My Journey through Romans 9

All You Need to Know About God’s Mercy- A Choosing of One Over the Other

Read slowly the following verses:

¹³ As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. (Ref. Malachi 1:2-3)

¹⁴ What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

¹⁵ For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

¹⁶ So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

¹⁷ For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

¹⁸ Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

So what say you of God’s mercy? We often cry out loud, “Lord have mercy…” when tragedy happens or when someone does something outside of their character. We ask quietly in prayer, “Lord have mercy…” when things are not going the way we want them to go in our lives and/or in the lives of others.

Some of us as Believers wrestle with believing verse 13 as being something God could do. Even though Esau aka Edom was hated, we find in studying God’s word that Esau (Edom) was still blessed. Know the spiritual meaning of the events between Esau and Jacob to understand God’s statement so I don’t have to go into it here. (Read Genesis 25- 27) We know that everything starts “In the beginning, God”.  We know that Esau and Jacob (Israel) were twins. We know from God’s mindset, there can be only ONE ruler that He chooses to oversee and follow through on His will. That I firmly believe and Jesus is the CHIEF model for my belief.  There have also been many a times, God has stepped in to put a chosen person back in line with his will; Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah and even you and I, are just a few that he chose to have mercy on. From the beginning to the end of the bible, we are shown that there is always a choosing of one over the other.

Years ago, I purchased a book titled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. It was a book written about lessons learned in the authors’ life. As for me, all I really need to know about life and how God operates I learned in the book of Genesis. The events found there clearly show why He had to come down to earth as Jesus in the NT face to face to show us what we need to know. Is that not the mercy of God leading us back to Him as in the beginning?

In some cases, we show mercy upon those we do not know but hear about via news reports and those that don’t seem fitting to receive our mercy, but God. When we see others that we truly love losing their way in life or hurting do we not choose to show mercy by helping the one that is lost and in pain? There are also those who some choose to harden their hearts against (last U.S.A election is a prime example) as God chose to harden Pharaoh’s heart against God’s own people.(TYHS) A quote came to my mind made by General Thomas Jonathan Jackson aka “Stonewall Jackson” of the Civil War, that reminded me of our election outcome. He said “Duty is ours; consequences are God’s.” Many exercised their duty to vote, enough said.  Isn’t that eerie, Stone Wall and here we are about to inaugurate a President that wants to “build a wall.” Get ready to Watch God Work is all I can say. The Holy Spirit led me to say more about our election than I wanted to. Thank you Holy Spirit, there must be a message in here for someone out there. 

Wisdom Moment– There’s a message here for you. Grab it!  God is about to do some great things in teaching the world who He is once again. It’s his H.M.O. (holy modus operandi) He made the choice. The bottom line is that God chooses to works through whom He wills. Being a preacher’s kid, a doctor, or a church goer doesn’t necessarily put one in the line of God’s will to lead. Remember that God chose Paul, a murderer of His chosen people.(TYHS) Question to you beloved reader: What did you learn about God’s H.M.O when he chose to show Paul mercy? And what did Paul teach us about ourselves in 1Timothy1:15? “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Now beloved, go back and read the verses at the beginning of this blog; add verses nineteen(19) through twenty-nine (29) to get a blessing. It is a truth for me in reading this chapter that ‘All You Need to Know About God’s Mercy- A Choosing of One Over the Other’ is a message that we all need to be attentive to. It’s not about hate, but about righteousness and God’s choice to fulfill His will and promises.Glory Hallelujah!

I leave you with some quotes from the author of All Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum:

“I know what I really want for Christmas. I want my childhood back.
Nobody is going to give me that. I might give at least the memory of it to myself if I try. I know it doesn’t make sense, but since when is Christmas about sense, anyway? It is about a child, of long ago and far away, and it is about the child of now. In you and me. Waiting behind the door of or hearts for something wonderful to happen. A child who is impractical, unrealistic, simpleminded and terribly vulnerable to joy.”

Enemy Tactics…Remove Yourself and Be Not Afraid

Matthew 12:9-14

 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.  And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?  How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.  Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

 They say that there will always be someone around that we do not get along with, i.e.. someone we do not see eye to eye, nor heart to heart with on things.  Ok…It’s Life.  But, why must an indifference turn into one starting a war, one wishing ill will upon another, and/or one plotting  evil against another to destroy them?  If you think deeply about it, at the heart of many indifferences lies fear; not hatred for others.  Sooooo…why is fear such a strong natural practice for the human race?  I don’t know for sure, but I do know that we can better prepare spiritually if we become more aware of who the real enemy is.

Off Beat Moment– I have noticed one thing about this next presidential election…It is a fear based election. That’s enough politics from me. The Pharisees…were they not a type of political group?  🙂

I don’t believe there is any bible verse stating that Jesus was fearful of any plots against Him.  I did love His action plan which took place in Matt.12:15 –But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 

There is a possibility that some are not aware of the two things Jesus set forth as an example to us in that passage when dealing with enemies:

 (1) He removed Himself from their presence.

(2) He did not let the enemy keep Him from doing God’s will. (That deserves a Praise the Lord shout out!)

Enemies know how to work as a close knit group and they communicate very effectively amongst themselves to set a motion into action. As I was reading in Matthew 12 earlier, I was led to focus on enemy tactics. I’m so happy to be sharing them with you beloved readers. (TYHS!!!!) 

1. They will watch you.
2. They will call a meeting(council) to order.
3. They will speak against you.
4. They will proceed in acts against you such as avoidance, gossip, look over their eyelids past you, try a sneak attack on you in a sermon, and walk a crooked mile behind you.
   
5. They are behind the pulpit and in the pews aka body of Christ. Be watchful of their actions towards you and pray for them. Be like Jesus, remove yourself from them and carry on with whatever gift God has given you to minister to others in Jesus name.
6. They will try to limit the use of your spiritual gifts.
7. They are prone to err.

The ignorance that goes on in the body of Christ is a truth that hurts not only the Believers in His house but, It Hurts God.

Wisdom Moment– During my study, I believe I’ve found the best advice on how to deal with an enemy and a great quote. (TYHS) It is found in Deuteronomy 20:1:

When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies , and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.        

  Quotes

I Love You

Love Covers A Multitude Of Sins             

And While He Lingered… The Lord Had Mercy – Genesis 19:16

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.(Genesis 19:16-22 KJV)

Most are familiar with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, right? I wanted to share with you something the Holy Spirit shared with me concerning this story . It’s about lingering, the Lord’s mercy, and yes, the sin of not helping others (doing nothing) and leaving the people of God to be consumed in a place of chaos. (Ouch 1!)

We as the people of God in this very day and age, still linger when He tells us to go. We as his people also have a bad habit of looking and running the other way when we need to hold the hand of (help) others; we knowingly and cowardly let them become consumed. Why? Is it because we don’t have or never had anyone to grab us by the hand like the angels helped Lot, to lead us out of the place we are in to avoid being consumed? Have we forgotten how to show mercy to and make sacrifices for others? (Ouch 2!)

We are taught and told by many that God doesn’t speak directly to us anymore as He did the prophets of old. That could be true for some, however, He does speak to us through his Holy Spirit, others and His angels, those who He have given charge over thee per King David’s experience. “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”- (Psalm 91:10-11) and,  “For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”(Luke 4:10-11) *Be*

Toe Stepping Moment

The four ethical questions I have when chaos hits are: (1) While most linger when God tells us to go; shouldn’t we have family, friends, or someone in the body of Christ helping us to go forward? (2) If so, then why has the church become a place concerned with the building up of a larger or new building while neglecting to build up its very members? A lot of churches have forgotten about planting seeds, they are more concerned with planting cement. (3) Why do family and so-called friends take off in the opposite direction, choose sides, or ignore the ones in need when chaos presents itself?  The elephant is always present and its presence is always ignored seemingly to be the norm for most. (4) Have you ever seen a herd of sheep around an elephant? (Ouch 3!) Ok, I’m stepping off of toes now, mine included. 🙂

It was made manifest to me that through the interceding’s of Abraham (Gen. 18:23-33) and by the hands of the Lord’s angels that Lot would have never gotten out of the chaos (place) on his own for he was comfortable living there amid the chaos. Let me bring it to you on another level. Sometimes we worship where we live no matter what is going on around or in that place. Sometimes we worship a church place for the wrong reasons, and/ or a  place of employment and we linger when the Lord is telling us to go elsewhere less we “be consumed.”

We should learn that the Lord always have something better planned for us(Joshua 1:9, Jer. 29:11) even through those people, places, or things we have a hard time of moving away from or losing. In verse 22, we find the angel of the Lord telling Lot, that he cannot do anything until he “be come thither”(KJV) or “flee there quickly” (NIV) *Come*

Uh oh! I just had a ‘the boot doesn’t fit’ laughing moment from the movie Toy Story 2 to insert here. Let me share it with you.

Jessie: You callin’ me a liar?

Woody: Well, if the boot fits.

Jessie: Say that again.

Woody: [slowly enunciating] If the boot-tah fits!

In this case, the “boot-tah” doesn’t fit, (and I love boots) therefore I am not a liar when I made mention of the above occurrences. 

 

Sacrificial Thinking Moment– Lot tried to give his own daughters over to the violent men for sex, instead of giving the angels over to them for sex. He did not linger in that thought. Why not? What a sacrifice for a father to make to keep God’s own angels (people) safe! Get it?

 

 

When there is someone in need of your help and you know that they need help(spiritually or physically), though they linger and have not asked, put forth your hand to help them move out of the chaos. *Thither* This is the time when God speaks through his angels(you quite possibly) to relay a message  to others. Trust me, it is true. I don’t know about you, but I always know when someone is going through something and I do not hesitate to help people in some way. I have put my own self at risk of losing things to help others out. I know that the Lord will see me through my loss. I am also guilty of not asking others for help-Lord help me in that area. This is what the people of God do for one another. There is no time for gossip about what one is going through.

We who are of the Lord better Wake Up, No More Lingering; we are to stretch out a helping hand to one another and stop thinking of self and self’s earthly possessions, positions, and what others think. For the word said “And while he lingered the men laid hold upon his hand…”  It was the light for me in His word beloved that this was a show of mercy from the Lord on Abraham, not just on Lot and his family. Are you not of Abraham’s seed? It also shows us that when one who art in the body of Christ is hurting, that in spiritual reality, all are hurting. The Lord does not want His people to live in hurt, nor to linger. 

Do you know someone who is lingering? If so, go back to the ways of old…the Lord’s Way in helping others who linger. Where is your show of mercy (your helping hand)?  For the Lord’s angels said:… “for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither.” In other words to stop lingering when He tells you to “Go” and to stop lingering when it comes to helping others.

I’m going to end with more words from Toy Story 2. (TYHS) Find the hidden message that is relative to this post(three words are located thither*)

Alien toys: You have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful.

Mrs. Potato Head: You saved their lives? My hero! They’re so adorable. Let’s adopt them!

Alien toys: [Gathering around Mr. Potato Head] Daddy!

 I Love You

Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

 

 

He Is Not Afraid To Approach You and Taketh You Up

Matthew 4:1-11

Biblical Insight-There are three Key Responses To Use when you are approached and tempted by the devil and those that do his bidding for him:

1. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
2. “ It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
3. “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Results of the Responses

“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

The devil, aka the tempter, when he thought Jesus was at his most vulnerable moment, tempted Jesus three times and twice he “taketh”/lifted/carried  Jesus up. Get this! He actually touched Jesus by lifting him up and setting him down or upon. That’s a “Whoa???” moment for me. Let’s have a look at these three times from a worldly perspective(TYHS):

1. He tempted Jesus by using the you are in a position to make commands, so do it. You don’t need anyone’s authority. If he/she can do it, so can you.  Most are familiar with this type of temptation. If they can do it you can do it too… you know the go over your bosses head, not consulting with others, just do it because you are a child of God’s propositional temptation? How many of us have been taken to a higher level by others and put in that type of situation, going over God’s head  to become a commander of things and people? You don’t listen to others, LISTEN to God. He still speaks to you TODAY. When the time comes for you to face God, you will be facing Him alone; not with the people who have tempted you on their own authority.(Acts 4:18-20, Acts 5:9, Ephesians 5:21, 1Peter 5:3, Hosea 8:1-6, 1 Corinthians 11:3, and John 5:19)
2. He tempted Jesus by using the prove it, if you are who you say you are methodical deception temptation(my new thought words). We do not have to prove anything to anyone on this earth. All we have to do is “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) That’s It! One verse.
3. He tempted Jesus by using the you can have whatever you like as long as you bow down to me temptation. I think there is a song out there called “Whatever You Like.” 🙂 Most are also familiar with this type of temptation whereas a person(the fooled) becomes a bootlicker, brownnoser, kowtower, the a-k word, lackey, and/or a backscratcher. “It’s a short step from lip service to brown-nosing” is a common saying. People that have taken this step have fallen off of the high mountain they were taken to by others. People have a habit of feeling indebted to others who give them whatever they like. Notice that the word NEED is missing when presented with such a low temptation promising high expectations from others.(TYHS) Jesus gave us a clear example that this is not how the people of God should be. If we choose to serve God, then God provides for our every need. Enough said. (Genesis 9:3, Genesis 22:13-14, Psalm 34:10,Matthew 6:31-32 and Philippians 4:19)

Mountain Top Insight– People who want to control you have issues controlling themselves and they are a people who are not led by the Spirit of God. Let’s label them as ‘Sweet Talkers’ and Fake Morale Boosters. I’m sorry I can’t work with or fathom the thought of the people of God being positionally fake.(Sigh!)  Most likely these type of people have already experienced temptation in some form and know its outcome. The devil (our greatest example and foe) was tempted to control God’s kingdom; look where it got him and his followers…booted out(Rev.12:9). For edification please read 1 John 2:19-27.

We should remember that we have always been a vulnerable people that need the Lord since being put out of the Garden of Eden. More so now than ever. It is a fact that God will send His angels to minister to us( those who trust and believe in Him) at our lowest moments. The Holy Spirit will guide us. (Matthew 4:11, John 16:13) ^“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Therefore, let us be strong in the Lord as Jesus was, because if the devil approached Jesus…took him up and “setteth him”, know this one thing beloved: 

He Is Not Afraid to Approach You And Taketh You Up.

Henceforth beloved, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Because In Reality

“We don’t see the things the way they are. We see things the way WE are.”– Talmund

 

I Love You

Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

 

The Gift of Understanding from the Spirit of the Lord- Isaiah 11:2-3

Understanding-(n)1.mental process of a person who comprehends; comprehension; personal interpretation: 2. intellectual faculties; intelligence; mind:

 

After reading the definition of understanding, right away, I knew where this post was going. We are a planet filled with anxiety. Anxiety is a mind issue; a mental process, right? Understanding is a thing of the mind. Oh, but wait, what does the bible tell us about it?  Per the bible, wisdom and understanding go heart in heart and mind in heart. The Spirit of God is telling me that it is spiritual. Other informational items will tell us that understanding is purely psychological.

Wiki Moment Understanding (also called intellection) is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person, situation, or message whereby one is able to think about it and use concepts to deal adequately with that object. Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge sufficient to support intelligent behavior.[1] An understanding is the limit of a conceptualization. To understand something is to have conceptualized it to a given measure. Ex.- 2.A psychiatrist understands another person’s anxieties if he/she knows that person’s anxieties, their causes, and can give useful advice on how to cope with the anxiety.

Note to self… A psychiatrist “can give useful advice on how to cope…” not heal.

One reason that people are reacting to one another out of fear is due to psychological misunderstandings. It is sound to believe that ANXIETY is running this world amuck, we are coping, i.e. getting by.  Even a few patients do not discuss their deepest angst with their psychiatrist/physician because some patients believe no one understands exactly what they are feeling, nor knows what the patient really thinks.  But then,  there is God who knows and understands all. For he said “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, (Jer. 17:10) “…and for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts…” (1 Chr. 28:9) Therefore, it is the Spirit of the Lord that gives us complete understanding to do, not just useful advice on how to cope.

The human race is a very anxious race. We think we understand, but we really don’t because of mind issues. What we need to grasp here is that our personal interpretation means nothing to God. The Holy Spirit is our Interpreter, our Translator, our Linguist – do you get it?  Whose interpretation of our mind and heart is important for us to receive the gift of understanding?

I don’t believe that the bible ever teaches us to just cope without understanding. There is only ONE Psychiatrist/Physician that can give us the gift of understanding period. Paul said “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7) I am guilty of not heeding this advice during many situations and have been broken down. Have you been guilty and broken down? Even as Christians we can be stubborn as all get-out. It has a lot to do with what and why we think the way we do…it’s a symptom of an anxious mind and an absence of the Holy Spirit working within us. 

An anxious mind with the wrong mindset can cause us to experience independence from the Spirit of the Lord. Guilty as charged. Before the Spirit of the Lord appeared, Paul  had the wrong mindset at one time in his life. God had to break him down and take away his physical and psychological sight and give him spiritual sight into understanding the mindset of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (TYHS)

A Key– It occurred to me that animals possess an understanding of survival.  I was reading my Animal Encyclopedia to learn about various habits. Let me tell you about the dik-dik animal. It is a small species of the antelope living in many parts of Africa. Their name comes from the sound the female(wisdom…ha ha) makes when alarmed. Needless to say, hunters dislike them because of their ability to alert other animals of a hunter’s presence. They live to see another day.

A Key Point– Using the gift of understanding is a survival skill. When the gift is resting upon us from the Spirit of the Lord, we would be able to alert others of the presence of  hunters that want to prey on us; hunters that want to separate us from the love and understanding of God. It is biblically clear that when one receives the gift of understanding, it is then that one is drawn closer to God. One can become clear of self and understand what God’s will is to live eternally in His kingdom.(TYHS)

Now, let me quiet self and share with you a few verses with thoughts about the gift of understanding.  The 1 Corinthians verse below is used to focus on understanding period, not understanding the gift of speaking in tongues. 🙂

• Proverbs 8:1 – Understanding raises wisdom’s voice. Understanding is her helper.
• Job 28:28 – Knowing how to shun evil is a gift of understanding from the Lord’s Spirit.
• Ephesians 4:17-19 – When we live with the futility of our thinking, we are darkened in our understanding. Misunderstanding occurs due to the hardness of our hearts.
• 1 Corinthians 14:11-17 – The gift of understanding is not just for your benefit. It is to be used to build up the body of believers.
• 1 Samuel 8:10 – We need to experience what Hannah experienced until our heart and mind is just opened to God only. We must become broken to receive the gift of understanding.

Thank you for stopping in and allowing me to share my thoughts with you.

I Love You

Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

https://talkativeangel.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/gifts-from-the-spirit-of-the-lord/

https://talkativeangel.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/the-gift-of-wisdom-from-the-spirit-of-the-lord/

The Gift of Wisdom from the Spirit of the Lord

Find the seed at the bottom of your heart and bring forth a flower.– Shigenori Kameoka

 

A Perk- The gifts from the Spirit of the Lord are all gifts that we are to ask for. They are not resting upon us as they rested on the Root of Jesse. I discovered this as I was briefly studying the gifts. Lord given wisdom gives us the ability to be beautifully great and strong discerners. Solomon’s wisdom was counted among the greatest. (1Kings 4:29-30-1; 1Kings 10:23)

 

 

 

 

As we know, wisdom is mostly referred to as “she” and “it” in the bible. So… it’s fair to conclude that wisdom is indeed a female epitome, not a male nor a transgender epitome?  There is absolutely no confusion to wisdom’s gender identity or gender expression here unless we want to view wisdom as a seahorse. The Fact-wisdom’s epitome of being a “she” and an “it” in the bible is never explained. That stands as is. However on the other hand, there could be a point to argue since “it” was in the beginning. I won’t argue the point because I’m not going outside of what the Spirit of the Lord is showing me at this time- “She” is it.

I found that wisdom is considered the “first” or “highest” gift of the “Holy Spirit.” So I asked self why that is. I believe it is because of the following verses. (TYHS)

Proverbs 8:22-23; 30 was an eye opener. Wisdom Speaks. I’ve never paid attention to these verses before (you read vs. 11-36)

22-23;30- The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was….Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

Wow, have you ever given deep thought about those verses? I’ve just experienced a cleansing and am in such awe right now as I write this. Let me calm down! (TYHS)

And then there is Job 28:12-28. I could not get away from what Job said about God and wisdom in verses 26 & 27. 

²⁶ When he (God)made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

 27-“Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.”

And those words threw me back to:

Genesis 1:2– And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

(TYHS! TYHS!) If the Holy Spirit keeps speaking to me, this post will be 8,000 words or more on this subject alone. That is reserved for my upcoming book…can’t share everything here!

Let me share a few questions and thoughts on wisdom. In this study, I have discovered that the heart’s condition is dependent upon us getting wisdom from God. Please read :Ps 90:12;Pro 4:6-7; Ecc:10:2; Col. 2:2-3(I’m so in awe of that finding- TYHS) In my Heart and Mind seminars, absolutely no one leaves without knowing the importance of the heart’s condition with God, including me.

• How does one get wisdom? James 1:5
• Who gives us wisdom? Dan 1:17
• What is the difference in wisdom from God and wisdom from reading other books? (James 3:17– from God) It has been my experience when reading other books that I have gained more knowledge instead of more wisdom. When reading the words inspired by God, I can harden not my heart-receive His gift of wisdom to make pure decisions when it concerns people. Sometimes our hearts change on a daily basis, depending on us being hurt or loved. I will not lie…sometimes that gift is hidden from me because I have not been obedient in heart to His word. We all have disobedient days, right? When reading other books, I learn about why a person’s heart may be the way it is and the actions that stem from it, which becomes both knowledge and news to me.
• Can the gift of wisdom be taken away? Yes (Are you shocked?)Isaiah 29: 13-15– Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
• This one is not a question. I disagree with these statements I found “The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is a concept in Catholicism. The gifts refer to the seven graces bestowed upon Catholics who follow their faith correctly. …..Catholics are encouraged to use these gifts in daily life. Gifts come as a byproduct of living a spiritually pure life, and also through the sacrament of confirmation, a Catholic rite of passage”  It is not a concept in Catholicism. It is for ALL Christians who follow God with their heart. You can’t use His gifts daily if the Lord has not rested upon you. The Root of Jesse is the “rite of passage.” As Christians, our desire should be to become closer to the Lord, to receive the Gifts from the Spirit of the Lord. And that’s the essence of what I have to say about those statements. If I have offended anyone, forgive me.
• Having wisdom teeth does not make us wise.

 Whoa!!! Marshmallows on fire for a moment. I have experienced that wisdom often makes me very discerning…full of eyes rolling everywhere like Ezekiel’s wheel. It’s not a scary feeling when I experience such, it’s more of an ‘I’m ready to see; I don’t want to know because I can’t believe someone is that way feeling’….but I accept what God is showing me. Forgive, move forward.  It is sad that we have to treat some Christians with a 7 foot pole as we continue to love them. Wisdom from God is a very powerful gift.

I pray that you find with the help of the Holy Spirit deeper insights to wisdom from these additional readings and quote below: 1 Cor. 2:6-16; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12;Daniel 2:20-23;Proverbs 14:33 and Acts 22:7(can’t leave out something about Moses)

If you have more scriptures to add in comments, please do so.  Thank you for stopping by and spending time with my thoughts. I so appreciate your time.

 Read Proverbs 1

 

 I Love You

Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

 

John Ball – c. 1338 – 15 July 1381

I came across this during my studies of July 15th past events. Of course , you know I find the lesser mentioned history events interesting. John Ball was a Christian evangelist who preached the basic Christian redemption message as he travelled around spreading the message to many people. Ps. 27:11, came to mind…”Teach me thy way, O Lord and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”

After reading about him it caused me to pause for thought…As Christians, are we prepared to be hanged, drawn, and quartered for sharing and defending the Gospel of Christ?  That is something we need to give serious thought too, with the way  God’s plan is going. There will come again an updated version of  the “Peasant’s Revolt”, I’m sure. 😛

1381 Peasant Revolt
Courtesy: storyboardthat.com

 

 

 

John Ball- Preist- Wiki

Peasant’s Revolt

John Ball- Preist

Definition- Hanged, Drawn, and Quartered

To be hanged, drawn and quartered was from 1351 a statutory penalty in England for men convicted of high treason, although the ritual was first recorded during the reign of King Henry III (1216–1272). Convicts were fastened to a hurdle, or wooden panel, and drawn by horse to the place of execution, where they were hanged (almost to the point of death), , disembowelled,beheaded , emasculated, and quartered (chopped into four pieces). Their remains were often displayed in prominent places across the country, such as London Bridge. For reasons of ,public decency women convicted of high treason were instead burned at the stake.

Ball was imprisoned in Maidstone, Kent at the time of the 1381 Revolt. What is recorded of his adult life comes from hostile sources emanating from the established religious and political social order. He is said to have gained considerable fame as a roving preacher—a “hedge priest” without a parish or any link to the established order—by expounding the doctrines of John Wycliffe, and especially by his insistence on social equality. He delivered radical sermons in many places, … (Click on the links above 4 more info) Enjoy!

“When Adam delved and Eve span, Who was then the gentleman?  From the beginning all men by nature were created alike, and our bondage or servitude came in by the unjust oppression of naughty men. For if God would have had any bondmen from the beginning, he would have appointed who should be bond, and who free. And therefore I exhort you to consider that now the time is come, appointed to us by God, in which ye may (if ye will) cast off the yoke of bondage, and recover liberty.” – John Ball

 

Thou Unbelief – Our Compassionate God Understands

Mark 9:24- And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

As I was studying this verse this morning, trying me was to understand belief and unbelief in one sentence made by this man. I understand. (TYHS) Have you been there, to believe in something or someone, and still have unbelief? The fork in the road- it is where? Conflicting emotions? It happens a lot to all humans when faced with decisions, judgments, and tribulations. For example, we can be strong in faith, but like Peter when the eyes wander because of some wind passing over, we start sinking and start being “thou of little faith” water walkers. Peter’s unbelief- God understood.

I believe that as parents, the strongest and weakest time for belief and unbelief comes when dealing with our children, regardless of their age. Our beliefs are tested when things don’t happen. I also believe that at some point, the aggrieved child must have some belief. The son in this story must have believed. As bad and as long as that demon was inside, it could have kept the son from being near Jesus. His belief, however small it was, willed him to be in Jesus’ presence. (That’s just my behind the scenes thoughts)

So I was pondering and noticed that the man said a curse word- “if.” One that I’m sure we are all familiar with when it comes to many sit actions (situations) in our lives. A lot of times we try to just sit it out. Get this! Jesus used it as a bless word. “If” came after the father asked Jesus to “…have compassion on us and help us…” Being of a compassionate nature and being tuned into this father’s sorrow of what the disciples didn’t do- nothing- which helped the father’s belief turn into unbelief. This is what goes on in the church of the day, no sense of compassion neither for a fellow Christian nor for others who are aggrieved. I believe this is one reason why most Christian’s belief turn into unbelief. Then, the real belief – Jesus alone has to step in. Sorry, to say it, but that is the way it is. That’s the WORD.

One cannot preach about or speak on being compassionate and in the same voice, say that “everyone is going through something; it’s not just about you.” I heard that three times in one week as I was listening to various sermons, and immediately thought, how uncompassionate. Two things beloved- (1) Christians, people in general, who are going through something don’t need to hear such words, especially from the pulpit, nor from others in the church. (2) They KNOW that they are not the only ones going through something. This man knew others around him were “going through something.” Did Jesus talk down to this father? No, he used compassionate communication. Did Jesus group this father’s “something” into a group with others? No, he used a compassionate behavior. Using these two graces, compassionate communication and a compassionate behavior, Jesus helped this father’s “unbelief.”

Commission Break- Perhaps you need to attend one of my seminars on learning how to have both, compassionate communication and a compassionate behavior. 🙂

Lesson For Today

Don’t hang all your belief on what didn’t happen. Hang it on what will happen in Jesus name.

It happens to all… we question what we believe while in the same mind we believe what we question. Conflicting emotions, yep! I know that sounds confusing, but get this, let this sink in. A person could be dealing with something that has been going on for years. This man, who approached Jesus, had been dealing with something since the boy was a child, i.e. for years. If no one else is compassionate enough to understand what you are going through…Thou Unbelief- Our Compassionate God Understands

 

Lessons From King David- Psalm 37

 

Psalm 37 KJV

A friend of mine had an interesting and encouraging idea. My friend thinks that we should go through the book of Psalms and handwrite them as we study them. We were in agreement, that a lot of children and young adults have forgotten how to use pencil and paper because of video games and computers.  I handwrite mostly everything, because the Holy Spirit doesn’t carry a computer at all times when He is consulting with me.

 

Beneath My Gene Tree

 

So this evening I sat outside lounging, reading and writing from Psalm 37 as I enjoyed my backyard and seeing God’s work.  The more I soaked into the Lord’s presence, the more I noticed that David was sharing some great advice along with its promises from God. He remembered his sins (mistakes) while learning from them. I want to highlight something important mentioned in verses 23-24 about Our Heavenly Father :The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Beautiful Sky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tis the lessons:

1. Fret not thyself because of evildoers (vs. 1)
2. Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity (vs. 1)
3. Trust in the Lord, and do good (vs. 3)
4.  Delight thyself also in the Lord (vs. 4)
5. Commit thy way unto the Lord (vs. 5)
6. Trust also in Him (vs. 5)
7. Rest in the Lord (vs.7)
8. Wait patiently for Him (vs. 7)
9. Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way (vs.7)
10. Cease from anger (vs. 8) 
11. Forsake wrath (vs. 8)
12. Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (vs. 8)
13. Depart from evil, and do good (vs. 27)
14. Wait on the Lord, and keep His way (vs. 34)
15. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright (vs. 37)

Life Lesson Quote

What Is Your Nail?

 

 

Today is my 3 year anniversary here. Yahoo! All praise belong to my Heavenly Father.  I came across the following last evening and I wanted to share it with you wonderful people that visit this blog. If you know who penned/nailed this, let me know. 😛

There was once an insurance salesman who would go door to door selling insurance. Well one day he happened upon an old farmer. As he approached the farmer to make his sales pitch he noticed an old hound dog laying on the porch to the right of the farmer. As the salesman began to speak the hound dog bellied out as if something were wrong. The salesman at first ignored the dog, but every time he tried to say something to the old farmer the dog moaned out louder and louder. Finally the salesman asks the old farmer.

“Sir what is wrong with your dog”

The old farmer replied

“He is laying on a nail”

To which the the salesman responded

“Why doesn’t he just move to get off the nail”

and the farmer said

“I guess the nail does not hurt bad enough for him to move yet”

The Point: We all have our own nail that we may complain about on a daily basis. Your nail could be financial issues, employment problems, spiritual confusion, family drama, relationship woes, etc. Whatever your nail is KNOW that you will not move until the hurt is bad enough to make you move. Thing is you don’t have to wait til the pain gets unbearable.

I read up on nails here.—–> Nails

Bible Verses about the significance of nails:

The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.-Ecclesiastes 12:11

 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.-John 20:25

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; – Colossians 2:14

 

Thank God today for not allowing you to be nailed to that cross. In Jesus name, let us get rid of our nails (issues/relationships) that are hurting us, making the pain “unbearable.” Amen. God gave us time for a reason. Stop wasting God’s time. Get off of the nail bed. Get Up!

 

 

Shake off those nails…Listen