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Counting it all Joy

Are “all things” good? Or, do “all things work together for good” in the life of the person who is truly seeking after the Lord? What does the Bible, God’s Message to us, reveal?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

Notice that this Romans 8 text doesn’t say that all things are good, but that “all things work together for good.”

It is more than obvious that all the things that come our way are not coming from the LORD, who cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Though there are things Satan, ourselves, and evil men bring into our lives, the LORD allows those things and helps us “escape” (1 Cor. 10:13; Job 1-2). It is clear that the Almighty cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13) and that “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

Furthermore, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

In “all things” that come our way the LORD is working to form the Person of Jesus Christ in us as we have been predestined to be conformed to.

At this time you may be entangled with trials and tribulations from seemingly every angle – coming at you relentlessly. Are you experiencing emotional, relational, financial, marital, work-related difficulties?

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

When we begin to see the blessed change He uses our trial to bring, it will be easier and easier to “count it all joy” when our faith is tried/tested and made stronger as we patiently endure beholding His face more intensely (2 Corinthians 3:18).

His predestined purpose for creating and redeeming us to Himself is to conform our lives to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalms 17:15

As we choose to behold His perfect face in righteousness, we shall be satisfied and made into His likeness – here and now and in eternity with new glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

His “likeness” or “image” in us is His ultimate goal. That’s right – the purpose for our lives is not to live unto ourselves or be detached from the LORD’s purpose in any of the things that set themselves before us to tempt us to set our affection upon and identify with. Our identity is in the Person and Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ and for His pleasure we were created (Revelation 4:11).

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Saint, remember that your current season will change. This trial you now endure shall come to pass. In all this that you may be suffering, please prayerfully remember that ALL these things are working together for the glory of God in your life. He is using them to cause your heart to be conformed to the image of Christ as you seek His face, totally relying upon Him in these tests.

One of the temptations of the trial is to turn on God and blame Him. Have you ever done such? I have. Remember, the LORD is for you. He loves you more than you could know.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22 

GOD’S TESTIMONY OF JOB:

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3

“But he (Job) said unto her (his wife), Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:10 

You ARE going to pass your test as you stay upon the LORD in the trial! See Isaiah 50:10. You are going to come out a different person, more like JESUS, the One you have been predestined to be conformed to! You are going to be alright, as Job was alright after untold misery over a several month period. This season is only for a short time. You are going to be “kept” by the power of God, so “rejoice” in this “season” of “trial” and “trying” as you pass your tests and continue to pursue the One “whom having not seen, ye love”:

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9

Remember that all “seasons” come – to pass. Remember that Job was more blessed in the end than before the devastating trials came his way.

Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

In this theme text (Romans 8:28-29), is our Heavenly Father telling us that all those things that are coming our way are being used to conform our lives to the image of JESUS?

Has anyone out there been attacked lately by people within the Body of Christ? This does happen and will increase as the day of Christ draws closer (Matthew 24:10-13). I’m talking about a clear and blatant attack on your person or character. Can anybody relate?

Take heart in the LORD beloved:

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (not forever), make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

According to 1 Peter 5:10, in your suffering, the LORD is:

1. perfecting you
2. establishing you
3. strengthening you
4. settling you

God’s Love Is Going To Heal Your Wounds (Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18). Ask Him and you will receive.

Here are the divinely-given instructions (marching orders) and exhortation:

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy GhostKeep yourselves in the love of Godlooking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassionmaking a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Perhaps nothing flies in Satan’s face as powerfully as the witness of God’s saints when they are in a trial. In light of this, how powerful it is to give the devil a black eye by serving others during our trials and letting His goodness be known! I believe the enemy profusely frowns when we encourage Christians, hand out Gospel tracts, feed the poor, cloth the naked, and build up the Body of Christ – right in the midst of our own personal trial. Why throw a pity party when we can throw a praise party? – “Count it all joy!” (James 1:2-4).

May God Grant Us All Grace to Fight the Good Fight of Faith – We are Overcomers through Jesus Christ!

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What Does that Mean?

PEACE with GOD

Support | STORE | PodcastsTop 12 Missing Essential Doctrines in the Modern Church World! [podcast]Repentance and FruitLoving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]

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Abiding

Attend to My Words [podcast]


IF THE WORD isn’t flowing into you daily, you are falling away. Flood and fuel your heart and mind and body with the pure, the holy light of God’s Word daily and you will never famish! All darkness will be vanquished (Psalms 119:130). All who have been saved and yet aren’t in God’s Word and prayer daily – have rejected Christ, with no exception. Re-turn to the LORD prodigal. There’s no good outside of Christ the KING.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

ALL who are not in God’s written Word daily are not hearing from God, do not have God’s wisdom and direction, and are walking in darkness – 100%.

The feeding of Christ’s flock would integrally involve exhorting them to diligently study and walk in God’s Word themselves, daily (John 21:15-17). Isn’t this exactly what the apostle Paul told Timothy to do? Yes. He told his understudy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

One of the ways we know who the false ministers are, is that they want people dependent on THEM, not God. So, they don’t constantly exhort the people to get into God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, for themselves. Run.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 

“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. … My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:4, 20-23

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

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.” Colossians 3:16

“Over the last 5-10 years I can see where He has done this for me already, but the problem is …. it’s not enough! I want even more! One hour of study and prayer in the morning is not enough!” Christine

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

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Abiding

Gathering Fruit for Christ’s Eternal Glory [podcast]


IF you are truly born again, God has called you personally to participate in, to obey His Great Commission command— NOT to salvage any country in this fleeting world.

It’s amazing how many people claiming to be saved spend more time, energy, and money trying to save America than they do building up the body of Christ and evangelizing the lost. Anyone claiming to be saved and yet is not participating in the Great Commission command of Christ, is out of the will of God. Repentance needed.

Save America or See Jesus Save Eternal Souls?

“America is under God’s judgment for sure. And recently there was a golden statue made of Trump. And Pastors are praying over it. A golden calf. Same thing happened in the book of Exodus and God slew 3,000 men. This angers Him greatly! There will be a severe price to pay for this adultery! America is definitely going down at the divine judgment of God.” Karen Cochran

Forget saving America. Win souls. Preach the original Gospel to see eternal souls saved unto the LORD. See Mark 16:15-20; Matthew 28:18-20.

A good thing to ask proud Americans who claim they are Christians:

1. “When’s the last time you led someone to Jesus?”

2. “How much time and how much energy do you spend trying in vain to “save America” or “Make America Great Again” compared to the time and energy you spend learning, studying, and meditating on God’s Word and doing it – as in the Great Commission?”

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Anyone claiming to be Christ’s and yet is not doing, is not obeying His Great Commission mandate, is not in the will of God.

Regrettably, America is going down in judgment.

No efforts can undo the present reality of those claiming to know Christ refusing to truly repent, nor the 60 million innocent babies America has murdered in cold blood and called it “choice.”

Honoring something God calls “an abomination” brings “the curse of the LORD” upon any nation to do such. See Leviticus 18:22 and Proverbs 3:33. Sodomy is sin!

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Doing the will of the Father is executing the Great Commission Jesus gave us!

2 BIBLICAL EVIDENCES PROVE THAT AMERICA IS OVER – if there is no repentance, change [podcast]

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:35-38

Jesus says act now! To put off His work is to put off Christ. Read that again!

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Many aren’t putting off their own sinful, lust-filled agenda in the world, right?

There is nothing new under the sun. See the book of Haggai.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here |All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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Abiding

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]


Here’s why Jesus came:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

There is nothing – NO-THING – more important in your life than your relationship with Christ.

Job 22

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. 22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. 23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. 26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. 30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent; and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.” Job 22:21-30

“lay up his words in thine heart” v22 – WITH the learning of each new verse of Holy Scripture, each new Bible truth, your knowledge and understanding of the LORD and His kingdom is expanded.

“Let thine heart retain my words.” Proverbs 4:4

“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:96-100

“God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly.” EM Bounds

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