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Are You being Attacked?
Satan’s Attacks are the Springboard for Divine Blessings!

—–WARNING: This one may just cause you to shout for joy the next time you get persecuted for Jesus! Dare to Share.

Satan’s hoards, wolves, and minions have circled the wagons and are like hungry buzzards planning and anticipating the demise of God’s servants. But just as the LORD Almighty did in the case when Haman made hanging gallows for righteous Mordecai and the Jews, so shall the LORD hang and destroy those who plot against the righteous! (Book of Esther) The enemies of the LORD shall be thrown into the very pit they dug to bury the righteous! Read Psalm 35 and thrust your hands up in violent, joyful praise toward your God in Heaven!!!!! – “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”(Psalms 47:1)

Are You Suffering? This will give you a whole new perspective!

New Perspective: GO FROM whining to God “Oh no LORD, helpppp!! I’m being persecuted” to saying to people, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, persecute me! I need more of God’s blessings on my life!!!!!” (well, you know what I mean 😉

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing.” James 1:2-4

In response to the many who have called or emailed and asked for prayer and ministry concerning being slandered. As Jesus promised, “the love of many” is waxing (turning) cold (Matthew 24:10-13). LOVE is the measure of whether or not someone is abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6; Galatians 5:22-23). Without abiding/remaining in Jesus, love will vanquish and hell awaits (1 Corinthians 13: 1 John 3:14-15; 4:8, etc.).

Concerning our suffering slander and being misrepresented, F.B. Meyer wrote the following:

“There will come hours in our lives, when we shall be misconstrued, misunderstood, slandered, falsely accused, wrongfully persecuted. At such times it is very difficult not to act on the policy of the men around us in the world. They at once appeal to law and force and public opinion. But the believer takes his case into a higher court, and lays it before his God. He is prepared to use any means that may appear divinely suggested. But he relies much more on the divine clearing than he does on his own most perfect arrangements. He is content to wait for months and years, till God arise to avenge his cause. It is a very little thing for him to be judged adversely at the bar of man: he cares only for the judgment of God, and awaits the moment when the righteous shall shine forth in the kingdom of their Father, as the sun when it breaks from all obscuring mists. ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.’ Ah! what a clearing-up of mysteries, what dissipating of misunderstandings, what vindication of character shall be there!  Oh, slandered ones, you can afford to await the verdict of eternity; of God, who will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noon day.” F.B. Meyer, Joseph, p. 52

Beware of the False Watchmen

Recently, several of Christ’s called out watchmen have undergone attacks from wolves who are posing as watchmen and yet the fruit of their lives is not love (Galatians 5:22-23). As promised, the attacks upon the righteous are increasing (2 Timothy 3:12-13). These wolves cleverly pose behind the guise of being watchmen. This is the thin veil of their sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). They seek to be disguised while they attack, falsely accuse, and seek to discredit God’s true watchmen. You also may have been attacked. We obey our soon coming King who told us to “rejoice” when “all manner of evil” is spoken against us! (Matthew 5:10-12)

Paul was viciously attacked and assailed and falsely accused many times … remember what he said about Alexander the coppersmith and how he warned everyone else to beware of that wolf? (2 Timothy 4:16-18)

Remember that these vicious wolves mean it for evil and God will judge them eternally. The LORD will also use these attacks upon you for His glory and your good as He did with Joseph who later said of his wolf brothers: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Have you noticed that the more the enemy attacks you, the more blessings God brings into you life? Is this biblical? Yes, concerning the people of God and their enemies, the Bible says “But THE MORE they afflicted them, THE MORE they MULTIPLIED and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 1:12)  Did you notice in the last part of this insightful verse that the enemies of the LORD are “grieved” because of God’s blessing on your life as you serve Him in sincerity and in truth?

***HAVE you noticed that the more satan attacks you, the more God blesses? This is a fact of history, for all generations of God’s people. Let’s rejoice in this truth together again ….“But the more they (the Egyptian enemies of God) afflicted them (God’s people), THE MORE they MULTIPLIED and GREW. And they (God’s enemies) were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 1:12)  If you obey God you are going to be getting His Word out to people and you will at times find yourself in a fire storm of satan’s attacks through his human agents, usually the wicked wolves who feign to be Christian leaders (Matthew 7:6; 23; Mark 4:17). Great blessings flowed in many realms when the earliest disciples of Jesus were attacked by the religionists of their day. – “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked …” (Acts 4:33-34)

‎”Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

Yes, this persecution should be worn as a badge of honor – that you are even worthy to suffer for Christ’s holy name! Rejoice!

Gutless moral cowards who hold positions of influence and leadership refuse to preach on this Bible topic of the suffering of persecution for Christ’s sake. Jesus spoke much about this… so why don’t they who pretend to be representing Him? They are false. To not speak of this topic is to misrepresent Jesus Christ. …. Jesus promised that those who truly followed Him would be “Hated” … “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) ….. The Son of God also promised that great blessings now and in eternity will be given to those who truly follow Him … “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

Deceivers like Joel Osteen and many would-be celebrity and local “pastors” preach a message of “blessing” that does not include persecution. They withhold this vital truth and fact so as not to disturb their own popularity and funds. People who are not honestly seeking divine truth will be snared and ultimately damned by this false message (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Beguilers who ignore and withhold vital divine truth, and their prey may appear to prosper in this fleeting life and yet, it’s not what God defines as true prosperity and it shall be short lived.

“That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” Job 20:5

If you truly follow Christ, you are communicating His truth and you will be attacked, lied about, afflicted, and persecuted. Many false witness rose up against David, against our LORD, and against all who have ever served Him (Psalms 27:12; 35:11; Matthew 26:60; Acts 6:13). Jesus promised they would rise up against us yet their tenure shall be brief and their torment eternal (Matthew 5:11). You will also be blessed! When Stephen spoke God’s Word and was being stoned, Jesus actually stood up at the Father’s right hand to cheer on His son Stephen and to welcome him into eternal glory!

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,  58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.  59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:55-60

At Stephen’s preaching of the Word of God, the wicked religionists “were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.” (Acts 7:54) Jesus promised we would also be persecuted for speaking God’s Word and that if “all men speak well of” us, it’s because we are not truly serving Him (Mark 4:17; Luke 6:26). Persecution is actually proof that one is serving Christ.

Are you personally a part of this “company” – the people in the earth who publish or distribute and communicate God’s Word? – “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” (Psalms 68:11) If you speak and communicate divine truth, Christ promised that “persecution ariseth for the word’s sake.” (Mark 4:17)

God knows who we are so don’t worry what man thinks for says. Your time in this fleeting world is brief and as a child of the King, you should sprint to the finish, making the Word of God known to many (Psalms 68:11; 126:5-6; 1 Corinthians 9:16-22; Hebrews 12:1-3). The LORD knows who YOU are beloved saint. He knows that He forgave your sins when you confessed them and He knows that you do not merit His blessed and sheer mercy, yet He gave and gives it to you anyway – because He loves you and you obey Him in coming to Him, falling upon His mercy in repentance.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Titus 3:5-6

We should not be surprised when the things Jesus promised would happen to us happen such as “ALL manner of evil” (false accusations) being spoken about us (Matthew 5:11).

God is good brothers and sisters. Not one of us ever deserved nor presently deserves the infinite mercy He has and is showing us ONLY THROUGH THE LORD JESUS AND HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD. Remember that the very wolf or wolves who are being used of satan to accuse you, are in need of the mercy of God and they don’t merit it and are sinful, depraved souls who must repent or they surely will perish as unrepentant, slanderous railers (1 Corinthians 5:5-13).

The Bible tells us that “We are more than conquerors THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US” and nothing shall separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:37-39). This righteousness is imputed to us on the behalf of Christ alone and not because we are anything in ourselves outside of Jesus but solely due to who He is (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Do you know what these attacks are going to do for you? God is going to use them to conform you to Christ’s holy image (Romans 8:28-29). These attacks are going to cause you to hasten closer to Him, falling afresh upon His abundant mercy. Amen? The work of God in your heart is going to do several good things. You are going to be much more merciful and tender towards others and be able to help and comfort them in their afflictions (2 Corinthians 1:2-5; Ephesians 4:32). His work in your heart is also going to make you ignore slander about others and cause you to actually love that victim of slander and railing more.

Realize it or not, we all (that includes you, I, and all others) so desperately need His blessed, present mercy. Is that not what being broken in spirit and “poor in spirit” will teach us? (Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Matthew 5:3)

Someone has wisely noted:

“Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossiper, Martha was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sara was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old,… and Lazarus was dead…. Now, what’s YOUR excuse? Can God use you or not? God doesn’t CALL the QUALIFIED, He QUALIFIES the CALLED.”

Paul wrote “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

God Himself really only cares about the NOW! So what if the things being said of you are true – they are in the past and if you have repented and confessed those sins, you are clean and clear from them in the eyes of a holy God who gave us the blood of His only begotten Son for our sins! (Isaiah 1:16-20; 44:22; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-25; 1 John 1:7, 9; 2:1-2, etc.). The person or persons slandering you need prayer and/or to be turned over to satan (1 Corinthians 5:5-13). If they do not repent and confess their sins, they will perish in the lake of fire. Digging up past sins that God already forgiven in the work of “ungodly” people (Proverbs 16:27-28).

Of sufferings and persecutions, one writer notes:

“‘In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.’ Nehemiah 13:15

The grapes had to be trampled before the joyous wine could flow.  Embrace those who curse and tread on you.  They are really friends in disguise.  Love your enemies and bless those who curse you as Matthew 5 says.  They are producing more of the joy of Christ in your life.  The cross is today’s winepress.”

David knew this truth. Persecution is the occasion for God to stack on more blessings for His persecuted child. The mockings and slander of the wicked becomes the springboard of God for more blessings in your life. So, in light of this, we should boldly declare “Bring it on devil!”

Shimei’s Slander of David

“And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 8 The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. 10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite (repay) me good for his cursing this day.” 2 Samuel 16:5-12

Has God yet allowed a slanderous, accusing wolf like Shimei into your life?  ACCORDING to 2 Samuel 16:5-12, what should be our response to those who speak evil, falsely accuse, or try to rub our noses in a past sin? What did David understand that we should understand? Here was David’s response:

“LET HIM ALONE, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite (repay) me good for his cursing this day.” 2 Samuel 16:11-12

In other words King David was saying “Don’t you dare stop that man from cursing me! I need all of the blessings and benefits God will bestow upon me! In fact, this man’s cursings are opening the floodgates for more blessings in my life in order to serve the LORD more fully!”

Personally, I have never been SO blessed in EVERY single area of my life as when satan’s wolves started falsely and fictitiously making up stories about me! Bring it on devil!  Now pour over 2 Samuel 16:5-12 and notice how God uses those occasions to multiply His blessings upon His children who are the object of the attacks for His holy name’s sake!!! Bring it on devil! I need more of God’s blessings in my life!!!!

These persecutions actually reveal who the wolves are amongst us, posing as ministers of Christ (2 Cor. 11:12-15). Thank You Jesus!

At first I was horrified by the things that were being manufactured about me. But now, after going through that, the LORD has made my heart much more sound as He promised He would do. Check this out precious saint:

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

All who slander and do not repent have their place reserved in the lake of fire. Railers are specifically named as sinners who are to be turned over to Satan according to 1 Corinthians 5. Did you realize that? Go read that chapter again closely!

Persecutions are the manifest token/proof that you are a true child of the King!

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

There are hypocrites who have the stupidity and audacity to slander a brother or sister for one of those 6 sins in 1 Corinthians 5 while they are actually COMMITTING another one of those sins – the sin of railing.

But our sentence comes from God, not any mere sinful man – “Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” (Psalms 17:2)

Many times, those who slander try to make their personal condemnation palatable by putting God’s name on it. This is what the LORD meant when He said “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)  They have the audacity to put the holy name of the LORD on their slander (James 1:20). These railers call their evil report against someone created in God’s image His inspiration and truth when in reality it is the fruit of their own wicked imaginations coming out of their own depraved heart.

Saints, do not allow or facilitate any slander of the enemy! Get rid of it immediately and rebuke the evil doer who would dare do Satan’s work like a coward who won’t go DIRECTLY to the person they have a question or concern about! Go read Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15. Such a person is a child of Satan himself of whom the Bible tells us:

“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:10

Those who are the remnant of Christ’s elect walk in love and that means they don’t slander others – only Satan’s children slander others and then call it marking their victim. Under the guise of marking a person, some have maliciously slandered and sown discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).

“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” Psalms 55:21

The clear proof that one is saved is God’s LOVE in their life – “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:13-15)

Remember that it doesn’t matter what people say about you when your whole life is all about Jesus. No sin of the past, if you have repented, defines who you are today. So, don’t let any child of Satan who is posing as a Christian, rub your nose in your past sins. In fact, that’s the time to rejoice.

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34

Matthew 10 answers so many questions and sets our expectations as His disciples:

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:16-28

If we only knew the blessings that await our being persecuted, perhaps we would say “Bring it on Devil!”

Of sufferings the life and sufferings of the beloved Joseph, F.B. Meyer relates:

“If he (Joseph) could have foreseen the future, he would not have wondered at the severe discipline. If only we could see all that awaits us in the palace of the Great King, we should not be so surprised at certain experiences which befall us in earth’s darker cells. You are being trained for service I God’s Home, and in the upper spaces of the universe.” F.B. Meyer, Joseph, p. 48

Concerning sufferings, the Son of God and His apostles taught this:

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

“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

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

Of suffering, Janet Hagen notes:

“God puts every one of our tears in His bottle. Out of God’s great fullness and sufficiency He will recompense back to you all that has been temporarily lost. I am so aware in recent months that loss and rejection from people who should love us seems to be our spiritual training ground of sorts. Boy, is it ever a tough painful road. Yet, God WILL recompense if we stay true to him, amen?”

Plagued by the Judgment of Others? |  The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become! | For more on the blessing of suffering with Christ, study the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. | The Great Benefit of Suffering by F.B. Meyer |

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Apostasy

Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]

Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]


“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.

Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!

Biblical Topics Sampling:

      • Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
      • Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
      • 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
      • Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
      • Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
      • Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
      • Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
      • Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
      • Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
      • The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
      • Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
      • The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
      • Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
      • Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
      • Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
      • The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
      • Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
      • 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
      • Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
      • Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
      • Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
      • False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
      • Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
      • Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
      • Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
      • God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
      • Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
      • Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
      • The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
      • Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17

Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.

“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

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16

Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.

“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

The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.

“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21

The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)

YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.

MORE TOPICS

Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4

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Articles

The Name and Witness of Jesus Christ [podcast]


“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

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”  1 John 5:10

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”  1 Peter 3:15

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please sanctify my life unto Thee. Make me holy as You are holy. Please separate me and use me for Your eternal glory LORD Jesus. May Your life shine greater in and through this vessel dear LORD. I love You Jesus and right this instant commend, submit my spirit, my whole being into Thy holy hands. In Jesus’ name.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission hereThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Fellowship

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The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]


Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).

(Excerpt from the book I Die Daily)

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3

Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD:

  • That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice”
  • That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer
  • Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the morning … I will look up”

From this passage, we see that David planned or scheduled, in an intentional and calculated fashion, to meet with the LORD every morning. The phrase “in the morning” appears twice in this inspired transmission of the Holy Ghost. The man whose heart panted after the LORD – to behold His precious beauty – declared that he would “direct” (point) his prayer upward to the LORD “in the morning.” (Ps. 5:3; 27:4; Acts 13:22) Communing with the LORD was priority to David, and therefore occupied first place in his daily life. He sought the LORD firstly as he arose from sleep, and before he went forth into his day.

Jesus commanded that if any person will come after Him – truly follow Him – he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). There is no place that the cross applies more than in daily prayer. The moment one arises, he will choose either to seek God or dwell upon self-sentiments and such. He will seek Christ, or he will seek his own salvation or rescue from his troubles. We all make a “daily” choice:

“… choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No different from those covenant saints the LORD spoke to in this important passage, those whom we dwell among are serving self – the flesh – and yet we are called upon by the LORD to “choose” to daily serve Him rather than self. We are called to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.” (Phil. 2:15-16)

The LORD is calling us to purposefully declare Him as the LORD and Master of our lives, and this we do by making the premeditated decision to seek Him daily in prayer communion. Like Joshua, the way we “choose” to “serve” God must be premeditated, deliberate, daily, and in practicality. Daily, early morning, first fruit prayer is all three of these. It is the fruit of the crucified life – the life that is dead to self and in whom Christ dwells and reigns. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)

To those who seek God and not their own devices, there are many benefits (Ps. 68:19).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The precious peace of the “Prince of Peace” rules and reigns and makes sound the hearts of those who deny self’s ability to overcome and solve issues and problems, and instead earnestly and diligently rely upon God’s power to do such for them (Isa. 9:6; 26:3).

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

As we fix our whole being upon Jesus Christ, our thoughts will be upward to His “glorious high throne,” which is “the place of our sanctuary.” (Jer. 17:12)

God is calling each of His saints to give his whole being to Christ, and to those things that “are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php. 4:8).

So, according to Philippians 4:6-8, saints are to rely upon the LORD and not self by submitting all their requests in prayer to Him who is their Source, and to think upon those things of Christ which are “true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … if there be any virtue … if there be any praise.” It is upon “these things” that we are instructed to “think on.” (Phil. 4:8)

God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and yet it is not until we become truly “crucified with Christ” that we are going to be ruled by His thoughts and peace (Isa. 55:8-9; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:6-7).

Changing the way one thinks is being done by millions of people who are not regenerated (not born again). New age and religious teachers hold this thought transformation teaching closely. Anyone can change the way they think for self-serving reasons – to stop smoking, to visualize and earn more money, to have more self-esteem, etc. However, hell still awaits all who are not born again, and that takes facing the living God and Judge in repentance for sin and placing all faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). The only renewing of the mind and thoughts that brings glory to Jesus Christ, is that which begins with one casting his whole being upon the LORD afresh – presenting himself a “living sacrifice … unto God.” Let’s look at Romans 12:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Those who are presenting their bodies to the LORD as “living sacrifice(s)” are infused and enabled by His grace to keep their minds or thoughts stayed (fixed) upon the LORD and not self, as they look for Jesus’ soon return (Col. 3:1-4). They trust Christ and not their own strength, reasoning, whims, philosophies, or wisdom. As they give themselves over to Christ and His infinite divine power, and become weak in self and self’s abilities, Jesus’ power raises them up to trust Him and rely upon Him alone – to rest the weight of their whole beings in Him who is able. They first declare that they are not able, and that only “God is able.” (Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 9:8) These are they who have and are finding out in a personal way that there really is nothing impossible with the LORD!

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Abraham trusted God. He is our human example of a man who walked with God – by faith believing that God would raise up that to which he died. Concerning the promise of a son being born to him and his aged wife, the Bible records these words from the LORD to His servant Abraham:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14

If God can and will split the Red Sea for His people, and cause a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife to have a child, what in your life can’t He do? (Gen. 17:17)

Here’s yet another question posed to our hearts from the LORD:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

God requires that we die to self-will, self-help, and self-esteem, and lay our lives in His holy, perfect, and more-than-sufficient hands. He can then work in us and in our lives – raising up His holy standard and power to glorify Himself in and through His children. Nothing will be impossible for the LORD to perform in the lives of those who deny themselves and, like Abraham, trust God to raise up His solutions, answers, and blessings to bring Himself glory.

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (makes alive) the dead, and (God) calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17

God called forth Isaac out of Abraham’s loins when it was an otherwise impossibility in the natural. In your life, beloved, “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14)

Our connection with God is all about relationship, and the quality of that relationship is exemplified in our prayer lives – or lack thereof. If a person is pursuing the LORD, he has a prayer life. He lays down his own desires and life and seeks God’s life. This is perhaps in no other scrutiny seen more clearly than in the value he assigns to his prayer life, and the heart affections and time he is willing to invest in it.

In Psalms 63, the Psalmist captures the life of the person who truly has a heart after God.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:1-8

The following is an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

“’At that day ye shall ask in My name.’ John 16:26.  We are too much given to thinking of the Cross as something we have to get through; we get through it only in order to get into it. The Cross stands for one thing only for us – a complete and entire and absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is realized more than in prayer.

‘Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.’ Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.

‘I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? ‘At that day’ you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else.”

PRAYER: Father, please bless this life to honor You and Your will first and foremost in this life You have granted, by my being authentically crucified with Christ. Please unite my heart to fear Your holy name and to number with wisdom this short time on this earth as a gift from You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for dying for my sins and for the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost You placed in us upon salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You must increase but I must decrease. This moment, if never before, I declare and deliberately decide to place You first daily in my life – I am crucified with Christ. Early will I seek Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Capture Points

  • Discuss Psalms 5:3 along with Mark 1:35 and the importance of daily and first fruits prayer in the life of every disciple of Jesus.
  • Transcribe onto an index card and discuss Romans 12:1-2 (KJB recommended).
  • Write out on an index card Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (KJB)

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