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 The worship of Jesus Christ as the “mighty God” has been replaced by a self-serving, feel-good message.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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Articles
Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]

“Hath nothing” vs “Hath great riches”
The reason so many give nothing to God’s work is because He is not first in their lives, He means nothing important to them (Luke 12, 16).
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7
Who is the man who has “nothing” though he appears to have much in this world?
Who is the man who has nothing in this world yet “great riches” awaiting him in glory?
The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world and gaining an eternal perspective (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:18). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
When we are content in Christ we will not covet because we will be complete.
Are you making yourself rich in this fleeting world or trusting in the infinite riches of God?
Adam Clarke on Proverbs 13:7:
“There is that maketh himself rich – That labors hard to acquire money, yet hath nothing; his excessive covetousness not being satisfied with what he possesses, nor permitting him to enjoy with comfort what he has acquired. There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches – ‘As poor,’ said St. Paul, ‘yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.’ The former is the rich poor man; the latter is the poor rich man.”
John Wesley on Proverbs 13:7:
“Maketh rich – Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich – Some rich men profess to be poor.”
Pulpit commentary on Proverbs 13:7:
“The first clause reminds one of the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself, and was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21; comp. Revelation 3:17, Revelation 3:18). The second clause teaches that wealth expended in God’s service makes a man rich in the treasury of heaven (Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33). One who thus uses the means entrusted to him could be spoken of like St. Paul, ‘as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things’ (2 Corinthians 6:10).”
The sum total of our riches are Christ and Christ alone. There are no riches with eternal import outside of Him (Colossians 1-2). And, any person not partaking in a relationship with Him on earth, will be void of the riches of His presence eternally.
There are many who make themselves rich in this fleeting world, yet have nothing but Hell awaiting them forever. They pour their God-given talents and time into making it in this temporary world, giving up Christ for their own momentary money. They sell their eternal souls for temporal trinkets.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Money brings power in this world. Faith and prayer bring power with God. Which one do you desire, covet? Which are you seeking?
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Do you have a heart after God or after the things of this temporal world?
“And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22
Man is significant based solely on being made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). A man’s looks or temporal possessions, trinkets, money, etc., have zero to do with his real worth. The money, the vehicle, the house, does NOT make the man. In fact, Jesus warns: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” See Mark 8:36. God made man and as such, as the creation of God, He desires a relationship with all men.
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (significance in God’s eyes) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
Getting ready to die and go to Hell is not success – no matter how much “success” you foolishly think you’ve obtained in this brief life.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37
“Charge Them”
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Covetousness, Greed are Soul Damning Sins
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Corporatization creates robots who follow the fools. Example: the covid cons and the cowards who comply.
WHEN I was working in the Space Program for a company that was contracted to NASA, they were shooting for 100% opt-in, total cooperation for a % taken out of our checks to give to the United Way, a demonic murderous organization that supports and gives money to planned MURDER-hood. Gladly, boldly, I spoiled that party, drawing a line in the sand. They were coercively conning every single employee into giving to the planned MURDER-hood United Way and their standing was in jeopardy with NASA if they didn’t get everyone in. Not me. Nope. I plainly told them I will lay no finger on or give a single penny to assisting in the cold blooded murder of innocent babies. Didn’t care what the consequences were.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
Far too many people are serving money and therefore have a myriad of excuses as to why they compromise. All who serve mammon are as sure for eternal damnation as if they were already there.
“Rich Toward God” vs. “Not Rich Toward God”
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:15-21
Many claiming to be saved by the One who gave all for them, are rich toward self and “not rich toward God” in this temporal life.
Jesus tells us exactly how not to waste our earthly riches and talents and how to be eternally rich!
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Gospel ministries that feed you and others are there by the ordination of God – to help you grown in Christ’s grace and to have a place to give to further Jesus’ Gospel and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:11-12). God’s Word calls us to support those feeding us (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). That’s all a gift of God – in your lap. Yet the “labourers are few” and so are the suppliers (Matthew 9:35-38).
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Would the few Gospel “labourers” be near dead broke if the LORD’s people were properly supporting HIS Work? Matthew 6:19-21; 9:35-38; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; etc.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?
Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!
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Articles
The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.
BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18
Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.
Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.
“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran
Mark 4:26-29
“26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16
May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.
Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.
Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint with the same. King James Bible.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.
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Abiding
The Good Shepherd and His True Sheep [podcast]

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant …” Hebrews 13:20
“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” John 10:3
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:1-13
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
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