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 

Diligently seeking rewards.

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 those who diligently seek Him.

We all know that anything outside of faith is sin, but did we know that a lack of faith costs us our future rewards by the hand of God?

Lack of faith in any area of our lives not only makes it impossible to please Him but also denounces that we know Him. What? That's what the scripture above says: "For he that cometh To God must believe that He is!" 

Lets stretch this out to it's full implication. When you lack faith in any Biblical Truth you show that "in that area" you "do not believe in God." What? That's right. All Truth has been written in God's Word, and Jesus Christ "is" the Word of God come in the flesh. To say that any Truth in God's Word does not work, function or can be received, is to lack faith and is sin. Better to say "help thou my unbelief" than to say "this is not obtainable or not true for today." God has put all His precious promises for us in Jesus Christ, by His example in Scripture, in His name, and by the written Word. None of these can be changed or eliminated. Elimination for any reason is a "lack of faith." Sin, period. 
If we believe in Jesus for a guarantee of our salvation through His death and Resurrection then we also have to believe all else that He did, said and promised. Just like the example given in Scriptrure about sin, "if you broken one of the laws you have broken them all." If you believe in Jesus as Savior, then you have to "believe in Him for the rest of His promises." You can't pick and choose what you are promised when you believe in Jesus Christ. Many fail in this "practice" because they never followed through with being baptized in the Holy Spirit. How so? 
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
If you don't have the Holy Spirit then you don't have the "teaching and reminding."
Now lets not get your hackles up about the Holy Spirit. He "calls us to Christ", He "seals us" at salvation, but He "fills us" at His baptism to empower us to "manifest the glory of God." No baptism in the Holy Spirit, "no empowerment" or "teaching and reminding." 
I am going to say something here that might offend some but "the Truth sets free" so read carefully. This is not about you, your biblical practices, or what you have been taught, it's about the power of Scripture and the promise of God through His Word about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 
I believe that familiarization of God's Word is great, I believe that memorizing God's Word is great, but nothing is so powerful and "speaking as an oracle of God" the Words of God, unrehearsed, given by the Holy Spirit for that time and situation. Many times in Scripture men spoke the Word of God inspired and counseled by the Holy Spirit. "Unlearned men." Peter and the disciples, Stephen, unlearned men filled with the Holy Spirit to be a witness of God's Truth. So rehearse, memorize, make outlines about God's Word but don't miss the most important preparation: "being filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit."
I believe that all effort aside from this being the foundation becomes a "doctrine of man", an carnal effort, and a shameful folly. God's Word is Spirit! Only a person "filled" with His Spirit can understand them and apply them properly. Other wise all you have for a promise is that God's Word will not come back void. 
If you feel that there is valid, Biblical argument against the above just find it in Scripture...........Aside from the doctrine of men that must be added to this statement you'll not find any.

Now that the foundation has been laid lets look at the last statement in this verse in Hebrews:
"And He is a rewarder of those that "diligently seek Him."
Lets start with "without faith". It takes faith to be diligent about anything in God's Word. Any unbelief is sin and sin sets us short of the "glory of God." If we don't believe all things written in God's Holy Word then we cannot be "diligent" in seeking Him. Why? Because we don't trust in what He has written. If we don't trust in what's written then we cannot obtain the blessing that it contains for us because of "unbelief". Unbelief brings about the loss of the reward that we get from "diligently seeking Him." All God's promises are spiritual in beginning then manifest themselves as physical in receiving. An example would be healing. Prayed for "in the spirit" manifested in the flesh for the proof and glory of God's kingdom. All Scripture is "God breathed" which means it is spiritual before it "becomes flesh." Just as Jesus (who is the living Word of God) is God (Spirit) but in due time took on a body just a little lower than the angels, the body of a man. First spirit, second flesh. The so called "order that God has set all things in." 
So with this order we have our rewards "here on earth as in heaven." By faith we stand to receive these rewards, whatever they be by God's promises in Jesus His living written Word. Diligence is part of the seeking because diligence shows faith. Sometimes immediately, sometimes 21 days later, sometimes much later but in God's perfect timing. 
One thing for sure, we will receive the rewards if we "diligently seek Him."
Why do we need to receive rewards?
Because not only do we need to see our faith manifested but others do to. Many in the churches don't believe and never attain their rewards/promises because they don't know that they can. Seeing others being blessed and having answered prayers encourages them to "strive for a closer relationship with God." Thereby the encouragement to "diligently seek Him".
Scripture is always full of divine promises and interventions aimed at us. Only we can stop our receiving our rewards and only "by faithlessness" or more candidly "sin". 
One day we will "give an answer" and from what I have experienced there is none. When you stand before the Holy God of all creation just His presence will leave you speechless and without excuse. 
So as long as it is called "today" lets set our hearts on "things above", and diligently seek those given promises our rewards, from our Father who art in heaven so as to usher in His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. For ourselves and others "who believe not" or believe but are ignorant/unlearned.
May the God of piece be with you.
Love
J&E in Tn 

A short expression of "in season and out of season."

As Christians there may be various and sundry times in your life where the question might arise: "why do you do and say the things you do?"
A good start is to have an answer prepared, in our hearts, because the Scriptures tell us:

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Jesus said this "what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart," if our hearts are filled to overflowing with the Love of Christ, then the answer will be spoken as naturally as breathing. No thinking about it just a pure and natural response from Love. This response to the question will be instantly derived from whether or not we have "sanctified our hearts to the Lord God."
Making Him Lord over all our thoughts, words, and deeds, #1 over our life. All our thoughts are brought under/into submission to the mind of Christ, the Holy Spirit. Just think of how much more productive our lives would be if we would just submit our thoughts to Christ before we speak. The damage control from using this one practice would be would be negligent compared to what we have now to contend with.
With this in place and practiced, we have no problem with answering the question "about the reason of the hope that is in you?"

We would also, with power address the need for this next vs. when we use it:  

2 Timothy 4:2-4 King James Version (KJV)

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

How our words are received by others are almost always preceded by our attitude when we speak them. 1 Peter suggests to speak them with "meekness and fear." Meekness toward man to show humility, fear toward God to show reverence for His Word using it rightly, Truth that sets free.

"As a man thinks in his heart so is he." Because we become what we think in our heart then we should protect our hearts and what enters therein with all diligence. Put that together with "what's in our heart comes out of our mouth" should make us very sensitive to our conversations/responses "in season and out of season." It might be valuable to add, at this point, that the most important "season" to be instant in is the "out of season". 

"In season": preaching, witnessing, fellowship, sharing with believers. Times that are centered around an agreeable group to your presentation. Also when you are ready to speak, filled with the Spirit, knowing that you are "led of God" to open your mouth wide and let the "Word that dwells within you richly" spill out. 

"Out of season": When your not ready, in sin, beat down, needing a "Word" for yourself for encouragement, caught off guard, having "thoughts" in our heart not "in submission" to the mind of Christ. That "out of season" kind of day. In other words the part that demands that you "be instant" in putting off the oppression of the flesh that you are going through, and instantly decide to "speak as though speaking the very Words of God." Lifting your eyes and heart to Christ to make you an effective minister of the message of Christ. This takes maturity in the faith, real spiritual decision making to overcome the "flesh" and to "do the work of the Lord."

Remember that "what others observe in you" may be the only representation of the "gospel" they see that day.

Christianity starts with and continues on "a decision". You can decide to abide in His Word of Truth richly, or you can decide to use it at a lower level "avoiding the offence of the cross of Christ." 

To avoid confusion here lets remember that "All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved", but not all the call will be "used to their full potential." Those who call, are baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit will be the most productive ones in this war against "principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world." These will experience the "victory" bought by the precious blood of Jesus and expand the Kingdom of our God during their lifetime. They will "walk as Jesus walked." It's given unto them to bring about "thy will be done, thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven." 

Point to make: Only those who walk as Jesus walked, doing the will of the Father, can effect the "Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven." If your not part of that then your not "being all that you can be for Christ". And you probably have not completed the steps offered above to "receive power" that's needed to facilitate the job. 

Only those with a passion for the ministry of Christ will be used of God to "do the Kingdom work". Why? Because only those who are passionate, have the faith to believe God's Word without argument or debate. Who know the difference between the "Truth that sets free" and the "doctrines of man." Those who are willing to suffer for the cross of Christ "boldly." Believers who "know the Truth that sets free" and use it to do so. Those who do not instruct with words only but have the Power to manifest God's backing them up. Men and woman filled with the Holy Spirit, walking by faith, completing the Word of God daily in their lives. You know who they are! They are unmistakable, not hidden, passionate, compassionate, meeting needs not just with fleshy answers but with spiritual power and deliverance through prayer and signs and wonders.

Are you "in season or out of season?" Right now! It's just a decision that starts an action today that will flow through you until your "work is done." What's more important? The things of this life or the things of God by the hand of God? Decide you this day whom you shall serve.

As for me and my house "we shall follow the Lord."

I choose to be "in season" all the time. I pray that my "out of season" times be short.

God bless and keep 

Love 

J&E in Tn

A short comment on His return!

Oh boy! 

So there was a documentary on Christ's return on Sept 23 based on "scientific facts", a invisible planet x, and the last eclipse. So many Christians are "beside themselves" for the event. Clamoring on both sides of the fence for the "yay's and nay's". What foolishness. 
Here is what all Christians should be doing everyday of their lives" "looking for His return. expecting His return, hoping for His return, and preparing for His return in their hearts."
Our lives will tell others that we expect this event is going to happen at any time and should "awake them" to the expectation of what this means. Just like His birth He will be right on time, not one second early nor one second late. Right on time.
So:
Be vigilant.
Be ready.
Expect it at any moment.
Don't be distracted by the things of this world.
He is coming for:
Those who love Him.
Those who wait on Him.
Those who "look up."
Stay in His Word as it is the "gateway to all Truth and Knowledge." It's also the only way we receive Faith, for faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Until His return lets be about the Fathers business.
God bless and keep.
Love
J&E in Tn

A Scriptural look at "Religion."

Much of our calamities today are caused by Scriptures being "wrested" from their original meanings, then spoken/taught as truth. 
Lets look at the word "religion", what Scripture says and what "we practice/teach" commonly today.

James1:27King James Version (KJV)

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

This Scripture, (one of the main and most precise), clearly shows "pure religion" as an action of "compassion". "Visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction" takes both a decision and an effort to do so, and is there by proven to be an act of Love, like Jesus did for the multitudes.

The word "affliction" doesn't just mean sickness, but represents every oppression that could possibly befall them. This would include: food, housing, financial aid, clothing, ill health, and all other care that could pertain to this existence. 

Mattew 14:14                                                                                          

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Compassion is Love expressed/shown. There are many Scriptures that show Jesus being moved by compassion to heal, feed, deliver, people that were afflicted with many problems. Only a person "full of the Holy Spirit" will have the kind of "compassion" that "manifests" itself in such powerful miracles. To many times our religion of Love is held back by the great "what if?" What if God doesn't heal, raise up, feed, deliver, when we ask/pray for someone? Well that's a love (small L) that's based on "ourselves" and how we will look instead of God's Love and compassion for the person we are ministering to. Self over God. The only thing that can make us powerless even using the name of Jesus. God forbid. 

Now for "Religion" mans definition:

There is none that matches the Scripture above. To man religion is a name on a shingle outside a building with a cross somewhere on it, and this is what has caused so much division and dissension among believers over the centuries. "What church do you go to?"

"Well this or that one."

"Say don't they believe this or that?" (doctrine in dispute).

Next the debate begins..........then division........then parting of ways.

The Truth being made know: there is no diversity of "faith" in Jesus Christ. All this church name/doctrine stuff is the work of the devil to divide man by the showing forth of pride instead of Love and fellowship. You know that it is True because when you read that last sentence you reacted to it. What's more important to God? Your pride of church or your relationship with Him through Jesus Christ? If the name on the building is reason for argument because of pride in doctrine then get rid of the name and just call yourselves "followers of Jesus Christ." That leaves a lot of room for your doctrine to "grow in Grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ", so only edification can come through "mixed fellowships" of believers when they get together. 

Here is the perfect Biblical example:

Acts 19:2

"He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."

The only difference between Paul and the disciples in Ephesus was maturity. The disciples Paul met was from a whole different "doctrine" experience, did Paul debate about the fact that they didn't know about the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Did Paul argue with them? Did Paul have to make his point with words? A resounding NO to all the above. So then what did Paul do when he found out? He laid hands on them and they experienced what they had not learned/received up till (again level of maturity) then. Simple right?

So what does that show us here.........? The proof is in the putting on of hands not the argument among the brethren.

Wouldn't that be something if we put our faith in God's Word instead of a prideful rendition of "our doctrine", and why our church is better. Regardless of names there is only one "body of Christ", and His Word is doctrine and DOESN'T need interpretation for us to understand. Remember that God doesn't hide His Word from His people that has the Mind of Christ, (the Holy Spirit). He only hide it's interpretation from those with a "carnal mind", and there are some believers that have a carnal mind.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16King James Version (KJV)

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

This has nothing to do with teaching the Word of God as long as we don't change the meaning of what is written. If you have to explain beyond what's said then "the Interpreter" (Holy Spirit) might just be missing. Above it says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God," and this may be the case in some of our Sunday Schools.

The error lies in the fact that our church doctrines (some) don't teach in any depth on the Scriptural application of the Holy Spirit. That's our fault. To many churches have become social clubs with pastors that cater to their constituents not the Word of God. If you feel uncomfortable with this statement then it's time to humble yourself before God, lay aside your pride, and let God fill you (or refill you) with His Spirit. This doctrinal wresting started back as early as Paul's time. Pastors started allowing or disallowing participation based on their own personal preferences. 

It's beyond the preaching of salvation (milk) that we need to go to "fit the flock for ministry" to make them effective "witnesses" of Jesus Christ. This principle is clearly stated below:

1 Corinthians 2:4-6

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, 

Clearly the Power of God shown, proves that Word of God spoken is the Truth. How can anyone argue that? If our Sunday Schools and our churches "walked in the Spirit" then these manifestation would be common practice....everywhere. God would set the "gifts free" in our fellowships and we would once again experience revival, first in ourselves, then in our country.

What do you want for your household, church, or nation?

Mans way or God's way?

Compassion or debate?

Preaching with power, or powerless words?

The choice is yours. The reaping 30,60,or 100 fold either way depending on your choice.

Choose life,

Choose Love.

Love

J&E in Tn