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Feel Alone Sometimes?

“Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10

The lady who was most instrumental in leading me to Christ, who invited me to the meeting where I was saved, later departed from Christ. The man who preached that night when the LORD saved my wretched soul also departed from Christ, committing heinous crimes. So, who saves us saints? CHRIST! Why would we ever blame our dear LORD and Savior for what mere sinful men do?

We must continue to choose God – to love Him with all our being, heart, mind, spirit, and strength.

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

The LORD is with us as we are with Him.

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

When our LORD Jesus had fed the 5,000 and they departed, He turned to His 12 and asked “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) In other words, Jesus asked them, “are you also going to leave me?” Watch Peter’s answer:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:66-69 

WHERE would we go if we left the Almighty? Where is there to go? Selah.

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” Psalms 73:25

“I am realizing that the closer we get to Jesus’ return, the tougher it is to find those who want to go with you.” Stacy Strother

Remember when Elijah thought he was the only one left following the LORD?

“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18

Jesus assured Paul that he was not alone either ….  “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.“ (Acts 18:10)

Will we follow Him, even when it costs us “friendships” with people we thought were true friends? Consider this important question which should test our hearts as to whom we love the most.

“NO MAN stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Even when “no man stood” with Paul, He knew Christ was with him and He pressed toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). The apostle Paul is a blessed and God-given example given to us. We are following Paul as he followed Jesus – no matter who else does or doesn’t!

Is Jesus worth it to you? Is He truly your very “FIRST love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)

Have you driven this stake in the ground yet? If not, would you consider doing so today?

The girl who invited me to the meeting where I was saved backslid shortly afterward. So, I was faced with the life decision as to where my attention – the affections of my heart – were going to be focused. And, I was forced to seek the face of the One who saved me and who I was going to serve. This was not difficult due to having that personal, intimate relationship with the LORD. – “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

The man who preached when God saved my wretched soul was a false prophet.

So what? Shall this be my excuse for not serving the LORD? Shall I walk away from God for what men do? How foolish would that be!?

I used to drive an Acura (an old one), so should I go dump it in the lake since I found out that a bank robbery was performed in an Acura?

“They are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

Am I not 100% responsible before my LORD, God, and Maker for my own life?

“For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

Judgment Day is on the way. Can you see this? On Judgment Day, there will be many who say “But LORD, the people who were supposed to be following You weren’t truly following You and when I found that out I waned, and then that caused me to backslide.” Then will He say to them “Depart from Me ye cursed and ye worker of iniquity, into everlasting fire!” (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:46)

Should I have left the LORD Jesus Christ because of what men were doing?

Should I have condemned them or prayed for them? What shall I do today toward them? Condemn or lift them up? Is God wanting them to perish or is He “not willing that any should perish”? (2 Peter 3:9)

The LORD is calling us to soundness of doctrine, soundness of heart and mind, and soundness of Christlikeness, being evermore conformed to the image of the Son of God who is coming soon (Romans 8:29).

Beloved, let us never blame the Almighty, immutable God, even Jesus Christ who is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” for what faulty, sinful men do! (Hebrews 13:8).

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

It’s only those who are not truly seeking the face of the LORD who condemn and turn aside their hearts from the LORD when others fail. Instead of praying for them and being sorrowful for the lapse of another, they foolishly scorn, never stopping to admit their own failings, heart wanderings, and sin.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Are you a restoring agent (Galatians 6:1-2) or are you a self-righteous modern Pharisee who sits in the seat of the scornful? (Psalms 1; Matthew 23)

Never forget that the self-righteous need to be saved too!

While witnessing with a pastor on the streets as a new believer, we came upon a lost man who was down and out, living on the street. When he heard the Gospel, the sinner said “There’s too many hypocrites in the church!” To this the pastor immediately responded with: “Would you rather go to church with the hypocrites OR do you want to go to hell with them?”

That pastor stated this well over 20 years ago and it stuck in my mind by God’s grace. He’s so good to us!

Never judge God for what men do!

Never judge God for what men do! Jesus taught that those who have been saved MUST “endure to the end” or they will be lost in hell forever.

“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

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13

Many Believers have and are Currently Suffering for Christ

YOU are not alone in your sufferings and afflictions and persecutions our LORD promised to ALL who will truly follow Him (2 Timothy 3:12). In fact, if you are not being persecuted, you’d better “examine yourself whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 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 5:7-10

Note 1 Peter 5:9 – “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

it’s Time to get happy if you are being persecuted for Christ OR it’s time to mourn that you aren’t!

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:13

Being hated, shunned, and persecuted is a reason to rejoice! Jesus told us so! Listen to your Master, your LORD, your Savior:

“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

Some are so very clueless because they are not walking in the light and therefore walk in darkness.  Though they are church attenders, they are out of touch and out of step – not abiding in and with Christ and therefore don’t know Him and have no fruit to prove such (John 15). These will be cast into the fire (Matthew 7:21; 25:14-30; John 15:6; 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.).  These counterfeits have not chosen to truly engage in a relationship with Christ and therefore have borne no fruit and do not qualify for the blessedness of being purged by the Potter who is the Savior – “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2) They mock and scoff and wonder about the true body of Christ – that minute remnant of saints who are genuinely following their LORD and consequently suffering greatly as was foretold. They ask “Why” such and such is happening to you without ever stopping to realize that as a remnant, rare disciple of Jesus, you are actually obeying Him and doing what HE told you to go do and that’s spread His Gospel. And for such you are suffering “the afflictions of the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:8)

Those who said a prayer to be saved in the past, attend church, confess they are saved, etc., and yet have no real walk of obedience to Jesus, have a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power” or rule and reign of Christ in their lives because they are “lovers of their own selves” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

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Articles

The King’s Marriage

by Karen Cochran

Psalm 45

A Song of Loves

This morning I read Psalm 45 titled the King’s marriage—the story of the King and His bride. This is a beautiful picture of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7-9. The Bridegroom is adorned in glory, majesty, righteousness and truth and sitting in His royal throne. Then enters the Bride—holy, without spot or wrinkle—wearing the righteousness of Christ. Then Jesus (the King) says, “You are in thy Father’s house and He desires thy beauty and worship.” All because she is wearing the beauty of the Lord—His attributes (Psalm 27:4). She is wearing gold—fine gold—because she has been tried in the fire of affliction. She is one of the five wise virgins who is invited to enter into the King’s palace. What a glorious picture of all who make themselves ready and are clean and white before their King Jesus! Alleluia!

This is the story of a royal wedding. A love song!

v. 1 God has filled the Psalmist heart with a divine Messianic prophesy. Foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate King and His holy bride at the marriage supper of the Lamb!

vv. 2-6 The most significant character in this Psalm is the Lord Jesus Christ. In these verses we are introduced to the King Himself. His beauty surpasses all others. The gospel of grace is poured into His lips. And God has blessed Him forever! He fights for truth and justice, and is filled with majesty, glory, meekness, righteousness, and truth. The Scepter of the kingdom is given to Him. Jesus Christ has all authority over all (Hebrews 1:8). “The voice of God is heard from heaven addressing Him as God and certifying His reign as an eternal one. We know it is the voice of God, because Hebrews 1:8,9 tell us so.” Believer’s Bible Commentary. And God says thy throne “is for ever and ever.”

v. 7 The King of heaven loves righteousness. This is His very nature, and He hates wickedness, because they are the polar opposites. Therefore, He must rule with complete justice. God has anointed Him with the holy “oil of gladness.”

“Christ’s faithfulness to His father while on this earth, as demonstrated by His love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness, is the basis for God’s anointing of His Son. The “oil of gladness” is directly related to His anointing with the Holy Spirit.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

v. 8 The King of Glory resides in an Ivory Palace and His garments give forth a sweet-smelling savor unto God and His bride (2 Corinthians2:14).  The Son of God in all His glory!

v 9 Now enter the bride of Christ! The queen in “gold of Ophir.” She is clothed in pure gold because she has been tried in the fire and has come forth as pure and white (Job 23:10), and holy, with no spot of sin “or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). In order to be considered honorable, she must be clothed with the righteousness of her Bridegroom.

vv. 10-15 The Bridegroom is calling His spotless bride to listen and obey. Since He purchased her, He desires that she cleave to Him only. Loving him above all else. Her husband desires her beauty, as she has been washed from all sin by the precious blood of Christ. The beauty is coming from the Lord (Psalm 27:4). She is filled with the very character of Jesus. Her garments are radiating the sweet aroma of her Master and Savior. And is one of the five wise virgins (Matthew 25). With rejoicing and gladness, she is invited into the wedding with her Groom. Into the King’s palace! Alleluia! Her worship is a response to how much she is loved by her beloved Lord!

v. 16 For all of His beloved faithful believers, this is their spiritual inheritance. That they shall be called into the banquet with the King of glory! A divine promise for all of His children who stay clean and white. And have been adopted into His kingdom by the saving grace of Jesus.

v. 17 Let us always magnify the King. The Messiah. Who has rescued our souls from death and translated us into the kingdom of God. And may His praise be on our lips for ever and ever. Every tribe and nation standing before the throne of heaven worshipping the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Singing Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty!

The whole message of this Psalm teaches us that the King’s royal bride must be pure, cleansed, holy and wearing the robe of righteousness of Christ. And He must be her first love. The one she loves supremely above everyone and everything else. This is the only way she will be accounted worthy to enter into the holy kingdom! And She must bear the image of her King! Then she will be invited to enter into the palace and the Lord Jesus Himself will confess her “name before His father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5). Are we ready to be presented to our Bridegroom? Revelation 19:7 says “His wife has made herself ready.” We must be fully clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This is the righteousness of the saints. This is the only way we will be called into the marriage with our Bridegroom (Revelation 19:8-9)! Don’t be caught naked (unprepared) and wearing your own righteousness which is filthy rags. Remember God hates wickedness. And this will lead one to suffer judgment and shame when you stand before your Maker (Revelation 16:15). Don’t let the scepter of Christ fall on your head! Make sure you are considered before a holy God the “Gold of Ophir.” A precious jewel.

This Psalm paints such a glorious picture of how valuable we are to the God of heaven. He desires that we be in His presence. Because His royal bride is wholeheartedly devoted to her Husband, and is fully clothed in righteousness, her Groom is enthralled by her beauty! She bears His image and the beauty of holiness! The Lord has prepared a mansion for all who have made themselves ready that we may bask in His glory and beauty for ever and ever! Alleluia!

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Abiding

Humility. Surrender. Sobriety. Restoration. Vigilance. [podcast]


Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 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 5:6-10

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

May God bless you and I with this child-like disposition, heart! Please do it in us dear LORD, in Jesus’ name.

The Topic of Humility on SafeGuardYourSoul.com

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul

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Idolatry

THE SIN, THE CURSE, AND THE FRUIT OF IDOLATRY [podcast]


“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 26:1 

Idolatry will damn the eternal soul to hell (Exodus 20:3-7; Galatians 5:19-21, etc.). Just one idol. ANYthing that is more important to you than Jesus Christ is an idol. You must repent and receive Christ or you will perish in the flames of eternal damnation (Luke 13:3; John 1:12). If you aren’t willing to give up your religion to follow Jesus, you are a hell bound idolater who has chosen to pay for your own sins for eternity in hell.

God will not be worshipped by physical objects, idols. Jesus says:

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him MUST worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

2 Corinthians 5:16 says “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” This verse, this divine truth has helped me out much. God forbids any attempt to worship Him through, via any images, anything physical (Exodus 20:3-7). According to this Bible verse, we do not even know Jesus after the flesh.

Jesus stated the divine essential, the non-negotiable imperative that “they that worship him MUST worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

17 Soul Damning Sins

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 IDOLATRY, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:14-16

IDOL’ATRYnoun [Latin idololatria. Gr. idol, and to worship or serve.]

1. The worship of idols, images, or any thing made by hands, or which is not God.

Idolatry is of two kinds; the worship of images, statues, pictures, etc. made by hands; and the worship of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars, or of demons, angels, men and animals.

2. Excessive attachment or veneration for any thing, or that which borders on adoration.

from Websters1828

Anything you refuse to give up for Jesus is your idol.

Any person who will not give up their religion to follow Jesus is a hell bound antichrist idolater.

The Stark Contrast between True and False Worship

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

Whatever you won’t give up for Jesus is a soul damning idol (Mark 9:43-49).

The reason so many don’t take sin seriously and sit under sin-justifying wolves in sheep’s clothing, is because they do not fear nor take God seriously. Then they attack the true messengers of Christ who are declaring that God is holy and He requires non-negotiably that anyone who will know and be with Him eternally cut off occasion for all sin as Jesus commanded in Mark 9:43-49 KJB. They talk about grace but only in the respect that their sins were initially forgiven, yet never in respect to divine grace being the divine influence and enablement in their daily lives to overcome all that displeases Him, as they worshipfully with great gratitude deny self, take up the cross and follow, abide in Jesus (Titus 2:11-14; Luke 9:23-24; John 15:1-6, etc.).

The cross message of Christ and His holy apostles is not a novel concept, idea, or mere suggestion but rather it is a non-negotiable essential component of the original Gospel.

Recently, I ran across a comment by a person who wrote: “A cross (or crucifix, picture, statute, etc.) is not idolatry so long as it leads the person to worship God, and not the object itself.”

Is this true? No. This is pure human reasoning and a denial of the Word of God. As you can tell, this person commenting was most likely catholic. Speaking of the catholic church, they removed the second commandment because it was costing them money. The 2nd commandment says:

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6

God is not and will not be worshipped through images. In fact only Satan receives worship when images are used (Exodus chapter 20;  1 Corinthians 10:19-21). Satan is the entity who received worship when someone does that which God forbids….

Committing the sin of Idolatry yokes you with devils.

“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.” Deuteronomy 32:17

Making Peace with God

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