Does God Know I Love Him? [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

YOU know when you are listening to a wolf when He only speaks of God’s love for us but never about God’s command that we love Him – and if we don’t, we are going to hell. Beware. The LORD’s been 100% faithful to us and yet He requires our faithfulness to Him or hell awaits (Matthew 22:37-40).

Our obedience to the LORD should come out of our love for Him. Obedience to God is an expression of our love for Him.

“Obedience to God, is the deepest level of love, and the greatest form of worship.” unknown

Jesus says: “IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Notice “IF.” God isn’t interested in us obeying Him if we don’t first love Him. The first 2 commandments are about LOVE and not works or working to earn God’s favor, which is futility (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus says the whole law and prophets, all the Scripture writings to that point, and in the kingdom rested upon loving God and others.

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

The indescribable myriad of blessings that await “them that love him.”

“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

God first loved Us. He initiated the relationship!

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

The Big Question Jesus Asks

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

Three times here our LORD asked Peter if he loved the LORD. And, Jesus is asking each of us today “lovest thou me more than these?” – which is to say “Am I your very first love, or is someone, something before Me?” Did Jesus not warn the church at Ephesus that they must “repent” to be restored back to Him due to the fact that they had “left thy first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)

Of this passage One writer points out the following:

“It’s interesting that when Jesus speaks to Peter he uses ‘agape’ (unconditional love) as the word for love. But when Peter answers he uses the word ‘phileo’, an inferior and different kind of word for love that is a conditional love like the love between friends. Peter, for some reason, does not feel it appropriate to use the word for the highest form of love.”

It seems fitting from this passage, from this dialogue between Christ and Peter that feeding His sheep would include at times posing this all-important question as to whether or not we truly love Him. Or, do we have a mere “form of godliness”? (2 Timothy 3:5)

In light of His soon return and due to His great love for us and desire that we be with Him now and forever, as He did with beloved Peter, the LORD is asking us if we truly love Him.

“They that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

God initiates, draws, calls us, and yet He also requires that we reciprocate His love to us. He calls, He chooses, and we are required to be “faithful” to Him just as the married man requires his wife to be faithful to Him – to love him supremely among all men.

Would you like to do business with the LORD today beloved? Quiet your heart and indulge in His love for you:

ARE WE willing today, to announce to God, that we love Him? Are we ready to say “Jesus, thank You for coming and dying for me, for my sins – to take them all away. And You were buried and raised again from the dead. LORD, please take over my life right this moment. I have sinned against You dear LORD. Please forgive me and wash away all my sins at this moment with Your precious blood. Right this instant, if never before, I ask You to save me now LORD. From this moment forward, I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. I love You my dear LORD Jesus. Have Your way in me Jesus! From this moment forward and till I am with You, I will serve You as You allow it by Thy enabling grace. In Jesus’ name sobeit!”

A Settled Issue

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

When Jesus went to that cross of me, for you, He told us He was doing it for, the Father, to redeem us and that He would “draw” us to Himself. Will we respond in love, in loving Him in return?

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

God is unchanging and perfect and He not only told us He loves us – He proved it by giving His only begotten Son to bring us back to Himself from a life of sin. So this is a settled issue. Yet, will we, will I return His love? Will I reciprocate the great love He has to me, or not?

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. … for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:3, 34

Acid Test

The LORD WANTS US TO KNOW AND LOVE HIM (John 17:3; Matthew 22:37-40) … YES God loves us but do we truly love Him? Does it seem that We only hear about God’s love for us and yet, seldom about our love for Him?

The unchanging LORD Jesus is asking me today, “lovest thou me more than these?”

In other words, He is asking, “Do you truly love me more than all others and all things? Am I truly first in your life?”

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

The word “hate” here means to “love much less” and not to despise ourselves or others. Also, in verse 27 we see once again that the only way to serve Jesus is on His stated terms – the cross, the daily crucified life.

This is a severe message friend. It may do good for us to stop here and pray, asking the LORD to convict, to expose any idolatrous, spiritually adulterous motive of our hearts, to open our heart to what may be lacking in our personal walk with Him. This is the appropriate moment to simply ask Him to grant you a teachable heart that desires the cleanliness and the change He desires. He is the Potter and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:6).

Sharon Cornella Scutti writes: “Just because Jesus loves everyone doesn’t mean they are in a saving relationship with Him. Jesus is the Creator of everyone but not everyone’s Father until they are spiritually born into the family of God.

Matthew 7:21-23. . . 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'”

The disciple of Christ is personally responsible for keeping Himself in vital union with the Savior- just as it was the personal responsibility of the 10 virgins in Jesus’ illustration in Matthew 25:1-13. Yet only 5 of those 10 remained with the Great Bridegroom into the bridal chamber. The other 5 were shut out.

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

Jesus foretold that “the love of many shall wax cold.”

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13

Neglecting our fellowship daily with the LORD will always produce the dismal result of waxing cold, backsliding.

Comparing those who love Him and those who don’t…

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” 1 Corinthians 16:22

Does God know you love Him?

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

TALK is cheap. Obey Him. Now (1 John 3:18; James 1:22).

HELL is full of people who claimed to be saved yet didn’t simply OBEY. Matt 7:21

PRAY yes, yet if we don’t OBEY it’s all futility! (John 14:15; 15:14)

We have no idea just how much God loves us. The question is, am I reciprocating that love? Am I loving God with my whole heart, mind, and strength as Jesus commanded?

Picture a woman who is engaged to a man and yet she doesn’t truly know if that man loves her exclusively. Will she not ask him if he loves her? Will she sense it if he has wondering eyes? Can she possibly feel secure in their relationship if he isn’t loving her wholly, with undivided motives of heart? Is she, will she be safe with Him? Will he be faithful to her?

Remember that Jesus told us that those who will be with Him eternally, are “faithful” to Him – they reciprocate His great love to them (Revelation 17:14). Jesus proved, demonstrated His great love for His people by coming to die for our sins – to bring us back from sin and Satan unto Himself and the Father.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. … 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:1-3, 16

Do we not realize that God knows the very intents, the motivations of our hearts?

The big question is not whether or not God loves you, but rather: Does God know YOU love Him? Do you truly want the answer to this all-important question Jesus is asking you today? Do you think the Bible may provide this answer? If your answer is “Yes”, you are correct – because God made it clear in His Word exactly who loves Him and who doesn’t. This is the difference between the sheep and the goats, the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13; 25).

As we reciprocate our love back to the LORD who first loved us, who initiated the relationship, He and the Father and Holy Spirit will manifest Themselves to us.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. … 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:15-21

Job made the quality decision to love and to trust God no matter what he suffered.

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

Haggai, the LORD’s servant prophet said he was going to joy in the God of his salvation, even if every single blessing, income stream, and all his food failed, ceased coming in.

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Haggai 3:17-19

Life offers each and every one of us many temptations, trials, and hardships and so it’s vital to resolve to love God with all of our hearts, no matter what happens (Job 14:1).

Our LORD has a plan to settle us, to mature, to establish, to bring His strength into our lives.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

If you are not obeying (in the reality of your thoughts and deeds) the words of Jesus, you DO NOT love Him.

WHEN God commands you to do something, just do it. Self-serving tares are rebellious and want no part of personal responsibility and so get convicted when a mere messenger preaches what God says. Then the counterfeit cries “That’s works-based religion” or “That’s legalism.” ! Nonsense. They don’t know the Savior. Since when is obeying the Son of God legalism or a works-based perspective? These are those whom the Holy Spirit foretold who do not “endure sound doctrine” which means to hold ourselves personally accountable to the Word of God obey Him (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

Those truly in Christ take delight in Him, in pleasing, in worshipping, in obeying Him.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

Perhaps we are discovering today that our root problem is our own sin of self-idolatry, of loving the god of self instead of loving God with a whole, an undivided heart. He calls us to return to Him and promises to receive us gracious in the precious blood of His only begotten Son (Hosea 14:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16).

“Sadly.. Failing to keep the words and commandments of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the greatest proof that you really don’t love Him.” Jennifer Leza

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Obedience is an expression of our love for God.

“He that saith, I know (love) him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth (obeys) his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” 1 John 2:4-5

God does not know you love Him if…

you don’t seek His face in holy prayer communion? (Matt. 6:6; Ps 5:3, etc.)
you don’t love His Word and study, pour and meditate over it? (Jos. 1:8; Ps 119; 1Pet. 2:2; Jn 5:39)
you do not love your neighbor as you already by nature love yourself? (Jn 13:35; 1 Jn. 4:7-8, etc.)
you do not tell others about Him? (Mark 16:15, etc.)
you do not give of your resources to His work and in particular, where you are receiving His Word? (Mal. 3:10; Gal. 6:6, etc.)

Perhaps the Savior is looking closely for some trace of His fruit of love in your life and is being blinded by your choices to serve self-interests instead of the business of loving Him and doing His will – advancing His kingdom.

EXAMPLE AND RESULT OF THE INCONSISTENCY

Simply put, one simply does not love God if he is not obeying Him in these basic and practical ways that He instructed us to obey Him. For example, many are asking the LORD for more money or better jobs, etc., yet have not given Him even the tithe of what He has allowed them to earn up to this point. It should be noted that the tithe should always be directed to where the individual is being fed “meat” (receiving spiritual substance) – (Gal. 6:6; Mal. 3:10).

Questions to ask ourselves:

How many true ministers have been affected in their personal lives and ability to minister to others, due to my personal disobedience of withholding and greed?
It is time for us to repent and get real? Do we think that God is fooled by our mere outward “form of godliness”?

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (rule) thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

Christ said that those who refuse His reign in their personal lives (render real obedience to Him) are His “enemies” and that they would be sent to hell in the end.

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

Should we cease calling ourselves Christian (Christ-like) until we arrive at a place of full and complete repentance and begin obeying the basic truths Christ gave us? Friend, the LORD loves you enough to send you this message before it is too late (Gal. 4:16). He told us that only those who “doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven” will be with Him in Heaven (Matt. 7:21).

ACTION ITEMS FOR THE REPENTANT:

YOUR PRAYER: Precious heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I ask You to please grant my heart to be truly willing to learn to love You – to be broken and contrite, truly an heart of flesh. Now Father, I know that You alone can do this work in me and to teach me to truly worship, trust, love, and obey You. Dear LORD, I here and now ask You to please do Your essential, Your deeper work in my heart and life today, in Jesus’ name, amen.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD

At His Feet [podcast]

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Job had just lost all of his children and yet held fast his integrity toward the LORD. He would not allow his wife, his friends, or any other circumstance or entity sway his thoughts. This was a man with a real relationship with the living God – one not based on circumstance. First, foremost, and separate from all else, Job loved and worshipped the LORD with his whole heart. We must come to the place where our LORD alone is […]

“Work of Faith, and Labour of Love” [podcast]

Don’t Bother Obeying If You Don’t Love! “Sadly… Failing to keep the words and commandments of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the greatest proof that you really don’t love Him.” Jennifer Leza If you are in love with someone, you want them to love you back. You want them to want you. That’s what makes chemistry and a good marriage – a man and a woman who spontaneously reciprocate love to each other – because they truly love one another. Think about that. No human would deny such a simple, self-evident truth. Well, the One who made […]

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]

The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13. “The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the […]

Abiding

Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People

God could trust Abraham:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19

Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?

“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

“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Though He Slay Me, Yet will I Trust in Him" [podcast]

DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job? “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way. God has been so wonderfully gracious! “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, […]

Are You a "A FAITHFUL MESSENGER" of the LORD? [podcast]

The faithfulness of God is where we begin …. every word in the Bible. His Word oozes with His faithfulness. He was faithful to us “while we yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8), to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). ruling over cities – see Luke 19 See examples of faithfulness to God in Hebrews 11: “he pleased God” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 “But whoso looketh into the perfect […]

Abiding

The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]

The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).

There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).

All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9

We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) 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).

The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).

Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).

Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “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).

Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.

We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58

Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?

The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)

Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).

Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).

No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).

Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).

The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.

BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.

Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….

“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

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

“He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30

FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).

Read Romans 6-8.

I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9

The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22

The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.

The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross

Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]

Fight the temptation or die the death? Where’s the victory come from? The Cross – something counterfeits intentionally evade (Philippians 3:18-19). The cross is how we know who is real and who is fake. Refusing to take up the cross means one has denied Christ. This would account for the vast majority of men in ministry today. They are cross-less. The only people who are truly following Christ are those who are doing it HIS way – and His stated way is the cross, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24). There is no other way to follow Jesus. If we don’t […]

To the Flesh we must declare “Shut up and die!” [podcast]

There can be no mercy on the flesh. As opposed to making excuse for the fallen nature in us, we must declare war on it – by the cross (Romans 6:1-23; 8:12-13, etc.). Jesus never said to try. Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.). The flesh cannot be cast out, like a devil. It must be daily crucified, put to death (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6, etc.). The Holy Spirit alone can crucify the deeds of the body and this only happens as we are dead and buried with Christ. Read Romans 6 […]

Sin: Man’s Core Problem [podcast]

People don’t have a “mental health” problem, they have a SIN problem and sin is what gives way, gives full access to Satan! “When people hear voices telling them to harm themselves or others, that’s not a chemical imbalance, it’s demon possession.” Rachel Gould “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer17:9; Mark 7:20-23). The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, […]

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Gospel Preached at Funeral of a Decorated United States Marine Officer in Mexico [podcast]

This past Sunday, here in beautiful Mexico, a saint’s temporal body was laid to rest. Brother Mark and I were given the opportunity, asked to speak to the whole group.

Our LORD Jesus’ Gospel was preached and everyone there was invited to repent and receive Christ before it’s too late—because Jesus died for them to be forgiven and receive eternal life, and that hell is forever (Revelation 22:17). Oh, the funeral attendees were also informed that “purgatory” is a lie, and that when they die, they will be going to Heaven or hell.

After a bit, an interpreter helped, joined in, and so every attendee heard the Gospel in their language—Spanish or English.

Trevor and Trish are the couple’s names. The way brother Mark met Trish, the now widow was 100% a miracle. Two weeks ago, we were invited to this couple’s home and spent the afternoon with them. Little did we know that the husband would pass shortly thereafter. God knew and orchestrated the events according to His perfect will.

Saints, thank you for your prayers for sister Trish.

After the people disbanded, several came and asked us about further fellowship. The preaching of God’s Word ignited them. A breakfast group fellowship had recently already begun to form, so they were invited.

Life springs out of death – “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (1 Corinthians 15:36).

Christ’s economy is a cross economy. Here we see that very thing where out of one of His saint’s death and burial, the life of Jesus is at work, raising up others. Life springs out of death (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

God is so very good, saints. See Psalm 86.

Here’s comfort from “the God of all comfort” for each of you, concerning losing loved ones, namely born again loved ones! You can be assured that they are with Christ and the Father and protected from ANY and ALL danger, forever! See 2 Corinthians 1:2-5, also Revelation 21:4.

“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1-2

Interestingly, the LORD brought together 4 United States Marines/Marine vets in Mexico to bring this to pass….

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

The Brevity of Life in this World

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

We all face death and judgment, and the Good News is that Christ’s perfect sacrifice, as we humbly appropriate it, means we are forgiven and will avert the judgment of eternal damnation.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

Our Prayer with Isaiah for God to Prepare and Send Us

It’s the “Here am I; send me” LORD prayer in action! (Isaiah 6:8)

Child of God, are you ready, today, to lift your heart and hands to your Maker and dare to declare this prayer to Him? – “Here am I; send me!”

If you dare to freshly surrender the life God gave you and cry out to Him, get ready beloved for the fruit-bearing adventure of your life! Remember that Abraham was in Haran (means barren, dry, fruit-less) until he was instructed by God to get up and leave. That’s when the promised blessings began to unfold in his life. See the end of Genesis 11 and thereafter.

When you cry out to Him with the prophet Isaiah, the LORD is going to hear, answer, and do things that are utterly miraculous.

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Just “Go” and watch God! (Mark 16:15). Your life is never more richly blessed by God than when you live by faith, when you surrender afresh and ask Him to take all of you, to prepare and use you.

Isaiah's Call and Commission [podcast]

What did the LORD reveal of Himself to Isaiah? What was the result in Isaiah’s life and ours? When the LORD appeared to him, the prophet Isaiah was shown his own depravity, his own wicked heart, his own unpreparedness. What was his response and how does this relate to us? Are you ready this day to say “Jesus please prepare and use me mightily for Your eternal glory! I love You LORD. I am all Yours! Please do Your deeper work in this life You gave!”? One must be prepared by God to be used by God. “If a man therefore […]

LORD, Prepare Me! [podcast]

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:21 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will […]

Mission Mexico Part 46 [podcast]

Recorded about a week ago: Much has happened since then! Your Love for God is Changing Lives Saints! Clara’s new rental. Brother Allan ministering in the Philippines. Many being reached daily in Mexico. And much more….. Happening now. In progress. Talking to Clara by text right now….. delivered the rent and deposit today. | Clara’s Cry Recently, when bringing more food to Clara and her 3 boys, food from God’s love in and through you, I noticed that her 3 boys were quite dirty and was moved. They were actually filthy. Clara is by nature a very quiet person. So I […]