“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
Going Directly to the Source [podcast]
IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.
“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
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)
It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.
Psalms 73
“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
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Abiding
“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:
“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake
“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.
“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke
“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25
In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:
“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:
“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7
“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16
Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:
“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“2 Peter 3:
To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.
Key aspects:
- Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.
- Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
- Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
- Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
- Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).
- Passionate prayer
- Diligent study of God’s Word
- Active, loving service to others
- Bold witnessing for faith
- Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”
Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”
“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.
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It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Hated”
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“Ye shall Laugh”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22
“Through much Tribulation”
“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
Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
“To Make them White”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Made white … the wise shall understand”
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
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