More of Jesus and Less of Me
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
SEEMS LIKE A LOT of people call themselves by titles and have a ministry these days. Many of them jockey against one another, emulating, violating the very and utter humility Jesus demonstrated and taught His twelve (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12). Some desire to be the star of the show, the man or even the women of the hour, instead of rendering true repentance, dying to self, and letting Jesus reign.
Am I Seeking My Own Glory?
Am I missing something here? Have you observed some of this? Perhaps my statement is a bit too broad. Certainly there are humble servant who seek only the glory of God Himself. Let’s explore and learn of Him…
Why O why so many in our midst who insist upon calling themselves “reverend,” “apostle,” “prophet,” or even “pastor”? Jesus gave these gifts TO MEN – so they could serve men and not themselves (Ephesians 4:11-13).
First off, anyone can start a “ministry.” But what does that mean? For many it simply means that they are setting up an entity to make people think they are doing God’s will. It helps them draw attention to themselves I might add.
So many who have been put in the limelight by men seem to be show boating. In other words, their “ministry” is all about them and their riches and clothes and mansions. These are the very wolves the LORD often reminded us of (Philippians 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.).
Think about the so-called music today that we call “Christian.” It’s nearly ALL man or self-centered. Compare it to the substance of the songs of old. No comparison. The worship of Jesus Christ as the “mighty God” has been replaced by a self-serving, feel-good message. Jesus has been ousted! Ichabod! Remember that “antichrist” means “instead of” or “in place of.” The LORD Jesus has been replaced with self worship or the worship of mere sinful man. This is soul-damning idolatry (Revelation 21:8).
“He that speaketh of himself (instead of Christ) seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18
Isn’t it amazing how little we talk about JESUS in our conversations (at times)? When the subject of God is discussed, JESUS should be the central Theme in that we cannot approach the Father without Him. He is the very LOGOS (Word) of God. He is the central Theme of all of Scripture. We will NEVER grow out of the need for JESUS – never. In fact, the more we grow, the more dependent upon Him we become. God’s Word instructs us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly).” (Col. 3:16)
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
Am I seeking my own glory – through spiritual avenues? Do I use my place in God’s kingdom, among God’s people, to promote myself, or the Savior? Do I truly exalt the Lamb of God who was slain before the foundation of the world for my depravity? Where is my authentic worship (worth-ship) of His holy name?
Does “the mind of Christ” truly possess my being? Did He come to give or take? Lust gets, love gives. If I truly have the mind of the One I claim to serve, it is obvious in that my life is set forth to love the LORD will all that is within me and to serve His precious saints. The true disciple should at once understand that elevating Him and elevating His saints to Him is where all the law and prophets hang (Matt. 22:37-39).
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
We are instructed to cease esteeming mere men above that which is written of him.
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?” Isaiah 2:22
God is going to bring all men low, especially those who have lifted themselves up or allowed themselves to receive undue honor via wearing unwarranted titles and using other means to be lifted up. They are glory robbing from Christ who alone deserves all glory and honor.
“The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9
The Bible tells us that those mere men who are self-elevated among deceived men is a short-lived:
“Man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” Psalms 49:12
What did God say man is, even in his “best state”?
“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:5
What did the apostle Paul determine to do?
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
The apostle Paul purposely refrained from speaking eloquently. He refused to dazzle his audience with oration finesse. WHY?
“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The LORD doesn’t want us, mere messengers, branding ourselves or our delivery or personalities, or making an industry out of our ministering His Word. In order that Christ alone was elevated and all heart affection was placed on Christ, Paul made a determination to know nothing among the people except “Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
God certainly has called out some men to serve HIM. And that’s it – they are called out by Him to serve Him and not themselves using His holy name. To do so is the use His holy name in vain or for one’s own self-serving purpose and to be guilty of attempting to rob Him of the glory due His name alone (Exodus 20:7).
In whom did Paul glory?
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
Remember, “He that speaketh of himself (rather than the Lord) seeketh his own glory…”
Let’s lift up JESUS, not ourselves. There is soooooo much to say about Him Who is the Infinite Author and Sustainer of ALL life, why not get started talking…
PRAYER: O Father, in Jesus’ holy name, I beg You to deliver my heart from the evil vanity of all sinful and self-serving motives! Quicken my heart today in Thy holy fear and to love You as I choose to exalt Jesus Christ alone in thought, word, and deed, and to spread Your love to all under my influence! Amen Jesus!
Now, go read Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12, and 21:44 and pray.
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Abiding
“You Who are Troubled Rest with Us” [podcast]

Many instill fear in Christ’s saints concerning these last days. Paul says: “You Who are Troubled Rest with Us”
“Rest with us” because Justice is Coming
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
The Judgment at Christ’s Coming
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Divine “vengeance” is coming “vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (v8)
Remember, while He instructed us not “avenge,” He also promised that “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
We shall rejoice to see the LORD retribution come upon the wicked.
“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 that a man shall say, 11 1 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.” Psalms 58:10-11
The Happenings just before Christ’s Soon Return
Luke 21:25-28
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28
Being Prepared for His Return
Luke 21:34-36
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
Walking unwavering with and suffering with Christ and His body now – as we look forward to being with Him!
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
The LORD knows all before it happens and He’s not surprised of anything. God is going to use all these things to conform His people to Christ. Remember, all things are not good but God takes them and uses them to conform us to Christ, to be “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20).
“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. 29 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
This truth has never been so relevant saints of Christ and the signs of the season of His return are at hand. He’s coming for you precious one!!!! Rescue mission!!! The Return of Heaven’s KING
May God allow us to preach in such a way as to cause His people to begin to be homesick for Heaven to be with Him.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
I wonder how full our hearts will be as we become nourished up in His Word concerning Heaven. Will our hearts not burst forth and be filled with excitement, overflowing with joy like before we go on a vacation, the anticipation filling our hearts as we eagerly await being with our glorious Savior and Father? Read John 14:1-6 and Revelation 21.
Calling on the name above all names today. He’s the Maker and Controller of His whole universe and He’s coming back soon to retake control of it all – to decisively, violently put down all of His enemies both demonic and human (Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16).
No matter what’s going on – good or bad – WE KNOW that the song is true …. that our “God is so good, God is soooo gooood, God is so good, He’s so good to me…..” … There’s NO way to sing this simple song of praise and not get happy in Jesus! Impossible.
Our LORD Jesus is coming to establish His perfect Government on His earth. Stand by. Occupy. Rejoice. Look up. “Your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
We can be sure that mankind is fallen and cannot solve his own problem – which is sin against His Maker. Only the Prince of Peace, our LORD Jesus, can do so…. and He will (Isaiah 9:6-7).
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
He is going to crush His enemies under His feet (Romans 16:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 27).
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, please break me, cause me to be truly poor in spirit with a humble, contrite heart of flesh. Please grant a deep compassion in me dear LORD Jesus as You conform me to Your holy image in the crucified life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Articles
Maria the Evangelist – Mission Mexico is now supporting Maria the Evangelist [VIDEO]

Picked up a portion of the 10,000 JESUS tracts in Spanish. Thank God and you who gave! YOU made this happen.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
“God is the Lord of the harvest! And there is a great harvest in Mexico because the fields are white ready to be harvested! And now He is bringing forth Laborers!” Karen Cochran
“That is a powerful ministry. May the Lord bless her and your ministry efforts. Praying for this outreach.” Stacy Strother
The fervor, the fire that burned in me a few days ago is perhaps due to this opportunity, now that sister Maria and others have been added to us to support….. we are in a war for the souls of men saints. Thank you for praying saints. The LORD is doing His work in the hearts of men in Mexico.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
On this topic, for your exhortation and edification, feel free to listen to the recent podcast titled LORD Please Prepare and Send Me! [podcast].
The members of the body of Christ came through and we have the money needed to print the first round of 10,000 JESUS tracts.
Keep in mind that the ministry is also supporting brother Allan Abayon in the Philippines as he ministers God’s Word to the Philippino people.
God is able saints.
Please excuse the zeal. Sometimes I err when wanting to make sure we, as Christ’s body, properly, to well support the ministers of Christ He is giving us to support. When you see the video of Maria in action, you will see the blessing and opportunity God is giving us. And this is all because you prayed as Jesus instructed, for “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
Have been visiting sister Maria nearly every early evening to give her a big hug, to bless her, to feed her food with cold water, and replenish her supply of the JESUS tracts. In distributing our LORD’s Gospel, Maria misses nearly no one. There’s a constant flow of foot traffic where she ministers and she has a stack of JESUS tracts she keeps replenishing on the store counter that is right there when people check out. Even while we were there last night, the stack diminished visibly.
Today, I picked up a few thousand of the JESUS tracts in Spanish. Next week they will have to have the balance ready to pick up. You made this happen saints! See 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. 10,000 JESUS tracts…..
- It lasts longer, and
- because printing is more cost effective.
When visiting Maria, she is smiling and moving about so swiftly that it’s actually difficult to get good pics of her in action. She is in her zone, in her JESUS zone! Thank you for lifting up in prayer our dear sister in Christ who is one of His “labourers”! (Matthew 9:35-38) YOU prayed and God is answering!
Juan the evangelist!
Maria the evangelist!
And several more!
WHEN we hand out Gospel tracts today, let the recipients see Christ’s love, joy, and peace beaming in and through your life.
We also have Spanish Bibles on the way here which some of your have graciously mailed to us. There’s going to be shipping costs when they arrive. Another great kingdom opportunity!
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

Recently, and on several occasions, because you care, we were able to feed several people, including sister Maria. There’s no telling how long it’s been since she had eaten. She didn’t ask, we asked her and went to get food and water for her (and a few homeless men who also were ministered to) with the Gospel and with food, and cold water to refresh her soul.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Articles
The King’s Marriage

Psalm 45
A Song of Loves
by Karen Cochran
Psalm 45
A song of Loves
This morning I read Psalm 45 titled the King’s marriage—the story of the King and His bride. This is a beautiful picture of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7-9. The Bridegroom is adorned in glory, majesty, righteousness and truth, and sitting in His royal throne. Then enters the Bride—holy, without spot or wrinkle—wearing the righteousness of Christ. Then Jesus (the King) says, “You are in thy Father’s house and He desires thy beauty and worship.” All because she is wearing the beauty of the Lord—His attributes (Psalm 27:4). She is wearing gold—fine gold—because she has been tried in the fire of affliction. She is one of the five wise virgins who is invited to enter into the King’s palace. What a glorious picture of all who make themselves ready and are clean and white before their King Jesus! Alleluia!
This is the story of a royal wedding. A love song!
v. 1 God has filled the Psalmist’s heart with a divine Messianic prophecy foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate King and His holy bride at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
vv. 2-6 The most significant character in this Psalm is the Lord Jesus Christ. In these verses we are introduced to the King Himself. His beauty surpasses all others. The gospel of grace is poured into His lips. God has blessed Him forever! He fights for truth and justice, and is filled with majesty, glory, meekness, righteousness, and truth. The Scepter of the kingdom is given to Him. Jesus Christ has all authority over all (Hebrews 1:8).
“The voice of God is heard from heaven addressing Him as God and certifying His reign as an eternal one. We know it is the voice of God, because Hebrews 1:8,9 tell us so.” Believer’s Bible Commentary.
The Lord God says thy throne “is for ever and ever” (Psalms 45:6).
v. 7 The King of heaven loves righteousness which is His very nature, and He hates wickedness, because they are polar opposites. Therefore, He must rule with complete justice. God has anointed Him with the holy “oil of gladness.”
“Christ’s faithfulness to His father while on this earth as demonstrated by His love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness, is the basis for God’s anointing of His Son. The ‘oil of gladness’ is directly related to His anointing with the Holy Spirit.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
v. 8 The King of Glory resides in an Ivory Palace and His garments give forth a sweet-smelling savor unto God and His bride (2 Corinthians 2:14). The Son of God in all His glory!
v. 9 Now enters the bride of Christ! The queen in “gold of Ophir.” She is clothed in pure gold because she has been tried in the fire and has “come forth as gold” (Job 23:10); and holy, with no spot of sin “or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). In order to be considered honorable, she must be clothed with the righteousness of her Bridegroom.
vv. 10-15 The Bridegroom is calling His spotless bride to listen and obey. Since He purchased her, He desires that she cleave to Him only, loving Him above all else. Her Husband desires her beauty, as she has been washed from all sin by the precious blood of Christ. The beauty is coming from the Lord (Psalm 27:4). She is filled with the very character of Jesus. Her garments are radiating the sweet aroma of her Master and Savior. She is one of the five wise virgins (Matthew 25). With rejoicing and gladness, she is invited into the wedding with her Groom in the King’s palace! Alleluia! Her worship is a response to how much she is loved by her beloved Lord!
v. 16 For all of His beloved faithful believers, this is their spiritual inheritance. That they shall be called into the banquet with the King of glory! A divine promise for all of His children who stay clean and white, and have been adopted into His kingdom by the saving grace of Jesus.
v. 17 Let us always magnify the King, the Messiah, Who has rescued our souls from death and translated us into the kingdom of God. May His praise be on our lips for ever and ever, finally joining with every tribe and nation standing before the throne of Heaven worshipping the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Singing Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!
The whole message of this Psalm teaches us that the King’s royal bride must be pure, cleansed, holy and wearing the robe of righteousness of Christ. He must be her First Love. The one she loves supremely above everyone and everything else. This is the only way she will be accounted worthy to enter into the holy kingdom! It is a must, before she will be welcomed into the marriage, that she bear the image of her Bridegroom. Then she will be invited to enter into the palace and the Lord Jesus Himself will confess her “name before His father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5).
Are we ready to be presented to our Bridegroom? Revelation 19:7 says “His wife hath made herself ready.” We must be fully clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This is the righteousness of the saints, and the only way we will be called into the marriage with our Bridegroom (Revelation 19:8-9)! Don’t be caught naked (unprepared) and wearing your own righteousness which is filthy rags. Remember God hates wickedness. Not being clothed in Christ will lead to suffering judgment and shame when standing before our Maker (Revelation 16:15). Don’t let the scepter of Christ fall on your head! Make sure you are considered before a holy God as the “Gold of Ophir” a precious jewel.
This Psalm paints such a glorious picture of how valuable we are to the God of Heaven. He desires that we be in His presence because His royal bride is wholeheartedly devoted to her Husband, and is fully clothed in His righteousness. Her Groom is enthralled by her beauty! She bears His image and the beauty of holiness! The Lord has prepared a mansion for all who have made themselves ready that we may bask in His glory and beauty for ever and ever! Alleluia!
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