A thought, an expression, Love

Consider this:

Passion can be used to edify or it can be used to tear down.

It's easy to find on fb both sides of this issue.

Rights, politics, freedoms, practices, ect.

Both sides of each issue have good and bad to them.

So lets look at an issue that needs to be addressed on a personal level:

Your wife......................

Being that the man is the leader in the family as designed by God, we will start and stay with him to be the initiator of the rules of engagement.

For this short post we will focus on "the love between" man and woman in a marriage.

Love!

Love is a verb as it takes action to prove it exists. Love must be unconditional to truly be experienced by the object of that love.

Love is shown in our (men) thoughts, words, and actions.

The relationship that started, started with Love, and led to marriage.

That marriage builds on love or dies on the lack thereof.

To the point:

Walk in love, continue in a growing love relationship, express that love in every instance you are together.

How?

Start with a passionate kiss every morning, then throughout the day. What kind of kiss is that? One that stirs the blood. One that lets her know that your love is alive. Several of these a day out to do........5-15?

Hold her in an embrace that lets her know that you are both one and you want to keep it that way. Hug often.

Look into her eyes as this will prove to her that your enamored with her.

Make time to express all the ways a husband and wife can be intimate (not just physical) including a "listening ear", a non condemning or belittling reply, a "gentle look."

The Bible says to "Honor her". I hope I don't need to explain that one.

Do these things and "life will be blessed."

God bless.

Love

J&E in Tn

My King.....Powerful recital

This is my God and I am humbled that He found me redeemable as He did all mankind.
Profound.

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


Listen, lift your hands, worship with joy and brokenness.

Did God "create" evil or wickedness?

Questions like this prove the need for revelation and not just a carnal understanding.

Most Bible studies are based on the understanding of man, not the unchangeable Holy nature of God. God's Word is spirit and only the Holy Spirit can reveal the Truths of His Word. When we study God's Word with the carnal mind few can stray from the application of narrowness to make a point. Many times this "focus" eliminates or avoids all the supporting Scripture that makes Him divine. We get the "seemingly" right answer for our efforts but leave the floodgates open to questions that would contradict. 
Let me assure all who will read this that there is no contradiction of Scripture on any wise or level in His Holy Word. Even as the "life of Christ" seamlessly matched the Word of God, (as He is that Word in the flesh), so His written Word is without contradiction or variance. 
Now we know by His Word that He created all things as show in Colossians:

Colossians 1:16-17King James Version (KJV)

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

This Scripture states that God created all things including principalities and powers. All principalities and powers. Does this mean that He created the wicked principalities and powers as they stand today. No. There is a difference between creating and Omniscience. So then how does James 1:13 if in here "seamlessly."

James 1:13

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

So whats the seamless fit here? Simple. God knew about the wickedness of all those He created because He is Omniscient and wickedness came by free will to both angels and mankind. Remember that before He created anything Christ "the Redeemer" was there with Him, and through Him (Christ) were all things created that were created. So Scripture states that He who was to "redeem" all creation was present before it was created through Him so that "all things consist by Him". Before "free will" existed God provided a way to defeat evil and wickedness, the very thing that he did not create but that He "fore knew in the beginning." Omniscient!

Mind this: "in the beginning" all things created were perfect, God didn't create a flawed environment even though He knew that we would "decide" to become wicked do to temptation. 

Note: At first even the angels in heaven were perfect in spirit body and  tasked to give worship and serve God. The angels had to, "through free will" decide to rebel against God and His Word, by whom all were created. Understand. Wickedness was in the heart of all the living creation both angelic and mankind, it was just a "decision" away. That's why all things were created through Christ so that He would be the redeemer of all things.

So "free will" brought in temptation to wickedness and sin (disobedience to God.) Another way of putting it is that "in the beginning" only two decisions existed: serve God or rebel against God. We were designed to do the first (serve) but we also (because of free will) had the choice opened to us to rebel. 

Being that "nothing is new in all the earth" all of us "choose" to rebel (our choice by nature) as did our first predecessor Adam. Lets make sure that we consider the Truth of the nature about "Adam's sin". Adam took responsibility for the first sin not by committing it first but by failing to instruct Eve as warned of God the way he should of. He is sighted with being the founder of sin because he didn't obey God in teaching Eve the "Garden Rules", so when she was tempted and "ate of the forbidden fruit" he became complicit. He could of said "No" when she offered it to him but he wanted to "please" his wife, as Paul says so many centuries later:

1 Corinthians 7:32-33

32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

So did evil or wickedness exist in practice up to that time with mankind? No! Until Adam and Eve agreed with temptation and decided to agree with disobedience to God's Word, sin did not exist in mankind (even though it was already practiced among the angels.) Keeping this in perspective then, mankind was pure and innocent from sin/evil/wickedness in the practice of it but was already in agreement with it in the heart. Hence the Redeemer was already in place "before creation." God created the perfect creation in design but by His Omniscience knew of it's fall to sin/evil/wickedness and so before "in the beginning God" became a reality God, already provided "His Christ the Savior" to "redeem" His  creation from there own "free will" decisions.

Here is a clear view of how deceiving temptation is and how wicked the heart of man and some angels are. Lets start out before creation! Angels were created by God and were blessed to be "in His presence", surrounded by His glory, serving the One True God. Then Lucifer "looked upon himself" (Isaiah 14:12,13) and thought himself to be more glorious and powerful than God. So the thought to "exalt my throne above the throne of God",  (the first sin for the angels: vanity), and take over. This was the first action of "agreement to wickedness/rebellion against God's Word and it was also the first "free will" decision in favor of sin. Any "transgression" of God's laws (His Word by which and through all things were created) in heaven or on earth brings the commensurate discipline meet for the sin. Notice here that "free will" was also practiced by all the angels because being presented with the same choice some chose to "obey God" and stay in His service.

 Now a look at mankind! Just like the angels mankind started in an environment that God deemed suitable for him in creation. It was called the "Garden of Eden". He too (man) was in the presence of God and was instructed by Him, taught by Him, and given "rules to live by". Then God blessed man with a "help meet", a woman to nurture her and instruct her in the ways of God's will. She too spent her days with her husband walking and talking with God in the "cool of the day." Yet having that as a norm they still made the decision to disobey. I would find that almost impossible to imagine, having been in God's presence to make a "free will" decision to rebel against God's commands. But I have been in the presence of God/Jesus (whether in the flesh or in the spirit I know not), and being there was an incredible and indescribably remarkable experience. Yet I can truly understand the "nature of man's heart" because having that experience more than a couple of times I still sin. I have no excuse and neither do you, regardless what your intimate relationship with your Father in heaven consists of on a regular basis.  

So free will is good as it allows us to "maintain an intimate relationship with God our Father" provided our hearts have been prepared by the Holy Spirit to honor Him, the very thing that He has been sent to do. 

So what are the steps to receive "grace through faith" that this chain/bondage of rebellion should end? First "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Second "be filled with the Holy Spirit. Third "walk in the ways of the Lord. If these Scriptures be followed, strengthened with prayer and engrafting the Word, you will receive the grace needed to resist the bad decisions allowed by free will and successfully serve the Lord God.

Note: I find that Omniscience is a great aid into the Revelation of Jesus Christ. As I have said before that Scripture never contradicts Scripture. If our "study's" are carnal many arguments will arise that will leave us and Scripture unable to be explained, but if our studies be "taught by God" then nothing is unclear or contradictory. 

Both the church and unbelievers need to know that "God's Word is True" and able to deliver. Mankind needs to know that it suffers a stain called sin that cannot be cleansed but by the Blood of Jesus.

We, the faithful need to have answers in our hearts and in our mouths to be a witness for our Savoir being armed with the "Truth that sets free." Not just words but with "power from on high." 

God didn't "create" sin or evil or wickedness that was the product of free will. But God did provide the "cleansing flood of blood" to redeem and set free those who "decide" to "stray" from His Word. Free will is a "test" for all that draw breath that they might "freely" choose to come back into a relationship with our Creator which He has provided "a fore time", even before He created anything either angel or man.

Love 

J&E in Tn

Q. "What's wrong with our nation?"

Not to all, but to whom it may concern: A thought worth making. We are in the 11th hour

Q. What's wrong with our nation? What is the root cause?
A. Psalm 4:29
"But from there (a place of discipline), you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. 
30 "When you are in distress and all these things (reproof's) have come upon you, in the "latter days" you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice.…
Case dismissed.
Think about it.
To all you liberal, politically correct christians (small c), (if there is such a possible practice), repent and stop worshiping the idols of society. Come back to the living and True God for salvation and Truth that sets free. Not the abomination that transgress's God's Word with lies and whore mongering, compromising Truth for "feel good" allowances brought through political correctness and secular humanism. No doubt that you have not the "backbone of the faith", the Holy Spirit, to "lead you into all Truth". Repent, I say again repent. You are misleading many and causing the Good name of God to be blasphemed by your treacherous lies. God have mercy on your souls. Regardless of who supports you (as they promote lies too), you alone will be recompensed for your false teachings before the throne of God.
Without apology
Love
J&E in Tn

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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

Hebrews 11:6 that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

This Scripture begs the question of: "what is the reward for diligently seeking Him?"

The first and foremost application we see here is faith to believe that He (God) is. 

Second is that doing so we are rewarded for the effort by God. 

Third is that the effort of "diligently seeking Him" is an effort of passion and constancy.

There are the "for sure" rewards that quickly come to mind, those gifts that are given "severally" by the Holy Spirit:

1 Chorintians 12:4-11

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

If we just stick with the list inside of this Scripture the "rewards" are endless by participation. 

Just a note:

I think that through all these "manifestations" one of the most lacking, and of necessary importance, is the "discernment of spirit". Not that everyone of them aren't incredible in nature and use, but the lack of "discernment of spirit" robs pastors, teachers, prophets, anyone who has the authority to "prepare the believers for ministry", from recognizing those gifted of God from those "wolves in sheep's clothing". It doesn't take much to see how this works.

Another incredible reward is being shown our spiritual calling and election with which to serve in.

1 Corinthian 12:28

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

All of these are incredible rewards to "seek after" and acquire, but here is one that overrides them all:

Seeking Him by faith diligently, brings to pass the Scripture that commands us to "draw neigh to God and He will dray neigh to you." What happens when God draws neigh to us?

We have fellowship with God and receive a deeper revelation of who He is.

That's what we are going to explain in this post.

With the faith issue past us, (believing that God is), our reward is a greater revelation of "who He is". I say "revelation" because we cannot "know God" or "understand Him" with our fleshy carnal minds.

1 Corinthians 1:20-24

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God.

John 4:23,24

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
To worship Him is to give Him His True place in His creation. Master, Savior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is perfectly realized when "in the Spirit" during worship and praise. Here the "veil" is drawn back and He "reveals" Himself as He really is. This is the revelation: to see Him as He is in His power, glory and majesty, high and lifted up, God of all, beside whom is no other. 
So now we get the "nay sayers" coming in with "no man has seen God and lived!" True. But God has given man glimpses of "who He is" through dreams and visions.  
John 4:9
 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, show us the Father?
Of course there is the argument that "well you never seen Jesus!"
Hmmmm. I believe that the "diligently seeking Him" by faith comes in here. 
So here is the question: How does He "reveal" Himself to those that diligently seek Him? Of course through "signs and wonders" following the presentation of the Gospel. This presentation comes in several forms: preaching orally, preaching with our actions, and preaching with our deeds. 
Our lives become a "living presentation of the Gospel, read and seen of all." 
Why does He do or manifest Himself in this wise? So as to back up the "Truth that sets free" to those who hear with divine signs so that have "no excuse." That begs the question for today to be "why is Christianity so weak and not more dynamic?" Maybe it's because we no longer allow God to manifest Himself in the preaching of the Gospel. Why? Because we only practice/present half a Gospel due to ignorance or embarrassment. 
Remember that Jesus is the complete "Revelation of God" to mankind. He is our savior. Savior doesn't just mean "delivered from death and hell" but savior means "victorious" over death and hell, including: sin, sickness, infirmities, oppression, and all manner of things that ail the human spirit." We become one with Christ and He is one with the Father.
Because most Christian churches see the "witness of God" (according to Scripture) as "too" controversial so they just eliminate what follows the preaching of the Gospel for "convenience" sake.   
Therein: aside from the fact that "God's Word will not come back void", it suffers the "differentiating" witness that would prove it to be the Truth beyond argument. The Truth again that sets free!
Here is the weakness that then convinces "even believers", that the reward for those that diligently seek Him is made of no value and has no gain.
I maintain that "those that diligently seek Him" have the highest of Spiritual Gifts and experiences freely given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Now here is where many of you would say "this saying is too hard for us."
Many times, as shown in Scripture, that one of the "rewards" for the practice of faith in seeking God is His revealing Jesus Christ to us. So before you "blow a gasket" Jesus, after His death, appeared to Thomas, all the disciples, Mary His mother, and Paul the Apostle. What He has done in the past He will continue to due in the future. He still "gives witness to His Gospel by signs and wonders, and He still appears unto man, when needed. 
I have had several of such "blessings" during and continuing in my diligently seeking Him by Faith.  
I say this only for the purpose of "shaking the spiritually lethargic" out of their comfortable stupor of "I'm on MY way to heaven and shouting victory", and making a difference to others while on their way.
If your "life in Christ" isn't "plagued" with daily "newness of Life" and "excitement" for the outpouring of what God is doing; then you better check whether or not your "walking in the Spirit". 

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty", liberty to know God's Word (Jesus Christ) by revelation given of the Spirit. God has many rewards for us but the greatest one is intimate fellowship with Him, our Creator.

Just so that I don't let anyone the argument about "Love being the better way", yes it is. God is Love! God's Love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. You can't know the "Love of God" unless it's been "shed abroad" by the Holy Spirit, or lets just say "revealed", or given as a revelation, a reward for those that "diligently seek Him."

When you are one with someone that means that you are intimate with them. It is not at all a long shot to say that the deepest intimacy's are face to face. So it is with God through Jesus Christ. 

Putting it simply, on my behalf, God seeing fit to reveal Himself to me for whatever reasons, as He did to Paul and various others, I have twice been taken into heaven and twice Christ appeared at the foot board of my bed. Every time there was a need for Him to be there or for me to be "taken up." I can at a later date go into these experiences but for now, suffice it to say, fellowship at this level is by far the "greatest reward" I have ever received for "diligently seeking Him by faith."

Now does this in any means set a bar for spirituality? No. But this better humbly open the door to faith to receive all that He has for each individual who "calls on His name". Remember that NOTHING can be received with out faith. No faith=sin! Faith in God and His Word=divine intervention. When you are "saved by the blood, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ" you "inherit all that is Christ's that was given to us by God the Father "through" Him.

Every precious gift comes down from above from the Father.

We are all blind regardless of where we are or how long we have been in Christ. Each day is a new day to receive from our Heavenly Father wisdom, knowledge and revelation through His Word. Deeper and deeper intimacy with Him, until the glass through which we see darkly becomes face to face.

Cast aside your doubt, gird up your "most Holy Faith", put on the full armor of God, and claim by fervent prayer and faith the thing that God has called you to do in making certain "His kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

I daily seek by faith my "calling and election" to be made sure so that I can "Glorify my Father in Heaven."

We serve a risen Savior.

Love

J&E in Tn

Thoughts on His return vs the church

I don't think it wise to predict a date or day for the return of Christ, but I do think it's imperative to posture the "heart" of those who "expect" His return.

To many people today don't have a Scriptural relationship with God the way He intended it to be. This intention is more than just a "religion" even though it will emanate religious practices. The example Jesus gave us was "being one with the Father" as He (Jesus) is. Not many of us are there and even less try to participate in this goal. Never the less it is most necessary. In fact Jesus even prayed for us to experience that end.

John 17:11

Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:22

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one

John 17:23

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Jesus knew that the only way to manifest God's glory is for us to be "one with Him" so that the glory of Jesus, received of  from the Father would be passed on to us.

The closer we draw to God the greater amount of glory we receive from Him and that gives us confidence to "do the work." We draw neigh to Him and then He draws neigh to us so we can see the works that He does and do them also. We also "hear His voice" so we can "speak the Words He speaks again "manifesting" His will and glory.

It is enough to say that those of us who don't have any inclination to "love Him, look for Him, or to wait on His return, will be "swallowed" up by the deception of this present life. The things of this "world" will take all focus and precedent over our "thoughts, words and deeds" and we will find these matters a distraction for what really matters, Christ and His return, working the fields "white for harvest".

Many will never see the significance of the fact that everyday that passes we become one day closer to that "unknown" time of His return, a very significant point in this creations time line. Even when Paul spoke he said that "it is closer now then when we first believed." Brothers and Sisters that was almost 2000 yrs ago that they were looking for, and expecting His return, what about us know?

What is distracting you from this great event? What is distracting you from the expectation of His return? What will turn your heart back to Him so as to say "Maranatha" come Lord Jesus, come? 

With all that is going on in the world today the prophesy's are coming to pass that warn of the end drawing neigh.

The wickedness of man once again is approaching the vileness of Sodom and Gomorrah to the point where we pass laws to support such sodomy and sin. Whole societies that have murderous hearts filled with wantonness and defiled hearts. Calling evil good and good evil. 

The value of life is getting cheaper by the day among these corrupt participants, haters of God and haters of man.

Pray for you and yours that God will "deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and forever amen." 

Only He can shorten the day (and I believe He has started), so that even the elect can continue to His return.

Lift up your hearts, your hands, and your eyes unto the Lord in fervent prayer for God to bring His divine intervention for His people. 

We have been warned and told by Scripture, so we have only ourselves to blame if we miss that trump.

God bless and keep.

J&E in Tn