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| Holding Fast to what we've received [message #6108 is a reply to message #6105] |
Fri, 02 October 2009 15:46   |
 james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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We have been given SO much, the Word of God has been faithfully preached/taught/expounded to us. I was studying and contemplating about 'studying'(II Tim.2:15) and rightly 'dividing' the Word of truth. Paul, in I Corinthians 15, is reminding the church at Corinth to hold on to, keep in memory, what I have preached unto you. I believe The Lord would have us be reminded of that which we have been taught, He didn't give us this knowledge and understanding of His Word to see us slowly fall by the wayside.
My heart is burdened as I see so many who once embraced the message of the Gospel, of faith, of deliverance, of divine health, of holiness, the crucified life; turning their backs altogether or compromising to the point they no longer can discern between the path God set us on and the path that the world is traveling down.
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I declare into you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved,if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."
How many times were we warned by The Lord through Bro.Freeman? We're to be separate from this world, we live in a country saturated with 'churches' yet there's nothing that distinguishes between believers and nonbelievers, for the most part, they all act and live alike.(Oh! The 'believer' goes to church on Sunday)
The time is closer than when we first believed, Jesus is at the door...remember, the darkest hour is alway just before the dawn.
Now is the time to shore up that which is weak, to make our calling and election sure, to bear down and get serious. Our adversary, the devil, is as a roaring lion seeking to devour whom he may...we must resist, steadfast in the faith. The Lord would encourage us, brothers and sisters, Eph.6:10-18 Put on the whole armour of God, for without it we won't be able to withstand the devils wiles.
Again in Colossians 1 verses 21-23 Paul writes:
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled
In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard..."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth [message #6110 is a reply to message #6108] |
Sun, 04 October 2009 15:41 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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II Timothy 2:15 contains a wealth of instruction and encouragemet. There are 3 things shown here that there could be in depth teachings on; 1.'studying to show ourselves approved unto God'; 2.'how to avoid being ashamed before God'; 3.'and how to rightly divide The Word of God'.
I have been pondering and praying about 'rightly dividing The Word of Truth' lately because through the 'Christianity Explored' study group I've met people who have been taught that what the Bible says isn't what it means. Or that it only applied to the time frame to which it was written(and they're sincere). A student of divinity(planning to be a seminary educated pastor, currently attending the seminary) told me that the 'gifts of The Spirit' aren't for the church today, that speaking in tongues ceased around 70 AD, once the NT church had been established. He says that God 'can' heal supernaturally, but doesn't because He gave the gift to heal to the doctors.
So quoting God's Word to people who have dispensationalized it, or are cessationist(believing the gifts ceased after Acts) seems to have no effect. They just say it's not for today and go on their way...to figuring new ways to 'grow' their churches, raise funds for programs, and reach the lost, sick, and suffering; without the power to do anything to help them once they get them into 'church'. They have no power because they're DENYING it.(II Tim.3:5)
So when in James chapter 5 and verses 13 through 16 we're told:
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Now this Word of Truth concerning divine healing, plus the many other scriptures given werein God promises healing and health to believers who will receive it by faith, has been deemed 'not for today'. Yet John 3:16 has been decided to be believed as 'for today'. So today we find people who are 'studying', yet are going to be VERY ashamed when facing God on the day of judgement, because they HAVEN'T 'rightly divided The Word of Truth'. Could it be said that some are '...Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth' II Tim.3:7
I spent a considerable amount of time sharing my testimony of how The Lord has healed, protected, provided for, delivered, and saved me; how He placed His Spirit within me, The Spirit of Truth with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I shared how God's promises ARE for today, that when The Bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, it's true; but it can only be received through FAITH...we MUST believe it to be true BEFORE we see it come to life in our lives.
To which I got quoted something a 'church founding father' wrote in 1800 that their denomination is based upon, thus, in his mind, nulifying the sovereign Word of God. That's a tragedy, and the seminaries and denominational system is filled with people who believe and teach this. As they go about 'planting' churches and establishing programs to draw converts, not converts to follow after Christ, but converts to their belief system.
May God raise up men who aren't afraid to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing The Word of Truth...with signs and wonders confirming The Word.
Mercy Father, mercy...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6121 is a reply to message #6110] |
Mon, 12 October 2009 22:16 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our confidence...
Hebrews 10:35-39
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
My faith has been challenged lately, not by people who don't even profess Christ; but by people who believe they're Christians and confess to be. It seems that if a person actually BELIEVES what God's Word says, and lives like it, then not only does the heathen rage, but those who are suppose to be in The Body of Christ will come against the very Word of God they say they believe.
But I'm not drawing back(I've made that mistake before, compromising due to either my own selfish will, or the lack of confidence to stand alone in the face of ridicule and peer pressure.) We've been given so much truth, yet many among us have departed from it.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a reminder, as well as an encouragement, not to give in to this snare of Satan. We should be FILLED with confidence, just by what God has done and continues to do in our lives; but we not only have these experiences of God's faithfulness, we have the recorded history of God fullfilling His promises from Abel, to Enoch, to Noah, to Abraham, and all the way to giving us the Messiah, Jesus to redeem us from our sins.
I believe The Lord would have us to encourage one another and pray that we remember in Whom we've believed, and to remember that He's more than able to keep that which we've commited to Him, even the saving of our souls. To exercise the FAITH we've received, to be bold in The Lord, knowing that our confidence is not in any man or systems of men, but our confidence is in The Lord and it doesn't matter if NO ONE else believes, God is faithful to perform every single promise He made...to those who will BELIEVE.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6126 is a reply to message #6121] |
Fri, 16 October 2009 14:43 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Overcoming Discouragement...
I was reading in I Kings 18-19 where Elijah had gotten discouraged after he had experienced God's power and anointing when calling down fire from heaven to consume the burnt sacrifice on the altar. After the false prophets of Ba'al were killed Elijah went into the wilderness and stayed in a cave to get away from Jezebel(she didn't like him killing her prophets)
In verse 14 of I Kings 19, Elijah told The Lord; "...I have been very jealous for The Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."
God encouraged Elijah by first reminding him that he wasn't alone; verse 18 of chapter 19..."Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Ba'al, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." And second, by providing him with a helper, friend, and companion; Elisha.
I believe there's encouragement to be found in this account of what Elijah went through, for us today. It's easy to become discouraged, but we must remember that discouragement is a snare of the devil. We must focus on Jesus, His faithfulness in our past as well as His promise to keep us unto the end. Maybe things aren't happening like they did 25-30 years ago in our lives(maybe for some they are,if they are you should be giving God the glory and testifying about it to encourage others), maybe some of us feel like we're in that 'cave' in the wilderness...but even if that's true, remember, God sent an angel to feed Elijah. And he used that time to rest and strenghten himself for what lay ahead.
We, most of us, believe we're in the last days; are we using the time given us to prepare for what lies ahead? We can't become discouraged by what goes on around us, that only plays right into satans hand.
I believe The Lord would have us be encouraged, we're not alone, even though it may at times seem like it, there's an end-time army that God is preparing, who have not bowed their knees to the God of this world. The time is nearer than when we first believed, let us not become weary in well doing. He promised NEVER to leave us or forsake us...Remember our promise to Him? We said we'd never forsake Him, we promised to never let go of that plow handle, we said not our wills, but thine, O Lord. Stir up that which has been placed within us, it doesn't matter what's happening to the 'left' or the 'right', if we're dwelling in the secret place of The Most High...SURELY He shall deliver thee...
Remember the song we used to sing? 'Thou hast turn my mourning into dancing'.
Remember how it ends? 'To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.'
In the middle it says, 'Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness'...This song was written by David and is found in Psalms 30:11-12
We can't be discouraged while singing unto The Lord, while praying in The Spirit, while giving thanks unto God, while sharing The Word of God with others, or while focusing on Jesus. What is the victory that overcometh the world? Even our faith.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6136 is a reply to message #6126] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 22:04 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Living Water...
How many times have we confessed to being in a 'dry place' or wandering around in the wilderness. Yet Jesus said in John 7:37-38 "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
I have asked The Lord to forgive me for confessing that as well as the mindset that was behind it. If I'm 'dry', it's my own fault, I've either allowed sin to disrupt my relationship with God my Father, or have just not been 'drinking' from the fountain of life, God's Holy Word(which is also a sin).
I was reading in Jeremiah chapter 2 where God had Jeremiah to go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem and ask them why they had departed from God. The children of Israel had forgotten who had delivered them from Egypt, led them through the deserts, fed them with good things; yet they were once again in a place of spiritual rebellion against Him. Verse 13 says: "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
The only reason for us to ever experience a 'dry spell' is because we exchanged the fountain of living water for a man-made source of water, a broken cistern. We don't need to run all over the country to conferences, retreats, seminars, and read all the latest books on the latest movements; we have available to us 'The source of living water' from which if a man will drink, he shall never thirst. It's residing within us, if it wasn't, then it couldn't flow out from us.
I don't think it would be too far of a jump to conclude that if we're drinking from broken cisterns(man-made water sources), then we don't have rivers of living water flowing from us. Thus when we find ourselves in a dry place, feeling like we're in a desert, God's Word tells us that we have forsaken Him and are drinking from cisterns that produce water that doesn't quench our thirst.
It's amazing what The Lord will show us if we'll just set our heart to seek Him, " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6146 is a reply to message #6136] |
Sat, 24 October 2009 15:38 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Yet will I rejoice...
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet will I rejoice in The Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18
Self-explanatory...
Praise YOU Jesus! Thank YOU...Thank YOU...Thank YOU...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Holding Fast to what we've received [message #6148 is a reply to message #6147] |
Sun, 25 October 2009 03:02 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Hi ineterer,
I remember you mentioning this site a year or so ago, seems like I went to it and listened to some sermons. The testimonies were a blessing to hear as well. I wasn't a member of FA in Indiana, but a 'body' located in Clanton, Al. I was on Bro Freeman's automatics and considered what he taught to be the truth sent from The Lord.(STILL DO) I am aware of the legalism that people got off into, but I personally never thought it was him teaching it, as much as the members placing burdens on each other.(also, I believe several of the '5-fold' that went out from FA might have taught legalism, I'm sure there was some bondage and legalistic additudes that I have had...but I don't blame Bro. Freeman for it, more than anyone else, it was my own over zealousness)
I'm glad you've found a place to be feed, and that you've been set free from any bondage you were under. I will go back and check out this site again when I have some time, but for some reason I keep thinking that there was a problem with the preachers' theology about the Godhead.
I don't know if you know Bro. Tom Hamilton, but he has a web site that I posted the link to, and he has some good solid teachings on there. (it's not legalistic to me, it's pretty close to what Bro. Freeman taught, based on what I've heard so far...faith, holiness, divine healing, crucified life...the whole council of God)
What I was saying in my post was a reminder for us to hold fast to that which we have received, because so many have, for whatever excuse they use, departed from the Word we once received with joy and thanksgiving. THE WORD hasn't changed, it will still set us free, deliver, heal, transform us into the image of Christ. Yeah, anything we allowed in our lives that lead to bondage should be shed, but the core teachings and deep truths God revealed through Bro. Freeman shouldn't be rejected just because some got off track and put burdens on others.
Recently someone stated to me that we were basicly a few stragglers trying to 'pick up the pieces' from the glory days; I hope that isn't where everyone's mindset is, we need to put the negative things that happened behind us and move forward. It's been 25 years, most of us are in our 50's and 60's, isn't it about time we quit whinning and allowing satan to keep us focused on the negative or reminiscing about the 'glory days', thus robbing many of their faith and what God wants to be doing in our lives NOW. Living in the past isn't healthy; remembering God's faithfulness to fullfill His promises in the past is great, but expecting Him to it now is what He desires.
FAITH IS, not was...
God bless,
james
I did go to Americas Last Days, and there is a lot of truth being shared there. But I would caution anyone to be discerning whenever gleaning through what people write on web sites. There is a good bit of emphases placed on Numerics, and while I'm not discounting the way numbers line up or equal to amazing things in The Bible, Numerics DO NOT PROVE THE WORD OF GOD TRUE, The Word of God is TRUE because God says it is. It was true from the time He spoke IT, and the 'discovery' in the mid 1900's by the genius math guy, isn't a revelation by God offering mankind 'PROOF' that His Word is true.
[Updated on: Sun, 25 October 2009 17:41]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Bulletin Board [message #6163 is a reply to message #6149] |
Fri, 30 October 2009 15:22 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The real enemy...
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:11-12
Paul goes on to remind us of what the whole armour encompasses; our loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, sheild of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is The Word of God. And even with all this, he says to be praying always in the Spirit...watching with all perseverance. (remember the watchman Is.21:11 & Is.62:6 )
So he is reminding us of who our real enemies are, they aren't people, though people can be an instrument in Satan's hand, our real enemies are the forces of darkness, Satan and his demons. At this time of year with the 'celebration' of halloween and everyone caught up in it, let's not lose sight of who the enemy is and remember he was defeated at Calvary.
We, as Christian who know the truth, have power over the enemy through the Blood of Jesus and by praying in the Spirit. We should be praying for one another and focusing our warfare against the real enemy, Satan; and not allowing him to distract us by warring in the flesh against flesh and blood.( which is one of his wiles )
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6166 is a reply to message #6163] |
Sat, 31 October 2009 10:06 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A Defeated Enemy...
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15
Just a reminder for us all, while Satan is our enemy, he was defeated at Calvary. And being defeated by Jesus he has no power over us as Christians unless we allow it. We're told in James 4:7 "...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." And in Ephesians 4:27 "Neither give place to the devil."
We already have been given the victory, through the shed Blood of Jesus at Calvary...
Thank you Jesus.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6173 is a reply to message #6166] |
Tue, 03 November 2009 14:17 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Continuing in the faith...
Paul, in Colossians chapter one is describing what all Jesus has done, both in the creation of all thiings in the earth, as well as His sacrifice of Himself on our behalf. And in verses 20 through 23 it says;
"And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled
In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreproveable in His sight:
IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven..." Colossians 1:20-23
Continuing in the faith is not just starting out believing and then forsaking it because of the cares of this world, or because God didn't do something according to our agenda. Being grounded and settled is a requirement of true faith. Remember what James wrote; "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."
Ps.119:89 "For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven."
We can't continue in the faith(or for that matter, even BE in faith) unless we are GROUNDED in The Word and have it SETTLED in our hearts.
Brothers and sisters, we are in the last days, as we witness the decline of America in the fullfillment of God's plan( NO, Americas' best days don't lay ahead, those are false prophecies from false prophets) and as the man made church system is exposed for what it is; we can have confidence that if we'll abide IN Him and continue in the faith that been delivered unto us, grounded and settled, that only with our eyes shall see and behold the reward of the wicked.
For what purpose did Jesus do this, Reconciliation?
" ... to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight."
[Updated on: Tue, 03 November 2009 14:23]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6178 is a reply to message #6173] |
Wed, 04 November 2009 17:30 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Guaranteed Fruit ...
We all desire to produce good fruit in our Christian walk; God has given us instruction on how to...and He guarantees it.
Psalms 1:1-3 " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, or sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
He instructs us to delight in His law and meditate in it both day and night. Also he promises the man who refuses to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scornful people; that he will be blessed. We're told if we 'take heed' to this instruction, then we'll bring forth fruit in our season.
I've heard Christians say they need 'down time' to relax and enjoy themselves, or as some have said, 'I get bored talking about religious stuff all the time'...I'm sure guilty of not delighting and meditating 'day and night'...Well, according to The Word of God, that, plus possibly taking counsel of ungodly men, could certainly answer the question as to why there's not more fruit being produced in our lives.
My confession is that I DELIGHT in the Law of The Lord, and upon His Word do I meditate both day and night...IT refreshes and renews my mind daily, and that I'm like a tree planted by rivers of water, LIVING WATER, my roots go deep and I am blessed...Thank you, Jesus
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6181 is a reply to message #6178] |
Thu, 05 November 2009 02:53 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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Thank you James for the reminder of not walking in the counsel of the ungodly, but if we would meditate in the word of the Lord, and have it be our delight we wouldn't even look to the counsel of the ungodly, but rather the Lord would bring forth fruit and we would prosper. God has promised to lead and guide us on our path while in this life, but too often I have looked to man for help, rather than the counsel of the Lord. Even now at work I am in a situation where now I can see the counsel of the ungodly will only lead to empty answers, but by the counsel of the Lord and some godly friends the answer is to overcome and pray for those involved. The scripture you shared reminded of this.
When you go on to read in Ps. 1:4-6 "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungoldly shall not stand in the judgment, not sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
Very sobering thoughts on the how God views the ungodly. For myself I needed to be reminded of who my enemy is, as it is not other people, but as we heard in another place it is the powers of darkness.
I can lay claim to the promise of Ps 1:1-3, and trust the Lord to lead and guide me in His word and will, and not give in to the counsel of the ungodly, but rather delight in the law of the Lord!
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6185 is a reply to message #6181] |
Sun, 08 November 2009 13:20 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
IN every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:16-22
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6256 is a reply to message #6185] |
Tue, 17 November 2009 13:54 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Peculiar People...
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority..." Titus 2:11-15
Are we peculiar? Do we stand out as different among others? Are we looking for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Are we sober minded, temperate, sound in faith, teachers of good things, obedient to authority? Are we guilty of crying legalism when we're confronted with something we don't want to obey? Do we use scriptures that tell us we're not saved by works to avoid doing anything for the kingdom of God?
"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15
Are ALL things pure to us? Have our minds been renewed abd washed by The Word of God? Do we understand what chapter 3 verse 5 means?
"Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to His MERCY He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost;"
Can we comprehend and balance this scripture with verse 8 which says...
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Something to examine ourselves about, ARE WE A PECULIAR PEOPLE?
Or do we just want to fit in with the crowd?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6283 is a reply to message #6256] |
Thu, 19 November 2009 13:40 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Giving Thanks...
Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source. We have been forgiven, healed, made to prosper, delivered from death, and adopted into the Kingdom of God; I'd say that's reason for giving thanks...EVERY DAY, to He who is the source of those blessings, Jesus.
We're given so much here in this country, how many are really giving thanks unto God? Remember the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus? Only one returned to the source of his healing, Jesus, and gave thanks.
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan." Luke 17:15-16
THANK YOU, JESUS...THANK YOU.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6296 is a reply to message #6283] |
Mon, 23 November 2009 16:00 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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He ain't heavy, he's my brother...
The other day Sage shared about seeking God for guidance in looking for opportunities to help others, be it financial helps, emotional support, spiritual encouragement, physical needs, simple things like a phone call to tell someone you're thinking of them and appreciate them. As I was mulling over it, The Lord lead me to this scripture:
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecc.4:9-10
Here's what I found so interesting about it, that scripture was the daily bible reading verses from a little devotional that I read each day. The gist of the commentary was bearing one anothers burdens, especially during times of trials and tribulation.
There is a 'gift' of helps placed in the Body of Christ, I've seen it in opperation and witnessed the relief and comfort it brought to others. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we're not in this alone, and the best way to take our focus off ourselves, is to see what we can do to bring help(in whatever form) to others. There are many Christians that find themselves in a place of going at it alone(single parents, single individuals, divorced, widowed), it's not easy at all, the very least we can do is offer encouragement and remind them of Jesus' love. But we need to also remember, that His love is reflected in actions...Jesus set the example we're to follow, though a KING, He humbled Himself and became a servant, that we might, through His obedience have eternal life.
helping a young mother with child rearing is a tremendous help...right GWB? 
showing love by spending time with the aging is as well...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6352 is a reply to message #6326] |
Fri, 27 November 2009 13:59 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Being fully persuaded...
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,
and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13
As I was reading in Hebrews 11, I began seeing some things in a way that I haven't thought of before, concerning the results of having 'faith'. Being persuaded is 'having faith', and when we do, our actions will reflect what we're persuaded of. All these examples of faith and faithfulness are a results of people 'believing God'("Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Gal.3:6); our persuasion is what we believe, and if what we believe is what God has spoken, then we will be like those saints who've gone on before us, persuaded and willing to live and die, if need be, basing our lives actions on those promises.
And the promise of a heavenly kingdom wherein dwelleth righteousness. I also see in this why we're to be separate from the affairs of this world and the ungodliness that is embraced here. Verses 14-16 of Heb.11
"For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city."
I am persuaded that this is true, and I look forward to living in that 'country', an heavenly, where God is not ashamed to be called our God. Just something to think about; I wonder if God is ashamed that Americans (in general) call Him their God and profess this to be a 'christian' nation, while iniquity abounds in every facet of this society? What does He think when He hears 'professing christians' say things like; "I'm PROUD to be an American"? or "I'm proud to be a conservative christian republican"? or imploring fellow christians to get involved in this corrupt political system, when Jesus tells us that we're not of this kingdom...That kind of shows where our allegiance really lies.
Just some food (not leftovers) for thought. Where does our allegiance lie, and if we're persuaded of this, does our day to day life reflect it?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6373 is a reply to message #6352] |
Wed, 02 December 2009 21:10 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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All scripture is profitable...
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." II Timothy 3:16-17
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6430 is a reply to message #6373] |
Wed, 09 December 2009 13:40 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Obstacles...
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying,
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
How often do we fall into the trap of looking at circumstances when facing obstacles. Remember the 12 spies sent out by Moses to search out the land of Canaan? All but one was overcame with fear because they were focusing on the size of the inhabitants rather than doing as Caleb, and trusting in God to deliver unto them what He had promised.
As we witness the events unfolding around us in these end times, there will be the temptation to rely upon our strenghts and wisdom rather than trusting in The Lord. But only those who are lead by The Spirit of God and walking in The Spirit, having learned to trust totally in Him, will be delivered in that day.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6439 is a reply to message #6430] |
Fri, 11 December 2009 16:07 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified
through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." I Peter 4:7-11
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6443 is a reply to message #6430] |
Sat, 12 December 2009 15:33 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Cruise Control...
I did something this morning that in thinking about it, The Holy Spirit used it to speak to me about my focus on Him. I was preparing breakfast, and obviously had my mind on other things, because I opened the microwave instead of the refrigerator to put the butter and eggs back inside.(now that sure wasn't the first time I'd ever done something absentminded, we all do it from time to time) But I started thinking about how often I/we just run about on 'cruise control'.
I confess that there have been far too many days of my life where I just 'punched the clock' so to speak, spiritually. Oh, I read my Bible, prayed before I ate, didn't go out and do as the heathen, and told myself 'all is well, I love The Lord'. Yet I was just going through the motions, following Jesus on cruise control. Neither hot nor cold, just hanging on...not that different from those who know not God; not defeated, but certainly not walking in the victory and joy Jesus purchased with His own Blood and made available unto me.
Thank God for His mercy and grace, for because of His great love and mercy, He granted me repentance and restored me to Him.(I'm not using myself as an example of what we should aspire to be, I'm saying if you should find yourself in this position in your christian walk, WAKE up, Jesus is merciful and there for you, repent and return to your first love.)
I don't want to see how far I can streach the longsuffering patience of God, He hasn't called us to just 'endure' life; He's called us to OVERCOME whatever we encounter, whether it be temptations, trials, or our own 'SELF-CENTEREDNESS'. It's my desire to be prepared and anticipating His return, to have my lamp filled with oil and sensitive to The voice of The Holy Spirit, whether He want to reveal to me a deep revelation through The Word, or just use a simple example from day to day life...and I can't if I'm going through life on 'cruise control'.
Many tactics used by Satan are not easily discerned, it's not always as a roaring lion that he'll attack, he uses our own lack of vigilance to slip a snare in.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6510 is a reply to message #6443] |
Sun, 20 December 2009 18:01 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Why the need for Watchmen...
Because people forget; Israel forgot; the church has forgotten...
God's Word is filled with warnings to 'take heed', to be diligent, to not forget The Lord our God. How many from among us have forgotten what we were taught, how many have gone back into the religious system that they sought 'deliverance' from...Literally? How many are caught up in the idolatry of this time of year, the same idol worship they denounced as a paganism 25 years ago? What about just growing complacent as time goes by and there's 'nothing happening'?
Not only have many forgotten what God has said, even when reminded, the warnings are falling on deaf ears. 'Speak unto us smooth things, show some love, entertain and excite us with what we want to hear and see'...'Hey, bro lighten up, we aren't looking for heavy conversation, let's just chat about current events and have a good laugh. After all, the bible does say that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. LOL'
If God has a chosen people(and He says in His Word that He does), and if He's coming back for a Bride what will be prepared and watching and waiting(and He says He is, and that His Bride WILL be ready), what about those who profess to be Christians but have been lead astray due to their own lust and the false shepherds? What will God have to do to sober up people? Remember the additude of the people as Noah was preparing the ark?
WAKE UP CHURCH
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not." II Peter 2:1-3
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6519 is a reply to message #6510] |
Wed, 23 December 2009 20:22 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Law... what it is and does
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Response... of the humble
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strenght, and my redeemer."
Psalms 19:7-14
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6543 is a reply to message #6519] |
Wed, 30 December 2009 01:48 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Lot's wife...
Genesis 19 describes the events that lead up to the destruction of Sodom; of how the men of the city tried to attack and sodomize the two angels that came for Lot and his family. Lot was told that God had sent them to destroy Sodom and for him and his family and flee to the mountain. His sons in law refused to take him seriously and were left behind with two daughters, and even Lot didn't want to get too far away, he pleaded to be allowed to stay in a nearby city, Zoar. God allowed it, but in the exodus from Sodom, Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
Why? She was leaving...she was outwardly obeying, but the looking back showed a heart that wasn't willing to give up her attachment to what she had back in Sodom, and her heart's desire was revealed by her actions.
In Luke 17 Jesus is telling the disciples how it will be in the end, that it'll be like unto the days of Noah when people were eating, drinking, and giving in marriage and wouldn't heed the preaching of righteousness by Noah. Also He says in verse 28 how the inhabitants of Sodom were doing the same thing, disregarding all warnings.
Then in verse 32 Jesus said, "Remember Lot's wife."
How many messages have we heard with that warning in it? How many times were we warned of 'looking back'? About Israel looking back at Egypt, remembering the fish, cucumbers, garlic, leeks, and melons they had left behind(Numbers 11:5). What did Jesus say in Luke 9:62? "...No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God ."
I'm not sharing this to condemn anyone,(I've looked back and to some extent even gone back) but to encourage anyone reading this who has grown weary of obeying God, who might have decided that maybe the way doesn't really have to be so straight and narrow, that maybe God isn't all that concerned with our day to day walk of obedience. Remember Lot's wife; It Matters!
Remember the 100 sheep, and how The Lord left the ninety and nine and went for the one lost one? He loves us and isn't willing that any should perish...if The Lord convicts your heart, repent and seek His mercy, He is a merciful God...But He is also a God who will not be mocked, we can't 'play' Christian, He requires total commitment and obedience.
Besides, what did the Psalmist say in Psalms 73:25?
"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6558 is a reply to message #6543] |
Wed, 06 January 2010 00:51 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Triumphant? or just grinding it out...
"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ..." II Cor.2:14
"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." II Thess.3:13
It is so easy to get spiritually bogged down in the day to day grind of life. But we've been called to live a victorious life, to triumph over all adversity. It's easy to get distracted by life, family, business, cares of this world; so that our relationship with Jesus suffers.
I have about 50 minutes of commuting time early in the morning going to work and it's a good time to get 'stuff' done. And being on a fairly strict schedule while working, I organize my time and priorities to get the most accomplished.(yep sisters, men can multi-task too)
As I was 'giving' Jesus His allotted time(it's not really like that, but it can get that way if we aren't careful), He reminded me about 'priorities'. What is my top priority? My relationship with Jesus(at least I had the right answer).
But it is easy to fall into a pattern where the 'relationship' disappears/fades and we are just going through a ritual.
Prayer is conversation with God, but if I'm/we're too busy to listen to what HE has to say, (just being sure to cover the staple daily needs....me, me, me, Ps.91, me, me, me, Phil.4:19, me, me, me, Rom.8:28); then how can we possibly be walking in The Spirit and being lead of The Lord?
Just something The Lord shared with me, maybe there's a nugget mixed in with the sand there somewhere...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6620 is a reply to message #6558] |
Sun, 10 January 2010 21:37 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Sanctuary...
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." ~ Psalms 63:1-4
There are so many references the Sanctuary of God, most are about a place where He dwells. Throughout the Old Testament it's usually a physical location that is saintified and set apart unto Him. In the New Testament we're told that we are the temple of God.(I Co.3:16 & 6:19, I Peter 2:5)
If the sanctuary God inhabited had to be saintified and set apart unto Him for Him to dwell there, how much even more so are we called to be holy and set apart unto Him. He won't dwell in an unclean temple, and His Spirit won't manifest Himself to and through carnal vessels.
We were talking about God's attributes and His Holiness a few days ago also about how we will be given a new song to sing unto Him that none can sing except those to whom He choses to reveal it to.
Last night I was allowed to experience The Lord in a way that I'm having a very difficult time explaining. If I knew how to write 'in tongues', maybe then I could express it properly. He took a simple little song titled, "Sanctuary" that I was listening to and as I began to sing it and worship Him, He started working in me in a way I haven't experienced in many, many years. The words are a heartfelt prayer/confession of a desire to be what HE wants us to be, a Sanctuary that He can dwell in.
"Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living
Sanctuary for YOU."
I don't know fully what all was worked in me, I do know I was healed from a migraine headache in the midst of worshiping The Lord. I know He cleansed and delivered me from things I had thought were dealt with...They are now. I started trying to share and express this in some way that would encourage and edify others, this morning, but I couldn't stop praising Him and crying long enough to even attempt to.
Ps.73:17 says, "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
I do know this, I'll never take offense again of what another person says about me, whether a fellow Christian or the unsaved. I know God can't dwell in a vessel that isn't totally yeilded unto the cross of JESUS, and I have seen their end. And my heart crys out for mercy for them...truely, they know not what they're doing.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6706 is a reply to message #6620] |
Fri, 22 January 2010 19:35 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Sanctuary...more thoughts
The Lord has continued to speak to my heart from His Word concerning His Sanctuary. In the Old Testament the sanctuary of God was called His temple, the house of God, among others. I've been reading Nehemiah this week and about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. When Nehemiah got permission from the king of Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls, he had opposition from the start. Sanballat and Tobiah first laughed at Nehemiah and the Jews who were to help in the work. But soon their laughter turned to anger and they conspired to fight against Jerusalem and hinder the restoration.
Nehemiah got wind of their plans and had the men arm themselves, half would work in the restoration, while the other half would stand guard against the enemy. So when it was finished they had a dedication of the walls of Jerusalem and they also read to the people of their history, how God had delivered them from Egypt. They reestablished sacrifices and priestly duties, and sanctified them.
Eliashib, the priest, who was supposed to be set apart and righteous unto God as the priest of God's house, had an alliance with Tobiah(the enemy of Israel and Nehemiah). Nehemiah had returned to his place in Babylon as the king's cupbearer. So he wasn't there to witness what was taking place, in that the house of God was being inhabited by the enemies of Israel. So when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem he found a city with rebuilt walls, people going through the motions of obeying God by having sacrifices and worship on the sabbath, yet they were profaning God's holiness by allowing Tobiah to dwell in the house of God and allowing merchants and sellers to come into Jerusalem on the sabbath and violate God's holy day. Not only this, but they had taken unto themselves wives of the surrounding nations, which God had forbidden, and even one of the priest sons had married a daughter of Sanballat.
"And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God." Neh.13:7
What The Lord was showing me from this (the whole book of Nehemiah)was the parallel between what they were doing then and what is going on even today. Many who profess the name of Jesus and go through the outward motions of living a christian life haven't totally forsaken the world and idolatry. We can not serve both God and man, and since we know that God looketh upon the heart, the only ones being fooled are those watching from the outside. He will not be mocked, nor will He make His abode within a polluted sanctuary.
The time is drawing ever shorter for the return of The Lord, He's seeking a people who are set apart, sanctifed, and holy unto Him.
"Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true...
with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for you."
[Updated on: Fri, 22 January 2010 19:44]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6708 is a reply to message #6706] |
Fri, 22 January 2010 21:32 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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"The time is drawing ever shorter for the return of The Lord, He's seeking a people who are set apart, sanctifed, and holy unto Him."
"Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true...
with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for you."
When we see all things going on in the world and what happened in Haiti there is just a sense the end is just around the corner.
Tried and true: easy to sing, but sometimes hard to live. Jesus has promised us trials and tribulations, but in each one He will be with us.
Remember the song we use to sing: Purify my heart.
When we pray these things, whether in song or prayers, God will do the work.
So after singing these songs be aware or sensitive to what God is doing in our lives with others. Look for opportunities, or be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in daily activities, because God is doing the very things you have prayed for. And let it be with thanksgiving.
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6719 is a reply to message #6708] |
Wed, 27 January 2010 23:04 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Tired of this life's sufferings?
Don't be, the things we suffer righteously teaches obedience...
"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;
And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him."
Heb.5:8-9
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6740 is a reply to message #6719] |
Wed, 03 February 2010 18:21 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Unshakable Faith...
I was thinking about Job and the trials and testings he endured and how he never gave in in the face of adversity. His friends didn't support him or understand what was happening, even though they were wise men. They would give him council and advise and he would refute it, to the point that it was taxing their friendship. In chapter 19 verses 2 through 4 Job asks them,
"How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?
These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself."
Then in the midst of the loss of everything he had and the turning on him of his closest friends, Job makes this declaration...
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19:25-27
God says that without faith it's impossible to please Him, and it's only by faith that we overcome. Job had the faith to overcome these trials because his faith was grounded in a personal relationship with God. He didn't say that he 'thought' his redeemer was alive, he said, 'I KNOW' that my redeemer liveth, and his position was that even if he died he wasn't questioning God.
Praise The Lord, may we all seek to have this same unshakable faith that Job had.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6744 is a reply to message #6740] |
Sat, 06 February 2010 16:38 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A promise from God, based on obedience...
Here's another promise from God, but like all His promises, it's based on our obedience. He says we must search for Him with all our hearts. Christians can't expect God to fulfill His promises when we have divided loyalty.
"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you the expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6745 is a reply to message #6708] |
Sat, 06 February 2010 22:34 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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Words of our mouth
Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."
Proverbs 15:1-2 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."
Proverbs 15:4 "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."
Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise disperse knowldge, but the heart of the fool does not do so."
How many times do we pray that our words would be acceptable in the Lords sight and to bless others, and then someone says something we don't like, or cuts us off in traffic and all of a sudden we forget what we prayed, and we give in to the flesh and blast someone with our words. God help us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit with what we say to others.
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6799 is a reply to message #6746] |
Wed, 17 February 2010 12:05 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Denying self...
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" ~Matt.16:24-26
The way of the cross is the way God has ordained for Christians to walk. It entails dying, but before we can die to our own self wills and be conformed into the image of Christ, we must first deny ourselves. Sin causes people to be self-centered, with attention on ourselves rather than God. The essence of salvation is a turning from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. And it's a lifetime commitment, a daily desire to not only accept God's way,(trials, tribulation, prayers, fasting, complete obedience...) but to embrace the cross, knowing of the joy that is set before us...just as Jesus did.
Heb.12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6805 is a reply to message #6799] |
Thu, 18 February 2010 11:55 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt.16:24
Something else The Lord was showing from this scripture, we can't think we're following Jesus if we haven't first denied ourselves, and secondly, taken up our cross. To confess to be followers of Jesus without having denied ones self and taken up our cross means someone is deceiving themself.
Jesus didn't just say 'follow me', He set conditions, self denial and the willingly taking up of the cross...then, follow me.
There are no shortcuts, no free passes; the conditions are spelled out in God's Word...One way, Jesus; many guidelines given to let us know if we're on the right path, 'following' as He directed. Is the path straight and narrow? Are we persecuted for righteousness sake? Are we living a God centered life? Are we separate from the world? Do we esteem others above ourselves?
Do we walk in fellowship and daily commune with The Lord? Do we love the brethren?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6836 is a reply to message #6373] |
Tue, 23 February 2010 18:30 |
grandom
Messages: 404
Registered: October 2007 |
Senior Member |
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James. I have often seen your posts on the cross and self denial etc.
Here is a devotional from Spurgeon for today.
Take Up Your Cross…"
. . . Take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23
You do not make your own cross, although unbelief is a master carpenter at cross-making; neither are you permitted to choose your own cross, although self-will wants to be lord and master. But your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, and you must cheerfully accept it; you are to take up the cross as your chosen badge and burden, and not to stand complaining.
This night Jesus bids you submit your shoulder to His easy yoke. Do not kick at it in petulance, or trample on it in pride, or fall under it in despair, or run away from it in fear, but take it up like a true follower of Jesus.
Jesus was a cross-bearer; He leads the way in the path of sorrow. Surely you could not desire a better guide! And if He carried a cross, what nobler burden would you desire? The Via Crucis is the way of safety; fear not to tread its thorny paths. Beloved, the cross is not made of feathers or lined with velvet; it is heavy and galling to disobedient shoulders; but it is not an iron cross, though your fears have painted it with iron colors; it is a wooden cross, and a man can carry it, for the Man of Sorrows tried the load.
Take up your cross, and by the power of the Spirit of God you will soon be so in love with it that like Moses you would not exchange the reproach of Christ for all the treasures of Egypt. Remember that Jesus carried it; remember that it will soon be followed by the crown, and the thought of the coming weight of glory will greatly lighten the present heaviness of trouble.
May the Lord help you bow your spirit in submission to the divine will before you fall asleep tonight, so that waking with tomorrow's sun, you may go forth to the day's cross with the holy and submissive spirit that is fitting for a follower of the Crucified.
[Updated on: Tue, 23 February 2010 18:31]
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