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Surprising the Crowd and the Judges

While remembering the emotion I felt watching Susan Boyle amaze the judges and the crowd, I’ve just read the third and fourth chapters of Acts with new appreciation.

If you have time over the weekend, am thinking you also may find a smile if you see any relationship between: i.e.  (a) Susan and those who surprised the crowd and (b) The Britain’s Got Talent judges and Caiaphas.

In our conversation about One for All, we recently saw how Caiaphas, the high priest, unintentionally made an inspired prediction while actually being the one who suggested that Jesus needed to die– (by their hands) to save the nation (from the Romans).

Was surprised to see Caiaphas show up once again in the Acts 3-4 scenario (4:6-7), still fighting the Jesus People, but now having to deal with some “ignorant and uneducated persons” who were doing and saying amazing things like, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20)

Note: The pic? Oh, that’s just a dirty ol’ pigeon :-)…


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54 Responses to “Surprising the Crowd and the Judges”

  1. laney says:

    Mart, sorry I did not get to read what you have posted here yet.I just wanted to ask everyone to keep Mtman and the people in Colorado in prayer.On the weather channel they saidthat they are in a state of emergency.There are thousands without power.People are in shelters.Numerous traffic crashes and there was even an avalanche.

  2. mtman says:

    I did re-read Acts 3 & 4, and two things came to my mind. One, that the leaders probably not only looked upon the deciples with comtemp but also with arrogance. There are similarities today as well. Some of our religious leaders tend to posture themselves above the common man because they have been to divinity, seminary or other schools that make them experts. We tend to dismiss those who have not had this ‘special’ education, and instead consider it a primary requirment to be a pastor/servant. Calling doesn’t seem to come into play much anymore and instead it is educational credentials. The religious leaders back then also had been well educated and look where it got them. They couldn’t connect with the messiah when they were face to face with Him. Several, including myself, have posted that some of our current religious leaders don’t even believe much of what the bible says. Looks like we are making the same mistakes over again. So Susan Boyle didn’t look the part but she has a God given talent to move people. I don’t know if she is Christian or not. But she moved people probably like the diciples did in Acts.
    Two, this part of Acts tells about the early church. How all who believed had all things in common, sold possessions and as anyone had need provided same, breaking bread from house to house, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, ate food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with the people. How the Lord added daily those who were being saved. In short they were a community that others wanted to be a part of. They were drawn to our Lord because of what they saw in his followers and freedom from cumbersome religious practices. How far from that early church we have come. Our present day churches have educated religious leaders, plus all the things that go wrong with such a system and end up as a negative example. We could just go on and on but the present day church does not resemble the early church even remotely. Example: I used to play softball and I still recall how the nasty, cut throat teams all seemed to be the ones sponsored by churches. Where did we go so very wrong?

  3. mtman says:

    Thank you laney: It is still snowing at our house but we only have received about 1 1/2′ of extremely wet and heavy snow. We can handle up to about 4′ and are doing okay. We heat with a wood stove so we have warmth, and we cook using propane so we can eat. Many are not as fortunate however so do keep those effected in your prayers.

  4. poohpity says:

    Thanks laney on the update.

    Those dirty ol’ pigeon’s are still used for communication. lol As Solomon said for everything there is a purpose. It seems that everything God created can be used to bring Glory to God or man can glorify himself.

    It seems that Luke quoted Psalm 118 “the stone YOU builders rejected became the capstone (cornerstone)”. It seems that rejection because of appearances is still the norm. I believe he was referring to the builders as the religious leaders who you would have thought would be the ones to direct folk to God rather than turn them away because of their blindness. That also seems to have been foretold that the Lord reveals Himself to those who are able and open to revelation and because of pride some will never see.

  5. refump says:

    mtman I feel you on the church of today vs church of Acts. We have taken more of a “circle the wagons” stance than come one come all ye who are heavy laden stance as a church. We find our only real social interaction is with other church goers which takes up any time we might have to spend with our unchurched/unsaved neighbors & fellow workers after all what do we have in common with them anyway. They do this & they do that & we don’t approve of this & that so it is better we stay away from them. Sure we want the unsaved to come to our church as long as they don’t dress too shabbily & can contribute to the finaces of the church. No wonder the world keeps the church at a distance & often calls us hypocrites. I am the church & I am guilty of this attitude when I drill past the superficial facade I want others to see & down to the real me. It is a “heart issue” that is the difference between the church of Acts & the church of today & I pray that God would have mercy on me & change my heart to see the world as He sees it. I am not there yet.

  6. laney says:

    Rick123 and DaisyMaryGold I left you messages on a star is born.Claudia and Mtman I also left you messages.Mtman I left you two messages about my experiences of my one and only visit to your state.Mart I don’t think that bird is just a dirty ol pigeon.He’s beauitful Look at the colors in him.the beauitful gray mixed with purple and teal.Mtman I just got finished making up a pot of homemade split pea soup with the ham bone left from Easter.Wish I could send some through the computer to you and your family.It’s a good day there for homade soup and bread.

  7. paulruppert says:

    I have read Acts 3 and 4, amazing I find each time I read the Bible, I find that when I have a situation needing and answer that God’s word can give me the answer to many situations I encounter and sometimes the same scripture answers many difficulties. In this I find that I applied Acts @ 4 to our day we see the world in a recession. God let me know we don’t need government to give us money, we have the riches before us. I think we have all forgotten we are the government.

  8. GeeTee says:

    Can’t really say I see the correlation between the crowd’s initial reaction to Miss Boyle and the crowd’s reaction to John and Peter as they arrived at Beautiful Gate, because I don’t think anyone even noticed J&P at first. In both instances the crowd was taken aback once the act had been performed, though. I’m thinkin’ Mart has a different way of seeing things than I may have, but that’s all right too. I empathize with ‘mtmn’, believe me. I’ve lived in CO in the past(82-3), and had the pleasure of experiencing a little of what’s happening there now. 45 below, everything locked-up frozen, barely any reason to go outside…so we just hunkered down and rode it out. Not much else you could do. Maybe a bit untimely, this one is, but when you’re above 5K it’s not like you don’t know it can happen at any time of the year, is it? My prayers are with those affected. Back to StCatJ(that’s BTA), for a moment. The response to Miss B by the panel was a humbling experience, whereas the response by Caiaphas and the boys was total arrogance. “Whatta you guys think you’re doing? No more saying that Name. Or else!” The outcome in both instances inspires the same detemination to do what the ones gifted have been blessed with. Lift up your voice so the world can hear of your gift. May we all have a pleasant day. GT

  9. gr8grannyjacobs says:

    There was a lot of emotion with the judges of Susan Boyle and I find myself seeing the situation through spiritual eyes. The amazing emotions of ones self when one experiences the salvation found in Christ. I have never found words to fully express my heartfelt emotions of receiving Christ and His forgiveness and love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could experience the joy of emotions in knowing Christ? Just thoughts

    mtman Are you near Canon City as that is where my Father settled in his latter years. I go there every few years as he is buried there along side my grandmother. Just curious:) Durango is the part of Colorado he most enjoyed but it never worked out.

  10. mtman says:

    gr8: you are certainly in my prayers and I pray for restoration of your eyesight. I’m with you trying to express my love and joy about knowing Christ. After all these years I still get so choked up along with flooding tears I can’t begin to express it well. Canon city is North of us about 75 miles. I’m with your dad, Durango is beautiful and a great place to visit or live. I’ve met some very good Christian folks there.
    Just went back and read the posts yesterday and today. I know where all this love, caring and wisdom comes from and it is such a blessing to be able to exchange thoughts here on this site. Thank you all for giving of yourselves. We are all very blessed for sure.
    GeeTee: Colorado is a unique place to live just like you expressed. Where else could you go out and shovel snow in shirt sleeves? The weather can go from severe to wonderful in seconds. People either love it or can’t stand it. Thank you all for your prayers. I wish I could do something to make the modern day church better but it is beyond me and the Lord will surely take care of his church and those who love him. Of that I am absolutely certain.
    I just can’t seem to help myself because I keep going back and watching Susan Boyle over and over. I hear a voice touched by God and humility. Overwhelming.

  11. laney says:

    It is the same old story down through the ages.If we would only listen to what God requires from us but we don’t.We are told to love our God with our whole heart,soul mind and strength.And to love our neighbors as our selves.We are to fear God and keep his commandments.Caiaphas and the Sadducees did not fear God or have a love for him or his people.And the present day church is the Laodicean church.It’s lukewarm,rich and increased with goods and has need of nothing.Thank God there is still his remnent to pray for the body of Christ.

  12. laney says:

    My mother told me that she watched some talk show that Susan was on.They asked her how this has changed her life.She said she will never be lonely.

  13. mtman says:

    laney: AMEN!! I look at that video and see a plain package walk onto stage, (a huge stage and only one woman standing alone) and then she wow’s the crowd. She gained their respect. I think there is more than one Christian lesson in that performance. I don’t think J & P could have done anything to wow the religious leaders.

  14. laney says:

    MTman and Claudia I told you I left messages for you but I forgot to tell you where they are.They are on tax day.The first one says Claudia It was timed 12:38 the next one is timed 12:58 they are for both of you.

  15. laney says:

    I just checked out south west radio ministries They had an article on there from fox news.Dated Apr 17
    Report Israel preparing assult on Iran’s nuclear sites.The Israel military is preparing itself to launch a massive aerial assult on Irans nuclear facilities within days of being given the go ahead by it’s government the Times of London reported.Intercessors and prayer warriors you are needed.

  16. mtman says:

    laney: Great stories, I didn’t go far enough back in the topics. My wife wanted to know what was so funny so I read them to her and we both enjoyed them. Great! thanks for sharing.
    Cherielyn: Granddoggy! I love that and will probably use it too. New word. Thanks.

  17. daisymarygoldr says:

    Mart, you are really very funny. In the opening line of this post Susan Boyle is still melting you like an emotional river and in your concluding line you are laughing at a dirty old pigeon. How can you sound so contradicting all in one single breath? I’m thinking if you were one of the judges on Britain’s got talent, you would have also laughed and written off Susan Boyle. Be nice and please don’t say mean things about the pigeon…especially on the weekend… now that is actually stirring my emotions:(

    I agree with poohpity and laney. That is one beautiful female or a handsome and good looking male pigeon. You did not create that birdie and so you cannot write it off just like that. God has indeed created that pigeon with a very special purpose which only He can accomplish through him/her.

    Let us be thankful that we may give up on ourselves … but regardless of our failures and disabilities God never writes us off. He gives us the grace and strength to accomplish what He has purposed to do with each and every one of us.

    After salvation we no longer live for ourselves. God has designed each one of us with a special purpose and has bestowed us with special gift/s. As His followers we recognize that special gift and use it not for our selfish agendas to promote our self glory but for God’s glory alone… just like John and Peter.

    The beggar was expecting money, but Peter and John healed him in the name of Jesus. Jesus did not commission the Church to give money to the poor… we are called to preach Jesus who alone will bring healing and deliverance from… not necessarily physical but spiritual sickness and poverty.

  18. daisymarygoldr says:

    Some more thoughts on Acts 3 and 4…The religious leaders asked Peter and John not to… not stop doing kind acts… but not to preach Jesus. It’s the same thing today. The world has no problem receiving acts of kindness from the Church… as long as we do not offend them with the name of Jesus.

    It is sad that in order to please men, we choose to displease God by using our gifts for our personal motives… to get recognition and the applause of people. Listen… on the last day, when Jesus will recognize us… let us not picture ourselves strutting around in our diadems and crowns. We will humbly cast it at His feet because He alone is worthy of all the praise, glory and honor.

    So, please do not make this about glorifying the person or the talent/gift. It is not about the healed beggar and it is also not about Peter and John’s gift of healing. It is not about Susan B and it is not about her singing… you have to understand that it is not about us and it is certainly not about the gift God has given us. It is all about Him- the giver of that gift, His purpose- to get all the glory from everything He has created.

    Old or dirty… we cannot afford to sit and waste time in self-derision. The work is abundant but the workers are few and the time is clearly at hand… for the Lord of the harvest to return and take account. Just in case it makes us wonder…we do not need physical charisma or an education or a singing talent to do His work. Let us be diligent to exercise our individual calling and gifts to be found working when He suddenly appears.

    …and what is the “work”, which the Lord has commissioned His church to do? Not to clean up the environment and rectify His creation, not to heal and eradicate AIDS and cancer, not to give money to the poor and wipe out poverty and suffering… but to go and tell His Word — “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

  19. poohpity says:

    If you got silver and gold then you give it and if you have pennies then you give pennies to the poor that has always been and will always be. (Acts 4:32) We help the poor and Jesus heals the person. Then after the healing they are able to provide for themselves but we are to always help when we are asked to help. If this is not true show me where we are not to give to the poor.

    The name of the gate was beautiful and something beautiful happened but then Peter asked those in the temple why on earth does this amaze you? We did not do this, the person of Jesus whom you have crucified gave this man complete healing. Again the door was opened to preach the Gospel and is it not amazing that it happened at the temple gate called beautiful.

  20. poohpity says:

    DMG are you having one of those days again? We are called to love others as we love ourselves. Would you let yourself go hungry, be homeless, be without medical care or suffer without comfort? The church is called to do many things except pick on each other.

  21. mtman says:

    Daisy: You are right of course. Good points all except for the pigeons. I contracted a disease from pigeons as a young boy and nearly died from it on two occasions. Given last rites one time. Coma and all. I think they are pretty to look at but they are disease carriers. I got the disease from running barefoot through their droppings not far from where BRC is located. I’ll admire them from a distance like rats, snakes, and other potentially dangerous critters. I’m not out to do them harm but I’m not going to lead a crusade to protect them either. Marts photo on this site is close enough for me. There is a hidden danger there as there is so many pretty things.
    Your second post is absolutely on point. Its not about Susan Boyle or anyone else except for the lesson it teaches us. I am still stuck inside because of the snow or I wouldn’t be on here so much. Snowing as I write this. I’m watching Celtic woman and there you have unbelievable Irish beauty and wonderful music complete with a little blonde imp that runs around playing the fiddle. As good as they are however I don’t think they hold a candle to Susan Boyle. There are just so many lessons contained within Susan Boyle that not only reveal to us how short we fall in being good Christians but help us realize that God uses the Susan Boyles of this world to gently guide us back to him. At the beginning of the day, all day and end of the day it is about Jesus as you point out so very well. If Susan Boyle can be a guide post for us I think that is good. I love your posts Daisy, you are inspired. I’m glad you are back.. I depend on your being so well grounded in my walk. Stay strong…

  22. daisymarygoldr says:

    poohppity, sorry if you felt I was picking on you… no I am not and I want you to know that I do love you.

    mtman, as always you and your posts are greatly loved. It is such a blessing to have gifted people like you in the body… Thank you!

  23. poohpity says:

    DMG, not me Mart again. I know he does not need my protection but I get confused about the cuts. I may be interpreting what is said the wrong way but I do not mind being corrected.

  24. laney says:

    Mtman, Glad you and your wife enjoyed the stories.So sorry to hear how sick you became from the pigeons.I remember working for a woman that had exotic birds.I had to leave the job because I noticed after I left her house I was having trouble breathing.Yet I had all those love birds and they never bothered me.

  25. Rick123 says:

    laney: Thank God that he gives us ability to minister to each other by his gifts of his grace

    Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

    1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

    (Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.) We should let the word of God dwell in us, as we eat our three meals a day, so that we may not get malnourished, for God’s word is living and full of God’s life, from his Holy Spirit, it is the Holy Spirit which teaches us all things, so let him be our great teacher to lead us into all truth.(1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him…Jhn 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…Hbr 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.)

    Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.(Both, food for our body and food for our heart, feeding on God’s word three times a day, in which our new man is being renewed daily in the knowledge after the image of him that created him.)

    Jesus when dealing with satan, used his Father’s sword to slice up all of satan’s insinuations, we should too use God’s hammer to break in pieces all of satan’s insinuations, he can’t stand up against the consuming fire that comes from God’s sword and hammer.

    Satan is like a wounded animal, though he has been defeated by Jesus, he keeps coming back to try and destroy our life, if we give him a foothold(place) to work in our life he will break down our faith.

    Satan has no place in me, no power over me, through the blood of Jesus and the word of God.

    Satan is under my feet, because I’m seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and I have the God “given” power to crush satan and his army under my feet, and I have all power over the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me, so let us use(exercise) our authority over the devil which God has given us, stand against the devil, wrestle and warfare with God’s sword and hammer, put on our armor daily, pray without ceasing, intercede, and fight the good fight of faith.

  26. Rick123 says:

    The dirty ol’ pigeon is not so dirty after all, lets look at scripture(Lev 12:8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or [two young pigeons;] the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.)

    The sacrifice cleanses. It is so beautiful to see in the New Testament how Mary and Joseph followed this procedure to the very letter. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, sinless though he was, untainted with that original touch of Adamic sin which all of us inherit, nevertheless God, putting him in the place of guilty humanity, saw to it that they carried through these laws of Moses. So Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day.

    So we can see that it’s all about Jesus, ” Jesus the Advocate for the Poor.” Jesus had a special sense of mission to poor and oppressed people. At the outset of his ministry, sometimes referred to as Jesus’ mission statement, Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth and read from the prophet Isaiah.

    “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

    Jesus commanded, “Love your neighbor.” When asked to define “neighbor,” Jesus expanded the traditional meaning of the word–defining our neighbor as anyone who is in need, including social outcasts: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” (Luke 14:13)

    In his portrayal of the day of judgment, Jesus pictured people from all nations gathered before him, separated into “sheep” and “goats.” (Matthew 25:31-46) To the “sheep” he says, “Come you blessed of my Father, for I was hungry and you fed me…” In their astonishment they ask, “When did we do that?” And he answers, “When you did it to the lowliest of my brothers (and sisters).” Conversely, to the “goats” he says, “Out of my sight, you who are condemned, for I was hungry and you did not feed me…”

    Jesus himself cared for those in need by feeding the hungry. Crowds of four thousand (Mark 8:1-13) and five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) had assembled to listen to Jesus. They soon became hungry. When his disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away to buy food, he responded by saying “I have compassion on these people…” and “you give them something to eat.” He proceeded to perform miracles to feed these large crowds of hungry people.

    1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

    Jam 1:27 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.

    Jam 2:14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

  27. kaliko88 says:

    The picture of the pigeon reminds me of the song from Mary Poppins, ‘Feed the Birds’ I think it was called. It seems completely off topic, but then I think of how that story went, and maybe it isn’t so off topic after all. Our ‘tuppence’, in whatever form it takes, may seem small and insignificant, but they can actually have a huge impact on everything around us. But they can’t do anything if we don’t share them or use them.

    I will be interested to see how Susan Boyle decides to use hers.

  28. daisymarygoldr says:

    poohpity, again sorry for the confusion… No cuts, neither for you nor for Mart.

    mtman, I am with you on dangerous critters. Pigeon droppings are fertile material for fungal growth and fungal infections affecting the nervous system are usually fatal. Glad you recovered from it and praying that you’d soon get… a break from snow shoveling!

    gr8grannyjacobs, I’m happy that you are back… sending you some freshly picked bright and yellow wild Daisies…with lots and lots of love and prayers… take care and get well soon!

    Claudia, yes, we are all learning from each other as we use our gifts to serve one another with love. Thank you so much for allowing God to work through you. You are a precious gift to the body of Christ!

    laney, I did read your message on “A Star is born”. I’m glad my comments reminded you of God’s love. You and your posts have been such a great blessing to me. Thank you, laney!

  29. Mart De Haan says:

    daisymarygoldr, sorry you missed my attempt at humor about the pigeon. I thought it ironic that a bird that has such a reputation for being common and even a nuisance could be so beautiful in the sunlight.

    As for our creation in Christ. I’m guessing you would strongly agree that grace without truth, or truth without love are equally unbecoming.

  30. SFDBWV says:

    Mart, I read the 3rd and 4th chapters of Acts, so I could be on the same page as you. It is one of my favorite stories, where Peter and John said they had no money but what they had they freely gave to the lame man.

    An interesting story here. The lame man did not ask for healing, nor did they ask him to accept Jesus Christ before they healed him.Since we know that the Holy Spirit was the power and agent bywhich the healing came. This man was healed without faith that he could be healed, by “simply” the will of God in order to show that Peter and John represented that authority.

    Incredible as it is, the miracle stung the enemies of Christ and His followers even further. Instead of opening their eyes it only darkened their heart further.

    But as many who, because they saw the undeniable miracle, believed and were saved and became filled with the Holy Spirit.

    As one who prays for and looks for a miracle every day, all the healing stories have a mixture of emotion for me. When prayers aren’t answered it creates a examination of why. All the people who want to say, it’s God’s will, don’t understand that is no answer. But further complicates the issue. Is it Gods will to keep people in pain and physicaly and mentaly crippled?

    I can accept God’s decision and await His will but it breaks my heat to do so. I have watched as Matthew believed that God would heal him, to God dosen’t care.

    Yes I know faith looks beyond the situation of today. To that hour when God shows up. It is that hope which causes me to endure every day. To continue to be a cheerleader for my crippled son. It is also still a small glimmer of hope that Matt holds onto as well.

    The story found in Acts cht 3&4, is almost in reverse for us. We expected the miracle, as all eyes were upon us. There is a miracle here but it has to be lived and shared to be seen and understood.

    Your Friend
    Steve

  31. laney says:

    Rick123, thanks for the reminder of the pigeons being used for the burnt offering and for a sin offering.I forgot they were also used.I always just remember the lambs whenI think of the sacrifices.Luke 4:18-19 is a favorite scripture of mine.Every time I read it or hear it I can just feel the Lords presence.Keep posting the way you have been.Every time I read what you put on this site I learn something new.

  32. laney says:

    SFDBWV, No it’s not Gods will to keep people in pain and physicaly and menrally crippled.But I know that you already know that.Thank God he will one day wipe away all Our tears.Mine need to be wiped now after reading what you and Matthew are going through.When one part of the body hurts so does the rest of the body.I know the Lord tells us he won’t let us endure more than we can handle.But when you are going through the difficult times it dosen’t feel that way.It feel like please Lord no more.I pray that the Lord keeps giving you and Matthew the strength that you need to face each day.Lord I also ask please let your love peace and presence flood like a river over Steve and Matthew each and every day that they need it.In Jesus name I ask Thankyou Lord because I know that this is a prayer that you will answer and they won’t have to wait for it.Again thankyou Lord.

  33. daisymarygoldr says:

    MartDeHaan, thank you for the clarification on the dirty ‘ol pigeon… looking beautiful in the sunlight!

    That is exactly what I meant in my first comment: “God has indeed created that pigeon with a very special purpose which only He can accomplish through him/her. Let us be thankful that we may give up on ourselves … but regardless of our failures and disabilities God never writes us off. He gives us the “grace” and strength to accomplish what He has purposed to do with each and every one of us.”

    “… I’m guessing you would strongly agree that grace without truth, or truth without love are equally unbecoming” By asking this, are you suggesting that my comment disagreed with what you said? Communicating on a blog can be misunderstood. If my defending the pigeon sounds unbecoming, then I’m extremely sorry… that was not the intention. Please forgive me…

    Oh and one last note on the pigeon pic:

    Grace is speaking the truth with love… And the truth is: When sin was my master, I was unbecoming… like the dirty ol’ pigeon. Now, that I live under the freedom of God’s grace, sin is no longer my master (Rom 6:14)… I choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living (Rom 6:16).

    Despite her unbecoming appearance Susan Boyle is beautiful because of her beautiful God-given gift of singing. God’s righteousness imputed on an unbecoming sinner like me is similar to sunlight falling on the dirty ol’ pigeon. Hence I am beautiful… not due to my own grace/gift but as a vessel/steward of God’s grace/gift. Thank you for teaching me another profound truth!

  34. SFDBWV says:

    Mart I also wanted to comment about the stunned reaction you speak of in connection to Acts 3&4.

    I see it as a forerunner to the stunned and saddened faces of millions or billions when they see Jesus return in the clouds.

    Thank you Laney for you love and prayers.

    Steve

  35. laney says:

    SFDBWV, Yes Jesus will be returning to stunned and saddened faces of all who have rejected him.But I think it will be Jesus returning with a saddened heart for all who have rejected him because he will now have to reject them and it never had to be that way.He provided the perfect redemption plan for all who are willing.

  36. Rick123 says:

    This Susan Boyle story reminds me of lucifer when he had great beginnings with his Creator, but as we all know he messed up big time, and introduced sin in God’s creation.

    He was invested with one of God’s great positions in heaven, were the Most High is enthroned with his Son at his side, his(lucifer) occupation, was to play the timbrel, trumpet, and I guess, he did play some other instruments in their praise to the Most High, lucifer on the day he was created was endowed with maximum wisdom, perfect beauty, and a voice with harmonics and range surpassing all others.

    And of course, his job was not only a musician in heaven, but he had a very high position in God’s court, this angel was granted cherub rank and held the anointed position of honor guard over the throne room of God.

    What Lucifer faced was the ultimate in prosperity testing. Would he utilize his many assets for good or for evil? Would he exhibit genuine humility and an attitude of gratitude? Or would he instead become arrogant and develop an attitude of ingratitude?

    God’s system requires that each person, angelic or human, make his own choices regarding the divine plan, its system, and its authority.
    So Lucifer was given every advantage, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. He was given every advantage with regard to appointment, position, responsibility, and power.

    Would Lucifer respond in humility and gratitude or would he react with arrogance and self-centeredness?

    Scripture records the fact that the wisest, the most beautiful of God’s created beings looked away from the Creator to himself. He failed to recognize that all he was and all he had came as a gracious bestowment from the hand of the Creator to whom he was responsible. In turning away from God, he turned to himself and became an essentially selfish being. Every man born into this world from the time of Adam’s sin has had a nature just exactly like his father, the devil.

    That which characterizes sinful man is selfishness, self-centeredness. Man is characterized by pride. He lives his life in independence of God and he is only perpetuating the nature of his father, the devil. Unless you come to understand something of the basic selfishness, pride and independence that characterized Satan when he left his original state, you will neither understand yourself nor will you understand the temptations that come day by day.

  37. GeeTee says:

    Still trying to come up with the link that Mart seems to have experienced in Acts3&4, I am. Have been unable to so far, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t drawn concurring comparison to the overall reaction of crowds and judges in both instances. I’m sure Miss Boyle will have her moment in the limelight and I hope she’ll handle it in a responsible way. It’s all too well known how that sudden rise to recognition and even fame(should that present), can have a most corrupting influence on the newly famous. There are many who’ve been consumed by it, and I speak of consumed not in an obsessive way, but in the sense of being devoured. Should she be a possessor of faith in the Lord Jesus she may have the foundation to be prudent, but if not? Probably just another ‘flash in the pan’ as they call it. Fortunate for us 1,973 years later that the disciple who Jesus loved and the big fisherman weren’t ‘flash in the pan’ kinda guys, but were bold and determined to not only speak, preach, and teach the Lord Jesus Christ, they were called and inspired to leave us some of the most comforting and beautiful words in the Holy Scripture. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” IPeter 1:3 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” IJohn 3:1 Those two little verses have kept this old boy many a time when things seemed a bit rough around the edges. Thank you Peter. Thank you John. Thank you Jesus. Thank YOU Father for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that sat Peter and John down in wherever it was they were at and told them to “get out the pen and paper, I’ve got a little somethin’ for ya that is just what the people need.” Where would we be without the comfort and assurance that only the Word can give us? Yeah sure, all the Susans in the history of the world can sing enchanting songs that pluck our heartstrings and we feel good or better for a while, but the elation subsists and we’re still left standing there with our feet on the ground wondering “now what?”. Let’s let our ‘what’ always be the precious promises of God’s Word that will never wither or fade. And let’s not just pray for each other, and even let’s not only pray for Susan Boyle, let’s make determined effort to pray for those judges and their cynic, skeptic view that has them apparently trapped in the world system. That song she sang in its’ entirety is about how ones’ dream can be so beautiful in the beginning and how the world as it goes on can kill the dream. Trusting, living faith in Lord Jesus is no dream that the world can kill. It has made every attempt it can think of…but it’s been much to no avail. That old ‘screwworm’ has a bag of tricks that often go unnoticed and he’s doing all he’s got to try and weasel in. Let’s be diligent, alert, and discerning when it comes to those subtleties that him and his gang use to divert and distract God’s children. As was mentioned up the page; The church is in a bad way these last days and it’s gonna take vigilance on our part to not let false teaching/unsound doctrine/wordly pursuits to infiltrate any more than it already has. Don’t quite know how I got over here so I’ll let it down for now. May you all have a pleasant evening. GT

  38. poohpity says:

    Rick123,

    I am not a child of satan and never have been. I am a created being from God born again through the Spirit of God into the family of God because of the death of His only Son Jesus. I am adopted. Satan may be a very good tempter but no relation. Now would be a good time for scripture verses for all that knowledge of satan or is it a collection of different scriptures? That interests me.

  39. sjd says:

    Caiaphas is showing up all over these days. He is all around us opposing the “Way” of today. Will we respond like John and Peter? I hope so.

    I can identify with the ignorant and uneducated statement from Acts 4:13. Besides recognizing that they were uneducated, they recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. We are told by Jesus that it would be better for the disciples that He would leave them so that the Spirit would be given. We are the privileged recipients of the Spirit. I hope that when others see us that they will see that Jesus is with us, that they will see Jesus!

    It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are from, what talents we have. We were all dead apart from faith in Christ. Peter and John could not remain silent. How can we be silent when we have been raised from the dead?

    John 5:25
    25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

    Praise God for the resurrection of Jesus that made my resurrection possible!

  40. Rick123 says:

    poohpity: Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.(((Jam 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.)))

    (((1Jo 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.)))
    According to scripture, there are children of God, and there are children of the devil, the children of the devil are his because of their unrighteousness, and they do not love God nor their brother, so they have the beast nature of their father, who was a murderer from the beginning, and we know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

    (((1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.)))
    He that committeth sin is of the devil, but the good news is that the children of the devil can be children of God>>>Jhn 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons(offspring, children) of God, [even] to them that believe on his name.

    (((Eph 2:1 And you [hath he quickened], who were(Past) dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince(satan) of the power of the air, the spirit(Of their father the devil) that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.)))

    children of the devil-children of disobedience-children of wrath-Ye are of [your] father the devil-[thou] child of the devil: If these children of the devil(Followers) do not repent they will be cursed>>>Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed,(children of the devil) into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil(their father) and his angels:

    Jhn 8:44 Ye(children of the devil) are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.((1Jo 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.))

    Jhn 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son], to betray him;

    Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

    Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?

    4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

    1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

    2Ti 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.(((2Cr 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices[[a mental perception, thought, an evil purpose, that which thinks, the mind, thoughts or purposes.]]…..Hsa 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.)))

  41. Rick123 says:

    poohpity: Jam 4:1 From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?

    2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

    3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

    Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

    Jam 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  42. SFDBWV says:

    It is early Monday morning and I wanted to share Matt’s dream he told me about this morning….

    When we woke at 4:30 I rolled him to his back. A little later he says Dad I dreamed we were up in the cemetery walking around. I ask him what we were doing , he said we with with our family. Jesus was there with us he was raising the dead.

    Matthew isn’t given to fantasies nor such dreams. It blessed me and I just wanted to share his epiphany with you all.

    Steve

  43. laney says:

    SFDBWV, Reading about your sons dream just gave me goosebumps.I just finished reading what SJD wrote. John5:25 Truly, truly, I say to you,an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear shall live. And it shall come to pass in the last days,saith God I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. I to have seen visions and had dreams.One I will never forget was the world trade center.

  44. laney says:

    Sorry I forgot to write Acts 2;17 before and it shall come to pass.

  45. pegramsdell says:

    Steve, great dream your son had, sounds like prophecy to me. Sweet! Thank you for sharing, I so needed that. Sounds like The Lord is speaking to Matthew. He did say that He would give our children dreams and visions.

  46. poohpity says:

    Rick123,
    You said, “He was invested with one of God’s great positions in heaven, were the Most High is enthroned with his Son at his side, his(lucifer) occupation, was to play the timbrel, trumpet, and I guess, he did play some other instruments in their praise to the Most High, lucifer on the day he was created was endowed with maximum wisdom, perfect beauty, and a voice with harmonics and range surpassing all others”. This is what I questioned I do not believe that lucifer was enthroned at the side of God that would put another person in the Trinity and there are only three. There is one group that believes this to be true however I do not.

    I do however believe that obviously there is one who would deceive us to believe in everything against God. Satan is the FATHER of all lies and deception but has none of the power of the Godhead.

    As far as asking for wisdom and that only God is able to supply wisdom, I know that is true.

  47. poohpity says:

    Wow Steve, I bet the Lord was growing Matthew’s faith. This is an answer to prayer about his purpose in life.

  48. Rick123 says:

    poohpity: You misunderstood me, I did not say that lucifer was at the side of the Most High. I said, “were the Most High is enthroned with his Son(Jesus) at his side.” when I said that, I was not referring to lucifer, but to the Son-Jesus.

    And according to scripture no other creature has been by the Most High’s right hand, only the Son-Jesus. I have never seen in scripture, were it says that there is some other person at the left hand of the Most High.(Hbr 1:3 Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;(Most High) who created all things, through his Son.

    We can prove by scripture that Jesus has always been at his Father’s right hand side, for he was and is, the wisdom(1Cr 1:24…Wisdom of God) of the Most High. This is what the Most High said of his Son through him(Jesus). “Then was I(Wisdom-Jesus) besides him(Most High-the Father), as an architect, skilled workman with him(Most High-the Father). and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always( at all times) before(presence of) him”(((Pro 8:30)…Now Jesus took back his position he had before he came to our world, according to scripture.(Jhn 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.(to be, to exist)

    Was Jesus a Son before the foundation of the world? according to scripture, he was his Son.
    (Pro 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name,(YHVH the Father) and what [is] his son’s name,(YH’Saves the Son) if thou canst tell?)

    Lucifer was not and never will be equal with the Father, for he(Father) is the Godhead((“To be” “He who causes to be,” YHVH declares God’s absolute being – the source of everything, without beginning and without end. “He is,” “He will be,” “He lives,” “He who is self-existing, self-sufficient,” and He is the source and author of life. “I will be,” indicates a connection between the name YHVH and being itself. YHVH is the Source of all being and has being inherent in himself(He is necessary Being), Everything else is contingent being that derives from him. He is the Source and foundation of all that Is, He is before all that Is, for He is the the Source and foundation of that Is. there is no power besides Him, for He is all that Is.))

    And it “pleased” the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.(All that the Father Is, dwells in Christ, for all things have been “given” unto him, even his eternal power and Godhead. For it was the Father’s “will” that in him should dwell all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

    And all things were “given” unto Jesus by his God and Father, even his(Father) Eternal Power was DELEGATED unto his Anointed One through the Spirit of the Father, to accomplish his(Father) Eternal Purpose through Him(Jesus) unto the Glory of the Father.

    He(Father) has SET Jesus as King over all things that He(Father) created through his Son-Jesus.

    He(Father) that is Unsearchable in his perfection, ways, and power, gave life unto his Son-Jesus, before all things, when he(Father) who was alone and has been, is, and ever will be, the Only One True Source, out of whom are all things(Creatures).

    According to scripture, Jesus is not over his head, who is the Father, the head of the family. all his(Father) family are in subjection through his Son-Jesus, and even the Son-Jesus is subject unto his Father forever.

    According to scripture, there is Only One True Source, out of whom, are all things, and all that Is, has it’s being from the Only One True Source, who is the Father.

  49. poohpity says:

    Rick123,

    Where did you get, “his(lucifer) occupation, was to play the timbrel, trumpet, and I guess, he did play some other instruments in their praise to the Most High, lucifer on the day he was created was endowed with maximum wisdom, perfect beauty, and a voice with harmonics and range surpassing all others”?

  50. Rick123 says:

    poohpity: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in the Garden of Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.”

    Lexicon Results Strong’s H4399 – mĕla’kah מלאכה occupation, work, business…(The workmanship)

    Lexicon Results Strong’s H8596 – toph תף timbrel, tambourine…(timbrels)

    Lexicon Results Strong’s H5345 – neqeb נקב groove, socket, hole, cavity, settings…(pipes=Trumpets)

    Eze 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
    Eze 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
    Eze 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
    Eze 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
    Eze 28:19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

    Isa 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
    Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
    Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
    Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
    Isa 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

  51. poohpity says:

    The Ezekiel passages were prophesies given to the king of Tyre and the Isaiah passages were prophesies against Babylon.

    I do not know where, “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in the Garden of Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.” was written but am open to learning.

  52. Rick123 says:

    poohpity: I have answered your questions from the Lexicon / Concordance, but you don’t understand. Once again here they are: Lexicon Results Strong’s H4399 – mĕla’kah מלאכה occupation, work, business…(The workmanship)…Lexicon Results Strong’s H8596 – toph תף timbrel, tambourine…(timbrels)…Lexicon Results Strong’s H5345 – neqeb נקב groove, socket, hole, cavity, settings…(pipes=Trumpets).

    In these scriptures(Eze 28:12-19; Isa 14:11-15) it is referring to lucifer who is now satan, the angel that rebelled against the Most High.
    You said that the Ezekiel passages were prophesies given to the king of Tyre.

    Show me in scripture were God has ever said to any man: You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.”(Eze 28:14)

    Show me in scripture were God has ever said to any man: You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, till iniquity was found in you.(Eze 28:15)

    Show me in scripture were God has ever said to any man: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.(Eze 28:16)

    You said that the Isaiah passages were prophesies given against Babylon.

    When has God ever said to any king or man from any nation: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

    When has any man ever said in his heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

    When has any man ever said in his heart, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

    Now are these scriptures(Eze 28:12-19; Isa 14:11-15) that are referring to lucifer who is now satan a lie and not in line with scripture?

    Concerning Matthew 7:1-5; should be understood according with other scriptures. Should we judge according to our flesh? or according to God’s word, which is his sword. According to God’s word we should judge with a righteous judgment(John 7:24).

    Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (How are we going to know as undesirable the behaviors of “dogs” and “swine” if we do not judge? Jesus uses really strong language here. At first, he seems to be breaking the very command that he just gave about being non-judgmental. But instead, Jesus is reminding us that being non-judgmental does not mean we are undiscerning, wasteful, and silly.)

    1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (New International Version)

    “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!”

  53. poohpity says:

    Rick123,

    Read Ezekiel 28:11 and 12. It was what the Lord gave Ezekiel to tell the king of Tyre. There is so much history with Tyre and in knowing that may explain what Ezekiel is saying about it’s past experiences.

    The Matthew passage shows us to be very careful when looking at the behaviors of others when we have so much of our own stuff that needs to be dealt with.

    I would have liked the answers to my questions to come from the bible only and in my journey and reading of it I have not seen what you are trying to say not that it may not be true but I have never read it. My journey is not over yet so maybe one day I will see what you are saying for now I am choosing to let it go.

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