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Counting it all Joy

Are “all things” good? Or, do “all things work together for good” in the life of the person who is truly seeking after the Lord? What does the Bible, God’s Message to us, reveal?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

Notice that this Romans 8 text doesn’t say that all things are good, but that “all things work together for good.”

It is more than obvious that all the things that come our way are not coming from the LORD, who cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Though there are things Satan, ourselves, and evil men bring into our lives, the LORD allows those things and helps us “escape” (1 Cor. 10:13; Job 1-2). It is clear that the Almighty cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13) and that “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

Furthermore, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

In “all things” that come our way the LORD is working to form the Person of Jesus Christ in us as we have been predestined to be conformed to.

At this time you may be entangled with trials and tribulations from seemingly every angle – coming at you relentlessly. Are you experiencing emotional, relational, financial, marital, work-related difficulties?

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

When we begin to see the blessed change He uses our trial to bring, it will be easier and easier to “count it all joy” when our faith is tried/tested and made stronger as we patiently endure beholding His face more intensely (2 Corinthians 3:18).

His predestined purpose for creating and redeeming us to Himself is to conform our lives to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalms 17:15

As we choose to behold His perfect face in righteousness, we shall be satisfied and made into His likeness – here and now and in eternity with new glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

His “likeness” or “image” in us is His ultimate goal. That’s right – the purpose for our lives is not to live unto ourselves or be detached from the LORD’s purpose in any of the things that set themselves before us to tempt us to set our affection upon and identify with. Our identity is in the Person and Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ and for His pleasure we were created (Revelation 4:11).

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Saint, remember that your current season will change. This trial you now endure shall come to pass. In all this that you may be suffering, please prayerfully remember that ALL these things are working together for the glory of God in your life. He is using them to cause your heart to be conformed to the image of Christ as you seek His face, totally relying upon Him in these tests.

One of the temptations of the trial is to turn on God and blame Him. Have you ever done such? I have. Remember, the LORD is for you. He loves you more than you could know.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22 

GOD’S TESTIMONY OF JOB:

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3

“But he (Job) said unto her (his wife), Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:10 

You ARE going to pass your test as you stay upon the LORD in the trial! See Isaiah 50:10. You are going to come out a different person, more like JESUS, the One you have been predestined to be conformed to! You are going to be alright, as Job was alright after untold misery over a several month period. This season is only for a short time. You are going to be “kept” by the power of God, so “rejoice” in this “season” of “trial” and “trying” as you pass your tests and continue to pursue the One “whom having not seen, ye love”:

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9

Remember that all “seasons” come – to pass. Remember that Job was more blessed in the end than before the devastating trials came his way.

Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

In this theme text (Romans 8:28-29), is our Heavenly Father telling us that all those things that are coming our way are being used to conform our lives to the image of JESUS?

Has anyone out there been attacked lately by people within the Body of Christ? This does happen and will increase as the day of Christ draws closer (Matthew 24:10-13). I’m talking about a clear and blatant attack on your person or character. Can anybody relate?

Take heart in the LORD beloved:

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (not forever), make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

According to 1 Peter 5:10, in your suffering, the LORD is:

1. perfecting you
2. establishing you
3. strengthening you
4. settling you

God’s Love Is Going To Heal Your Wounds (Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18). Ask Him and you will receive.

Here are the divinely-given instructions (marching orders) and exhortation:

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy GhostKeep yourselves in the love of Godlooking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassionmaking a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Perhaps nothing flies in Satan’s face as powerfully as the witness of God’s saints when they are in a trial. In light of this, how powerful it is to give the devil a black eye by serving others during our trials and letting His goodness be known! I believe the enemy profusely frowns when we encourage Christians, hand out Gospel tracts, feed the poor, cloth the naked, and build up the Body of Christ – right in the midst of our own personal trial. Why throw a pity party when we can throw a praise party? – “Count it all joy!” (James 1:2-4).

May God Grant Us All Grace to Fight the Good Fight of Faith – We are Overcomers through Jesus Christ!

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What Does that Mean?

PEACE with GOD

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Abiding

Run that Ye May Obtain [podcast]


Don’t Walk. “Run.”

Saints we are finishing honest, holy, humble, repentant – crucified with Christ and confessing and never covering any sin (Proverbs 28:13).

1 Corinthians 9:16-27

16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

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Abiding

“I have Espoused you to one Husband” [podcast]


“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.”

We’ve come way to far to turn back now.

Now that the LORD has found and saved you, you are now engaged to be married eternally to Christ, the Great Bridegroom.

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

The word “chaste” is defined this way:

ἁγνός
hagnos
hag-nos’
From the same as G40; properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: – chaste, clean, pure.

One source notes:

“The phrase “I have espoused you to one husband” is from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 11:2. It is spoken by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, where he uses a metaphor of a father ‘betrothing’ a daughter to a groom. In this context, he is the spiritual father who has led them to believe in Christ, and he has now given them to Christ, the one husband, as a pure virgin bride.

  • Spiritual father: Paul compares himself to a father who has arranged a marriage for his daughter. 
  • The Church as the bride: The church is the ‘daughter’ being given in marriage. 
  • Christ as the husband: Christ is the one husband to whom the church is being betrothed. 
  • Purity and faithfulness: Paul’s ‘godly jealousy’ is his fear that the church will be led away from its pure and simple devotion to Christ, much like Eve was deceived. He wants to present them to Christ as a ‘chaste virgin.'” 

What bride is Jesus returning for?

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

How we know His bride:

The true bride of Christ that He is returning for is in the Word, being sanctified and cleansed by it  “with the washing of water by the word.” Jesus is returning for His remnant body, bride who are known in that they are walking, living in the Word. They are obedient to read and obey Him, it. Read Psalm 1.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:2-3 

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

6  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 
7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready
8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 
9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. … 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22; 24:13

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please make me holy. Anoint my life to the death and burial of self that You might raise me up daily in Your victory and fruitfulness. Unite my heart to fear Thy name dear LORD. Into Your hands I here and now submit my spirit and life. In Jesus’ name.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Sabbath Keeping Hebrew Roots Judaizers ExposedThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be 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  | Great Commission | Christology = the Study of Christ

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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”

  1. 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 RestitutionThe Cross

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