Covetous Reciprocation between Preachers and Prey [podcast]
Covetous Reciprocation
Today so many think they are hearing the Word of God in their local church. They are hearing very little of it and mountains of divine truth is being intentionally hidden from them – by the ear-tickling wolves they have chosen to sit under. These are those who $cratch the backs of those who tickle their ears.
Because they haven’t chosen to love God enough to hear from Him firsthand, for themselves, by studying His Word diligently, counterfeits will spend eternity in Hell (Hosea 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:15). Those who love God seek Him in His Word for themselves, otherwise they prove not to love Him (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Their worship is shallow at best ….. and fake because they serve their own bellies/carnal appetites (Philippians 3:18-19; Titus 1:16).
“Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:6-9
IF a person isn’t intently reading God’s Word and obeying Him, such a person has demonstrated their contempt for Christ and will not be with Him. Such a person simply does not love Jesus. “Going to church” has little or nothing to do with ones walk with LORD. True fellowship as defined by Scripture, yes but not what we call “church” today. We’ve been mislead and it’s time to return humbly in authentic repentance to Christ, yes Christ! Remember Him? You know, the ONE the modern frauds we call “pastors” won’t spend any time preaching about? No, they’re too busy tickling your ears, coddling you in your sins, withholding the truth, etc., so they can take your money to build their own kingdom. You won’t hear the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as repentance, holiness, the cross-crucified life, judgment, Hell, or the return of Jesus for His spotless Bride!
“They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. 9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:8-9
This is plainly seen in how many today seek to emulate the vain, vile wolves they support – in hopes of being able to live lavishly in this fleeting world as their wolves do.
The chief reason that wicked, smiling beguilers have been so successful is the self-serving, greedy hearted, Christ-denying people who fund them. You see, the Bible teaches that this is age old. These two parties reciprocate one another – “Like people, like priest” (Hosea 4:9).
Here we see the reciprocation of the beguiler and those they beguile. The willingly beguiled are giving to those deceiving them in hopes of becoming rich in this world as these charlatans demonstrate in their own personal lives.
God is Watching
“I marvel to think of all the things we do in vain, for no purpose or gain for Christ and His Kingdom!” Charles Pray
JESUS plainly taught that the way you are treating others in your stewardship reveals exactly how you are treating Jesus and exactly where you will spend eternity (Matthew 25:40-41, 46). Judgment Day! Are you going to run from His truth and thereby sprint into eternal damnation? Or, are you going to stop your life, get before God in true repentance, crying out for Him to break you before it’s too late? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found…” (Isaiah 55:6).
Could it be that some people could care less that the work of the God they claim to know is being done? Some who claim to be saved seem to care only for their own little trinkets in this fleeting world. Their earthly treasures will perish with them (Luke 12, 16, etc.).
WE must become so deeply dead and buried with Christ that we are truly “hid with Christ in God” from the snare, the lure of lusting after this world’s treasures and trinkets (Colossians 3:1-4). It’s for our souls! Read Luke 12 and 16.
THE real Gospel includes truly laying down our life, and when we do, ALL will be God’s, not ours. We will finally be set free (1 Chronicles 29:14).
“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.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
INSTEAD of prayerfully, obediently looking where to support Christ’s Gospel work, the counterfeit looks to further embellish his flesh, his own reputation, and entrench himself in this fleeting world – Read Luke 12:15-21.
If you have money tied up in the bank, in any account or possession that could be used to help God’s people and work, He’s going to hold your eternal soul accountable for it and Hell awaits! (Luke 12, 16; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)
Jesus is watching and will judge us for how we are using the wealth He has placed in our hands.
WE can know we are backslidden when we whip out our wallets for some new gadget yet hold it tight when the opportunity to help the Gospel sits at our feet.
When we neglect to help His people and His work, what did Jesus say that means?
“Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:45-46
Wealth Wasted on the Worship of Self!
Christ’s work does not include paying for physical buildings to be built under the feigned notion that a physical building is the way to advance His kingdom. Nonsense! Jesus and His holy apostles never erected or built or expanded even one physical building. What does that tell us concerning the modern church? It tells us that they are not following Christ. Rather, they are perpetuating their own names, building their own edifices to their self-serving purposes, and wasting the resources of people for their own glory.
Many today give out of self-love in order to:
1) Make themselves rich in this world, thinking they are going to receive money back because they gave.
2) Make their self and families more comfortably entertained on Sunday mornings when they go to the church building they are giving to.
So, due to the self-serving disposition that possesses many of those who claim to be serving the One who gave all, the greedy beguiler need only say “Give here and God will bless you” and/or “Give here and we will make you more comfortable and be able to entertain you better with our little sermonette props, fancy coffees, fad programs, big screen TV’s and smoke rolling off the stage.
People who deny Christ instead of self are easy and gullible prey and dupes for the myriad of charlatans operating in the modern church world. Neither of these are done in honor of the LORD. No, both are done out of the worship of self – to bless self and not the Savior. Is this not at least partially why Jesus did not honor the giving of the religionists of His day, even though He saw that they cast in much monetarily? (Mark 12:41-44)
The Bible says that “The LORD loveth a cheerful giver,” or one who gives of his substance in a worshipful manner and not for a self-serving purpose (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Does God give back to those who give out of a worshipful, thankful, and obedient heart? Yes. Yet, giving that honors God and not the god of self, is given from a joyful heart in gratitude to the One from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).
The LORD is most interested in us giving ourselves to Him and not our money (Matthew 6:21). Our giving or lack thereof, is a direct reflection of how much we have or have not given ourselves to Christ.
People who give to further the cause of any local church that is not fully engaged in the Great Commission, are wasting God’s money and furthering the cause of apostasy. When Jesus said “I will build my church,” He obviously meant nothing about going out and building physical buildings but rather, building His kingdom in the hearts of men the world over (Matthew 16:18). Read Christ’s words again – “I will build my church.” What is His“church”? The Greek word for “church” is ekklesia and simply means the called out ones – people!
“Study!”
Read your Bible friend. Cease blindly following mere men (Acts 17:11). Get into God’s Word and challenge everything you are seeing in the modern church world and that which you currently hold on to in your mind and heart.
“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
As you daily and diligently study God’s Word, one truth at a time, you will begin to see just how far off the apostate modern church system really is. Doing things God’s way requires reading and following Christ via His blessed Word. Study the early church and ask who, what, where, why, and when.
What did the early believers do with their money in their worship of the LORD? Did they give to build or sustain a physical building in order to follow a mere man or to make themselves and their families comfortable on Sunday mornings? No! Never! Not once! So, to do so is to waste God’s money and to have to answer for it.
Cross-Less Worship is the Worship of Self and the Open Denial of the Savior
It’s amazing how many who claim to love Jesus spend/waste more money on trash like this than they do funding the Gospel and helping the poor. Why? They are serving the god of self – “Whose god is their belly (carnal appetites)” (Phil. 3:18-19). God is watching EVERY penny we have and how we are spending/stewarding it (Mark 12:41-44). We shall all give account to Him for this (Romans 14:10).
Yes the problem is that so many don’t give God the first portion and yet spend all their money on the god of self. The LORD tells us in Proverbs 3:9-10:
“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.”
Every person reading these words is going to choose and prove, the very next time they get paid – who they worship. What did Jesus teach on this?
“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. … 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
Want to see where someone’s heart is? – simple: watch where they spend their monies.
Want to see where our own heart is? – simple: watch where we are spending our monies.
IF you can’t give up, give out a small portion of the money GOD GOD GOD gave you, money is your god and it cannot save (Matthew 6:19-24).
Praise God for restaurants, etc……. Yet I must ask myself if it’s necessary to eat out 5-7 times weekly. Not here. Maybe once monthly. Consider this for lunch: 2-3 hard boiled eggs and some fresh, raw fruit and /or vegetables in a tupperware costs less than .50cents daily. And it’s perfect nutrition and stewardship.
The daily cross Christ commanded is neglected and refused in nearly all local church gatherings today. This is why the Savior is not being truly elevated and worshiped among those who say they know Him. Without fail, self will always be on the altar of worship when Christ is not forcefully and deliberated worshiped as the only “Head” of His body (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 2:18-19).
Without exception, all true, Heaven-bound followers of Christ cry out that “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Biblical Ignorance Exploited
Beguilers have enough confidence in the ignorance of those they lead that they need not fear ever being questioned about whatever they (the leadership) choose to do – no matter how unbiblical it may be. Their treatment of the monies and how and where they are being spent is never questioned by their prey. Many a ministry attracts people who still love this world and therefore we know that “the love of the Father is not in” them (1 John 2:15-18). Their own refusal learn God’s Word and to obey it has rendered these captives unable to discern and flee from their greedy and covetous captors. These people who make up the audiences have not dealt with heart issues such as greed, covetousness, and being broken before the LORD (Luke 12; 16; 2 Timothy 4:3).
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If ANY man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1 John 2:15-18
The money-mongers gospel lures in those who are not dead to the flesh and the world because the daily cross Jesus commanded is absent from their personal lives (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24). Paul taught:
“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
Ezekiel 14 deals with heart idols and how Christ-denying leaders with idols of the heart actually serve a divine purpose per se’. Since these men remain covetous, having rejected the truth in their own personal lives, though holding positions of leadership, they are turned over to be deceived and to deceive others who name Christ as Savior but are not given over to Him (Luke 19:27; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:13).
Ezekiel 14
1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. 2 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? 4 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; 5 That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. 6 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. 7 For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the Lord will answer him by myself: 8 And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 9 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. 10 And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; Ezekiel 14:1-10
Peter writes that it’s “through covetousness” that these “false prophets” and “false teachers” operate. Instead of instructing their audiences the biblical way – to deny self – these men utilize “feigned words” to “make merchandise of you.”
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
This whole mega church movement (its leaders and teachings) operates through the covetousness in the hearts of the supporters and those who lead them – astray. This business model works off of the “What’s in it for me” principle. The people are enticed to give in order to continue to build the circus house they meet in. Have you seen and been in some of these houses of self-worship? Wow, some of them are lavishly enormous. Yet, the smaller ones are no less deadly.
Many people who attend seeker-friendly or Word of faith type churches are not living the Christian life – they are not dead to self and crying out for Jesus to increase and reign in their personal lives (John 3:30). Like the kind of people who get into a greed-driven business opportunity in hopes of attaining to the level of success of that big money earner who is being paraded, many today aspire to enjoy the posh lifestyle they see their “Christian” leader(s) living. So, they continue to give their monies and support into those false ministries in hopes that they might one day achieve such a lifestyle themselves. God promises to equally judge both parties for this sin – the leaders and their enablers.
“And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him.” Ezekiel 14:10
“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9
The apostle Paul reveals this same phenomenon:
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. … For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” 2 Timothy 3:13; 4:3
This prophesied proliferation of “evil men and seducers” is upon us and made possible by those who “after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”
In 2006, churches spent $8.1 billion on audio and projection equipment, according to TFCinfo, an audiovisual market research firm, as reported by The Christian Post.
That’s right, in just one year that’s 8.1 BILLION dollars spent on audio projection equipment alone! That money was spent by financially supported CEO’s who run today’s churches. And where did that money come from? – Largely by people who are being misled by these leaders. This tells us plainly that leaders are using the monies they collect to enhance their physical buildings and make people feel good and comfortable when they come to be entertained on Sunday mornings. So, the motivation for giving is to serve themselves. This is hardly a godly and biblical motive for giving. Compare this with that special offering taken up among the believers at Corinth and sent to Jerusalem. There was no promise or possibility that any of that money was going to serve to flatter their own flesh – those disciples gave to bless their fellow saints in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).
So, 8.1 billion dollars was spent in one year in America to even further pamper religious, church members who are apostate and prove their lost state by their support of covetous, disobedient, apostate leaders.
So, every year, not 8 million but rather 8 BILLION dollars is given by so-called Christians in America to help them enjoy better sound quality on Sunday morning in the entertainment centers we call “churches.”
Where do you give and why? Are people going un-discipled and unsaved due to your neglect in stewardship?
According to God’s Word, is this 8.1 billion dollars being spent by Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-led stewards, or charlatans? The answer is obvious to the Bible student who is a truth-seeking disciple of only One, Jesus Christ.
Beloved, let us pray sincerely and daily for the fear of the LORD to abide in our hearts and that His divine wisdom will also guide us in the stewardship He requires of us, for which we will each give account (Psalms 86:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Did you realize that any person enabling (by funding, etc.) false ministries will be partaker of (reap) the same certain judgment that is coming upon all “evil workers”? See Ezekiel 14:9-10; Philippians 3:2; Revelation 18:4. John the apostle wrote:
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
To help a wolf in any manner, is to be an accessory to the fact or an enabler of that evil beguiler. This places the supporter under the exact same divine condemnation. The phrase “bid him God speed” here refers to supporting the person who conveys a false message or lifestyle inconsistent with what Christ and His holy apostles taught and modeled which we have on record in the Holy Scriptures.
Prayer: Holy Father, I come to You afresh this hour, rending my heart and submitting it to You right this moment. I love You Jesus and return to You right now. Please forgive me for any and all sins I have committed in mis-stewarding Your money. The money in my possession now and that which is to come, is not mine but Yours. Into Your hands I commend and release my spirit, in Jesus holy name. Amen.
Capture Points
1. Read, meditate upon, and discuss Ezekiel 14:9-10.
2. Write out 2 Timothy 4:3-4 on an index card and read it aloud three times and begin to memorize this passage.
3. Discuss and mull over how you might begin to better steward your own personal life and resources as to prepare to be judged for how you did such.
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Abiding
What Eternal Security Wolves Refuse to Teach [podcast]
THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.
The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.
We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)
There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:
-
Lust
-
Idolatry
-
Fornication
-
Tempting Christ
-
Murmuring
This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.
Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.
Case closed.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.
7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The cross. Christ raises up those who are crcified with Him – outside of which no man can overcome sin. Romans 6.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).
The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).
“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16
Die or death always means separation.
OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“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.” Revelation 19:7-9
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
“Psalms 51:1-19
Psalm 51: Sweet Perfumes of Penitence
Alexander Maclaren once said, ‘The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin.’ We have an illustration of this in Psalm 51. As the heading explains, it was written by David after Nathan the prophet had boldly exposed him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering Uriah. Utterly convicted of his sin, David pours out this torrent of penitence from his broken and contrite heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Read and pray Psalm 51.
Prayer of Returning: Holy Father, You gave all when You gave Your only begotten Son who came and died for our sins. You’ve also called me to lay down my life, to lose my life in this fleeting world. I have not done well at giving over my life to You … You alone who are worthy of my full, unreserved worship. Right this moment I ask You to forgive my sin of having another god before You which is self idolatry and spiritual adultery. I have alienated the affections of my heart away from You LORD and onto myself. For this I ask You to forgive me and I right here and now turn to You Jesus. Right this moment I lay my life in Your holy hands LORD. Into Your hands I submit my spirit – my whole being. Not my will but Thine be done LORD Jesus! I am no longer my own. I am Yours. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Jesus and am ceaselessly grateful that You bought me with the price of Your own blood! You must increase but I must decrease. I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy holy name! Teach me daily to lay myself aside and to give the reins over to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?
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Abiding
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 manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
God is holy and He says to …
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
Holiness simply means pure, sanctified.
Clearing out everything that defiles us in His holy eyes is the sign that we are living in fervent expectation of our LORD’s return for His bride.
“His wife hath made herself ready”
“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.” Revelation 19:7-9
We see here again, the earmark fruit of the Heaven bound remnant of Christ, the bride of Christ – “his wife hath made herself ready.”
2 ways to purification
- The precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7
- The washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).
Washed in His Precious Blood
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19
The Washing of Water by the Word
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Your present spiritual state is what matters most to God. In Ephesians 5:25-27 carefully note the state of the Church—the people for whom Jesus will soon return.
Those not purifying their lives (washing daily in the blood and water of His Word), do not live daily with the hope of Christ’s return.
Memorize 1 John 3:3 today.
“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 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 4:17-19
Jesus warns us here of …
- the cares of this world,
- and the deceitfulness of riches
- and the lusts of other things
We are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom. We are not yet married to Him and will not be if we are not purifying ourselves before Him (2 Corinthians 11:2).
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2
All 10 virgins in Jesus’ parable were engaged, invited to attend the the marriage, the wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Only 5 of them made it in and the other 5 were rejected. Why?
One source summates the importance of the parable of the 10 virgins – where 5 made it and the other 5 were shut out.
“The parable of the ten virgins teaches about spiritual readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, with five wise virgins who prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps and five foolish virgins who did not. The foolish virgins were turned away by the bridegroom when he arrived, as they were unprepared and missed the feast. The parable, found in Matthew 25:1-13, encourages constant vigilance and preparation for the unknown time of Christ’s coming.”
Here is a picture of our abiding fellowship and relationship with Jesus…..
“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.” Psalms 73:23-24
When your vessel is full of the oil of Heaven via fellowship, you will be purifying your life of everything that defiles you in His holy eyes, in the eyes of the Great Bridegroom.
We are no longer our own. We are Christ’s. He bought us, purchased us back to Himself and the Father with His blood.
“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 6:19-20
“The flesh and spirit”
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
Prayer: Father, I know You are holy and will have Your holy Bride whom Jesus died to purchase. Please purify my heart, mind and life of all that defiles. Make me holy dear LORD, as You alone can do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Loved this podcast. I think it was important to stress that women need to be submitted to their husbands as our country is infested with Jezebels. Who refuse to lay down their lives and submit to God and their husbands. Who can find a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:10. Do men ask that question? And more importantly our relationship with our husbands is a direct result of our relationship with the Lord. If a woman is not submitted to Jesus she will never submit to her husband. It starts at the feet of Jesus. We must be like Mary. Bringing all of our alabaster box (ourselves) to Him. I love what Job says, ‘The root of the matter is found in me.’ Job 19:28. This is always true! If my husband or anyone else upsets me I must go before God and let Him search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me! Psalm 139:23-24. And I can guarantee there is. It all starts with me!! Allowing God to purify and cleanse my heart. My heart!!” Karen Cochran
Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE page and amazon. English and Spanish.
See what others are saying about this devotional book.
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Apostasy
“THE GREAT DRAGON” [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Origin of Evil
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
Like it or not, you have a sworn enemy. He has drawn a line in the sand. You are in a war for your eternal soul and you must fight or you will be destroyed.
The introduction to the God of all creation and lover of His highest creation—mankind, is of supreme importance. And so is realizing and understanding the existence of the most wicked and iniquitous being in this universe. He is one of the major themes and realities in this record of mankind’s beginning. The Word of our God unveils creation’s account, leading to our present day and into the eternal future. What is set forth in the book of Genesis would set the stage and affect all of the history that would follow.
This book of origins is about that fatal falsehood which emanates from the Garden where it all began—a garden that was sinless bliss and perfection until the lie was introduced and acted upon by the first two people.
Of this very archenemy of the Most-High, from whom all lies originate, the Word states: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God” (Ezek. 28:13). The serpent, animated by the vilest of all beings, was allowed to slither into the innocence and purity that originally existed in the sanctuary of creation. This was due to the fact that perfect divine wisdom has seen fit to allow His creation to have the opportunity of choice between good and evil (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Job 12:16; 1 Cor. 11:19).
Satan has a purpose. Since love is volitional by its very nature, our Creator has seen fit to permit this evil and beguiling villain to remain present amidst those professing sanctuary in the LORD. Life on earth is a test for all—all humans are on probation. Love is a choice and so is rebellion. The Maker of all made man with free will so that the choice could be made to love or not to love Him. Among volumes of other Scriptures found in Holy Writ which demonstrate this, the following words from on high make plain that the LORD made Man with free will: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15).
Such a statement would not have been spoken by the LORD if He had not made man with the ability of choice. Man was created with the ability to “choose” every “day” whom he will serve, and this choice is ongoing while men are upon the earth in this temporal life.
It would be remiss to attempt discussing the very lie of the ages without opening the grand subject of the one whom Christ said was the father (originator) of all lies. Of Satan, the Son of God informed us, as He spoke to the rebellious religionists of His day:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” ~ John 8:44
All men are born in sin and are “by nature” the “children of disobedience.”
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” ~ Ephesians 2:2-3
There are, at this moment only two classes of people in the earth—those who have relationship with the One who made us all, and those who don’t. According to this passage (Ephesians 2), all those who have not been brought into the kingdom of God through Christ, have as their father, the devil. The reason the Son of God came to the earth was to sever the ties and claim of Satan from mankind. He came to deliver men from this relationship of fear, domination and bondage that is only enabled by sin.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:18
“Who (God the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan), and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” ~ Colossians 1:13-14
The mission of Christ was to reconcile or restore the relationship that had been severed by the sin of the first man and woman which caused death (separation) to fall upon all men, the whole race (Romans 5:12). He fully accomplished His mission and is now seated at His Father’s right hand, enforcing this victory (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25-26).
From the dawn of the creation and fall of mankind, all evil, tragedy and pain in history has been caused by Satan and enabled by man’s sin (Prov. 26:2). Only the LORD, the One whose holiness is violated when sin is committed, can save, restore and heal (Jer. 17:14; 1 Cor. 15:57; Rev. 21:4).
Victory was obtained through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Being forgiven and released from all sin and its evil effects and the dominion of Satan, comes through Christ alone. Jesus utterly conquered His enemy on the cross (Col. 2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:8). Blessed forgiveness and spiritual power enables the individual disciple to serve the LORD without fear and bondage to sin. Sin enables Satan’s rule and only those who are free from it by Jesus Christ can rule over His enemies (Ps. 8:6; 17:4; Jn. 8:31-36; 1 Jn. 4:4). Christ triumphed over the enemy of all souls with His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Read the following passage for all it’s worth:
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” ~ Colossians 1:19-23
The Son of God accomplished complete victory in bringing God and men back into perfect union by “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
“And you, being dead (separated) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show (sport; spectacle) of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” ~ Colossians 2:13-15
The “serpent” who was in the Garden of creation and still “walketh about” in the midst of the earth, is specifically identified as Satan and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). This ultimate enemy of all that is good took control of the serpent in his attack against man. The serpent, animated by the enemy of souls himself, was used as the instrument that led to the fall of mankind and the righteous retribution of the holy Creator. Yet, Jesus Christ accomplished mankind’s redemption through “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
Know Your Enemy
Allow me to parenthetically say here that if one does not personally believe in a literal devil (Satan) and his insidious work of evil among men, then perhaps that person will do well to begin to search God’s Word for the volumes of Scripture which identify and describe him along with unveiling his wicked purposes. The LORD inspired the Scriptures and has much to say about His enemy—our enemy. It is interesting to discover that the word “devil” appears 57 times in the Bible. The word “Satan” appears 50 times. These are the most utilized terms to describe this darkest of fallen beings, and yet there are several more which identify this enemy of all souls who is the personification of evil, such as “serpent,” and “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
His goal may be summed up this way: Satan’s complete and total purpose that underlies all that he does is to cause men to fall from grace just as he himself did and was banished from fellowship with the life-giving God. There is a horrible prison of fire which will be the eternal home of all who leave this earth apart from a personal and intimate relationship with the One who died for sinners.
On Judgment Day, that Great and Terrible Day of separation between the righteous and the unrighteous will include these horrible words “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away”:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:11-15
To those whose existence in this temporal life ends disconnected from the only Savior, the following will be the verdict delivered to them in Judgment: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).
Hell is a place of indescribably horrid eternal punishment and was created by the LORD for his archenemy and all those who are not His.
Back to the enemy, the one who wants you dead and in hell: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
One may find great intrigue in uncovering this iniquitous fallen foe and gain much insight into the dark world of demons and deception along with gaining perception into the real battle in the spirit realm that rages over mankind.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:11-12
By the volume of information about His enemy included in His Word, we know that the LORD intended for us to know our enemy—His enemy.
Believers are to give him no place: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).
Believers are to set themselves against him: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7); “Stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).
Believers are to know his scheming goals and ways and avoid them lest he gain advantage of us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
The devil seeks to trip up, war against, wear out and devour the sheep of the LORD’s pasture. He has come to wreak havoc among the Lord’s highest creation: “The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
Believers are warned to live in obedience to the Word of God in order to escape falling into “the condemnation of the devil” and being caught in “the snare of the devil” or giving an “advantage” to him (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 2 Cor. 2:11).
The enemy of our souls prospers through the ignorance of God’s people—he is shut out and his work nullified by the knowledge and obedience of God’s people.
“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” ~ Psalms 17:4
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” ~ Psalms 91:1
Disciples of Jesus are kept from being destroyed by the enemy in obeying the Word of God. Holy Writ informs us that Jesus came to successfully “destroy the works of the devil” and that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 3:8; 4:4).
Christ promised power to those who are truly His:
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” ~ Luke 10:17-20
Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, became flesh so that He might destroy the works of the enemy of our souls:
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” ~ Hebrews 2:14
Believers are told to be of a sober mind and diligent in light of the proactive and evil plans of Satan to destroy them:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”. ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9
Here’s what the Bible says about Satan’s work in the last days:
“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
As foretold here, the work of the evil one is accelerating in this late hour before the destruction of all rebellion and return of our LORD Jesus Christ.
The Alpha and Omega is coming back, and His enemy’s end is sure:
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” ~ Romans 16:20
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” ~ Revelation 20:2-3
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” ~ Revelation 20:10
Surrounded and Outnumbered
Elisha’s servant was brought to the understanding that there are more angels of God with God’s children than there are fallen angels who rebelled:
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he (the prophet Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17
The one who is following Christ need not fear. LORD Jesus open our eyes! Nothing has changed—there are “more” angels of the LORD “with us…than they that be with them (the enemy).” The saints of the Most High are promised protection and His angels are part of that plan.
“Are they (God’s angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” ~ Hebrews 1:14
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” ~ Psalms 34:7
In Heaven and in eternity past, two-thirds of the then-angelic beings remained under the command and blessing of the Almighty, while a third chose to depart with Lucifer and are forever alienated from the Most High. Let’s take a glimpse into a war that took place in Heaven in eternity past, a war that has great impact today:
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 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 12:7-12
It would remain difficult to understand this life and present world system, and the world to come if one were to pass lightly over this war of wars that occurred (took place) in Heaven. When we begin to delve into the data given in this matter, understanding comes of our great God and His arch adversary. Enlightenment and understanding into the 6,000 years of mankind’s history open to us when we know what preceded this time period. Knowledge into what we are told prophetically is transpiring before our very eyes. As we are seeing, the Holy Scriptures reveal much about that dark and sinister being called “Satan” and the “devil” who is and will have a large part to play in the fulfillment of prophecy. Although his rebellion against the Almighty began in eternity past, the serpent’s workings among men began in the Garden of Eden. He crept in to accomplish his wicked agenda. He has seemingly succeeded for this moment, yet the divine promise is that his time is running short. “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).
The First Fall-Out: Eternal Termination
We all understand what it means when someone says, “John and Mark had a falling-out.” This means they were friends or business partners, and then because of some disagreement, they parted company and are no longer friends. Well, the first falling-out occurred between the Almighty and Lucifer. The angel Lucifer fell out of the favor of God and consequently fell out of Heaven. Of Lucifer’s ejection from Heaven, the Son of God stated: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Lk. 10:18).
The evil one was evicted from Heaven when he turned against God. Originally, he was a good angel, “the anointed cherub,” who led the worship of the Almighty, until the day that “iniquity was found” in him (Ezek. 28:14-15). Lucifer, who became Satan and the devil, led a third of the angels of the Most-High God in rebellion against Him. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Rev. 12:4).
Ultimately, all deception and all lies have their origin in this greatest of all enemies who brought about the sin and fall of mankind and wages war today against the Almighty’s highest creation (mankind). Of Satan, the Son of God said: “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). He also informed us that this supreme adversary has come to do three things— “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10). He wages war against God and His people. He is defined as and called “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10).
Satan is a real being. He is not a figment of someone’s imagination. In fact, anyone who is convinced of such has already been conquered by his deception. He is forever the sworn enemy of the LORD, and will ultimately be put away for good, never again to tempt another soul to rebel against the Maker of all that is. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).
The one who studies the Word of God will gain priceless insight into the reasons for the current condition of the world, and, into the future blessedness of all those who know and follow the One who bled to save us from God’s holy wrath against sin and Satan (Rom. 5:9). In fact, a divine blessing is pronounced upon all who read and obey the words of Holy Scripture: “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” (Rev. 1:3).
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, please bless me to know You more and to be kept from the evil one and his wicked schemes against Your people. Right this moment I ask You for and receive a fresh cleansing of all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ my LORD and Savior, whereby I am blessed to overcome, along with the word of my testimony of how you have washed and delivered me. I declare afresh and aloud, right this second, if never before, that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life, and He alone will I worship and serve. Glory to His precious Name! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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