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“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” Psalms 31:19

The merchants of this world constantly seek for your dollars, promising you some thrill, creature comfort, or a better life in this temporary dwelling place (earthly life). But that’s all for this fleeting life whereby our LORD told us to lose our lives and not to preserve or pamper them (John 12:24-26). In this brief life we are given the window of opportunity to work to provide for our families, self, and the basic necessities, and then to “have to give” to those in need and the work of the eternal Gospel (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.). True servant elders in Christ’s body will be calling you to give up your life in this fleeting world (Luke 8:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; 19:27; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). This is the privilege our LORD has given us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-24).

IF we truly put Him first, will His work be the last thing that receives our financial attention or, will His work be the very first place we place funds out of what He allowed us to earn?

Push This! …. Upward

“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. … But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34

Here Jesus is teaching His people not to be worried about tomorrow but seek first His kingdom by laying up treasures in heaven and by not serving mammon but God who is the Giver of all good gifts in the first place. He never runs out of goods to give. But can He move those good things through us after He gets them to us?

The LORD be praised for those who have given to Christ’s work in the past. So, that makes your willingness to help so much the more important. The LORD promises you will be rewarded – eternally! Your continued giving is vital to the sustenance and fruitfulness of divinely-ordained, true New Testament ministries. Trust me: If they are telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but God’s truth, they are in need of your help! People don’t rush to give to those who endeavor to preach the full-counsel of our LORD’s Word. No, in fact, they get offended and run to the ear-tickling ministers of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 2 Timothy 4:2-4). And, the sad fact is, that most who get fed by ministries, never bother to give of what God has put into their hands to further His work. In fact, many reading these very words have thousands saved up for a rainy day, preserving their life in this present, fleeting, sinful world, and will not bother to help God’s work (1 Timothy 6:6-19).

IF God, His work, and souls mean something of importance to us, will we not support the outflow of the LORD’s Word?

If Jesus Christ is truly LORD and Master of our lives, He is then LORD and Master over all we have.

“For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

Someone has wisely stated that  “If He’s not LORD of all, He’s not LORD at all.”

According to Jesus, the way to get on fire for Him is to begin by simple, deliberate obedience. Our hearts will follow (Matthew 6:19-21). We cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). We must lay down our lives before Him in unreserved surrender. Then, all becomes His.

If we have chosen to be disciplined about paying for frivolous, waste such as cable TV, the tanning salon, expensive coffees and cosmetics, and hobbies, can we not consider revamping? How about pushing everything else down lower and placing the LORD Almighty at the very top of the list of priorities?

WND published this statistic recently:

“The Democratic National Committee also appears to be having fundraising woes of its own. In May, the DNC raised $60 million, compared to $76.8 million by the RNC.” WND

And to think that some of those donating money to politics claim that they are true disciples of Jesus when they give less or nothing to God’s work. Tragic!

Could the LORD be calling us to repent and put our faith afresh in Him?

“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

How is it that we had the wherewithal, energy, and money to go out and contract with different companies for temporal items or pleasures? Was it not the desire of our hearts? Do we desire to see the LORD’s Word prosper in the hearts and lives of others? Can we not now choose to be disciplined in our giving to the LORD’s work?

Is this not part of the daily cross?

Are we here to stay or just passing through? See Hebrews 13:14.

So many people eagerly pursue and invest their earthly monies, seeking to multiply it. But what are Jesus’ teachings on this important subject? Read Luke 12 and Luke 16 for a starter.

Why would Jesus who died for our sins and soul jeopardize that very soul He died to save against His own counsel? Let’s read what Jesus said in Mark 10:23-25:

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 

Jesus and His holy apostles warned about covetousness and greed and laying up treasures in this fleeting life which will blow away with the wind upon our death and cause our eternal fall (Psalms 49; 1 Timothy 6; Ephesians 5:7-9).

Does God not see it when we overlook the needs of others while we have the money to help? See Proverbs 24:10-12; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-19.

Here are some intriguing notes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible:

“Riches are, in Jesus’ perspective, an obstacle both to salvation and to discipleship (Mat. 19:24; 13:22). They give a false sense of security (Luke 12:15ff), they deceive (Mat. 13:22), and they demand the total loyalty of one’s heart (Mat. 6:21). The rich often show that they have no need of God. By searching for riches, their spiritual life is choked (Luke 8:14) and they are led into temptation and harmful desires (1 Tim. 6:9), resulting in the abandonment of saving faith (1 Tim. 6:10). All too often those who are rich take advantage of the poor (Jas. 2:5-6). Thus, no Christian ought to desire to get rich (1 Tim. 6:9-11).” Life In the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1568

“Selfish amassing of material possessions is an indication that life is no longer seen from the vantage point of eternity (Col. 3:1). A selfish, greedy person no longer has his goal and fulfillment in God, but rather in himself and his possessions. The tragedy of Lot’s wife, for example, was her placing all her affections on an earthly city rather than a heavenly one (Gen. 19:16-17, 26; Luke 17:28-33; Heb. 11:8-10). In other words, striving after wealth has in it the seed of total alienation from God (1 Tim. 6:10).” Life In the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1568

“True riches for a Christian consist in faith and love that express themselves in self-denial and following Jesus (1 Cor. 13:4-7; Phil. 2:3-5). Those who have true riches have gained freedom from the things of this world through confidence that God is their Father and that He will not forsake them (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5-6).” Life In the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1568

Those who give of themselves, which integrally includes their temporary earthly treasure, will forever reap benefits in eternal glory. Jesus promised. Will you follow Him?

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10

“We walk by faith not by sight. Preachers should never ask for money for themselves, absolutely not, yet those they preach to should have a generous heart to support a man called by God to teach, lead, or pastor an assembled group.  For in doing so, they are giving as unto God, as the true shepherd has ascended to the hill, with a pure heart and clean hands..and is able to STAND IN HIS PRESENCE!!!!!! For God has given him the authority in the call!!!! As you honor with the richness of your heart toward the man of God, so shall you be rich in like manner ways, for the Lord said…He who delights in the Word shall be blessed in all His ways…pretty simple…two great commandments, hang all the laws of the prophets.” Peter Korelis

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Money, Material Wealth, and Riches

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Articles

Maria the Evangelist – Mission Mexico is now supporting Maria the Evangelist [VIDEO]


Picked up a portion of the 10,000 JESUS tracts in Spanish. Thank God and you who gave! YOU made this happen.

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

“God is the Lord of the harvest! And there is a great harvest in Mexico because the fields are white ready to be harvested! And now He is bringing forth Laborers!” Karen Cochran

“That is a powerful ministry. May the Lord bless her and your ministry efforts. Praying for this outreach.” Stacy Strother

The fervor, the fire that burned in me a few days ago is perhaps due to this opportunity, now that sister Maria and others have been added to us to support….. we are in a war for the souls of men saints. Thank you for praying saints. The LORD is doing His work in the hearts of men in Mexico.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

On this topic, for your exhortation and edification, feel free to listen to the recent podcast titled LORD Please Prepare and Send Me! [podcast].

The members of the body of Christ came through and we have the money needed to print the first round of 10,000 JESUS tracts.

Keep in mind that the ministry is also supporting brother Allan Abayon in the Philippines as he ministers God’s Word to the Philippino people.

God is able saints.

Please excuse the zeal. Sometimes I err when wanting to make sure we, as Christ’s body, properly, to well support the ministers of Christ He is giving us to support. When you see the video of Maria in action, you will see the blessing and opportunity God is giving us. And this is all because you prayed as Jesus instructed, for “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

“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 having no shepherd. 37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Have been visiting sister Maria nearly every early evening to give her a big hug, to bless her, to feed her food with cold water, and replenish her supply of the JESUS tracts. In distributing our LORD’s Gospel, Maria misses nearly no one. There’s a constant flow of foot traffic where she ministers and she has a stack of JESUS tracts she keeps replenishing on the store counter that is right there when people check out. Even while we were there last night, the stack diminished visibly.

Today, I picked up a few thousand of the JESUS tracts in Spanish. Next week they will have to have the balance ready to pick up. You made this happen saints! See 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. 10,000 JESUS tracts…..

  1. It lasts longer, and
  2. because printing is more cost effective.

When visiting Maria, she is smiling and moving about so swiftly that it’s actually difficult to get good pics of her in action. She is in her zone, in her JESUS zone! Thank you for lifting up in prayer our dear sister in Christ who is one of His “labourers”! (Matthew 9:35-38) YOU prayed and God is answering!

Juan the evangelist!

Maria the evangelist!

And several more!

WHEN we hand out Gospel tracts today, let the recipients see Christ’s love, joy, and peace beaming in and through your life.

Evangelism God’s Way

We also have Spanish Bibles on the way here which some of your have graciously mailed to us. There’s going to be shipping costs when they arrive. Another great kingdom opportunity!

“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 24:14

Recently, and on several occasions, because you care, we were able to feed several people, including sister Maria. There’s no telling how long it’s been since she had eaten. She didn’t ask, we asked her and went to get food and water for her (and a few homeless men who also were ministered to) with the Gospel and with food, and cold water to refresh her soul.

    


“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options


Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

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Articles

The King’s Marriage

Psalm 45

A Song of Loves

by Karen Cochran

Psalm 45

A song of Loves

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

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

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

vv. 2-6 The most significant character in this Psalm is the Lord Jesus Christ. In these verses we are introduced to the King Himself. His beauty surpasses all others. The gospel of grace is poured into His lips. God has blessed Him forever! He fights for truth and justice, and is filled with majesty, glory, meekness, righteousness, and truth. The Scepter of the kingdom is given to Him. Jesus Christ has all authority over all (Hebrews 1:8).

“The voice of God is heard from heaven addressing Him as God and certifying His reign as an eternal one. We know it is the voice of God, because Hebrews 1:8,9 tell us so.” Believer’s Bible Commentary.

The Lord God says thy throne is for ever and ever” (Psalms 45:6).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The whole message of this Psalm teaches us that the King’s royal bride must be pure, cleansed, holy and wearing the robe of righteousness of Christ. He must be her First Love. The one she loves supremely above everyone and everything else. This is the only way she will be accounted worthy to enter into the holy kingdom! It is a must, before she will be welcomed into the marriage, that she bear the image of her Bridegroom. Then she will be invited to enter into the palace and the Lord Jesus Himself will confess her “name before His father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5).

Are we ready to be presented to our Bridegroom? Revelation 19:7 says “His wife hath made herself ready.” We must be fully clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This is the righteousness of the saints, and the only way we will be called into the marriage with our Bridegroom (Revelation 19:8-9)! Don’t be caught naked (unprepared) and wearing your own righteousness which is filthy rags. Remember God hates wickedness. Not being clothed in Christ will lead to suffering judgment and shame when standing before our Maker (Revelation 16:15). Don’t let the scepter of Christ fall on your head! Make sure you are considered before a holy God as the “Gold of Ophir” a precious jewel.

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

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Abiding

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


Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:6-10

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

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

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

The Topic of Humility on SafeGuardYourSoul.com

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul

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