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Books on the Deeper Life


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#21 Charles Miles

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Posted 16 April 2015 - 07:51 AM

Kevin,
I hear what you are saying and asking. This change, this sanctification, takes time. Maybe even a lifetime to attain, but the good news is that God says He will do it. I read a book or two about men who had your same desire and it burned within them every day to a point they had to make some choices. What they did was to set aside a time each day, maybe 5 minutes, to fully concentrate upon the Father and who He is. They did this every day for months and months, gradually increasing the time spent in prayer and worship, until spending time with God was not only second nature....it was a way of life. (Brother Lawrence was one of them)

Most of us wish a much closer walk with the Lord, but are we willing to do what it takes to accomplish such a close relationship? This kind of relationship is there for those who will seek it and prayerfully work toward it every day. Wouldn`t it be wonderful to know without a shadow of a doubt what the voice of God sounds like? How about being able to actually have a quiet conversation with the God of the universe who knows us better than we know ourselves? Oh, for a seat in a place so Holy.

Let me say clearly that I am not in that place yet, but I am earnestly seeking every day. Can I ever get there? Well God says I can "enter into" His "rest". I can always trust my Father to speak the Truth to me and never give me false hope about these things, so I keep seeking. Kevin, never give up! Finish your race. Assurance is ours..Romans 8 is a chapter that always blesses me.

Your brother in Christ,

Charlie
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#22 Brian Elmer

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Posted 16 April 2015 - 09:03 AM

Kevin - let me share my story.  I can relate somewhat to what I think you are speaking of.  About 15 years ago I came to a crisis of sin in my life.  At that point, even as a child of God, I came to the realization that I was a desperate sinner.  For years I had tried to 'do" the right things, but on the inside I constantly battled.  I felt like the inside never matched what I desired my spiritual life to be.

 

At that time of sinful realization, I realized I was a mess, desperately in need of God.  It was like at that moment the Spirit said "ok now you are ready to know me."  I began reading the Word to know God.  I stopped reading to gain knowledge of events, facts, or looking for formulas.  I read to know Him and what He did in love for me.  I realized that He chose to love me before I loved Him.  I learned that He died for me knowing I was a mess.  But I also learned more clearly that there is nothing I can do to repay or earn this gift of salvation.  I learned that this truth of the gospel is not just to 'get me to heaven' but to live in each day.

 

His love for me is like a parent who goes to his kid's soccer game and proclaims "that's my kid - the one who tripped over the chalk line.  He's not too good, but I love him anyway."  When God looks down on me from heaven, He says 'he's not too good, but I love him anyway.'  What amazing grace!  When 'God looked down from heaven' he didn't have a choice between good people and bad people to die for - to love.  We were all bad - He loved anyway.  I am thankful that when He sees me, He now sees His son's righteousness.  I am thankful that there is no condemnation for His children!

 

Knowing this, the motivation for my life in Christ is His grace (Titus 2:11-14).  Embracing His grace produces in me the qualities of a child of God.  Disciplines have their place - for sure.  But only a profound encounter with the grace of God can produce a change in our lives.  Discipline itself only produces 'performance' change.  It does not change the heart. It has been said, "grace is opposed to earning.  It is not apposed to effort."  Be careful not to trust your effort.  We trust in the finished work of Christ alone!

 

In growing in the awareness of His grace, I have learned that He wants to commune with me.  He wants to reconcile us to the relationship that was lost in the Garden (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).  I used to feel He was waiting for the right minute to say, 'ok that's enough.  I can't take it anymore.  You have really disappointed me.'  But now I know He loves me with an everlasting love!  NOTHING can separate me from that love (Romans 8 - the chapter of all chapters!)

 

Kevin - it appears you are searching for the "deeper life" as a answer to your relationship with God.  Let me encourage you to see that Jesus is the treasure (Matthew 13:44, 45) not the 'deeper life'.  The 'deeper life' will come as you rest in His grace and commune with Him. 

 

Another excellent contemporary read is the book With by Skye Jethani.  In this book he clearly conveys how we should relate to God.

 

In HIS hands....

Brian


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#23 Kevin Blankenship

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Posted 26 April 2015 - 08:47 AM

I appreciate the replies, brothers.  I take them to heart.  I simply MUST start doing something differently if I am even to remain in the  ........Fold.   The past two weeks have found me more spiritually cold than I have EVER been.  I'll try ti make myself think about God.......and I come up with nothing.

    I do not indulge in gross sin. But still, just God's absence seems to punctuate what God's specific will is for me.  On balance, I would say that if the Calvinist are correct in their theology.......then I would be a prime candidate for being one of the non-elect.

   Now, this is how I am FEELING right now.  Folks might grow weary (or, already may be wearied) by my sharing these down-hearted anesdotes. BUT IT'S HOW I FEEL.  I was pleasantly going through a Bible Study of Isaiah with Chuck Missler on Youtube with my Bible open and pen ready and enthusiasm high. And then...BAM......I just quit.  Prayer life is a shambles. Full realization that I cannot do this in my own strength or even WILL has slapped me hard, upside the jaw.  But this is where God is supposed to come in and say: "NOW....I CAN WORK WITH YOU."........I just wish that HE would.


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#24 emkacee

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Posted 26 April 2015 - 12:29 PM

Kevin, I will be saying a prayer for you today. I have been "down in the dumps" in my spiritual life (of course, you can't separate your "spiritual life" from all of life).  
I suggest that you go outside, look around and up into the sky and praise HIM aloud.


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#25 Kevin Blankenship

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Posted 04 May 2015 - 09:06 PM

Thank you Emkacee!!! I am going to go do that right now.  Whatever it takes. 



#26 ljjsears

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Posted 04 July 2015 - 11:35 AM

I have been going through the devotional "Jesus Calling...us into His presence" by Sarah Young.  It is a daily writing in 1st person to invite us to trust Him more and experience His presence during the day.  Each daily word includes scripture, and is written with some fresh perspectives by Sarah, a missionary. 

I don't usually use devotionals (usually use books along with the Bible), but this has been changing my personal walk with Jesus more than any book I have used.  As I have been sharing about this book, I have been discovering many others who either have gone through the book or are now going through it, and have heard similar comments.

 

I highly recommend this devotional, Jesus Calling


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#27 blschaar

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Posted 19 July 2015 - 01:01 PM

I've heard some concerning things about "Jesus Calling" in that the author speaks as in God's voice and it's extra-scriptural.  I don't know how much that is a problem, I still have the book, but I am more skeptical about it now.  Has anyone else heard that same concern?

 

Is Ravi Zachirias CMA?  I thought I heard him reference it in one of his podcasts.

 

Becky


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#28 Phil

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Posted 25 July 2015 - 02:20 PM

I've heard some concerning things about "Jesus Calling" in that the author speaks as in God's voice and it's extra-scriptural.  I don't know how much that is a problem, I still have the book, but I am more skeptical about it now.  Has anyone else heard that same concern?

 

Is Ravi Zachirias CMA?  I thought I heard him reference it in one of his podcasts.

 

Becky

 

Yes! He is ordained CMA, and commissioned as an Evangelist by them as well.


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#29 Merilyn Lauffer

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Posted 31 August 2015 - 02:38 PM

River Dwellers  by Dr. Rob Reimer an Alliance pastor in Boston South Shore Community Church

 

 
 
 

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Did you ever wish there was more to your Christian life? Too often the Christian life is reduced to going to church, attending meetings, serving God, and doing devotions. But Jesus promised us abundant life – a deep, intimate, satisfying connection with the living God. How do we access the abundant life that Jesus promised?  The key is the presence and life of the Holy Spirit within us.

Jesus said that the Spirit of God flows within us like a river – He is the River of Life. But we need to dwell in the river in order to access the Spirit’s fullness.

In his latest book, Dr. Rob Reimer offers a deep look at life in the Spirit and provides practical strategies for dwelling in the River of Life.  We will explore the fullness of the Spirit, tuning into the promptings of the Spirit, walking in step with the Spirit, and developing sensitivity to the presence of the God in our lives. This resource will guide you toward becoming a full-time river dweller, even in the midst of life’s most difficult seasons when the river seems to run low.

Together let's become River Dwellers, living where the fullness of God flows so that we can carry living water to a world dying of thirst! 

 

 

 

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#30 Kevin Blankenship

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Posted 31 August 2015 - 08:43 PM

What a wealth of great info from my sisters and brothers in Christ.   About the devotional Jesus Calling.  I have the book and I have tried to get into it.  I read (in the book's Forward I think) that the two sisters would sit down with a blank piece of paper and an ink pen or pencil.  They would pray and ask God to speak to them. And then they would simply start writing their thoughts and ascribing them to Jesus.   An older Christian brother bought the book for me and told me that it had revolutionized his walk with the Lord.  I'm a bit bothered about the "writing Jesus' words".   But I have not shelved it just yet.  I'll be an an open minded mood one day and sit down and give it a good read.  And then, I'll form and opinion.

    As for the rest of the recommendations........THANK YOU!!!!! Thank you all!!!!  And equally, I thank the kind person who suggested Jesus Calling.  You all have good hearts and want to help.  This speaks volumes about your hearts. Personally, I am glad to get to have some contact with you, even though it is only through the internet. God Bless each of you VERY richly.......supplying all of your needs.   Someday, I hope to meet you in the air.   kevin



#31 greentth

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Posted 15 September 2015 - 04:59 PM

hi everyone! I live in Japan. I want to find the Church CM&A and group. where can I contact? please help me.

I live in  Kanagawa, Yokohama-shi

thank you.


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#32 Julie Daube

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Posted 24 September 2015 - 08:44 AM

hi everyone! I live in Japan. I want to find the Church CM&A and group. where can I contact? please help me.

I live in  Kanagawa, Yokohama-shi

thank you.

 

Greetings! Here is the Web site for the Japan C&MA mission: http://japanalliance...strikingly.com/ They should be able to refer you to a C&MA church in Japan (there is an e-mail address you can write to). Blessings to you!


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#33 sklimko

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Posted 02 November 2015 - 07:28 PM

For all newer female believers "Learning to follow Jesus....a guide for women", by Daniel McNaughton and Jane Abbate is a must. I wish I had this resource when I was a new Christian. I am enjoying it very much even as a Christian of many decades. It is a great reminder of why we chose to follow Christ. (Published by Morningjoymedia.com)

#34 sklimko

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Posted 02 November 2015 - 07:35 PM

I have been going through the devotional "Jesus Calling...us into His presence" by Sarah Young.  It is a daily writing in 1st person to invite us to trust Him more and experience His presence during the day.  Each daily word includes scripture, and is written with some fresh perspectives by Sarah, a missionary. 
I don't usually use devotionals (usually use books along with the Bible), but this has been changing my personal walk with Jesus more than any book I have used.  As I have been sharing about this book, I have been discovering many others who either have gone through the book or are now going through it, and have heard similar comments.
 
I highly recommend this devotional, Jesus Calling



#35 sklimko

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Posted 02 November 2015 - 07:41 PM

I love Jesus Calling. I hate the year to end, but I'm sure I will start all over using it as my daily devotional again next year. It has changed my life. Dramatic I know, but I have had a pretty dramatic few months and God has spoken to me through this devotional day after day. When I couldn't get up the strength to even pray, just reading the daily devotion would be enough to encourage me to meet Christ right were I was and let him minister to my heart and soul. I thank Sarah Young for her wonderful devotional.

#36 twins11097

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Posted 23 October 2016 - 05:16 PM

I am reading Experiencing God. It is fantastic!


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#37 Tkulp

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Posted 29 October 2016 - 09:49 AM

I have read many books over the last 50 years. I came to this CMA site because I was impressed to begin reading AB Simpsons devotionals 'here'. My roots are in the CMA.

 

I also regularly read Mrs. Cowman's devotional, that I can have on my phone, Streams in the Desert.  I have read her devotionals most of my life.

 

The greatest book that I currently have gotten totally absorbed in, for the last 5-10 years, is the Bible.

 

The original Living Bible was my favorite, as I learned who Jesus was and is. I used to read it like a novel! After I surrendered my life totally to God, and invited His Spirit to take control. I learned that I had to obey what He caused to become alive to me as I read and started to study.(PS I invited Him to have control, but I have not always obeyed and surrendered to His control) Then the Amplified came into my life, along with the King James and a Young's Concordance. The New English Bible from Oxford Press was the next Bible that I was lead to, by the Spirit working in my life. During that time, and still, I felt that I was not to read Commentaries, but I occasionally read a Christian book.

 

I had read the Bible through so many times in the past that it had lost its life. As I read, most of the time I already knew what was coming next.

During all that time Television and watching movies had become something which filled my interests. I  also began to have issues with various attitudes and did not seem to be getting answers as I once had. Then the verse in Psalms 37:4 jumped out at me one day. Delight yourself in the Lord... I had to honestly answer the Spirit that I did not delight myself in the Lord. After all of these years, if I was tired or bored, I turned to the TV for my enjoyment, not the Bible or the Holy Spirit. The Bible meant study and thinking. The TV did the thinking and entertaining for me. If I wanted to think and be entertained I turned to gaming.

Yes, most of the time I gave God his 15 to maybe 30 minutes a day, unless I needed to prepare for sharing at church.

The Spirit revealed to me that my attitude problems came from what I fed on, most of the time, in my life. Yes, it was Garbage in Garbage out. If I want to get rid of my attitude issues than I was going to have to stop feeding the bad dog in my life, that controlled my mind, and thus my speech and actions.

Kevin, if you are reading this, here is where I can really relate to you!!! I could not get free of my addiction to movies. I had disconnected the network TV and I had stopped looking at internet news, but I could not stop wanting a movie to feed me each evening.

We had quite a library of "good" movies, as I thought at the time. The Spirit finally gave me the solution, through my wife. She did not get upset if something interrupted a movie, as I did. She could take it or leave it. The Spirit told me to give the control of the video library to my wife and submit to her desires of movie watching. I obeyed! For months I would wish, as we sat down for our evening meal, that she would say let's watch a movie tonight, but I was not to ask, and I did not ask.

At the same time God brought a new piece of software into my life, E-Sword. It was free and I did not have to be on line to use it! I was able to have all my favorite translations plus others along with a new book to me, Strong's Dictionary and Concordance, and Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary. (PS There is quite a library available through E-Sword also, of books by Simpson, Tozer, Bunyan, Murray, Josephus and on and on.)

Over the next months I was lead to a new adventure. The King James Bible, with the Strong's Numbers, and the Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, my teacher, the Bible started coming alive to me, as it rarely had before.

I started to get so excited about what the Spirit was showing and teaching me that I found it rather hard to stop my times with Him. I was spending hours instead of minutes, as the Spirit would show me truths in the definition of words that did not always come through any of the translations. I am not a scholar, I do not know any other language than English, but I have come to know that I do not even understand English as I look up words in the Noah Webster Dictionary. All of this info can be at your finger tips in seconds, and you do not have to have the internet or a large library of books.

 

I said all of that (Sorry and Thank you for your time!!) so that I did not come across as some 'wise guy', for putting down, on this forum, that the Bible is the best book that I have ever read. Other books can help you at different levels in your learning, but for me, now, my life's free time is spent at the feet of Jesus, with King James Bible, Strong's, Noah Webster Dictionary and my laptop. (PS Yes, even to Church! It is not something I carry in my pocket, it is a large 18.3 inch gaming computer!)

 

For those that may wonder about my past addictions. The movies are in the garage, out of the house. If I go to my kids house and they have a movie on, most of the time it really troubles my spirit. If we are not playing a game in another room, I politely excuse myself. My wife still enjoys watching, but since the days when she would put a movie in and I would tend to get lost she stop watching in our home and they ended up in the garage.

 

I now can truly say that I delight in the Lord. I am similar to a sports fan, I relate everything in life to what I am being taught. I am learning to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit as supported by the Spirit of the Word of God.

 

Kevin, self control is a fruit of the Spirit. In Romans 7 Paul explains the struggle that happens before we choose to die to the senses/emotional control within us. Paul calls it the flesh. Jesus says we must take up our cross and follow Him in rather strong terms. Romans 8:4 is the answer ...who do not walk according to the flesh ....but 'do walk' according to the Spirit!

 

Jesus also says in another location, that if we take His yoke upon us that He will lighten the load. Mathew 11:29-30

 

Ask, yes, as you have said that you do, ...but do you obey?...walking in obedience to the Spirit?  You must obey that still small impression that says to do what you really know is correct, from your knowledge of the Word and also from what God has now written on our hearts?

 

Obedience is really better than sacrifice! Who or what you yield yourself to, to obey, that is whose slave you become. The influences that you take yourself into or around are going to have a very strong impact on what you do, as well as what you think and speak. When the temptation is too strong, run from it, fall on your knees and ask for help and wisdom, then obey!!

 

Mat 6:22  “The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.
Mat 6:23  But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
 

The prayer of my life has been to have Wisdom and the Spirit of God (not the gifts but the fruit of the Spirit,) in my life. The most important truth is obedience, humble submission. If you do not obey you are lost. Jesus said, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?"  Luke 6:46-49

An intimate 'first love' relationship with Jesus will change any life!!! Jesus will take you as 'Deep' as you are willing to humbly submit and obey! Trust and Obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey! James says draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you...! James 4:8

 

Thank you all for the privilege, to share my heart, in this open forum!! Tim


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#38 Tkulp

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Posted 01 November 2016 - 07:31 AM

Today’s devotional ...Our Daily Walk by F B Meyer... kind of sums up what God has been opening my eyes to get me to see. Seeing and understanding is one thing, living it on a daily walk is quite another.

 

 

November 1

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."-- Gal_5:16.

WHEN WE walk in the spirit we shall be led by Him....

                      

 

The word walk is Strong's #G4043 - to tread all around, that is, walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

 

Gal 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

 

The word led is Strong's #G71 - properly to lead; by implication to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specifically) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce.

 

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

Have Crucified #G4717 - to impale on the cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

 

Walk #G4748 - to march in (military) rank (keep step), that is, (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety



#39 Tkulp

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Posted 04 November 2016 - 08:27 AM

It is encouraging to read and to be reminded, how the Spirit of God worked in His 'peculiar' people’s lives as they went through the valleys.
 
I found today’s devotional from ‘Streams in the Desert’ encouraging.

“... The man who has seen much affliction will not readily part with his copy of the Word of God. Another book may seem to others to be identical with his own; but it is not the same to him, for over his old and tear-stained Bible he has written, in characters which are visible to no eyes but his own, the record of his experiences, and ever and anon he comes on Bethel pillars or Elim palms, which are to him the memorials of some critical chapter in his history.

If we are to receive benefit from our captivity we must accept the situation and turn it to the best possible account. Fretting over that from which we have been removed or which has been taken away from us, will not make things better, but it will prevent us from improving those which remain. The bond is only tightened by our stretching it to the uttermost. ...”

The message from the June 20 devotional gives the ‘how to’, in order to be able to receive strength, success, through the dark times.

“... You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying, “This is the correct way, walk in it,” whether you are heading to the right or the left.—Isaiah 30:21 NET

When we are in doubt or difficulty, when many voices urge this course or the other, when prudence utters one advice and faith another, then let us be still, hushing each intruder, calming ourselves in the sacred hush of God’s presence; let us study His Word in the attitude of devout attention; let us lift up our nature into the pure light of His face, eager only to know what God the Lord shall determine—and ere long a very distinct impression will be made, the unmistakable forth-telling of His secret counsel. ...”

http://www.youdevoti...eams/november/4

http://www.youdevoti...streams/june/20

I listened to A. W. Tozer’s Sermon   ‘In Everything by Prayer’ last night, as I relaxed. He was really big on prayer and the power of prayer..... ...very important ....most important, when prayer, is not a rote recital, or thoughtless reading. Prayer should be the source of all our needs, when it is intimate communication with the Creator of the universe, the Source of ‘all’ Wisdom and Holiness. Our life will change when we live in humbly submitted obedience to our Father’s will! Romans 12:1,2

““Teach me to do Thy Will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”-- Psalms 143:10.” Today’s F. B. Meyer Devotional ‘Our Daily Walk’  

http://www.youdevoti...walk/november/4

Matthew 7:24, 26 Jesus said, “...everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man....  .... everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man....”

For established leaders!

Zechariah 1:4  “Be not as your fathers to whom the former prophets cried, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return now from your evil ways and your evil doings; but they would not hear or listen to Me, says the Lord.” [II Kings 17:13; Isaiah. 45:22; Jeremiah. 18:11; Ezekiel. 33:11.]
The amplified Bible
Malachi 2:2  “If you will not hear and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory”(properly weight; but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness-Strong's) “to My name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yes, I have already turned them to curses because you do not lay it to heart.”
The amplified Bible

Pastors, teachers, leaders, what do the individuals who live closest to us, and know us most intimately, see flowing out or our lives? Do we live what we speak, instruct? Do they see Jesus Christ in all His glory, the Holy Spirit, or the World, the flesh?

Can we say “If you have seen me, you have seen Jesus”? John 17:21,23  This is Living Maturity, the goal that all true followers of Jesus Christ ‘should’ daily set before their minds, and leaders ‘should’ be living! Ephesians 4:10-14



#40 Tkulp

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Posted 05 November 2016 - 10:11 AM

It very much amazes me how different people, over the last hundred years, could have written devotionals that could so uniquely blend together for the same day, this day, to bring a focus to God’s plan for all who will hear, trust and obey. It is freely offered to all who would choose to repent, stop living for one’s self, and the entertainment of this world, and go God’s direction; in God’s way, by obedience to His Spirit, living within.

Anyone can have it who ask and keep on asking till they experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit flowing out of their lives. This will not be a single act or just for the moment, but a daily life that they live, a new creation.

A true witness can best tell others what they have experienced by what they live. The change that can happen in any individual that is willing to be dead to the demands of the senses, the flesh; be humbly yielded to Christ and the Holy Spirit; a life which is not conformed to or controlled by, this world and any of its pleasures and powers.

This is the real Power of God, to be rescued and delivered, true Grace!! (Strong’s definition of saved, deliverance by the continual divine influence and what that will produce in a surrendered vessel)

I know what I am by what my mind dwells on and continually flows out of me!!

Here are the devotionals that I am referring to which really blended together so well!

Daily Strength for Daily Needs - November 5 - by Mary Wilder Tileston
http://www.youdevoti...ngth/november/5

Inspirational Readings by A.B. Simpson
Days of Heaven on Earth

Saturday, November 05, 2016

If we would be enlarged to the full measure of God’s purpose, let us endeavor to realize something of our own capacities for His filling.

We little know the size of a human soul and spirit. Never, until He renews, cleanses and enters the heart, can we have any adequate conception of the possibilities of the being whom God made in His very image, and whom He now renews after the pattern of the Lord Jesus Himself.

We know, however, that God has made the human soul to be His temple and abode. God knows how to make the house that can hold His infinite fullness. We know something of this as all our nature quickens into springtime life at the coming of the Holy Spirit. We know it as from time to time new baptisms awaken the dormant powers and susceptibilities that we did not realize we possessed.

Let us give God the right to make the best of us. Filled with wonder, we shall some day behold the glorious temple that He has built and say, Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4).
Scripture

I in them, and thou in me—John 17:23

This is what God has provided for us. It is Jesus’s desire for His disciples and those who believe. “I in them, and thou in me”

Sadly, too many individuals are taught to take 1 Corinthians 3:17 as a done deal, rather than looking to the fruit of the life, as Jesus said to do. Matthew 12:33 The rest of the chapter is overlooked like 3:1 and 3:11, etc. What Jesus did and said on the cross was the foundation, the end for Him and the beginning for anyone that chooses to daily take you their cross and follow Him and His example. The sacrifice was finished, never to be repeated. The ceremonial law became unnecessary, the final holy, pure sacrifice was made. Jesus’ Spirit, invited in and daily obeyed becomes our righteousness not to be followed as a set of rules. The Holy Spirit does not demand, He gently leads those who will follow. His ways begin in our mind, will, the very center of our being, our thoughts and meditations. We must obey His voice, putting a hedge around our mind, thoughts. Resisting the thoughts placed there by Satan with the Living Words of our Father, which we are meditating on day and night, With the lawgiver within, there should be no need for the law to be in writing, except that the law is for the lawless, it is the teacher for those who are still learning. It is the beginning, the foundation for everything that is in Christ.

People take verses out of context and claim them as promises or doctrines. Believing that they have something that they have never submitted to, walked in, or seen as the fruit of their heart or flowing out of their life. A bad tree is bad because it produces bad fruit. A good tree is called good because of the good fruit it produces. Matthew 7:15 - 20 Repentance, transformation, born again, a new creation daily nurtured by the Holy Spirit is the only source I know of, to produce constant good fruit. Psalms 1

They have most likely missed the truth of Romans 6:16  “Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)?”

F. B. Meyers devotional for today has the conclusion to all the above. You will know by your fruit, when all that the New Testament talks about is a living reality for you.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 NET

http://www.youdevoti...walk/november/5

Wait! until you receive the indwelling, empowering, presence of the Holy Spirit, to live! Then keep your vessel filled, as the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 and let His fruit flow like a fountain bubbling out.  John 7:38  You will not have to make it flow!! What you fill your self with will flow out of you. If you have to make Truth come out, you are not full of Truth!! Begin to daily sit at the feet of Jesus Christ, God’s Beloved Son!