Today: Moving of the Holy Spirit

 God be praised continually as He reveals His Holy Spirit to man advancing His revelation to His people! Several days ago the Holy Spirit reminded me about “singing in the Holy Spirit” during our intimate times of worship. ! Corinthians 14:15 “What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” Ephesians 5:9 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” 

I have seldom thought about this in the last 35 yrs until now. My prayers of late (the last 2 days) has been to reincorporate that practice into my worship time. I talked to Elise about it and how that the only church we ever experienced that was at the Brighten Body of Christ back in the 80’s (no more around). Since then we have never witnessed that again anywhere. 

So up to date: this morning I was talking to Elise about that during breakfast when a text came in from our daughter who participates with different worship writers across the country. It was a posting of the recent meeting for a time of spontaneous worship using the Psalms as their words to sing. It was Psalm 91 that morning. They committed the time to the Lord and invited the Holy Spirit to take the lead. He did and a beautiful worship broke loose for 12 minutes. In the end God confirmed the practice of singing in the Spirit when at the end one worshiper started singing in the Spirit for several minutes. His tune, His melody, His Words! It was inspiring. Singing in the Spirit was reminded  me by Him, then to make double sure that I received the message He had my daughter send me this text with worship music to show me that it’s still a gift and functioning to those who “seek”.

I present this to you this day to remind you all to seek every precious gift and satisfy every precious command so that your revelation and experience of Christ will dwell in you richly and bring forth His glory.

Love: Jerry and Elise

Blessed above and beyond: 1 Timothy 6: 6-10

 1 Timothy 6:6-10

6. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Sometimes we forget this.

“Food and raiment” is enough to be “content” with. A good measure of the world today is without either!

Example:

Water: to our taps, showers, washers, spigots, dishwashers, in fact anywhere you want water most places in the USA its available. Our potted plants get more water then much of the world does for a week, and we don’t have to walk 5 miles to get it to carry it back for a family of 5 or more. Let alone bathing.

Food: we have so much food here in America that only he poorest do without. In fact those who have throw away more food every day then could be used by the needy (here) so none would go hungry.

Electricity: you can just about “plug in” anywhere. Not just availability but consistent availability.

Health care products: Soaps, tooth paste, health care products, over the counter aids, glasses, almost everything’s you can imagine.

Fuel: not just for vehicles but for airplanes, homes, and BBQ’s Ect.

Travel: all types, anywhere!

Money: we are the wealthiest nation (for now) in the world. Some would say “not me” but Truth be know, your here so you made it this far so “be content, grateful.” Tomorrow is on it’s way and God can open up the doors of heaven and pour out a blessing that you can’t contain. We have personal testimony for that one. Explained later if needed.

The list goes on and on!

We (you implied also) are blessed above and beyond measure and beyond what we can think or imagine.

Did you note that He didn’t promise: houses, boats, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, transportation, air conditioners, and other “extra’s” that we readily indulge in. Why is that? Because they are not needed for life and Godliness. It doesn’t mean they are bad just that “with food and raiment THERE WITH BE CONTENT.”

With all your “trappings” are you content? If yes great! If not then “with food and raiment there with be content.” Go back to being grateful with the basics promised.  

During every meal I can’t help to say “this is incredible”. To eat so well such a fine repast. Think about it.

When I get into the shower I thank God for hot water, not just there but at every tap in the house hot water can be had. Think about it.

This is a small foot note to remind us of how blessed we are in this country.

More on this later.

Think about it.

Love

Jerry and Elise

Our Christmas gift to you!

 Merry Christ-mas everyone!

Our gifts to you all:

The message of salvation through Jesus Christ, this is that He died for your sins and rose again from the dead and if you confess with your mouth "the Lord Jesus" and believe in your heart that He was raised from the dead, the scripture promises that "you will have eternal life."

Now some of you haven't already done this so now is a good time. Humbly (this is the key) bow your head and confess His name with your sins, and believe in the Resurrection to inherit this promise. It's the only way regardless what you have been taught by "religious" orders.

For those that have already "inherited" the "promise" of eternal life then you are already to qualify for the "second gift!"

The "baptism in the Holy Spirit."

If you have not already received this "gift" then it's time to "tarry" for it. Prayerfully ask to receive this "promise" of God so that "you will receive "power from on high" with boldness to present the gospel to "all peoples." When your words and actions are in agreement with Scripture then "signs and wonders will follow." Because Biblical based Truth (the Word) sets free both you and others then Wonders by God's Word will naturally follow without effort or even thought.

Mark 16: 14-20

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Verse 20 is the repeated promise which makes it mandatory then to have happening, proving His promise: "The Lord working with them and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen"

A most blessed gift/promise from our Father in Heaven.

Do you want Him "working with you" with "signs following"? Well there it is a never ending promise from God for you.

These are our/His gifts to you, all free for the asking.

Unwrap yours this Christmas Day.

God bless and keep.

Love

Jerry and Elise

Update on Elise and I

15 months ago I decided to "get disciplined" and start watching what and how much I ate. My starting weight was 268 lbs rather ponderous for the last 15-20 years.I set a goal of not weighing myself for 1 year but let that lapse into 15 months. That decision to get things under control also led me to following whatever food limitations Elise had to follow to further encourage the elimination of the rest of the tumor. An old song from our time as youth says "we all need someone to lean on, and if you want to baby you can lean on me." So we leaned on each other as we both entered into her fray.

Victory came for both of us as tenuous as it might be. Her tumor stopped growing as of the last MRI and when this "pandemic" subsides we hope to confirm with another MRI that the tumor is in fact shrinking by the healing power of Jesus Christ through constant prayer and supplication of you all.

Now for my good news........I just checked my weight this morning and have lost just over 40 lbs. This was my first "prime objective" when I started. My goal is to drop down to 210 lbs which is another 18 lbs. Right now we are eating "cleaner" and a lot of veggies. Most the time the proper meats and fish are only enjoyed 2-4 times a week. Grass raised animals with no antibiotics or hormones and Alaskan line caught fish. Still no matter what goes into the mouth it still has to be moderated as to portion. There in is the difficulty for me. Elise never seemed to have that problem in fact just the opposite. Making sure she gets enough protein to enhance her recovery of strength and endurance. But we are doing it together! That's the key. Together.

No one stands alone in this family. We may be apart by distance but always united by Love, prayer, and faith.

I am very thankful that God has seen fit to "extend" our relationship for how every many the appointed years hold for us, and His continued blessings, interventions, and guidance will mark our way with "Truth and Love and Life" for all eternity.

Yesterdays decisions become today's harvest.

Love

Jerry and Elise

Great Sunday start

BEST SUNDAY MORNING SINCE THE LAST ONE.

Started out by waking up in time to sit for a few minutes and watch my wife sleeping, thinking that I am blessed beyond belief. That followed a night of prayer and praise spending much time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit as He reminded me of all things Jesus had said and done. I marveled that all those precious promises were God's to preform and mine to posses. What little sleep was given was more than enough because God was pouring out the addition to the Revelation of Jesus Christ which He started at salvation. These times are especially exciting when they are attended by dreams and visions. When these promises are present in ones walk then revival is on going and continuous embraced by a hungry heart that desires more of Jesus.

I hope that your day started this way, if not better get with the program as "time's a wast'n."

He is returning for those who "love and look for His return."

Just a thought.

Love

J&E in Tn

Update on Elise 1-24-19

It's been a while since I posted anything about Elise's condition and it's progress.
She has been doing well as to function but still suffering side effects of either medications or lack of movement for such a long time. By lack of movement I don't mean that she is bed or chair ridden but that due to lack of movement in the recovery months she has lost a lot of core and back strength. On top of the meds having the side effect of "back ache" there is the normal pain of getting "back to it" with house hold chores, which she desperately wants to do but there in is limited. Right now she has been suffering an almost acute back ache in the small of her back and along her pelvic bone when she sits, stands, lays down, gets up, or twists. The pain is most of the time momentary to the action but some days her pelvic bone is sore too. The last couple of times she was in for blood work this pain was ignored by the medical staff.
She has been off of the Lovenox (shots to her belly for clots), for 2 weeks now and the bruising and hardness is quite a bit better. She is still quite sore there and we are told it could take up to 4 more weeks to completely heal up and shrink back down to normal. Then we can start working on restoring her core.  At least that's one med she is finished with. Our goal is to get her off them all hopefully as soon as we safely can.
Her general condition is great when it comes to cognitive skills and being able to work around the house. Because of her back and sides she is having issues bending down or squatting so I do all that "lower" stuff for her. Picking up things that get dropped, moving anything to heavy for her, just being by her side for whatever she needs to keep her comfortable without limiting her progress. She doesn't need to be walked around any more and her headiness is all but done with. Also her head scar and fall bruise is not causing any pain much any more. Pretty much back to normal as she was last January, 2018 before we knew she had a tumor for ability.
Tomorrow we start a new phase in her restoration, seeing a neurologist in Nashville. We were supposed to have a comparative MRI done on Jan 5/19 to compare to the one that was done after the operation but that got fouled up in the arraigning between the Mayo Clinic and the Center in Nashville. We are back on track and expecting the same good results that we had previously, with God's intervention, at the Mayo. "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it" is where our faith lays. We are praying that the doctor we are going to see will also have the same application as we do, and that is to get her back to "living life" normally as soon as it is safe to do so. More on this when we finish with the consultation.
Well that's as up to date as it can get.
Regardless of tactics we are still trusting and praising God through Jesus Christ for all the healing that is take place and will take place.
Love
Jerry and Elise

Update on Elise 10-21-18

Greetings Family, Prayer Partners, Friends and all who have been interceding in behalf of my wife Elise:
Thank you for your prayers and intercessions throughout this time of trial for us.
I would like to start with asking your forgiveness for not keeping up with these updates especially at the close of the most crucial part. There is no excuse on my part and I let my own weariness overcome my sense of duty to keep everyone informed. I found myself falling asleep every time I sat down with little energy to do anything else but "try to catch up" on rest. I would have never imagined that I would drop the ball like that. This is a new experience for me and my discovering how aging sometimes is selfish and somewhat irresponsible.
Please forgive my weakness of the flesh when so many have spent so much time faithfully to turn there hearts towards heaven in fervent prayer that certainly made the difference in the outcome. 

Now let me catch you all up:
Elise was supposed to be released on Wed. next week 10-24. Because of your prayers and Gods mighty intervention they changed that date to 10-21. We were approached by the discharge nurse of the change and asked if we could make that work. We said yes but then the Doctor that we had told us that there would be no therapy for Saturday and Sunday because there was a waiting list to get in and the new patients would get the therapy over us because we were in good enough shape to discharge now. We asked if we could discharge on Friday night and they said yes and that it would actually help them out, so we did.
All the therapists said that Elise had done great and was ready, and that staying wouldn't gain to much more, again so we opted to be discharged.
Gain:
3 weeks ago Elise couldn't move her right arm and right leg at all after the surgery. On Thursday night around 3 am I noticed her fussing in her bed and she said her leg was hurting. I got up and went to her bed and she had her leg pulled up with her ankle to her butt leg folded. I asked her if she did that herself and she said yes. Glory to God she could move it back and forth for the first time since the operation. When she would move before this all she could do is drag that leg, within 24 hours she was walking full strides. Within 30 hours she was walking 400' trips 3 times that day. Her leg was miraculously healed. The very next day the same thing happened to her right arm but this time at 1 am. Within 24 hrs she had movement up to her elbow then within 30 hours she had it up to her shoulder. Soon she was lifting it over her head, all she needed was to build strength exactly what the therapy was meant to do. Praise God another miracle so mighty and quick the Doctor in charge of the therapies called Elise his "miracle woman". That coming from a German Phyc Doctor (named Schmidt) was rather incredible. He was the one that had the say on whether or not Elise could get into the Acute Rehab there. Up until that time he said "no" and wanted her to "find another place' as she didn't qualify. But God had other plans!
Now:
She has finished what they considered to be "more than enough" healing to be released so the recommendation was to let her go.
A note:
Every therapist that worked with her fell in love with her "don't give up attitude" and when asked if she wanted a rest she would almost without fail say "lets keep going". That brought her to her first 1000' walk rather quickly then she went into the 4 hours of divided therapy without hesitation. The hand of God and your prayers got her there successfully. If I may boast I will boast in the Lord and your endless, passionate prayers. Now that's being part of something big, something miraculous. A heart felt thanks again. When it was time to leave there were plenty of hugs and tears all around.
Sarah has arranged to meet us in Chicago on our return flight Thursday and Rachael is going to drive here to help us pack and get on the plane to leave. Soon we will be at outpatient rehab at Sarah's when we will finish up our strengthening and safety rehab 2-3 days a week near her house. Then home to Tn.
We will have follow up MRI's every 3 months until they are convinced that the last chapter has been written on a recurrence so prayers are still needed there. Also there will be a follow up with a Neurologist to see how long she has to take the seizure meds. She suffered a small clot in her right leg during the time it was dormant so now she is on shots (2 x a day) for the next 70 days to make sure that doesn't move and dissolves. There is no follow up on this because it's a prescribed treatment for a set period of time. We need this to also be kept in prayer as we have no Rx insurance.
Discharge:
We discharged on Friday evening and came back to the hotel room. First a private shower, then a celebratory meal at the local Saints on 2nd restaurant next door, then for the first nights real sleep we have had in the last 30 days at least. Finally a dark, quite, undisturbed room for a almost perfect sleep. Together at last. Now that's a miracle too. Then Saturday a late wake up call and a home (hotel room) cooked meal of fried eggs, sausage, toast and coffee with my wife a benefit that we haven't had since we left Sarah's to come here. Once breakfast was over there was exercises to do mostly walking. So we walked the halls and rode the elevator, visited the exercise room for a little workout on the cycle and the elliptical. That kind of effort was rewarded with Elise getting a very sore back and me getting cramps in my calves. Easy does it is the word on that stuff. Saturday night was JJ's Gargantuan sandwich split between the two of us and a very welcome bag of Lay's chips for a side. Delightful. Sunday breakfast was Elise's favorite homemade egg burrito's with coffee and a cherry turn over. God is God all the time. We slept in late today and then took a needed nap to get up to speed for the rest of the day. Lol.
Time to wrap this up, more for later as it comes to mind.
God bless and keep.
Again thanks for your prayers.
Love in Christ
Jerry and Elise     
 

A word of encouragement about Scripture

It's hard to start this post because it goes against what many believe or practice being believers. At times, in the flesh, I struggle with whether or not I should post such material. Rest be assured that I only post what I know to be by the Spirit and that I am convinced that this is for others also. 

Still a struggle exists within my heart that the rudiments of Western Christianity, for many have lost it's passion and have been taken over by complacency once the "golden ticket" home has been gained through faith in Jesus Christ. 

When a believer looses the passion of "the Gift of God" complacency becomes simulated by excuse, lies, wrested Scripture, doctrines of man, or just plain laziness. 

What is the "Gift of God"?

A lack of Spirit lead understanding/revelation here, (sealed with the Holy Spirit at salvation but not receiving the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit"), disconnects believers from the "full" meaning of what the "Gift of God" is.

A greater revelation of the Gift of God is all these factors intertwined as one:

Jesus Christ is "the Gift of God" and in Him are all things that God the Father gave to man.

Jesus Christ is the Word of God, both written and spoken, that became flesh and dwelt among us for a while as a man, who existed before creation with God, to be the vessel for salvation and every precious promise that God mandated for man to receive. He (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, one Spirit being), always existed and eternally will exist, they (one) called creation into being from nothing, the very creation that we now "live and move and have our being" in.

God's written Word is Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life/Light, so all things set in Him cannot change, (He changeth not), and His Word is infallible. Upon these Truths rest all the power of promise in Scripture. In His Word, that means in all it's forms, Words, flesh, and written, which are "one representation" of His Authority, dominion, and power in the Godhead. These Truth's cannot be ignored, censored, or changed, and the implications of them are the "manifestations" proving that our God is the only True and Living God of whom His Word cannot be ignored, period!

Part of the "revelation of Jesus Christ" is an experiencing of the Mastery of His Name. How so?

Jesus Christ is the "Name above all Names", whether on the earth (creation), in the earth (creation), or above the earth (creation).

Jesus Christ is the Name that sustains all things.

Jesus Christ is the Name through which all things were created and nothing was created that was created without Him.

Jesus Christ is the only Name wherein man can be saved.

Jesus Christ is the Name wherein all power is given.

Jesus Christ is the only Name wherein all manifestations of the Father are shown through.

Jesus Christ is the only Name by which we "Glorify our Father in Heaven."

Jesus Christ gives power to His disciples to: heal the sick, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, makes the lame to walk, makes the dumb to speak, and heals all matters of body afflictions.

Jesus Christ shows us the Father.

Jesus Christ is "Lord" of all. Everything that we had or have or will have be it flesh and blood, mechanical, and all invention.

Jesus Christ "gives" us freely of His Holy Spirit. The comforter, empower, instructor, and counselor.

The Holy Spirit represents Jesus Christ's will so that we can continue to "Glorify our Father", that faith in Him, shown through the gifts and manifestations proves that God is the only True God.

God gave us these promises and manifestations to "show us separate" from other god's. No other god is likened unto our God. The Holy Spirit of "promise" anoints us to be different and sets us aside for His use empowered, and proof that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only True gospel.

The Scripture's are full of promises, manifestations, gifts, and blessings just waiting for someone to "believe" (have faith), as they command so that the Holy Spirit can confer them on us. 

The recipient of these promises are said to "have the anointing" and it seems to be completely effortless on their part. So it is in Scripture, Peters shadow fell on the afflicted and they were healed, effortless. 70 disciples preached the "Kingdom.of God is neigh" healing the sick ect., effortless. "Those that are saved and baptized will speak with new tongues, heal the sick, ect., effortless. 

Just to make this clear the situation that these took place in involved effort but the actual miracles were as natural as breathing. Not of man but of God. He being the giver we being the "chosen" vessel to "transmit" through. 

So if salvation, anointing, power, and manifestation are gifts from God and our part effortless what then is the problem?

Herein is where I labor in prayer and seeking how to participate in these promises being that they should be effortless. Again effortless on our side of participation does not mean that there is no curriculum to accomplish in the way of faith and obedience, but a natural existence in faith and obedience that brings this about. 

I know and have seen more times then needed that most believers don't even "care" to go there, I mean the seeking to manifest God's glory His way, by the hand and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Many wonder why passion in the faith wains when they deny or refuse to except the very promises that God has given them in order to "keep them excited" about the faith. 

Christianity "IS AN EXPERIENCE" that comes through faith in God's Word, Jesus Christ. It is written so then it is. Not maybe, not possibly, but "Surely" as the Lord liveth. If you believe that Jesus saves you then how can you not believe that the rest of His Word would fail. If God's Word has failed at any point then how can salvation not? God's Word is True and cannot fail.

God has also provided all things for those who believe because He Loves us. If we are to emanate His Love to others then these gifts through the Holy Spirit are the way to do it. He Loves us and we "prove" His Love and existence to others by "meeting their needs" as He has done for our own. Proof of Love through a compassionate, ministering to needs relationship.

We all have the ability to participate in "the faith" at whatever level we find to fit us, but to many times that participation isn't fully Scriptural. We pick and choose what we want to "believe" out of Scripture because of comfort or "fear" that the results might embarrass us if "our will" isn't done. If we pray for others needs we should pray in faith only desiring that God's will would be done. He knows all things and if we trust that His will is done according to His Word then we can operate with compassion not thinking about the outcome. You won't know if you don't pray!

When believers don't participate in the Scriptural mandates (commands) then they hang on to salvation (by faith) but won't get involved in the promises and commands so that they can be helpful to others. They can hope for themselves but the experience of faith for others is forgotten because that has the chance of "not working" for them.

Now I know all this and still fail to see it work as Scripture shows all the time. We pray for the sick, the dead to be raised, limbs to be made complete, ect. and understand it's God's will to manifest His glory, but I haven't had consistently the "effortlessness" of  the manifestation. I am sure that any failure is on my part as He cannot fail. So realizing that Scripture is True I continue to seek on my end for the "Truth that will set free" to be shown me.

When we began this journey the working of  the Holy Spirit was so incredible that I couldn't wait for the dawning of the new day just to see how God would glorify Himself. I still have the same excitement daily but not seeing the same consistency in those manifestations. The point being that whether or not the manifestations are as active as in the past that doesn't stop us from seeking, praying, and ministering the same. We have to "encourage ourselves in the Lord" daily as He is not the one that changes. 

If you are a believer that has become "slack" in the participation of faith as expressed in God's Holy Word, and thereby lost passion about what God will do, then get back into His Word, read the promises made for you, show your Love for Him by "obeying" His commands, and start reaching out in prayer to others so that they can experience the faith that Jesus Christ brings.

Remember that when you confessed faith in Christ you confessed faith in all His written Word (which is Christ) not just a convenient "some of it."

I have been a Christian for 37 yrs now and have never failed to believe all that the Scriptures say or command to do. That doesn't mean that I haven't sinned in the journey or got side tracked at times but always confessed that God's Word is True and all men liars.

God bless and keep as we travel this "way." 

Love

J&E in Tn 

Today

HELLO!

It's Sunday and what a day it is, let us rejoice and be glad in it.........

Today is set forth for praise with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Is today just another day to exist in this world or is it a day to "soar like Eagles" to the very throne of God?

As for Elise and I we will take the high road that leads upwards into the heavens. We will embrace the praise and worship in today's services and be encouraged/challenged by it's message.

We will come home filled with God's presence and prepare a feast of BBQ'd chicken wings to also fill up the flesh.

We will cling onto the fellowship of each other that has been growing stronger every one of these 46 yrs and marvel at the experience of Unconditional Love that enhances this union.

Life is not only good here but "great"!

Love is more than strong but "Unconditional".

God/Jesus Christ is more than just religion here but "King of Kings and Lord of Lords".

Here the Bible is not just a book of stories and suggested rules it's the Book of Life, non optional, God's Words to man.

Because of Him we are blessed!

Because of Him we know Love!

Because of Him we have Hope!

Because of Him we have eternal life!

Because of Him "Life is Good".

Praise Him!

In Jesus name, Praise Him!

Love

J&E in Tn

A great investment!

Thoughts on the best investment and how to make it!

Best investment we ever made!

4.5+ decades ago Elise A. Cavasin and I decided to make a longterm investment. It started out in an unsure, unfamiliar, and untested venue even with the understanding Elise had working for Merrill Lynch. My personal ability to spot a great or even a good investment was dismal at best, but I believed that this one would gain over a long period of time and end up having the biggest future gain of them all. So, having discussed it thoroughly on several occasions we decided to jump into it both feet and give it a try. The cost was small at first but required regular additional investment that at the time seemed "do-able". Sometimes we had a lot to "put in" and other times we didn't know, whether, we could sustain this enterprise.

But little by little, day by day, year by year, our original investment grew and grew, one step at a time, slowly making progress until today and will continue into the future. We are hoping that by the time we pass it will represent a significant gain for our Children and Grandchildren and be a constant benefit for them throughout their lifetime.

The idea of this investment came mid to late 1968 but never was acted upon until very late 1972. That's when the commitment was sealed, and the papers signed. That investment took form with the speaking of the words "I do". That investment was Love for each other through the Holy Vows of Matrimony. Two people with no experience at all became one in flesh, mind, and spirit to make this "investment" one "till death do us part".

Like any investment it took constant care, watching and nurturing, but the payoff has been Love, Joy, and Peace in the Holy Spirit. It’s dividends and interest were measured in progeny and replicated again in their progeny and will be such through the years as long as Love never fails.

Those moments witnessed by our Children of the Unconditional Love we shared over the years, and the proof that Love continued to grow, will be an example of our oneness joined on earth but made in heaven. Our Love has continually deepened, widened, flourished, even abounded by the grace of God and His “book of instruction’s” which represent a reflection of His Unconditional Love for us.

We have made steady deposits into this “Account of Love” and we have made a few “withdrawals” from the interests gained so as to enjoy “the fruits of our labor”, the same kind of Love investment that God made in us through His Son Jesus Christ.

Love is the prime investment in this life and continues in the next also.

Invest in things that time won’t corrupt or corrode. Love is a great start.

“For God so loved the world!”

Life is good.

Love is better.

Life with Love is best.

Love

J&E in Tn

Health vs Affliction

The days of decisions are upon us!

There are many "things" before us presented as "truth" that beg attention and distract us from our present responsibilities. Because we "live" in this physical dimension called now, (this present carnal state), we are often "taken over" by our emotions of: fear or anger and are blinded to the bigger picture.

Many people "protect" their own actions of hate by blaming others of hate just to feel justified for their hearts of malice.

This brings about a radical increase of afflictions to the God designed body. As history has shown as man has become increasingly sinful, (more wicked toward others by rejection of God's Word), disease and physical calamities increased to the same portion. But following the Word of God is blessing and health as shown below.

The Bible says: " A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones." Proverbs 14:30 AMPB

This is but one of many verses that show both sides of what your "heart condition" will reap when "thoughts, words and actions" are sown.

We can see that in today's application of person to person communications, both face to face and over the world open internet, where no responsibility need be shown, people are free to let fly the Dogs of War with opinions of disdain, blame, and hate unrestrained.

Believe it or not, like it or not, a lot of your health is only a decision away, for health or for affliction. This applies to all mankind believer or unbeliever, one Word for all people. God's Word!

Where insult or "lack of agreement" back in my youth would of brought forth a bloody nose now it results in the most ignorant statements from people who consider themselves intellectuals. Jesus said that what comes out of the mouth defiles a man because it comes from the heart. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

What kind of heart would you rather have? A merry one? Or one filled with envy, jealousy, and wrath? One of health or one of affliction?

My Dad used to say : "put your brain in high gear before you drop your mouth in low gear." Believe it or not you don't have to "enforce" your opinion with reckless abandon and hate to be sure you are heard. "A kind word turneth away wrath." Will vulgarity really make your point more official?

It won't take much to see (if you look) what side your responses field on.

I will finish with this stern warning from James:

James 3:2-6

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The Scriptures also say "guard your heart for the issues of life come from the heart."

What sort of issues of life are coming from your heart? We will find out as soon as you open your mouth or put to pen what you are thinking for your next comment.

Love

J&E in Tn

Revelation still for today.

The question about revelation is sorely argued on the basis of "are we adding to God's written Word?"
Here is a good point on why we need "continuing revelation" both personal and in the church. The word "revelation" means something hidden has been revealed. When it comes to God's Living Word, (Jesus Christ), we get confused on how to interpret the meaning. At first "mention" of having a revelation most Christians react with "oh, so now we are adding to God's Written Word?" Let me be very blunt here..........that's the carnal mind thinking. Anyone that is "spiritually minded" would know the difference between true revelation and carnal thinking.
God's Word is a deep spiritual mystery, "God breathed by the Holy Spirit", the meaning of which is to be sought out "diligently" by faith so as to gain the "promised rewards" guaranteed by Scripture. This is the pure revelation that God want's us all to enjoy and participate in while we "tread this vale", The more He reveals Himself to us the closer we draw neigh to Him with the outcome of Him drawing neigh unto us. This is that fellowship that Jesus talked about "two becoming one", that blessed intimacy that we have with God our Father. Jesus said "I and the Father are one" and we are to be one with the Father as He (Jesus) was. When He reveals Himself to us, through His Word with power, others (believers and non believers) see these manifestations and either seek to believe or are encouraged to believe with more faith.
That aside we look to "participate in the Word" in a way that allows our Father in Heaven to reveal the Truth of His Word so that it gives us "spiritual understanding" or Wisdom or Knowledge, these two also being "gifts of the Spirit."
I dare say that this action of having the Scriptures "revealed" to us gives us and the church "vision" and True direction which keeps us from perishing. "My people perish for lack of vision." With all the "doctrines of man" in our churches today this Scripture is certainly true. We avoid His revelations by the Holy Spirit and we loose the "discernment of Spirit", I feel, one of the most needed of gifts for today.
1 Corinthians 14:6,26,30
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
All the gifts of the Spirit are meant to bring vision, passion, and power to the church to set believers apart from non believers, and believers of faith from those who are not.
So to me "revelation" from God is still happening and necessary for today in it's proper context which is "God revealing His Word" by His Spirit so that we can "see clearly" it's intent and meaning. Clearly that is spiritual revelation. Not receiving something "extra" to the Word, but having our spirits and hearts open up to the "real" Truth of the Word, that has the power to set free, dispelling old wives tales and the doctrines of man.
Scripture needs to be seen as a whole not in segregated blocks divided up for studies or subjects for preaching. Scripture is as whole, finished, and complete as a human body, "and the Word became flesh." As doctors today are finding out that a greater knowledge of the total human body's function gives greater insight to specific problems that can exist. Scripture is the same on the spirit side, a greater knowledge of the whole of Scripture gives us superior understanding on any subject as it pertains to what needs to be addressed. 
Here's how it works for me:
My personal habit/practice is to "engraft" by hearing and reading large amounts of Scripture over short periods of time. I don't "look" for anything specific just consume as much as possible seeking Him to reveal to me what He wants me to see at that specific time. He knows what I need to know for "today" and He is capable of "guiding" me through His Word so that I do not miss it. I believe by faith that God is capable of showing me what is needed each and every moment of the day as long as I am "one with Him." He has never failed me to date. Instead of me wasting my time trying to find what I want to know I just wait on Him to show me "WHAT I NEED TO KNOW." He gives me and you all we need one day at a time, through instruction in His Word, and that is always the day that we are in. So again I remind all: the past is the past it cannot be changed just learned from, today is the only time we have to be effective in, ("for today is the day, if you hear my voice"), and the future never comes as when tomorrow comes it is called today. Jesus said: "why worry about tomorrow? Today has enough problems of it's own."
Now to show the difference between daily revelation and a prophetic Word.
Do not confuse revelation for prophesy. Prophesy is a type of revelation that can have future events to come in it. The New Testament has prophesy of upcoming events in it but this is not adding to the Word of God because it's God's will for us to know certain facts ahead of time. As Solomon said "there's nothing new under the sun", so these events are repeated through out this creations time line, so in essence some of the same warnings are forwarded to now because they are repeating themselves. Specific personal prophesies about specific people are shown to be in both NT and OT. Don't for the sake of carnal argument destroy the "gifts of the Spirit" just because you haven't experienced them or you just eliminated them from your faith in Christ. Just because you don't believe it doesn't mean Jesus has stopped these gifts to "those of faith." Jesus cannot change and neither does God the Father. "It is written" is all that is needed prove that "it still is!" For all that is written "became flesh and dwelt amongst us for a while."
So God is revealing Himself to us by His Spirit through His Word both written and by revelation in that Word/Spirit. (God's Word is Spirit.) Just the thought of the word revelation should bring excitement to our spirits because God is "enjoining" Himself to us to expose His plans for our day, and empowering us to "preform" them for His glory.
In fact every believer in Christ has already received the most important revelation of all: Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit revealed Christ to us for salvation both a work of faith and grace by revelation. You could not have known Christ with the carnal heart, He had to be revealed by Spirit to the heart that has been prepared to receive Him by that self same Spirit of God. Our first "revelation" or "divine intervention" started with faith in Jesus Christ. That being said we all have had revelation from God the Father, believe it or not.
If you have read much of this blog you would have come across the many miracles and revelations, dreams and visions, that I have had, (and I will log then in this blog as I continue to have). Miracles, signs and wonders, tongues, healing, and all the other gifts and administration promised in the Bible have been a fairly steady part of my walk in Christ. Why? Because I believe every Word written in His Word regardless of the modern day teachings which chose to abandon them. If one reads the Word of God, confesses the Word of God, walks in the Word of God, they will "experience" the Word of God just as it states with all it's promises and blessings. The only thing that holds of back from "receiving" these blessed promises is the sin of unbelief. We alone are the only ones who can "claim God's redeeming grace through Jesus Christ" and at the same time call Him a liar by denying that these promises are still true for today. 
Romans 3:4
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Believing that God's Word is True justifies our preaching (because of God bearing witness through signs and wonders), and when we are judged we can overcome because the proof of our words are backed up by God's manifestations.
Certainly the Word of God is meant for salvation to start, (milk), but then to move us on to "real meat" for maturation. To many preachers today bring only milk to the pulpits and not real meat. Let me clue you in on a spiritual secret: When "real meat" is preached salvation is a natural selection for "those who believe not" because who wouldn't want to have "what follows"? Oh, what follows is the promised gifts providing that the church also "allows" and preaches them, so they can be manifested (time needing to be given for such), during the service. So by "our faith" in both the pulpit and peoples in attendance, we either "prove" God or we deny Him! Another foot note here: our weekly (or weakly) service is only a "corporate" meeting of what those who participate experience in their lives all week long at home. No worship, no seeking, no praise, no signs and wonders in the house, then none in the corporate meeting during the church service. Remember to that we "begat" what "we" are when it comes to reproducing God's heritage, (those being saved). If you see a "weak" salvation experience without any participation in other than milk then we must check our preaching and practices in the church. What we "begat", either strong or weak, is in our hands only. No one else's. God gave us the Word and the Spirit to guide us........read the instruction manual, believing it's content so God can glorify Himself and His Word in all the earth. God never forces Himself or His salvation on anyone. Neither does He force spiritual maturity on any one. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these shall be added unto you." That doesn't mean pink Cadillac's or wealth untold (in other words carnal things) He already promised us "His kingdom" and food and raiment. Everything else is "exceeding above and beyond our imagination".  It means His precious promises stated in His Word, gifts, ministrations, signs and wonders, spiritual things. So put this in perspective, we are all blessed beyond imagination as we own houses, cars, and many other items, but along with these we must also "own" His promises. Promises first then carnal necessities.
Most of the Apostles owned nothing of this earth but had the Holy Spirit with power as they wondered this vale, putting the Word of God before anything else in their lives and turning the wold upside down.
Many had powerful revelations in a continuing ministry to prove that what they said was "agreed" upon by God. Paul said that when he came to visit the church's he didn't want to just hear their words but "see the power". Power by God's hand is always of sign of "proof" that His Word was preached with "anointing". I believe that this is why time must be made in the service to seek God through prayer for Him to "manifest" His presence and meet the needs of the congregation.
Needs met= congregation encouraged to seek God on a deeper level.
Oppression's being delivered= more hope and faith for others.
What a great service! When God's people come together and God meets them there with Word and power. Now that church will grow.........in spiritual maturity and also, if it's the Lords will, in numbers. God giving the increase. Not the charisma of man, but the humble and contrite presenting of the Scriptures that brings about the expectation that with such a presentation God will be there and meet the needs of those in attendance. Again: now that's an exciting service!
"We have not because we ask not," how can one ask if one doesn't believe? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. You must BOTH hear and believe for Scripture to come alive as promised in it. Hear, believe, and "tarry" on it's manifestation is the only way to "obtain" it's promises so that the congregation (being that the family or the church service) can be encouraged and challenged to receive more, thereby maturing and desiring more "real meat."
So revelation is necessary for:
Vision, maturity, manifestation, guidance, proof, and closeness to God. Every time we experience a "divine intervention" from God we are humbled and blessed desiring more of Him and being prompted to "continue in the faith." 
I go to bed asking God for "dreams and visions", and awake each morning praying that God would give me "those things" that would empower my day to make a difference for Him. I always ask Him to "fill my mouth that I may open it wide" in every situation that I might speak in to "glorify" His name in all the earth. 
I hope this has challenged you to a greater level of faith and expectation in Him who has "bought us with His precious blood", that we might be a light to this dark and dying generation/world.
God bless and keep in Jesus name.
Love
J&E in Tn