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What excuse has been made for not giving? The fact that many of us have been exploited by the false prophets of the prosperity movement, in no way negates our responsibility to give as God has commanded. So, it’s time to get over the past. We should consider repenting for our own sins that caused us to support such greedy wolves, and take personal accountability to give, give, give.

Have you judged the LORD’s servants and made that your excuse for not helping?

“The principal hindrance to the advancement of the kingdom of God is greed. It is the chief obstacle to heaven-sent revival. It seems that when the back of greed is broken, the human spirit soars into regions of unselfishness. I believe that it is safe to say there can be no continuous revival without ‘hilarious’ giving. And I fear no contradiction: wherever there is ‘hilarious’ giving there will soon be revival!” — O.S. Hawkins, U.S. Baptist pastor

Nothing to give? Why?

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

After all, God sees our hearts and our expenditures.

The LORD saw when we knew someone had a need and yet we didn’t help (Proverbs 24:10-12). See 1 John 3:16-18 and James 2:14-17.

We must become honest and understand that God saw when money was spent on frivolous things and the work of the Gospel was not put as a priority (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

Our Almighty Judge sees all the monies squandered on creature comforts by those who claim to know and love Him. He sees all and will judge each of us accordingly (Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 25:40-46).

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

The most important work of Christ goes undone due to the withholding of the very ones who claim to be saved. How deluded this generation!

Is it any wonder that Jesus told us that there are only a “few” that are only a few who are on that narrow road that lead to Heaven? (Matthew 7:13-14) Are we going to choose to give up our lives in this world to gain it eternally with Christ?

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25

You see, if your money isn’t given over to God, it’s because your heart and life are not given over to Him. Go on from here continuing to deceive yourself if you will, but it will be to your own eternal demise if you do.

The nail-scarred risen Savior says that one must give his “all” to be His “disciple”:

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 

If Christ is truly reigning in our lives, He has our hearts, our ears, and all, otherwise, we are His very “enemies”:

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27  

Just why would someone spend most all their money on their self? Why does the very ONE who allowed those resources to come into our hands get a mere token tip instead of the very FIRST portion of honor? That’s what the Pharisees did – they merely tipped God and Jesus said their giving was not honored (Mark 12:38-41). The LORD did not honor their token tipping and He doesn’t honor ours – “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:44) Jesus taught that the woman who gave all was honored by God but not the rich who claimed to be God’s children and merely tipped His work.

Early church example of giving:

“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:29-30 

James Kevin Smith writes:

“What portion does a slave own of what belongs to his master? The yield of the property belongs to the property owner. Stewards only tend the matters of their master. They do not own that which their master has intrusted to them.”

What shall you take with you?

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8 

Tipping God to make ones conscience feel better is a self-serving cover up and a sin.

Are you honoring God? Truly want to know?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Is it time to get real with the LORD and truly “honour” Him? Is it time to get your checkbook out and be a blessing to someone in need and a ministry work of Christ?

It was the religionists who shunned the man in need as they passed by and saw him in need (Luke 10:29-37). This means that their religious profession was all they had – they did not have salvation. Regrettably, there is no change today (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The vast majority of those who claim to be saved today, do nothing to help others with the financial substance that God Himself put in their hands and will be judged for this evil refusal.  The earliest followers of Christ had much less materially but didn’t need a message like this. They were truly saved – truly given over to the LORD – and therefore took the initiative and sold what they didn’t need to give to others who lacked and for Christ’s work to be spread/furthered (Acts 2:44-48; 4:34-35).  Be not deceived:  The LORD is watching what we are doing.

*** IF you don’t give to the work of the ministry, it’s because HIS work and HE mean nothing to you. You spend money to embellish yourself with unneeded things but neglect HIS work. This reveals who you truly love. The point is, many give out of LOVE for self and this fleeting world. They find is so very easy to bless self and why? Because self is king not the Savior. Our giving to self and the things of self that self doesn’t even need, shows us that we don’t truly love Jesus but love self and this sinful world (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). What did Jesus say to Laodicea? (Rev. 3:15-16) We love self and that’s why we give to self, self, self. See 1 John 3:18 and Titus 1:16.

Do you really care that Christ’s sheep are fed?

Do YOU care if souls are won into God’s kingdom?

If so, what are YOU personally doing about it? What are you doing to help this happen?

Didn’t Jesus tell us that our bank statement/check register reveals where our heart truly is? (Matthew 6:19-21)

THIS is the real test given in Scripture as to whether or not we are truly given over to the LORD, or not!

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

The Worship of Giving [podcast]

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Rich in Faith

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Articles

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.

BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18

Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.

Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.

“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4:26-29

“26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 
27  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how
28  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 
29  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” 

We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16

May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.

Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.

Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips  you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint  with the same. King James Bible.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.

Support | STORE | PodcastsLight of the Word | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast]

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Abiding

The Good Shepherd and His True Sheep [podcast]


“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant …” Hebrews 13:20

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” John 10:3 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:1-13

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | “Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]Resurrection Grace [podcast] G.O.D. = Game Over Devil [podcast]JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. 

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Abiding

“He that Loveth Pureness of Heart” [podcast]


IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED?

DO I truly love “pureness of heart”?

“HE THAT LOVETH PURENESS OF HEART, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11

Without a pure heart, obtained from seeking, worshiping, knowing, and obey God …. no one “shall see God.” Not one.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

If you or I have every word of the Bible memorized and die today with a heart that is defiled with sin, we’d bust hell wide open – and be trapped there irrevocably forever.

TODAY is our day, it’s your day, to throw up those hands and that heart to the LORD who made you, and cry out to Him to grant you a pure heart, one that is innocent, clean, washed, delighting in Him.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

When the LORD is truly working in a man, that man is learning to love “pureness of heart.”

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11

Coming and continuing to come to the light is essential to final salvation.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Choosing the Fear of the LORD

WE must surround ourselves with the Word, the people, the praises of our God! FLOOD your ear and eye gates beloved (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus is coming.

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:21

Coming clean: To be sanctified by Christ, one must repent and believe upon Him. As the LORD works in them, there will be the response of honesty, humble repentance and a coming to the light, continually. If not, judgment will be incurred (Isaiah 1:19-20).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Those who cover instead of bring their depraved hearts into the light to have them changed and cleansed by the LORD, “shall not prosper.” In other words, they are stifled. Those who remain humble, teachable, correctable, rebukeable, and obedient, will receive divine mercy perpetually.

“God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” Psalms 55:19 

Those who refuse to “choose the fear of the LORD” have no changes in their lives.

“For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:” Proverbs 1:29

Psalms 73

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25  Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27  For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalms 73:23-28 

Drawing Nigh (close) to God Afresh

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10 

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast] | The Importance of Keeping Our HEARTS before God

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