Psalm 94:17-18 ... Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had
almost dwelt in silence. 18When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O
Lord, held me up.
Isaiah 46:3-4 ... 3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the
remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly,
which are carried from the womb: 4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry
you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver
you.
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Friday, April 19, 2013
Walk honestly toward those of the world
Pam Padgett ... teacher
This week I went to get my hair cut. The young woman who cut my hair asked me where I work, and I told her I was retired and had been a computer programmer before retiring. She asked how long I had to go to school to be a computer programmer. I shared with her how I had prayed about being bored in the job I was in and asked God if there was something I might do that would be more interesting to me, and how I was led to programming, getting a job after taking only a few classes. She showed no understanding of God having done this, and said I had really been lucky. I simply told her again that I believe God did this.
Later she asked me what I do during the day and I told her the few, simple things I usually do each day. Being of the world, what I do daily seemed to sound boring to this young woman. Then, after a pause, she excitedly told me I should travel and go all over the world.
After returning home, I recalled what she said about traveling and thought of how the flesh wants excitement and action. I was reminded of the counsel we are given to study to be quiet and to do our own business ...
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Being quiet (still, calm, not noisy), doing our own business, and working with our own hands are opposite ways to the ways of the flesh. As we go in this way, it doesn't make sense to those of the world.
And I marveled in the ways of God as I read that these things allow us to walk honestly toward those of the world and to have lack of nothing. In addition to honestly answering this young woman's questions, including telling a little of what God has done in my life, I felt that the cost of the haircut should have been more than she charged considering the time she spent (my hair is very thick, requiring more time). So I paid her more, what I felt was an honest amount.
The flesh leads in ways that often drain us physically and financially. Living a quiet life, tending to our own business, and working with our own hands as led by the Holy Spirit, we lack nothing and don't have financial pressures which would make us reluctant to deal honestly.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
This week I went to get my hair cut. The young woman who cut my hair asked me where I work, and I told her I was retired and had been a computer programmer before retiring. She asked how long I had to go to school to be a computer programmer. I shared with her how I had prayed about being bored in the job I was in and asked God if there was something I might do that would be more interesting to me, and how I was led to programming, getting a job after taking only a few classes. She showed no understanding of God having done this, and said I had really been lucky. I simply told her again that I believe God did this.
Later she asked me what I do during the day and I told her the few, simple things I usually do each day. Being of the world, what I do daily seemed to sound boring to this young woman. Then, after a pause, she excitedly told me I should travel and go all over the world.
After returning home, I recalled what she said about traveling and thought of how the flesh wants excitement and action. I was reminded of the counsel we are given to study to be quiet and to do our own business ...
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Being quiet (still, calm, not noisy), doing our own business, and working with our own hands are opposite ways to the ways of the flesh. As we go in this way, it doesn't make sense to those of the world.
And I marveled in the ways of God as I read that these things allow us to walk honestly toward those of the world and to have lack of nothing. In addition to honestly answering this young woman's questions, including telling a little of what God has done in my life, I felt that the cost of the haircut should have been more than she charged considering the time she spent (my hair is very thick, requiring more time). So I paid her more, what I felt was an honest amount.
The flesh leads in ways that often drain us physically and financially. Living a quiet life, tending to our own business, and working with our own hands as led by the Holy Spirit, we lack nothing and don't have financial pressures which would make us reluctant to deal honestly.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Way made for us to go directly to God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Mt. 27 ... Mt. 27 ... Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
This signifies that now the way was made for us to go directly to God without having to go through another person.
Now we go directly to God (through Jesus' sacrifice).
Mt. 27 ... Mt. 27 ... Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
This signifies that now the way was made for us to go directly to God without having to go through another person.
Prior
to this there was a high room hidden by a veil and the high priest went
in once a year with a sacrifice. The people could not go in.
But
now that veil of the temple is rent in two and all can see in and go in
when they belong to God and when they go in through Jesus, through HIS
sacrifice for them.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Hebrews 6:10-12 ... For God is not unrighteous to forget your
work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that
ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that
every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of
hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who
through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Psalm 19:1-6 ... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psalm 92:4 ... For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Psalm 19:1-6 ... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psalm 92:4 ... For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
The Holy Spirit guides us in truth
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Recently in a message Joan wrote ("Keeping flesh under control" on April 16) she spoke of how the flesh tells us how wonderful secular things are, but they are really of no profit. Reading this I recalled how my flesh did this very thing last week. I received an email telling how to sign up to access a web site for people who have retired from the FedEx data center as I had. Information about an upcoming celebration at the data center could be found on this web site. My flesh was immediately excited about this celebration, thoughts coming about how "fun" this event would be. Without any consideration, I submitted a request to access this web site.
But then I remembered to pray and ask God about going to this celebration, and started being reminded by the Holy Spirit of the reality of this upcoming celebration. When I was working, I had gone to some of these celebrations and they weren't fun for me. There were usually speakers exalting FedEx, telling how wonderful the company and its leaders are. There was a lot of time to "visit" with other people, but I had little in common with them other than work projects. I usually found myself trying to get back to my desk as soon as possible. Several times over the next few days thoughts of how fun this celebration would be came to my mind. Each time I turned to God, I was reminded of the truth. Being reminded of these things helped me keep my flesh from ruling over the situation, and I decided not to attend this celebration.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, bringing us truth even in secular things such as this, helping us not get carried away with lusts of the flesh.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Another example of being helped as the Holy Spirit brought truth in a secular matter ... when I first started working at FedEx (almost 25 years ago) my manager told me that FedEx had a "no lay-off" policy. He said that as long as I did a good job, my job was secure. As soon as he said this, however, the Holy Spirit spoke in a thought to me, telling me that if needed to financially survive, this company like others would lay-off employees. Whenever I heard of the no lay-off policy, I would be reminded of this again.
About 20 years later, a big downturn in the economy caused the company to lay off several people in the division I worked in. Many long-time employees were shocked and disturbed, questioning how lay-offs could happen when we had been told for so many years of the no lay-off policy. It was very comforting to me that the Holy Spirit had shown me the truth since the first time I was told of this policy.
Jesus told us the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. One way we are comforted (given assistance, support, help in time of need) is by being shown truth, allowing us to walk in that truth and avoid unnecessary trouble.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Recently in a message Joan wrote ("Keeping flesh under control" on April 16) she spoke of how the flesh tells us how wonderful secular things are, but they are really of no profit. Reading this I recalled how my flesh did this very thing last week. I received an email telling how to sign up to access a web site for people who have retired from the FedEx data center as I had. Information about an upcoming celebration at the data center could be found on this web site. My flesh was immediately excited about this celebration, thoughts coming about how "fun" this event would be. Without any consideration, I submitted a request to access this web site.
But then I remembered to pray and ask God about going to this celebration, and started being reminded by the Holy Spirit of the reality of this upcoming celebration. When I was working, I had gone to some of these celebrations and they weren't fun for me. There were usually speakers exalting FedEx, telling how wonderful the company and its leaders are. There was a lot of time to "visit" with other people, but I had little in common with them other than work projects. I usually found myself trying to get back to my desk as soon as possible. Several times over the next few days thoughts of how fun this celebration would be came to my mind. Each time I turned to God, I was reminded of the truth. Being reminded of these things helped me keep my flesh from ruling over the situation, and I decided not to attend this celebration.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, bringing us truth even in secular things such as this, helping us not get carried away with lusts of the flesh.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Another example of being helped as the Holy Spirit brought truth in a secular matter ... when I first started working at FedEx (almost 25 years ago) my manager told me that FedEx had a "no lay-off" policy. He said that as long as I did a good job, my job was secure. As soon as he said this, however, the Holy Spirit spoke in a thought to me, telling me that if needed to financially survive, this company like others would lay-off employees. Whenever I heard of the no lay-off policy, I would be reminded of this again.
About 20 years later, a big downturn in the economy caused the company to lay off several people in the division I worked in. Many long-time employees were shocked and disturbed, questioning how lay-offs could happen when we had been told for so many years of the no lay-off policy. It was very comforting to me that the Holy Spirit had shown me the truth since the first time I was told of this policy.
Jesus told us the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. One way we are comforted (given assistance, support, help in time of need) is by being shown truth, allowing us to walk in that truth and avoid unnecessary trouble.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Keep yourself unspotted from the world
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently I ran into a woman from Bridge Center where I once played bridge. I spoke to her but when she spoke to me I felt much hostility from her. It deeply grieved me.
I turned to God immediately asking Him to help me.
I thought of this on and off the remainder of the day and each time I thought of it, I asked God to help me.
I was reminded of the following scripture:
James 1:27 ... Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
I offended this woman over a secular matter ... not over the word of God. And I am very, very sorry I was ever a part of the strife.
I wrote the following to her and mailed it.
========
This woman is probably not born again. And I do wish the best for her and others. I wish they could be born again which is the very best thing that could even happen to you.
I left the Bridge Center over a year ago and no longer play bridge. I do not want to put myself in situations where I am trying to beat other people and win out in the flesh by competition and achievement. Instead I deliberately avoid personal achievement and when I left Bridge Center I made my personal goal as follows: Phil. 2 ... 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,
I have offended many in the past. When it is over a secular matter, I'm ashamed for ever being involved.
II Peter 3 ... But 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.
Recently I ran into a woman from Bridge Center where I once played bridge. I spoke to her but when she spoke to me I felt much hostility from her. It deeply grieved me.
I turned to God immediately asking Him to help me.
I thought of this on and off the remainder of the day and each time I thought of it, I asked God to help me.
I was reminded of the following scripture:
James 1:27 ... Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
I offended this woman over a secular matter ... not over the word of God. And I am very, very sorry I was ever a part of the strife.
I wrote the following to her and mailed it.
========
4-17-13
Cheryl,
When I saw you yesterday, I realized I had offended you.
I'm very sorry.
Please forgive me and know I wish only best for you and others.
Joan Boney
========
This woman is probably not born again. And I do wish the best for her and others. I wish they could be born again which is the very best thing that could even happen to you.
The hatred that came to me from her was strong. I know I opened doors for devils by striving with her over this secular matter. Hopefully what I wrote to her will close those doors of hatred in her heart But writing her is all I knew to do to try to stop this. And it probably puts me in the right position in my heart toward her. (Also I wrote same thing to 3 others I offended over secular things.)
Everything I wrote is done in truth. That is very important. We must act in truth. I am sorry I was ever involved in the matter. I am sorry I offended her over a secular thing. I do not wish her nor anyone else ill because of my foolishness.
==========
I left the Bridge Center over a year ago and no longer play bridge. I do not want to put myself in situations where I am trying to beat other people and win out in the flesh by competition and achievement. Instead I deliberately avoid personal achievement and when I left Bridge Center I made my personal goal as follows: Phil. 2 ... 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,
==========
I have offended many in the past. When it is over a secular matter, I'm ashamed for ever being involved.
When I offend them over the Word of God, I am not ashamed. Offense will come when we speak truth from God. But when we strive over secular things it is evil and I repent and am sorry for my part in such.
II Peter 3 ... But 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.
God's view of adultery against Himself
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
God chose Abraham and the nation of Israel and then the NT church to be HIS own, as a marriage in the Spirit.
In Jeremiah 3, God spoke of adultery against Himself.
Jeremiah 3 ... Jeremiah said ... The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. 7And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 8And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Those chosen by God made other gods for themselves and followed guides other than God.
Jeremiah 3:4 ... God says ... Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Our relationship with God is like a marriage "in the Spirit". To remain faithful to God, we must pay attention to that spoken by the Spirit of God. We must rightly divide the Word of God. To misuse scripture is a very fearful thing. And only by the Spirit of God can we rightly know the Word of God. And the Spirit of God is given to each one who believes in God today. Eph. 1
Jeremiah 3:9 ... And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 3:12-14 ... Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. 13Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jeremiah 3:20; 22 ... Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD...Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. 23Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
Jeremiah 3:21 ... for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
perverted means: having been corrupted or distorted from its original course or meaning.
In some churches today, their way is perverted by withholding portions of scripture from the congregation.
There is a church group in USA which loves a portion of Acts 2:38 ... and they quote it frequently ... but they remove a portion of that scripture.
Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
They remove the end portion of Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
My own cousin attends this denomination and a few months ago she said they know they have omitted the part about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and they do not quote this part of that scripture because they do not want to hurt the faith of the older people in that denomination since they have taught it another way for so long.
This is terrible. I believe this is a form of adultery against God as HE spoke of in Jeremiah 3.
When we add to or take away from the Word of God to suit ourselves, we depart from God and make our own preferences our lover. And we set up our own idols in our heart.
It is a very fearful thing to cast away scripture you don't understand or to cling to traditions taught by your ancestors when the Bible teaches something else. How can this not be adultery against God?
God chose Abraham and the nation of Israel and then the NT church to be HIS own, as a marriage in the Spirit.
In Jeremiah 3, God spoke of adultery against Himself.
Jeremiah 3 ... Jeremiah said ... The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. 7And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 8And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Those chosen by God made other gods for themselves and followed guides other than God.
Jeremiah 3:4 ... God says ... Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Our relationship with God is like a marriage "in the Spirit". To remain faithful to God, we must pay attention to that spoken by the Spirit of God. We must rightly divide the Word of God. To misuse scripture is a very fearful thing. And only by the Spirit of God can we rightly know the Word of God. And the Spirit of God is given to each one who believes in God today. Eph. 1
Jeremiah 3:9 ... And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 3:12-14 ... Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. 13Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jeremiah 3:20; 22 ... Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD...Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. 23Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
Jeremiah 3:21 ... for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
perverted means: having been corrupted or distorted from its original course or meaning.
In some churches today, their way is perverted by withholding portions of scripture from the congregation.
There is a church group in USA which loves a portion of Acts 2:38 ... and they quote it frequently ... but they remove a portion of that scripture.
Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
They remove the end portion of Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
My own cousin attends this denomination and a few months ago she said they know they have omitted the part about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and they do not quote this part of that scripture because they do not want to hurt the faith of the older people in that denomination since they have taught it another way for so long.
This is terrible. I believe this is a form of adultery against God as HE spoke of in Jeremiah 3.
When we add to or take away from the Word of God to suit ourselves, we depart from God and make our own preferences our lover. And we set up our own idols in our heart.
It is a very fearful thing to cast away scripture you don't understand or to cling to traditions taught by your ancestors when the Bible teaches something else. How can this not be adultery against God?
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Psalm 90:2 ... Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever
thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God.
Baptism without repentance doesn't work
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
When I was 15-years-old, I went forth at church and was baptized. There was no change at all in me nor in my life.
When I was 37-years-old, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in form of a thought saying, "Joan ... you know these mistakes you've been making all these years? ... Those weren't mistakes. ... Those were sins."
I was shocked... and changed immediately ... This was the power of the Holy Spirit who convinces the world of sin.
Jesus said ... And when he (The Spirit of truth/the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Jn. 16:8
Recently I was reading Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When I was baptized the first time, when I was fifteen, I didn't repent because I didn't recognize sin in me. The Holy Spirit was not doing the work to convict me of sin. Therefore I couldn't repent. All I seemed to hear from preacher that night was to be baptized. Since I didn't want to go to hell, I went forward and was baptized. There was no Holy Spirit involved.
But after the Holy Spirit spoke to me when I was thirty-seven, there was real change. Then the second time I was baptized, when I was lowered into the water, the Holy Spirit said to me, in form of thought, "This is like being buried with Christ". When I came out of the water, the Holy Spirit said to me, "This is like being raised with Christ."
I didn't know Romans 6 at that time but Romans 6 is what the Holy Spirit preached to me when I was baptized the second time.
Romans 6...Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
When I was 15-years-old, I went forth at church and was baptized. There was no change at all in me nor in my life.
When I was 37-years-old, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in form of a thought saying, "Joan ... you know these mistakes you've been making all these years? ... Those weren't mistakes. ... Those were sins."
I was shocked... and changed immediately ... This was the power of the Holy Spirit who convinces the world of sin.
Jesus said ... And when he (The Spirit of truth/the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Jn. 16:8
Recently I was reading Acts 2:38 ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When I was baptized the first time, when I was fifteen, I didn't repent because I didn't recognize sin in me. The Holy Spirit was not doing the work to convict me of sin. Therefore I couldn't repent. All I seemed to hear from preacher that night was to be baptized. Since I didn't want to go to hell, I went forward and was baptized. There was no Holy Spirit involved.
But after the Holy Spirit spoke to me when I was thirty-seven, there was real change. Then the second time I was baptized, when I was lowered into the water, the Holy Spirit said to me, in form of thought, "This is like being buried with Christ". When I came out of the water, the Holy Spirit said to me, "This is like being raised with Christ."
I didn't know Romans 6 at that time but Romans 6 is what the Holy Spirit preached to me when I was baptized the second time.
Romans 6...Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Mark 11:25-26 ... And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have
ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive
you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your
Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Let God establish our ways
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
Joseph was a just man, wanting to do what was right and upright in the sight of God. Joseph considered quietly putting Mary away from him. But as he considered what to do, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream telling him about the son Mary would have and instructing Joseph in what to do ....
Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Joseph was obedient to what he was told to do by the angel of the Lord ...
Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
It stood out to me that Joseph pondered the path of his feet, desiring to do what was right in the sight of God, and allowing God to establish what he should do. Once God's will was established for Joseph, he went in that way.
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Our own ideas can seem so "right" to us. But the only thing that is important is what God wants us to do, to turn to God and wait for Him to establish the way we are to go.
It takes trust in God to do this, trusting that He will show us His will in a way that we will understand, and waiting until this is done. Once we believe we have heard God's will in the situation (asking God to confirm we have heard from the Holy Spirit, not another spirit, if we're not sure), we then move forward in the way we are shown.
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
Joseph was a just man, wanting to do what was right and upright in the sight of God. Joseph considered quietly putting Mary away from him. But as he considered what to do, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream telling him about the son Mary would have and instructing Joseph in what to do ....
Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Joseph was obedient to what he was told to do by the angel of the Lord ...
Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
It stood out to me that Joseph pondered the path of his feet, desiring to do what was right in the sight of God, and allowing God to establish what he should do. Once God's will was established for Joseph, he went in that way.
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Our own ideas can seem so "right" to us. But the only thing that is important is what God wants us to do, to turn to God and wait for Him to establish the way we are to go.
It takes trust in God to do this, trusting that He will show us His will in a way that we will understand, and waiting until this is done. Once we believe we have heard God's will in the situation (asking God to confirm we have heard from the Holy Spirit, not another spirit, if we're not sure), we then move forward in the way we are shown.
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Keeping flesh under control
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
We who are of God are kept by the Spirit of God.
We will be going along and all of a sudden we will be reminded of something, usually a scripture ... sometimes a dream ... or we will be given a word ... and by this we see the wisdom of God in the situation.
And as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God ... Rom. 8
So as we stop and heed that word given by the Spirit and do what it says, we are led by the Spirit of God. And by this we know we are the sons of God.
-----------
But also we have to keep our flesh under control as we live here.
We will decide to do some secular thing, but always we keep in mind these secular things are only temporary and though the flesh tries to tell us they are wonderful, basically they profit nothing. (The Spirit quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing...Jn. 6:63)
But it is important to keep that in mind so we will not be swept away by the seemingly wonders of the flesh as the world is swept away.
I Cor. 12 ... Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
I Cor. 9 ... Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
A few days ago, the following scripture kept going through my mind over and over ... "HIS pleasures are for evermore ..."
Psa. 16 ... Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
So as we go along, we remember the difference between the "dumb idols" the world follows ... all the various secular enjoyments that seem so enjoyable but perish quickly vs HIS pleasures which are for evermore, a word from the Spirit of God would be one of HIS pleasures and many more pleasures invisible to us lie in store for us with God.
Like Paul, we need to "keep under our bodies and bring them into subjection", not allowing the flesh to carry us away. It is only temporary and it will never satisfy. We will just want more.
As we are tempted in the flesh, we turn to God in prayer, asking God for HIS help.
I Cor. 10 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Yesterday I watched the Master's Golf Tournament on TV. But all the time I was aware of the idolatry and I thought often of how little this really means. I did not take part in the idolatry because I knew what they were doing meant nothing. The people of the world think their various idolatries are so important. They will find out it means nothing. My neighbor was dying of cancer a few years ago. Before he died, he looked at me and said, "Joan ... I've decided it really doesn't matter who wins the Super Bowl."
Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Jn. 18
When we learn this concept ... and our kingdom is not of this world ... we will stop striving to perfect this present life. The only thing we do now that matters is the assignment God has given us to do on this earth.
One of the most freeing things I've ever learned is to live by "my kingdom is not of this world" ...
(Please read "My kingdom is not of this world" page one, right hand side of Internet site.)
We who are of God are kept by the Spirit of God.
We will be going along and all of a sudden we will be reminded of something, usually a scripture ... sometimes a dream ... or we will be given a word ... and by this we see the wisdom of God in the situation.
And as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God ... Rom. 8
So as we stop and heed that word given by the Spirit and do what it says, we are led by the Spirit of God. And by this we know we are the sons of God.
-----------
But also we have to keep our flesh under control as we live here.
We will decide to do some secular thing, but always we keep in mind these secular things are only temporary and though the flesh tries to tell us they are wonderful, basically they profit nothing. (The Spirit quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing...Jn. 6:63)
But it is important to keep that in mind so we will not be swept away by the seemingly wonders of the flesh as the world is swept away.
I Cor. 12 ... Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
I Cor. 9 ... Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
A few days ago, the following scripture kept going through my mind over and over ... "HIS pleasures are for evermore ..."
Psa. 16 ... Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
So as we go along, we remember the difference between the "dumb idols" the world follows ... all the various secular enjoyments that seem so enjoyable but perish quickly vs HIS pleasures which are for evermore, a word from the Spirit of God would be one of HIS pleasures and many more pleasures invisible to us lie in store for us with God.
Like Paul, we need to "keep under our bodies and bring them into subjection", not allowing the flesh to carry us away. It is only temporary and it will never satisfy. We will just want more.
As we are tempted in the flesh, we turn to God in prayer, asking God for HIS help.
I Cor. 10 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Yesterday I watched the Master's Golf Tournament on TV. But all the time I was aware of the idolatry and I thought often of how little this really means. I did not take part in the idolatry because I knew what they were doing meant nothing. The people of the world think their various idolatries are so important. They will find out it means nothing. My neighbor was dying of cancer a few years ago. Before he died, he looked at me and said, "Joan ... I've decided it really doesn't matter who wins the Super Bowl."
Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Jn. 18
When we learn this concept ... and our kingdom is not of this world ... we will stop striving to perfect this present life. The only thing we do now that matters is the assignment God has given us to do on this earth.
One of the most freeing things I've ever learned is to live by "my kingdom is not of this world" ...
(Please read "My kingdom is not of this world" page one, right hand side of Internet site.)
Monday, April 15, 2013
Scripture: Shared by body of Christ
Luke 12:35-38 ... Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Instruction from God does not fail
Pam Padgett ... teacher
John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Although they had been fishing all night, Peter and the others with him caught nothing. Then Jesus spoke to them and told them what to do. When they did as Jesus instructed, they caught a multitude of fish.
Then Jesus told them to bring the fish they had caught, and Peter drew the net to land. Although the net was full of great fishes, it did not break. .....
John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
As they obeyed the instructions given by Jesus, they found fish and brought them to shore, just as Jesus said. What Jesus told them to do worked.
I was reminded of a situation I faced several years ago. While working as a computer programmer, we had been working on a fairly complex project for several months. Two days before the final tests were to start, I was told that additional, very complex functionality needed to be included in the system before the tests could start. I worked many hours trying to see a way to add this, but without success. There seemed nothing to do but delay the entire project by several more months. I dreaded giving this report the following morning, and poured out my concerns to God.
That night I woke with very clear instructions about how to provide the additional functionality with just a few additional lines of code. I believe God brought this information to me. It took only about an hour to make and test the changes, and it worked perfectly.
When we hear from God what to do and do that, even in secular things such as this, His instruction will work.
John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Although they had been fishing all night, Peter and the others with him caught nothing. Then Jesus spoke to them and told them what to do. When they did as Jesus instructed, they caught a multitude of fish.
Then Jesus told them to bring the fish they had caught, and Peter drew the net to land. Although the net was full of great fishes, it did not break. .....
John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
As they obeyed the instructions given by Jesus, they found fish and brought them to shore, just as Jesus said. What Jesus told them to do worked.
I was reminded of a situation I faced several years ago. While working as a computer programmer, we had been working on a fairly complex project for several months. Two days before the final tests were to start, I was told that additional, very complex functionality needed to be included in the system before the tests could start. I worked many hours trying to see a way to add this, but without success. There seemed nothing to do but delay the entire project by several more months. I dreaded giving this report the following morning, and poured out my concerns to God.
That night I woke with very clear instructions about how to provide the additional functionality with just a few additional lines of code. I believe God brought this information to me. It took only about an hour to make and test the changes, and it worked perfectly.
When we hear from God what to do and do that, even in secular things such as this, His instruction will work.
Peace in Jesus/trouble in world
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jn. 16:33
The phone rings. Caller ID shows it is some business that frequently calls. You pick up phone to ask to have your name removed. It is amazing how much trouble you encounter by picking up the phone.
Jesus guarantees we will have trouble in the world.
We go out for a simple task. Often we run into trouble we did not expect. And we feel terrible about that trouble.
But always in Jesus, in what HE speaks to us by HIS Spirit there is peace.
We have light and darkness in these examples and light and darkness are not compatible so we expect trouble between light and darkness.
We always overcome and become stable through the Word HE gives us. In the world we will have trouble. It is normal and to be expected.
I Peter 2 ... Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Rejoice in HIS mercy which has made us different.
Jesus said: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jn. 16:33
The phone rings. Caller ID shows it is some business that frequently calls. You pick up phone to ask to have your name removed. It is amazing how much trouble you encounter by picking up the phone.
Jesus guarantees we will have trouble in the world.
We go out for a simple task. Often we run into trouble we did not expect. And we feel terrible about that trouble.
But always in Jesus, in what HE speaks to us by HIS Spirit there is peace.
We have light and darkness in these examples and light and darkness are not compatible so we expect trouble between light and darkness.
We always overcome and become stable through the Word HE gives us. In the world we will have trouble. It is normal and to be expected.
I Peter 2 ... Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Rejoice in HIS mercy which has made us different.
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