God’s Not Impressed with Your Giftings

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]

The gifts you have are not for you but rather for the glory of the One who gave them to you – to be used to edify christ’s body and not draw attention to you (1 Peter 4:10-11).

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

THOSE who sit around boasting of their gifts and yet not being diligent to obey God in using them in serving HIM, are headed straight for hell. Just as their father, satan, glorified himself in his pride due to his gifts, so shall these rebels be damned irrevocably. Hell is full of rebels who were gifted by God. EVERY gift is from God – to glorify HIM, not you! (1 Peter 4:10-11)

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

You are not special – and will be damned like all other rebels if you choose to live outside of God’s stated will (Matthew 7:21). Repent now. You are wicked and HE is “Wonderful”! (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 9:6-7)

“For THE LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

One of the ways Satan targets, deceives, and snares saints is via false leaders – wolves who wear sheep’s clothing. Satan uses false leaders to turn the affections of people’s heart away from Christ and onto them. Their personalities and ministries and church building projects are projected in the minds of their prey so regularly, therapeutically that most people never realize it. Study Colossians 2:18-19 closely saints.

We see this happening with David and his son Absalom where his son “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6) Absalom intercepted the affections of the hearts, directing them upon himself instead of King David. David was a type of Christ and Absalom is a type of false teachers and the antichrist. Anti means in place of. Absalom sought to put himself in place of his father David – to replace him in order to be esteemed, popular, worshipped (Colossians 2:18-19). This is what false prophets do. They get your attention, your support, and your money on them – Not Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)

The LORD is much more intent upon His children having the FRUIT of the Spirit thank He is the GIFTS of the Spirit. Yes, both are part of His New Testament program and yet one is priority above the other! Read 1 Cor 13.

Self-serving, self-seeking, self-willed, cross-less people seek to relish and use the gifts God gave to bring glory to self (John 7:18). Isn’t this exactly what Lucifer did before he was violently ejected from Heaven by the LORD who “resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”? (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; James 4:8; Ezekiel 28:13-15)

To know your gifts is one thing. To focus on and to proclaim your supposed gift and calling to bring attention to yourself is deceitful and evil.

Jesus told us that those who are self-seeking instead of Savior seeking, seek their own glory and not God’s:

“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18

It’s a dead give away when you hear individuals and ministries relishing, seeking out, and talking about gifts and yet out of those same mouths you never hear them relishing Jesus, His blood, His divinity, His Majesty, the cross, the original Gospel message, and His soon coming. Run!

Those gifts God has given were given strictly to serve the One who gave them, not us (1 Peter 4:10-11). We shall give full account of how we used those gifts (Romans 14:10, etc.).

You are not a celebrity but rather a mere servant of the KING of kings.

WHY not just shut up and SERVE? Memorize Matthew 23:11 and Philippians 2:3-5 today.

MANY wonder what their calling is and there are a whole lot of folk in ministries that will accommodate and yet never call them to the cross. Interesting. There is no Christianity without the cross of Christ and our cross. Nothing of Christ’s kingdom works outside of the crucified, the cross life. There are many books circulating that engage people in seeking out what their gifts are. Yet, we hear very little of truly repenting and laying down our lives. Our calling is to die, to lay down our lives, and serve, serve, serve – God and others, not self – that’s why we must have the daily cross. Funny many ministries never mention this paramount, absolutely essential truth of Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 16:24-25; 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33, 17:33; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). God will show us the gifts He put in us as we obey Him (John 7:17-18). Let’s seek the Giver and not the gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11).

The cross gets us out of the way so Jesus reigns and blesses! It must be!

God gave us gifts so we could glorify Him with them and to bless others by them – never bringing undue attention to ourselves in whom “no good thing dwelleth.” (Romans 7:18)

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

God is not impressed with the gifts HE gave you. He’s holding you personally responsible for using them to glorify Him not you! 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Of the cross and its relationship to God’s gifts in us, one commentator writes:

“Our gifts to benefit others and ourselves (grace) flow out the fountainhead, God the Father, but only thru the cross, Christ Crucified. Moses smote the Rock and the water of life flowed out of, to, and through the followers of God. For I have determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Religion and Law VS the Cross and grace. We must present our bodies to the cross as a living sacrifice just as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego presented their bodies to the cross, the 7x’s hotter fiery furnace. They were freed or “loosed” from their bindings and freed from sin, the law of the golden image which kills, Nebuchadnezzar (Satan) and death. Praise God!! Daniel 3.”

We have all been given gifts from our Maker and those gifts of God are given to us by Him in order to bring Him glory and to bless and serve others with, not ourselves.

—UNLIKE humans, God doesn’t aggrandize or value anyone according to their gifts – remember HE gave those gifts. And, He will judge us all according as we have used the gifts He invested in us. See the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Learn this Bible chapter well. There is much to be gained. Will you hear “Well done my good and faithful servant” or “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”? Am I using the gifts the LORD invested in me to bring glory to myself or the nail-scarred, Risen LORD and Savior? Read Matthew 25.

Far too many people have been led by wolves to the altar of self-service, such as searching out your gifts, taking gift tests. etc. We see that no where in the New Testament. Jesus calls those who will follow Him to deny self, take up the cross, and humbly serve, serve, serve – God and others and not to seek out what gifts are in us but rather simply love and serve everyone around us (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24, etc.).

The thing being pointed out here is that many use prophet and apostle as a title to elevate themselves instead of simply humbly serving while drawing all attention to Jesus and not to self – the cross.

Take notice in the following passage how seriously and with trepidation Paul looked toward the judgment to come:

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

In light of “the terror of the Lord,” the apostle persuaded men to do good according to the LORD who watches and weighs the motives and intentions of the hearts of all men.

“The LORD looketh on the heart (not the gifts).” 1 Samuel 16:7

God is not impressed with our gifts. He gave them. He’s not in awe when we flash them or use them and mere men celebrate us for doing so.

In fact, we are instructed by the LORD to go out of our way and use the energy and faculties He has given to us to lift up the less desirable among His people (to the human eye).

“And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow (hedge about) more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:23-25

As good stewards of God’s gifts, we are to use all of our energies and faculties, not to elevate ourselves but rather the Savior and His blessed people. While others flock to the person who can sing or preach well, you and I, as Christ’s disciples, are to look and find that person who is off to the side, neglected, and in need of edification and the love of God through Christ’s body.

“There is NO respecter of persons with God.” Romans 2:11 (memory verse)

Partiality is sin and such a sin is addressed throughout God’s Word. Here’s an example:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

God’s Word is the fountain of divine wisdom and, I must say that memorizing the above Bible verse has truly been a blessing in a myriad of ways (Proverbs 3:3; 4:4).

Origin of “Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift”

Where do your gifts and everything good in your originate from? Are the gifts in your life your doing or God’s?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

In light of the truth that “every good and every perfect gift” is from God, why then do you boast?

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

Are you using your money, your looks, or gifts of God to worship and to glorify Christ? What shall the Judge of your eternal soul say to you on that Great and Terrible Day when you stand before Him to give account of your life?

Jesus never said “Ye shall know them by their GIFTS” but rather “Ye shall know them by their FRUIT.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) Good fruit is only born out of an abiding, obedient relationship with Christ (John 15:1-16)

Do you tout you attributes, and use your wealth or looks to draw people to yourself? Or, are you dying to self, laying aside yourself, denying yourself, and pointing people – eternal souls – to the only One who made and bled to redeem them?

Never exalt self, only Christ and others.

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

Dare you vaunt yourself against the Most High with your vain elevations of your sinful self?

Get down low disciple of Jesus! Take on the form of a humble servant. Today, find Bible verses on this essential topic and memorize them. Refuse any title except “servant” or “disciple” saved by the mercy of God!

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (memory verse)

Jesus teaches us not to use titles, coupling it with pride.

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12

“Altogether Vanity!”

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5

The root of all Christ-denying self-idolatry is refusal to truly repent and put all trust in Christ alone. The fruit of such rebellious refusal is self-exaltation. In his book The Great Falling Away, the late Milton Green captures such a phenomenon:

“We come to the light when our ambition is to please God more than anything or anyone else …. Men who attempt to come to Jesus and still love the flesh nature will still have selfish ambition. They will try to have the biggest church, the largest and best choir, the greatest numbers, and the best reputation for building a church. (All done for God, of course!) Instead of obedience to the Word of God and holiness, their goal is ‘nickles, noses, and numbers’ to fulfill their selfish ambition. They say, ‘Come see mychurch!’ … If a person has a root of pride, his motive will be to build an image for himself. As he builds a name for Jesus in the strength and works of the flesh, he will deceitfully take part of the glory which belongs to Jesus to fulfill his love for pride and reputation. He will show partiality and will exploit all his relationships in order to control others and advance his selfish ambition. He will flatter and deceive others in order to look good and receive the approval of man. Pride always wants to be the center of attention. Pride receives glory from men. Pride is always concerned with its own image. Pride always has to be right. Pride loves the approval of men more than the approval of God. Pride will welcome thoughts and suggestions from Satan to exploit and use people to build one’s self image. … Every man in the world walks in the image and likeness of Satan. He does not love nor honor God; neither does he love his neighbor. Each one in the world lives of himself. The strong deceive, manipulate and lord it over the weak. Everyone greedily gathers and hoards for himself, while all around him his neighbor hurts and suffers in need. ‘The whole world lieth in wickedness.’ (1 John 5:19) Their hearts agree with Satan.” Milton Green, The Great Falling Away Today, p. 17, 28, 31

Are you learning to crucify the deeds of your sinful nature? Read Romans 6 every day for the next week prayerfully. If you think somehow that you have a good pastor or favorite Bible teacher and yet, that person isn’t calling you to Christ, that is, to die to self so that Jesus alone can be glorified, you are sitting under a false teacher who is an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-21).

Memorize Ephesians 4:3, 32 and Psalms 133:1.

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining it for yourself and to help others? We can help you. This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments For My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

Titles and Trappings | Self-Appointed Title Touters

Walking with Jesus [podcast]

“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]

Your Life Will Never be the Same [podcast]

Articles

The Highest Form of His Creation

“What is man”? Psalms 8:4

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28

“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 1:28

The LORD created mankind, exclusively, in His own image and everything else in His creation He created to serve Him by supporting His prize creation, mankind.

THINK: CREATIVE DESIGN
EVER wonder why God attached the most pleasurable experience to what? – To Being fruitful and multiplying the highest form of His creation?
Read afresh and it’s fresh, what Genesis 1:27-28 says.
The LORD wants more babies!
Selah beloved of God.
Connect the dots please.
Get married, “be fruitful, and multiply!”
Boom.

Knowing that his time is short, Satan has come down with great wrath upon God’s creation, especially the highest form of His creation, mankind (Revelation 12:12). Man, created in the image of God, is under evil, denigrating assault by Satan and his human agents and agencies (1 Peter 5:8).

One example would be: Animals have been exalted over mankind. One bumper sticker captures the reality of animals, beasts, being made more important than mankind:

“Be a hero save a whale. Save a baby, go to jail.”

On TV we see very few commercials to save or help the humans, the innocent babies being murdered in cold blood via abortion. Yet we are bombarded with emotional pleas to save the forsaken or endangered animals. Be not deceived. We must hold to the priorities set forth by our Maker to whom we shall give account (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc.).

“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

All of God’s creation matters and has a purpose for which He ordained it and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.

The fact that mankind is the highest form of creation is a divinely stated and self-evident fact. Ever had a two-way conversation with an animal? No. Why?

We should keep in mind that Jesus Christ came to the earth to die for mankind, not animals. All else in His creation exists to serve Him by serving the highest form of His creation, exclusively created in His very image, mankind (Genesis 1:26-28).

Godless parents allow their children to watch the cartoons which indoctrinate their children to believe that animals are higher than mankind, that animals can talk and reason just as men and women can. We know this to be completely false, yet in the mind of the young child, this becomes their reality. So, instead of growing up to be saved and seek to help others be saved (the Great Commission), we have a whole generation of young people who in great disproportion spend their time tending to peripheral parts of creations like animals and trees. We have very few who give their life to serve God by serving mankind’s need for God.

Believers in particular are to care for human beings created in God’s image more than any other part of His creation.

A quick look at the billions of dollars being raised on crowd funding sites today for causes not related to helping reach mankind for salvation in Christ, testifies to this complete disparity, this gross imbalance.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1

Personally, I only give into and support the cause of Christ – which involves the salvation of the eternal souls of men! Anything else is waste!

Cancer, endangered animals, cats, dogs, horses, houses, etc. do NOT matter in the eyes of God as much as do the eternal souls of men for which Jesus came and died. The LORD only made mankind in His own image and likeness. All of the rest of His creation revolves around serving mankind, for the blessing of the highest order of His creation. Prove it wrong with Scripture. Can’t be done.

Anyone who has a problem with mankind being the highest form of creation and worthy to be aggrandized as such, has a problem with their Maker.

The relationship between God and man was lost when Adam sinned and thus Jesus came to earth as a man to die for mankind.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

There is no inference in this post that these other things don’t matter (animals, trees, etc). They do. Yet they are not the highest ranking in the order of divine priorities. All of the LORD’s delight are in His people.

“But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” Psalms 16:3

Is our delight in the LORD and in people? Do we put people, made in God’s image, at the top of our priorities, just under God Himself? If not our priority system is broken and should be immediately repaired to line up with God’s Word. We must repent, confess our sins to God, and change our ways (Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12; James 4:6-10, etc.).

The highest form of creation are those made in the image and likeness of the Creator – mankind (Genesis 1-2).

So, with this biblical priority in mind, where should we be giving our time, our energies, and our resources? What does Jesus mean by commanding us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”? (Matthew 6:19-21)

All of God’s creation matters and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else that He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.

Hearkening back to Genesis, the psalmist pens the words of Psalms 8.

Psalms 8

1 A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Of this Psalm, one noted:

“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands. An evident reference to Gen_1:28, ‘Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’ By these words man’s right of dominion was established. His actual dominion only came, and still comes, by degrees. Thou hast put all things under his feet. In their fulness, the words are only true of the God-Man, Jesus Christ (Mat_28:18).” The Pulpit Commentary

Of this glorious Psalm, Donald Stamps writes:

“8:4-6 THE SON OF MAN. The N.T. quotes these verses from the Septuagint (The Greek translation of the Hebrew O.T.) and applies them to Jesus (Heb. 2:6-8; cf. Eph. 1:19-22). It is only in Him that these truths are perfectly realized. He is the One who, as a representative of the human race, will be given the full dominion over all creation (v6-8; cf. Phil. 2:10).

8:5 WITH GLORY AND HONOUR. This psalm expresses the amazing honor that God has bestowed upon humankind. It affirms that we as humans were created by God for a glorious purpose; we are not just animals, the product of natural evolution and chance (v. 5-6). So valuable are we to God that we are special objects of His concern and favor (v4). He has honored us by choosing us to rule over His creation (v 6-8; cf. Gen. 1:28; 2:15, 19). Yet the consciousness of our favored position is no reason for praising ourselves, but a reason for giving thanks and glory to the Creator (v. 9).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 813

Of this wonderful chapter, Psalms 8, William MacDonald writes:

“8:4 God is interested in every individual! He has a personal, intimate concern for every human being.

8:5 God made man in His own image and after His own likeness. Though lower than God, man shares with Him some faculties that are not shared by any other order of creation on earth. Everything God made was pronounced to be good, but the verdict on the Creation of man was ‘very good.’

8:6-8 As God’s representatives on earth, man was given dominion over all kinds of animals, birds, fish, and reptiles. There was nothing that was not put under him.

But the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we do not see man enjoying this undisputed sway at the present time (Heb. 2:5-9). Dogs bark at man, snakes bite him, birds and fish elude him. The explanation is that when sin entered the world through Adam, man lost his unqualified sovereignty over the lower creation.

Yet God’s purpose still stands. He has decreed that man shall indeed have dominion, and nothing can block God’s purposes. So while we do not see all things subject to man right now, we do see Jesus–the one Person by whom man’s dominion will eventually be restored. When Christ came to earth, He become temporarily lower than the angels so that as Man He could die for the human race. Now He is crowned with glory and honor at God’s right hand. Someday Christ the Son of man will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the Millennium, the dominion that was forfeited by the first Adam will be restored by the Last Adam.

8:9 Then God’s redeemed people will join to sing with new appreciation, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 557-58

With this in mind – that mankind is the LORD’s highest form of creation for whom He died, was buried, and raised again, let us live and give and act accordingly with our affections and actions.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

“Be Fruitful and Multiply

If It’s Not the Word, It’s Waste

Beast Worship

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 […]