Abiding

The Perils of Leaving a Local Church [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]

Have you ever left a local church and been attacked for doing so?

“We were ‘excommunicated’ from a church we had been to for almost 10 years. All because we had the audacity to point out the scriptures to the pastor contrary to what he was preaching.” C.

EVER NOTICE when you leave a church …. It’s observable that like the mafia and satanist covens, when someone goes to leave, to cease being a member of these cults, they are viciously attacked or even murdered? This is how Satan’s Kingdom operates (John 10:10a). Is this not exactly what happens when a Christian goes to leave most local churches these days? Are they not character assassinated, scorned, mocked, and persecuted? This is because the satanic operators hate it when they can no longer control or manipulate or exploit their prey or victims. Such a scenario, the attack of the wicked, only confirms that you were to leave that antichrist cult that is pretending to be a gathering of Christ’s saints. Not. Yes it’s a cult. Any group that attacks those who dare to depart, proves to be a cult and not a true Christian fellowship.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35

By definition, the members of any cult are indoctrinated by wolves to believe that they alone are God’s and no other. Yet it is clear by their fruit, that they are of their father, the devil (Matthew 7:15-16, 20; John 8:44).

If you have departed from any group that persecuted you for leaving, please know that you were hearing from God to leave that congregation of counterfeits.

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Those who become divisive, who slander and participate in strife when someone in the group chooses to leave, demonstrate by their hatred, bad fruit, that they do not care about your place in God’s kingdom, in Christ. No, instead, they have their own best interest in mind and are in need of true repentance.

Christ’s Remnant Body is Living Organic

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23

THE ORGANIC (no additives) remnant body of Christ walks in God’s truth and love daily – no matter where they are on HIS planet (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:15, etc.). Their lives are sanctified always – not just on Sunday mornings. They belong to one church – the body of Christ which is bought by His precious blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23). They love ALL the brethren of Christ – not just the folk that show up in an “official” so-called “church building” (1 John 4:7-8; 5:1).

A close friend of mine once said, the definition of a hypocrite is “someone who is just not quite themselves on Sunday mornings.”

2 Times the Bible uses the words “false brethren.” The reality of such is made clear by the biblical presence of these words.

“In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;” 2 Corinthians 11:26

“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily (insidiously, secretly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” Galatians 2:4

Those who attack, who slander, or in any way persecute a true saint who chooses to leave a certain fellowship, are “false brethren” in need of true repentance before it’s too late. And for any pretending pastor to allow such proves he is false. In fact, in most cases, he’s the one who fostered such a cultic climate.

YOUR PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please make us Your authentic disciples. Purify our hearts and cleanse our lives of every trace of fakery. Please remove all false brethren from our lives and grant the blessing of fellowship with Your true remnant saints. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Set Free to do Christ’s Great Commission

ANYONE claiming to be Christ’s and yet is not about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission Jesus gave, does not have the fruit to prove they are Christ’s (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49, book of Acts, etc). Such a person is serving the god of self and Jesus says “no man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). All who are not serving the Master, Jesus, are serving the god of self and are idolaters, going to the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

Is your life more about going to some “church” than it is about seeking, worshipping, loving, and serving Jesus Christ?

“Those apostate churches don’t serve Jesus, they serve self! Puff each other up in their flesh! Want to find the true Jesus of the Bible? Stay home and read your King James Bible! And find other true disciples to fellowship with. Not easy to find in the churches!” Karen Cochran

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

If Jesus is truly our LORD, Savior, “first love,” we are about HIS business and not our own (Revelation 2:4-5).

Sister Karen Cochran writes:

“We absolutely were attacked and stalked on FB (after leaving a certain local church). But now I say ‘thank You’ to the Lord for pulling us out! How can you learn the true doctrines of Christ under a Synagogue of Satan? All praise to Jesus and now we are free to participate in the Great Commission He has called us to. Matt. 28: 16-20. Since leaving the Lord has done exceedingly abundantly above what we could ever think or ask. Ephesians 3:20. False fellowships keep you in bondage with their false doctrines (corralling their prey for their own self-serving agenda). And most of all Jesus is not their first love! They have no love in them except for themselves! Jesus has set us free! When the Son sets you free you are free indeed. John 8:36. Come out from among them and be separate. 2 Corinthians 6:17, Revelation 18:4. All praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”

Speaking of being held back, corralled, used, exploited, wasted….

Regrettably, most local churches want to employ you, free labor, to do their bidding and not Christ’s Great Commission to teach, to preach His Word, His eternal kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). Wolves want to send you out as their salesman to sell other pawns on the idea of joining that church country club.

Are you being exploited? (2 Peter 2:1-3)

If a person or group cannot respect that GOD gave you free will …. they are operating in witchcraft, in undue control and manipulation of God’s creation – you! Run!

This shows that they are reacting based upon losing control over the person leaving. This clearly reveals the witchcraft.

Beware of the Nasty Nico-laitans. Nico means to control and laitans means the laity/people. Jesus says He hates this (Revelation 2:6, 15).

“My sister was asked to leave a church. She and her husband refused to go and in the end it was the pastor that left. My confidence in our churches is so low I’m not sure it would be worth it. But she took that route, and stayed.” Arlean

“When you leave a church, you find out who the real Christians are! They should wish you well in your future endeavors. I went through it over 40 years ago. And there are still scars.” Jerry Lambert

REPLY:

SO true brother. In fact, regrettably, in most cases they lash out viciously which only proves it was GOD calling you out! 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 etc. The wicked are filled with hatred for those they can’t control, exploit, and manipulate. They have the fruit, the characteristics of their father devil – who has come to steal, kill, and destroy, and deceive (John 8:44; 10:10; Revelation 12:7-12).

“Matt. 12: 34 Our outer appearance should match our inner self. Impossible for an evil heart to produce good fruit. Your words should match how you live. The fruits of Christ only come from a pure and honest heart. Otherwise your fruit is rotten because your inside is corrupted in sin and filth. By your fruits you will know them. Matt 7:20.” Karen Cochran

ANY time you are attacked because you chose to leave a certain “fellowship” or so-called “church,” your choice to leave is clearly confirmed to be of God, His doing. And, it’s proven in that Satan’s human agents are persecuting you. You just left a cult, a “synagogue of Satan,” full of divisive people who are in need of repentance (Revelation 2:9; 3:9). They are biting and devouring one another.

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Galatians 5:15

When people left Jesus, He never once attacked them. Selah.

Example: When Jesus answered the rich young ruler, informing him that in order to inherit Heaven and not go to Hell, that he must give up that which he was trusting. Even though the man walked away from Jesus, Jesus “loved him.” Jesus spoke His truth “in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He leaves the choice up to the individual (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15).

“Then Jesus beholding him LOVED HIM, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark 10:21

So we see from this exchange and others in Scripture that the LORD doesn’t attack people for leaving Him. When the 5,000 men walked away from Jesus after He fed their stomachs and taught His Word to them, did He attack or scorn them? No. See John 6.

Remember when the LORD’s disciples were young in Christ and how they sought to have Him call down fire from Heaven upon the heads others, of those who did not receive Christ? Read Luke 9:51-56.

What was Christ’s reply, rebuke to them and to all today who wish to bring judgment on those they lose or have no control over?

“But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:55-56

Testimonies from those who’ve experienced attacks while departing from certain local fellowships

“We left apostate fake Churchianity a few months ago because we could no longer tolerate their false unbiblical doctrines and due to harassment from the pastors when I started sharing the truth on social media. It took quite a toll on me and my husband but the Lord drew us even closer to Him through this experience. We continue to pray for all of them. The Pastor was making snide remarks about ‘those who don’t agree with us’ during services! That was a bridge too far. The Lord spoke to us clearly that we were to leave that place. We were obedient and have been blessed greatly with peace and comfort. These wolves in sheep’s clothing (pastors); show their true selves when you leave their ‘fellowship’ even if you do it in the most positive way that you can do it. Informing them that the Lord has directed you to move on. We were getting attacked in a passive aggressive way in messages and on other church members’ social media posts. We never answered in kind … They were obviously trying to bait us into reacting in an inappropriate manner which we never did. We have certainly found that to be true sadly, that when you leave a fellowship, they viciously attack you. Not to mention being ‘ghosted’ or scorned or even pitied by your ‘brothers and sisters’ in the ‘fellowship’ / cult. It’s very disturbing and disconcerting to say the least. They show their true colors when you depart. But GOD will keep you in his perfect peace and you will feel like a huge burden has been lifted when you are obedient to His call to leave. We both (my husband and I) heard it distinctly. The confirmation was when the pastor started making little rude remarks in his ‘sermons’ about ‘those that don’t agree with us’ type comments. Unbelievable.” Barbara

“Jesus isn’t looking for church goers. Most of these are the ones who would crucify Him all over again for speaking the truth. The truth they hate. Repentance, holiness, the cross, purity, and hell. All hated words. Jesus is looking for real disciples. Where are they…where are there found those willing to lay down their lives, forsake all, live holy and pure lives…those who are willing to lose their lives if necessary for the sake of Christ…because they have lived for Him and not self?” Karen Cochran

“I am so tired of the evangelical industrial complex justifying their greed and sexual abuse and bullying. No wonder the under 30 group are saying goodbye to church. And so have I. Joined a small group that meets once a week. Don’t need the large meetings with rock music and parking headaches and entertainers with impulse control issues claiming it’s the Holy Spirit in them. No it’s not. It’s all a show for people to be conned into thinking you’re being godly. It’s where two or more are gathered not where two or more thousands are gathered.” G.

“January of 2019 was our exodus from the Babylonian system. God has equipped us bountifully ever since.” George

“Left the church world 1 1/2 yrs. ago.. no regrets!” Nelline

Persecution Proves Sonship

“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

Being Persecuted? Are you rejoicing when persecution hits?

Have you ever been called a devil or told you have a devil? Perhaps you are in good company.

Interestingly, John the Baptist and Jesus were both told by the religionists of their day that “He hath a devil.”

“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, HE HATH A DEVIL.” Luke 7:33

“And many of them said, HE HATH A DEVIL, and is mad; why hear ye him?” John 10:20

WE had better get concerned if we aren’t being persecuted.

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

WHO were the main persecutors of Jesus, the prophets, the apostles, and earliest followers of Christ? – the Jews, those who falsely claimed, professed to be serving God.

The Hidden Haters

EVER notice how some people never say a word, they are invisible, you barely remember seeing them … and THEN, boom, you are freely choosing to leave that fellowship where you met them and they come out of the woodworks blazing, to defend their false church and pastor?

Notice how they never once had enough of God in them to edify you and yet now…. when you dare make the decision to leave their local fellowship. This all just appears to be more proof of being a counterfeit cult fellowship.

Just saying the truth. Anyone else observe this phenomenon?

Does belonging to a “church” take the place of your personal daily relationship with the LORD. No. In most cases though, church goers are indoctrinated, sold on the false idea that they need, have necessity of the local church they attend. No such concept taught by Christ or His apostles or the early church. We need JESUS and to be in His perfect will and not to be in some certain “church.”

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Most “Christians” have basically been deceived, intentionally indoctrinated to believe that going to church, falsely called “fellowship,” is the pinnacle, the most important thing in their life as a Christian. Not. They were sold this notion by the wolves who benefit from those attending their meetings. Those same wolves never teach their prey to get into God’s Word for themselves, to live a cross/crucified life, a life of prayer, and to seek the face of the LORD “continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). They are not taught the utter importance of continual repentance and confession of all sin.

“Psalm 51 is a model prayer of of repentance. He admits his sin before the Lord as he says v3 ‘I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.’ He says my sin. David accepts full responsibility. He recognizes the cost of his sin. As he asks God to not hide his face from him. He recognizes that he has sinned against the Lord. He then asks God to purge, cleanse him white as snow, and renew a right spirit within him. And also to restore the joy of His salvation. David’s broken and contrite heart was his sacrifice to God. V 17 says ‘the sacrifices of God are broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ The Lord will bless and cleanse those who come with honesty and humility before His throne of grace. Which is just what David did in this prayer of repentance.” Karen Cochran

God is calling you, yes YOU, to seek His holy face – daily in His Word and prayer.

“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

Beware of the Manipulating Monsters: Spiritual Identity Theft [podcast]

Instead of fostering a deeper love for CHRIST in their hearers, local churches have diverted that loyalty, the faith of their hearers to themselves (1 Corinthians 29-2:5). This is “the spirit of antichrist” at work (1 John 2:18; 4:1-3). Anti in “antichrist” means “in place of” and the vast majority of local churches seek to replace Christ with themselves – to intercept the heart affections of their audience from loving Jesus Christ supremely – to rob Him of His glory for their own self-serving agenda! Beware! This was Paul’s warning of Colossians 1-2. Christ alone is the Supreme Creator, Sustainer, […]

Is Going to Church Essential? [podcast]

Does Going to a “Church” Building on Sunday Mornings Constitute True “Fellowship”? Recently, someone posted the following meme. Take a look and then see my comments below the meme. I added the things that are in yellow and red. “Man, are we the only ones that understand this. I’ve experienced the condemnation from other believers because I don’t go to church. I’ve literally tried, but I’m afraid it’s just that bad. The condition of the Church is that far gone. I know not all churches are like this. There are some good ones but I don’t live around any of […]

The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study [podcast]

To study the Bible organically means simply to study God’s Word without the undue influence, the taintings of mere men! God’s Word is your life (Proverbs 4:20-23). The Word is your “daily bread” and your life depends on knowing and obeying it (Matthew 6:11). Knowing and adhering to Holy Scripture is your protection (Proverbs 30:5-6). “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protection) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6 RECENTLY: In a very engaging fellowship […]

Nicolaitan Nightmare [podcast]

The Scourge of Beguilers Conquering and controlling people by deceit has long been the work of deceivers and “There is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). In fact, in this last hour, the Bible tells us that “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” and “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (2 Timothy 3:13; Revelation 12:12). “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is […]

Witchcraft in Our Midst! Nasty Nicolaitans [podcast]

Nasty Nicolaitans [podcast] Jesus says: “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. … 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15 Meaning: Nico-laitans = conquer the laity. And this, as is always the case with Satan and his human agents, is accomplished via lies. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19 Being overcome by a lie, […]

Executing Christ's Great Commission [podcast]

WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR Jesus walked the streets offering His hope to fallen mankind. He sent us to do the same – and instructed us to pray to the Father for His labourers to be sent forth. Matthew 9 The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few “35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep […]

Mexico Mission 7th Update

A market. Please pause and lift a prayer for Angel (pictured below). Angel gratefully received the ministry of the spoken Word of Christ this day. He rejoiced joyfully. Upon departing Angel took 2 Jesus tracts in Spanish to go share with others! Someone has rightly stated that “the Gospel is the only thing you must give away to keep.” I let each of these beloved souls who are being ministered to know that we, members of the body of Christ, are praying for them. They are delighted to hear such. WE are Christ’s body. Each member is blessed with the […]

Is Church Membership Biblical? [podcast]

Churchianity vs Christianity Many use the term “very involved in church” instead of deeply rooted and in love with Jesus Christ. See the difference? Beware. Christ Jesus is your identity. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14 What is your idenity? Why have you chosen such to be that which you identity with? Most pastors make a big deal out of belonging to some organization, church, or group – because this puts them in charge […]

Abiding

“David Encouraged Himself in the LORD his God” [podcast]

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people

spake of stoning him, … but David encouraged

himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Gathering from several commentaries on this passage, one source notes the following:

“Faced with the devastating loss of Ziklag and a mutinous army threatening to stone him, David found supernatural resilience. Rather than yielding to panic or despair, he actively turned his focus away from the overwhelming crisis and strengthened his faith directly in God.

Key Context and Lessons

- The Crisis: Amalekite raiders had burned the city and captured all the women and children, including David’s own wives.
- The Breaking Point: His loyal men were now grieving and broken, turning their deep anguish into violent anger against their leader.
- The Shift: David did not look to his men, his own strength, or his circumstances for hope. He preached truth to his own soul, drawing on his past history with God’s faithfulness and inquiring of the Lord for his next steps.

Practical Takeaways

- Self-Talk: When no one else is around to lift you up, you must learn to speak God’s promises to your own heart.
- Refocusing: Encouraging yourself in the Lord means anchoring your identity and security in His unchanging character rather than shifting public opinion.
- Actionable Faith: David’s inward strengthening immediately led to outward action—he sought God’s direction and pursued the enemy, resulting in complete victory and restoration.”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“In the world ye shall have tribulation”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

During seasons of great stress, this man after God’s own

heart sought the LORD. This time only served as a blessing,

hastening David to the feet of Christ. Beloved David gave us

the most amazing Scriptures concerning seeking God.

“My soul followeth hard after thee.” Psalms 63:8

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so

panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul

thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I

come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I

seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the

LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of

the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms

27:4

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said

unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

Prayer: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please grant

me, Your mere servant, to be possessed with a heart after You

dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]

“Great Podcast. Thank you. When I think about Matthew 5:8 I think of Psalm 24:3-4, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ Who is worthy to stand in God’s holy presence? Only those who are living holy and righteous lives! Those disciples who are free from pride and sin and are maintaining inner purity. With no idolatry, hypocrisy and deceit in their hearts! They are hungry and thirst […]

The Importance of Pureness of Heart [podcast]

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11 With pureness of heart, our words shall issue forth with grace and seasoning and be more readily received by those who hear. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6 David’s Prayer “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they […]

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their home. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all […]

Abiding

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]

The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

“The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold”

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:16-17

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“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

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).

The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” … “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Abiding

David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:13

May God bless His people, in their times of tribulations, to find comfort, guidance, with Holy Scripture, and may they find His peace during seasons and transitions.

The most famous biblical farewell is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–26, where He commits His disciples into the Father’s care before departing.

Classic Farewell Blessings

The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26): “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
The Pauline Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
God’s Promise (Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

At the end of his life, David prayed to God for His kingdom and people. One source notes the following:

“King David’s life is defined by extreme highs and devastating lows. Rising from a humble shepherd to an unbeatable warrior-king who established Jerusalem, he suffered catastrophic personal failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and tragic family calamity that culminated in his son Absalom’s rebellion.”

At the end of his life on earth, David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed.

Of this magnificent kingdom prayer of David, one source notes the following:

“King David’s famous prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 (King James Version) is a profound declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty, majesty, and ownership of all creation. Spoken near the end of his life, it serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication for the materials gathered to build the Temple.

Summary of Key Verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-19 KJV)

- Verses 10-13: David blesses God, declaring His greatness, power, and glory. He affirms that God owns all things in heaven and earth, including riches and honor.
- Verses 14-16: David expresses humility, noting that all gifts come from God and that human life is short and temporary.
- Verses 17-19: He prays for the people’s continued devotion and asks for Solomon to have a “perfect heart” to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.”

1 Chronicles 29

David Prays in the Assembly

10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:”

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace |

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