God-Less Grinches in our Midst [radio]

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]

Beware of the self-congratulatory grandstanding of those who establish their identity on what they are against. They are very proud, self-righteous, full of pride and arrogance, and blind. …Soon as you get off that bash-happy bandwagon, you will be the outsider and also under their cult-like attack.

Some base their bashing on historical knowledge. WHY do some give such strength to the catholic church and other devils throughout history? Is this not idolatry? If these people were truly righteous by Christ instead of self-righteous, perhaps they wouldn’t be giving such strength to Tertullian and the phony popes of Rome. It’s like they worship these devils by making THEIR word and evil doings final authority instead of the Word of God (John 8:47).

NEARLY everything in this fallen world is pagan and it doesn’t take a spiritual giant to see this simply truth. So, this season, WHY NOT posture ourselves to simply shine the light into the darkness of men’s hearts and ask God to use us to do what He sent us to do – to win someone to Jesus!? Perspective. Why waste time protesting instead of preaching the Gospel?

From David Taylor:

“Mighty ancient angels, Wise wealthy Pagan magicians, Hebrew Shepherds poor, animals, parents and relatives, were all drawn to this Divinely orchestrated event – the birth of the Messiah into flesh. And even today His truth still sounds, ‘If I shall be lifted up I shall draw all men unto me’. Rejoice!! Our Savior and King is alive forevermore!! Serve Him. Are you and yours ready for His imminent return and judgment? May God continue to bless as you serve the Lord Jesus. In Christ’s love,” David

SOME OF THESE HARANGUING “BULLIES” ARE SO AGAINST DECEMBER 25TH THAT IF SOMEONE GOT UP ON THE MORNING AND READ ABOUT JESUS BEING BORN INTO THE EARTH, THEY’D STONE THAT PERSON! THESE PEOPLE ARE SCARY – MUCH MORE SCARY THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY DO NOT REALIZE ALL THE PAGANISM SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS. YET, IF THEY ARE INNOCENT OF IT AND THEIR CONSCIENCE IS NOT DEFILED BY IT, IT’S NOT SIN. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 8 AND ROMANS 14 BEFORE YOU DRAW CONCLUSION ON THIS AND GET ON GOD’S PAGE!

The self-righteous christmas bashing zealots are quick and forceful in pointing out “that’s pagan!” …. but Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 ARE BIBLE! Have you studied and do you understand them? OR are you too busy studying Satan’s paganism?

PERSONALLY, I AM NOT GOING TO HAND THE VICTORY TO SATAN/PAGANISM BY NOT CELEBRATING JESUS AND HIS BIRTH/1ST COMING DURING THIS OR ANY SEASON …. YOU KEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING IF YOU WANT…. I WILL NOT JOIN YOU…. JESUS CAME TO PREACH HIS HOLY LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS FALLEN WORLD AND NOT TO WASTE A SECOND CURSING THE DARKNESS WHICH IS FUTILITY. DID HE NOT KNOW ALL THE PAGAN DARKNESS BEFORE HE CAME? GO READ WHAT JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MINISTRY? WAS HE FOCUSED ON THE DARKNESS OR BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH? DID HE SAY TO HIS CHILDREN, “YE ARE THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD” OR “YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”? (MATTHEW 5:13-16)

SO BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP WORSHIPING JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF WHAT SATAN AND HIS PAWNS HAVE DONE???!!!! Man, some of you false watchmen need to repent and when you truly do, God will give you a kingdom clue! …

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men EXCEPT DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”??? Yes or no please.

Some people will scorn you for not jumping on their condemnation bandwagon.

So, those who insist upon calling damnation down upon the immature Christians and the heathen during this season, are disqualified from being used of the LORD. God cannot used them to win anyone to Christ because they’ve self-righteously taken up an offense, a cause against obvious paganism and congratulate themselves for doing so in many cases. They have not learned a simple truth, captured profoundly in James 1:20: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) God never instructed any of His servants to go out and hate sinners. Such would be completely unbefitting to rescued sinners now saved by the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:3-7). When Moses did so, when he chose to have unwarranted anger against God’s sinning people, the LORD pulled his rug and Moses was then disqualified to lead God’s people into the promised land, right? The Bible says that “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11) The fact that GOD is angry because HE alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” gives no mere man license to walk around all mad and protesting paganism and sin. To those who insist on being unduly angry, Jesus says “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Then Jesus informs us “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”(Luke 9:55-56)

This unrighteous, undue reveals a total lack of the cross in such people. When the cross is truly at the center of our lives, self is crucified and the life of Christ lived out. Are you God or are you a mere man? These fail to recognize they they are mere men and that the LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is God and He didn’t act this way toward us “WHILE WE were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) No, the Son of God didn’t protest our evil but instead He left the glory of His Father and came and died for us. We were already in sin. He came to rescued, to save us (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

WHO do we think we are?! You are no hero for seeing the very very obvious sin and paganism in this fallen world. But what did the ONE you claim to follow do about it? He died to conquer it. He didn’t walk around all upset and mad at the rampant sin in this fallen world…. He conquered it through death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and calls us to do the same – re-enacting His death, burial and resurrection in our daily lives – so that He can reign in and through us (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10-12, etc.).

He’s coming soon. Who are you personally leading to Him? Notice that it’s “He that WINNETH souls (who?) is wise” in God’s eyes and not those who yell at, unduly condemn, and harshly speak to them…. but the wisdom of God is proven to be in those who actually “WINNETH souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Beware of those who Beat Up God’s People

Perhaps Jesus would say to us today …”Shut your mouth, get on your face, lay down your life in this world, die the death, and go win someone to Me!”

Saints, we are not heroes or highly enlightened to recognize the evil around us – 24/7/365!

Again, in case some seek to say that I am justifying my own participation in Christmas, be informed that I do not participate….. yet worship Him, thank God for the gift of the eternal Word, and choose to ask Jesus to shine His light in and through His vessels during this and all seasons of the year (Matthew 5:16). Did Jesus or His holy apostles walk around all mad, with no divine joy, because of the myriad of paganism that was all around them as they walked the earth? Yes or not please. The Bible speaks of the great joy Jesus had (Psalms 45:7; John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). Protesting paganism is going to lead not one lost soul to Jesus and is actually preventing them from being saved through the lives of those who are too immature to simply winsomely minister to them.

This topic brings out the legalism that still resides in many among us and their lack of being established in the grace of God (Hebrews 13:9). …. Is this an essential? Will those Christians who put up a tree be damned for such? No. That means this is a NON-essential. Putting up a tree, especially having no intention to worship that inanimate object, is on not one of the many lists of sins in the New Testament. Please study Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

SOME are saying that trees are evil because during this season people decorate them. So, they judge those who have Christmas trees today. Yet, do you know anyone who worships that tree? I don’t. No, I don’t have a Christmas tree. Just attempting to make a point. ……. To attempt to demonize ANY part of God’s creation – what He purposely created for His own purposes – is treading on thin ice. the MIS-use of anything by mere humans in no way negates the purpose for which God created the thing being misused. The misuse of any part of the LORD’s creation does not make that something evil. Only Satan, fallen angels, and the hearts of men can be evil because they are created being with choice, free moral agency. Inanimate objects cannot possibly be evil. They have no breath of life in them and therefore have no free will to exercise themselves for or against the Maker of all things. …. WE must truly submit ourselves afresh to the LORD, crying out to Him for His understanding and wisdom and to establish our hearts with His grace (Hebrews 13:9). See 1 Corinthians 8.

Jeremiah 10

Jesus and His apostles came around LONG after trees were used to perform idol worship (Jeremiah 10)…. Did Christ or even one of His holy apostles ever mention, much less call out this sin? chapters and verses please

What’s God getting at in Jeremiah 10? Notice that “the way of the heathen” He is addressing involves WORSHIPPING the inanimate object of a tree, not the tree itself. The LORD created trees and had Noah use them to build the ark and allow them to be used to crucify the LORD of glory. The LORD makes clear in this passage that trees have no free will and therefore cannot sin. Only man was created in His holy image and has the ability to worship Him or rebel against Him.

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jer 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jer 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

Jer 10:7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

Jer 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.” Jeremiah 10:2-8

FOR THE RECORD, to further denigrate the modern pharisees, this believer does not celebrate Christmas, does not have a tree or any associated decor. Yet will those who do be damned for it? This disciples DOES, with no apology ever to any mere man or devil, celebrate Jesus 24/7/365 …. and is defending the God-given liberties for each and every Christian in the way they worship, as long as it’s not an essential – which this is not. There is no hint or attempt to justify paganism and yet, if a person’s heart is not deliberately worshiping another god (false god), they’re not committing a soul damning sin. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:7-22

NO AMOUNT OF ATTENTION PAID AND SPENT ON DIGGING UP THE EVIL OF PAGANISM NEGATES WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS FIRST COMING BY WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND A VIRGIN.

Think for a minute about the focus of those who insist on digging up the paganism in this season – something most Christians do not participate with in the first place. Where did they get that from? They got this from the SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) and JW (Jehovah Witness) cults. Those people are not saved.

So, their focus is not on Christ but rather they relish in paganism. In fact, they do not ever mention or acknowledge the Son of God who was born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2, etc.). These people shun Scripture which clearly, irrefutably reveals that the shepherds, angels of God, wise, men, and John the Baptist all celebrated the first coming of the eternal, divine Word of God (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1, etc.). Seems to me that “the spirit of antichrist” (x-ing out Christ) is behind these people. After all, just stand back and watch them …. they are not preaching Christ.

Is it pure idolatry to celebrate Christmas or birthdays? Does that not depend on the person’s heart as in all these non-essential matters? So if someone participates in some sort of Christmas celebration, does that mean they are not saved? Hardly. It’s a non-essential on either one of these and that’s the point. Read Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8.

Ryan Dudley wisely writes: “Ignorance isn’t having a , ignorance is thinking a Jesus worshipper worships a .”

Ryan Dudley makes a good point saints. No, a tree won’t send anyone to hell so please get over that legalism. Idolatry is sin and ask yourself: Have you ever met a person who worships their christmas tree? I don’t even know any that is a lost soul who does such.

Was Jesus born on December 25th? No. …. “I don’t wanna be bound to a day for Christ Jesus being born, but everyday knowing that He was born into this world to save the sinners. Amen.” Jason Cherry

Personally, I don’t celebrate or protest either actually and yet and blessed that these holiday occasions present times for people to come together and for Christ’s love to be shown.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26　

Here Jesus makes it clear that pharisees over emphasize minors and under emphasize majors.

THE REAL SINNERS …. ARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, BLIND, PHARISEES WHO MAKE A BIG ISSUE OUT OF 1) CELEBRATING ANY PART OF CHRIST, OR 2) SINNING BY JUDGING OTHER CHRISTIANS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-ESSENTIAL. AFTER ALL, WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS BOWING DOWN AND WORSHIPING A CHRISTMAS TREE? I DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE I WAS SAVED, DID YOU?

SO YOU have more faith in Satan and his paganism than you do JESUS CHRIST? Wow! Is that not the sin of idolatry? If you are so discerning and so holy, why not preach Christ instead of dwelling on His enemy and paganism?

Those who are “weak IN the faith” are still God’s children and we should be praying for and feeding them and helping grow in grace and not wasting our time bashing obvious paganism. Mature Christians do not participate in blatant paganism and yet, they also help those believers who are “weak in the faith” learn and grow. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1)

IF IN FACT this is Satan’s busiest time of year (December), why not preach Christ – the light of the world – into the midst of it? … WHILE pretending to be “holy,” the self-righteous, self-serving legalist is so weak that he fears that doing a neutral activity will cause him to backslide and so he seeks to impose restrictions on others instead of minding his own business and working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work in himself and others. Philippians 2:12-13; Psalms 138:8

These people who come out viciously concerning all the paganism they study about in Christmas are consumed with self-righteousness which is sin. It’s like all they can think of and worship is the paganism they dig up and focus on …. “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” Prov 16:27

So you are saying someone who gets a Christmas tree is going to hell? Chapter and verses please?

The word “heretick” concerns causing unnecessary divisions. Titus 3:10 Such are to be rejected.

Let’s get a clue saints: The world was covered in darkness for 4,000 years when Jesus fulfilled prophecy and came into this world. The world – every human being – was fallen, guilty before God and separated from Him. So why did Jesus say He came? Did He come to condemn? No, the world – all of us – were ALREADY condemned!

There is no Scripture that forbids Christians from celebrating Jesus on any of the 365 days He made …. the rebuke is biblical and is to those who seek to infringe upon the God given liberty of each believer in NON-essentials. Read Romans 14 please.

Memorize this truth and it will change your life:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17

Shine the light of truth saints! Show and communicate God’s love for those around you by ministering He who is “the light of the world” and sent you to be His “light” and “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

These devilish pawns who run around pounding paganism have never led anyone to CHRIST! Do we not begin to see their darkness now? Who would want the false “jesus” they have anyway? No one. Prudes don’t know Christ who “was anointed with gladness (joy) ABOVE all his fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9) “The JOY of the LORD is your strength” to make Him known! (Nehemiah 8:10) When a person truly abides in Jesus, the Bible says they will have “the fruit of the Spirit” which is “Love, JOY, peace …” (Matthew 5:22-23) Do you have the joy of Jesus? (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9, etc.)

“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

SO MANY people hear some half cocked novice preacher say something and live by that message for years – never stopping to compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word. For example, I’ve heard 10 people say lately things like: “We are not to celebrate Christ’s birth, only His death.”

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus … His incarnation into flesh as He came to redeem us (John 1:14).

Jesus Christ is divine and had no beginning or end as such … yet He did have a day in which we were blessed beyond measure to have Him born into this world – to save us. THAT’s what Christians celebrate 24/7/365. We don’t know what exact day that was and so we magnify the Lamb of God every single day!

The Shepherds and the Angels

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

Though we don’t know nor need to know the exact day Jesus was born into this earth, there was a certain day He was born into this world to redeem us as is indicated by verse 11 above – “this day.”

First let me say that we are to make no mistake that ANY and all attempts to draw attention away from Christ are coming from an antichrist who is under “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself (1 John 4:1-3).

Beware of the Sinful, Savior-Denying Scrooges! Is there EVER a Time Not to Worship Jesus Christ? That is a Yes or No question please….. WHAT spirit is behind the protesting of Christ’s birth? It’s certainly not the Holy Spirit because that would contradict His own Word – where angels and His people greatly celebrated the first coming of Jesus, without which He could never have died for the sins of the world (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Some who are self-appointed watchmen preach paganism. That is obviously their focus. They refuse to state or deal with SCRIPTURE concerning the birth of the Messiah into the earth – from Old and New Testaments. They set the very Word of God aside while claiming to be zealous for God! Wow, then they call everyone else pagan and sinful who refuse to join in. These angry, self-centered people come out of the woodworks every December to make this an issue of paganism – because THAT is their focus. Have you noticed? The true body of Christ simply takes this season and all seasons to celebrate Christ!

Want to test that Doctrine? Want to see if we are only to celebrate Jesus’ death?

Throw the first chapters of the Gospels away and the prophets and their prophetic utterances. They greatly glorified God for the long awaited Messiah. They certainly, incontrovertibly celebrated the very Word God becoming flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (John 1:14).

One sister writes:

“No matter what time of the year it is, just thinking about the birth of Jesus is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face… His birth is as important as His death… From the throne room to the manger to the cross, Christ came so that in Him we might pass from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Thank God for His Son–His gift too wonderful for words. Most important for us is that the Son of God did come. He that made man was made man… And on that fact hangs our life. Christ came at the Father’s bidding to release us from the death-grip of sin. How He accomplished this is the story of the cross. Isn’t it that Christ first advent is a wonderful gift for us to celebrate?”

Throw the whole Old Testament away and all the prophecies of the Messiah away if you are going to vainly attempt to diminish aught from celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. By audaciously attempting such, you are taking away from the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). When we read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2, we see among others, the following divinely authenticated created beings celebrating the birth of the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ:

The angels
“a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13)
The wise men
Mary
John the Baptist

So, you herald JESUS at His death but not His birth? Really? Wouldn’t a true Jesus worshiper not glorify the Son of God in every aspect of His pre-incarnate, the beginning of His incarnation (virgin birth), life, ministry, mission, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection? After all, all of it is in God’s Word, right?

It doesn’t matter exactly WHAT DAY He was born into His earth … it’s not a sin for any individual Christian to celebrate Jesus and any part of His life on any and all days. So are you going to rebuke a born again believer because he chooses to celebrate Jesus during this season? WHO even mentioned trees, ornaments or nimrod? What do they have to do with this?

It’s absurd to say it’s un-biblical to celebrate ANY part of the pre-incarnate, birth in the flesh, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah. Have you read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 to see all the biblical characters who celebrated His birth into the earth? Angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, etc. Seems like you are letting paganism neglect the LORD and the myriad of Scriptures – prophetic and the fulfillment of His first coming without which He could not have died for our sins…..

“Come now let us REASON together” (Isaiah 1:18) It’s simply unreasonable to judge others for using this season to thank God for the first coming of Christ – the eternal, divine Word made flesh to die for our sins.

IT’S LIKE SOME ACT AS IF GOD TAKES A VACATIONS DURING DECEMBER. THEY’D HAVE YOU THINK JESUS DOESN’T WANT TO DRAW IN AND SAVE SOULS THAT MONTH BECAUSE THIS THING CALLED PAGANISM IF BIGGER THAN GOD IS HAHA

Let’s stop passing on things that do not pass the test of the whole testimony of God’s Word. After all, let’s forget trying to find a Scripture in all of the Bible that forbids (calls a sin) celebrating the birth of the LORD Jesus Christ, Heaven’s King.

We are simply observing the Bible’s testimony of worship Jesus Christ every hour of every day of every year and also defending the God-given liberty for each and every believer to worship as he or she wishes in non-essentials. Those who infringe upon the personal liberties of other believers are in sin. Read Romans 14 and repent.

SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS TREES THAN THEY ARE ON JESUS! WOW THEY BASH THE PAGANISM OF CHRISTMAS TREES MORE THAN THEY PREACH CHRIST. DOES SOMETHING SEEM AMISS? ARE THEY NOT ACTING AS IF A CHRISTMAS TREE IS A SOUL DAMNING SIN? ARE THEY NOT ELEVATING A CHRISTMAS TREE ABOVE CHRIST HIMSELF?

Could it be the spirit of antichrist behind those who in the guise of protesting paganism get Christians not to appreciate and celebrate the very coming of the Messiah? …. as did the shepherds, angels, wise men, John the Baptist, and others (Matt. 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Seems to me that it could only be Satan who would draw attention away from Christ and people celebrating His 1st coming. …. All in the name of paganism. These people who protest the celebration of Christ’s birth seem to know all the facts about Satan’s paganism while completely ignoring the numerous Scripture passage in Old and New Testaments about the 1st coming of the Messiah and the many who celebrated it. In fact, such people must be under the control of “the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:1-3

Allen Penner writes: “1) Celebrating Christmas is NOT a pagan tradition; its a celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth. Let us not attribute to Satan the greatest gift of God. 2) What did the three wise men do immediately upon finding Jesus in a manger? They GAVE GIFTS! There is no evil in blessing others with giving and reflecting the character of Christ/act of God’s giving the gift of Jesus. 3) The true evil, is when one disregards the true nature and meaning of Christmas…to celebrate the birth of the perfect sacrifice. It is neither “wrong” nor unbiblical to follow the pattern and do acts of love, and kindness; selflessness and giving; or to create a festive atmosphere in celebration of Christ. 4) The secondary evil…is exhibited in those who choose not to reflect the type of love God displayed in Christ; instead choosing to hate, bash, belittle, and condemn others. Does Romans 8:1 not say: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’?? Then how is it we rashly and harshly condemn others for celebrating Jesus’ birth in a different way? Did Paul not insist that we as believers not belittle or judge others for their different method of worship? ( 1 Cor. chapters 8 & 10) In the end folks…calling Christmas evil is akin to calling Christ evil; since it is celebrating the birth of our only source of justification. Evil does not come from a “day,” nor from a “label” of what it is called…but from the enemy through the darkened hearts of those who choose to hate, to hurt, to belittle/bash, to demean/deny Christ, and to return condemnation for the grace we received in Christ. Christmas cannot be evil, yet one’s heart…greed….pride…bitterness…envy…. quickness to condemn are. The Pharisees also were condemned by Christ Himself for their legalism, lack of the greater elements of love/mercy, grace and forgiveness. They also chose to condemn mankind based on their own presumptions of a person’s faithfulness. Let us at the very least…intentionally choose to love, forgive, edify, and encourage…but ultimately, worship God for the birth of Christ. So long as this is our intention…no amount of decoration, shiny lights, fancy wrapped gifts….can be an instrument of evil.“

Brother Brandon Elliott testifies to this following sanctifying work of Christ in His life:

“I used to get on my family even others about this. until the Lord opened my eyes about it. so much of the world wants to and tries to take God out of everything schools government and now we have Christians being seduced and ” watchman ” wanting to take Christ out of Christmas . while there is much paganism and as you mentioned the 25th isn’t the actual birthdate there is nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of Christ. we now have Christians wanting to take God out of things due to there endless continuous search of digging up evil . the enemy has cleverly and strategically distracted many to focus on non essential issues and the Gospel is neglected in that search and digging up of evil. the bible says a ungodlyman digs up evil. and its sad so many go out of their way to dig and search. and in that love waxes cold. its a painful process but needed. painful to see how wrong I was about certain things. being broken again is sometimes what it takes. for me I am in that being broken again process. I recently made a new facebook and closed the one I have had since 2010. I got caught up in these watchman sects legalism non essentials. at the time I didn’t see I was teaching but needed again to be taught. So with that being said please lift me in prayer because it is a battle daily I’m being fought against by the enemy of truth. I see now I wasn’t always living in liberty the freedom we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. I was bound by fear even compromised at times for fear of what these sects would say. but thanks be to God healing has began and freedom is winning because there is victory in repentance.”

IDOLATRY AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE:

IN LIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGE, IS A PERSON WHO SETS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE AUTOMATICALLY COMMITTING IDOLATRY? ARE THEY GOING TO HELL? THAT IS A YES OR NO QUESTION PLEASE.

1 Corinthians 8

“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

One saint writes: “The Lord used trees to adorn His sanctuary. If I use ornamental trees to adorn my yard, does that make me a pagan and idol worshiper? If I string lights on those trees, am I paying homage to it? You see the logic? I am a gardener, so I love plants, trees, shrubs, flowers etc. It doesn’t make me a pagan.”

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Isaiah 60:13　

Apostasy

Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]

Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]

“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.

Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!

Biblical Topics Sampling:

- - Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
  - Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
  - 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
  - Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
  - Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
  - Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
  - Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
  - Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
  - Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
  - The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
  - Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
  - The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
  - Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
  - Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
  - Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
  - The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
  - Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
  - 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
  - Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
  - Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
  - Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
  - False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
  - Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
  - Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
  - Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
  - God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
  - Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
  - Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
  - The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
  - Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17

Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.

“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

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16

Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.

“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

The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.

“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21

The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)

YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.

MORE TOPICS

Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4

Study Guides | Bible School | Bible/Word of God Category

How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]

There’s only one Book whose Author is God. Only God knows the future – and His foretelling of the future in the Bible clearly proves it’s His Book. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the more than 300 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true […]

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for the […]

Bearing the Precious Seed of God's Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23). The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15). Our cute […]

Esteeming the Words of His Mouth More than my Necessary Food [podcast]

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12 —– EDUCATED? … By WHOM? …. For decades now here in America, we’ve all been brainwashed toward education. But who’s educating us? What education? From what perspective and the premise, the foundation, the world view? Christ’s apostle Paul warned “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Many today esteem worldly education in order to […]

Knowing the Word of God and also the God of the Word! [podcast]

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 How has God ordained that we know Him? First by bringing us to Himself at the heart of His Word and granting His eternal life to us (Acts 2:14-41; 8:26-40; 20:21; Romans 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23, etc.). Also thereafter by seeking His face in prayer and His Word and with a heart to worship and know Him (John 17:3). If I don’t truly love Jesus today, what do I have other than dead religion? Let the […]

Articles

The Name and Witness of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” 1 John 5:10

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please sanctify my life unto Thee. Make me holy as You are holy. Please separate me and use me for Your eternal glory LORD Jesus. May Your life shine greater in and through this vessel dear LORD. I love You Jesus and right this instant commend, submit my spirit, my whole being into Thy holy hands. In Jesus’ name.

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ [podcast]

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his grace” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through […]

Executing Christ's Great Commission [podcast]

WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR Jesus walked the streets offering His hope to fallen mankind. He sent us to do the same – and instructed us to pray to the Father for His labourers to be sent forth. Matthew 9 The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few “35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep […]

The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience […]

Articles

The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]

Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).

(Excerpt from the book I Die Daily)

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3

Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD:

That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice”
That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer
Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the morning … I will look up”

From this passage, we see that David planned or scheduled, in an intentional and calculated fashion, to meet with the LORD every morning. The phrase “in the morning” appears twice in this inspired transmission of the Holy Ghost. The man whose heart panted after the LORD – to behold His precious beauty – declared that he would “direct” (point) his prayer upward to the LORD “in the morning.” (Ps. 5:3; 27:4; Acts 13:22) Communing with the LORD was priority to David, and therefore occupied first place in his daily life. He sought the LORD firstly as he arose from sleep, and before he went forth into his day.

Jesus commanded that if any person will come after Him – truly follow Him – he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). There is no place that the cross applies more than in daily prayer. The moment one arises, he will choose either to seek God or dwell upon self-sentiments and such. He will seek Christ, or he will seek his own salvation or rescue from his troubles. We all make a “daily” choice:

“… choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No different from those covenant saints the LORD spoke to in this important passage, those whom we dwell among are serving self – the flesh – and yet we are called upon by the LORD to “choose” to daily serve Him rather than self. We are called to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.” (Phil. 2:15-16)

The LORD is calling us to purposefully declare Him as the LORD and Master of our lives, and this we do by making the premeditated decision to seek Him daily in prayer communion. Like Joshua, the way we “choose” to “serve” God must be premeditated, deliberate, daily, and in practicality. Daily, early morning, first fruit prayer is all three of these. It is the fruit of the crucified life – the life that is dead to self and in whom Christ dwells and reigns. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)

To those who seek God and not their own devices, there are many benefits (Ps. 68:19).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The precious peace of the “Prince of Peace” rules and reigns and makes sound the hearts of those who deny self’s ability to overcome and solve issues and problems, and instead earnestly and diligently rely upon God’s power to do such for them (Isa. 9:6; 26:3).

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

As we fix our whole being upon Jesus Christ, our thoughts will be upward to His “glorious high throne,” which is “the place of our sanctuary.” (Jer. 17:12)

God is calling each of His saints to give his whole being to Christ, and to those things that “are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php. 4:8).

So, according to Philippians 4:6-8, saints are to rely upon the LORD and not self by submitting all their requests in prayer to Him who is their Source, and to think upon those things of Christ which are “true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … if there be any virtue … if there be any praise.” It is upon “these things” that we are instructed to “think on.” (Phil. 4:8)

God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and yet it is not until we become truly “crucified with Christ” that we are going to be ruled by His thoughts and peace (Isa. 55:8-9; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:6-7).

Changing the way one thinks is being done by millions of people who are not regenerated (not born again). New age and religious teachers hold this thought transformation teaching closely. Anyone can change the way they think for self-serving reasons – to stop smoking, to visualize and earn more money, to have more self-esteem, etc. However, hell still awaits all who are not born again, and that takes facing the living God and Judge in repentance for sin and placing all faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). The only renewing of the mind and thoughts that brings glory to Jesus Christ, is that which begins with one casting his whole being upon the LORD afresh – presenting himself a “living sacrifice … unto God.” Let’s look at Romans 12:

“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. 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

Those who are presenting their bodies to the LORD as “living sacrifice(s)” are infused and enabled by His grace to keep their minds or thoughts stayed (fixed) upon the LORD and not self, as they look for Jesus’ soon return (Col. 3:1-4). They trust Christ and not their own strength, reasoning, whims, philosophies, or wisdom. As they give themselves over to Christ and His infinite divine power, and become weak in self and self’s abilities, Jesus’ power raises them up to trust Him and rely upon Him alone – to rest the weight of their whole beings in Him who is able. They first declare that they are not able, and that only “God is able.” (Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 9:8) These are they who have and are finding out in a personal way that there really is nothing impossible with the LORD!

“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

Abraham trusted God. He is our human example of a man who walked with God – by faith believing that God would raise up that to which he died. Concerning the promise of a son being born to him and his aged wife, the Bible records these words from the LORD to His servant Abraham:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14

If God can and will split the Red Sea for His people, and cause a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife to have a child, what in your life can’t He do? (Gen. 17:17)

Here’s yet another question posed to our hearts from the LORD:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

God requires that we die to self-will, self-help, and self-esteem, and lay our lives in His holy, perfect, and more-than-sufficient hands. He can then work in us and in our lives – raising up His holy standard and power to glorify Himself in and through His children. Nothing will be impossible for the LORD to perform in the lives of those who deny themselves and, like Abraham, trust God to raise up His solutions, answers, and blessings to bring Himself glory.

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (makes alive) the dead, and (God) calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17

God called forth Isaac out of Abraham’s loins when it was an otherwise impossibility in the natural. In your life, beloved, “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14)

Our connection with God is all about relationship, and the quality of that relationship is exemplified in our prayer lives – or lack thereof. If a person is pursuing the LORD, he has a prayer life. He lays down his own desires and life and seeks God’s life. This is perhaps in no other scrutiny seen more clearly than in the value he assigns to his prayer life, and the heart affections and time he is willing to invest in it.

In Psalms 63, the Psalmist captures the life of the person who truly has a heart after God.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:1-8

The following is an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

“’At that day ye shall ask in My name.’ John 16:26. We are too much given to thinking of the Cross as something we have to get through; we get through it only in order to get into it. The Cross stands for one thing only for us – a complete and entire and absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is realized more than in prayer.

‘Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.’ Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.

‘I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? ‘At that day’ you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else.”

PRAYER: Father, please bless this life to honor You and Your will first and foremost in this life You have granted, by my being authentically crucified with Christ. Please unite my heart to fear Your holy name and to number with wisdom this short time on this earth as a gift from You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for dying for my sins and for the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost You placed in us upon salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You must increase but I must decrease. This moment, if never before, I declare and deliberately decide to place You first daily in my life – I am crucified with Christ. Early will I seek Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Capture Points

Discuss Psalms 5:3 along with Mark 1:35 and the importance of daily and first fruits prayer in the life of every disciple of Jesus.
Transcribe onto an index card and discuss Romans 12:1-2 (KJB recommended).
Write out on an index card Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (KJB)

Prayer | Support | STORE |

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