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If we desire, if we want God to use us publicly, we must see Him privately.

If you want God to fill you overflowing where those blessings of His holy presence, His grace, mercy, truth, love, joy, and peace spill, gush over upon those around you ….. you have to anchor your life in daily communion with the LORD – waking each morning to seek the face of the LORD in His Word and prayer communion. Those who are serious about, with the LORD place HIM first each day – as they arise to praise Him, to thank Him, to study His Word and spend quality moments with Him in prayer. Everyone else professing to be saved is or has already backslidden and is in need of repentance.

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

Maintaining, anchoring our lives at His holy feet.

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 

Job had just lost all of his children and yet held fast his integrity toward the LORD. He would not allow his wife, his friends, or any other circumstance or entity sway his thoughts. This was a man with a real relationship with the living God – one not based on circumstance. First, foremost, and separate from all else, Job loved and worshipped the LORD with his whole heart.

We must come to the place where our LORD alone is our ultimate fulfillment. If there was no healing, housing, financial blessings, or any benefit outside of knowing Him, would we be content with just having God? Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any idolatry or spiritual adultery (lusts or love of the world) to our own hearts that the very reason for our perpetual existence is to get to know Jesus Christ our Creator and Savior.

“That I may know him…” Philippians 3:10  

The LORD makes His purpose for man abundantly clear in Scripture from his very creation in the Garden – fellowship. We still live in God’s garden and this is for the reason of getting to know the One who created us in His image. All of our learning and teaching should be rooted in this paramount fact: THE CHIEF END OF OUR EXISTENCE IS TO KNOW HIM and all things come from, through and to Jesus Christ, the Almighty God of all that is (Rom. 11:36; 14:9; Col. 1:15-17; Rev. 1:8). It is not enough to know about Him – we must know Him.

Much of the preaching here in America is missing the mark of perfection, because it does not center on this predominant Biblical truth – knowing Him. Often, doctrines of secondary importance are excessively and unduly tended to, such as self-help programs, monetary prosperity, physical healing, etc. None of these can prevent one from going to eternal perdition, but knowing Him can and will.

Is it enough to know the Word of God? Or must we get to know the God of the Word? Many of America’s so-called Christian colleges/institutions major in blackboard theory about God, while almost completely neglecting the intimate knowledge that He created us for.

This defective philosophy is thus doled out to many, at the local level, through those who have been led to believe this error and imbalance in these institutions. The LORD would have us to seek His face daily and that there be an ongoing experience of fellowship. Theorizing about God is what religion does, true disciples are to walk in the Spirit, communing with the God who made us and saved us, for truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 Jn. 1:3)

God’s stated purpose for creating man is anchored in the words of the Son of God:

“And this is life eternal, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

The Humble Posture God Requires

Mary sought the fellowship of Jesus. She sat at His holy feet. This is the fitting posture for the creation – to sit at the feet of His Maker and Redeemer and drink from the cup of His infinite wisdom, learning of and leaning fully upon Him.

This is the very reason that Jesus came to the earth – so that we could get to know God, starting now, and extending throughout eternity. Recall what Jesus said concerning His assessment of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). He was well pleased with Mary because she took time to commune with Him and He took time to note this for us. Mary left the things of this fleeting world to come apart with her permanent Savior. She was building a relationship with Him and following His precise design for her existence. We would do well to take a fresh, PRAYERFUL look at this passage.

Contrasting Martha and Mary

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 

Notice, in this recorded scenario, that Jesus paid a visit to Mary and Martha’s home. He found one working for Him and the other simply worshiping Him. 

Marysat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered (consumed) about much serving…” Luke 10:39-40

It was not necessarily sinful for Martha to be laboring physically, but Jesus said that sitting at His feet was better – “that good part”. God did not create man to work for Him, but rather to worship Him. Of course we know that physical work is God-ordained and laziness is a sin, yet there is a divine priority system in place. The physical things of this life have their rightful place in our lives, but when we are excessively enmeshed with activities and mere things, while neglecting our intimacy with God, we should be convicted of possessing misdirected and sinful priorities of the heart. Mary found contentment with the Person of Jesus Christ, while Martha insisted on being overly entangled with her earthly activities – she no doubt denied the movement of the Spirit in her heart in leading her to the Savior’s feet. Martha wallowed in the temporal, while Mary relished and clung to the eternal – her relationship with our LORD.

What is the current level of fruitfulness in your life?

“And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:19

Does your life presently reflect that of Mary or Martha? As Jesus looks upon your life, does He find you endlessly caught up in a whirlwind of frivolity/pettiness, and materialism, OR, settled, at His feet – getting to know Him and learning to love Him supremely? 

“But one thing is needful: and MARY HATH CHOSEN that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

In Scripture, Mary is always seen at Jesus’ feet:   

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down AT HIS FEET…” John 11:32

“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and ANOINTED THE FEET OF JESUS, and WIPED HIS FEET with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” John 12:3

Mary was obedient to the original intent of the Most High in making man. She was blessed with much grace, due to humbling herself at the feet of Jesus. This we see and know because the wisdom of God says “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:6-8)

It is truly amazing how those seemingly difficult “mountains” of this life become reduced to mere mold hills when and as we spend intimate moments seeking our Lord. As we “submit” ourselves wholly to Him, we are enabled by His mighty power to “resist the devil” and he must “flee.”

“Sitting at the feet of Jesus is where we need to be. Many people like being Martha’s. Martha’s get praise because they are seen as working for the Lord. In any church I was ever in the ones doing the work received the most praise. But Mary’s do not get recognized! Most Christians do not want to surrender all of themselves. Or be humbled to sit at the feet of Jesus. But this is where you find Jesus. Take your alabaster box and sit at His feet! Give Him all your pain, tears, shame, guilt, fears. Pour your heart out to our loving Savior. Surrender all. He has promised to be nigh to the broken hearted. And to save those of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 If you seek Him with your whole heart He promises you will find Him! Jeremiah 29:13.” Karen Cochran

Obviously, the Garden of Eden was a private or secret place reserved/created as a cocoon for Adam, Eve, and God. This was for God’s design – intimacy. This insight may be broadened and supported by Psalms 91:1 and Matthew 6:6.

In prayer if God is not reaching my heart and me His, I am not praying (but playing). Prayer, simply put, is communion with God. Prayer is embarking upon a journey in the spirit to know God in a deeper dimension, accessing the holy throne of His presence through the blood of Jesus. It is not enough for us to conquer our prayer directive or journal/list of requests, we must experience God when we seal yourself off from the world and unto Him. We must seek to hear His voice, to be drawn closer to Him.

The person who elects to sit at the Savior’s feet, in private communion, comes into agreement with Him and His divine purposes. Such a person is conforming to the very purpose for his existence and that for which Christ came to earth. To sit at his feet, is simply to get to know Him through prayer communion. 

What words could possibly begin to hint of the unfathomable and “so great salvation” His precious blood has provided for us! (Heb. 2:3)

“O taste (experience) and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalms 34:8

The experience of knowing God will relieve one of his taste for this fleeting, soon-to-be-renovated world. The heart of the diligent seeker who hungers for the holy presence of our Lord will be as a hot-air balloon, which when loosed from its shackles, will soar upward where it belongs, seated together with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). The one who is consumed with the knowing Christ will sever his ties with that which holds him bound to the earthly and truly commune with Him at the throne of His glorious grace (Heb. 4:14-16)

Christ has made us fit to be accepted in the Father through the shedding of His sinless blood.

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:6

It is certain that we can do nothing to merit the love of God by human effort. His love was poured out at Calvary and is the gift bestowed upon us who have believed upon Him unto eternal life. Our communion with Him is simply a desire after the fact/of His love and He promised to fill all those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” (Matt. 5:6). Our identity is in Jesus Christ who is our Maker and Redeemer.

“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy | Spiritual Warfare | JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast]

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Apostasy

The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]


Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3

The quickest and surest way to get blessed is to simply read God’s Word. This is so simple that most miss it.

  • Bible reading is the key to learning the things of God (Prov. 22:17-22).
  • Bible Study is paramount to spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
  • Reading God’s Word etches the image of Christ upon the canvass of the heart (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46).
  • Bible reading instills the fear of the LORD (Deut. 4:10, 17:19).
  • Bible reading and obedience guarantee answered prayers (John 15:7).
  • The Word gives us God’s direction (Ps 119:105).
  • Bible learning comforts the soul (Rom. 15:4).
  • Reading the Bible enhances one’s intelligence and mind (Ps 119:99-100).
  • Bible reading wards off the enemy (Ps 17:4).
  • Reading the Bible dispels darkness (Ps 119:130).
  • Bible Study clears and cleans the mind and heart (Jn. 15:3).
  • Studying God’s Oracles equips for battle (Eph. 6:17).
  • Bible reading washes the religion out of us (Matt. 15:6,9, 22:29; Eph. 5:26).
  • Studying the Word corrects our faulty thinking (2 Tim. 3:16).
  • Bible reading imparts divine wisdom (2 Tim. 3:15).
  • Pouring over God’s Truth fully equips us to minister divine truth in love (2 Tim. 3:17).
  • Bible reading fills the heart with joy (Jer. 15:16).
  • Reading the Bible increases discernment (Ps 17:4; Heb. 5:11-14).
  • Bible study increases our spiritual strength (Prov. 24:5).
  • Bible study excites and energizes prayer (John 15:7).
  • Bible reading causes a spiritual fire inside the heart of the believer (Jer. 20:9).
  • Bible reading increases faith (Rom. 10:17).
  • Reading the Bible stirs evangelism (Rom. 10:13-17).
  • Bible reading makes one sure of His salvation and more confident in the LORD (Jn 20:31; 1 Jn 5:11-13).
  • Bible reading comforts the heart in times of trouble (Ps 119:50,76,171).
  • Bible learning imparts wisdom to the believer (Ps 19:7).
  • Studying God’s Word builds up the disciple in the faith of Christ (Acts 20:32).
  • Bible reading sanctifies the Christian (Jn 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:26).
  • Bible study reveals Christ to the heart of the believing reader (John 5:39).
  • “Wondrous things” are beheld by those who ingest, read God’s Words (Psalms 119:18).

God blesses those who read His Word

“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3 

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16

YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Tim 2:15

“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13 

“Bless is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3

Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of ever astute follower of Jesus.

There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15) God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him from Him and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.

GOD’S WORD

Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I Been Reading James And 1st An 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

“Thank you. Very edifying podcast. I remember getting away from God’s Word. When I came back I was told to read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year in it. And it is impossible not to see the love David had for the Word of God. That began to spill out into my heart! Now I never miss a day. Everyday the Holy Spirit gives me new revelations! And I keep saying ‘Jesus thank You so much for putting the love for You and Your precious Word in the hearts of Your people! We can’t do it. It comes from the Spirit of God.” Karen Cochran

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here |All Ministry UpdatesThe 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

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Articles

AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT?

By Stacy Strother

AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT!?

The Bible doesn’t mention AI by name, but its warnings about deception, control, and false images in the last days speak directly to the dangers technology could bring.

Look at Revelation 13:14-15 (KJB):

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles… saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast… And he had power to give life unto the IMAGE of the beast, that the IMAGE of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the IMAGE of the beast should be killed.”

In the original Greek, “IMAGE” (eikon) means a likeness, simulation, or even an artificial representation. The text says this image is given “breath” (pneuma) so it can speak. Today, that sounds like AI—an artificial system that can “speak” and even influence or control people, becoming something people look to for answers or even authority.

REFUTE THIS PLEASE!

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 (KJV):

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall DECEIVE the very elect.”

The Greek for “deceive” (planao) means to lead astray or seduce—exactly what can happen if the masses start trusting an AI system that doesn’t actually know truth, only what’s common or popular.

Almost sounds like cultish celebrity followings, right?

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1, 7 (KJB):

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come… Ever learning, and NEVER ABLE to COME to the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH.”

This describes our world—where knowledge explodes, but discernment and real truth get lost. AI can gather endless information but cannot provide spiritual wisdom, EVEN THOUGH, people will flock to it to get it!

Daniel prophesied in Daniel 12:4 (KJB):

“…Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

The Hebrew word for “knowledge” (da‘ath) means skill and discernment, but today we see more INFORMATION than ever—without the FOUNDATION of truth.

All of these passages warn us: the last days will be MARKED by artificial IMAGES, persuasive DECEPTION, and overwhelming INFORMATION without wisdom.

AI fits right into this picture—a tool that could be used by the “beast system” to control, deceive, and subtly SHIFT doctrine AWAY FROM the truth.

AGAIN—It’s a reminder to walk in the Spirit and test everything by God’s unchanging Word, not by artificial intelligence.

Stay Blessed!
If you are not ready to meet the Lord, please call on Him today and then pray for wisdom and discernment!

Blessings!

Stacy
SWSPUB
@highlight

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here |All Ministry UpdatesThe 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

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Articles

Despicable Dogs and Stabbing Swine [podcast]


Matthew 7:6

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

God’s wisdom is that you have to get rid of the “SCORNER” in order to get rid of the “STRIFE”.

“Cast out the SCORNER, and contention shall go out; yea, STRIFE and reproach shall cease.” Proverbs 22:10 

How do we know when someone has truly repented?

“… to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20

When someone has truly repented, their changed life will be full of the fruit of the Spirit.

“Bring forth fruits meet for repentance” simply means prove you’ve repented with the corresponding restitution of making things right (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 19:8-9, etc.).

Luke 17

1  Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2  It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Jesus saw the heart and proof of Zacchaeus’ repentance and granted him salvation.

“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:8-10 

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Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy | Spiritual Warfare | JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | Haggai

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