The Divine Attributes [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

In their unrepentant, darkness-loving hearts, many today have created a false god in their own sinful image. Jesus told us that evil “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19-21) They choose to look only at the goodness, grace, mercy, and love of God while intentionally refusing to acknowledge that the LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” and that “The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth.” (Psalms 9:16-17; Romans 11:22; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8, etc.).

Just as the Holy Spirit warned us, these same counterfeits have also “heaped to themselves”, or set up before them, self-serving false teachers who conjoined them in their deliberate corruption of the image of a Holy loving God who is just and will judge each of us.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

The only proper image of God in our hearts comes from acknowledging “All” that He’s given us in His Word.

“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Those who stay in and worship God on the record and the terms He gives in His Word learn sound “doctrine”, are reproved, and corrected, and instructed by the LORD. They are perfected, matured, equipped and “furnished” through and through by the LORD.

Those who truly love God supremely desire to know Him fully, to know all about Him, and to please Him, to do things His way and not their own (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3).

We cannot worship God on the basis of what we think He is but rather on who He says He is. The psalms gained understanding by being in God’s Word and therefore hated “every false way” or everything that didn’t align with the Word of God.

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

“God is not the way we say He is, God is the way the Bible says He is.” A.W. Tozer

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

When a man decides to truly repent, he will then worship God on the basis of who He tells us He is. Such a man will love and be “valiant for the truth” and therefore he will “HATE every false way.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Many today render false worship toward the LORD in that they have not dethroned the god of self and therefore are seeking God for what He can give them or do for them – instead of loving and worshipping Him for who He is. Do we seek the heart of God or the hand of God? (Psalms 33:11) Do we only know the Word of God and not the God of the Word?

Saul’s Rebellion

Saul did not remain in the Word as Israel’s kings were instructed to do (Deuteronomy 17). He therefore became wise in his own conceit because of his evil heart of pride, arrogancy which is witchcraft or control, doing things our own way and not God’s

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Saul was full of pride. He not longer saw himself as “little” or humble and small in light of the Almighty. No, he was full of arrogance for not keeping his heart pure before God and therefore leaned to his own darkened understanding instead of trusting and obeying God.

“And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?.” 1 Samuel 15:17

In 1 Samuel 15: The LORD reminded Saul what Amalek did to Israel after God brought His people out of Egypt and told him to annihilate Amalek. In the Old Testament Amalek represents the flesh, the “old man” which must be “put off” (crucified) by the cross life (Colossians 3:3,9). Egypt represents the world. The LORD saves and delivers His people out of the world and commands us to kill, to crucify the flesh perpetually (Amalek). See 1 Corinthians 9:27. Like many Christians today, Saul chose do things his own way instead of God’s way, which is the way of the cross. Therefore Saul did an impartial job at dying, at killing the flesh. He let it (Amalek) live and for that God called him a rebel and took away his ministry. The same happens today to many who do not take up the cross wholly, who make concession for the flesh, who do not lay down their lives in this fleeting world, living a crucified life. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Worshipping God for who He truly is is essential, and not having a distorted image of the Almighty with whom we have to do (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

PRAYER: Father, we come to You in Jesus’ name, asking You to clarify in our hearts and minds who You are and to clear up any and all misconceptions, false notions that are in us….

Knowing the LORD Involves Worshipping and Serving Him on His Stated Terms

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

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10

How can we possibly get to know God except on the basis of who He said He is?

“CHRIST” appears 532 times in the New Testament Scriptures. The Greek word is CHRISTOS and means the anointed One, the Messiah. | Christology (the study of Christ).

This is a fascinating study sure to mature the believer’s understanding, relationship, and fellowship with the LORD. The whole of God’s Word reveals who He is and so the more of the full counsel of His Word we know and understand, the more we can know Him and how He operates. In fact, He is very “jealous” and tells us that even His name is “Jealous.” (Exodus 34:14) And, if we have the image of a false god in our hearts, erected by false notions, philosophies, we have another god in place of the LORD. This further underscores the necessity of searching the Holy Scriptures in diligent, daily digging and Bible Study.

The LORD levels a scathing rebuke to the three friends of Job for their misrepresentation of the LORD, of His attributes.

“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.” Job 42:7

Nothing has changed. Job’s friends spoke incorrectly of God while Job kept the Word of God, held to the declarations the LORD had given them of Himself. As the wrath of God was kindled against the friends of Job for misrepresenting Him, so is His holy wrath set against those today who do the same – and they are many.

Like “many” today, Job’s friends did “corrupt the word (the record) of God.”

“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 2:17

The words of God are the record of God – that which is on record directly from Him concerning who He is and who will be His and who will be excluded from His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:8). Like Paul, men of God keep His Word unfailingly. They speak with “sincerity,” they speak “in Christ” or out of a crucified life, disposition (Galatians 20:20; Colossians 3:3).

NEWSFLASH: Dear sinner: You don’t get to decide or choose who God is. Read His Word honestly, with sincere heart, and own all of His truth (Proverbs 23:23). The immutable divine nature and attributes of the Almighty are perfect and don’t change, aren’t altered because a piece of dust (you, I) denies them, Him. Repent now sinner.

The problem with fashioning a god after our own sinful image, one who justifies our sin instead of judging it, is that such is not the God we shall give account to, the God who is the very Judge of our eternal souls and has given us His Word to which we are fully and personally accountable.

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Face and take God at His Word or perish with every other rebel.

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

An attribute is simply something you attribute to someone and taking the name of the LORD in vain is prohibited by Him.

“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

Study to Know Him and His Attributes – and You Will IF He matters to You – and You Won’t if He Doesn’t

“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

Proper and thorough assimilation is essential in apprehending divine truth (Isaiah 28:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13, etc.). – “Rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) There’s serious error and danger in diminishing from one divine attribute to accommodate another Deuteronomy 4:2). Beware! (2 Timothy 2:15) One divine attribute in no way negates nor diminishes from another (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19, etc.).

Just because “God is love”, gracious, forgiving, and merciful to those who fear and obey Him, does nothing to negate that He is “Holy, holy, holy.” (1 John 4:8, 16; Psalms 103:10-12; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) And, just because God is “Holy, holy, holy” does not diminish from His merciful kindness! (Psalms 86:5, 15)

Beware of going to seed on one Bible truth to the exclusion of what is transmitted in the whole counsel of God’s Word.

When we don’t yet know and understand His divine attributes, are we not susceptible to having the image of a false god in our imagination?

One of the goals of this post is to simply quicken your understanding of the revealing of the divine attributes in His Word. It’s the source, the treasure chest of blessedness!

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. … For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:7, 14

The LORD’s attributes are in His Word shown both in direct statements of revelation and also in His acts and ways towards the children of men throughout recorded biblical history spanning 6,000 years and into eternity future.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:8

God Reveals to Us that He is both “Good” and “Great” …

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:15

God is also both good and severe in His justice and judgment to those who despise instead of receiving His goodness. We are warned to “behold” both “the goodness and severity of God”:

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:14-16

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

Here are some examples of the emotions of the LORD ….

God grieves: “his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel”

“And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” Judges 10:16

The LORD weeps …

“But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” Jeremiah 13:17

The LORD rejoices ….

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. … Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7, 10

QUESTION:

“Was Jesus always sad on earth?”

REPLY

Notice the word “above” in Hebrews 1:9:

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness ABOVE thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:9

Christ was “a man of sorrows” for the things He suffered as the very Son of God and for being persecuted unto death for our sins (Isaiah 53). Yet, Jesus had more joy than any man who ever walked the earth (Heb. 1:9). This should be understandable due to joy coming from obedience and He was perfectly obedient (John 15:11). Jesus also supplied wine at a marriage celebration (John 2). It’s obvious that we are all still learning … but only if we remain teachable. Jesus was not a prude … the image of Jesus being a prude is catholic actually …. they have no image of Jesus except sad and emaciated ….. also, the idea that Jesus was a prude seems to be consistent with self-righteous, novice believers who find out some truth and take it to seed and do not continue to grow in grace and in discovering the whole of who Jesus was …. He invented joy, celebration, etc., and has a Great Supper and eternal celebration awaiting His own (1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21-22, etc.)

“Jesus wept” when He beheld the rebellion of His own people or those who were supposed to be His (John 11:35).

Jesus also rejoiced greatly when His disciples returned from a mission trip and at the truth that their names were written in Heaven.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Luke 10:21

The Greek word for “rejoice” here is agalliao and means “to jump for joy with exceeding joy, to rejoice greatly.”

IF JESUS didn’t walk around all mad at world and upset like a prude, why would we do such? Is there the possibility that we have some further learning to do? Are we teachable or full of pride and therefore unteachable?

Christology (the study of Christ).

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The Joy of God’s Word [podcast]

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

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Psalms 119:89

“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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father please match and exceed every trial You allow me to go through with Your joy! For You said that the joy of the LORD is my strength! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

H.O.T. BIBLE STUDY [podcast]

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Current Events and the Name of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

IF we are praying God’s WORD in the name of JESUS CHRIST…. in His bless-ed humility, God is answering!

I don’t think we begin to realize the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ – and available exclusively to those who are HIS.

Memorize the word of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 14:13-14.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

One commentator notes: “The universal fascination with knowing what is going on in the world has ancient roots. Knowing that Jesus is a well-known rabbi, some ask for his take on the hot news of the day. “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). Pilate, the governor, has executed some Jews while they were in the act of offering their sacrifices, mingling their blood with the animal blood. Jewish sentiment is likely strongly against Pilate, although some seem to be critical of the people who have suffered. Maybe they deserved it.”

End Times

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Articles

The Golden Rule Life: What’s that Really Mean? [podcast]

Thinking, Knowing, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Golden Rule living is the only way to live in glorification of our Maker. Spread this word. God calls you, yes you – to love Him supremely and to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved, treated (Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40; Philippians 2:3-5).

We must teach ourselves, our children and those around us the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus is coming.

“Golden Rule, precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): ‘In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .’ This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian’s duty to his neighbour and states a fundamental ethical principle.” Unknown

Taken from the teachings of Jesus, the Golden Rule is summed up as ”treating others how you want to be treated” or, ”doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

WELCOME TO THE LAST DAYS! The self-worshiping false gospel being taught by the enemies of the cross of Christ is epidemic these days as was foretold (Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-8; 4:2-5, etc.). Beware of the self-love they are teaching. It’s the “What’s in it for me” gospel of self-love. THIS CAUSES THEIR PREY TO WALK IN SELF-SERVING HATRED, MALICE, STRIFE, ETC., NOT GOD’S LOVE.

SOBERING! DO WE REALLY GET IT? Are you omitting love, charitable acts? How are you treating Christ’s body and servants? Ready to meet Jesus today? The way you are treating His body is the exact way you are treating Jesus (Matthew 25:40-41, 46).

The way we are treating others is the exact way we are treating Jesus – who created, died for, and rose again from the dead to save those people! If our relationship with Christ isn’t translating into the love of God filling us for others, we’re departed from Him and in need of swift repentance. Matt 7:12; 22:37-39

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

“The way we treat others sets the standard of how we will be treated by God. And this includes receiving God’s gifts! Amen.” C.

If you aren’t respecting someone, you aren’t walking in God’s love toward them. Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Didn’t the LORD command us to treat others BETTER than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5)? Would you like to be treated the way you are treating that person? Others?

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” V.

Would you like to be treated the way you’re treating others? Golden Rule! Live it! Would you like to be neglected or inflicted as others have done to you?

Are you elevating other people ABOVE – “BETTER than” – yourself? This is the very “mind of Christ.”

THINKING, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Don’t want something done to you? Then don’t do it to someone else. Don’t want something thought about you? Then why think such about another person, especially if it’s not proven? Read Exodus 23:1-2. Don’t want something said about you (slander)? Then why believe the sowing of discord among the brethren which is an “abomination” to the LORD and the work of Satan himself, the accuser of Christ’s brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 12:10) …. MEASURE THIS!

Do you truly care for people or do you only care about what they can do for you?

This must be examined in each of our hearts.

If we care only about what others can do for us, we are Christ-less and should immediately seek Him in repentance and confession of our sins. He came and died for you and me with no guarantee we’d receive Him or with any other motive but to love us by paying the full price to redeem us from our sins in which we were otherwise hopelessly cemented.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” Romans 5:6-8

Instead of asking: “What’s in it for me,” we should always ask: “What’s in it for Jesus and others?”

Contrary to what we have been led to believe, we get NO “points” from God for “going to church” or for having a good record of “church attendance.” If this is true – and it sure is – why are we wasting precious time doing things God never told us to do while we leave the things He commanded us to do undone? How long shall we live outside of His will and yet still claim to be following Jesus – who gave all (John 15:13)? How long shall we allow the hirelings to exploit us with their weekly program that has never produced an ounce of discipleship in us? The divine command to “LOVE one another” appears 12 times in the New Testament. Do we truly LOVE our neighbor as ourselves? If so, then, like the earliest of Christ’s disciples, we do not consider that what we have in our possession is our own. Read, follow, and do Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Why should I have two coats when my brother or sister has none? …… Selah!

The ultimate expression of the Golden Rule was performed by the One who gave that Golden Rule.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

He who owed no debt to us, chose to pay the debt He did not owe – the debt we owed and could not pay. Sinners can’t redeem (pay the price) for sinners – only a perfect Savior could do that (Isaiah 53)! No man on earth was found qualified to redeem mankind but God sent His prophesied Savior, the very Son of God (Genesis 3:15; Ezekiel 22:30; John 3:16). | Redemption Through Sacrifice

Jesus Christ, the eternal God, came to the earth in fulfillment of over 300 Jewish prophecies, born of a virgin, to show us His Father’s love and to die the death that would redeem mankind. That is, the price for our sins was fully paid and whosoever will, can “Come and take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The LORD still saves all who repent and receive Him as LORD and Savior (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-13). Read John 1 today.

THE GOLDEN RULE is Simple: Think about This – Do you want something believed or said or done to you that you are tempted to do to someone else? If not, then drop it and do not think it or do it toward another. Stop and pray for that person. This is exactly what Jesus told us to do and the disposition He desires us to have as of Him and His Father – love (Matthew 5:44-48).

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies”
“bless them that curse you”
“do good to them that hate you”
“pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”

Read Matthew 5:44-48 prayerfully, asking the LORD to make it manifest in your heart, thinking, and life.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12

So, according to the One who gave us “The Golden Rule” (as we call it), what is the Golden Rule? Read and begin to memorize and incorporate the above verse of truth into your everyday thinking.

“The golden rule always should apply to every life! TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED! This world would be a much better place to live!” K.

EVER been used? EVER been exploited by someone? WHAT did Jesus instruct, command us to do when we are used?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

What’s going to happen to those who maliciously wrong another? A curse is coming on that person and their household:

“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Proverbs 17:13

According to the divine pronouncement above, rewarding evil to someone who did you nothing but good (never harmed you), brings a curse.

The cardinal fruit of knowing God is love.

“He that loveth not, knoweth not God.” 1 John 4:8

GOD is interested in FRUIT and fruit only comes from a ROOTED abiding relationship with Jesus (Matthew 3:7-10; John 15, etc.)!

Any questions?

If you do not have God’s love manifesting in your thoughts and actions, it’s because you do not know Him. Read 1 Corinthians 13 every day this week and ask the LORD to make every bit of it a reality in your life.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8

Golden Rule Living is following Christ – the example He set when He “came NOT to be ministered unto (be served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). WHOSE interests are you living for? Your own or Christs, and therefore His people? Do you realize that if you neglect those around you in need you are neglecting and affronting Jesus (Matthew 25:40-46)? Do you realize that you and I will be judged according to this exact measure and rule?

Just WHAT does preferring others ABOVE ourselves mean? How does that work itself out in our daily lives?

Are you living according to Christ’s teachings, OR, are you deceived into thinking you are following Him who is the only way to Heaven while setting aside, neglecting, and even shunning what He taught? Check out Mark 8:38; John 14:15, 21; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6. If I am to love my neighbor “as myself” (equally) and even prefer others “BETTER THAN” myself, why would I keep two houses when I knew another member of Christ’s body was without a home? WHY would I keep earthly investments or items that could be sold and the money given to those in need? I simply wouldn’t. The same goes for other possessions and money. Compare your Christianity to the earliest believers in Christ to see if you are authentic. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35.

The earliest disciples of Jesus were living according to His Word. They were preferring other believers “BETTER THAN themselves” (Golden Rule; Philippians 2:3-5). As true disciples of Jesus, they were naturally doing unto others as they would have them do to themselves if they were in the same need or situation.

Applying the Golden Rule in Your Thoughts and Attitudes Towards Others

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10

Notice: “let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” When your iniquitous, condemning fleshly mind, or Satan, tempts you to “imagine evil against” your brother or sister in Christ, what should you do? Read the above verse again, write it on an index card, and live by it. This qualifies exactly what Paul meant when he spoke of divine charity and its place in our lives. He stated that when we are walking in God’s love, it “thinketh no evil” inside of us, His vessels and dwelling place (1 Corinthians 13). In other words, love thinks nor concludes “no evil” against any person until it’s actually proven, and then, it shows mercy even as we are so personally and desperately in need of divine mercy – moment to moment (Titus 3:3-7; Jude 21).

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

“Imagining evil in your heart sounded foreign until I came to recognize how wretched our sins are. I pray for forgiveness when I am thinking in a wrong way. We are supposed to be forgiving and merciful to others, not having feet that are swift to do mischief.” Dana R.

The Two Great Commandments

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

1. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”

2. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”

Any person claiming to be a Christian – a follower of Christ – who does not have loving God and loving others as their highest priorities, is completely misled and deceived.

The Greatest of These is What?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

GOD PLACES the highest premium and priority on love and if you don’t, you simply do not yet understand Him nor His kingdom. Cry out to Him in confession and repentance to open the eyes of your understanding. Whatever you do, make this the priority of your life – loving God and all others – above yourself. Pouring over Philippians 2:3-5 each morning is a daily kingdom recalibration!

Pass This On.

The Mind of Christ

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“That is a wealth of wisdom. Usually I get laughed at for being too gullible. But that’s okay, I’d rather give a person the benefit of the doubt, unless they keep arguing over obvious scriptural passages, then I just pray for their eyes to open! So many who follow these Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing! I never want to be that gullible!” Diana M.

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