"When There Was No King In Israel"

[Mr. M]

We must overcome the influence of the Spirit of lawlessness (iniquity)

Matthew 24:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

As a matter of fact, it isn't even that subtle. In the five years I have spent on line I would venture statistically based upon internet forum sampling that there are millions of Christians who have taken "not under Law, under Grace"to an extreme of essentially ignoring the Holy Spirit and doing "whatever seems right in their own eyes". Lawlessness includes ignoring Christian unity for personal preference.

This occurred when Israel was at its worst state when "there was no king in Israel". Unfortunately, the Lord was the King, and was being rejected. Is Yeshua ruling over His Body, or is His Body doing their own thing? There are people who will drive across town to their church of preference, but not attend services with their neighbor, who attends fellowship down the street because it is "one of those groups", what ever that might mean to them.

Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel,

but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

This is anomia=iniquity, lawlessness [G458]

Matthew 7:23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; 

depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Hosea 4:

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

7 The more they increased,
The more they sinned against Me;
I will change their glory into shame.
8 They eat up the sin of My people;
They set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And it shall be: like people, like priest.
So I will punish them for their ways,
And reward them for their deeds.

I know that I am walking in obedience for this reason, I take no pleasure being in online forums. When the Lord approved of my taking early social security at 62 and stopped working, it was on the caveat that I started writing down my daily devotionals. I argued, "Lord, does the world really need another daily devotional?" He laughed at me! And then said, "Oh, you won't be publishing a book". Haha. Then covid struck and I was already prepared, "sheltering in place" in retirement and isolation, and was led to my first forum. 

What I receive from the Lord each day, I have presented faithfully, in spite of consistent hostility the moment I post anything that rubbed against someone's pet doctrine. I am being totally honest here. Before my retiring from "servile labor", I never heard of Calvinism v. Arminism. I heard of the rapture, but having read such things as "I will gather all mine on the last day and lose nothing", and "endure to the end to be saved", I just ignored it, seeing how it provoked such division. I am astounded by some of the ideas that are expressed, and when I post verses that call a persons belief into question the response is tepid at best. 

Here's the good news. After presenting more than 700 threads in that time, I have learned more in five years that I had previously, and I was already highly committed to the Word of God, and would not have even considered writing down anything if I did not feel I had a strong foundation. Then the Lord told me to consecrate myself to the task, and gave me an Anointing from Matthew:

13:52  Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old.

I have learned that there is an Anointing on "every Word of God", if we will apply ourselves to experiencing every Word possible in our lives. I had read the Gospels, the Law and Prophets, Acts at least a dozen times, the epistles several dozen. And yet, when I came under this Anointing, I found something new every time I opened the Book.

Nearly every thread consists of things I had known for decades, but also something not only new, but also applicable to many other circumstances I had not considered before. This is why I add very few comments, and just lay out the scriptures we discuss and let the Spirit do the talking. Sure, I could teach and write extensively, as I am doing now, but it is not about me, and I am surely not interested in all the debating.

What drove me to continue was when the Lord pointed out to me that there is often guests numbering 10 to 1 over signed in members. I no longer get heart palpitations from hostile responses. And how did I consecrate myself for the task? I cancelled my subscriptions to chess.com and Spotify music. The chess was particularly expensive and I needed to tighten my budget to stop working.

As I spent less and less time playing and studying chess, and listening to music for hours, I was "renewed in the spirit of my mind", and started hearing the Voice of the Lord with astounding clarity. Now, I actually love silence, which I had always avoided before. I was alone sooo much with my children far away and divorced, that I also gladly accepted the Lord's call to be a watchman/intercessor for the saints and Jerusalem. I know many of you think of me the way Festus spoke of Paul: "much study has driven you insane!" I can live with that, for the joy that is set before me.

I spend hours daily alone with the Lord, talking and listening to Him. Did you know that the Lord laughs a lot? I don't know, maybe I am funny, but He sure seems to take pleasure in chuckling over many of my comments. I also should point out that during my years of ministry and dealing with people directly, I could quietly listen to what a person would say, read their body, and discern their spirit and 'see' underlying issues to address. This I could not do  in this format.

Now, I can easily tell when someone is responding to the title of a thread without bothering to read the post. When people who have been doing this awhile cut and paste old, saved responses from their hard drives, often adding unnecessary tangents to the discussions. And I can sure tell when someone has had formal theological instruction, or is "well read" in outside sources, with their rigid dogma and self-confident dismissals. I could say more, but it would be inappropriate.

You can rejoice now, because this is the last time (hopefully), or at least it will be awhile before I take time to write out my thoughts and feelings like this morning. When I was new, I proposed seeking ways of being more open and not just chat. I assure you that I was ostracized for making the suggestion. So now, back to the scriptures, with as little of me as possible.

I close by praying that all who frequent this forum will grow mightily in the Truth of God's Word.

Edited October 8, 2024 by Mr. M

[AnOrangeCat]

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 

This is one that I feel is really relevant to a section of my life, along with the verses surrounding the famous "Faith without works is dead" in James. I would like to think that the cynicism and sadness that I feel over it being highly applicable even within the various gatherings of believers both online and off is just my personal experience coloring it, but it's hard to shake the collective body of personal experience and observation.

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

13:52  Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Amen. I find this to be quite true. There's always something that sticks out as new or more relevant to me now than it was in past readings.

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

I could quietly listen to what a person would say, read their body, and discern their spirit and 'see' underlying issues to address. This I could not do  in this format.

I'm familiar with this. Having had to endure the company of abusers in my own family for a long time I, too, developed a generally reliable ability to get a read on people. I can't really put my finger on a when it came about but I do feel similar about getting a feel for people in online environments. It's a somewhat different skillset, but I've certainly come to notice such individuals as well or picked up moods and tones conveyed by writing.

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

This is why I add very few comments, and just lay out the scriptures we discuss and let the Spirit do the talking. Sure, I could teach and write extensively, as I am doing now, but it is not about me, and I am surely not interested in all the debating.

This answers something I've wondered about you from time to time. As you noted most of your posts have minimal commentary. At least to the processes in my mind the approach invites thought, for those who are inclined to read or reflect, but it doesn't often invite discussion. I don't see this is wrong or bad, mind. Like Paul said we're the body of Christ and serve different purposes. We have different callings and strengths. Similarly those who read on forums in present times and the future may be more receptive to one approach or the other. So long as it's scriptural it's hopefully serving for someone's education, edification, or correction.

I get you on the debating. I prefer not to do more than two or three exchanges if I feel there's a need to voice disagreement. More than that and it tends to become circular and/or personal.

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

I close by praying that all who frequent this forum will grow mightily in the Truth of God's Word.

Thank you for the prayers and the sentiment, as well as for writing this out. I think posts like these do help those within this particular body understand each other a little better, and thank you for your posts in general. As stated in Isaiah 55:11 God's Word doesn't return void. Thus any sharing or application of scripture, so long as it isn't being misused to push false doctrine or personal agendas, is for someone's benefit.

[In the Clouds]

It's ok to take time to rest in the Spirit.  Didn't Jesus go to the desert sanctuary to pray, reflect, and spend peaceful respite with the Lord?  He just may have a meaningful revelation coming your way.

[Mr. M]

18 minutes ago, AnOrangeCat said:

At least to the processes in my mind the approach invites thought, for those who are inclined to read or reflect, but it doesn't often invite discussion.

Some wonderful comments here friend. Beyond the idea of discussion, which is more effective face to face anyway. What I would prefer and look for and get very little of is "after considering these scriptures prayerfully, the Spirit showed me something from the Word I had not considered before. Let me share. After all, that is what my thread is doing, going from prayerful contemplation and fellowship with the Spirit to sharing what I received. 

What motivated me was Paul's words here in 1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you...

Now let's carefully consider what he is saying and teaching. Paul, as you know, was not a direct disciple of the Lord. He was not in attendance at the "Last Supper". The Lord gave Him instructions to convey to every congregation, and how anyone can doubt or neglect the breaking of bread as vital to fellowship is beyond me. And when the main Body in Jerusalem sent out brothers to check on these meetings, what did they find? The breaking of bread in fellowship.   1 Co 11 is one of the most piercing instructions we have and must be followed!

I used to break bread with my children when I had custody, and  I would literally "see" the Anointing come on them. The Spirit was unique in each of them also. If you have never listened to a 13 y/o girl expound on scripture, you have truly missed a "Jesus in the Temple as a boy" moment. My little boy on the other hand would become a mighty intercessor. He was very attentive to the discussion, but when his Anointing showed was when we would enter into prayers and intercessions. We would kneel together in a circle and pray. I taught them to lift up family back home, classmates, teachers, etc...THEIR MOM!

When my son would begin to pray, his words had to pass through weeping, as if all that he prayed was in response to a crisis. I used to dab tears and snot off the tip of his nose and tell him "keep going son". I on the other hand, have wept before a room full of adults as I prayed, or read a passage of scripture, and when I looked up the entire room was staring at me like Jesus just walked through the wall. 

Anyway, may all be encouraged to know Him better every day, and like Paul, to weep in intercession in your "prayer room". No need for an audience. By the way, I once complained to the Lord that it was embarrassing to have this happen, and why couldn't I have more control? His Answer:

"Didn't I tell you that if you believe, rivers of living water would flow from your belly"? 

I should have saved the tissue. People were healed by coming in contact with Peter's shadow, why not tears of a joyous burden from heaven.

Thank you for the fellowship!

 

[Mr. M]

35 minutes ago, In the Clouds said:

It's ok to take time to rest in the Spirit.  Didn't Jesus go to the desert sanctuary to pray, reflect, and spend peaceful respite with the Lord?  He just may have a meaningful revelation coming your way.

Amen. I am thinking that was a part of His daily practice.

And He was one busy man!

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, 

he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

[AdHoc]

3 hours ago, Mr. M said:

Amen. I am thinking that was a part of His daily practice.

And He was one busy man!

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, 

he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

I found your postings on this thread refreshing. Thanks to your summary I've had to rethink my own thoughts. Thank you for sharing. We are specifically asked by the Lord not judge - because we only SEE outward things. But on this media we don't even see the others. Nevertheless, we are asked by the Lord to judge what others of the same Assembly SAY (1st Cor.14:29). Your coherent comments showed me a sincere brother in the Lord. The Lord has decided on one Church per city with multiple Assemblies in the homes. Breaking Bread with a neighbor is a must for we show the death - and Body, "till He comes".

Go well.

[In the Clouds]

To Mr M:  You are a man passionate in faith. You thirst for more and He will  give you the desire of your  heart.  This is all for the good.

[BibleStudent100]

20 hours ago, Mr. M said:

After presenting more than 700 threads in that time,

I read your post carefully and I thank you for your honest expressions; I now know you a little better and I appreciate what you do for the Lord.

Thank you my brother!

[Neighbor]

21 hours ago, Mr. M said:

You can rejoice now, because this is the last time (hopefully), or at least it will be awhile before I take time to write out my thoughts and feelings like this morning. When I was new, I proposed seeking ways of being more open and not just chat. I assure you that I was ostracized for making the suggestion. So now, back to the scriptures, with as little of me as possible.

I close by praying that all who frequent this forum will grow mightily in the Truth of God's Word.

Hi Mr. M,

If you choose to leave or take a break know that I will miss you and your presentations. 

Thoughts from here:

1, No good deed goes unpunished!  

2, You are not the only one to be threatened or ostracized  by a WCF member. I just this week received a Private Message that began "Warning if you"... "I will report you". It is a bullying tactic. Hardly the manner in which one would expect a Christian of some maturity to communicate with anyone at all, never mind another member.

I do think it is evidence that Satan  can, and does, deceive even the saints in Christ into biting at one another if the saints do not take time to pray think and read the word of God regarding what they  post of,  even on PM's to others. will it bear good fruit, is it polite, does it encourage? If not  might  it be best to rethink turn inward and ask of God why am I so full of contention today? What happened to my own happy countenance that now I wish to strike out to threaten and deride another saint?

3, few if any here are qualified as scholars, leaving most with opinions to share, some sharing them forcefully, others sharing with  good will and with  open mindedness.

4. And yes there are cliques that form, even here on WCF that think they should control George's ministry.

Let's pray for George, his ministries, and each other.  Might we each overcome our own short comings, and may we each develop much polite patience  towards each other- Otherwise we are the lesser of beings  as compared to the world at large.

5 Most importantly- The perfect post needs no response! Please keep on posting.

 

[Sower]

 

On 10/8/2024 at 10:01 AM, Mr. M said:

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

                

Sometimes the discovered treasures aren't on the well traveled path and I may get emotional when finding a nugget there.
 I don't intend to stray into off topic, but my spirit may lead my curiosity adrift and compelled to share.
I do enjoy the challenge searching and responding to you with something worth contributing. You keep me on my toes.

When I also need time alone with peace and quiet I head to the gulf coast and go fishing on the beach.
Nothing but the swelling salt waters, blue sky and rising sun in the expanse before me.
And alone with our God who created it. And a few sea gulls.

You add class to Worthy, Mr.M, a serious expounder of the Word, and you are a needful part of it.
Pray you have a special time alone with God, with peace and joy, answers, and God's best blessings..God is Light..
 

                                                      One of a kind.

       (I can still recall Jim Backus's voice)