“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
Abiding
Putting God First [podcast]

If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you.
If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it.
“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
Jesus commanded:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
As you seek God, putting Him first, you are not going to be able to prevent, to stop His blessings coming upon your life. 100%
Memorize this promise from your Savior, today.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
What putting Christ first looks like:
Prayer.
“Early will I seek thee.” Psalms 63:1
Read. Study.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12
The Bible is far from just amazing information (Psalms 119:98-100; 2 Peter 1:3-4, etc.). More important than vital information coming from our Maker, God’s Word is your spiritual food and without it, without daily ingesting it, you will famish, fall, and ultimately perish.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
Read that again: The only way to “grow” is to “desire” and to devour the Word of your great God and King Jesus. He made you to know Him (John 17:3).
The only way to keep, to guard your heart before the LORD, is to keep it full of God’s Word.
“Keep (guard, till the soil of) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
In fact, like Job, we must make the spiritual food of God’s Word more important than the food that fuels and keeps healthy our physical body.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12
“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart RETAIN my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Proverbs 4:4
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 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
Find. Eat. Rejoice.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
YOUR PRAYER: Father please unite my heart to fear Thy name. Forgive my sins of spiritual adultery, of self-idolatry. Here and now I renounce my own ownership on my life. It’s Your life LORD. Reign on the throne of this heart and cut away, circumcise any and everything of iniquity in my heart and life. You must increase but I must decrease, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
Victory Over “Evil Concupiscence” and Every Sexual Sin [podcast]

“Flee fornication”
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
“Concupiscence” appears 3 times in God’s Word and speaking of having a secret desire for that which is forbidden, namely in sexual lust.
“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:8
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5
“Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thessalonians 4:5
Revelation 19:7-9
“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.”
Colossians 3:1-6
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”
Memorize Colossians 3:3
“Submerge yourself deeper and deeper into Jesus until you sink out of sight.”!! Unknown
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Read Psalms 51 and Romans 6 each morning.
PRAYER: Holy Father, please forgive my many sins. Please touch this vessel all the way to the core of who You made me to be. Do Your work in this life You gave. Please unite my heart to fear Thy name and purify this heart O LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Return of Jesus and Being Ready
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Abiding
The Simplicity of Real Fellowship [podcast]

Satan thinks he has Stolen the Fellowship of the Saints
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. 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.” Revelation 12:12
Exhorting God’s People “Daily”
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
“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.” Colossians 3:16
“Feed my sheep”
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
Simplicity in Fellowship
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
They “continued steadfastly in …
- “the apostles doctrines”
- “fellowship”
- “breaking bread”
- “prayers”
“Great podcast. Thank you. As I was listening I was thinking about all the many churches we have attended through the years. And the one thing missing was love for Jesus. Everything was robotic. Hands raised in singing but no hearts raised. All scripted. You follow the script then go home. No honesty about their lives! All fake. Nothing more than a religious gathering. The disciples of old turned the world upside down because of their love for their Savior! They were willing to die for Him and they did! All these fake Christians do is wear outward religious garb and somehow think Jesus doesn’t know – as in Matthew 23. How refreshing it is to be around people who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind! (Mat 22:37). Even if it is mostly online and as they live their daily lives. At least it is all about Jesus and not self! And I want to be with people who are Christ-centered not self-centered!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please do Your work in this vessel that is Yours. Help me to love You more and to live to serve others as You did LORD Jesus. Make me holy as You are holy. Let this life be crucified and raised up by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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