
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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Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar Dialogue | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom! | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Fellowship



Abiding
“The things which are not Seen are Eternal” [podcast]

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
All good things must come to an end…. except for those who are going to share in the eternal glory of Jesus Christ!!!
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
No More Tears, Ever – Only for God’s People!
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4
STORE | Support | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast] | Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Parable of the Talents [podcast] | Proving Jesus Matters [podcast] | Money, Material Wealth, and Riches | Rusted Gold and Fire Untold [podcast]



Abiding
The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]

Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.
“Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12
King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….
Are you blessed or cursed?
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.
“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12
Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.
One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:
“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.
The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.
Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”
The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ
Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.
“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2
Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?
“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4
Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…
- The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
- That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
- That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
- That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5) ….. Proverbs 1:33
- Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
- The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7) …… 1 Chron 16:11
- Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)
“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2
“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Hebrews 11:20-22
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17
“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22
“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20
God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22)
“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2
When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).
In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.
All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)
Read Revelation 2-3.
Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?
“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34
You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.
When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding
disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”
We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.
“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
Counting it all Joy
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8
Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
“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. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12
The Whole Heart
“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15
The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:
“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1
“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1
“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2
PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You. I have not sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You with all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Make the deliberate decision to “set…
“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19
“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.
This beloved brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.
He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?
Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?
Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).
It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25
Jesus warns:
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?
The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:
“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31
“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
Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:
“Have fun this summer. Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world. Just don’t take a vacation from God. He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”
“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19
Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”―Calvin Coolidge
“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens
“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato
“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”―
“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla
“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”―
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison
“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”―William Shakespeare
“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon
“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13
“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13
“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley
“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15
Power Words Power our Lives!
Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?
What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?
My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”
Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.
While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.
Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?
Hebrews 10:32-39
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Hebrews 6:9-12
“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 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. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.
Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”
“Diligent”
“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4
“Diligence”
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Diligently”
appears 37 times in God’s Word
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15
“Keep your dukes up!”
Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”
Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.
Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown
We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.
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