Kit Sober

This is from Francis Frangipane, one of my favorites today. I agree wholeheartedly with this one especially. Deliverance From Bitterness (En Español) There are two conditions of the heart no one can hide: one is when the heart is filled with love and the other when we are infected with bitterness. Either condition can take over our thoughts and both can filter our entire view of life. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must make our highest quest to possess hearts full of God's love. Indeed, how successful we are at revealing Christ's love is the true measure of our spirituality. Thus, love cannot long exist as an unexpressed or hidden secret. If love is real, it will be seen in a thousand manifestations reaching to the heart of its beloved. Love, which is in truth passion for oneness, is too powerful to be contained by mere discipline or self-control. Indeed, is not love boldly displayed in its unrequited gifts, and is it not heard in its many encouragements and expressions of concern? Is it not tangible in its unabashed enjoyment of time spent with its beloved? Bitterness, too, cannot be hidden. A bitter soul is not seeking oneness, but justice. It is driven by the unresolved theft of its peace, personhood or possessions. Bitterness is not just a wound seeking healing; it is a prosecuting attorney building a case against the guilty. Because a bitter soul is conjoined to the injustice committed against it, it perpetually is listening to the voice of its heartache and, thus, perpetually wounded by the unforgiven offense. Dear friends, Jesus said He came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). He said He was anointed and sent to proclaim release to prisoners and freedom to captives (Luke 4:18). If we feel we have been spiritually incarcerated by a bitter experience or an injustice, God is not seeking to condemn us for it but to save us from it. Even now, His Spirit is reaching to release us from this unbearable burden of the past. How Do We Become Free? In my forty-two years of walking with the Lord, there have been times that I have been slandered, defrauded or unfairly attacked. I have had plenty of opportunities to be embittered by injustice. Not every wound was healed instantly nor each injustice swiftly remedied. Jesus said, "By your endurance you will gain your lives" (Luke 21:19). In the final analysis, being wounded or suffering loss is not the issue - Paul said he "suffered the loss of all things." The real issue is that we "may gain Christ" (Phil. 3:8). Let me also say that often the Lord will simply remedy the offending situation itself, thus bringing healing. Let us make room for the vastness of God's grace. Hebrews 2:18 reveals that "[Christ] is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." For no other reason except that He loves us, He will help us. Let us always make room for such grace. At the same time, I have also recognized that God's highest goal for me is my conformity to Christ. (See Rom. 8:28-29). God heals me so He can conform me to Christ, and sometimes He reverses that process: He conforms me to Christ so He can heal me. In other words, my deliverance came as I appropriated Christ's love and learned to entrust myself to God even when I was wounded by injustice. Consider this issue of trusting God. Peter tells us, "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;" (1 Pet. 2:21-23). Sometimes my healing from wounding and possible bitterness came not because restitution was made to me by the person who hurt me, but because I learned to entrust myself to God who judges righteously. To trust that God will vindicate me in His time and in His way is a sign of spiritual maturity. To entrust our case to God is the only way we can avoid countering reviling with reviling or allowing a wound to degrade into bitterness. There are other times when a lingering conflict would become an oppression upon my soul. Again, as an antidote to becoming bitter, Jesus taught, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad (Luke adds, "and leap for joy"), for your reward in heaven is great" (Matt. 5:11-12). If you have been unfairly treated, if some injustice has soiled your name or threatens your future because of your faith in Christ, one antidote is to rejoice. Before you defend your right to remain miserable, let me ask this: Have you obeyed Jesus by leaping for joy? The Waters of Marah The Israelites went three days without fresh water. When they finally found water,"they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah" (Ex. 15:22-23). Marah, you'll recall, means bitterness. They finally found water, but they could not drink it. The Lord, however, showed Moses "a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet" (Ex. 15:25). What Moses did was prophetic. The tree that was applied symbolically to the bitter water was a picture of the cross of Christ when it's applied to our bitter experiences: it turns the bitter to sweet. I know in the many times the enemy has used people to wound or strike me, as I applied the cross to my life - forgiving, blessing and letting love be perfected - the outcome has always been a greater manifestation of Christ in my life. This is exactly how Paul handled adversity and injustice. Listen to what he wrote, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4:7-11). Dear one, is this not what you desire most: the life of Jesus Himself manifested in your mortal flesh? Lord Jesus, forgive me for trying to save my life. I purpose to trust You, to allow love to be perfected within me, to not seek justice but mercy for myself and others. Help me, Lord. Reveal Your Spirit's power within me. Even now, uproot every bitter plant in my soul. Let my words be full of grace and truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A person's birthday is a precious day -- they are most likely to believe it when you tell them how precious they are to you, and also without a note of appreciation (or two or three) a birthday can be most sad. I sent a silly something to a friend for his birthday and he later told Fred that he was contemplating suicide on that day and my package made a difference. so. . . Happy Birthday!!!! (Hope it's a red letter day UUUU)

Another one from my friend

Watchman Nee's daily devotional said the following today: This rings true to me: We must speak and say who Jesus is. Some say the "sermon in shoes" is sufficient. That is, praying silently, being an ethical person, being a kind hearted person, etc. is the sufficient witness required of a Christian, especially in light of the increasing persecution of Christians who say they are such. I was wondering how others felt about this matter.

This is such a precious thread.

From my friend...

Hallelujah! (Hallelujah chorus playing)

I had only heard the story of Starr Daily, and recently found this website that has the book online. Been reading it. Love it. (This is a guy who got saved in prison and went on to become an evangelist in 20th Century.) http://www.aabibliography.com/starrdaily.htm

From a wonderful guy who sends out astronomy information to fellow starry-eyed folk: If you are interested in subscribing, private message me. As the earth and politics have been active, likewise have been the the skies. Such precious times we are in.

A dear friend from a wonderful twig we had years ago in California sent me this daily devotional from Derek Prince (which he now supports). So wonderful to hear of people not only getting out of twi but also finding a place of godly rest and recuperation and rejuvenation and inspiration. There are so many places where Holy Spirit is alive and well and working heartily with people. I pray you find such a place.

I followed the link and read some in the preview option. It's beyond my level of understanding. Kinda like all the SIT discussions. I speak in tongues and know that without it I would be in worse shape, but I can't understand how to respond to the academic stuff the folks over on those discussions bring up. Kinda like my thoughts on the sacrifice of Jesus: I know that my life depends on it. I have a couple of books on the blood covenant and I perk up at teachings that have to do with the different ways He bled and the different healings they provided (e.g. the inside bruisings for our inner healing from the sins from iniquity). I read Isaiah and love it. Read the crucifixion stuff in the Bible frequently. Loved the movie, "The Passion,", but I just couldn't follow what the logic was of your book. I liked the title though. :)

Yes, Jesus loves me: (with all the verses). Even though I am now deaf and cannot hear a thing, this is one song I can still sing because it is in my memory bank -- it was always so good to sing, to sing to children, to myself, but mostly just to worship at heaven's throne. Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so, Little ones, to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong(Chorus) Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me, He who died, heavens gates to open wide, He will wash away my sin, open let your little child come in, (chorus) Jesus love me, He will stay close beside me all the way, If I love Him when I die, He will take me home on high.

So. . . it's been what 40+ years since I first took pfal. . . and got serious about this Biblical research stuff. . . And yesterday had another few precious moments with Holy Spirit and, although my "Bible research" is equivalent to dipping out the Grand Canyon with a teaspoon, and I was thankful to have his Greasespot Cafe place to share it, and thought others also noticed similar milestones in their walk with the Lord. Holy Spirit said learning about Him and other spiritual matters was like an archeologist who uses a feather duster to reveal the treasures beneath the surface. . .soft and delicate so as to reveal, but not bruise or damage, the precious treasures beneath the surface. ----------------- My lesson: Distinction between outcomes (doctrine, reproof, and correction): There was Sarai/Sarah, who laughed when the angel said she would have a baby at great age. But then John the Baptist's father was made dumb because he had not believed the word of Gabriel in the temple telling him that Elizabeth was going to have a baby and he was going to be a father at great age. What's the difference? Why did Sarai laugh in unbelief at the Word and get away with it, and then Zacharias was made dumb when he said almost the same words? The difference was that God had never done this miracle prior to Sarai, but at the time of Zacharias' confrontation Sarai/Sarah's story was written down and common knowledge and Zacharias should have known and been claiming the promise manifested by Sarah and Abraham because having a child was his prayer. Zacharias' rejection of the Bible's promise irritated Gabriel, and then Gabriel identified himself so there was no mistaking it. (I picture this: Similar to Jesus' "standing" that Stephen saw when he was being stoned. Standing really tall and unmistakenly tall and mighty.) I believe that God said of Esau, "Esau have I hated," because Esau knew the promise of the firstborn and knew of the honor before God that was endowed in that birthrite and sold that precious thing for a bowl of soup. It makes me cringe when people say things they (should) know are not true, like "Why does God hate me?" One prayer list request had this in it and I wrote her back and told her that it just was absolutely not true (unless she denied her birthrite of all God's loving kindness, etc. etc. etc. such as set forth in Ephesians). I also reminded her of Joni Aerickson-Tada and the foot and mouth painters and so many more Joni has helped and Nick Vujicik, the "no limbs, no limits" guy. And the hundreds and thousands of Christians and Jews being persecuted, tortured and killed in this 21st Century (persecution didn't end at the Roman Coliseum). It was precious to me that as I was looking for a Nick Vujicik link to send to my friend I saw that he married "the girl of his dreams." How cool is that!!!!! Anyway, back to the feather dusting, when someone gets a reproof for unbelief they have rejected a written promise of God that they know. And by the same token, when there is no reproof, then a clean heart before the Lord can be assumed. (Note: assumptions are merely things that are taken for granted and can be right or wrong, and do not necessarily make an foot out of anyone.) And example of this is the "If" the leper asked Jesus if he would heal him, and Jesus didn't give him a lecture about "there is no 'if' with me." (Mark 1:40) Of course if the error is great, the proper doctrine may come in a strong manner, such as when Peter wanted to build tabernacles for Elijah and Moses on the mount after their vision, and the voice of God came telling them to listen to what Jesus said (Matthew 17:4-5). What have you gleaned from your fellow believers/Bible research/Holy Spirit/Lord Jesus/God Almighty relationships over the years?

"70 Reasons for Speaking in Tongues" Your own built in spiritual dynamo by Dr Bill Hamon, Parsons Publishing House, Safford Virginia. Books on prayer by charismatics will all include speaking in tongues because speaking in tongues is perfect prayer, praise, supplication, and worship.

How precious is each facet of the precious gem the face of Jesus Christ! (I think words bring us either closer to understanding him and showing us the way into a relationship with him or away from that, and she helped me weave in some of the threads of my thoughts into the patchwork quilt he is making of my life.)

RE: The poll. I really only know how twi teaches because they had one doctrine and it was pretty good. I am now questioning the complete "your operation of the " and whereby "you ..." because it's all so self centered, when the Holy Spirit is involved it's not so pragmatic and five senses directed. There is a flow of the Holy Spirit that makes all things work together for good in a service. Also the Charismatic/Pentecostal "movement" has been growing and flowing with the Holy Spirit into a greater flow in and with this river of living water. I put "twi" for my vote, but probably should have put the charismatic one because that's where I have been found for the last 18 years since being cast out of twi.. Making stuff up: I didn't make stuff up. I loved the excellors sessions and believed every word -- but then Del Duncan was often over stuff, Michxxl Mart!n (the one from Alameda), Kevin Pxrter, Bill Schlex, Howard and Jane Yerem!an and their family, so many wonderful people and times of learning how to walk in and with the Holy Spirit. When/if it I had a thought to "make something up" it never got to first base because I would be scared sh!tle$ to do so. I always trusted the leader would only call on me by the Holy Spirit and if he/she did so, I would have a manifestation from the Lord in response to that call. One of the precious things reminders were the trucks with the orange and black "TIP" logo that roll the highways, and I was sure they were to remind us to speak in Tongues, Interepret, and Propfhesy whenever the opportunity presented itself. I just saw one last week and it was really nice. This thread looks to me as an example of, "Those who say God can and those who say God can't are both right." Now I am totally deaf so I can't hear anything, including TIP, but God in his mercy has arranged it so one of the ministries that thoroughly believe in the manifestations of the spirit have a precious individual who transcribes the services and emails me them. It's almost like being there. (I know that every day I am one day closer to being able to hear, one way or another because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are no deaf people or people missing any body parts or having any diseases in heaven.)

I love her stuff. My boss included "The Gift in You" in his leadership training and I also got her book "Who Switched Off my Brain." So much good stuff to help build our relationship with the Lord/Holy Spirit/God Almighty and with our fellow man. Thanks for the reminder. I just got her book down to share with a nonextwi person whose husband is going into Alzheimers. Where there is life there is hope. I really liked seeing her. Thanks. (I am even more deaf than before when I was "hard of hearing," and cannot hear a word she says and there are no captions, but I do like to see her. Thanks.

You are precious to God almighty as well to us'n.

bringing a precious thread to the top with a recipe that a dear friend sent me.

I couldn't get a permit for an anteater. I am still having problems here. Received this link from an internet friend: Place is called "homesessive" which may be like obsessing over your house. http://www.homesessive.com/read/8-odd-ways-get-rid-ants?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D217195

Did you ever sing the song? Know the words? I only had the "making fun of" part where I was. I was happy to find the words and only wished I had heard it sung when I could hear.

God wrote the 10 commandments with His finger for Moses. . . that's the only time I know of God writing. Writing God breathed requires commitment, faith, knowledge to wisdom, means, and place to put it. . . It looks to me like God prefers it this way: Having someone with the faith and fortitude, and eyes and ears of truth to put words on paper of what He is doing. In my opinion, God prefers the Word written in and by the life blood of His people. Jesus was more of the "Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee" (John 9:37-39) type of guy, rather than an "I am He. I am He" type. When I was able to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls that toured around 30 years ago or so and I saw them in San Francisco. . .I was so awed especially at the Book of Isaiah which was almost 100% intact. To keep that precious scroll of Isaiah safe all these years someone had so carefully put that precious book of Isaiah, carefully rolled up and sealed in a jar and put "just so" and hidden away "right there," in a place that would be safe from stormy weather and marauders and treasure hunters etc. etc. etc. Holy Spirit must have loved finding someone who was able to listen and obey with such precision. Also I think the writing Jesus did and still does today is what He writes on our hearts after he replaces the hearts of stone with soft fleshy hearts. What's written there is written in the most indelible ink, in my opinion. -- edit note: When I was looking at the Bible to verify what I was saying I noticed that the word "Moses" is repeated many times. I think God Almighty loves to see the names of those who love Him so and work to do His will in the earth. Seeing that name Moses there balances out the hard heartedness and plain wickedness among the chosen people that God dealt with through Moses.

The one I always felt the most sorry for was Mrs. vp. When she shared that story of trying to get vp's attention by waving a handkerchief through the curtain because she was afraid of his temper. . . I was always sorry for her for the havoc he must have wrecked upon her. She always seemed to me to be one who wanted nothing more than to serve the Lord and His people. For certainly woulda coulda shoulda are powerless thoughts... In my secular job we had conference call training sessions for all of the coprorate internal audit teams. In 2011 we studied "Snakes in Suits," which was a most enlightening review of psychopaths in the corporate world. I didn't know vp personally enough to be able to classify him, but reading that book did help me understand one twi who became ex-twi person who had caused me much grief because the author was able to unravel the thought patterns that produced the behavior. It is true that the truth sets you free, and "Snakes in Suits" has some good information about the psychopathic mind, how it thinks and what such a person can and will do.

Love it. Thanks so much. Take it on faith! How precious is that to me now.

Thanks. In the twi circles I was in "Jesus Paid it all" was never sung, only laughed about and ridiculed before the offering was taken. I had never heard it, and now that I am deaf I won't hear it until I see the Lord, but the words certainly are lovely. (I always wondered how it went because I knew He certainly did pay all of the price for me.)