 

 

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💥 Matthew 8 (Reading through the Bible) Jesus shows us foundations for the NT Church that comes with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

 

1-4     When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.

And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

*****

Comments by Joan Boney:

When God heals us or changes us it is often immediate ... I had been watching a golfer, Jordan Spieth, from Texas ever since he came on tour and I was always wanting him to win ... That is of my flesh for I don't know if it is the best thing for him to win, spiritually speaking.  It is also irrational.  I find sports are that way.  

In 2017, at one of the major tournaments, I was getting ready to watch and I heard a word which changed everything.  It was from Holy Spirit. 

I heard, "Do you really care if Jordan Spieth wins another 10-million dollars?" 

"No, I don't."  I replied to God.

Immediately all interest in seeing him evaporated and I was instantly set free.

When I was born again, it was immediate.  I didn't have to do anything at all to be born again.  God just did it by His own will with His word to me which caused me to be changed forever.                                                                                                                                                                                           

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Matthew 8:5-13    And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him,

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.

And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

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Matthew 8:14-15    And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

(And by the Bible, we know Peter had children for Peter was an elder.  The elders were husband of one wife and had obedient children, showing themselves able to rule over the church for if a man cannot rule over his own children, how can he rule over the church, says Bible.  I Timothy 3:4)

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Matthew 8:16-17    When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

*****

Matthew 8:18-22    Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.

And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said unto him, Follow ME; and let the dead bury their dead.

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Matthew 8:23-27    And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him.

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep.

And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!

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Matthew 8:28-34    And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

So the devils besought Him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

And He said unto them, Go.

And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw Him, they besought Him that He would depart out of their coasts.

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💥 Kept by God from entering into strife

 

Pam Padgett, member of the body of Christ 

 

Galatians 5:16-25  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

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.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

 

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

 

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Several years ago when reading this passage of scripture my attention was drawn to "strife" being a work of the flesh.  As I considered this in my life I saw that one way I have entered into strife was in struggling with others to get what I wanted or felt "should" be done.  I prayed about this, asking God to help me keep my flesh from rising up in strife, and also thought on this quite a bit. 

About this time I was having the master bathroom remodeled at my house.  One day electricians were here to run a new circuit needed for the work.  At the time, I thought I might put a small sound system in the master bedroom area and asked the lead electrician if he could run an additional new circuit in case I did this.  He seemed irritated and said he couldn't do this and went on to give reasons he couldn't do it.  As he told these reasons it became obvious to me that he planned to run a metal pipe around the outside of the house to enclose the new circuit.  I asked if there was some other way to run the new circuit, thinking the metal pipe would look ugly.  He verbally struck out at me. 

My flesh was ready to rise up and argue with him, struggling to get what I wanted.  After all, I was the customer, and he "should" try to do as I requested, I thought.  But before I said anything a thought came from the Holy Spirit reminding me to not enter into strife.   

 

Being reminded of this and not wanting to enter into strife, I was able to turn and walk away without arguing. 

The electricians went on with their work, and I turned to God and prayed, committing the situation to HIM to work out however HE wanted, and thanked HIM for keeping me from entering into strife in this matter.  I was so grateful to have been helped to not enter into strife ... this was far more important to me than how the electrical work was done.

A short time later one of the men came and told me that they had encountered a nest of wasps in the area where they needed to work and asked if I had bug spray they could use to kill the wasps.  I was genuinely sorry they had come across this danger and immediately looked, but had no bug spray.  I told them I would get some bug spray at the store right away.  (By being kept from entering into strife earlier, I think my heart was in good condition where the electricians were concerned, and I really cared about their welfare and wanted to help them not be stung by wasps.)

When I returned home from the store 10-15 minutes later, the lead electrician was smiling and seemed very happy.  He said that while they were waiting on me, they had looked in the attic area and saw a small opening that allowed them to run the new circuit through the attic.  This was much easier for them than running the metal pipe around the house.  And he said now it was no more work to run the second circuit, so he did that as well.  

This was a complete change from when I spoke with this electrician earlier, and I thanked God for this.

 

But most importantly, I was grateful to God for being kept from entering into strife.  

 

==

 

An interesting thing happened about 12 years later, in 2018, when another construction project was being done to add a handicap-accessible shower to a bathroom.  A new electrical circuit was unexpectedly needed.  Because of new building codes, this was going to be expensive to pull from the main electrical panel and would add more time to the project.  

 

But I was reminded by the Holy Spirit of the second electrical circuit that had been run to the attic.  It had never been used and was still in the attic.   There was an easy way to get this circuit to the handicap-accessible bathroom without dealing with the main electrical panel, saving expense and time.

 

 

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💥 Podcast: Who is right and who is wrong. Appoint God to judge the situation.

 

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on January 8, 2021)

 

Where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.  (James 3:16) 

 

Recently I turned to God to ask HIM to judge a situation.  God knows the exact truth.  I don't know though I might think I know. 

 

There can be so much confusion if we get involved and try to straighten things out. 

 

I find it better to let the money go and protect my soul. 

 

A few years ago, God showed me this:  "You will never make this world righteous or fair no matter what you do.  It is the new heaven and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." 

 

II Peter 3:13   Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

 

God provides for me and God always sees that I have an abundance on this present earth. 

 

God takes me in a way whereby I will be cared for and protected.

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose.

So when there is strife, turn to God and let God judge.  Just appoint God as judge and end the matter doing that which brings the worldly situation to an end.

(Sometimes God will choose to give us a word or a dream to show us HIS view of the issue, but unless God gives us a word on the matter at hand, we just turn it over to God and rest in the assurance that God will sort it out and judge justly.)

Don't we know that it is only a matter of time before we are removed from this present world and this world is destroyed by God?

*****

God sets a situation up whereby HE can judge the wrong doers:

I Kings 21

1 And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.

3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

6 And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.

7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.

9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:

10 And set two men, sons of Belial (the devil), before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

11 And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

12 They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

13 And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.

15 And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

16 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

17 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.

19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

20 And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? 

And he (Elijah) answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

21 Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

22 And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked ME to anger, and made Israel to sin.

23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.

24 Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

27  And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before ME? because he humbleth himself before ME, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

All the words God spoke against Ahab and evil Jezebel came to pass.

I Kings 22

19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

(God determined the death of Ahab.)

20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.

22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? 

And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.

And HE (The Lord) said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

23 Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

So the prophets of Ahab told him to go forth to battle.  Ahab was killed in the battle.  God brought about that which God wanted to do concerning Ahab.

Concerning evil Jezebel:

II Kings 1

(Time passes after the death of Ahab.)

Then God sends a prophet to anoint Jehu so HE can use Jehu for the destruction of all the house of Ahab and fulfill the prophecy which HE spoke over Jezebel.

6 And he (the prophet of God) arose, and went into the house (of Jehu); and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him (to Jehu), Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.

7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her.

***

The death of Jezebel:

II Kings 9

30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?

32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

33 And he said (concerning Jezebel), Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

34 And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.

35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which HE spake by HIS servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

II Kings 10

10 Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah.

11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

17 And when he (Jehu) came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which HE spake to Elijah.

***

God always judges justly and God always accomplishes HIS purpose concerning individuals.

 

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