3/20 ... Devil is liar and there is no truth in him ... Thoughts devil sends to us are lies ...

Jesus said to the religious leaders of His time ...

Jn. 8:44 ... Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. 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.

Devil does not live in the truth ... there is no truth in devil.

He speaks lies.

Devil does send thoughts to our minds.

When income reduces, it is not unusual for devil to send thoughts as to what is going to happen to us in future ... and if we stop and consider, those fearful thoughts of future are opposite to that which God says about the subject and what the inspired word of God, the Holy Scriptures, say to us about the subject.

Not enough money in future?  Will have to sell house and move to less expensive location?  And your house won't sell because of the economy? 

Bible:  God says ...

Hebrews 13:5 ...  5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for HE (God) hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Phil. 4:19 ... But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

*****

If we need to make a change, God will show us.  If we need to reduce expenditures, God will show us.  Pray, ask God if you need to do anything, any adjustments ... be persuaded by God not by devils.

If you've taken on too much, too many "good works", ask God to show you.

I've had many times during the past 30 years that income has reduced.  I've often asked God if I need to cut back and if so "where". 

So far, God has never shown me that I need to reduce expenditures and all my needs have been provided abundantly ... even more than before, though my income now is greatly reduced from 10 years ago.

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,

*****

Sometimes thoughts will come to us concerning that which is going to happen to us "tomorrow" ... 

When tomorrow concerns us, we should pray, committing those fears of tomorrow and dreads of tomorrow to God.

Doing as Paul said to do:

Phil. 4:6-7... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

*****

Lay the entire situation out before God in prayer ... Allow God to establish your thoughts on the matter at hand... Wait on God until HE shows you... Give it time ... Don't rush into anything ...

3/21 ... Some people have to be fed with milk and can't take "strong meat" of God

Recently a church woman said she couldn't wait to leave this earth and be with her dead husband in heaven.

This death is a "fresh wound" and I couldn't stand mentioning to her that we will have different bodies when we are taken into heaven, not the bodies we recognize each other by on this present earth.  (I Cor. 15)

I felt a little badly that I didn't tell her this but I told God I just couldn't do it at this point in time for she is so "tender" ...

God reminded me that Paul said some people had to be fed with milk and not with strong meat.

I Cor. 3 ... 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 

(One says "I'm Methodist" ... the other says "I'm Baptist" ... carnal, not spiritual.)


Since we will not have these physical bodies in heaven that we have on this earth, will we be able to recognize father, mother, aunt, uncle, husband, wife?

In heaven, will that human be important to us as he (she) was on this earth?

Or will God blind us to everyone but to HIMSELF ... for God will be all in all in heaven.  There won't even be need for sun in new heaven for God will be light there ... God will be brightness of sun in new heaven and new earth, "new Jerusalem".  

 (Revelation 22:5 ... And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.)


Carnal is to see heaven as if it is an extension of our life on this earth.

Is that what heaven will be?

*****

The Bible gives us hints of how different it will be ... for we won't even remember this current earth ... 

Isaiah 65 ... 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create:
for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  

In the "new Jerusalem", all people placed there will be a joy, unlike this present earth.

There is no marriage between husband and wife in heaven as we have on this earth.

Mt. 22 ... 23 The same day came to HIM (to Jesus) the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked HIM, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

*****

In heaven won't we, the body of Christ, be "one body", married to Jesus?

HE, Jesus, will be all to us ... and God, Jesus, Holy Spirit are one ... and we are one with them.

We can't view heaven as we view this present earth with earthly relationships.  That is carnal.


Paul gave another example of milk vs. strong meat.

Hebrews 5 ... 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Some people, even real Christians, have sat in their churches hearing the same church doctrine to the point they can't recognize at first when we speak other parts of the New Testament.  They have heard one part so long they forget there are other scriptures so when we speak real scripture they sometimes are stunned.

One church woman even told me a Methodist couldn't be a Christian.

What does Jesus say?

Revelation 3 ... 1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith HE that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with ME in white: for they are worthy.

Even in the Catholic church there can be an individual who really belongs to Jesus.

In the 1950's, when I went to college, the Church of Christ in USA thought they were the only church.  I had a friend who was Church of Christ member.  He and I were having dinner (1985) and I said to him, "Jimmy ... I believe a Church of Christ member could be a Christian."  I thought he was going to choke to death on the mouthful of food he had in his mouth at the time.

3/22 ... Jesus seeks those who are cast out

Have you ever been cast out of relationship because you spoke the word of God?

Jesus seeks those cast out for the Word's sake.

Here are some examples.

John 9 ... 1 And as Jesus passed by, HE saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And HIS disciples asked HIM, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 

4 I must work the works of HIM that sent ME, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.  

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When HE had thus spoken, HE spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and HE anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
 
8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. 

12 Then said they unto him, Where is HE? He said, I know not.

 13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.

He said unto them, HE put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, THIS MAN is not of God, because HE keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?

And there was a division among them. 

17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of HIM, that HE hath opened thine eyes

He said, HE is a prophet.

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. 

22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that HE was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. 

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 

25 He answered and said, Whether HE be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

26 Then said they to him again, What did HE to thee? how opened HE thine eyes? 

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be HIS disciples? 

28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art HIS disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for THIS FELLOW, we know not from whence HE is. 

30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence HE is, and yet HE hath opened mine eyes. 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth HIS will, him HE heareth. 32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33 If this MAN were not of God, HE could do nothing. 

34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?

And they cast him out. 

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when HE had found him, HE said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

36 He answered and said, Who is HE, Lord, that I might believe on HIM?

37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen HIM, and it is HE that talketh with thee.

38 And he said, Lord, I believe.

And he worshipped HIM.

When Jesus heard this man was cast out of the synagogue for his testimony of Christ's works, Jesus went looking for this man who had been cast out.

*****

Pam Padgett, of our little church group, gave a remarkable testimony of being cast out of the singles group at a church she once attended.  A divorced woman, set about to find a husband.  Pam went to this divorced woman telling her if she remarried after divorced she would commit adultery.  Pam showed her scripture saying this, the woman who remarries after divorce commits adultery.  This woman said she didn't care what the Bible says.  This was a woman sitting in a NT church group.

This divorced woman found a man in the church group and he was going to marry her.

Pam went to the man who was planning to marry this divorced woman.  Pam showed him the scripture saying the man who marries her who is divorced, commits adultery.

Mt. 5:32 ... Jesus said ... 32 But I 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.  

The man listened to Pam and he said he would consider what Pam said, and Jesus (Bible), but he continued in plans to marry the divorced woman.

Pam knew the woman who was going to be maid of honor.  Pam went to this woman telling her if they married it would be adultery.

This woman said she knew it was wrong for this couple to marry but they would marry regardless and therefore she was going to be maid of honor anyhow.

Bible says:   I Tim. 5:22 ... neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

None of these church people showed any regard at all for what Bible said.

After this, Pam went to the main service at that church.  The singles made practice of sitting together at the service.  Pam sat in area where the singles usually sat.  None of the singles came to sit there.  Pam turned and saw them sitting in another area of the building.

The next time Pam attended church, she went to sit in the new area where the singles had sat the previous service.  The singles sat in the old area.

The next service, Pam saw the singles sitting together and she went there and sat down. 

Without saying a word, they got up and moved away from Pam and sat in another section of the building.

Pam cried out to God ... "Have I done something wrong?"

A few weeks later, a woman came to Pam at the church service and said she had a word from God for her. 

God knows the way the singles are treating you and you need to know it is because of the word you spoke concerning this divorced woman remarrying (divorce-remarriage-adultery) ... And God wants you to know you spoke what HE wanted you to speak.

*****

The apostle Paul said ...  I Thess. 3 ... That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.    

*****

II Tim. 3 ... 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing OF WHOM thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

*****

In the 1980's, I was on radio in several cities in USA.  God had given me some judgment messages concerning some big-time radio-TV ministers who were committing various sins.  I could not get the message directly to the minister because these ministers all surrounded them with "body guards" so church people could not approach them. 

Even though I was relatively well known in church circles at that time, I couldn't get messages to these big-time ministers.  God persuaded me to give these messages on my radio broadcasts, naming by name the minister, telling of the minister's wrong doing.  Then the messages I had been given got to these big-time ministers. 

I was having a meeting in Seattle for radio audience.  Outside the meeting room door, the Seattle radio station manager was waiting for me.  He said, "Joan, you have many wonderful messages.  Just speak those messages.  If you continue to speak these judgment messages I don't know what is going to happen to you.  We might have to put you off the air."

Without any thought whatsoever, the Holy Spirit spoke the following words through me.

If I don't speak the message, I believe to be from GOD, then I don't have a message and I may as well be off the air. 

I continued to speak and they put me off the air.  About 1/2 of my stations in USA continued to allow me to broadcast.

*****

The following happened to a man in our little church group.

His daughter was about to commit a sin.  I think it was remarriage after divorce.  Joseph went to this daughter and told her what the Bible said ... She became very angry and told him their relationship was over... Joseph said it hurt very much ... But he said he was glad he told her.

It is not unusual for this to happen.

Jesus said ...   Mt. 10 ... 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than ME is not worthy of ME: and he that loveth son or daughter more than ME is not worthy of ME. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after ME, is not worthy of ME. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life FOR MY SAKE shall find it.

This is a part of suffering for Christ, suffering for The Word.

*****

The apostle Peter said ...

I Peter 4 ... 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when HIS glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part HE is evil spoken of, but on your part HE is glorified.

...  19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to HIM in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

*****

Lk.18 ... 28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed THEE. 

29 And HE (Jesus) said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. 

*****

Concerning rejection by men for the Word's sake ... 

Isaiah 53 ...
 
1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
 
2 For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: 

HE (The Word) hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see HIM, there is no beauty that we should desire HIM.
 
3 HE (The Word) is despised and rejected of men; A MAN OF SORROWS, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from HIM; HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not.
 
4 Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
 
5 But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed.
 
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. 

*****

 Concerning Jesus ... John 1 ... 11 HE came unto HIS own, and HIS own received him not. 12 But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on HIS name (The Word) : 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Jesus understands our rejection and suffering for the Word's sake.  Turn to HIM.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God and makes intercession for us. 

3/23 ... Building your house on The Word of God

The apostle Paul said:  7 But refuse profane (secular) and old wives' fables (superstitions) , and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.  I Tim. 4:7

We exercise ourselves to godliness by renewing our minds to word of God and by considering what we are doing as Christians on this earth. There are so many traditions which have no basis in the word of God nor in faith in God, such as eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day for luck.

In the 70's a popular song started a tradition in USA ... It was at the end of the Vietnam War and some soldiers were coming home while others were missing but not declared dead.  A popular song of that  time was " Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree."   People started doing that.  It has become a symbol of luck to this day.

Lighting candles as if they have some mystical power is witchcraft.

We, as Christians should consider what we are doing and what our actions imply.

I want to build my house on the word of God ...on that which God says.

 

*****

Ephesians 4:21 ... 

 If so be that ye have heard HIM, and have been taught by HIM, as the truth is in Jesus:  (The WORD is truth.)

***** 

Phil. 4:6-7 ... 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.

*****

John 18 ... My kingdom is not of this world.

Col. 3 ...   1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

*****

Mt. 7 ... Jesus says ...

 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

3/24 ... We cast out devils in "HIS" name when we allow The Word of God to rule in our lives

Mk. 16 ... Jesus said ... 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In MY name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

You might read the above scripture and feel this has never happened to you.

But look again!

In MY name (The Word) shall they cast out devils ...

Here is an example of casting out thoughts of devil "in the name of Jesus" by HIS word.

A friend sent me a birthday card.  In the card she put a note telling all the things she had been doing.  She had visited her daughter ... she had gone to the wedding of her grandson ... she told of all the plans she had with her husband for the upcoming holidays.

I had no daughter ... no grandson ... no husband ... no plans ...

Instantly the Holy Spirit reminded me of the following scripture:

"Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."



"That's right!"  I shouted ... It looks like I don't have a life but I do.  My life is hidden with Christ.  And when Christ appears I will appear HIM. 

The devil would have attacked me with sadness over my situation except for the fact that the HOLY SPIRIT drove the depressing words away by bringing the following truth from God to my mind.



Col. 3 ... 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, WHO is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with HIM in glory.

This is an example of how we, who believe, cast out devils in HIS name by believing the Spirit who is the SPIRIT OF TRUTH.  Mk. 16:17

The devil is the father of lies, says JESUS, and there is no truth in him ... Jn. 8

He brings wrong concepts into our minds to cause us to be sad and depressed.

But the Spirit of Truth brings truth from God into our minds.

We choose WHOM we will believe in the matter at hand.

  

3/25 ... Real Christians ... even in Sardis, says Jesus

Revelation 3 ... Jesus said ... 1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with ME in white: for they are worthy. 


Even as bad as it can get in certain church groups, there might still be a person who belongs to God and has not defiled his garment.

A woman said to me:  "I don't believe a Methodist can be a Christian."

But I remembered what the Holy Spirit said to me, "Even in Sardis" ... there was someone worthy.

Sardis must have been very bad ... but even as bad as it was there were a few names "Even in Sardis" who walked with Jesus and were worthy.


This helps us so much when we are upset over the evils and various churches ...


Here is a very interesting story told by Barbara Preston, a member of our little church group ...

Barbara says: 

My husband is an amateur astronomer and belongs to the local astronomy club.  He receives phone calls from other club members and sometimes they will come over to the house.

One of his astronomy friends is named Scott.  Recently I noticed that when Scott calls and I see by caller ID that it is him, I want to avoid talking to him and if he comes over, I want to avoid seeing him.

I knew I had built up some kind of hardness of heart where he was concerned.  

I talked to God about this when I saw it and asked Him to please help me to settle this.

I didn't want to feel this way about Scott.

When I asked God how this happened, I was reminded that during the last conversation Scott and I had, he told me he was Catholic.  I realized that I had built up some kind of prejudice against him over this and wanted to avoid him.  I repented of this and asked God how to get this resolved.

I was reminded immediately of something else that had happened during the first conversation I ever had with Scott.  We were talking one day, and I told him that God created the heavens and the earth.  And that all those stars they looked at were created by God.

As soon as I said this, he got so excited and said... "I know...I know!"  He told me how he loved to tell this to people when they looked through his telescope (the club has lots of group nights where boy scouts, etc. will show up and want to do this for an evening event.)

When he said this, his excitement and joy really seemed genuine to me.  As soon as God reminded me of this, I could feel the hardness of heart that I had felt concerning him just melt away.

Not long after this, Joan mentioned the church in Sardis in Rev. 3, and how being reminded of this encouraged her to speak the Word of God even to people in churches where there seemed that there could be no Christians.

This reminded me of what happened with me where Scott was concerned. 

Scott and I have had a couple of conversations about God, in the past, and now I know that the way to go is not to avoid him, but, if we talk in the future, and something about God comes up, just share truth with him at that moment.

I was very thankful to have this resolved.

3/26 ... Jesus calls HIS sheep by name and goes before them when HE puts them forth

John 10:3 ... and the sheep hear HIS voice: and HE calleth HIS own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when HE putteth forth HIS own sheep, HE goeth before them, and the sheep follow HIM: for they know HIS voice.

I was born again, given the Spirit of God, in 1975.  Shortly after that, I was asleep in the night and was transported into heaven.  I was with God, with Jesus, with Holy Spirit.  No images, just spiritual experience.  At that time, I was merged into the body of Jesus, made one with Word of God, God and Holy Spirit witnessing.

A few night later, the exact same thing happened a second time.

I was on fire for Bible and things of God after this.

At that time, I owned a small business and had 3 very competent women who worked for me.  This allowed me to stay at my apartment and study Bible all day.  I did this for several years.

I had no thought at all of being a minister.  I just wanted to study Bible.

I did finally recognize God had called me to be a minister.  When I was taken into heaven those two times and merged into the body of Jesus, made one with the word of God, I thought this happened to every Christian.  I didn't tell anyone what happened at that time, thinking this was a standard part of being a Christian.  As time passed, I learned this was not a thing that happened to everyone.  By the end of 3 or 4 years, I was fully persuaded God had called me and set me into the ministry.  Several people, including the pastor at the church I was attending at that time, said I was a "prophet" (Eph. 4).

One day I was in my car and Holy Spirit began talking to me:  "Joan ... I've called you and set you into body of Christ as an apostle ..."  

Apostle!  I shouted ... what does that mean?

During the months following this experience, God began teaching me the work I was to do in the offices of apostle/prophet.

When I was fully persuaded I was to close my business and "go into the ministry", I had no church to go to.  I had no firm work to do.  I had no income.  I just lived off the money made from the sale of merchandise when I closed my business.  My life didn't change much during those months.  I just stayed at my apartment and studied Bible as I had been doing the previous 4 years.

Everything changed January 10, 1980 ... Jesus was sending me forth ... I was asleep in the night.  A very loud trumpet like voice spoke three words into my ear as I slept:  "Hartford, Seattle, KWJS"

 I jumped out of bed ... and quickly wrote "KWJS" on notepad.

These letters meant nothing to me but I suspected they were call letters to either radio or TV.

It turned out to be call letters to a radio station.

I said to God, "Are YOU telling me to go on radio.  I'm not a speaker.  I'm a writer.  I wouldn't know how to do that."

Gentle impression after I said that to God:  "Call the radio station manager."

I called as soon as I thought the business office would be opened and asked to speak to the radio station manager.  He came on phone immediately.  I told him I thought God might be telling me to go on radio and I asked him how one does that.

Radio station manager said:  "Make an audition tape 29 1/2 minutes long and if you fit our format we will offer you contract."

Within a week, I was broadcasting on KWJS.

Jesus put me forth and went before me, just as it says in John 10. 

Jesus calls HIS sheep by name ... individually Jesus puts us forth and HE always goes before us.

There are several gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12 & I Cor. 12) ... not all have the same gifts.

We are given gifts to use to benefit the church according to the will of God.

I have a spiritual gift of "exhortation". 

Pam Padgett, in our little church group, has a gift of "helps" ... we work together in the ministry.  She is incredibly helpful to me in getting messages prepared for publishing, both on our blog and on the books made available through Amazon.

We are both equipped by God for the work HE prepared for us to do on this present earth.  Nothing is lacking.  God has provided everything we need to do the work to which HE called us.

John 10 ... Jesus said ... I am the door of the sheep. 

Jesus, The Word, is the door ... By the Word Jesus gives us we see the way we are to go out ... door.

 *****                                                     

I Cor. 12 ... 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE (God) will.

Romans 12 ... 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry  (serving), let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

I Cor. 12 ... 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.
 
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased HIM.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
 
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  24 For our comely parts have no need:

but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
 
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church (to care for the church), first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

As we see from these scriptures, we do not all have the same spiritual gifts ... and "some" are set in the church to care for the church.  We work where we are set by God.  We do not "achieve to a position"  ... we do not start out pastor and after experience "arrive" to position of apostle.

As we are born male or female, we are reborn with the gifts assigned by God and some are given to the church as apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher.  You can have more than one office.  In the Bible we see that Paul was an apostle, teacher.  (2 ministry offices)

There are no "ministers of music" ... this was added to the church by man, not by God.

The Bible tells us the ministry offices set in the church by Jesus.

After the resurrection, Jesus gave these ministry offices to work to help the New Testament church.

Eph. 4 ... 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore HE saith, When HE (Jesus) ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that HE ascended, what is it but that HE also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 HE that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that HE might fill all things.)

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:

The gift is to the church ... the ministry office is a gift to the church to help those in the church.

3/27 ... Dead to sin. Alive to God

After I was born again, the Holy Spirit said to me, "Be baptized."  

When the minister lowered me into the water, The Holy Spirit said, "This is like being buried with Christ."  

When I came up out of the water, The Holy Spirit said, "This is like being raised with Christ." 

Being buried with Christ is like being dead to sin that we not have to serve sin any longer.

Being raised with Christ is newness of life in Christ so we can now serve God instead of being servant to our own fleshly desires.

We no longer have to be tossed about by our emotions.  That old person we once were is dead with Christ, crucified with Christ.

We now have a desire to God, to know things of God ... a desire to read Bible and to learn those things.

This is a totally different life than before.

In Romans 5, at end of chapter, Paul explains that grace overcomes sin.  Then in Romans 6, Paul further says ...    

 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 

2 God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into HIS death? 

4 Therefore we are buried with HIM by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
 
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of HIS death, we shall be also in the likeness of HIS resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with HIM: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over HIM.

10 For in that HE died, HE died unto sin once: but in that HE liveth, HE liveth unto God.

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?

God forbid. 

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
 
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3/28 ... Self-righteous?

God once said to me concerning a woman ... "self-righteous" ...

Her righteousness was in herself ... in her works that she considered good ... not in the works of Jesus. 

Her faith was in her own work.

If we are trusting in anything other than that which Jesus did ... the blood of Jesus which paid for our sins, then we are in great danger.

Our works will never make us worthy of salvation. 


Mt. 7 ... Jesus said ...  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Notice they came to HIM telling of their own works and were turned away by Jesus.

Salvation is by Jesus' works, by faith in HIM because of what HE did.

That will not fail.