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Do Your Works Testify that You Worship or Deny Christ?

Are you Fulfilling a New Testament Purpose? Is Your Church?

There nothing transpiring on the earth today more important than the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Every true remnant saint is involved (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts, etc.). No work on earth is of eternal significance except the work of Christ’s Gospel (Mark 8:38). Are you participating?

When He saved you, your life ended and His glorious life began.

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

That’s right, all your personal “rights” are done and over.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Any questions? Is this not exactly what symbolized in baptism? – You are doornail dead and Christ now lives and reigns in and through your whole being.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

Let me say here that if you are not hearing this kind of Bible preaching, the cross life, you are sitting under a hireling wolf. This is basic Bible truth friend. Anyone hiding this from you is playing you – is using you for your money and approval (Philippians 3:18-19).

WANT TO SEE WHO’S READY TO MEET JESUS? Hand on the plow! (Luke 9:62) God’s remnant IS, definitively, busy about HIS Great Commission business (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49; 24:47). The counterfeit church is playing games, building earthly kingdoms on sinking sand.

Christ’s Unchanging Great Commission

Any person not living a Great Commission life, is living a wasted life. They are out of the will of God. Read that again.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“It is our place, in following of our Lord, to continue His teaching until He returns (Matthew 28:18-20).” AB

Do you realize that following Jesus means following what He taught? See Mark 8:38 and John 8:47; 14:15, 21; 1 John 2:4-6. Do you realize that God gave us the record of Christ’s earliest disciples so that we could measure just what is true and what is false in our current day? The book of Acts in particular. What were His first followers doing, before any wolves or false teaching had time to enter in? Here’s a taste and a way to determine who is and who is not in the will of God today, namely those in ministry positions.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42

This is a verse of holy truth to be memorized. It’s very telling. These true disciples of Jesus were obeying His command to “teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Do we realize that only those obeying what Jesus taught are actually following Him?

Are you doing the Great Commission Jesus commanded OR, are you doing your own thing? It’s one or the other friend. Personally, in light of this truth, I like to begin my days with a prayer something like this…

PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to use me today for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Making a Difference”

Am I “making a difference” is a good question to ask ourselves. Did you realize that this phrase appears in God’s Word? Watch the context closely okay:

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 20-23

According to this passage, to be “making a difference” for God’s glory and not wasting our lives, we must be built up in the power of the Holy Ghost (v20), to keep ourselves full of God’s love (v21), to not be self-righteous but rather be “looking for the mercy of our LORD,” (v21) to have compassion (v22), to make a difference, to preach the judgment of hell to come in the fear of God (v23), and to keep our blood washed garments (robes of His righteousness) “unspotted.” (v23)

But how can I make a difference one might ask. Can you smile and tell someone Jesus died for our sins? Can you tell someone how Christ has made a difference in your life? Can you hand out a Gospel literature so blessed souls can find their way home to Jesus? What are you doing to make a difference for Christ in the lives of others?

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN GOD’S “BUSINESS” OR MAN’S? ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME AND THE LORD’S TIME?  Child of God, do you know what God’s “business” is? The LORD calls His true children to be about HIS “business” and what is HIS “business” as opposed to sinful man’s undertakings? (Luke 2:49) We claim to be following Jesus and so it is only fair that we find out what Jesus says the “Father’s business” is, right? (Luke 2:49) Jesus says He came “to seek and to save that which was lost,” that is, to save them from sin and “eternal damnation.” (Mark 3:29; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15) What could be more plain? Those who are truly following Christ, and the only ones that are overcoming and will escape hell, are busy preaching/communicating and teaching His Word which holds the only answer to man’s dilemma – sin. Fighting cancer, promoting politicians, rescuing dogs, etc., is not what God calls us to and such will never bring root deliverance or the escape from sin and the lake of fire. That is actually luciferic dominionism which is the vain attempt to preserve this fallen world simply and selfishly to make this temporary home a better dwelling place. Such is utter futility and sin against the Almighty. God is going to renovate and make all things new but first He will allow them to be burned up (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3). To put money, effort, time, and energies into anything but His blessed Gospel is brazen rebellion against the Savior who came and bled on that cross, rose again, and commanded His children to go and spread His Word. It’s time to repent and return to the LORD before it’s too late.

Don’t you know that Satan, the enemy of all souls, rejoices every time a professing Christian gives money, time, or energy to “false burdens” that are not the “Father’s business”?

The ONLY “business” of the true body of Christ is Jesus’ “business”– that of worshiping the LORD together, teaching God’s Word, and winning lost souls to Jesus! In fact, the simplest fruit to judge any person by is by their works. Are they “about” the “Father’s business” or some (any) other business?

Is it not hypocrisy to claim to be Christians and not follow Christ? That is, not follow what mandate He gave to His people to go teach His Word and preach His Good News?

ANY individual or group or local church not doing what Jesus commanded, namely the Great Commission, is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is apostate! I’m not talking about the pastor winning souls from the pulpit either. That’s good but he is to be teaching those he leads to do “the work of the ministry.” Read Ephesians 4:11-14 for the job description of all under-shepherds.

The work of God’s true people is NOT politics but rather the Great Commission. This is rendering obedience to Christ. The work of the true disciple is not to help a mere man build his own vision or church business but rather to spread the seed of the Word of God in evangelizing the lost souls of men and by teaching other believers the full-counsel of God’s Word. Are YOU about the Father’s business or has Satan derailed you? What shall you answer to Him on that final Day of reckoning? How shall you answer Him if you squandered the time He gave you in this brief life on temporal things that have no matter in the kingdom of God? Will you hear from Him “Enter thou my good and faithful servant!”? Or, “Depart from me!”?

Jesus told His very own people that in order for them to be with Him in eternity, they were required to overcome and keep His works to the end of their lives.

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Someone may ask: “But I thought I was ‘once saved always saved’ and that my works don’t matter and that by obeying God then I am trying to work my way to Heaven.”

This is the exact thing millions of deceived people have been taught in the apostate evangelical church world in America. Millions have been sold a bag of goods (a false gospel).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Let’s talk about God’s Word and allow the Almighty to speak for Himself. Deal?

One element we must beware of and detach from all involvement with, is trying to save this sinful, failing world. We should beware of movements and ministries like patriotism in trying to preserve or save America. Saving America or trying to make this sinful world a better place is not the Great Commission command Jesus gave us. 

Any ministry that is not all about teaching the pure Word and reaching lost souls, is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is in fact in rebellion. God forbid that we touch or condone or further the cause of any such false ministry! Here’s what Jesus’ followers are all about, without fail – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20) It’s real simple: Those who follow Christ obey Christ and are all about Christ and not swept away with causes that do not pertain to Christ who died and rose again to save lost souls from sin and eternal damnation! NOTHING else really matters no matter how sympathetic the cause is mean to seem. Breast cancer? NO! Sin is the cancer Jesus bled to heal! Those who name the name of Christ should immediately repent of the sin of neglecting Christ’s work and putting resources into the worlds futile help programs. They are futile and totally in vain! If we are going to feed the poor, let’s do it and give them the Gospel, the only healing balm for their eternal souls!

Consider the words/teaching of Jesus:

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38

Beloved saints, what does it matter if we feed the poor and clothe the naked and yet don’t give them the soul-saving Word of the Gospel? Is God glorified? No! So, that person eats well, forgoes cancer, then dies and goes to the fires of eternal damnation. What a farce and Satan loves it!

Can anyone argue with the truth of this simple statement?

“We should be winning Souls to Jesus, the world is gonna burn with fire. I can understand standing in the gap and praying for our kings and nation.  Moses did that for Israel a few times and we are commanded to do so and yet many go to an extreme that makes us wonder why they don’t fight that way for God and simply do what Jesus sent us to do in His Great Commission command.” Luciano P. Pisco

We better repent and “touch not” any “unclean” organization or program that is not giving the healing balm of God’s holy truth. The LORD says we are His very enemies if we dare do such by helping the “ungodly”:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Never join a cause or enter into any alliance that does not have Jesus and His blessed and everlasting Gospel at its heart.

“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 19:2

The “ungodly” are revealed clearly “by their fruits” – their alliances, alignments, their focus and works (Matthew 7:16, 20). If their focus is on “earthly things,” they are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-21) Those who are truly Christ’s sheep are looking unto JESUS who is the very author and finisher of their faith … Their “conversation (focus, way of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 3:20)

False Prophets lead people to “false burdens” that do not pertain directly to being born again and spending eternity with Christ.

“Thy (false) prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (deliver them from bondage); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentations 2:14

Lamentation 2:14 actually defines who false prophets are. Look closely at that verse and commit it to memory. Use that truth to discern who is a wolf and who is true to Christ.

For this rebellion, God was going to banish His people. That’s what “causes of banishment”means here. God is going to judge all who go astray from Him and His cause!

“false burden” is one that is amiss from the aim of the LORD as stated in His Word (Lamentations 2:14).  Examples of “false burdens” that lure the emotions of millions today:

  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Animal (beast) rights and causes
  • Cancer causes
  • “Mission trips” where the mission of Christ to save souls from sin and hell is not preached
  • Susan G Komen Foundation of deceit and death to children
  • Planned Parenthood or Planned MURDERhood

Jesus says to leave those things that do not pertain to His kingdom to the world:

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

What cause are you supporting, promoting? is it the Gospel? Some people who vainly claim to love Jesus, have and show more sympathy toward beasts (animals) than they do human beings, the highest form of God’s creation. Astounding hypocrisy!

Of the focus of the Gospel of Jesus, Rich Monson writes:

“Pastors are called to be given over to the Word and prayer to equip the body for the work of ministry and this is to be done to the glory of God (Ephesians 4:11-14). Teaching the Word that we may be conformed to the image of Christ and that we may go out and win the lost. All else in contrast falls far far under the shadow of these two eternal priorities. At any cost gett’m saved, gett’m conformed to Jesus. All else works to these ends, that God be glorified in it all.

Also good to remember what the Lord has said regarding false prophets and teachers in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:19-22. Ezekiel 13:3, Isaiah 30:9-10, Jer 14:14, 23:14-16, :25-26, Mic 3:11, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:3-5, 2 Peter 2:1-3, Jude. So much the Lord has given us in His grace, so much so that the Church, true believers are absolutely without excuse.”

Read this closely: “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that GO A WHORING from thee. 28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works (namely the work of Christ’s redemption).” Psalms 73:27-28

Teaching and demonstrating or doing the truth is so very important and is the whole difference. So many in leadership today present much truth but they put their monies and focus where their hearts are – in this fleeting, sinful world. Many dare to spend more resources/monies on temporal buildings, light bills, and even “excess” than on teaching God’s Word to all and winning lost souls. This is what Jesus commanded and if we truly know Him that’s what we are all about (Matthew 28:18-20). Those who aren’t about what Jesus told us to do are not of Him – period.

Of these last days and the essential of obeying Christ alone, Gwendolyn Wehage writes:

“Political issues have caused us to think that a man can save our nation. We are falling off the cliff as a nation and only a miracle of God and the repentance of the people could save this nation. I don’t see that happening because we are in the last days, and God said that in the last days men would lack natural affection, haters of good, lovers of evil, worshipers of creation rather than the Creator. In the last days they would have no shame in their evil deeds. Romans 3:18 Jeremiah 6:15 they no longer have shame about their evil deeds. 2 Timothy 3, the people will be lovers of themselves, boastful, unloving, lovers of money, unthankful, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, disrespectful to parents, brutal and despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, hauty, having a form of godliness without understanding what it is. These passages describe how our country and the whole world is like right now. There is not turning back, these are the perilous times God spoke of in 2 Timothy. Our duty is to love Christ, obey Him and stand firm when giving out the gospel.”

Are those who parade with pink in the streets and give money to the sinful world system to help physical and mental ailments following Jesus? No! They are apostate. Those who follow Christ and are therefore the only saved souls, obey Christ and Christ said go preach HIS blessed Gospel and Go teach men all the things HE taught (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not HIS commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

You see, many who claim to be saved have all the wherewithal, all the money, all the energy and all the resources available to them to help useless causes for sin-sick humans and pets and none to serve Jesus by doing what He commanded! That’s the fruit of their lives and it clearly testifies to their lost, hell bound condition.

“In Works they Deny Him”

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

If we are following Jesus – truly – then we are about the “FATHER’s business” and not the unregenerate world’s business! To make themselves feel good for a moment, the lost souls of this world jump into causes such as the Susan G Komen Foundation or Habitat for Humanity. Yet neither of these groups preaches Christ. The Komen Foundation actually gives money to Planned Parenthood to murder precious babies in cold blood. So, no Christian would ever support such an atrocity.

Jesus said: “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

The LORD’s business is His body’s business and anyone not involved in Christ’s business is none of His.

When others seek out and find us, they find those who are about SOMEBODY’s business. Whose? The worlds or the LORD’s? This is the crystal clear issue that reveals who is of God and who isn’t. What a person claims means nothing if it doesn’t manifest in good works or fruit. The Bible teaches that our works plainly testify to whom we are serving.

To that one who would become convicted and cry “But this is lordship salvation,” I would say “Yes, Jesus is the LORD and this is what His Word teaches!” Dare you argue with the very Son of God? Why not simply obey and learn of Him?

Not being about the “Father’s business” is clear proof that we are denying Christ. Really? Yes, read this:

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

This verse means that though many say they know Jesus, their lack of good works reveal that they do not know Him but rather deny Him who bled for their many sins.

Works don’t save but they are the fruit of who we are truly loving and trusting! The Bible says that even a child is known by what he DOES:

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Proverbs 20:11 

Let this sink in saints …. “In WORKS they Deny Him.” (Titus 1:16)

To deny Christ the right to reign in our lives is to deny Christ. Without fail, when Jesus is reigning in our personal lives, His Gospel truth is flowing freely from our lives.

“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

If a person claims to be saved and that person is not learning to lose his life, that person is misled. Paul wrote that “in works” (that testify to saving faith) they deny Christ (Titus 1:16).

Most who call themselves Christians have been misled by the epidemic of wolves who fill pulpits and books and the media with their false gospel message. These men refuse to preach what Jesus said and/or they carefully select and dodge the things in the Gospel that keep people loyal to their own self-serving cause.

When one lays down his life, everything becomes of the LORD and not of self. Losing one’s life is truly what saving faith is:

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

Think about this: If one’s life is all about them, then that’s exactly whom they are serving and we know that they can’t save themselves, having rejected the only Savior.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

I must relinquish control of the reigns of my life and will to the One who is worthy of all my praise as long as He gives me the breath of life. This is what saving faith always does. Do I possess saving faith? If so, I have and am giving my life over to Him daily. He’s reigning in me, not me.

Do we not have this thing called life all wrong? Do we not need a complete transformation of thought? LORD, please have mercy upon us and change us. Amen.

“The One who is the Highest came to become the lowest. We who are the lowest, seek to be the highest.” unknown

Friend, there are no shortcuts – This is the true path to blessedness with God – putting Him first by giving Him and His people more of me daily. In fact, if I am not growing to “give” or serve more, I am not growing as a disciple of my LORD. The true measure of spiritual growth is seen in how much we give of ourselves to God and others.

To the degree I am serving, my spirituality can be measured.

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

My humility is the true measure of my spirituality and whether or not I truly know the One who came and humbled Himself even unto death for the redemption of my undeserving soul (Philippians 2:3-10).

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

This coincides with all that Jesus says about lordship and is contrasted with those who have a mere “form of godliness” but refuse to repent/surrender and come under the power/authority of Christ (2 Timothy 3:5).

Measuring by the “Fruits”

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20

In interpreting Scripture with Scripture, we can conclude that the “fruits” Jesus speaks of here pertain to:

  • Doctrine (Romans 6:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  • Doings/works (Proverbs 20:11; Titus 1:16; James 2)
  • Direction (Romans 8:14; Luke 2:49; Philippians 3:17-21)
  • Disposition (Galatians 5:22-23)

What fruit is there to be seen in your personal life?

Are you learning and obeying “sound doctrine”?

Do your doings or works manifestly testify to a repentant heart?

Are you about the Father’s business?

Is your life characterized by “love, joy, peace …”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Those who love, worship, fear, and care about Jesus do the work Jesus sent us to do. Those who don’t do His work clearly manifest their rebellious hearts.

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

Jesus came to win souls. In fact, His Word tell us:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

A close friend was invited to go feed the homeless. He grabbed a bunch of Gospel tracts and was asked by another worker if he was going pass them out to the homeless they were going to feed. To this he replied:

“Yes, I’m excited to get these tracts out to these precious lost souls. There’s no absolutely no value whatsoever in this activity of making sandwiches for people if that’s all we do.” Tim

A work to help others that does not include giving them the Gospel of Jesus is nothing more than a humanistic endeavor.

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9

Warning people that if they die in their sins, having rejected Jesus Christ, they will spend eternity in hell, is an integral part of the original Gospel (Mark 16:16; Luke 13:3, 5; 2 Corinthians 2:16). So, warning the lost of the divine wrath to come is what the true Gospel does. In fact, the apostle Paul stated:

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” 2 Corinthians 5:11

Prayer of Repentance: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son for my sins and the sins of the whole world. Please forgive me for the sin of neglecting Your Gospel and for allowing myself to be misled by hirelings who do not fear You. Quicken my spirit in Thy Holy fear dear LORD and cause my life to glorify You alone. Fill me afresh with Your precious Holy Ghost and take over my life. From this moment forward I will serve and follow You LORD Jesus. Amen.

Absurd Hypocrisy | Touch Not the Unclean Thing | Great Commission or Great Hypocrisy? | The Use of Gospel Tracts | Beast Worship | Catholic Conversations

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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.

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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)

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The Joy of God’s Word [podcast]


“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Psalms 119:89

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

PRAYER: Heavenly Father please match and exceed every trial You allow me to go through with Your joy! For You said that the joy of the LORD is my strength! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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