*VOLUME 10 - Product Description

The apostle Paul said Jesus could not return for the church until the following happened.

There had to be a "falling away" (II Thess. 2) where churches would depart from Holy Scripture, explaining away scripture and often completely omitting the subject of many issues such as divorce/remarriage and the man marrying the divorced woman which Jesus spoke about as follows:

Mt. 5:32.   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.

Jesus said the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Jesus said the divorced woman commits adultery if she remarries while her husband is living.

Jesus said the man who divorces a faithful wife will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.

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These scriptures were the "restraint" which held antichrist back.  Once scriptures were removed, lawlessness could move into the congregation and antichrist would reign in the church groups.

II Thess. 2 ... NASB ... And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed.

The scriptures were that which restrained antichrist.  Once those scriptures were removed, lawlessness could come into the church group.

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The apostle John said there were already "many" antichrists in his day.

I Jn. 2:18 ... Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

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When I was born again, 1975, the churches I attended were teaching there would be "one" man who was antichrist and at that time those churches thought Henry Kissinger was antichrist.

In 1812, the Russians thought Napoleon was the antichrist.

None of this makes sense nor does it fit scripture.

John said there were many antichrist already there in his day.

Paul said antichrist would sit in "the temple of God" (the church), showing himself to be God.

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Antichirst is not "one man" any more than the devil is "one man".

Both antichrist and devil are spirits that operate through men.

Thus there were "many" antichrist when the apostle John wrote, and today with restraints of the scriptures removed, antichrist is operating in the majority of church groups that we see in our time!

Often you will hear church people say the churches are "watered down" today.  This is removal of certain scriptures which opens the congregation to sin without repentance. 

Certainly it is sad but it is exactly what the apostle Paul said would  happen "in the last days."

II Tim. 3:1-5 ... This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

They deny the power of the scripture to rule over them.

All these end time things are happening today in the church groups.

Jesus could come for the "believing" church at any time since that which had to happen before Jesus returns has happened and is happening right now before our eyes.

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How should we be, we who have the Holy Spirit and cling to the scriptures as Holy?

We live in peace by turning to God in faith and prayer and by surrounding our minds with Bible and godly exhortations in spite of all these horrors we see in churches and in people who say they are Christian.

For these causes, we write these volumes of Exhortations for the Church to encourage us and strengthen us daily in the scriptures and in things of the Spirit of God.

Joan Boney

*Preface: Vol. 10

As we draw nearer to the Day of the Lord, the return of Jesus Christ for HIS church, the sin of both the churches and the world increases.

The church groups remove certain scriptures to allow individuals in the congregation to feel approved in various sins.

The removal of specific scripture removes the "restraint" that was holding antichrist back.

Church groups become weaker and weaker as sin moves into the congregation.

Paul said these would be "perilous times", and they are.  (II Tim. 3)

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As things grow worse in the churches and in the world, it is even more critical for us to surround our minds daily with Bible and godly exhortations.

Heb. 3:12-14 ... Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Heb. 10:25 ... exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

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These volumes of Exhortations for the Church, help us to focus on the way of God in the midst of much evil in the churches today and in this world.

Joan Boney

*10/1 ... Jesus says: "I Am Glorified in Them." (Jn. 17:10)

Is Jesus glorified in Paul?  Is Jesus glorified in Peter?  Is Jesus glorified in you?

Each time we do what God shows us to do, Jesus is glorified in us.

Each time we obey a scripture given us by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is glorified in us.

Each time we set about to do what we believe we have heard from God, Jesus is glorified in us.

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John 17:18 ... Jesus said to God ...  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Jesus spoke the words God gave to HIM.  This did the work of God. 



John 17:8 ... For I have given unto them the words which THOU gavest ME;

God reveals things to us, wisdom from God, and we share that wisdom.  It is not wisdom of our own reasoning but rather what God has shown us by HIS Spirit.   

And we do those things shown us by God.

This glorifies God. 

*****

When we believe what we have heard is from God, we simply obey. 

We often do not understand but we believe that is what God has shown us, so we do it.  That is faith in God.

And we end up giving glory to God by doing what HE has said.  This is how we give glory to God.

*****

When I was born again, 1975, I owned a business.  A woman filed a law suit against me and took me to court.  I heard:  "Don't testify." 

After hearing that instruction, I called my lawyer and told him he might not want to represent me in court because God had told me not to testify.  Lawyer replied that he would represent me, then he added, "But if you testify I know we will win this case.  Otherwise, I think we will win but if you testify I know we will win."

A woman who worked for me witnessed the incident and she was going to testify.  But when she found I was not going to testify, she became angry with me and said all the burden would fall on her.

I explained to her:  "God has told me 'Don't testify', so I can't testify." 

The man I was dating at that time said to me, "Joan... you aren't doing this girl any favor by not testifying."

I explained to him that I was not trying to do any favor to this girl.  I was just trying to do what I heard from God.  "Don't testify."

(Of course none of them understood but I just went forward trying to obey God.)

When we got before the judge, he was scribbling on a paper and my lawyer stated I would not be testifying.  The judge was shocked!  He stopped writing and looked directly at me and asked, "You're not testifying?"  I replied, "No."  

At some point in the trial, my lawyer said to me, "Flo's testimony wasn't as strong as I had hoped it would be but if you will testify, we will win." 

I said, "I'll see." 

I went into restroom at court house and began praying, asking God what HE wanted me to do.

I heard:  "Don't testify"

I went back into court room and shook my head "no" when lawyer looked at me.


The testimony continued.  The trial ended.  I was acquitted of all charges.

*****

This was the beginning of my years as a Christian.  God started with me by teaching me both faith and obedience to HIM, to that which HE said to me.


And God showed me the following scripture as a pattern for life.

John 5:30 ... Jesus said ...  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear (from God), I judge: and MY judgment is just; because I seek not MINE own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent ME.

*****

We speak what we believe we have heard from God and we do what we believe God has told us to do.  This is the work for us as we live on this present earth.  And it is all a work of faith.  

Certainly there are other voices that bring thoughts to our minds.  Our flesh would lead us if possible.  And devils bring ideas to us.

But when we establish that we have heard from God, we speak that and do that.

Devils spoke to Jesus (Mt. 4) but Jesus rejected those instructions given by Satan.

In the flesh, Jesus didn't want to go to the cross.  No flesh wants to suffer.  But after Jesus prayed 3 times about this "cup", Jesus said:   the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?  John 18:11

*****

So Jesus rejected those ideas brought by the devil and the feelings HE had in HIS own flesh and did the will of God, laying down HIS own life, HIS preferences, in order to obey the will of God.

We determine if that information is from God and we set about to do what we believe God said.

This glorifies God and Jesus.

*10/2 ... Strong Rebukes Given By Godly People

Sometimes our words and actions become strong when we are confronted with sin, especially with sin in the church.  (You who are parents know what this is like.)

We often feel we have done wrong by being so harsh.

But I am reminded of times Jesus spoke strongly bringing correction ... and so did John the Baptist ... and Paul warned the church what he would do to them when he came if they failed to correct themselves.

These are examples for us:

John 2:13-16 ... And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when HE had made a scourge of small cords, HE drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not MY Father's house an house of merchandise.

*****

Matthew 16:21-23 ... From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto HIS disciples, how that HE must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 

Then Peter took HIM, and began to rebuke HIM, saying, Be it far from THEE, Lord: this shall not be unto THEE. 

But HE turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind ME, Satan: thou art an offence unto ME: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

*****

Luke 24:13-26 ...  (After the crucifixion and before Jesus ascended into heaven) And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus HIMSELF drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know HIM.

And HE said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto HIM, Art THOU only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

And HE said unto them, What things?

And they said unto HIM, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered HIM to be condemned to death, and have crucified HIM.  But we trusted that it had been HE which should have redeemed Israel:and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  And when they found not HIS body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that HE was alive.  And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but HIM they saw not. 

Then HE (Jesus) said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into HIS glory?

*****

John 21:20-22 ...  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth THEE?  Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou ME. 

*****

Matthew 16:6-11 ... Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.  Which when Jesus perceived, HE said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?  Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?  Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?  How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

*****

One of the strongest rebukes that I know of in the Bible was given by John the Baptist:

Luke 3:7-8 ... Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

*****

In training me for the work God was going to have me do on this earth, this example of John the Baptist was called to my attention and I felt God saying to me, "Don't be afraid to address them harshly."  

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God said to the prophet Ezekiel ... Ezekiel 2:3-8 ... And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against ME: they and their fathers have transgressed against ME, even unto this very day.  For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.  And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.  And thou shalt speak MY words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.  But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.  

*****

Paul warned the church to correct things before he came for if not he would "bewail" many.

II Corinthians 12:20-21  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:  And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

II Corinthians 13:1-2  This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.  I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 

*10/3 ... The work of apostles and prophets in the NT Church Today

After Jesus arose, HE gave ministry gifts to the church to help the church.

Ephesians 4:11-16 ... And HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  From WHOM the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

*****

The apostle Paul is an example of the NT apostle given by Jesus after HE arose for Paul was not like the other apostles of the Bible.  Paul didn't walk with Jesus before the crucifixion as they did.  It was not until after Jesus rose from the dead that Paul was called by God and set into the ministry as an apostle.

The work of the NT apostle:  (that which God has shown me about apostles)

Apostles have a special anointing by God to deal with doctrine, with scripture.  Paul told us that after his death he knew many would rise up in the church to draw away disciples after themselves.  As long as Paul was among them, he kept order in the church and kept the doctrine from perversions of men who sought their own glory.  But the time would come when Paul would no longer be there.

Paul says:  Acts 20:25-30 ... And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE hath purchased with HIS own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  

*****

Today, so much doctrine of Bible has been twisted and removed from the churches.  

Just consider the following spoken by Jesus:  Matthew 5:32 ...  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 who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

The apostle Paul said the following is the commandment of the LORD concerning women who have married.

I Corinthians 7:10-11 ...  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.

***** 

Apostles will deal with perversion of scripture.  Apostles will hold fast the doctrines of the Bible and will insist before all that these true doctrines be followed.

This is one of the major works of NT apostles.  

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Work of NT prophets: 

God often shows prophets sin in the church ... specific sin being committed by individuals in the church ... and prophets are sent by God to deal with such sins.

This is very difficult work, though prophets are enabled by God for the work.

The one doing the sin often strikes out at the prophet and tries to make it seem the prophet is wrong.  Therefore the prophet has to work through this and reestablish with God the truth of the message and hold fast to the message even when attacked by the wrong doer.  It is difficult.

A prophecy once spoken over me is:  "You will have to stay very close to God."  

Elijah was once very discouraged and wanted to die.  (It is not unusual to want to stop doing the work after you have been battling over sin.)

I Kings 19:1-18 ...And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the (FALSE) prophets with the sword.  Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. (these false prophets that Elijah killed were Jezebel's prophets, though false.)  And when he (Elijah) saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
 
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.  And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.  And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and HE said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken THY covenant, thrown down THINE altars, and slain THY prophets (the real prophets of God) with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.

And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind:and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:  And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire A STILL SMALL VOICE.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. 

And, behold, there came A VOICE unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken THY covenant, thrown down THINE altars, and slain THY prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:  And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Yet I have left ME seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 

*****

So Elijah departed and did the assignment given him by God.

There is an example in Bible of a prophet having to deliver a message and being told to "flee" after delivering the message.

It is difficult work though God sustains the one called to do this work.

The very people you are sent to help often attack and accuse you.

But you do the work because God sent you to do the work.  God has HIS ways of sustaining the prophet though the work is very hard.

Prophets are sent to the church.  The prophet brings the way of God so that person in the church can depart from the way of death and destruction.

The flesh of man wants to be exalted.  So the flesh despises the prophet who brings the way of God.

It is a very difficult work even though God sustains the prophet.  

*10/4 ... I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me

We can try by our flesh to do something, "new year's resolutions" (an example), and fail.

But when we hear the word of God concerning the issue we have the strength to do what we need to do in the matter at hand.

Often, to me, the Word of God is given me in a dream.

In one dream, I was shown I could not go through my cousin's house.  That was as much the word of God as is a scripture for it was from God HIMSELF.  Later when my mother died and my cousin wanted me to move to the town where she lives, I could not do that because of the word I had been given in that dream.  She told me how much help her husband and her 2 adult aged sons would be to us but in spite of all the projected "help", I could not do this because I had the Word from God given me in that dream.

*****

In another dream, I was shown great danger to me and in the dream I heard, "Don't go until you see Exodus 15."  I cancelled all meetings scheduled for that year.  A woman who worked with us at that time said to me, "Joan ... you have to go out.  If you go out they will give money.  If you don't go out, they will not give money."

I replied, "God told me not to go and I'm not going."  (money did decrease but there was no problem at all in spite of the decrease) 

*****

Philippians 4:13 ... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  (Christ, THE WORD)

There have been times when God has just given me a Word or put a Word in my heart and mind and that is enough to cause me to do HIS will for me.

Certainly there have been times the Holy Spirit has reminded me of a scripture and that has caused me to know what to do in a specific instant of life.

There are times I believe it was an angel who delivered a word from God to me.

But the strength to do the word is THE WORD itself!

And I rejoice greatly over that direction from God. 
 

*10/5 ... Delivered From The Power Of Darkness

Colossians 1:13-14 ... (God)  WHO hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of HIS dear Son:  IN WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

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And God has given us HIS Spirit to dwell in us and HIS Spirit is greater than the other spirits that would harm us.

I John 4-6 ...  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

*****

I John 5:19-21 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know HIM that is true, and we are in HIM that is true, even in HIS Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

*****

At the time we were born again, God changed us instantly into a new creature.

II Corinthians 5:17-18 ... Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by Jesus Christ,

*****

Not only that, but God put HIS laws into our hearts and minds ... the new covenant church!

It is not that we learned them from other men nor even from our own efforts, but we know them because God put them there. 

Hebrews 8:10-12 ... For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put MY laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:  And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know ME, from the least to the greatest.  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

*****

The flesh is still there trying to lead us another way, the old way, which is a way of death and destruction.

Devils bring ideas to our minds and try to get us to go in the way of death and destruction.

But now we also have the Spirit of God WHO gives us ideas which are the ways of God.

Follow the Spirit:

Walk in the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  Galatians 5

*****

When I think of God and what HE has done and how HE has helped me, I walk in love, joy, peace.

When I think of those persons who are disobedient to the ways of God, I walk in trouble.

We have to discipline ourselves to think on God ... It is like a burden lifted from my shoulders when I do this.

And certainly we try to walk in ways that will not harm another person needlessly (love) ... Love worketh no ill to his neighbor ... 

And we bridle our tongues, staying sober in that which we speak, to avoid hurting others by our flesh.

Otherwise our religion is in vain, says James ...  (James 1:27)

*****

We have all the equipment we need from God to overcome our own flesh and devils.

The Holy Spirit that is in us guides us into all truth, reminds us of that which Jesus has said, teaches us all things, and shows us things to come.  (John 14:26 & John 16:13)

All we have to do is walk in the way of God and put off "the old man", not living in the past ways of our flesh and emotions and resisting ideas brought by devils.  Mostly if we think on things of God, we will overcome.

Philippians 4:8 ... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

*10/6 ... Help From God

In September, 2016, I ordered a rattan sofa.  I think it is very pretty and it suited me very well except for one thing... when I sat down on it I was very shocked that the cushions were so hard.  It was like sitting on concrete.

I prayed immediately concerning how to fix this problem.

I realized it would be very easy to replace the foam that is in the cushions because each cushion has a zipper around it and all you have to do is unzip it and move the foam out and put new foam in.

I continued praying about this... Who could I get to do this for me?  Where could I get the soft foam?

From time to time I would remember an upholstery place ...technically they upholstered cars ...it's called "Body by Fisher"... the old 1950's "body by Fisher" that we had in the General Motors cars. (This makes it difficult for me to think of this business in terms of furniture upholstery.)

But I finally went there and found they have an entire upholstery division for furniture. I didn't know that.

They had many samples of foam that they could order...very soft foam.

The price was so reasonable: $39 for each cushion and $15 for labor.

They could fix the cushion the day the foam came in so by the following Tuesday the work would be done.

And the business location is exactly behind the place where I go to pick up my food so it was no problem at all for me to go there when the cushions were ready and pick up the cushions.

So many of these points fit "the wisdom that is from above".

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, and without hypocrisy.

*10/7 ... Heritage of the Servants of the Lord

Isaiah the prophet says ... (Isaiah 54:17)

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

*****

The apostle Paul says ... (Romans 8:28)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. 

*****

The following is an example of the truth of both of the above scriptures:


A man became angry with me and turned me into IRS for them to investigate me.  (a weapon formed against me)

When the 2 IRS agents appeared at my house, the man said the name of the local man who had been angry with me. 

I replied, "No ... I'm Joan Boney." 

(He, the IRS man, looked very embarrassed.  He was carrying a clip board and the name he first read was apparently at the top of this form he held.  I realized that was the name of the man who had requested that the IRS investigate me.  This was a man in our town with whom I had done business and we had run into trouble against one another through the project.)

After the agents viewed the bookkeeping they found I had done nothing wrong in the reports given to IRS.

Then the agent told me he noticed I was not enrolled in the Social Security program.

I told him, "No ... when we began the ministry I had signed a vow of poverty with IRS so the ministry would not have to pay any social security taxes for me."  We had very little money when we started.  This meant I would not receive social security benefits nor hospitalization services from the federal government in future years.  

At the time I signed this vow, it was explained to me that it could never be revoked therefore I would never be permitted back into social security program.

The IRS agent said somehow the "vow" never got filed with IRS so if I would like to do so I could buy back into the social security program. 

We had more money at that time so I did want to buy back into the program.  

As a consequence of this, I began receiving monthly checks from government when I was 62 ... and when I was 74 and broke a hip, my hospital expenses were covered by medicare and also one month in a rehabilitation hospital. (this was thousands of dollars of medical expense)

For the past 10 years or so, I have not taken a salary from the ministry.  I have enough for my personal needs by using the monthly check provided by the social security program.

As a result of the IRS audit, I learned I could return to the social security program and as a result I was greatly helped in the future years... all because this man turned me in to IRS to be audited as a weapon!

Like Joseph, I saw the following ...

Genesis 50:20 ... But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, 

*10/8 ... You Must Be Called By God For The Work You Do

John the Baptist said to his disciples:

A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.  (John 3:27)

*****

Before I was born again, I would hear people speak of a call of God on the life of a minister and I had no idea what this might mean.  Didn't they just decide to be a preacher and go to school to learn to be a preacher like you do if you want to be an English teacher?  What does this mean to have a call of God on your life?

*****

After I was born again (1975), piece by piece, things became explained to me by God.

After the crucifixion of Jesus and HIS resurrection to heaven, HE gave ministry gifts to the church.

Ephesians 4:11-12 ... And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

*****

And to the body of Christ were given by God the specific gifts of the Holy Spirit to help the church. 

I Corinthians 12:4-11 ... Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  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:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE will.

I Corinthians 12:15-19 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  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?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

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

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

*****

Romans 12:4-8 ... For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  Or ministry (serving), let us wait on our ministering:or he that teacheth, on teaching;  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 Corinthians 12:28 ... And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

*****

Some very serious mistakes come to the church when a person tries to copy another person.  When this happens, the flesh of man takes over and much harm can be done.

The ministry offices (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) and the various spiritual gifts are given by God and cannot be earned nor learned by the individual.  It is sort of like being born male or female. 

I have heard ministers say they are pastors but "hope" to become apostles as if that is something they can earn in time.

That is not the way things are with God.  God puts us exactly where HE wants us to function.  

We have this calling or gift in us and God brings it forth.  We do not copy another. 

*****

Several years ago, I was having coffee with two Baptist women.  One woman began speaking of a woman in their church group.  She said pastor was building a new church building and this woman was so against what he was doing.  She asked me, "What do you think might be wrong with this woman?"  I replied, "Maybe she is a prophet."  

***** 

God's prophets often see things that others do not see immediately. 

They frequently operate in word of wisdom and word of knowledge and discerning of spirits. 

They are often used by God to correct individuals. 

And the church people often fight the prophets. 

It is very difficult work. 

Prophets often run around with other prophets.  They are often misunderstood.  They are often tormented, for God shows them sin in the church.

***** 

I have often heard individuals stand up in the congregation and speak "flowery" words which are emotional but meaningless.  And later you can't even recall what that person said. 

When the word is from the Spirit of God, you can't forget what is said though people often try to forget.

Here is a message from a real prophet.

"O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."  (spoken by John the Baptist / Luke 3:7-9)

*****

It is not a matter of our wanting to be a prophet (though I can't imagine anyone who knows the Bible wanting to be a prophet) ... Neither is it a matter of not wanting to be a prophet for you are what you are.


Jonah 1:1-3 ... Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,  Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before ME.  But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

God often has HIS ways to get us to do what HE wants us to do.  I find that I am miserable until I deliver the message of correction so I have learned to deliver that message as soon as possible.  Then I am often attacked and tormented but at least the message has been delivered.  I have done the work of prophet to which God called me.  There is often torment, for a season, after you do the work but there is no rest at all until you do the work.  Jonah is our example.


Jonah 1:4-17 ... But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.  Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them.

But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. 

Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? 

And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. 

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
 
Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. 

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.   

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech THEE, O Lord, we beseech THEE, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for THOU, O Lord, hast done as it pleased THEE.

So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.  Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows.
 
Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. 

I know people who fail to do the work in a timely way and they bring trouble to their own souls as a result.  And often they are a trouble to other people due to their hesitation.  It is far better to do the work as quickly as possible and deliver the message you have for you will burn inside and be restless until you do what you need to do.

We cannot successfully run away from the call of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

*****

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the church.  These gifts are not to be consumed upon you personally.  When God reveals a word to you, it is a word to be shared with the appropriate people.  You must learn this.

*****

Proverbs 18:16 ... A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

The gift that is in us surfaces and others do recognize we are different and that gift does make a space for us in the body of Christ.

*****

Pam Padgett has a gift of helps.  She loves to help.  She has provided value to the church through putting all these writings in a form required for publishing books and to transfer the writings to the blog daily and to keep the blog going daily so each of us can benefit from the writings.  

Her gift is very visible to me.

Others also have gifts but I know they are not surfacing through them but still I know they are there.

*****

Obedience to God is the primary way to see the gift given by God develop in you.

"One step at a time ... one step at a time ... it is enough," says God.

But each of us must take that step ... 

We yield to God through faith in God.  We permit what God has put in us to surface.  

The gifts of God are not forced on us but I find people are really miserable until they act on that which God has given and some even die without acting in the area given by God in the body of Christ.  The church never gets to benefit from them.  All sorts of excuses and fleshly reasoning causes them to hold inside them that gift from God and end up consuming what they have upon themselves to no avail to the church to whom that gift is designed to be given.

*****

No one can make you do the work ... It is an act of faith in God.

No one makes me write these exhortations.  I hear one scripture, such as the one at the top of this writing, and I sit down and yield to God, reporting those things brought to my mind by HIS Spirit.

Romans 11:29 ... For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

*10/9 ... As Long As The Earth Remains

Genesis 8:22 ... While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

*****

As long as the earth remains ... shows us the time will come the earth will not remain.

Peter describes it as follows:

II Peter 3:3-6 ...  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  And saying, Where is the promise of HIS coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 

These "scoffers" think the professed coming of Jesus to be false because they see creation as never changing from beginning of time.  They forget the flood where God destroyed all creatures except for Noah and his family and the animals in the ark.

Peter goes on to tell us the current heaven and earth are being "held in reserve" against the time to come when the wrath of God will come upon the present earth and then the present heaven and earth will be destroyed by God.  Until that time, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.  (Genesis 8:22)

*****

II Peter 3:7... But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

*****

The apostle Paul tells us we are not appointed to wrath as the world and the people of this world are.

I Thessalonians 5:1-11 ...  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  WHO died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with HIM.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

*****

We are told in the Bible what to expect.

-The dead in Christ will rise first.  (I Thessalonians 4)
-Then those in Christ who are still alive on this earth will be changed in bodily form and rise to meet Jesus and all others "in the air".  We will not be on this present earth which will be destroyed. (I Corinthians 15)
- The period known as the Great Tribulation will begin. Terrible woes and plagues will come upon the earth and upon those remaining on the earth.  (Revelation 8 & 11)
- After the appointed time of the woes and plagues, this heaven and earth will pass away.  (II Peter 3)

*****

Until the removal of those who are in Christ, things will continue on this earth about like we have known them before... summer, winter, seedtime, harvest 

Several years ago, God gave me the following dream: 

The earth slipped on its axis.  People were terrified.  The government officials all over the world were meeting with scientists and religious leaders to see what might be done.  A TV newscaster was trying to tell of this happening but he was so frightened he stopped speaking, unable to finish the newscast.