KEITH's Spiritual Steps

Obey Your Leaders and Submit To Them (Heb. 13:17)

Zac Poonen

Where you have confidence in your local church-elders, it is easy to submit to them in all matters. But perhaps you do not have confidence in your elders. Then, you must distinguish between church matters and personal matters, so that you know clearly where you have to submit to your elders and where you don't have to.

Church matters:
Church matters include the conduct of the meetings of the church, the spiritual direction the church is going, the emphasis in the ministry of that church, the activities arranged by the church, etc., etc. In such matters, there must always be total submission to the directions given by the elders. This is not because you respect them as mature brothers, or because you have confidence in them, but just because they are the shepherds in the church in which God has placed you - provided you are sure that God has placed you there.

Jesus submitted to Joseph and Mary, even though they were imperfect and less mature than Him, because His Father had placed Him in their home. That was how He began opening the new and living way through His flesh - in Nazareth during His first 30 years.

We must never forget this fact that the first steps of the new and living way were opened by Jesus through submission to imperfect authorities at home. All the other steps came later.

You must never be the cause of strife in any church - for God hates those who sow discord among the brothers - however spiritual or zealous they may consider themselves to be (Prov.6:16-19). Rebellion against God-appointed leadership is always Satanic. It is the way of Korah (Jude 11; Numbers 16), and is always the result of pride and arrogance.
If, however, you are not sure that God has placed you in a particular church, then you must consider before God whether you should leave that church and join another one. But you must never stay in a church and create confusion there, for God will never tolerate that.

Neither should you be like a visitor in a church, eating the `food' there as you would in a restaurant, with no sense of responsibility. The church is not a restaurant, but a home. So you must commit yourself totally to some local church; otherwise, you will not grow spiritually. Remember, however, that you will never find an ideal church, for every church is imperfect. But, look for a church that is closest to the Word of God - as you understand it at present.

If you feel some time that you should bring in a new emphasis (that is lacking) into a church, then the proper way to do it is by first discussing the issue with the elder brothers, and then to do exactly as they direct. The improper way is to bring in your emphasis in the meetings by preaching the Word in contradiction to the direction set by the elders. If you disagree strongly with your elders in any matter, and feel that you cannot submit to their eldership, or if you feel that the elders are leading the church in a wrong direction, then remember that you are always free to leave such a church and start one of your own, with the emphasis that you feel is necessary and important.

If God is with you, He will bless you in your new step - as He blessed Martin Luther, John Wesley, William Booth, Watchman Nee and many others in many lands, through the centuries, who left their original churches and started new ones, under the direction of God. If, however, you are acting in your own stubbornness, and God is not with you, you will find yourself following in the footsteps of Theudas and Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:36,37) and many thousands of others in these twenty centuries of Christianity, who started new movements and ended up in confusion and frustration finally.

Personal matters:
Personal matters include matters such as what clothes you wear, how you spend your money, what sort of house you choose to live in, where or how you travel (by air or by train), what clothes you and your family members wear, what food you eat, what toys you buy for your children, whether your children play computer games or not, whether you allow your children to watch sporting events on a neighbour's television or not, what job you take, where you work, etc. In such matters, you have perfect freedom to do whatever you feel you should do. You don't have to obey or even consult your elders in such matters, if you don't have confidence in them. If you are in doubt about some such matter, you could even consult an older brother in another place, if you have more confidence in that brother than in your local elders. The final decision in such matters, however, is always yours. There is no rebellion in doing things differently in such matters, unless your elders feel that your conduct or your dress or your children are a stumbling-block to others in the church - in which case, you must be willing to listen to what they have to tell you about it.

The way of wisdom then is to distinguish between where you must submit to the elders in a church, and where you don't have to. A lack of confidence in your local elders does not mean that you are rebellious - for not all elder brothers are spiritually minded, and not all elder brothers necessarily inspire confidence. But if you end up submitting to no-one anywhere, then it is easy for you to become a law unto yourself, and thus become an easy target for Satan to knock off and destroy. May God help us all to walk in the way of wisdom at all times.

Remember to take your vitamins every day

Anxious- Take Vitamin A
"All things work together for good for those who love God,
who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Blue- Take Vitamin B
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is
within me, bless His Holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

Crushed- Take Vitamin C
"Cast all your care on Him, because he cares for you."(1Peter5:7)

Depressed- Take Vitamin D
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Empty- Take Vitamin E
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with
praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name." (Psalm 100:4)

Fearful- Take Vitamin F
"Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid,
for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)

Greedy- Take Vitamin G
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the
measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38)

Hesitant- Take Vitamin H
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
the messenger who announces peace, who brings good
news, who announces Salvation, who says to Zion,
'Your God reigns.'" (Isaiah 52:7)

Insecure- Take Vitamin I
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."(Philippians 4:13)

Jittery- Take Vitamin J
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."(Hebrews 13:8)

Know nothing- Take Vitamin K
"Know this that the LORD is God, it is He that made
us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3)

Lonely- Take Vitamin L
"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."(Matthew 28:20)

Mortgaged- Take Vitamin M
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Nervous- Take Vitamin N
"Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Overwhelmed- Take Vitamin O
"Overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Perplexed or puzzled?- Take Vitamin P
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Quitting- Take Vitamin Q
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."(1 Corinthians 16:13)

Restless- Take Vitamin R
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7)

Scared- Take Vitamin S
"Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my
life seeks your life; you will be safe with me." (1 Samuel 22:23)

Tired- Take Vitamin T
"Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall
run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Uncertain- Take Vitamin U
"Understand that I am (the LORD). Before Me no God was
formed, nor shall there be any after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)

Vain- Take Vitamin V
"Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.(Acts 5:16)

Wondering what to do?- Take Vitamin W
"What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Exhausted?- Take Vitamin X
"Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

Yearning for hope?- Take Vitamin Y
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

Zapped- Take Vitamin Z
"Zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:14)

What It Takes For God To Open Himself Up To You


"The man who goes forth in search of a heart-acquaintance with Jehovah will meet with Him in the way...God comes forth to all men, but He comes forth in a special way to all those who are pressing after an acquaintance with Himself." - Pulpit Commentary - Old Testament

"Would Israel, therefore, know all that God is, she must 'follow on' - must persevere in her new way. God would open Himself up to her in new manifestations of grace, suited to each step in her advance." - Pulpit Commentary - Old Testament

In Hosea 6:3, we read - "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."

So many people are looking for an experience with God. They run from meeting to meeting - hoping to get a fresh touch or have a life-changing experience.

We are talking about Christians here. They are pursuing after something - and oftentimes, they really don't know exactly what it is.

The Prophet Hosea, in this verse, gives some clarity to what most Christians are searching for.

Let's study it in depth and see what truths Holy Spirit unfolds for us.

"Then shall we know..." - This verse refers back to verse I which says - "Come, and let us return unto the LORD..." So many are going no where in their relationship with God because there are thoughts, words, or deeds in their lives of which they need to repent. First and foremost, there must be a "returning unto the LORD" from all wrongdoing, apostasy, or idolatry. Any and all things that are placed before the Lord and His work must be cast aside. Nothing can be allowed to stand as His rival in our hearts.

"Then shall we know..." - After repentance, grace is poured out to improve in the knowledge of God. The saint will find himself continuing and increasing in the knowledge of Him...earnestly desiring to know more of Him...while eagerly pursuing or seeking after the means and methods to attain or improve to a greater degree or larger measure of this knowledge.

It is a Biblical truth that when God returns in mercy and favor to His people, He gives them more knowledge of Himself.

Isaiah 11:9 states - "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
Isaiah 54:13 says - "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
Jeremiah 24:7 says - "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart."
Jeremiah 31:34 adds - "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD" - The knowledge of God must be valued as the best knowledge. It must be esteemed as the great end of man's being - the thing which chiefly concerns him. Life...health... the advancement of one's family...the increase of one's fortune - although these are important in themselves - cannot be sought after or regarded as more important. The knowledge of God as found in the Lord Jesus Christ must be hunted after or zealously strove for. The whole man must be absorbed in this pursuit.

"Following on to know the LORD" is not a single effort but a sustained, urgent, strenuous, persevering, and persistent endeavor which issues forth into wonderful benefits or blessings. However, it is important to note that the lack of this pursuit of the knowledge of God has its evil consequences as well. This truth is implied in the following Scriptures:

Hosea 4:1 says - "Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land."
Hosea 4:6 says - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."
Hosea 5:4 says - "They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD."

"The spirit of whoredoms" causes a people to grow ignorant of the Lord. It causes them to pursue after every avenue of knowledge - besides the Lord and His ways. In turn, it causes God's rejection or ultimate abandonment of His people to their lustful, evil, or idolatrous ways. His mercy is quenched. The heavens become brass and there is no intercessor to stand in the gap for them because there is "no priest." All they are left to experience is His wrath and judgment.

On the other hand, blessedness is promised to those whose soul "follows hard after God" (Psalm 63:8) - who return unto Him and then grow continually in their knowledge of Him.

To every persevering seeker, God has promised a gracious visitation. This visitation is depicted in the Scriptures - using two attractive emblems - "as the morning" and "as the rain."

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."

"His going forth is prepared..." - The returns of His favor and the manifestation of His mercy are as fixed, firm, and certain as the rising of the sun and the refreshing showers. God will surely answer the cry of His people's hearts for more of Him. They can count on there being a relief after undergoing "a long night" that was dark, painful, and perilous. And after undergoing a period of drought and extreme spiritual dryness, they can be assured that there will follow a time of refreshing showers of blessing.

When man pursues God, he can expect God to then pursue Him. Those seeking after Him - desiring a greater knowledge of Him - can expect to have Him be revealed to them. This is certain to happen as the sun is certain to arise each morning.

God comes to all those who follow hard after Him. He comes full of the promise of the morning and full of the promise of refreshing. The dark night of guilt, sorrow, and despair dissipates in the light of His dawn. The "dry and barren land" gives way to beauty and fruitfulness at the appearance of His showers.

"...He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth" - In the land of Israel, there were two rains - the "former" and "latter" rains. The "former" were the darting, violent, or plentiful rains which fell from the middle of October unto the middle of December. This rain softened the ground for planting and sowing... prepared the earth for the seed...and fertilized the barren land. It fell right after the seed was sown and made it to germinate and the tender blade to spring up. The "latter" were the rains that fell in the latter half of February and during March and April - just before the harvest. This rain caused the ear to fill up, the growing grain to mature, and the fruit to perfect.

Think about what Holy Spirit is saying to you today. If you will return to the Lord - repent of all known sin - and then crave after a knowledge of Him, He will come unto you with the blessings of the "morning" and the "rain." His "goings" or visitation is "prepared" or sure. He will indeed visit you.

He will come to you as the "morning." In other words, your "darkness" or night will be turned to glorious light. All of your sorrow, pain, and gloominess will vanish at the appearance of His glorious light. The dawning of a new day will be your testimony. The past will roll away and give place to a brand new future - filled with hope, expectation, and excitement.

"...Weeping may endure for a night; but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

He will come unto you "as the rain." At first, He will come and pour down on your heart with His violent rains - breaking up all fallowed or hardened ground of resistance toward Him. The "seed" of His Word will then be able to bring forth fruit an hundred-fold. He will come again unto you with His showers - this time bringing forth much fruit for His glory. You will reap a mighty harvest of blessings.

"Would Israel, therefore, know all that God is, she must 'follow on' - must persevere in her new way. God would open Himself up to her in new manifestations of grace, suited to each step in her advance."

God wants to open Himself up to you in new manifestations of grace. These manifestations are suited to each step in your advancement toward Him.

God is coming forth toward you right now "as the morning" and "as the rain." Your life can be totally changed and transformed for His glory as a result.

The question is - are you following on to know Him - are you seeking Him with all of your heart - are you craving for a knowledge of Him and His ways?

"The spirit of whoredoms" causes a people to grow ignorant of the Lord.

What is your excuse?
Why aren't you experiencing the visitation of the Lord that is promised to all who hunt after a knowledge of Him?
Pastor Connie

these pictures are totally awesome


keith hobkirk" faithhopeandlovefellowship@gmail.com



http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/aug/23/religion-afghanistan#/?picture=378180544&index=0





When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I was lost"
That is why I chose this way.

...When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are all too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
Which is why I speak His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.
© Carol S. Wimmer

written by connie.. for all you married couples

TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH

To love and to cherish, 'til death do us part
Is a sacred covenant, of the married heart
As before God, you pledge your vows
Trust in His love, which always endows
All that you need, the patience and strength
To make it through, each stormy length
When trials come and love seems to fade
Run to God, for He is your aid
Don't give up and turn on each other
Whether you're childless, or father or mother
Remember the time when love was enough
Forget about all the other stuff
Forgive each other and then move on
Don't rehash things dawn to dawn
Never give up, love will find a way
To make it through, the darkest day
Remember the covenant, made with your heart
Don't let yourself be torn apart
No matter what happens, or where you may roam
Remember the good times that you had at home
Come back to the love, rekindle it anew
Come back to each other, hear the gentle woo
For love is not just a feeling, it weathers the storm
Keeps going when things aren't quite the norm
For the sacred covenant of the married heart
Is to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part!!
Aug 23 2011

I will be moving house shortly and therefore I will not be sending out the devotions whilst in the midst of this, but they will return to sending them out as soon as I am moved and settled.

When I am settled, I will be sending out pictures of my new place and also the address and telephone number, so you can either write/phone or send a card to say welcome to your new home.

For those of you, who live in the UK or are ever likely to visit the UK. I invite you to call on me, my door is always open and would be happy to share fellowship.

If you are short of ministry during this time, please listen to the preaching from my home church and that of my pastor Mark Johnstone (he is top preacher!!!!!!) and others (such as Sandra, Nigel and Alan) , by clicking on the following link. I have heard all these sermons first hand and they are wonderful

http://www.heyshamfreemethodist.org.uk/all-sermons.html

My two websites will still be up and running and have 12 pages on each to help and encourage you in your walk with God.

http://www.ourchurch.com/member/k/keith/

http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/faithhopelove/



I will be back soon, so please pray for me during this time. Please pray that the move goes well. I am also applying for the role as church worker at my home church, so please pray that God will open the door for me, if that is HIS will.

Thanks for all your love, support and prayers
Your friend and co -worker
Keith
I promise that you will be in prayers during this time, please go onto the site as it will bless you and tell others.. please.. thanks

Thanks to all of you.. Love and God's richest blessing on you all



For your encouragement.
I am God--and not man!
(James Smith, "Rills from the Rock of Ages", 1860)

"I will not carry out My fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Israel. For I am God--and not man; the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath!" Hosea 11:9

Thus spoke the Lord, when assigning a reason for not executing the fierceness of His wrath upon guilty and rebellious Israel. A God can do--what a man cannot; and a God can bear--what a man cannot. God always acts in accordance with the grandeur, glory, and greatness of His nature.
Every thought of His heart,
every word of His mouth, and
every work of His hand--
is worthy of Himself!

If we bear this in mind, it will . . .
fortify our minds,
strengthen our faith,
and comfort our souls.

Why does God not cut down the wicked immediately? Because He is God--and not man.

Why does He chasten His people so greatly, and allow them to suffer so much? Because He is God--and not man.

Let us meditate on this declaration of our God for a few moments.

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I am infinitely patient, and not soon moved to take vengeance upon My sinful and rebellious creatures!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I am ready to forgive, and receive back the returning prodigal to My heart and home!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I receive great sinners, taking to My heart, and putting among My children--such despicable ones as no one else would notice or regard!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I pardon again and again, not only first offences--but repeated transgressions, forgiving and forgetting them forever!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore bear with such numerous affronts, such gross ingratitude, such inexcusable conduct--in My own people!

"I am God, and not man," and therefore I invite, entreat, and beseech such base backsliders to return unto Me, and prove the power and freeness of My forgiving love!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I save freely, fully, and forever--such degraded, depraved, and desperate sinners, to the praise of the glory of My grace!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I remain faithful to My promises and covenant engagements, amidst all the changes and faithlessness of My fickle people!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I give such rich, costly, priceless gifts--to the poor, destitute, and unworthy sinners!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I hear, accept, and answer, such poor, imperfect, and worthless prayers--which, no one else could tolerate, much less approve!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore I work such wonders--wonders in providence, and wonders in grace; wonders in the world, and wonders in the heart!

"I am God--and not man," and therefore, I have prepared such mansions, and will confer such a glorious kingdom--on sinners who have no claim upon Me, nor the least reason to expect any good thing from Me!

Yes, because He is Jehovah, and changes not--therefore we poor, sinning, changeable creatures are not consumed!

Believer, to you the Lord says, "I am God--and not man!" Therefore expect from Him as God--and act toward Him as God! He can do exceedingly and abundantly, above all that you can ask or think! Do not measure His heart by yours--but remember that as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His thoughts higher than your thoughts, and His ways than your ways!

Written by Connie for your blessing brought to you by Keith.

"God has always a reason for all that He directs us to do, and our faith and willingness to obey Him are often tried when we can see little of the reason of His requirements." - Barnes' Notes
"The power of God often works by contraries; and He makes men feel their own blindness before He gives them sight." - Matthew Henry
"Let God be obeyed readily without reasoning or wrangling, and success shall not be wanting." - Biblical Illustrator - New Testament
"The humble means are not to be despised if prescribed by Christ." - Pulpit Commentary - New Testament


Are you looking to the Lord for a Miracle or an answer to prayer? Don't be surprised if He uses means or channels of blessing that don't make any sense or requires you to do something that is totally unreasonable before receiving your breakthrough.

There is a story in the Gospel of John that relates how a certain blind man from birth received his sight. It behooves us to study this account to gain understanding as to how God sometimes works in bringing forth a miracle.

John 9:1-7 relates - "And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 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, 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."

Let's pay close attention especially to the procedure through which Jesus took this man before receiving his healing - "...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, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)..."

This part of the account obviously "raises many eyebrows." Jesus, the Son of God, "spat on the ground." Then He "made clay of the spittle" and "anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay."


Like always, Jesus had His reasons. Believe it or not! The Jews regarded spittle as having a peculiar virtue or as being medicinal to the eyes when diseased. In other words, saliva was effective for eye troubles. In fact, mixing clay with saliva was a common practice used for eye infections.

Jesus knew that a medicinal value was placed on saliva for diseases of the eye. That is why He used it in this miracle. In order to work with this man in boosting his faith, he started with his "grandmotherly belief" for healing.

Everyone knows that there is no life or power in the clay. However, Jesus used it as a "crutch" or a "help" for a sense-bound faith to climb higher. Or you might say that He used it as a "ladder" by which the blind man could ascend to Him. He used a material means to evoke and strengthen this man's faith in His Divine Power.

One thing we must understand is that Jesus is not limited to any one means of doing good. He does His work in His own way. This is where most run into trouble when they tie God down to one method and one alone. They place Him in the "proverbial box." Here He broke out of the "box" - so to speak - and had His reasons for doing so. For one, He knew that afterwards nobody would say that the spittle brought about this miracle or even that there was power in the clay to make the blind man to see.

God oftentimes accomplishes the most beneficial ends by means that are simple, despicable, or contrary in nature. In this case, He made a blind man see by using clay which would more likely make a seeing man blind. Clay and spittle are normally futile in giving sight to a man. However, Jesus causes every movement toward healing to serve some useful purpose. His means always answer His ultimate end.

Besides anointing this man's eyes with clay mixed with His saliva, Jesus ordered him to - "...Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)..." There was great significance in this command. Up until this point, this man had no idea Who was anointing his eyes with clay and spittle. Jesus did not identify Himself, nor did the man ever ask for His name. However, in directing him to "the pool of Siloam," Jesus was in all actuality sending him to Himself.

"The pool of Siloam" was a fountain or tank situated between Jerusalem and the Brook Kidron. It was located southwest of this great city and was supplied from underground water springs flowing from Mount Zion. Its waters were marked by an ebb and flow - within ten minutes, it would on occasion rise and fall one foot.

"Siloam" got its name from Siloah or "Shiloh" mentioned in Isaiah 8:6 and typifiying the true Messiah. The Hebrew interpretation of this name was - "Sent" - meaning that the Messiah was "sent of God." These waters which flowed from the temple mount pointed to Jesus the Messiah Who was sent from God's Throne to bring life to a dying world. Just as these waters were a blessing to the Jews, even so is this Messiah regarded as a blessing sent or given by God to all of the world.

Hence, we can see that when Jesus directed the blind man to - "...Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)..." - He was in effect sending Him to Himself in order to be healed. This tells us that healing can only be effected when the needy individual focuses his attention on Jesus and Him alone.

The Apostle John relates for us the blind man's final outcome - "...He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." Here we see that oftentimes faith alone is not enough for a healing. In this man's case, he was given an order from Christ to test his obedience. Though the means which Jesus used to answer the end seemed so unlikely, mysterious, and unmeaning, the blind man obeyed. And by his obedience, he opened the "door" for the Divine Power to come flowing through unto him.


God may be testing your faith and obedience right now in directing you to the most unlikely means to procure your healing or miracle. If this man would have argued with God that clay, spittle, and the pool of Siloam cannot heal, he would never have received his miracle.

Don't limit God. The "clay" He chooses to use for your miracle may have some "spit" in it and seem a bit despicable. Never mind the human reasoning. Just let God be God!



May God Bless His Word.
Connie 짤 COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved

Welcome to Spirit Steps

As we are at the end of chapter 4, we will be taking a break from this for a couple of months. I usually write on 4 chapters at a time, so please be patient and we will be back with the book of Acts next year.

Please take time to view the links at the bottom of these messages and please don't forget to pass on these messages to all your friends and groups.

Let's get the WORD out into the world.

Thanks and God bless you

Keith


GIFTS FROM GOD

Acts chapter 4

32Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.
33And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.
34Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought ( gave back) the amount received from the sale.
35And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need.
36Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, which interpreted means Son of Encouragement,
37Sold a field which belonged to him and brought the sum of money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.


Dear Friends

Solomon said 'there is nothing new under the sun'. The communists try and tell us that their so called philosophy is new. Well here it is, being practised in the New Testament church.. nearly 2000 years before.

When you read verse 32, there seems to be a real freedom in the church. Nothing was off limits. What the believers had they shared for the benefit of all. We do tend to have the attitude that My things are mine and no one else's. This is not the way it was in the early church and it is how it should be in the present day.

The believers saw their possessions as a gift from God, they saw them as given to them by God. We need to look on the things that God has given us as gifts from Himself and not earned by us. Maybe then and only then, will we let them be used for their rightful purpose and that is to glorify the Lord and to bless others. Have you a possession that can be used to benefit other believers and is presently living in a drawer gathering dust?

Maybe it is a Bible. that you could send to a needy believer in Africa or Asia?. It is reckoned that the average believer in the developed world has 4-6 bibles and literally hundreds of Christian books. Maybe you should either read them or use them to benefit other believers.

In verse 34 , no one was in need. People in the church, saw the need and sold houses and fields. It seems to me, that those, who had money, had no problem giving it up, to help their fellows brethren. Oh for that to happen in today's church.

We are given a practical example of this by Barnabas. Now I love Barnabas, because the Lord has graciously given me, the gift of encouragement. I just want to say one thing about this gift. It is so wonderful to be given it by the Lord. To help and to encourage people in their faith is a unique privilege

May we all seek to bless each other, whether in financial terms or by just saying a word in season

God bless you

Keith

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Barnabas was a man of integrity and courage. Here is a website to help modern day men, become the same.


http://www.menofintegrity.org/about.html


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I hope you like this wonderful song


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs


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Welcome to Spirit Steps

I wish to thank each person reading this message. May God bless you and guide you.

Please view the links at the bottom of this message, you will be greatly encouraged.

If you are able to share these messages, with your contacts and groups, then please feel free to do so.

God Bless you


Keith

GOD IS IN CONTROL

Acts chapter 4

21Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them because of the people; for everybody was praising and glorifying God for what had occurred.

22For the man on whom this sign (miracle) of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

23After they were permitted to go, [the apostles] returned to their own [company] and told all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

24And when they heard it, lifted their voices together with one united mind to God and said, O Sovereign Lord, You are He Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything that is in them.


25Who by the mouth of our forefather David, Your servant and child, said through the Holy Spirit, Why did the heathen (Gentiles) become wanton and insolent and rage, and the people imagine and study and plan vain (fruitless) things [that will not succeed]?

26The kings of the earth took their stand in array [for attack] and the rulers were assembled and combined together against the Lord and against His Anointed (Christ, the Messiah).

27For in this city they actually met and plotted together against Your holy Child and Servant Jesus, Whom You consecrated by anointing, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and peoples of Israel.

28To carry out all that Your hand and Your will and purpose had predestined (predetermined) should occur.

29And now, Lord, observe their threats and grant to Your bond servants [full freedom] to declare Your message fearlessly,

30While You stretch out Your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of the name of Your holy Child and Servant Jesus.

31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.




Dear Friends

I love writing these messages and I hope you are enjoying reading them.

As I look into this passage, there are some things that the Lord has brought to my attention and I wish to share them with you.

I wonder if your church was/is going through persecution, what would it's reaction be?

Wonder what would happen if your Pastor came and said to the church, that he had been told not to preach the gospel and to water down his message?

Seems far fetched doesn't it? But in many countries in the world, this is the situation that many individual believers and churches are in. Maybe in future days, we in the so called Western world, are going to face this type of persecution. So how do we react to it?

Firstly in Verse 24, the church had an attitude of praise. They actually praised God because they were going through this season of hardship and persecution. Peter wrote later in his first letter, that we were to rejoice and give thanks for going through persecution. What is our reaction to such times? Do we complain or praise God?

Also in verse 24, their voices were lifted up in unity. God does allow His church to be persecuted.. amen. The reason He will, is to purify it, so that it becomes a stronger and more powerful witness in it's community.

They also held dear to the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God. My beloved Pastor Mark, was preaching on this subject on Sunday Evening and said that it was a great source of comfort to the church. Why is this? Well the believer and church, who knows like the early believers did that God is totally and completely in control of everything that happened to them, will not be moved or shaken by events going on around them.. Amen

Can I ask you, do you believe the Lord is in control of every circumstance of your life? Romans 8:28

They also gave the threats made by the authorities, over to the Lord. Please remember that God sees everything that happens to you and he is your avenger, it is not up to you to avenge yourself, leave it to God.

Their prayer in verse 29, should be our prayer.. amen. To declare the message without fear. I know in my case, that the primary reason, I find it so hard to share the gospel is fear. The apostles and the early church, had no such fear. Let us all pray that the barrier of fear would be removed.. Amen!

When the prayer meeting had finished, the whole house shook, with the power of God.

Let me ask you this.

When was the last time, that your life or church shook with the power of God through the Holy Spirit?

Church, we are so often shaken by things going on in the world, when the scenario should be that the church should be shaking the world.. Amen!

We need to wake up and start shaking and shaping the world.. Amen.

God bless you

Keith



Featured Website

Please stand with this wonderful mission society, as they seek to share the Good news of Jesus

http://www.cwi.org.uk/


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I love this song.. I hope you love it too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8&feature=fvsr


My website

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written by connie and sent by me to bless you

What It Takes For God To Open Himself Up To You

"The man who goes forth in search of a heart-acquaintance with Jehovah will meet with Him in the way...God comes forth to all men, but He comes forth in a special way to all those who are pressing after an acquaintance with Himself." - Pulpit Commentary - Old Testament

"Would Israel, therefore, know all that God is, she must 'follow on' - must persevere in her new way. God would open Himself up to her in new manifestations of grace, suited to each step in her advance." - Pulpit Commentary - Old Testament

In Hosea 6:3, we read - "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."

So many people are looking for an experience with God. They run from meeting to meeting - hoping to get a fresh touch or have a life-changing experience.

We are talking about Christians here. They are pursuing after something - and oftentimes, they really don't know exactly what it is.

The Prophet Hosea, in this verse, gives some clarity to what most Christians are searching for.

Let's study it in depth and see what truths Holy Spirit unfolds for us.

"Then shall we know..." - This verse refers back to verse I which says - "Come, and let us return unto the LORD..." So many are going no where in their relationship with God because there are thoughts, words, or deeds in their lives of which they need to repent. First and foremost, there must be a "returning unto the LORD" from all wrongdoing, apostasy, or idolatry. Any and all things that are placed before the Lord and His work must be cast aside. Nothing can be allowed to stand as His rival in our hearts.

"Then shall we know..." - After repentance, grace is poured out to improve in the knowledge of God. The saint will find himself continuing and increasing in the knowledge of Him...earnestly desiring to know more of Him...while eagerly pursuing or seeking after the means and methods to attain or improve to a greater degree or larger measure of this knowledge.


Isaiah 11:9 states - "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
Isaiah 54:13 says - "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
Jeremiah 24:7 says - "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart."
Jeremiah 31:34 adds - "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD" - The knowledge of God must be valued as the best knowledge. It must be esteemed as the great end of man's being - the thing which chiefly concerns him. Life...health... the advancement of one's family...the increase of one's fortune - although these are important in themselves - cannot be sought after or regarded as more important. The knowledge of God as found in the Lord Jesus Christ must be hunted after or zealously strove for. The whole man must be absorbed in this pursuit.

"Following on to know the LORD" is not a single effort but a sustained, urgent, strenuous, persevering, and persistent endeavor which issues forth into wonderful benefits or blessings. However, it is important to note that the lack of this pursuit of the knowledge of God has its evil consequences as well. This truth is implied in the following Scriptures:

Hosea 4:1 says - "Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land."
Hosea 4:6 says - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."
Hosea 5:4 says - "They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD."

"The spirit of whoredoms" causes a people to grow ignorant of the Lord. It causes them to pursue after every avenue of knowledge - besides the Lord and His ways. In turn, it causes God's rejection or ultimate abandonment of His people to their lustful, evil, or idolatrous ways. His mercy is quenched. The heavens become brass and there is no intercessor to stand in the gap for them because there is "no priest." All they are left to experience is His wrath and judgment.

On the other hand, blessedness is promised to those whose soul "follows hard after God" (Psalm 63:8) - who return unto Him and then grow continually in their knowledge of Him.

To every persevering seeker, God has promised a gracious visitation. This visitation is depicted in the Scriptures - using two attractive emblems - "as the morning" and "as the rain."

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."

"His going forth is prepared..." - The returns of His favor and the manifestation of His mercy are as fixed, firm, and certain as the rising of the sun and the refreshing showers. God will surely answer the cry of His people's hearts for more of Him. They can count on there being a relief after undergoing "a long night" that was dark, painful, and perilous. And after undergoing a period of drought and extreme spiritual dryness, they can be assured that there will follow a time of refreshing showers of blessing.

When man pursues God, he can expect God to then pursue Him. Those seeking after Him - desiring a greater knowledge of Him - can expect to have Him be revealed to them. This is certain to happen as the sun is certain to arise each morning.

God comes to all those who follow hard after Him. He comes full of the promise of the morning and full of the promise of refreshing. The dark night of guilt, sorrow, and despair dissipates in the light of His dawn. The "dry and barren land" gives way to beauty and fruitfulness at the appearance of His showers.

"...He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth" - In the land of Israel, there were two rains - the "former" and "latter" rains. The "former" were the darting, violent, or plentiful rains which fell from the middle of October unto the middle of December. This rain softened the ground for planting and sowing... prepared the earth for the seed...and fertilized the barren land. It fell right after the seed was sown and made it to germinate and the tender blade to spring up. The "latter" were the rains that fell in the latter half of February and during March and April - just before the harvest. This rain caused the ear to fill up, the growing grain to mature, and the fruit to perfect.

Think about what Holy Spirit is saying to you today. If you will return to the Lord - repent of all known sin - and then crave after a knowledge of Him, He will come unto you with the blessings of the "morning" and the "rain." His "goings" or visitation is "prepared" or sure. He will indeed visit you.

He will come to you as the "morning." In other words, your "darkness" or night will be turned to glorious light. All of your sorrow, pain, and gloominess will vanish at the appearance of His glorious light. The dawning of a new day will be your testimony. The past will roll away and give place to a brand new future - filled with hope, expectation, and excitement.

"...Weeping may endure for a night; but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

He will come unto you "as the rain." At first, He will come and pour down on your heart with His violent rains - breaking up all fallowed or hardened ground of resistance toward Him. The "seed" of His Word will then be able to bring forth fruit an hundred-fold. He will come again unto you with His showers - this time bringing forth much fruit for His glory. You will reap a mighty harvest of blessings.

"Would Israel, therefore, know all that God is, she must 'follow on' - must persevere in her new way. God would open Himself up to her in new manifestations of grace, suited to each step in her advance."

God wants to open Himself up to you in new manifestations of grace. These manifestations are suited to each step in your advancement toward Him.

God is coming forth toward you right now "as the morning" and "as the rain." Your life can be totally changed and transformed for His glory as a result.

The question is - are you following on to know Him - are you seeking Him with all of your heart - are you craving for a knowledge of Him and His ways?

"The spirit of whoredoms" causes a people to grow ignorant of the Lord.

What is your excuse?
Why aren't you experiencing the visitation of the Lord that is promised to all who hunt after a knowledge of Him?

Welcome to Spirit Steps

Thanks for keeping up with me. What I want you to do, is to imagine, that you are there with the early Christian's. Transport yourself back into the early first century and picture the events in your mind. Imagine that you are Luke, who is writing, all this down, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Please pass these messages on to all your friends and also take time to click the links at the bottom of this message

Thanks and God bless you

Keith

TESTIFY FOR GOD'S GLORY

Acts 4

14And since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not contradict the fact or say anything in opposition.

15But having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the council [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves,

16Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraordinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

17But in order that it may not spread further among the people and the nation, let us warn and forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person].

18So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way or teach at all in or about the name of Jesus.

19But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge).

20But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard.


The first thing, that the Lord wants to share with us from this passage is in verse 14. People can try and disprove Christianity, they can put up, all kinds of theories to answer the Christian faith (or so they think).

But they cannot argue, with a changed life. amen. The fact that Jesus has changed your life, is one of your greatest assets. People cannot argue and disprove a life that ha been transformed by God.. Amen.

Meeting with Jesus is a life changing experience as Paul outlines further on in this book. Your personal testimony of how God has changed and is changing your life, speaks volumes.. Amen

The world cannot understand, how people have been changed by the Power of God. Look at verse 16, they were totally confounded and confused by what was happening. When God moves in a powerful way, in the life of someone, people cannot understand it.

Their only hope was to try and silence the Apostles. But look at the answer that Peter and John gave in verses 19-20.

Their one concern was to tell of what they had seen and heard. Their tongues were fully loosed, they couldn't help, but share Jesus.

Can you say the same words, that Peter and John said in verse 20?

Remember that you are a living breathing testimony to the power of God. Man can put out arguments to say that God doesn't exist, but you and your living testimony, are one of the biggest examples that God is real and personal.. Amen

It is time to share our testimonies my friends. You have a story to tell.

Let's tell the world that Jesus saves.

God bless you

Keith



Featured Website

We are told to pray for those in Authority.


http://presidentialprayerteam.com/

http://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/home/tabid/91/Default.aspx


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This is my favourite song, by my favourite Christian Group. Please join in and sing the whoa, whoa whoa at the end.

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A PASTOR’S RESPONSE TO “AN URGENT WARNING”

By David Wilkerson

It is the task of a true prophet to warn. We have recently heard such a clear warning of perilous days just ahead of us. The prophet is like a man who comes to warn a shepherd that ravenous wolves are approaching.

It then becomes the shepherd’s task to appropriately discern the warning and to guide those in his care to a place of wisdom and security. I am not a prophet. I am a local pastor. I must ask myself what I am to do in light of hearing the warning from God. What should I say to those under my pastoral care?

First, I want my people to clearly hear the word. What is it saying and what is it not saying. Some have heard of fires and looting and their hearts are filled with fear. I am to assure my people that God is always completely in control. God is sovereign. Nothing takes place outside of his notice and counsel, and all things happen for his ultimate, highest glory. Even in the most troubling of times, our God knows exactly what he is doing.

Second, I want those I serve to know two things concerning God’s wrath. First, some leaders in the church have sadly fallen into the deception that there is no such thing as the wrath of God. Roman 1:18 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Some act in ungodly ways, others are ungodly by their suppressing the truth of God’s wrath. Some leaders reduce, ignore and even ridicule anyone who reminds them of the certainty of God’s wrath. Romans 2:5 also tells us clearly that the wrath of God is toward those whose hearts are hard and impenitent. This leads to the second element of understanding God’s wrath. It is never, ever, ever poured out on the children of God. In I John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins.” The word propitiation means “wrath quencher.” What marvelous grace, what redemption! God’s wrath at my rebellion and sin has been quenched on the Cross of Christ. Hard times come; rain falls even on the just but wrath does not.

Last, I am obligated to guide the flock given to me with loving-kindness and soberness. If a wolf or a storm is coming, I as a shepherd must know the conditions of my flock. Are any sitting on the fence? Warn them that this is no time for compromise or close affiliation with the world. Partying in the house of an Egyptian on the night of the Passover is definitely not a good idea. This is a time to stay close to the Chief Shepherd. This is also an opportunity for us to call out to those outside the gate. Jesus is the Door and has opened his heart. His cry it that all flee from wrath to come. More than shrinking behind a double-locked door or fleeing to a rural farm, this is a call from Jesus to move your life into the sheepfold.

When a prophet comes with a message of warning, often people want the prophet to give them specific advice about what to do in response. At times, God gives the prophet a word, but more often it is up to the shepherd, and even more so, up to every man of God to take the word into account for his own family. Just as a pastor has stewardship of the church, a man of God is to give an account of his own family. When one comes to warn that wolves are coming, it is not always his responsibility to tell them what to do. We can hear from God. Joseph heard God say to store up food for the season to come (Genesis 41). Moses heard God say to receive gifts from the Egyptians for their journey (Exodus12). We as well can hear from God for our situation. Sheep do hear the Shepherd’s voice.

Jesus—in this hour, in this storm—will not only guide his people and comfort his flock but will also give them boldness, confidence and a heart to serve those troubled by the afflictions. A prophet once came to Paul and prophesied that if he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and put in prison. The prophet was faithful to give his word; it was up to Paul to hear from God how to deal with that warning. Paul, after hearing the prophecy, still decided to go to Jerusalem—willing to risk his life for the gospel (Acts 21). Some will hear and stay in a place of safety; others will hear and go to a place to serve. Some churches are positioned in cities that will need their spiritual strength and compassion. Perhaps the wisdom of Paul in Ephesians 5:15-18 speaks most to what we need, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Welcome to Spirit Steps

Thanks everyone, for taking the time to read these messages. All of you, have busy lives and I truly appreciate the time you take to read and indeed pass on these messages.

At the bottom of this message are 3 links.

God bless you

Keith

BOLDNESS TO SPEAK GOD'S WORD

Acts chapter 4

13Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

I just love, how the Amplified Bible, puts it here.

Note the words that are used here to describe Peter and John.

The greatest need of the church today and us as individuals, is to have boldness and the unfettered eloquence of the apostles.

So often, as Christians, we become tongue tied, when we are talk about Jesus. We can talk about virtually anything, with our neighbours, other than Our Saviour. I know, how difficult, it is to share Jesus, this is something, that I find so hard to do.

We need to pray that the Spirit of fear that binds us, and it is fear, would be dispelled and that our tongues would be loosed.

Another reason, that we don't share Jesus, is because we are worried about what people, will think of us.

In Matthew 16, Jesus says these words

25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

We keep our reputation our status, by not sharing the gospel, but we gain so much more by sharing it.. Amen!

I know from personal experience, that when you share the gospel, although you do it, in fear and trembling, it makes you feel positive about your faith and gives you a real sense of purpose.

Many people who are reading this, have gone through some kind of training at Bible College or seminary, and I am not knocking that at all. But the best type of training, is being taught at the feet of Jesus John 10:38-42.

We do not know, what Jesus said in the forty days, between His Resurrection and His Ascension. But we do know that all the books in the world, are unable to contain the words spoken by Jesus. It was like a forty day Bible school, by the King of Kings. Maybe, you/I, should enroll in this Bible school, with the Holy Spirit as the teacher. Indeed, we do that every day, when we take time to study the Bible (not just read it for 5 minutes), using study notes!

Later in Acts, we come across, the apostle Paul. Now Paul was trained as a scholar, but this is not, why God chose Him. He was chosen, because he was open to God. Whether, you are highly qualified or have just a basic education, God will use you, if you put all your talents at His disposal.

One last question

Can the People around you perceive that you have been with Jesus?

What matters to God, is not how much knowledge of the Bible you have, but how much do you know Jesus?

Have you an intimate and developing relationship with HIM, that is growing and deepening every day?

These are the men and women that God uses.. Amen.

God bless you

Keith



Featured Website

Please read about what God is doing in the country of Nepal

http://www.inf.org/


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Please listen to this beautiful song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1KsGtMZ9HI


My Website

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FEEDING SHEEP OR AMUSING GOATS
by Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)



He saith to him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" He saith unto him, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." He saith unto him, "Feed my sheep." John 21:16

An evil is in the 'professed' camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted Christian can hardly fail to notice it. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments! The devil has seldom done a more clever thing, than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them. From speaking out the gospel, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses!

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go into all the world and preach the gospel; provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to Him.
Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people, or because they confronted them? The 'concert' has no martyr roll. Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all His apostles. What was the attitude of the apostolic Church to the world? "You are the salt of the world," not the sugar candy. Something the world will spit out, not swallow.
Had Jesus introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into His teaching, He would have been more popular. When "many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him." I do not hear Him say, "Run after these people, Peter, and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow; something short and attractive with little preaching." No! Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them! In vain will the epistles be searched to find any trace of the 'gospel of amusement'. Their message is, "Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them . . . Don't touch their filthy things . . ." Anything approaching amusement is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon.

After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, The Church had a prayer meeting, but they did not pray, "Lord, grant unto your servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." No! They did not cease from preaching Christ. They had no time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down; that is the only difference from today's church.
Lastly, amusement fails to effect the desired end. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment had been God's link in the chain of their conversion, stand up! There are none to answer! The mission of amusement produces no genuine results!
Given the time (125-150 years ago) in which Spurgeon offered this opinion, it begs the question, What would the old Saint say of today's "seeker friendly" style of Christianity, with its overhead projectors, oversized speakers, earsplitting electrical instruments, grinning/bouncing "worship" leaders, repetitive non-anointed songs, and wisecracking preachers who tickle our ears on Sunday morning?

Welcome To Spirit Steps

What a joy, it is to share with you once again. I do hope you are blessed by what I share from God's word.

Please click the Links at the bottom of this message and also pass on this message to all your contacts.

Thanks and God bless you

Keith

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

Acts 4

12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.

As we witness to others, about our faith. Some people may say that, we are being exclusive in our portrayal of Jesus, as the one and only answer to the problem of Sin.

But, we are only repeating, what Jesus himself said in John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

There are many faiths in this world, but there is one way to Salvation.. Amen. That is through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, by His Death and Resurrection.. Amen

This morning I was reading in Ephesians chapter 2, and these were the words

7He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.

8For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;

9Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.

Salvation, is all of God.. Amen. Jesus is the only way to the Father.

He is the way to the Father
He is the Light of that way
He gives life John 10:10
He imparts truth

What the apostles stated here, we must always share with people. All our human efforts are of no use. We couldn't reach up to God, but God reached down to us.. Amen

God bless you
Keith


Featured Website

Please read about how you can share the Love of God around the world.

http://www.brighthope.org/


Special Song

I can't live one day with my precious Lord. I hope you can't either. He is everything to me.. is he to you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGCQnwn2hIQ&feature=related


My website

Please read the wonderful page which shares about the persecuted church

http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/faithhopelove/index.php?p=1_14_Persecuted-Church

The Lord has deeply laid on my heart Joshua 24:14-15...this is the question we must ask ourselves every day. Please read and share this wonderful posting

keith


Last evening, when I laid my head down to rest, the Lord spoke to me with such importantance that I was to write to you all and warn you of the coming days ahead!
The warning is that there are many, many things that are happening today that are nothing more than diversions to draw your attention away from Jesus! For, you see, there is a god of this world that has set himself up as the master supreme to do everything to destroy you and your focus on Jesus! If he can, by whatever means, do that, he will have won the war. The war is for each of you and each of you make up part of the large group that he wants so very much to divide and destroy!
Do you hear? He does not want to cripple you, he wants to destroy you and he can do that by simply giving you directions and plans within plans to seek out for yourself!
ANYTHING TO TAKE YOUR FOCUS OFF OF JESUS!!!
That's the plan in a nutshell!
So, this is what you have to do, you must put aside any and all paths you have been given to chase after, there is nothing more important than totally following Jesus in everyway!
All the devices that you are working on mean nothing, only seeking Jesus and His life within you!
This word by Susan Cummings, came from a very close friend whom I care a great deal for, I pray you will read and chew each word!
Through Jesus alone,
Denny

Learning to be a Servant!

Take Care To Walk In My Footprints by Susan Cummings
"Take care to walk in My footprints. I have given you the directions and the pace, but you must daily seek My face. Do not take for granted the day that unfolds ahead of you, but know that step by step, I will guide you. You must continually set your face to follow Me and to seek Me for each thing that comes. There are many diversions and distractions that are set up by the enemy to lure you into works and to pressure you to act ahead of My will and council. Take heed to check with Me before you proceed and act.
This is not a time to step out ahead of Me, as many are doing in this hour. You must remain with me, no matter how great the pressure, no matter how dire the situation, no matter the person or people involved. I am your continual wisdom and your strength. If you choose to go out ahead of Me, you will no longer have My Grace, My Wisdom, nor My Anointing. Put no one or nothing ahead of Me, or you will drift away and be in the snare of the enemy. Then it will be the wiles of the enemy that will surely defeat you and overwhelm you.
I have called you to walk in My Rest. I have called you to walk with Me. I have called you to walk in My strength and victory, but it only comes as you are yoked to Me. Take heed to your steps and take heed to guard your heart, and do not let your heart be given to another, or to other things. You must remain with Me continually.
The hour is not as it once was, and you cannot walk in Me as you did yesterday and still remain close to me. You must walk in utter abandonment to Me, and give Me your plans everyday. I have the path ordered for you, but it must be as I have chosen for you, and not what you want it to be. You cannot make Me conform to your will, but you must conform your will and life to Me.
The enemy desires to bring greater stress, fear, and anxiety upon those who will look unto the world and unto men rather than look unto Me. The world has no answer for those who are Mine. But those who walk in their own counsels will fall under the weights and the penalty of their choices. I have given the Standard by which all men can walk, but it is discarded and even scorned. Wave after wave will come and go, but only Mine will stand and prosper and know. Oh, how I desire that all would follow Me. But the heart is deceitful and wicked and will lead many astray, for they do not seek the Truth nor love My reproof.
Put no family member or friend before Me. Put no business before Me. Put no job before Me. Put no earthly desire before Me. I am to be everything to you, or I will be nothing. I am your life, your strength, your wisdom, and your daily answer. Let Me guide you and bring you into a greater liberty in Me. I have more for you to accomplish, but I want you to do it in agreement with Me. You are stepping forth into your destiny, and the enemy knows that you see, so he comes to derail all who will not stand firm in Me and prevail.
Bring every case and situation before Me to judge and to solve for you, and leave the cares of the world at My feet. You cannot judge things as you desire to, but it must be with My judgments, then will you truly stand. You cannot continue to carry those things that I have already borne for you. You must only carry what I give to you. You must refrain from taking to yourself undue burdens and pressures and weights, and leave those things to Me. I will show you what to do. You must stay continually in step with Me.
You must daily walk in the prints of My shoes."