Hey,
I utterly loved the fellowship, love and praising God together today.  When the Bro Band* starting playing the first song, a well of thankfulness just filled me up!  I am so thankful for you and who Jesus has made you.  I’m thankful you have a home where we can meet and learn and be corrected and grow together in Christ. We ARE family, and with all my heart I love each one God has brought here.  I’m so thankful for each one!  We are a precious people – just look at what He’s done!  We are a miracle.

And the fellowship!  Fellowship is so precious — just as you were saying today, that it’s worth giving up anything just to keep or attain to fellowship.

My heart is so full tonight, just from the wonderful feelings of peace, love, joy, and fellowship today.  Thank you, thank you.  And now, to walk worthy!  What a wonderful, exciting life Jesus has given us!

With much love,

Donna

*

Dear John,

I loved our time together Wednesday night: the songs, handpicked by Jesus, the way the holy Ghost fell to encouraged and filled us with joy, the message before your Job teaching about trusting God, and then Jesus opening up another lesson of Job to us.  These were like layers of gold Jesus perfectly placed in my heart. My ears and heart were blessed to hear and feel God’s goodness.

One highlight for me from Job is when we read about man seeking for riches and treasure in the earth. He digs and searches tirelessly to find that hidden treasure. He may spend his whole life doing that until he finds what he thinks will satisfy him. God has His Wisdom and Understanding hidden as great treasure but most won’t search out the things of God, to find His hidden treasure, His Son.

As we were reading, for just a moment my thoughts went back to when as a young woman in my early 20’s.  I was so tired of going the way of most young folks, digging here and there, thinking I had found something of value only to find out there was no real substance or peace.  I dug a lot of  holes that led to frustration, disappointment and heartache.  God did that.  He knew I was wanting something that would endure.

I remembered the feelings of excitement when I first began to read the Bible in August 1985 and got glimpses of Jesus in the scriptures.  He created a real hunger in my heart to dig and keep on digging, and to love what He was letting me find.  I did not know I was digging for Wisdom and Understanding, but God knew who I would find if I continued on that pathway-Christ,  the Spirit of Wisdom and the Power of God!  I am so grateful God created that desire in my heart. ⁷ He let me find His durable riches.

I loved the part in Job 30 about Job not being afraid to judge. Some men he called dogs. We have to overcome the spirit of this age that tells us it is wrong to judge.  We have to be led by the Spirit to know which poor God loves.

And then I loved how you tied in Job and the things he suffered, to Jesus and his sufferings. They both were made to feel worthless at times, and longed for someone to show them pity, but trusted God through their lonesome times of suffering.  God was there, carefully watching over them even though at times they felt all alone.  That felt so tender.

Thank you for all the hours of work you put in studying and digging in so we can learn Job the way Jesus wants us to learn about him.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Love,
Bess

Wow.  I have been listening to Job 1:7 – 2:13*.  It reminded me of Ezekiel speaking of Satan and his status in heaven, and the anointing he had received from God: “You have walked freely in the midst of the stones of fire” (Ezek. 28:14–16).

That reminds me of years ago when you said that men must be anointed by God, not only to do holy works, but also to do the most evil of works.

A frightening thought.

Jerry

*  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0lmh1BwsoM&list=PLE1oF7Jzp5RBWqotOpcR7je-TKRKSOs-W&index=3

Dear Pastor John,

About a week ago, I can’t remember the exact setting, but I started having thoughts coming to me about the “Trinity”.  I assume that parts or maybe all of it are from teachings I’ve heard or read from you, but just like in previous experiences I had had, this time, too, it was as if the Spirit was revealing things to me personally, so now they felt much more than just information. Then I forgot about it, but today, as I was on my knees praising God and praying to Him, the same thoughts started coming to me again, so I would like to share with you what, I believe, Jesus spoke to me.

The doctrine of the Trinity, at least the version (or versions) I’m most familiar with, says that Jesus is equal with God.  Basically, what it says is that the Son is the same God as the Father is, only in a different person — whatever that means.  Another explanation I’ve heard a number of times is that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are different expressions or different forms of existence of the same God.  Whichever theory one prefers, the notion that there is no sense of superiority-inferiority between the Father and the Son seems to be the common ground between them all. 

One of the scriptures I was reminded of during my experience was a well-known one from Isaiah 14 where Satan’s heart, his motivation, is revealed.   He says there: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High,” which shows that wanting to be like God (not in his nature, but in his status or position) is a satanic desire, and that is very much in harmony with what the doctrine of the Trinity suggests.  Then I was thinking of our Jesus, how he saw himself in relation to the Father; i.e. ” The Father is greater than I”, or “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God.”  And then, today I remembered the verse in Philippians, more specifically the PJV translation*, which gives a very different meaning to it compared to the traditional translations.  It says in Philippians 2:6, “[Christ Jesus], although existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped after.

Now, using the same wording, based on Isaiah 14, Satan considered “equality with God” very much “as something to be grasped after”.  And he still does, and it seems that through the doctrine of the Trinity he has achieved some partial success because many of God’s children do believe that Jesus is the “second person of the Trinity”, that is, they believe that Jesus is equal with God — in a way that is contrary to the truth, contrary to the very words of the Savior himself.  What, I believe, God spoke to me is that the Jesus of the “Trinity” is, in reality, Satan himself.  Satan doesn’t deny that there is one God and that He must be worshipped (James 2:19); but through the doctrine of the Trinity he found a way to lure God’s people into lifting up someone else (him!) to the same heights as where God is.  They can even call that other person “Jesus”, but they don’t realize that it is “another Jesus”, “another spirit”, thus, at the end of the day, it is altogether “another gospel”. 

God, help us walk worthy of the grace that we’ve been shown.  Help us to not only understand the truth, but also to love it, and to live it.  Help us to love one another, and to love our brothers and sisters the way You love them – wherever they are, whatever they believe.  Teach us to speak the truth in love and in the wisdom of Your spirit.

Zoli

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Hi Zoli.

Yes, what you have seen from the Lord is true.  In the hearts of men who believe the doctrine of the Trinity, Satan has accomplished his ancient purpose of being like God – at least, in their minds.

Christianity began as a political religion based on the doctrine of the Trinity.  It is the foundation of that religious system, and if that doctrine falls and the truth becomes known, Christianity will fall with it.  May God hasten the day, and set His precious people free from that prison, the “dwelling place of demons, and a prison for every unclean spirit, and a prison for every unclean and loathsome bird!”

Thank you for writing.  It is always good to hear about it when the Lord gets truth into a heart.

Pastor John

*  Going to Jesus.com – Bible Translations

Good morning! 

I am reading in 2 Kings this morning. and I have to stop to soak in how amazing God is. 

2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed and said, “O Jehovah, I ask you, open his eyes and let him see.” And Jehovah opened the young man’s eyes and he saw, and behold, the mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.

I have always loved this.  This morning as I read it, though, I was struck by the fact man did not design chariots pulled by horses.  God gave man that design.  There are heavenly chariots.  A heavenly army! 

I have enjoyed reading about Elijah and Elisha so much that it is hard to put down.  Between the kings, the prophets and Job, my cup runneth over! 

But then, God designed cups, too! 

Psa. 16:5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, and my cup.  You  secure my lot.

Psa. 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the sight of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil. My cup is overflowing!

Psa. 73:10 Therefore, His people turn away after them, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Psa. 75:8 For in the hand of the Lord is a cup with wine that has foamed and is fully mixed. When He pours out this wine, all the wicked of the earth will surely drink; they will drain it to the dregs!

Psa. 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

Hope y’all are curled up on the couch with a cup full of coffee and a big bowl of fellowship!

Beth D.    

Morning!

I am working on finishing up the addresses for Spirit-filled churches for us to send out the Sound of the Spirit book.  We have quite a few – thousands of them.  As I type them in, I can’t help but feel the competition in just the names of each of these places.  Just to give yourself a name to win more people by having the best title.  For example: Main Line Assembly, Abundant Life, New Life Worship, Redeemed Christian Church of God Strong Tower Sanctuary, Strong Faith Family Church, River of Life, Rock of Living Waters, Freedom Life Church, Body of Christ, Refuge Church, The Lord’s Tabernacle, the First Assembly ect., ect.  Every place “has the best”.  

For someone seeking the real God and the real Jesus, it must be confusing.  It’s a mess in there.  Thank the Lord that Jesus made a way for us to get down on our knees and pray and have a direct line to him through his sweet holy ghost, not requiring any titles or special names, just humility.  When he answers, there is no confusion.  Staying out/coming out of that – Christianity – will make you sane.  Just reading the titles has such a competitive spirit, to be entangled in one or all of them, can send you to places unknown in your spirit.

I love what we have been learning about how Jesus feels about his people and not being apart of Christianity.  The further away you get from it, the more you feel Jesus’ feelings and the love he has for his dear people.

Thank the Lord for peace!  

Hope all is well!

Amy B.

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Amy, reading this makes me realize what a huge thing it was back in 1974 when the Spirit told me not to go to church. That’s a BIG thing, and He made it so easy for me to obey!!! And my children didn’t even need to think about where they were going.

Not a small thing!!!!!! 

People equate God with church, and the Lord just dispelled all of that in an instant for me. Wonderful!!!!!

Love,

Sarah

Good morning! 

I am reading in 2Kings this morning. and I have to stop to soak in how amazing God is. 

2Kings 6

17. And Elisha prayed and said, “O Jehovah, I ask you, open his eyes and let him see.” And Jehovah opened the young man’s eyes and he saw, and behold, the mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.

I have always loved this.  This morning as I read it, though, I was struck by the fact man did not design chariots pulled by horses.  God gave man that design.  There are heavenly chariots.  A heavenly army! 

I have enjoyed reading about Elijah and Elisha so much that it is hard to put down.  Between the kings, the prophets and Job, my cup runneth over! 

But then, God designed cups, too! 

Psa. 16:5: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, and my cup.  You secure my lot.

Psa. 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the sight of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil. My cup is overflowing!

Psa. 73:10 Therefore, His people turn away after them, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Psa. 75:8 For in the hand of the Lord is a cup with wine that has foamed and is fully mixed. When He pours out this wine, all the wicked of the earth will surely drink; they will drain it to the dregs!

Psa. 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

Hope y’all are curled up on the couch with a cup full of coffee and a big bowl of fellowship! 

Beth D.    

Good morning, Pastor John,

I was praying this morning for courage in the Lord.   The holy Ghost spoke to me and showed me that what the world, what I called courage, is just bravado. What we think is bravery is not that at all.  What Jesus has is courage!  To be humble, even when you know you are right.  To be humble towards people who do not deserve it. To be humble even when you are going to suffer death, knowing that you could stop it in an instant (by denying Jesus).  Now that I have a better understanding, I want Jesus’ kind of humility and his kind of courage even more!

This was too good for me not to share.

Love,

Mark W.

Hi Pastor John,

I had the opportunity to visit Aunt Song today during her chemotherapy session.  It impacted me greatly.  I wrote down my experience and wanted to share it with you. 

– – –

I was able to get a pass to come and sit with her because of wearing my employee badge.  She sat in a corner next to a big window.  She was resting peacefully in the recliner, surrounded by pillows and a blanket, with a pretty scarf covering her now hairless head.  She seemed to glow in the soft sunlight that came through her window.  I sat down next to her, intending to stay only a few minutes while she rested.  She opened her eyes slightly, which seemed to smile, and she said she wanted to see who sat down.  She said it was nice to see a smiling face.  I stroked her forearm that was resting on the chair, but remembering that I should keep my distance, I removed my hand.  She said my cold hand felt good, so I stroked her arm again. For a moment, it looked like she had tears welling up in her closed eyes.  I closed my eyes too and felt the peace that seemed to emit from her, and the love God has for her. She slipped back to sleep under the influence of the Benadryl they pre-medicated her with.  She woke again when a nurse came by to drop off her meal tray.  She held Song’s hand and got close to her face and sweetly asked if she needed anything.  Later, Song needed to go to the bathroom, so I put her shoes on her feet, unplugged her IV pole and slowly walked beside her and her IV pole down the hall to the bathroom.  While walking back with her to her chair, I didn’t feel like I was in a hurry, but I felt that my pace was much too fast for her.  She had become more fragile, slow, and careful with her steps.  I had to be intentional about the speed of all of my movements, even putting the blanket over her feet. I didn’t feel like I was rushing, but in her state, it felt like slow, careful movements with pauses to allow her to regain her strength and catch her breath were not only required, but also were a sign of being thoughtful during this vulnerable time for her.  Once she got situated, I asked if she wanted to try to eat.  Walking to the bathroom and getting situated in the chair seemed to wear her out, and she said she wanted to close her eyes again.  I wasn’t sure if I should stay or go, so I sat down in the chair and waited for a moment. After a few seconds of resting, she started telling me how kind Gary had been to her. She told me that she told her granddaughter, Kate, to not get married to anyone unless they are like Pastor John, or Gary, or Uncle Earl, someone who has given their lives to God, and where everything else is second.  She said to be prepared if you do marry someone like that because you, too, must be that way, fully subdued to God. I told her that if I ever had cancer, I hoped I would go through it as gracefully as she has, and her response was, “you will.”  She spoke very slowly, with pauses, eyes closed most of the time as the toxin was injected in her body through her port.  She told me about watching the pre-trials of the Olympics and watching the swimmers, and how beautiful that was.  She saw the robust, strong, lively bodies of the swimmers, and admired that while her body had become more frail.  There was absolutely no bitterness in her. She spoke of her love for Gary, and how helpful and kind he has been to her.  She said she would have blood work and another scan after her third chemotherapy treatment to determine if she needed more.  She said, “I hope it’s enough.”

Things I took away from this visit.

1. Match the person you’re visiting. Don’t be in a hurry. Be slow with movements. Don’t have a timeframe or an agenda.

2. Marry someone who is devoted whole-heartedly to God

3. It was truly an honor to be in her presence. She had no bitterness; she voiced of her love and dependence on Gary and the gratitude she felt for his good care for her.

4. Our bodies are not our own. God will do whatever He wants to with them to get us closer to Him. We may have to endure hard things, but it will be worth it to keep a good attitude and trust him all the way through. It is the biggest blessing to have someone who cares for you when you’re going through hard things.

Being in the setting of oncology treatment was so much of a slower pace than I am used to in the clinic where I work. Patients were sitting around for hours, resting, sleeping, so fragile, and had to surrender to the poison that would hopefully treat the cancer. It was such a different speed of life and different outlook on life than where I come from in my clinic where everything is fast-paced and where there is room for bad attitudes for minor life inconveniences, whereas in oncology, those patients are fighting for their lives, and the simple things are most valued.

I left her feeling a stillness in me.

Anna 

Hey!

I just wanted to say how much I’ve been enjoying learning about Job.  At the beginning of the Job study, I was so impressed with how confident Job was of his righteousness!  I even prayed to have the confidence of Job in the things of the Spirit, but after Wednesday night, I prayed to not have Job’s confidence, but have whatever confidence the Lord wants me to have.  I have always loved not being 100%, just in case I’m not seeing it the way God sees a situation, so I’ll plan to stick to that.

I feel like the Job study is (hopefully) teaching me to keep it more in the middle – not a lack of confidence, but not too much confidence.  What is very interesting is usually in my professional work, I have already learned the lesson, and Jesus is teaching me how to translate that into how he wants me to handle a situation spiritually.  This is the first time I feel like I have learned (or am learning) how to handle confidence in the Spirit, and Jesus is using that to help me learn how to handle situations at work.

Thank you for all your hard work.  I loved how you said if our spirits are right, we can learn what God wants us to learn even if we cannot get it out.  But you are getting it out!  So, thank you!

Amanda