Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1.
What does it mean to "meditate" in the Word of God? How do you do that?
To "meditate" means:
- to think deeply upon
- to focus mind upon
- consider what is being said, especially in regards to how the instruction applies to your life
God says:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1
First let's look at this instruction:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
First, I pray, asking God to help me to understand this instruction and how it applies to me for all understanding is from God and without HIM I can know nothing. It is God who opens our eyes and enables us to see as we need to see.
Then I begin to think of what it means to "be strong" ...
I might take a dictionary and look up the meaning of the word "strong" ...
- being able to withstand pressure
- not easily disturbed or upset
- showing determination, self-control and good judgment
- not easily affected by disease or hardship
- intense and firmly held belief in what you are doing
What we should see is we are going to need help to have the strength to do this. This requires us to spend much time thinking about the specific scripture at hand. The reason for meditating day and night in that word before you is so you will have the strength and power to do what it says. You have to put that specific word into your daily life. This requires much attention and usually change of habits. The only thing strong enough to enable you to do this is the constant focus on the instruction given in the specific word at hand.
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
"courageous"
- not stopped by danger, disapproval, or pain
- the ability to do that which frightens you
- strength in the face of pain or grief
- dealing effectively with something difficult
turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Do not compromise the instruction given you in the specific scripture at hand.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou
shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written therein:
To have the strength needed to do the instruction, you must think about the instruction day and night. You must make appropriate changes as you see something to do. It may take days or weeks or months to put that instruction into your life.
I have one scripture I have been working on for the past 10 months. I think of this instruction often. And when I see something to do, I do it. Then I just keep reviewing that scripture. Bit by bit God is showing me how to change my life to fit that scripture.
This is what it means to "meditate" in the word of God.
But which scripture do we choose to focus on? If the Holy Spirit has reminded you of a scripture, that is where you begin. Or when you read the Bible, if a scripture stands out to you and you try to read past it but you keep being drawn back to that verse, God has a special message for you in that verse. So stop and look at that verse prayerfully, asking God to show you what you need to see. Sometimes it does help to look key words up in a dictionary. Often as you do this, you will be reminded of something in your life. Focus on that. God is able to communicate with us in a way which we can understand.
This is what we do daily ... seeking the will of God as we consider the word HE has spoken to us (dreams, scriptures) ... and also daily Bible reading, focusing on that which seems to stand out as we read.
=================================
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Monday, June 25, 2012
Evil men and seducers shall get worse and worse
Pam Padgett ... teacher
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Some people are openly evil. When we see these people blatantly lie, strike out in anger, show little regard for other people, the danger they pose is obvious and we try to stay out of their way, as much as possible.
Others are evil in a much more subtle way. These people try to seduce us to go in the way of harm or evil. Seducers show friendliness or caring, and then smoothly and gradually lead in the way of evil they, themselves, are going. Rather than seeming dangerous, our flesh is drawn to them. Their subtleness makes them very dangerous.
Seduce - lure or persuade others, using what is attractive or desirable, to abandon what is good and right and go toward what is harmful, wrong, or evil.
Both the openly evil and the seducers try to deceive others.
One way the openly evil deceive is by presenting themselves as having great power and trying to instill fear of this "power" if we don't go along with them. But, in truth, God is all powerful and will help those who love Him when we call on Him. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91)
Seducers deceive by seeming friendly and non-threatening as they lead in the ways of evil. I'm reminded of 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6)
We are warned that both the openly evil and seducers will increase more and more, and will try to deceive us. We are warned so that we might stay alert and not be deceived. Instead of falling into these traps, we are to continue in ... to cling to ... what God has taught us ...
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Some people are openly evil. When we see these people blatantly lie, strike out in anger, show little regard for other people, the danger they pose is obvious and we try to stay out of their way, as much as possible.
Others are evil in a much more subtle way. These people try to seduce us to go in the way of harm or evil. Seducers show friendliness or caring, and then smoothly and gradually lead in the way of evil they, themselves, are going. Rather than seeming dangerous, our flesh is drawn to them. Their subtleness makes them very dangerous.
Seduce - lure or persuade others, using what is attractive or desirable, to abandon what is good and right and go toward what is harmful, wrong, or evil.
Both the openly evil and the seducers try to deceive others.
One way the openly evil deceive is by presenting themselves as having great power and trying to instill fear of this "power" if we don't go along with them. But, in truth, God is all powerful and will help those who love Him when we call on Him. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91)
Seducers deceive by seeming friendly and non-threatening as they lead in the ways of evil. I'm reminded of 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6)
We are warned that both the openly evil and seducers will increase more and more, and will try to deceive us. We are warned so that we might stay alert and not be deceived. Instead of falling into these traps, we are to continue in ... to cling to ... what God has taught us ...
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
=====================================
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Prosperity
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I was thinking about the scripture where Jesus said the poor would always be with us ... And then I realized Jesus did not say the poor would be with us in the church itself, provided the individual meditates in the Word of God day and night and does what God says, following the instruction of the Spirit of God.
Certainly not all who belong to God will actually follow God. Some things of God will just seem too hard even for those who are born again. Jesus said "few" would find the way of life. Mt. 7 Many will go in the way of destruction. But if you go in the way of life and really do the Word of God in the issues of this life, you will prosper in all that you do.
One of the most difficult things to do is to speak truth. We don't want to offend people. We don't want to hurt anyone. And the truth often offends and hurts. But it is by the truth we are delivered from our fleshly ways and from the wisdom of man. And the truth divides us from those who go in the way of man. But few will speak truth, especially when dealing with those in their own households. So few find the way of life. Mt. 7 and many go in the way of destruction.
-----------------
Concerning entering into prosperity ... consider these scriptures:
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psa. 37:25
Paul said: My God shall supply all your need. Phil. 4:19
If God supplies "all our need" we cannot be poor. There will be no need. There will be no "want". There will be no lack.
Very important keys to prosperity are as follows:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
(prosper means "turn out well" ... )
You may think of people who are "members of the church" who do not prosper.
I say that these persons are not really meditating in the Word of God and doing the Word of God for if you meditate in the Word of God day and night you will have the power to do the Word of God and if you do the Word of God you will prosper and have good success. But if you follow man and do the wisdom of the world you may seem to get ahead only to have a great fall. But there will be "no need" when you follow God and choose HIS way for HE will cause you to depart from the ways which hurt you and will lead you into plenty.
How do I know this is true? Because this is what the Bible says and I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is true.
You will have no "need" ... This does not mean you will be rich in the sense of millionaires ... If you are seeking that you are following your own lusts rather than meditating day and night in the word of God.
Paul warns us:
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich (if your goal is to be rich you are in trouble) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses I Tim. 6
But if your desire is to do the will of God on this earth and you meditate in HIS word to enable you to do the will of God and you follow HIS Spirit you will find everything you do will turn out well and you will have no need on this earth. This is key to prosperity. To take no thought for tomorrow but rather to seek the will of God each day in everything you do and meditate on that given you by the Spirit of God until you are strong enough to do it.
A warning: You cannot live beyond your means and have things turn out well. You must control your flesh. You will not prosper this way.
=================================
I was thinking about the scripture where Jesus said the poor would always be with us ... And then I realized Jesus did not say the poor would be with us in the church itself, provided the individual meditates in the Word of God day and night and does what God says, following the instruction of the Spirit of God.
Certainly not all who belong to God will actually follow God. Some things of God will just seem too hard even for those who are born again. Jesus said "few" would find the way of life. Mt. 7 Many will go in the way of destruction. But if you go in the way of life and really do the Word of God in the issues of this life, you will prosper in all that you do.
One of the most difficult things to do is to speak truth. We don't want to offend people. We don't want to hurt anyone. And the truth often offends and hurts. But it is by the truth we are delivered from our fleshly ways and from the wisdom of man. And the truth divides us from those who go in the way of man. But few will speak truth, especially when dealing with those in their own households. So few find the way of life. Mt. 7 and many go in the way of destruction.
-----------------
Concerning entering into prosperity ... consider these scriptures:
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psa. 37:25
Paul said: My God shall supply all your need. Phil. 4:19
If God supplies "all our need" we cannot be poor. There will be no need. There will be no "want". There will be no lack.
Very important keys to prosperity are as follows:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
(prosper means "turn out well" ... )
You may think of people who are "members of the church" who do not prosper.
I say that these persons are not really meditating in the Word of God and doing the Word of God for if you meditate in the Word of God day and night you will have the power to do the Word of God and if you do the Word of God you will prosper and have good success. But if you follow man and do the wisdom of the world you may seem to get ahead only to have a great fall. But there will be "no need" when you follow God and choose HIS way for HE will cause you to depart from the ways which hurt you and will lead you into plenty.
How do I know this is true? Because this is what the Bible says and I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is true.
You will have no "need" ... This does not mean you will be rich in the sense of millionaires ... If you are seeking that you are following your own lusts rather than meditating day and night in the word of God.
Paul warns us:
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich (if your goal is to be rich you are in trouble) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses I Tim. 6
But if your desire is to do the will of God on this earth and you meditate in HIS word to enable you to do the will of God and you follow HIS Spirit you will find everything you do will turn out well and you will have no need on this earth. This is key to prosperity. To take no thought for tomorrow but rather to seek the will of God each day in everything you do and meditate on that given you by the Spirit of God until you are strong enough to do it.
A warning: You cannot live beyond your means and have things turn out well. You must control your flesh. You will not prosper this way.
=================================
I love this story ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Samuel 5 ... And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
4And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.
Then the problems really started for the Philistines ...
But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
7And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
8They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath.
So they sent the ark of God to Gath ...
(and in Gath) ...the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
So the Philistines sent the ark of God back to Israel ...
I Samuel 7 ...
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines.
Concerning Jesus ... 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. 29And, 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? 30And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32And 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. 33And 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. 34And, 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. Mt. 8
Amazing ... for you'd think they would beg Jesus to stay since they saw the great thing HE did in casting the terrible devils out of that poor tormented man.
But this is what I find: The people think they want God, but when they see the real works of God, they want no part of us who are instruments of God today. Most people want to create God in their own image. They want God to be as they imagine in their corrupt minds. For if they saw the real God, they would be ashamed and have to repent of their evil "good" works.
Jesus said ... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
=======================================================================
I Samuel 5 ... And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
4And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.
Then the problems really started for the Philistines ...
But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
7And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
8They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath.
So they sent the ark of God to Gath ...
(and in Gath) ...the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
So the Philistines sent the ark of God back to Israel ...
I Samuel 7 ...
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines.
Concerning Jesus ... 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. 29And, 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? 30And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32And 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. 33And 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. 34And, 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. Mt. 8
Amazing ... for you'd think they would beg Jesus to stay since they saw the great thing HE did in casting the terrible devils out of that poor tormented man.
But this is what I find: The people think they want God, but when they see the real works of God, they want no part of us who are instruments of God today. Most people want to create God in their own image. They want God to be as they imagine in their corrupt minds. For if they saw the real God, they would be ashamed and have to repent of their evil "good" works.
Jesus said ... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
=======================================================================
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Following God ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
If "the Lord" is the one you are following ... if you are doing what HE instructs ... you will not be in a state of need.
If you are trying to get more things on this present earth and are living beyond your means, you have denied the scripture which says "having food and raiment therewith be content" (I Tim. 6) , and you have set about to bless yourself on this earth.
Following God is choosing to walk in HIS light.
Few will do this. Even among those who say, "Jesus is Lord", they prove Jesus is not their Lord as they do things opposite to the scriptures.
Jesus made himself of "no reputation". (Phil. 2 ... and Paul says for us to do same thing Jesus did.)
Are you trying to achieve something? Are you trying to gain respect of other humans? If so, you are going in the way of man rather than going in the way of God. If this is the way you have chosen for yourself, you set yourself up for much unnecessary trouble and you are not following God but are following the way of the world. Few will set aside their reputations to follow God. It can be answered by this: Is there anything you are trying to achieve in this life? If so, you are going in way of humans and not in way of God.
You will not fail if you choose the way of God. But it does not seem wise to go in the way of God. And the natural man cannot go that way because it is foolishness to him. (I Cor. 2)
We, who are born again, can go that way but we have to make deliberate attempt to do so.
So for most Christians, the Lord is not their shepherd. They are walking in their own wisdom and in the wisdom of other humans.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2
================================
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
If "the Lord" is the one you are following ... if you are doing what HE instructs ... you will not be in a state of need.
If you are trying to get more things on this present earth and are living beyond your means, you have denied the scripture which says "having food and raiment therewith be content" (I Tim. 6) , and you have set about to bless yourself on this earth.
Following God is choosing to walk in HIS light.
Few will do this. Even among those who say, "Jesus is Lord", they prove Jesus is not their Lord as they do things opposite to the scriptures.
Jesus made himself of "no reputation". (Phil. 2 ... and Paul says for us to do same thing Jesus did.)
Are you trying to achieve something? Are you trying to gain respect of other humans? If so, you are going in the way of man rather than going in the way of God. If this is the way you have chosen for yourself, you set yourself up for much unnecessary trouble and you are not following God but are following the way of the world. Few will set aside their reputations to follow God. It can be answered by this: Is there anything you are trying to achieve in this life? If so, you are going in way of humans and not in way of God.
You will not fail if you choose the way of God. But it does not seem wise to go in the way of God. And the natural man cannot go that way because it is foolishness to him. (I Cor. 2)
We, who are born again, can go that way but we have to make deliberate attempt to do so.
So for most Christians, the Lord is not their shepherd. They are walking in their own wisdom and in the wisdom of other humans.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2
================================
Contending for faith ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently I received email from a woman who told me she was so happy to find me. She said she had hunted me for 30 years. She had apparently listened to me on radio in the 1980-82 period and she said one of her friends at that time gave her one of my "newsletters" which I distributed.
Then she went on to tell me the horrible condition she is in today ... She gave all her money away. She has cancer. She lives with a man who is psychotic. On and on ... terrible.
By the time I finished reading how horrible things are in her life, I found I was wondering if things of God were really real or had we just imagined these things of God caring for us.
I went back to the Bible to see again what God says about HIS care and provision.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1
This sets forth 2 paths. A person can walk in the wisdom of the people ... or a person can meditate day and night in the Holy Scriptures and choose to go that way.
There is no way this woman could have been walking in the way of the Lord for the past 30 years. She had to be following man to have ended up in her terrible condition.
But after reading her letter, I certainly had to contend for faith.
And often as we encounter events of this world or people of this world our faith is shaken and our faith must be restablished. It is like being in an accident. We have to be restored.
It is best not to put ourselves in the path of sinners. It is best not to read such emails as this womans. It is best not to sit and listen to the talk of the ungodly.
But if we do enter into their path, then we must be restored in the faith.
After this happened to me, I spent most of the day in bed. I prayed. Then I would read the Bible. Then I would sleep. God restores our soul ... we must make an effort to rest in HIM. And we make an effort to believe God's word as truth. Often we simply choose to believe the Holy Scriptures.
Again, it is better not to put ourselves into the path of the people who fail to follow God.
Paul warned us:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
================================
======================================
Recently I received email from a woman who told me she was so happy to find me. She said she had hunted me for 30 years. She had apparently listened to me on radio in the 1980-82 period and she said one of her friends at that time gave her one of my "newsletters" which I distributed.
Then she went on to tell me the horrible condition she is in today ... She gave all her money away. She has cancer. She lives with a man who is psychotic. On and on ... terrible.
By the time I finished reading how horrible things are in her life, I found I was wondering if things of God were really real or had we just imagined these things of God caring for us.
I went back to the Bible to see again what God says about HIS care and provision.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1
This sets forth 2 paths. A person can walk in the wisdom of the people ... or a person can meditate day and night in the Holy Scriptures and choose to go that way.
There is no way this woman could have been walking in the way of the Lord for the past 30 years. She had to be following man to have ended up in her terrible condition.
But after reading her letter, I certainly had to contend for faith.
And often as we encounter events of this world or people of this world our faith is shaken and our faith must be restablished. It is like being in an accident. We have to be restored.
It is best not to put ourselves in the path of sinners. It is best not to read such emails as this womans. It is best not to sit and listen to the talk of the ungodly.
But if we do enter into their path, then we must be restored in the faith.
After this happened to me, I spent most of the day in bed. I prayed. Then I would read the Bible. Then I would sleep. God restores our soul ... we must make an effort to rest in HIM. And we make an effort to believe God's word as truth. Often we simply choose to believe the Holy Scriptures.
Again, it is better not to put ourselves into the path of the people who fail to follow God.
Paul warned us:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
================================
======================================
Strength in God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; ...
In all situations, we are blessed if God is our strength.
Sometimes we feel very weak, and maybe even fearful or full of despair, realizing that we don't know what to do in a matter or can't do what we think needs to be done. We are blessed when we turn to God, depending on Him to help us. As God helps us, and we go in the way He leads us, we are strengthened. But our strength isn't of ourselves, it is of God.
Other times we think we know, and can do, exactly what needs to be done. In this, as well, we are blessed when we turn to God about the matter, depending on Him rather than moving forward in our own wisdom and strength. We might think we know what is needed, but God knows everything about the matter and the best way to handle it.
David is a strong example of turning to God, not assuming he knew what to do and also depending on God when fears came. Here is an example ...
1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
================================
Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; ...
In all situations, we are blessed if God is our strength.
Sometimes we feel very weak, and maybe even fearful or full of despair, realizing that we don't know what to do in a matter or can't do what we think needs to be done. We are blessed when we turn to God, depending on Him to help us. As God helps us, and we go in the way He leads us, we are strengthened. But our strength isn't of ourselves, it is of God.
Other times we think we know, and can do, exactly what needs to be done. In this, as well, we are blessed when we turn to God about the matter, depending on Him rather than moving forward in our own wisdom and strength. We might think we know what is needed, but God knows everything about the matter and the best way to handle it.
David is a strong example of turning to God, not assuming he knew what to do and also depending on God when fears came. Here is an example ...
1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
================================
Word is a lamp
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psa. 119:105
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
The foolish failed to keep oil in lamps ... Oil is word of God, daily reading Word of God, paying close attention to that part of the Word that the Holy Spirit speaks (that part of the word illuminated to you) ... then daily applying Word of God by doing it.
faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2
Abraham is given to us as an example of a man having faith in God.
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Gen 12
First, God spoke to Abram and told him what to do. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
You can't have real faith unless first God speaks to you by HIS Spirit. Faith must be based on what God has spoken to you by HIS Spirit.
You can't just build on that which you read with your flesh even if what you read is a scripture. Jesus said the following of the Pharisees ... 39 (You) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Jn. 5
Faith starts with the Holy Spirit speaking to us. After we are persuaded it is God speaking by His Spirit, then we apply that Word to our lives in an appropriate manner.
You cannot have "faith" based on what you think or on hunting a scripture to prove your own desire or your own thoughts.
Faith comes by first hearing what God says to you personally by His Spirit about the issue at hand. Then after you establish it was God speaking, you must act on the word given you, taking appropriate action in your life. Then after all is done, share the example with others because: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon verse 5
=========================================================================
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psa. 119:105
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
The foolish failed to keep oil in lamps ... Oil is word of God, daily reading Word of God, paying close attention to that part of the Word that the Holy Spirit speaks (that part of the word illuminated to you) ... then daily applying Word of God by doing it.
faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2
Abraham is given to us as an example of a man having faith in God.
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Gen 12
First, God spoke to Abram and told him what to do. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
You can't have real faith unless first God speaks to you by HIS Spirit. Faith must be based on what God has spoken to you by HIS Spirit.
You can't just build on that which you read with your flesh even if what you read is a scripture. Jesus said the following of the Pharisees ... 39 (You) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Jn. 5
Faith starts with the Holy Spirit speaking to us. After we are persuaded it is God speaking by His Spirit, then we apply that Word to our lives in an appropriate manner.
You cannot have "faith" based on what you think or on hunting a scripture to prove your own desire or your own thoughts.
Faith comes by first hearing what God says to you personally by His Spirit about the issue at hand. Then after you establish it was God speaking, you must act on the word given you, taking appropriate action in your life. Then after all is done, share the example with others because: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon verse 5
=========================================================================
Friday, June 22, 2012
Jesus' kingdom is not of this present world ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, Jn. 18
Some people say they are trying to make the world a better place. This is opposite to what we read in Bible.
Paul says ... evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
II Tim. 3
This present world shall be destroyed and all the works will be dissolved in the fire. That is the ordained end for this present world.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
The main goal for each of us should be to take care for ourselves that we are doing things as God wills while we live on this present earth. If we do that, everything else will fall into place around us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12
We renew our mind to the will and way of God through prayer and Bible reading. The world would have us be created in it's image, in what seems right to humans. But our goal is to continually recreate our minds as to what is right in the sight of God concerning the matter at hand.
Some truths we already know because we know the Holy Scriptures. The world will not be better but worse. The heavens and earth and all the works of man will be destroyed. That which remains forever is the Word of God. So we focus on that which will continue, not fighting windmills.
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11
===============================
Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, Jn. 18
Some people say they are trying to make the world a better place. This is opposite to what we read in Bible.
Paul says ... evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
II Tim. 3
This present world shall be destroyed and all the works will be dissolved in the fire. That is the ordained end for this present world.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
The main goal for each of us should be to take care for ourselves that we are doing things as God wills while we live on this present earth. If we do that, everything else will fall into place around us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12
We renew our mind to the will and way of God through prayer and Bible reading. The world would have us be created in it's image, in what seems right to humans. But our goal is to continually recreate our minds as to what is right in the sight of God concerning the matter at hand.
Some truths we already know because we know the Holy Scriptures. The world will not be better but worse. The heavens and earth and all the works of man will be destroyed. That which remains forever is the Word of God. So we focus on that which will continue, not fighting windmills.
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11
===============================
Prospering by doing what God tells us ...
Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Luke 5, Jesus told Simon Peter to take the ship out from shore to where the water was deep and let down their nets to get a catch of fish. Even though this seemed futile to Simon Peter since they hadn't caught anything the entire previous night, he did it because Jesus told him to do it.
Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
As a result of obeying what Jesus told Simon Peter to do, they caught so many fish that both ships were filled to the point of sinking.
Sometimes the instruction we believe we've heard from God doesn't make sense to us, or the devil comes trying to steal the instruction saying that we don't really need to do "that". We should turn to God with our concerns and questions. If after doing this we establish the instruction is from God, we need to do it. When the instruction is from God, He will to accomplish His purpose in that instruction.
=======================================
In Luke 5, Jesus told Simon Peter to take the ship out from shore to where the water was deep and let down their nets to get a catch of fish. Even though this seemed futile to Simon Peter since they hadn't caught anything the entire previous night, he did it because Jesus told him to do it.
Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
As a result of obeying what Jesus told Simon Peter to do, they caught so many fish that both ships were filled to the point of sinking.
Sometimes the instruction we believe we've heard from God doesn't make sense to us, or the devil comes trying to steal the instruction saying that we don't really need to do "that". We should turn to God with our concerns and questions. If after doing this we establish the instruction is from God, we need to do it. When the instruction is from God, He will to accomplish His purpose in that instruction.
=======================================
God saves us from our own flesh ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
There was a woman that I was very drawn to as one would be drawn to a daughter. But every time I felt drawn toward her, God would give me a dream which turned me away from her. When I read above scripture I thought of this. Sometimes our flesh can be soft toward an individual but we see that person doing evil and when this is the case and we know what is good, we should turn from "the path of the destroyer."
In other cases, we don't know the evil that person is doing but God shows us HIS view in a dream. We have to choose to believe God's view rather than that which our own flesh would like to believe. We have to side with God. Otherwise we will be in the path of the destroyer.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
There was a woman that I was very drawn to as one would be drawn to a daughter. But every time I felt drawn toward her, God would give me a dream which turned me away from her. When I read above scripture I thought of this. Sometimes our flesh can be soft toward an individual but we see that person doing evil and when this is the case and we know what is good, we should turn from "the path of the destroyer."
In other cases, we don't know the evil that person is doing but God shows us HIS view in a dream. We have to choose to believe God's view rather than that which our own flesh would like to believe. We have to side with God. Otherwise we will be in the path of the destroyer.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Taking thoughts captive ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
We do the above scripture by taking troublesome thoughts to God in prayer. Often after we pray, God will remind us of a scripture to fight the troublesome thought.
We have a choice to believe ... We purpose to believe the scripture.
My God will supply all your need ... Phil. 4:19
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ... Psa. 23.
The important thing is to pray, taking the troubling thought to God in prayer. And after you pray, if you are reminded of something, focus on that for it is the "antidote" to the poison of the troubling thought. If you focus on the truth sent by God and choose to believe what God sent, you will overcome. This is what is meant by the scripture in II Cor.10
============================
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
We do the above scripture by taking troublesome thoughts to God in prayer. Often after we pray, God will remind us of a scripture to fight the troublesome thought.
We have a choice to believe ... We purpose to believe the scripture.
My God will supply all your need ... Phil. 4:19
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ... Psa. 23.
The important thing is to pray, taking the troubling thought to God in prayer. And after you pray, if you are reminded of something, focus on that for it is the "antidote" to the poison of the troubling thought. If you focus on the truth sent by God and choose to believe what God sent, you will overcome. This is what is meant by the scripture in II Cor.10
============================
God prepares a table in midst of our enemies ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I was telling Pam how recently I was very disturbed over some emails and a phone call and how God gave me one scripture after another to help me. There were so many scriptures I had to get note pad and write them down since I wanted to write about it and didn't want any to slip away from me.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.I Tim. 5
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Deut. 28
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col. 3
Pam said this reminded her of the following:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Psa. 23:5
===================================
I was telling Pam how recently I was very disturbed over some emails and a phone call and how God gave me one scripture after another to help me. There were so many scriptures I had to get note pad and write them down since I wanted to write about it and didn't want any to slip away from me.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.I Tim. 5
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Deut. 28
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col. 3
Pam said this reminded her of the following:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Psa. 23:5
===================================
Word of God fulfilled
Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Luke chapter 2, we are shown examples of words God had given being fulfilled. There words were delivered in different ways ... by an angel, by a prophet, by the Holy Ghost ... but they were all fulfilled, according to the will of God.
Mary, a virgin, gave birth to the child spoken of to her by the angel Gabriel ...
Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
This also fulfilled the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah that a virgin would bear a son ...
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
An angel spoke to shepherds, telling of the birth of Christ and giving the sign that the baby would be wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger ...
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The Holy Ghost had revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before he died ...
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Simeon was led by the Spirit to the temple when Jesus was brought by his parents ...
Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
The word given by God will be fulfilled, according to His will.
Also, when I read about the birth of Jesus in Luke 2, it stood out to me that there was nothing lush and splendid in the physical environment Jesus was born into. It wasn't the physical things that testified that Jesus was the promised Saviour. It was the word God sent by the angel to the shepherds that proclaimed that Christ had been born that day.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Throughout the time Jesus walked on this earth, the power of God was seen in what Jesus spoke and did in obedience to the Father. His kingdom was not of this earth ... not a physical kingdom that could be seen by the natural eye. Jesus said ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
And so it is with us. The power of God is seen as we speak and do those things given to us by God ... not according to the wisdom of man or things of the flesh .... that we might glory in God and not in the flesh ....
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
=====================================
In Luke chapter 2, we are shown examples of words God had given being fulfilled. There words were delivered in different ways ... by an angel, by a prophet, by the Holy Ghost ... but they were all fulfilled, according to the will of God.
Mary, a virgin, gave birth to the child spoken of to her by the angel Gabriel ...
Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
This also fulfilled the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah that a virgin would bear a son ...
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
An angel spoke to shepherds, telling of the birth of Christ and giving the sign that the baby would be wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger ...
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The Holy Ghost had revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before he died ...
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Simeon was led by the Spirit to the temple when Jesus was brought by his parents ...
Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
The word given by God will be fulfilled, according to His will.
Also, when I read about the birth of Jesus in Luke 2, it stood out to me that there was nothing lush and splendid in the physical environment Jesus was born into. It wasn't the physical things that testified that Jesus was the promised Saviour. It was the word God sent by the angel to the shepherds that proclaimed that Christ had been born that day.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Throughout the time Jesus walked on this earth, the power of God was seen in what Jesus spoke and did in obedience to the Father. His kingdom was not of this earth ... not a physical kingdom that could be seen by the natural eye. Jesus said ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
And so it is with us. The power of God is seen as we speak and do those things given to us by God ... not according to the wisdom of man or things of the flesh .... that we might glory in God and not in the flesh ....
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
=====================================
Surprises from God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Several years ago, I was speaking with my contractor, Tom, and he began telling me how upset he was with all the stories about pedophiles among the Catholic priests. Tom said he even thought about leaving the Catholic Church because of this.
I replied, "Well ... if they let their priests marry there wouldn't be as much trouble."
Tom said, "OH, I don't know about letting priests marry."
I said, "Peter was married."
Tom became visibly shaken ... (I had no idea the Catholic Church was built on the doctrine that priests couldn't marry because Peter wasn't married.)
Tom almost shouted ... "?Peter was married?"
I said, "Yes, Peter had a mother-in-law who was ill and Jesus healed her and she got up and served them."
And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. Mt. 8
Pam and I were talking about this and I was sharing this with her and she broke up laughing again at this story which she had heard before, because Pam had been Catholic and said all her life she had heard the doctrine that priests couldn't marry because Peter wasn't married.
I had no idea when I said this to Tom that the Catholic church built their doctrine on this subject of Peter not being married!
But God knows when we don't know, and often I've found that God brings out of us the exact thing that will shake up or offend that person or group when their doctrine is false.
I was speaking once to an Assembly of God denomination. I always just try to yield to Holy Spirit when I speak so I never know what will come out. That night, I began speaking of how after I was born again, the Holy Spirit cast 3 devils out of me ... each time, this happened in the night as I slept and one of the examples was a double minded spirit that was skipping around in my chest cavity and ran directly into the Holy Spirit. The double minded spirit tried to dart back and hide but the Holy Spirit just kept saying, "I see you ... come out of her ... you must go ... you must go ... you must go." As that double minded spirit left me I began coughing like a choking sensation.
After I spoke this, I noticed a strange reaction from the congregation. Later I learned they had been taught that evil spirits cannot live in a person who has the Holy Spirit. (Wrong doctrine!)
God hits the people exactly where it reaches them when we yield to Holy Spirit and give examples brought to our mind as we speak to them.
========================================================================
Several years ago, I was speaking with my contractor, Tom, and he began telling me how upset he was with all the stories about pedophiles among the Catholic priests. Tom said he even thought about leaving the Catholic Church because of this.
I replied, "Well ... if they let their priests marry there wouldn't be as much trouble."
Tom said, "OH, I don't know about letting priests marry."
I said, "Peter was married."
Tom became visibly shaken ... (I had no idea the Catholic Church was built on the doctrine that priests couldn't marry because Peter wasn't married.)
Tom almost shouted ... "?Peter was married?"
I said, "Yes, Peter had a mother-in-law who was ill and Jesus healed her and she got up and served them."
And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. Mt. 8
Pam and I were talking about this and I was sharing this with her and she broke up laughing again at this story which she had heard before, because Pam had been Catholic and said all her life she had heard the doctrine that priests couldn't marry because Peter wasn't married.
I had no idea when I said this to Tom that the Catholic church built their doctrine on this subject of Peter not being married!
But God knows when we don't know, and often I've found that God brings out of us the exact thing that will shake up or offend that person or group when their doctrine is false.
I was speaking once to an Assembly of God denomination. I always just try to yield to Holy Spirit when I speak so I never know what will come out. That night, I began speaking of how after I was born again, the Holy Spirit cast 3 devils out of me ... each time, this happened in the night as I slept and one of the examples was a double minded spirit that was skipping around in my chest cavity and ran directly into the Holy Spirit. The double minded spirit tried to dart back and hide but the Holy Spirit just kept saying, "I see you ... come out of her ... you must go ... you must go ... you must go." As that double minded spirit left me I began coughing like a choking sensation.
After I spoke this, I noticed a strange reaction from the congregation. Later I learned they had been taught that evil spirits cannot live in a person who has the Holy Spirit. (Wrong doctrine!)
God hits the people exactly where it reaches them when we yield to Holy Spirit and give examples brought to our mind as we speak to them.
========================================================================
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)