💥 Fellowship with those who have walked in faith

Pam Padgett, member of the body of Christ

 

For a little over 6 years, Joan Boney lived at my house.  There was joy and peace in daily being around someone who truly sought to do the will of God, turned to God with problems, and who spoke truth.  At times since Joan died last May, I have been aware of feeling a little "void" in my life, not being around another person with the Holy Spirit as had been the case for the previous 6 years. 
 

I've asked God if there might be someone near where I live who has HIS Spirit that I can be around, but up to this point have not been shown any such in the neighborhood. 

 

Although some say they are Christians, I find they don't share anything of God.  And when I share something of God, they either wander away, or they smile and nod and then change the subject.  Once in a while a neighbor may say some religious-sounding words, but I'm often a little troubled and realize later that their actions show a trust in the ways of this world, not in God.  
 

So I have found myself rather alone in the midst of a neighborhood of people who smile and wave and say "friendly" things, but we really have little in common.  (Others reading this may have the same experience.)

A few days ago I was talking with God about this. Not long afterward, I was reminded of Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, who walked with God. (Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.)

In Hebrews11:5 we are told the following about Enoch ...

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

And in Jude vv. 14-15 we are told how Enoch prophesied against the ungodly, warning of the judgment of God.

We know of the great wickedness in the world before God destroyed the world by flood, saving only Noah and his family and animals. Genesis 6:5-6 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.

The ungodliness Enoch saw in his day reminds me of the ungodliness around us in the world today, and I find it edifying and faith-building to read that Enoch walked with God and pleased God and spoke the word of God.

While thinking about these things, I was reminded of a book Joan and I wrote together in 2017 ... Faith Building Moments from the Old Testament and Today. I felt very strongly led to read in that book, so I downloaded it and began reading.

I laughed when I read the Preface which Joan wrote in that book, for it describes so well what I was feeling ...

"No friends? Alone? Trying to be friends with people who grieve you? Even with church people who grieve you? Thinking of disobedient children and relatives and mates?

To have joy, stop and turn to the great men and women of faith in the Bible and fellowship with them at night. Rejoice in them. Let them be your friends."

==

It really has been a joy and strengthening to me to read accounts we have been given of those who have walked in faith.  One evening I found myself turning away from a show I had been watching on tv, wanting to read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego instead! 

As I read Psalm 107:7-9 recently, I thought of how it feels as though I have been led to a "city of habitation" and that God satisfies my longing soul, and fills me with goodness as I've been reading about these people of faith.

Psalm 107:7, 9 And HE (God) led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

9 For HE satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

I'm so grateful to God for helping me in this, and smile at how differently HE answered my prayer than what I had expected.

Also, it might be helpful to others to consider reading about those who have walked in faith.  

 

(The book Faith Building Moments from the Old Testament and Today is available at amazon.com)

 

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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.

 

*** 

 

Comments from Linda Rodgers, member of the body of Christ

 

The information you sent concerning no "real" Christians to be friends with at your home.  I have experienced the same thing and I just turn to God and ask HIM to help me and make me feel whole again in this area.  I have found that God never fails me and soon I am feeling better.  

 

As I follow this path, I am made more and more aware of God's healing power and help.  Soon I can carry on as I should.  

 

I am now reading "Faith Building Moments from the Old Testament and Today".  Thank you so much for suggesting this book. I  am starting to read it now.  It's fulfilling to me to read the stories of the people in the Old Testament and their accomplished trials of life with God by their sides.  Thank you so much for suggesting this book.  I had to laugh at the Preface Joan wrote also, so true!  I know there is always hope when God is with us. 

 

 

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💥 Podcast: Seeking our wisdom from God. HE knows the future!

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on May 19, 2022) 

 

A promise from God to us:

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.

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Proverbs 2  God says:

1 My son, if thou wilt receive MY words, and hide MY commandments with thee;

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

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.

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

9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

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💥 Scriptures:

 

1 John 4:9-10  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent HIS only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through HIM.

 

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE loved us, and sent HIS Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

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1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that HE may exalt you in due time:

 

7 Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE careth for you.

 

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Ephesians 3:20-21  Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us (the Holy Spirit),

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

 

***

 

John 14:26  Jesus said: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

*** 

 

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

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💥 I Corinthians 16 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. ² Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

³ And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

⁴ And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

⁵ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. ⁶ And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. ⁷ For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

⁸ But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. ¹¹ Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

¹² As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

¹³ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

¹⁴ Let all your things be done with charity.

¹⁵ I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) ¹⁶ That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

¹⁷ I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. ¹⁸ For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

¹⁹ The churches of Asia salute you.

Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

²⁰ All the brethren greet you.

Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

²¹ The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

²² If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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💥 God leads us in the best way

 

Barbara Preston, member of the body of Christ

 

For several weeks one of my dogs practically stopped eating. I was very concerned about him knowing his loss of appetite was a bad sign especially since he is a very small dog and can't afford to lose much weight. Also he is 15 years old which is close to the end of the expected life span for his breed.

At a certain point I realized I was going to have to take him to the vet. I explained to the vet his situation. She ran a number of tests on him and did a X-ray. She saw some things which concerned her in his bloodwork and X-ray but nothing definitive about what was causing his appetite loss.

She said she did see some infection and gave him an antibiotic shot but didn't seem to think the infection was the cause of his loss of appetite. She seemed to think that the loss of appetite was possibly caused by something more serious after looking at his test results.

She suggested redoing these tests in two weeks to look for any changes which might give her a better idea of what was wrong and possibly do an ultrasound, if needed, to be able to find out what specifically is causing his lack of appetite.

At that moment this made sense to me so I made a two week follow up appt. and left.

During this two week period of time I was praying asking God what I should do. The more I talked to God about it the more I came to believe that I should cancel his appointment and not have these tests redone.

While talking to God I also came to realize that I didn't want to know if he had cancer, liver failure, or anything else seriously wrong that would be fatal to him. So I cancelled his follow up appointment.

Since then his appetite is better, at least some days, and I am not worried now about him starving himself.

Most importantly he doesn't seem to be in any pain. For me that is the thing that lets me know when it is time to let go.

Mainly I am thankful that, as we go through life, we always have God to turn to when we don't know what to do, no matter what the situation or problem may be.

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, member of the body of Christ

 

Sometimes I marvel in how God completely changes our direction when we turn to HIM, for HE knows what is best for us and for all involved.

I understand medical people wanting to get more information through tests when they don't know what to do.

But we know that God knows exactly what is going on in the matter as well as what is needed so that neither we nor others impacted go through more than necessary.  By simply turning to God, and going in the way we are shown by HIM, we land up going in the best way in the situation.

So glad Bodhi (Barbara's dog) is eating a little better and there is no apparent pain.

==

Also, this reminds me a little of last summer when the vet here was concerned over Gus' liver.  (Gus is one of my dogs.)  The vet prescribed some medicine for a month. After a month, there was still a problem so the vet wanted to have an ultra-sound done. 

Interestingly, I had been strongly led to  pray for wisdom in making any needed decisions before going to the vet that day. 

 

The vet gave lots of information about Gus' situation and, as I started considering what she said, 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.

After another month his liver was much better and more in-depth tests were not brought up again.

Like you, Barbara, I'm so glad we can turn to God for wisdom in whatever we're dealing with.

HE leads us is the best way to go.

And I'm reminded that God's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)

 

***

 

Further comments from Barbara Preston... 

It does make life so much easier for us and for those affected by our decisions when we turn to God for help, and it makes me smile when I think about HIS love for us.

When I knew to cancel Bodhi's recheck appointment and not to be concerned about pursuing what was causing his lack of appetite, it felt like a weight had been lifted off me! So I knew this was from God.

One last thing about Bodhi, earlier today he walked over to where I normally keep his food bowl and started sniffing and looking around. He was acting like he does when he is hungry so I went and fixed him a bowl of his food.

At first he acted like he wasn't interested, but when I looked back down at his bowl a little later, he was licking it clean!

His appetite is definitely improving. And I am so thankful to God for HIS wisdom in this.

 

 

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💥 Mini Podcast: Be not afraid of sudden fear, for God is there to help us through all things

 

(This podcast was previously published on June 19, 2021) 

 

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.

Psalms 34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Isaiah 45:7  God says:  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

God will not allow more to come upon us than we are able to handle through HIM.

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.

Proverbs 3:25-26  Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Psalm 148:8  Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling HIS word:

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.

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💥 Scriptures:

Proverbs 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.

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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.

 

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1 Thessalonians 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

 

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Psalms 60:11-12  Prayer to GOD 11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

 

12 Through GOD we shall do valiantly: for HE it is that shall tread down our enemies. 

 

*** 

 

Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus says ... Come unto ME (the Word), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 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.

30 For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.

 

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Romans 8:26-28  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And HE that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because HE maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

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.

 

 

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💥 I Corinthians 15 (Reading through the Bible)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴ And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

⁵ And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

⁶ After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

⁷ After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

⁸ And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

¹¹ Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

¹² Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

¹³ But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

²³ But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming.

²⁴ Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

²⁵ For He must reign, till HE hath put all enemies under HIS feet.

²⁶ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

²⁷ For HE hath put all things under His feet. But when HE saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that HE is excepted, which did put all things under Him.

²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto HIM that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

²⁹ Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

³⁰ And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

³¹ I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

³² If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

³⁵ But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

³⁶ Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

³⁷ And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

³⁸ But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body.

³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. ⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. ⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
⁴³ It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

⁴⁵ And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. ⁴⁶ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

⁵¹ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed,

⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

⁵⁵ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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💥 Mini Podcast: Wisdom from God is more precious than rubies

 

(This podcast was previously published on June 17, 2021) 

 

As born again Christians, we have access to wisdom from God.  This makes all the difference for those of us who understand this and call on God for HIS wisdom in the issues of this present life.

Proverbs 3

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Nothing equals wisdom that comes to us from God by HIS Spirit!

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.

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.

 

 

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💥 Scriptures:

Philippians 4:9  Paul said:  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

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Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord (the Word) is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

 

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Hebrews 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into HIS rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from HIS.

 

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Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses (those who went before us in faith), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

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Psalm 13:5-6  But I have trusted in THY mercy; my heart shall rejoice in THY salvation.

 

6 I will sing unto the LORD, because HE hath dealt bountifully with me. 

 

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1 Corinthians 15:57-58  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Word).

 

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  

 

 

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💥 I Corinthians 14 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

² For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

⁵ I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

⁶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

⁷ And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

⁸ For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

⁹ So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

¹⁰ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

¹¹ Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

¹² Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

¹³ Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

¹⁴ For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

¹⁵ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
¹⁶ Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
¹⁷ For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

¹⁸ I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
¹⁹ Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

²¹ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

²⁶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

²⁷ If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
²⁸ But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

²⁹ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
³⁰ If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
³¹ For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
³² And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
³³ For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

³⁴ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
³⁵ And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

³⁶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

³⁷ If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

³⁸ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

³⁹ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.

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💥 Mini Podcast: God says: Turn you at MY reproof: behold, I will pour out MY spirit unto you, I will make known MY words unto you (Proverbs 1:23)

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on, June 7, 2021) 

 

God says:  Turn you at MY reproof: behold, I will pour out MY spirit unto you, I will make known MY words unto you.  (Proverbs 1:23)

But they wouldn't do this.  

So God says:

Proverbs 1:24-33    Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out MY hand, and no man regarded;  But ye have set at nought all MY counsel, and would none of MY reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon ME, but I will not answer; they shall seek ME early, but they shall not find ME:

29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

30 They would none of MY counsel: they despised all MY reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33 But whoso hearkeneth unto ME shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

*** 

 

All scripture comes from God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

***

Psalm 107

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and HE delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And HE led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for HIS goodness, and for HIS wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For HE satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

12 Therefore HE brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and HE saved them out of their distresses.

14 HE brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for HIS goodness, and for HIS wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For HE hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and HE saveth them out of their distresses.

20 HE sent HIS word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

***

Remember to pray, asking God what to do:

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.

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💥 Scriptures:

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

 

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1 John 5:1-2  Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth HIM that begat loveth HIM also that is begotten of HIM.

 

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep HIS commandments.

 

***

James 5:7-8  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

 

8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

 

***

 

1 Samuel 2:9  HE will keep the feet of HIS saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

 

*** 

 

Luke 18:27  And HE (Jesus) said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

 

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💥 I Corinthians 13 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

⁴ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,⁵ Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

⁶ Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

⁷ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

⁸ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

¹⁰ But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

¹² For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

¹³ And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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