The LORD Delights
in those who Trust in His Mercy
and not their own Merit-less, Sinful State
As an eternal memorial of the mercy of God in Christ, Jesus showed mercy to a man who was likely a lifelong criminal sinner.
After rebuking the other thief for his unbelief, the penitent thief on the cross next to Jesus asked our LORD to remember him.
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
So, if the Son of God freely forgave and took to glory the repentant, seeking criminal next to Him on the cross, why would anyone believe He’s changed? Who is it that would deny that Christ would and is doing the same today?
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8
WHEN you see people get arrested… it’s likely that God is setting them apart so He can save, so He can transform them. Pray for them. Jail is death and burial…. which must precede resurrection. Jesus is coming and eternity is all that matters!
—- We all get various spam emails and see ads for many things, including background checks. NEVER MIND mere man’s “background checks” … How does our background check out with Him? Isn’t that all that matters? The Almighty has the full version of the “background check” of our whole lives – including every thought and motive of our hearts (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). And He’s the only Judge before whom we shall all stand to give account ….. WHO do you fear? … David cried “Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.”(Psalms 17:2) In other words David was only concerned about how the LORD viewed him and had no concern for what mere sinful men thought or said about him. ….. The apostle Paul wrote:
“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. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:33-37
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalms 147:11
According to Psalms 147:11, just WHO did your Maker and Judge say that He takes “pleasure in”?
- “them that fear him”
- “those that hope in his mercy”
Those who truly fear God will repent to be saved and will continually repent as needed (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; 12:21, etc.). “Repent” is the very first word of the Gospel (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, etc.).
UNTIL, as an individual, you begin to realize just how wicked you really are, you will never begin to appreciate what our KING and Savior did on that cross!
Concerning your initial thoughts when you see that mug shot, examine yourself for a moment by answering the following questions:
- Do you hold out mercy and understanding for yourself while harshly judging others in your attitude, never knowing the shoes they walk in?
- Do you understand that Jesus promised that His children will be accused of “all manner of evil against” them “falsely” and instructed them to “rejoice” when this happens? (Matthew 5:10-12) Do you rejoice at persecutions?
- Do you know that Psalms 17:2 says our “sentence” ultimately comes from the LORD and not mere men?
Holding out mercy for others is important. Having a mercy-filled disposition is godly.
NO MATTER how hurt or mad you may currently be with someone, remember, Jesus died to save that person and is not willing that such a person perish (Luke 9:56; John 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9).
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Bible Hint: God says that if you want mercy, you must show mercy. In many cases, in eternity, things will reverse completely as the Bible teaches. Many of those in positions of authority in this brief life will be in hell for eternity (Ezek. 21:26; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6, etc.). Many who are judges today and send people to prison, will themselves be submitted irrevocably and eternally to the prison of fire by the Judge of their eternal souls. as As they sat in their high seats (benches) and hundreds and even thousands of times sent souls to jail, they themselves ignored their own need to repent before a holy God and Judge against whom they has grossly sinned.
The fires of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon the hopeless souls who leave this earth without having received and walked in (to the end) the mercy of the Almighty which He offers all men through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
THE SINS THAT SHOULD CONCERN US MOST ARE OUR OWN SINS! why then do we wrongly judge others in our attitudes when the one who needs Jesus most is us? To his friends who wrongly judged him, Job said: “But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?” (Job 19:28)
Hell’s Mug Shots are Forever!
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
The Bible establishes the inherent sinfulness of all men and that would include you, my friend.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one … For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10, 23
May the only final law enforcement Judge who sits atop the Highest throne in the supreme court of the Universe show us our own mug shot today – the fact that we ourselves are completely guilty of sinning against Him and that we are in utter need of the One who came and bled that we might be forgiven.
The Bible establishes that the whole world – every human being, without exception – is “guilty before God.” (Romans 3:19)
Those whose mug shots we often see of those caught for their sinful activities and whose sins are made public are just like you – sinners! Just because our sins aren’t known to the mass public does not make them any less a violation to the holiness of our Maker and Judge. If you have ever stolen anything, lusted or hated in your heart, you are no less a sinner than the mug shot guy or girl. The only difference here is that they have been caught and are in jail for a temporary time in this brief life. When you die your doom or bliss is sealed. Don’t wait friend – turn to the Good Shepherd today. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
“Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” 1 Timothy 5:24
God sees/knows ALL sins. He knows ALL of the sins you have committed in your heart and then those you committed in action. Nothing escapes Him.
Do you realize that if you die in sin that you will spend eternity in the lake of fire?
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
Will your mug shot be forever posted for all to see as you sizzle in the flames of eternal damnation?
Getting Off the High Horse
Here’s a Bible passage to prayerfully each morning this week:
“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; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
The LORD delights in His people and wants them to see things the way He sees them (Romans 12:2). His first desire is to restore and show mercy and He does so when the sinner repents.
All is recorded in Heaven (Hebrews 4:13). God sees ALL your sins and will pull the curtains back and roll the tape of your life on Judgment Day. Every single thought and deed of your life is on file with God. He made provision to remove and desires to forgive all. If you die without His forgiveness, you will face the Almighty on Judgment Day in the Supreme Court of the Universe as a guilty sinner who refused to be pardoned. In trembling ruins you will stand shameful and without excuse before a holy God.
Put your own face in that mug shot! Admit to your own sins! Own up to your vile thoughts, meditations, lusts, adulteries, fornications of heart! And then begin praying for God to show mercy on others as He has shown upon your own filthy soul! Beg Him for a pure heart so that you can see Him! (Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 20:9)
Why do you self-righteously and arrogantly boast as if you have no need for divine mercy this very hour?
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
If you will be in Heaven eternally, you had better get in touch with your infinite need for divine mercy (Matthew 5:20; 21:31).
Let’s ask: Where are “the eyes of the LORD”? – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
What does God behold? – “beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
What did Jesus tell us is going to be “covered”? – “nothing.”
“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. “ Matthew 10:26
Word to the wise – You better get off that high horse or the flames of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon your helpless, conscious corpse!
It’s time to dismount from the high horse of pride and mount the lowly donkey of humility. God is going to eternally bless the lowly, humble souls who live to celebrate His Majestic, blessed only begotten Son who bled for our sins. Don’t miss this eternal celebration and bliss!
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
Back to the Mug Shots….
The thieves on the crosses that flanked our blessed Savior were mug shot criminals! What is your view of them? What is your view of mug shot criminals today?
When is the last time you lifted the mug shot person in prayer? What about the flashy story on TV about some evildoer? Did you pray for them?
What is your very first thought concerning mug shots you see in print in your mail box or on TV or the internet?
Firstly, it’s time to get a clue! Do you know how many false arrests go on in this nation? Staggering! Do you know how many false imprisonments go on in our injustice system? Staggering! Do you know that many Christians are in jail right now serving sentences as a result of persecutions and false evidence fabricated against them in order to jail them? Many of the LORD’s most blessed patriarchs of Christ were jailed! Joseph, several of the prophets, John the Baptist, Paul, etc.
God does not forget people in this earth’s jails but he does forget those who left the earth outside of a relationship with Christ – those who chose to “forget” Him. They will forever be vanquished into the fires of damnation (Psalms 9:17; 50:22).
Concerning this matter, Mark McIntosh writes:
“Sometimes it’s BETTER to be in a PRISON and be found by JESUS and TRULY REPENT of our SINS than to be free in a world where your SOUL is in BONDAGE and hell is pending! Repent and BE FREE INDEED …. in jail, prison or in society … it doesn’t matter where … AMEN?”
But just what if that next person in a mug shot you see is truly guilty? Are they beyond God’s hand to redeem and forgive? Is God’s hand shortened? (Isaiah 59:1-2) Is God’s Word lying when it tells us that Jesus is alive and well at His blessed Father’s right hand and able to save from the uttermost to the uttermost? (Hebrews 7:24-25) Where is your faith? Repent of such evil thinking that is emanating from an uncircumcised heart! (Mark 7:20-23)
Think like a disciple of Christ, friend. Memorize Romans 12:1-2 today!
Are you still so very blinded by your own sin that you join the depraved hearts of the world’s sinners in condemning criminals? The reality is, that in the “Holy, holy, holy” eyes of the Almighty, you are in need of no less mercy that the vilest of criminals in this fleeting life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
What did Jesus do to the two criminals who were at each of His blessed sides while He hung for YOUR sins? He gave both of them the full privilege to be saved into His eternal kingdom of bliss and praise God one of them received Him!
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
Looking for Mercy!
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7
Do you realize that gutter prostitutes and the vilest of criminals in this world have a better chance at going to Heaven than self-righteous religious people who pastor churches, cast out devils, speak with tongues, serve in their church, sing in the choir, go on missionary trips, and do many wonderful works in Christ’s name?
The Son of God says to the religious leaders of His day:
“Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots (whores, prostitutes) go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31
Who did the LORD tell us will receive the full strength of undiluted judgment upon their own heads?
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against (triumphs over) judgment.” James 2:13
Did you catch what James says here?
Read it again and answer this:
- Who will receive to themselves “judgment WITHOUT mercy”? – Those who “shewed no mercy” to others in their thoughts and out of their mouths!
Some self-righteous soul may still be saying “But, but, but that criminal did this or that…” … Jesus died for unholy criminals like you and me! He found and saved your wretched soul didn’t He? Does He love that mug shot soul any less?
My advice to you is to genuinely surrender to Christ, to die to self completely, to cry out to Him to break you to the core of your being. Then, you will cease sitting in the seat of the scornful, and truly be able to be used of Him. Get low or to hell you also will go (Psalm 1). Whatever you do, read Psalm 51 and take special note to every word this time!
God’s Word tells us that those who will be saved are “looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” They do not stand in their own self-righteous, filthy, sinful rags but rather they stand looking to the LORD for His blessed mercy!
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
Just what are believers to be “looking for” in light of the fact that we shall all meet our Maker soon? – “mercy”!
Live and Preach this – The Pharisee and the Publican
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
The only one of these two guys who was justified and ready to survive the holy wrath and judgment of God was the one who cried from his needy heart “God be merciful to ME a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
If you are being convicted by the truth and the Holy Ghost of God, it’s time to repent and truly turn to the LORD and be broken, crying out to the LORD for His mercy upon your own wretched, self-righteous and evil heart before it’s too late.
Read Psalm 51 and beg the LORD to forgive you as you cry out to Him to search YOU, to cleanse YOU … it’s only “THEN” that He can use you.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
Just because the mass public doesn’t know about YOUR sins doesn’t mean that your sins are hidden! The LORD saw your evil thoughts, lust, covetousness, and hatred! God saw you do it! What shall you do?
***We must make sure we are walking in the “true holiness” that is only possible by the mercy of God shown to us through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:23-25). Please beware of the false holiness that is being taught all around us. True or Feigned Holiness?
Be Ye Kind One to Another, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another [podcast]
God will Soon Gather His Children Together in His House! [podcast]
Articles
Godly Integrity [podcast]
“Loved this podcast. Thank you. As I was listening I was thinking of Daniel and the Bible says he had an excellent spirit! So I wondered why that would be said of him. A few things stand out in his life. Daniel 6:14 says he has excellent wisdom. He lived by God’s standards and ways. And we also know he was a man of prayer. And even when there was a decree signed that he was to stop praying he still petitioned the Lord. Daniel 6:10 says “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God,” He also refused to “defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:” Daniel 1:8. This would be such a great prayer for us all to ask God to give us an excellent spirit such as Daniel had.” Karen Cochran
INTEGRITY
in·teg·ri·ty
inˈteɡrədē/Submit
noun
1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
“he is known to be a man of integrity”
synonyms: honesty, probity, rectitude, honor, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness
“I never doubted his integrity”
- the state of being whole and undivided.
“upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty”
synonyms: unity, unification, coherence, cohesion, togetherness, solidarity
“the integrity of the federation”
Being circumspect, having a heart and life of godly integrity, should be the prayer and goal of every person who names the name of Christ (2 Timothy 2:19).
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Circumspect
careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent.
Circumspect…. circular, fully around you, the circumference of your sphere to be fully orbed with integrity and honesty and moral excellence before the LORD.
Living life in a prayerful, careful and prudent way; discreetly: All disciples of Jesus must work hard to live circumspectly, as they are called to be examples.
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Exodus 23:19
The LORD is a God of pure and perfect integrity and commands His people to likewise be.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15
“Circumspectly – Exactly, with the utmost accuracy, getting to the highest pitch of every point of holiness. Not as fools – Who think not where they are going, or do not make the best of their way.” John Wesley
“In the next seven verses, Paul contrasts foolish footsteps and careful conduct by a series of negative and positive exhortations. The first is a general plea to his readers to walk not as fools but as wise. As mentioned previously, walk, is one of the key words of the Epistle: it is mentioned seven times to describe “the whole round of the activities of the individual life.” To walk circumspectly is to live in the light of our position as God’s children. To walk as fools means to descend from this high plane to the conduct of worldly men.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Walk circumspectly – Our word circumspect, from the Latin circirmspicio, signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man’s interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word ακριβως signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly. Be ye, who have received the truth, careful of your conduct; walk by the rule which God has given you; do this as well in little as in great matters; exemplify your principles, which are holy and good, by a corresponding conduct; do not only profess, but live the Gospel. As you embrace all its promises, be careful also to embrace all its precepts; and behave yourselves so, that your enemies may never be able to say that ye are holy in your doctrines and profession, but irregular in your lives.” Adam Clarke
SEE, hear a Scripture you desire to be a reality in your personal life? Pray it! Jesus says for us to “ASK” = Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11).
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7
Examples of Integrity – Representing Christ
When speaking to others about the LORD, do you show them and/or speak HIS words to them? Or, like so many others today, do you attempt to explain God using only your own words? DO YOU have integrity to the Word of God?
“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11
In Dealing with the Opposite Sex
When a beautiful lady walks in the room, how do you currently react? What if she’s a married woman, another man’s wife? Dare we lust after another man’s wife? Read 1 Thessalonians 4.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
Do we objectify women out of an adulterous heart of lust?
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1
No, this doesn’t mean that godly men are to attempt to deny that women are beautiful. Such would be unnatural. The LORD made them that way and put the magnetic attraction between the sexes for His purposes – and not for us to lust after them outside the context of marriage. The last thing we need in our day is more men without “natural affection.” (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3) Admit it – women are beautiful. Also, admit and acknowledge that God calls us to be holy and possessed with His integrity. Oh and He’s watching how we view His ladies. Purity by way of the daily cross is the only solution (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20). | The Cross
“Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:” Romans 1:31
“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Do You Have “Eyes full of Adultery”?
“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” 2 Peter 2:14
Godly Integrity in Business
IF you own a company and have 1 or more employees, teach your people to RESPECT your clients. Be a person of godly integrity (Proverbs 20:7).
Godly Integrity in Stewardship
Do you spend all on the god of self? Or, are you a giver who helps poor Christians and true original Gospel ministries? (Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.)
Godly Integrity in Parenting
WHEN you see a full grown man, or woman, who is doing the right things – DOING.
In many cases this seems to indicate that he/she was most likely brought up right (Proverbs 22:6). And as an adult has continued to make the right choices daily to do things the right way
God’s way.
Proverbs chapters 3 and 4, Aamazing.
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, cleanse this vessel. Make me to be UPRIGHT, a man/woman of absolutely integrity – through and through. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Are you teaching these Bible truths to others, to your children?
Are you a God fearing parent? Are you training up your children HIS stated way? If not, the LORD is calling you to repentance, now. God is watching and holding you personally accountable to teach His Word to HIS children He gave you on loan. | Godly Parenting Now
The truly God-fearing man/woman will without wavering do God’s will no matter what, even when it brings great harm upon themselves:
“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Psalms 15:4
“Integrity” appears 16 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible. Here are some of those instances:
“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.” Job 31:5
“The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.” Psalms 7:8
“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” Psalms 25:21
“A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” Psalms 26:1
“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalms 26:11
INTEGRITY: If you owe someone $1,000 and can’t pay it all at once, show integrity and send them $ every month or week till you’ve paid them off. If you don’t, you show yourself to be a man who is without integrity (Proverbs 20:7). Soon as you begin paying back, you demonstrate the earnest of your integrity.
“And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.” Psalms 41:12
“So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” Psalms 78:72
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1
“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You are perfect, pure, and “Holy, holy, holy.” And, You commanded me to be holy as You are holy. I turn afresh to You here and now, this instant. Jesus I admit and confess before You that I’ve not bene pure or poor in spirit. I have sinned against You and now ask You to forgive and purify my heart dear LORD. Establish my now crucified – dead and buried – life in Your holiness and integrity, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Walking in Godly Integrity and Restitution | The Cross
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“Your Redemption Draweth Nigh” [podcast]
“Great podcast!” Robin Figtree
“Amen! This verse is hope for the remnant believers! As we are not to be like the world and the lukewarm Christians whose hearts are failing them for fear. Luke 21:26. But we are to put our hope and faith in our blessed Saviour who will come like a thief in the night. We are to live with an eternal perspective. And not to live in despair, hopelessness, and fear.” Karen Cochran
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
After detailing the things that would be occuring in the earth before His return, Jesus then instructs us what to do: “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
Hebrews 10:35-39
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Jesus told us to “look up, and lift up your heads” when we see the signs of the end which would indicate His soon return. Rather than being overly preoccupied with the signs and Satan’s agents that Christ told us would be most evident just before His return, we should be all the more seeking the face of the Lord. Jesus is coming which should hasten us to do the ministry commission He left us to do—edify, nourish, teach and send forth His people into ministry to make Him known to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15, etc.).
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Are you nourishing your heart daily in God’s Word? Who will you build up in Christ today?
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Prayer: LORD, please root me soundly in You this day. Produce the fruit and good works in this vessel that glorify You. Help me to nourish, edify, and equip others of Your beloved people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Articles
Satan Hates Soul Winners With A Passion
Are You On His Hit List?
“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Do you desire to win souls? Are you willing to try a new, yet time-tested method to reach others for Christ while there is still time? This method that I am going to share with you is approximately 500 years old and could revolutionize your life today here on earth, and throughout eternity. It started when the LORD had the printing press come into existence so that His Word could be propagated to all the peoples of the earth.
As a roman catholic monk with an unredeemed, darkened heart, Martin Luther read the book of Romans and had just discovered that a man is saved by God’s grace through faith, not by works or adherence to a religion (Ephesians 2:8-9). He accepted God’s gift of eternal life and was saved. So, this reformer nailed the 99 declarations to the roman church door and was thereby persecuted by the catholic system from that day forward. A few years following this event, and by divine providence, the printing press was invented. Luther began publishing literature (tracts) about salvation by grace through faith and was able to reach tens of thousands across Europe with the Gospel. Riding upon the vehicle of the printed page, the Gospel of Jesus spread like wild fire across the Europe.
Gospel Tracts have been used by Christians for some 500 years now to reach millions of precious souls who might never have been otherwise reached. The Gospel of Jesus Christ in short form on a tract can convict the alienated soul of sin and plant the necessary seed of salvation.
“I HAVE PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED; BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE…NOW HE THAT PLANTETH AND HE THAT WATERETH ARE ONE: AND EVERY MAN SHALL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOUR. FOR WE ARE LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH GOD.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Did you notice that the apostle Paul said; ” I HAVE PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED; BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE…”? How can God give “the increase” if His servants don’t plant and water the seed of His perfect Word? Isn’t it amazing how that our Heavenly Father has granted us the privilege of participating in His plan of redemption and even promises rewards in Heaven to the faithful?! (John 4:35; Daniel 12:3)
A tract as defined by Daniel Webster means “a pamphlet or leaflet, especially one on a religious subject.” A Gospel tract is a vehicle upon which God’s holy Word is recorded. The tract is then placed where the lost can pick it up, read it, and have the Gospel of Christ enlighten their hearts. This is a proven method of communicating the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God to sinners.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Has the Holy Ghost been prompting you to reach the lost in this last hour? If so, it is important for you to realize that literature evangelism is a method that He also originated and is integrally involved in today.
Remember, there will be no sinners to reach in Heaven and we only have a short time to reach them here on earth, because our LORD is coming soon. The close of this age is at hand, “…the night cometh when no man can work.” John 9:4 If we are going to do something for Christ, we must do it now.
Someone has wisely stated that “The only thing better than going to Heaven is taking others with you.” I dare to say, according to Scripture, that ALL true Christians have a desire to share Christ with others. It would not be impossible for His love to fill one’s heart and he not desire to tell others.
I am writing to you today, as your friend and brother in Christ, to tell you that you can do something significant to reach the lost for Jesus! You can use this practical method to reach others for Christ. Distributing Gospel literature is a very effective method of evangelism. I am no different than you and have been putting out Gospel literature for over 15 years now. On a daily basis I have developed the simple habit of carrying tracts wherever I go. I always have 3-10 tracts on my person with at least 50-150 in my car. This habit has become so natural that I feel lost without Gospel literature in my possession – only because I have developed the habit of evangelizing this way. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul instructed Timothy to; “Do the work of an evangelist.” 2 Timothy 4:5 Note the phrase “the work of an evangelist.” “The work of an evangelist” is to win the lost.
I KEPT RUNNING OUT AND THAT GOT ME MAD!
One of the reasons I started a tract ministry in 1987 is because I got tired of running out of tracts to pass out. I got very frustrated and wanted to put an end to lack, once and for all time! I never wanted to be without Gospel literature again! It seemed like every extra dollar I could squeeze out, I’d mail to a tract ministry to order 100-200 tracts. That’s all I could afford at the time. Obviously, I didn’t have an abundance of money in those days, but the LORD used what I had to His glory and He multiplied it, as He promised in the parable of the talents and as He did with the loaves and fishes (Matt. 25; 2 Cor. 9:10).
TRACT MANIAC
Within days of receiving tracts in the mail from other tract ministries, I was completely out and wanting more in order to reach more people. Finally, after praying about this, I believe it was impressed upon my heart to write an evangelistic message, so I did. It became the very first tract we ever published and was titled “The Absolute.” Then, I felt impressed to get a printing press. At that time I didn’t even know what a printing press looked like. Well, to make a long story short, we were blessed with one and started learning how to use it without the slightest lesson or experience. The first night, myself and a friend ruined 1-2 reams of paper trying to learn. We learned as we went. This was the start of a ministry that would lead to numerous salvations by producing some million and a half tracts over the next few years, and it all started by simple obedience to God’s Word.
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (the printed page), that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2
THE 1080 PLAN
What do you think might happen if you simply placed 3 tracts per day where someone could pick them up? That’s 90 per month and 1080 per year! Just think, if only 50% of those tracts got read (that’s a conservative figure) what could happen. Only Heaven will reveal! That’s 540 souls who would have the eternal Word of God planted in their hearts as a result of your ministry. Isn’t this exciting!?
Just maybe you have experienced the thoughts that went something like this; “Okay, I want to be used by God to reach the lost, but how do I get started? What practical thing can I personally do to let fellow men know about the love of God?” If this has been the question of your heart, just maybe you could obtain some Gospel tracts and begin a tract outreach ministry to the world around you? No one else can reach your world but you. This is your calling from God. What do you think? Only eternity will reveal how many people miss eternal hell and go to Heaven as a result of your service to our LORD. Remember the song, “Thank you, for giving to the LORD, I am a life that was changed…”? Will there be people in Heaven who thank you for reaching them before it was too late?
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN REACH OUT WITH TRACTS:
Reflecting upon today, I remember that I was privileged to distribute several Gospel tracts in my travels. I didn’t even need to go out of my way – I was already going to be in those places. I thought, “Why not make the best impact for Christ while walking to and through a building?” In the morning, while searching for a greeting card, I placed some tracts (2-3) inside some greeting cards at the grocery store, and on the way out dropped one in each of two soft drink machines so that the next person who got a soft drink, got a tract too. This took little extra effort, I was already enroute, yet could have eternal consequences. At a restaurant tonight, I used the restroom and placed 3-4 in there so that the next few unsuspecting patronizers would have the Gospel readily available to them. Don’t forget, there is normally a water fountain and/or telephones near bathrooms where tracts can be placed. Don’t forget to place one of two in different places of the phone book. Today, at the gas pump I placed a tract on the pump so that the next person could get it. There are limitless ways to get tracts out so that sinners can be reached. Your imagination is the limit. What an adventure!
THERE ARE MANY PLACES GOSPEL TRACTS CAN BE PLACED. HERE ARE A FEW:
Hands (remember to smile with God’s love), convenience stores, newspaper stands, coke machines, Laundromats, beauty shops, telephone booths, airports, airplanes, park benches, magazines/magazine racks, restaurants, doctor’s offices, grocery store shelves, bus stations, dentist’s offices, public restrooms, libraries hospitals, shopping malls, at social events, etc….and the list goes on. The idea is to infiltrate, inundate, and saturate your community with the Gospel.
INVADE YOUR CITY WITH THE WORD ON THE PRINTED PAGE: Launch a major tract attack in your world. Begin today. Jesus said: “The seed is the word of God”. It’s our time to PLANT IT! (Luke 8:11) God will bless your efforts. If you need tracts, contact us.
This ministry exists to spread the Gospel. We would love to assist you in starting your own witnessing ministry for the Lord. All you need to get started is a willing and obedient heart, and some good Gospel literature.
If you need Gospel tracts to help you reach the lost, click on the Tracts button on this site.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
todd tomasella
P.S. – It makes it all worth while when you get a personal phone call at 3 AM in the morning from a guy who has just read a tract you distributed and is wanting to pray to get saved! This actually happened! But, whether you see the fruit or not, you must understand that God’s Word does not return void, but accomplishes what God ordains in the hearts of those who read the literature you place out in your world. See Isaiah 55:10-11; Rom. 1:16
NEVER doubt the power of God’s Word.
Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
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