To My Beloved Daughters #23

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug." (Isaiah 51:1 ESV)

To my beloved daughters, allow me to say this. No matter what anyone in this world communicates to you, never forget that you are as beautiful and desirable as the perfect and holy God who has created you in His image. Therefore, value yourself as we who are in Christ appraise that great and precious promise, the royal diadem (Isaiah 62:3) whose kingdom is without end (Luke 1:33) and of whom all the Law and the Prophets spake (Luke 16:16), aim and press to be high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1) living and moving and having our being in Him (Acts 17:28). Hallelujah! May these temples be filled only with that which is holy, wholly imitating the Rock from whence we were hewn (Deuteronomy 32:4, Numbers 20:8, Psalms 95:1, Isaiah 28:16). Glory to our preeminently excellent El Elyon, our shield and our exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1), The God Most High who laughs at those who would limit His infinite continuum of creative possibility to the dungeon of any one name! Hallelujah, oh great and mighty Father of all spirits, Earth, and all who dwell therein! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him above ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! 

© 2009 Brian L Hunter 

www.ministryofwritinghelps.com

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Beware the Humanist, Hip Hop, "New Grace Flavor in Your Ear" Prosperity Gospel of the Princedom

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

If you allow me to walk unwarned into clear and present danger, how does your silent indifference prove that you love me? Should liberty lead to a cessation of life? Nay! I have judged that Russian roulette endangers life and the giver of life has condemned suicide and all murderous acts from the beginning. Such reasoning makes me a legalistic preacher of the law in the eyes of new gospel wolves in sheep's clothing. However, by the compass of God’s Word I have judged and chosen this day whom I will serve (Joshua 24:15). http://www.anointedwritenow.com

I will not spare the rod and spoil the child of God (Proverbs 13:24). I would prefer that my hands remain free of innocent blood. And, lest I act ignorant of God’s will and His righteous ways, I would rather be counted among those who have trusted God’s benevolent fatherhood, stood upon His gracious Word, and decidedly obeyed His irrevocable command to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16). Go ahead and call me a hater if you will. Name calling is what people on the low road do first and foremost, and, hell is enlarging itself daily by way of people with a limited understanding of another gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). In all our getting of bestselling books, television ministries, and conferences, please let us get a full measure of the full gospel illustrated throughout sixty-six full books which facilitates mature understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

© 2013 Brian L Hunter

The Whole Truth

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” (1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV)

If we water down the truth of the gospel so that we please each and everyone, we become servants of Antichrist. Though such enticing words of man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4) are always politically correct, likely to charm filthy lucre out of unsuspecting rattlesnakes, easy for lynch mobs to focus their hatred and rally around, and meticulously fashioned into their own zealous form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5), these words prove nothing more than the cunning artistry of Beelzebub who is the father of all lies. Such deceit will always help one grow in popularity. People are more likely to return phone calls, respond to emails, and comment on social media posts when our message is so homogenous that not one heart is convicted or motivated to repentance and godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).

I am not willing to take a chance on winning the world’s approval lottery while failing to fulfill the function for which God has called me. If I wear the moniker of trouble maker, then all is well. As I am delighted when God opens doors of opportunity, so shall I be thrilled when He closes others. I am learning to let go when God says let go. The only real gain in this life is from Him, through Him; and, to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36).

Therefore, I do not believe in chance. I believe that the full gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of God’s Word “is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Hallelujah! My hope is built on nothing less. Hallelujah! My conscience is therefore clear because my righteousness, my godliness, is not my own. I have believed and shall hereafter believe in the promises of my King, Jehovah. Bless His holy name forever and ever. Amen.

“ No victor believes in chance.” (Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844–1900 German philosopher)

© 2009 Brian L Hunter 

www.anointedwritenow.com

#WritingHelps

Passion as Persuasion

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

What we are thinking about reveals the truth of what and who we believe. If we argue to justify ourselves and our ideology rather than to exalt God’s sovereign omnipotence, shame on us and our passions. Passion can lead to segregation, hatred, and murder when the object of passion is anyone or anything other than God (1 John 3:15). “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Is our treasure earning interest today, dependent upon the political and economic systems of this world? Are we more passionate about our rights than we are about God’s Word and the prayer Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:21-26? Are we more passionate about our possessions and prosperity than we are about who and what Jesus represents to mankind (Hebrews 1:3)? Help us to make You the center of our lives, Almighty God. Help us to make You our passion in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Passion persuades.” ~ Anita Roddick (1942-2007) English entrepreneur and activist founder of The Body Shop

© 2013 Brian L Hunter

Hip Hop Gospel

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” (2 Samuel 6:14)

Wearing a priestly garment, the king forgot about who and what he was in the flesh in order to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Hallelujah! God could care less about pomp and circumstance. Therefore, traditional religiosity does not move or impress the Ancient of Days. In fact, when we are prideful, we are, in fact, attempting to steal His glory which He will not share (Isaiah 42:8). Give it up, ye who are frozen in self-righteousness, hoping to be seen, and desperate for a pat on the back. Repent! Worship the Lord your God (Exodus 23:25). “I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.” (Psalms 71:22)

“I said a hip hop,
Hippie to the hippie,
The hip, hip a hop, and you don't stop, a rock it
To the bang bang boogie, say, up jump the boogie,
To the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.” (Sugarhill Gang, 1979)

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.” (Psalm 37:4) Hallelujah! 

© 2013 Brian L Hunter
http://www.anointedwritenow.com/

No Appreciation Necessary

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Whatever one’s contribution to a truly intimate and reverent time of worship, physiological appurtenances and feelings of déjà vu aside, regardless of theological camp, denominational enclosure, age, or gender, a person must eventually weigh the experience against the sovereignty and omnipotence inherent in God’s glory.

In spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Reminiscent of something akin to an Elvin Jones or Tony Williams rhythmic etude or improvisatory utterance upon a drum kit, I would imagine my own contribution from behind a battery of percussion at times must seem unintelligible, foreign, and even extremely bizarre by some standards. Yet, as the little drummer boy in the popular Christmas song, I bring my offering. Any sound I coerce from such basic and archaic apparatuses as drums and cymbals is my humble offering unto the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! Oh, what a range of frequencies is the sound of many waters (Psalm 93:4, Revelation 1:15, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 19:6) and simply the blast of God’s holy nostrils caused waters to be gathered, piled up, and consumed (Exodus 15:8, Job 4:9). Just as the feminine is suggested in the masculine, so is violence existent and inherent in the sublime beauty of grace. Hallelujah! Alas, once again I have thought too much and worshiped too little. Perhaps, one day, thinking, doing, and being may perchance be melded into one glorious act of exaltation.

I am content to be completely insignificant in this life. I am but a worm! All of my hope is in things eternal, Almighty God. Lord, please perfect that which concerns me, the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that I may walk more consistently in the Spirit than ever before. Let Your holy Word have free course in me, working in me both to will and to do of Your good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Help me to remain ignorant enough of my many flaws to be ever more cognizant of Your infinitely glorious perfection in Jesus’ mighty name.

“First and foremost I am a drummer. After that, I'm other things... But I didn't play drums to make money.” (Ringo Starr -quoted in The Big Beat by Max Weinberg, 1984)

Help me to be who You most desire me to be so that I may be my utmost for Your highest in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!” (At the Cross, Hudson, Isaac Watts, pub.1707,ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqMgYbQhcvs

© 2013 Brian L Hunter

Language in Heaven

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NLT)

It is my iron clad opinion that the only language spoken in heaven is music. Speak to me, Jesus. Speak to me. Strengthen and clarify my perception of who You have always been and what You are saying, Ancient of Days. Help me shed any fear of seeming foolish as I listen for You and wait. Transcending the mechanics of language, Spirit of truth (John 16:13), Thy Word is altogether lovely, Lord. Though we are a ragtag and disparate body of seemingly incoherent parts, in You we are a unified symphony, Almighty God. Let me hear Your pure voice in Jesus' name always. Amen.  


© 2009 Brian L Hunter

www.anointedwritenow.com

#WritingHelps

More Exaltation of God Above Politics

Considering that family members no more than two generations removed were enslaved, raped, and treated like cattle under the first fifteen presidents of the United States of America, countless African Americans yet trusted God's Word rather than openly disrespect the office of the US presidency. My prayer is that some people would keep this in mind before failing to bridle their tongues and offending people who differ no matter what the differences may be (James 1:26). Jesus prayed that His beloved be one as Father and Son are one (John 17:21). The secret ballot policy in America respects this prayer whereas openly sharing my political views from every mountaintop, especially from the pulpit, runs counter to God's will. May the grace of our Lord be with you all, regardless of political affiliation, now and always in Jesus' name.

Disclaimer: Brian Hunter has not posted such maniacal ideas anywhere except on his very own blogs and social media pages (See Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and hence they are neither meant to be accepted doctrine, verified by any other human being within or without organized religion, agreed with by friends, or rubber-stamped by any person living or dead. 

© 2009 Brian L Hunter

www.anointedwritenow.com

#WritingHelps

More On Preaching Politics

 “For while I was with you I resolved to know nothing except Jesus the Messiah, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 ISV)

Preaching politics from the pulpit reveals faithlessness and fear which, sowing unto the flesh (Galatians 6:8), shall continue to reap division and not the unity for which Jesus prayed in John 17. How is God glorified when the ignorance, prejudice, and fear concerning any social ill or political displeasure is preached instead of His love, omnipotence, and sovereignty? Satan comes as an angel of light to preach such things (2 Corinthians 11:14). God’s grace has not ceased to be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). When in chains and awaiting execution, Paul did not preach the need for political activism, civil disobedience, or different government to Timothy. Spiritual bigotry is no closer to exhibiting God’s righteousness now than it was during that recent era when, in America, we raped, whipped, and sold slaves on Sunday morning before heading to the local church for service. It would be easier to mix oil and water successfully than to mix faith and fear. The combining of lies with truth, however, has been Satan's modus operandi since the fall of mankind. Leaders of the first century visible church, following the lead of the apostles and also suffering vicious persecution under Nero throughout the Roman Empire, did not preach anti-establishment, political messages. No. They preached Christ crucified and the gospel spread exponentially, miraculously, and without the type of division that political preaching absolutely guarantees. Preaching politics from the pulpit is not completely unlike abusive fathers molesting their daughters since home and church should be the safest gathering places on earth. Let us, therefore, preach Jesus (and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:2) rather than the wisdom of men, the gospel of peace rather than self-righteous condemnation of others, and the love of God rather than hypocrisy, bigotry, and hate. www.ministryofwritinghelps.com

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

There is a difference of opinion inherent in politics. All Tweets aside, America’s founding fathers had the foresight to mandate that voters be able to cast their vote in private to protect the secrecy of the ballot. Preaching politics from the pulpit is not unlike eating meat which has been sacrificed unto idols (1 Corinthians 10:29). William Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar 3/2, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Please allow me now to write this; friends whose hearts and attitudes threaten to separate us from the way, the truth, and the life need to be expeditiously separated from our lives by the two-edged sword of God’s holy Word, who was and is and is to come. What does it profit a man to gain a flesh-driven political utopia and yet forfeit his soul in the process (Matthew 16:26)?

© 2013 Brian L Hunter

Should Politics Be Preached?

“Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

When we use the pulpit to share our political views we engage in activity demonstrated nowhere in the Pastoral Epistles. Does the love of God constrain us (2 Corinthians 5:14)? Or, is division and schism in the body of Christ our aim? Diluting the message of the gospel with partisan political views is something the spirit of Antichrist anoints otherwise good servants of a sovereign and omnipotent God to feel justified in doing. Yet, political vitriol is not born of love and can never be delivered without sarcasm. Partial obedience still adds up to disobedience. Hatred, no matter how subtle and cleverly disguised, is neither motivated nor condoned by God (1 John 4:8). www.anointedwritenow.com

Any reader of the Book of Genesis knows that sin did not originate with a political party. Nor did sin originate in this country only after slavery and Jim Crow laws were rescinded by the effectual working of God’s grace through the instrumentality of the Constitution of these United States of America. Keeping in mind that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), should those redeemed by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), acting fearful rather than faithful, illustrate any perceived threat of evil as being somehow too great, too dangerous, and too insurmountable for the omniscient wisdom of a sovereign and omnipotent God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to guide us safely and victoriously through?  Do we mistakenly think ourselves Christ-like when we rally a mob and use speech to incite violent attitudes toward any particular group or party because their worldview may oppose our own? Our own ignorance, prejudice, and fear aside, is such divisive discourse really our testimony of who Jesus Christ is?

Jim Jones preached a political, anti-establishment gospel quite effectively for the enemy’s cause. The apostle Paul warned against preaching what he called another gospel in Galatians 1:7-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:4. I would urge us to avoid that flavor of Kool-Aid in favor of the whole counsel of God’s Word, including the thirteenth chapter of the Book of Romans. Politics preached from behind any sacred desk is divisive. Rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) does not lead prayerful disciples who are filled with the Holy Spirit to engage in behavior completely contrary to the prayer Jesus prayed in John 17:11-23. God’s protection of His beloved is likewise inextricably bound together with this prayer. I would rather be divided by truth than united in doctrinal error. As an individual, I can be accused of many things by many people. However, the arguments I propose for the purposes of ecclesiastical review, spiritual contemplation, and debate are, indisputably, scripturally well anchored. Therefore, fearing God and His righteous judgment of hypocrisy and idle words (Matthew 12:36-37) infinitely more than any political candidate, special interest group, or government, I admonish all of us who profess Christ as Lord to become more diligent to make sure neither our confession nor our particular brand or form of religiosity (2 Timothy 3:5) has been trusted in vain (Matthew 7:22). “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) There is one name, Jesus Christ, not one political party, not one world view, not one government, not one school of thought, but one name whereby we, preachers, smokers, drinkers, pro-abortionists, anti-abortionists, homosexuals, Republicans, and Democrats alike, must be saved. 

My personal feelings are irrelevant when I step behind any pulpit and become responsible for preaching God’s Word. I will not lean to my own imperfect understanding when it comes to God’s sovereignty, His mercy, and His grace. The question most prevalent in my mind is why He loves me, a poor sinner, as much as He obviously does. If I happen to become angry with you, your political party, or your attitude, I pray that I can be angry and yet not sin in, by, and through my anger (Ephesians 4:26). My own heart and the beam in my own eye (Luke 6:42) should concern me much more than the actions of any president, god, or government. Is God in control or is He not? In whom do I really place my trust (Psalm 27:1, Psalm 56:11, Psalm 118:6, and Hebrews 13:6)? God has not called anyone to preach fear. How does preaching divisiveness edify us (Ephesians 4:29)?

Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ do not particularly care what the media reports today. Unlike Oprah Winfrey, our faith is not in mankind. Our hope is built on something infinitely more reliable than politics. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

© 2013 Brian L Hunter

Ungodly Obama Hatred Recognized

"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34 ESV)

 
Not all "Obama Hatred," now an easily recognizable psycho-social category of discriminate unrest in America, is as politically inspired as slavery. No. Believe it or not, as ludicrous as the notion may seem in the year 2013, a long and recent history of white-supremacist dogma rooted in Lilliputian interpretations of the Bible reinforced by Hollywood wherein Moses, Jesus, and even God the Father have blond hair and blue eyes, rears its racist head in the vast majority of disparaging remarks about the 44th President of the United States.We have obviously ceased comparing apples to apples and opted instead to unleash historically documented evil in America the beautiful, the core of which can neither be ignored nor hidden from view.
 
© 2013 Brian L Hunter