Building your house on the word from God

Devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he can devour. Resist, standing firm in the faith in the Word of God. (I Peter 5)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
I Peter 5
 
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that HE may exalt you in due time:
 
7 Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE careth for you.
 
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
 
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
 
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2 Corinthians 10
 
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
 
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
 
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (the Word);
 
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What does the Bible say about that?
 
I Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
 
Revelation 5
 
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
 
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And HE came and took the book out of the right hand of HIM that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Dealing with destructive thoughts / Taking thoughts captive

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
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Dealing with fears:
 
Fears are usually thoughts that come directly to our minds.  The devil sends fears to our mind to steal peace from us, to cause us to live in turmoil and dread.
 
Ask yourself this:  Is there any thing I fear right now?  and begin making a list of those fears.  
 
Pray over each fear immediately.
 
Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
 
* Next dental appointment:  Prayers: Please cause this to go quickly.  Please have dentist deal fully with pain so there will not be any pain.  Please don't let dentist frighten me with words concerning what might happen. Please settle dentist and guide hands of dentist and give dentist wisdom on best procedure for difficult areas.  Please don't let dentist do more than is absolutely necessary.
 
* Pam Padgett, who deals with publishing our blog, was notified that Google is changing the way pictures are handled on the blog.  This change is scheduled to be effective starting on Thursday, July 20, 2023.  They will try to automatically move all of our existing pictures, but have warned that there may be problems.  This was a concern to Pam and she asked God if there was anything she could do to prepare for this upcoming change.  After she prayed, the idea came to remove all of the old "Free E-book today" postings which have pictures of books, which she is doing.
 
* Then little, fleeting thoughts came to Pam, such as "You won't have time to remove all those postings and pictures of books." (devils) At first she didn't recognize these thoughts as coming from devils since they quickly darted in and out of her mind. (Often devils operate this way, sending thoughts so quickly into our minds that we hardly realize they are coming.) 
 
When she realized what was happening, she turned to God and was reminded of the following:  Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3)  So she committed this to God, trusting that HE will establish her thoughts in getting this taken care of.
 
*  September 2022, Pam was diagnosed with a high grade bladder cancer.  Doctor told Pam she would die within a year or two unless she underwent treatment and prescribed chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of her bladder. Needing to deal for the rest of her life with some way for her body to function without the natural bladder was a really disturbing forecast!  Pam prayed asking God if there was any way she could be spared this bladder removal surgery.  A few days later, the chemo pharmacist gave Pam about 20 pages of writing to prepare Pam for dealing with chemotherapy.  On one sheet from the American Society of Clinical Oncology the following words were printed: "An approach using chemotherapy with radiation therapy may provide the same benefits as bladder removal."  Pam felt this was an answer to her prayer, a way to be spared bladder removal.
 
But she didn't know any radiation doctors.  Thoughts came that she had no way to get the treatment plan changed. (devils)  Other thoughts came that the doctor would get upset that she wanted to pursue a treatment plan other than that prescribed by her and try to block her from making this change. (devils)  So she asked God how to go about changing the treatment plan and was led to talk with the doctor's physician assistant ... who gave reasons this wasn't the best treatment option for Pam.  But then, surprisingly, she offered to make a referral for Pam to talk with a highly regarded and trained radiation oncologist.
 
Fearful thoughts (from devils) came that the chemo and radiation doctors wouldn't agree to chemo with radiation treatment.  Pam prayed about this and was given a dream in which a man was sitting next to her, supporting her, as she talked with the radiation oncologist.  And Pam was reminded of scriptures such as Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of MY righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
 
Although the radiation doctor said Pam was not an ideal candidate for chemo with radiation, she agreed to setup this treatment if Pam decided to go this way.  The chemo doctor also agreed to the change after warning of problems that could happen with the changed chemo.  The chemo with radiation treatments were completed in January, 2023, with no problems other some fatigue.
 
Two tests were scheduled for April 2023 to check for evidence of cancer.  Fears came "What if they find cancer?" (devils)
 
Pam was given a dream in which there were 2 bags with waste in them.  Doctors or scientists were looking through the bags for signs of disease, but no diseases were found.  When Pam woke from the dream and prayed about what it meant, she was impressed that it was showing that neither of the tests would find cancer.  This is exactly what happened.
 
The cancer was gone from Pam's body!
 
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Where do fears come from?
 
The apostle Paul tells us this about fears:
 
2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
Fears come from devils that bring thought to our minds or fears are from our own fleshly imaginations or from hearing that which other people say.
 
2 Corinthians 10
 
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
 
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
 
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (the Word and what God has said to us).
 
(Scriptures concerning dealing with destructive thoughts and more examples of typical destructive thoughts will be presented on this Podcast.)
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Joseph: Promoted second in command to Pharaoh

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
We should see by the previous examples that in terrible situations God worked to free and restore Joseph.  It was not Joseph's doing or the doing of other humans but the gifts given to Joseph by God by bringing dreams and by giving Joseph wisdom to act on behalf of others and allowing them to recognize that Joseph had favor from God.
 
Genesis 41
 
1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. 2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. 3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. 4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
 
5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. 6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
 
8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
 
9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
 
10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker: 11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
 
12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
 
13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
 
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
 
15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
 
16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
 
God can do it, says Joseph.
 
So Pharaoh shares the dreams with Joseph.  And Joseph gives the interpretation from God.
 
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27 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what HE is about to do.
 
26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. 27And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
 
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do HE sheweth unto Pharaoh.
 
29  Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.  
 
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Genesis 41
 
32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
 
God gives Joseph wisdom telling Joseph what to do and Joseph shares this wisdom from God with Pharaoh.
 
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
 
34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
 
35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
 
36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
 
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
 
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
 
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
 
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41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
 
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
 
44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
 
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
 
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46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
 
47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
 
48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
 
49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
 
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
 
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
 
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
 
53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
 
54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
 
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
 
56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
 
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
 
Joseph is now in a position to provide for the children of Israel.  God has made this possible because of the dreams HE has given and the wisdom HE has given to Joseph, HIS called and anointed.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Joseph: Put in prison because of a false witness against him

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Should Joseph be bitter because he was in prison because of a false witness against him which caused him to be put in prison?  Should he fret and turn against God asking himself why God had let him down in this?  Should Joseph vow to get even with the one who injured him by lying and causing him to be put in the prison, the dungeon.?  (There is no evidence Joseph did any of these natural things that humans would do in such situations.) 
 
What did Joseph do?
 
Genesis 39
 
21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
 
22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he (Joseph) was the doer of it.
 
23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
 
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Genesis 40
 
1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. 3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
 
5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
 
6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
 
7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
 
8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
 
9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; 10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
 
12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:  13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
 
14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
 
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The chief baker tells Joseph his dream after he saw the butler received a favorable interpretation from Joseph.
 
The butler had a different heart from the chief baker.
 
16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: 17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
 
18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
 
19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
 
20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. 21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
 
22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
 
23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
 
(Later he did remember and told Pharaoh that Joseph was a man who could interpret dreams, but Joseph was left in the prison 2 more years.)
 
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Genesis 41
 
God intervenes on behalf of Joseph getting him out of prison by giving Pharaoh two dreams:
 
1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. 2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. 3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. 4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
 
5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. 6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
 
8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
 
9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying,  I do remember my faults this day:
 
10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:
 
11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
 
12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
 
13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
 
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Joseph: Bought in Egypt by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Genesis 39
 
1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
 
2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
 
3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
 
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
 
5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
 
6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
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7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
 
8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
 
10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
 
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
 
12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
 
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Potiphar's wife bears false witness against Joseph:
 
13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 14  That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: 15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
 
16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
 
17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: 18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
 
19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
 
20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
 
21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
 
(Even when the witness against us is false, God will uphold us and will deal with the situation.)
 
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Pam Padgett tells of dealing with cancer by turning to God and following God:  click here
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
A story of the birth of the sons of Jacob who compose the 12 tribes of Israel.  
 
This is a story of envy, hatred, love, almost murder, bondage ... but God causes Joseph to prosper in everything he does:  First as a slave in bondage in Egypt; then as a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and  captain of the guard; then when he was put in prison by false accusation of Potiphar's wife; then 2nd in power to Pharaoh in Egypt; and finally saving his family because of his position in Egypt.
 
God shows HIS power to cause success in the midst of terrible situations.
 
The great love of Jacob's life was Rachel.   Jacob worked 7 years to be able to marry Rachel.  He had bargained with Rachel's brother who deceived him.  Laban deceived him into marrying Leah the eldest daughter who was "tender eyed" but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.  Gen. 29:17  Jacob agreed with Laban to work another 7 years for Rachel.  (Men of the Old Testament often had multiple wives and concubines.) 
 
Genesis 29:31  And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
 
Leah bares 6 sons:  Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah ... and later, Issachar and Zubulun (Rachel cannot
bear children so she gave her handmaid to Jacob and bare sons by her handmaid)
 
Bilhah bares 2 sons:  Dan, Naphtali,
 
(Leah then gave her handmade to Jacob.)
 
Zilpha bares 2 sons:  Gad, Asher
 
(Then God opens Rachel's womb.)
 
Rachel bares 2 sons:  Joseph and then the youngest of the sons, Benjamin
 
These are the 12 tribes of Israel for God has changed Jacob's name to "Israel".
 
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Genesis 37:3  Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
 
4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
 
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God gave Joseph 2 dreams and the brothers hated Joseph even more after he reported these dreams for they showed that Joseph would rule over the family of Israel and all the brothers.
 
Genesis 37
 
5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
 
6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
 
8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
 
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
 
10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
 
11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
 
(Here God has put the 11th born brother in charge and has blessed him over the firstborn brother as was the custom.  God gives us another example of the election of God in calling whom HE wants and by God's power to exalt one brother over all others. )
 
Romans 9
 
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
 
(Here God shows us the elect of God, those chosen by God, vs those who are children of the flesh and therefore not chosen by God.  In NT terms, the children of the flesh followed directions of the leaders of the churches, going forward , being baptized, doing other things by the will of the men of the churches, but not born of the Holy Spirit of God.  Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.)
 
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Romans 9
 
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
 
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
 
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
 
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
 
11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
 
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
 
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
 
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.
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Concerning Joseph:  The brothers want to destroy Joseph because their father shows a special love toward Joseph that he does not show toward the other children.  And he makes a coat of many colors and gives that to Joseph.  And God has made Joseph into HIS own elect and has destined Joseph for many great things where he even saves the nation of Israel from perishing in a great famine.
 
So the brothers purpose to kill Joseph.  They Joseph into a hole without food or water to let him die.  They strip him of his coat of many colors and dip that coat in animal blood and when they return to their father they tell him they don't know what happened to Joseph, and Israel is devastated believing Joseph has been killed by some animal.
 
But their desire for money is used by God to save Joseph from death.
 
Genesis 37
 
23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
 
24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
 
25 And they sat down to eat bread (they gave Joseph no bread or water in that pit): and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
 
26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
 
27  Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. (These brothers are really "good guys" or so they are trying to show us what they have done is good.  The younger brother, Benjamin, who was Joseph's full brother with Rachel as their mother, wasn't in on this plan.  And Ruben was away from them as they sold Joseph to the Midianites.
 
Notice the brothers act like they have done a good thing by selling Joseph rather than letting him die in the pit, and they said "for he is our brother and our flesh."  But really Joseph was saved by God for the calling of God and purpose God had in this world for Joseph ... and he was saved by the greed his brothers had for that money they could get for Joseph.)
 
Genesis 37
 
28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
 
31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
 
32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no.
 
33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
 
34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
 
(Those brothers who put Joseph into the pit and then sold him in slavery and present him as being dead to his father were the cause of all of their father's grief.)
 
35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
 
36 And the Midianites sold him (Joseph) into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
 
Joseph was only a 17-year-old boy when he was sold into slavery in Egypt.  He had only the clothes on his back when taken down to Egypt.  What hope was there for him?
 
But every where Joseph went God made him to prosper!  and gave him great favor and the tools he needed to gain favor in sight of his "masters" ... God gave Joseph great wisdom ... and several dreams which exalted Joseph in the sight of his owners in Egypt.
 
Proverbs 18:16   A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
 
💥💥💥
 
Pam Padgett tells of dealing with cancer by turning to God and following God:  click here
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The children of God: The elect of God called by God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Throughout the Bible we see the Old Testament having relevance to the New Testament as we see in this passage of scripture.
 
Romans 9
 
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
 
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
 
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
 
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
 
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.  
 
(Ishmael is the child of the flesh by the will of humans, by Abraham and Hagar. But Isaac was the child of the promise of God to Abraham and Sarah.  Not by the will of man but by the will of God.)
 
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
 
(Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90.)  "Is anything too hard for God?"  Genesis 18
 
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
 
11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of HIM that calleth;)
 
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
 
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
 
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
 
15 For HE (God) 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.  
 
💥💥💥
 
There is an elect of God, a called of God, today in the New Testament Church.  Paul is an example of the elect of God.
 
Paul had been persecuting the followers of Jesus and this happened to Paul.
 
Acts 26    (Paul explains to king Agrippa)
 
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
 
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
 
7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
 
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
 
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.  11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
 
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
 
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
 
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord?
 
And HE said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
 
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
 
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
 
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in ME.
 
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
 
Paul was instantly changed when Jesus spoke to HIM.  We, too, are instantly changed when Jesus speaks to us making us to be "born again."  We are given a new heart and a new Spirit so now we can follow God and obey the Word God speaks to us!
 
💥💥💥
 
We are the elect of God, chosen of God, children of the promise given to Abraham.  For in Abraham God blesses all nations:  Jews and Gentiles
 
Genesis 12
 
1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
 
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
 
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  (Jews and Gentiles)
 
4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;
 
💥💥💥
 
Ephesians 4  (The New Testament Church)
 
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
 
8 Wherefore HE (Jesus) saith, When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
 
11 And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
 
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

All things happened in the Old Testament as examples for us to admonish (warn) us

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
I Corinthians 10:11-13  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
 
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
 
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.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Jacob pronounces a sentence of death over the one who has stolen Laban’s gods. But Jacob doesn’t know that his beloved wife is the one who stole the images

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
God told Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, leaving Laban, and taking with him his wives and his 11 sons and all his possessions.
 
Genesis 31:13  God says to Jacob:  I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
 
Jacob fled in the night.
 
Laban found out 3 days later and gathered his men and chased after Jacob and caught up with them and confronted Jacob.
 
Genesis 31
 
19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
 
20 And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
 
21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
 
22 And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
 
23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
 
24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
 
25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
 
26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?
 
27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
 
28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
 
29 It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
 
30 And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?
 
31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.
 
32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
 
Laban searched the tents of Jacob for his gods but he did not find his gods.
 
33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.
 
34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.
 
35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.
 
Laban returned to his home and Jacob continued his journey back to his father's land as God commanded him.
 
Genesis 35  (God appears to Jacob and changes his name to "Israel".)
 
9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.
 
10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and HE called his name Israel.
 
11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
 
12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.
 
13 And God went up from him in the place where HE talked with him.
 
💥💥💥
 
(The 12 tribes of Israel will come with the last of the children having Rachel as his mother, born as they journey back to the land of Isaac.)
 
Genesis 35
 
16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.  17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
 
18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
 
19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
 
Jacob pronounced the sentence of death as he spoke to Laban concerning the person who stole Laban's gods.
 
Jacob said:  32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Sodom: Men came out from every quarter of the city to have sex with the 2 men who came to Lot’s house

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
God calls Sodom, exceedingly evil.
 
Genesis 13:12-13  Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
 
13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
 
💥💥💥
 
Deuteronomy 23:17
 
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite (homosexual) of the sons of Israel.
 
💥💥💥
 
New Testament:  God said this concerning homosexuals and lesbians:
 
Romans 1
 
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
 
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
 
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
💥💥💥
 
Genesis 19 ... God destroys the city of Sodom
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The Book of Psalms are prayers to God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
David said:
 
Psalm 72:20  The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
 
Many of the 150 psalms are written by David.
 
💥💥💥
 
Psalm 1
 
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
 
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in HIS law doth he meditate day and night.
 
3 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.
 
💥💥💥
 
A tree is not easily pulled down when it drinks constantly by the river of water!  It is not affected by many of the problems of this world for it drinks of pure water continually!
 
Delight in the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures of the Holy Bible and delight in that Word that God brings us by HIS Holy Spirit directly from heaven to our minds!
 
John 10:10  Jesus says:  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
THE WORD comes to us from God by HIS Spirit that we might have life, not death.
 
The word from opinion of men of the world are often death to us.
 
Choose life!
 
💥💥💥
 
Psalm 1
 
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
 
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
 
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Enter ye in at the strait gate

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...
 
Matthew 7
 
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
 
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
 
💥💥💥
 
There are many doors to destruction.
 
I Corinthians 6:9-10  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
 
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
 
💥💥💥
 
When a person dies, I often think, "And what NOW?"
 
Those who hate "the Word" often call the Bible legalistic.
 
They think they should be free to do that which they want to do.
 
This is one of the many gates to destruction.
 
The Word is the way of life and "few" there be that find it.
 
💥💥💥
 
God once said to me:  "Many want to be free to sin."
 
"Few want to be free from sin."
 
Following "the Word" makes us free from sin.
 
The Word says:
 
Concerning fornication:
 
💥  Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  (I Cor. 6:18)
 
💥  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith HE (The Word), shall be one flesh.  (I Cor. 6:16)  At the time of sexual intercourse, the two are made one even when you have sex with a prostitute.
 
Concerning divorce and remarriage:
 
💥  But I (the Word) say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.  (Mt. 5:32)
 
* The man who divorces "a faithful wife", causes her to commit adultery if she remarries.
 
* The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
 
💥  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.  (I Cor. 7:10-11)  This is a commandment of the Lord.  The divorced woman has 2 choices:  remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband
 
💥  The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.  (I Cor. 7:39)
 
💥  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. (Romans 7:2-3)
 
*  The only time a married woman is free to remarry is if her husband dies.  Otherwise she will commit adultery and the man who marries her, as a divorced woman, will commit adultery.
 
💥  And HE (the Word) saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
 
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.  (Mark 10:11-12)  And the man who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.  (Mt. 5:32)
 
💥💥💥
 
Concerning homosexuals & lesbians:
 
Romans 1
 
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified HIM not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
 
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
 
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
 
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
 
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
 
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 
They were not born homosexual or lesbian, but the Word says God gave them over to these "vile affections".
 
The Word says: But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  (Mk.10:6)
 
💥💥💥
 
Concerning abortion:
 
2 Timothy 3
 
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
 
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
 
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
 
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
 
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 
Without natural affections:  Mothers killing their own babies.  Abortion ... and homosexuals & lesbians.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...
 
Ephesians 3:20
 
Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
 
What is "the power" that worketh in us?
 
💥💥💥
 
The power that worketh is us is the power of the Holy Spirit of God who teaches us all things, reminds us of all that Jesus, the Word, has said to us, guides us unto all truth, and shows us things to come.
 
John 14:26  Jesus says:  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
 
💥💥💥
 
The Holy Spirit of God lives inside each believer and helps us to know what to do by bringing to our mind ideas even when we are doing a secular project.
 
I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
 
The Holy Spirit is "the helper" to show us the way to go in issues of this present life.  He simply brings ideas to us to show us God's thinking concerning our projects and also wisdom from God in spiritual concepts.
 
HE is the "Spirit of truth."
 
💥💥💥
 
One time, a young man said to his mother, that the Bible is too legalistic.
 
She told me what he said and this troubled me greatly.  I began talking with God about this.
 
The Holy Spirit then told me the truth from God's view.  HE said, "The people of the world want freedom to sin.  The people of God want freedom from sin."  
 
The Word of God gives us freedom from sin when we do that which the Word says to do.
And the Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture.  The Words of Jesus.
 
Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
 
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
 
Also I am reminded of this as I write this:
 
Proverbs 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
 
💥💥💥
 
For example:  In 2020, I was considering re-upholstering my 1994 car seat.  As I thought about doing this, the following came to my mind:  "Or you could just buy a new car."
 
(This was the Holy Spirit showing me an even better way to go.)
 
I had just sold my house in Texas and the money was in the bank account.  I had no debt.  I could just buy a new car.
 
I was 81-years old at that time, and knowing that this idea came from God gave me "faith" to spend money on a new car.  I felt God was showing me I would not need that money in the future.
 
That night, God gave me a dream that I had bought a new car.  I felt this confirmed the best way for me to go in this situation.
 
💥💥💥
 
John 10:10  (Jesus says:)
 
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (the Word) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
The Holy Spirit searches the heart of God to show us the will of God in the issues of this present life.
 
I Corinthians 2
 
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
 
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
 
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
 
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
 
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
 
💥💥💥
 
Sometimes we will start to do something but will have "no peace" about what we are about to do.
 
Or we might have "no joy" in that plan.
 
These should be "stop signs" for us.  Back off and pray again for God's wisdom.
 
James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 
 
💥💥💥
 
If we yoke ourselves to a plan of man, we might be uncomfortable in that which we are about to do.  The Holy Spirit is trying to warn us.
 
Matthew 11  (Jesus, The Word, says:)
 
28 Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 
29 Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 
30 For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.
 
God taught me that if something is very complex or overly expensive, I need to stop and pray again asking God for wisdom.  For God's way is "easy" and HIS burden is "light".
 
💥💥💥
 
My cleaning woman came to me and said, "Don't you ever feel you have to keep up with the Jones'?"
 
I was a little shocked by this question and I asked her to repeat it.
 
She said, "Don't you ever feel you need to outdo other people ... or to have a car as good as they have?"
 
I thought seriously about this and then replied, "No ... I don't believe I do."  
 
"Emulations" is a sin of the flesh.
 
(emulate: to equal or excel over another person)
 
Galatians 5
 
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
 
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
 
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 
James 3
 
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
 
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
 
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
 
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
 
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
 
So if we have envy or strife, we can pray as David did:
 
Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
(I've often prayed this over myself when I've encountered this world and their wisdom and plans.  And God has always helped me and restored my thinking to HIMSELF and HIS ways.)
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Yield to the Holy Spirit and do and say what HE gives you and that will be of God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
💥💥💥
 
The Holy Spirit of God brings to our mind a Word to show us what to do as we are faced with a problem of this world and insurrection of people of this world, and we do that which the Spirit of God shows us and say what HE shows us to say in the conflict, exalting HIM rather than ourselves.
 
And when we speak, we learn to yield to that which the Holy Spirit brings to our mind.
 
One day, I was speaking with my aunt, a Church of Christ member.  The Holy Spirit said to me:  "Tell your aunt about being taken into heaven."
 
I certainly didn't want to do that!
 
But I yielded to the Holy Spirit and began to speak what HE wanted spoken.
 
I said, "Aunt Ardath, shortly after I was born again, something happened to me in the night.  I was transported into heaven as I slept.  I was with God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit and I was merged into the body of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit witnessing, made one with The Word of God.  I saw no physical images.  It was a spiritual experience.  And a few nights later, the exact same thing happened again a second time."
 
I saw no fear at all in my aunt as I told her this but she got a "dreamy" look on her face.
 
After I finished speaking, she said:  "Something like that happened to me once and it was all golden."
 
💥💥💥
 
Yield to the Holy Spirit and speak the words HE brings to your mind for they do the work of God and your righteousness will be of God and not of yourself.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Being conformed to the image of Christ the Word by doing the word given us by the Holy Spirit

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
As long as God choses to leave us on this earth, we allow ourselves to be conformed to the image of Christ, obeying and following one word after another.
 
Because we are in the image of Christ, we are recognized as being of God, HIS servant, pleasing God.
 
Those sins of man which we once followed we put away as we put on Christ doing HIS word instead of doing our own fleshly lust.
 
We choose God each time we refuse to obey our own flesh.  The flesh tells us to get even with other people for what they have done to us.  To outdo others.  To exalt ourselves above others.  We refuse, instead asking God to help us not to say that which our flesh wants to say.  Asking God to help us not to do that which we want to do.
 
Instead of telling people off, we learn to pray for God to help those persons who have offended us.
 
And we show a light in this world, as we choose various scriptures to follow instead of going in the way of this world, following the instruction given to us by the apostle Paul, who said:
 
Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
 
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
 
💥💥💥
 
Philippians 2:15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
 
As long as God chooses to leave us on this present earth, we live our lives as a witness to HIS WORD, doing HIS WORD by following that which HE tells us by HIS Spirit.
 
* Instead of getting what is "rightfully" ours, we suffer loss giving up treasure on this earth.  Like Moses refusing the riches of this world because we serve HIM who is invisible.
 
Hebrews 11
 
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
 
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
 
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
 
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
 
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing HIM who is invisible.
 
Choosing to seek the will of God in each situation rather than striving to obtain what is "rightfully" ours.
 
Choosing peace rather than war.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Future: God knows the future and as we need to know, God shows us

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
There are times God has shown me future to prepare me to accept change.
 
Early in 2018, this concept came to my mind:  "You won't be able to continue to live alone as you have done in the past."
 
I was 80-years-old at that time.  It was common sense that I would need to make a change but it was very helpful to have God change my heart on this also.  I began to find it more difficult to have a larger house.  I grew to wanting one room with all my things in arm's reach around me.
 
I began to think of one of the prophets in the Bible who had a room and bed provided by a godly woman.  
 
2 Kings 4:8-10  And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.  9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
 
I began to think of moving from Texas where I had lived most of my life.  The thought came to my mind that I might move to Colorado and buy a little apartment type house.  One of our church members lives in Colorado and it would be nice to be where she was so we could visit.
 
During the same period of time Pam Padgett, one of our church group who lived in Colorado, began to think, "It would be nice to have Joan Boney move here ... "  But then she thought, "But she would never leave Texas."
 
By February 24, 2019, I had moved to Colorado and was living in a newly converted down stairs room in Pam's house.
 
So when the change came, it was no surprise to me, although I didn't consciously think of it during the months before it happened.
 
God had fully prepared my heart for the change that was to come so I joyfully went forward without any dread or fear or regret.
 
💥💥💥
 
John 16:13  Jesus says:  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear (from God), that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
 
In summer, 2018, it came into Pam Padgett's mind to convert her downstairs study into a bedroom and to put a shower into her downstairs 1/2 bath.  (She completed this project in January, 2019.)
 
On December 6, 2018, I fell at my house in Texas.  As the ambulance people rolled me past the front door of my house to take me to hospital, I heard these words from God:  "You'll never see this house again."  (That did not trouble me at all.  I reasoned that God had another plan for me.)
 
The night before surgery from the fall where hip and wrist were broken, a nurse came into my hospital room.  She said before they could operate I needed to sign papers putting someone in charge of me in case I could not supervise my medical treatment after surgery.
 
A member of our church group who also lived in the city where I lived in Texas, Lubbock, was in my room as the nurse came to get this information.
 
I replied to nurse, "Pam Padgett is in charge of me."  (God must have put it into my heart for I don't recall thinking of the subject before this happened.)
 
This church visitor said, "How can Pam be in charge?  She doesn't even live here."
 
I said:  "I don't know HOW she can be, but she is."
 
She called Pam and said, "Joan said you are in charge of her."  Pam simply said, "Okay."
 
From Colorado, 450 miles away, Pam stayed in contact with the nurses at the Hospital and at the Rehab Hospitals.  She worked with the realtors concerning the sale of the house.  On one of her trips to Texas, Pam took photos of objects in the house and asked me to identify those things I wanted to keep.  She worked with my contractor so he could know which items were to go into storage.  She worked with the estate sale people.  She flew from Denver to Lubbock 3 or 4 times to help me in various ways.  And finally she flew to Lubbock when I was released from hospital and moved me to her house in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 24, 2019, when I was released from hospital.
 
God worked everything out.
 
Isaiah 45:2  God says:  I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
 
💥💥💥
 
In September 2022, Pam Padgett was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of bladder cancer.
 
I just kept thinking of the following scripture:
 
James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
 
God arranged for me to live in Pam's home.  I was 84 when this cancer appeared.  There is no shadow of turning with God. I just kept knowing that God would not set this up and allow it to be taken away.
 
Story of this cancer:  click here
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Follow after the things that make for peace and things whereby we can edify one another

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Romans 14:19
 
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
 
* peace:
     - freedom from civil disturbance
     - harmony in personal relations
     - state of tranquility or quiet
     - freedom from war or violence
     - calmness; untroubled mind
 
* edify:
     - instruct or improve spiritually, morally
     - build or instruct in the faith in God and knowledge of the way of God
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

David says: ”The LORD (the Word) is my shepherd. I shall not want.”

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Certainly this Psalm of David is valid for today's church who have as their shepherd Jesus, The Word.
 
Psalm 23
 
1 The LORD (The Word) is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 
2 HE (The Word) maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE (The Word) leadeth me beside the still waters.
 
3 HE (The Word) restoreth my soul: HE (The Word) leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake.
 
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me; THY rod and THY staff they comfort me.
 
5 THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
 
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Philippians 4:6-7

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
 
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
💥💥💥
 
 
A man is coming to our house this week to add a cable to my TV and repair one of my speaker cables that had a broken post.  He also plans to demonstrate some upgraded sound cables.
 
I have the money to buy these sound cables.  But making choices is burdensome with me.
 
So my request to God was that HE choose for me.
 
God knows what I should do.  
 
Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
 
God will choose that which is best for us!  And God will protect us from that which would not benefit us.
 
I find I just keep saying to God, "YOU choose."
 
After I prayed, I heard this from the Holy Spirit:  "Don't be afraid."
 
💥💥💥
 
As we pray over all things, we connect with God in all matters pertaining to this life.
 
Jesus tells us this makes us worthy to escape that which is coming upon this earth.
 
Luke 21  (Jesus says)
 
33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but MY words shall not pass away.
 
34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
 
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
 
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
 
We put our trust in God each time we pray over that which we do on this earth and each time we pray over all our concerns ... and by prayer we connect with God and make ourselves worthy to escape that which is coming upon this earth.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The joy of the Lord, the Word, is my strength

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...
 
God strengthens and guides us by giving us HIS word in times of need as we live on this present earth.  The Holy Spirit brings to our mind various scripture to help us endure and be strengthened in faith in God in the problem.
 
Write out these verses and keep them before you day and night during the problem.
 
We continually rejoice in HIS word which helps us and strengthens us.
 
Nehemiah 8:10 
 
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD (the Word) is your strength.
 
In the midst of the problem, God often sends a scripture to our mind.  That scripture restores us to the Word of God and it is our joy.  It meets our need in the problem.  Be sure to write out that scripture and keep it before you day and night for a season.  Follow the instruction given in the scripture. It is the way to go in the issue and is the way to overcoming the matter at hand.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Controlling our minds through God and prayer

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
2 Cor. 10
 
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
 
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
 
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
 
💥💥💥
 
God gave a prophecy to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the New Testament Church and those who are born again.
 
Ezekiel 36  God says:
 
23 And I will sanctify MY great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
 
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
 
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
 
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
 
27 And I will put MY spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes, and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

God has not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and love and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
II Timothy 1:7   For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
💥💥💥
 
Fear is usually from devils who want to torment us and cause us to doubt God.
 
The devil often uses fear to draw us away from the plan of God.  And our own flesh is often filled with fear by things we have heard other people say.
 
To deal with fear when it comes, we need to turn to God in prayer, asking God to help us.  HE will!
 
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and brings truth to us.    There is no truth in the devil.  Jesus says, He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  (Jn. 8:44)
 
Devils bring thoughts of fear to our minds.  Usually devils speak opposite to the word God has given us.
 
God has given us:  power, and love, and a sound mind  (2 Tim. 1:7)
 
I often pray:
 
Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
And I pray for God to show me the truth on the issue at hand that I may follow HIM.
 
The devil is often a "false prophet" telling us what is going to happen to us.
 
When fear comes, remember to look for devils.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...
 
Ephesians 3:20
 
Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
 
What is "the power" that worketh in us?
 
💥💥💥
 
The power that worketh is us is the power of the Holy Spirit of God who teaches us all things, reminds us of all that Jesus, the Word, has said to us, guides us unto all truth, and shows us things to come.
 
John 14:26  Jesus says:  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear (from God), that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
 
💥💥💥
 
The Holy Spirit of God lives inside each believer and helps us to know what to do by bringing to our mind ideas even when we are doing a secular project.
 
I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  
 
The Holy Spirit is "the helper" to show us the way to go in issues of this present life.  He simply brings ideas to us to show us God's thinking concerning our projects and also wisdom from God in spiritual concepts.
 
HE is the "Spirit of truth."
 
💥💥💥
 
One time, a young man said that the Bible is too legalistic.
 
I began talking with God about this.
 
The Holy Spirit then told me the truth from God's view.  HE said, "The people of the world want freedom to sin.  The people of God want freedom from sin."  
 
The Word of God gives us freedom from sin when we do that which the Word says to do.
 
And the Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture.  The Words of Jesus.
 
Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
 
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
 
Also I am reminded of this as I write this:
 
Proverbs 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
 
💥💥💥
 
John 10:10  (Jesus says:)
 
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (the Word) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
The Holy Spirit searches the heart of God to show us the will of God in the issues of this present life bringing the Word of God to our minds on the situations life.
 
I Corinthians 2
 
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
 
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
 
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
 
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
 
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
💥💥💥
 
Sometimes we will start to do something but will have "no peace" about what we are about to do.
 
Or we might have "no joy" in that plan.
 
These should be "stop signs" for us.  Back off and pray again for God's wisdom.
 
James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 
 
💥💥💥
 
If we yoke ourselves to a plan of man, we might be uncomfortable in that which we are about to do.  The Holy Spirit is trying to warn us.
 
Matthew 11  (Jesus, The Word, says:)
 
28 Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 
29 Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 
30 For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.
 
God taught me that if something is very complex or overly expensive, I need to stop and pray again asking God for wisdom.  For God's way is "easy" and HIS burden is "light".
 
💥💥💥
 
My cleaning woman came to me and said, "Don't you ever feel you have to keep up with the Jones'?"
 
I was a little shocked by this question and I asked her to repeat it.
 
She said, "Don't you ever feel you need to outdo other people ... or to have a car as good as they have?"
 
I thought seriously about this and then replied, "No ... I don't believe I do."  
 
"Emulations" is a sin of the flesh.
 
(emulate: to equal or excel over another person)
 
Galatians 5
 
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
 
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
 
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 
James 3
 
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
 
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
 
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
 
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
 
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
 
So if we have envy or strife, we can pray as David did:
 
Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
(I've often prayed this over myself when I've encountered this world and their wisdom and plans.  And God has always helped me and restored my thinking to HIMSELF and HIS ways.)
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Rejoice in that season given by God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Ecclesiastes 3
 
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
💥💥💥
 
Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will HE withhold from them that walk uprightly.
 
God is both a sun and a shield.
 
God leads us in the way to go.  And God shields us from that which would harm us.
 
Trust in God.  Turn to God.  Put your faith in God.
 
We recognize when the plan is of God:
 
Matthew 11:28-30  (Jesus says)
 
28 Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 
29 Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 
30 For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.
 
If the plan is overly complex, difficult, and putting a financial hardship on me, I always know I don't have the plan of God for me.  I stop and pray again.
 
James 3
 
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
 
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
 
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
 
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Ideas that are from God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
Sometimes we will schedule something but then have no real peace or joy about doing that thing which we planned.  When this is the case, back off, put the plan on hold, pray again.
 
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It may be that you have the wrong plan.  Or it could be that you are trying to work with the wrong person in executing the plan.
 
If the worker troubles you, just ask God to change your heart if you are wrong.  After prayer, if you are still uncomfortable about the worker, know that you need to find someone else to do the work.  Trust God to sort it out for you.  Do not go forward as long as you find the worker troubling.
 
Recently I made the mistake of allowing a man to do a small job for me and it had to be undone and redone after this man finished his work.  I had no reason to be troubled by this worker but the two times he came to do the work, I was immediately troubled by him without any real reason to be troubled.  The Spirit in us will warn us by causing us to "feel" uneasy.  
 
(Sometimes God will even warn us by giving us a dream to show us we are going the wrong direction.)
 
This was such a minor job, I think I just went through the STOP signs.  
 
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Paul said:  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  (I Thess. 5:21)
 
How do we "prove" the plan?
 
Proverbs 16:3  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
 
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I once asked a young woman, "After you pray, how do you know which ideas that come to you are from God?"
 
(She was speechless.  Apparently she had never thought about this.)
 
If you pray, "What should I do about this?"  Ideas will likely come to your mind as to what you could do.  
 
Ideas can be from God sent by HIS Spirit.  The devil can send you ideas.  Your own flesh with it's desires can bring ideas.
 
So how do you know which ideas are from God?
 
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James 3:17
 
But the wisdom that is from above is:
 
* first pure, 
 
* then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, 
 
* full of mercy and good fruits, 
 
* without partiality, 
 
* without hypocrisy.
 
If the idea is overly complex, difficult, burdensome, exceedingly expensive, I always know I am not going in God's plan.  
 
Back off.  Pray again.  Be sure you are trusting that God will bring you the way for you to go. 
 
And evaluate the plan by this:  God's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light.  (Mt. 11:30)
 
- easy:  achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties 
 
Example: I allowed a man to change out a cord on my TV which was supposed to upgrade the picture to 4K or 8K.  But when he finished, the TV picture was not good.  My previous picture was much better.  I was sick that I had allowed this man to do this.  But before he came to do the work, I dreaded the thought that he would be coming to make this change.  I went through the warnings which God was trying to give me and allow this man to come do the work.
 
God knew how upset I was.  An idea came:  just install your previous cables and allow the cable that goes from TV to sound processor to hang down behind the TV without having to hide that cable behind the wall.  Then you can see immediately if the video problem will be resolved.
 
I still had the old cables so I could do this without problem.  And if I allowed the cables to come outside the wall it was just a matter of plugging them in to test the video picture!
 
I did this that same day and the TV picture was very good.  Later when someone comes to work here, he can easily drop the cable down the wall, hiding the cable.
 
This plan brought me peace and immediate comfort and it worked!  
 
God brings us ideas which help us greatly and are filled with peace.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog