He Will Abundantly Pardon!

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]

Search ME O God!

WHOSE sins does God want you to focus on and judge? Does He want you to direct your attention to the sins of others, or your own?

“For if we would judge OURSELVES, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

“Create in MEEEEEE a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within ME.” Psalms 51:10

Search Who?

WHO did David cry out to God to “search”?

“Search ME, O God, and know MY heart: try ME, and know MY thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in ME, and lead ME in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24

“BOWELS OF MERCIES”

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14

Are YOU forgiving OR do you forgive? In other words, if you are walking in God’s Word, then you are of the loving disposition of your Master Jesus who “is love” (1 John 4:7-8, 16). You abide intimate with He who “is love” and therefore you forgive with ease or are not even offended in the first place (1 Corinthians 13:5). If you are not walking in the love of God – walking in the Spirit – then you have to work hard at forgiving others and will stumble and strive and struggle until there is complete – no turning back – surrender to the One who bled to forgive all of YOUR many sins and wickedness and rebellion. God wants you and I to get a clue precious saints!

Is God forgiving or did He lie to us?

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

Note that God says “If we confess OUR (own) sins…..” not those of others, amen.

If we want God to be merciful to us, He requires that our attitudes be that of mercy and restoration toward others (Matthew 6:12; 18:21-35; James 2:13). Luke 15 is a chapter in God’s Word that is completely dedicated to revealing the restorative heart of God. Study it. Learn of Him, and rejoice!

As I read the beautiful words of the Old Testament Scriptures, I am continually reminded at how very merciful God was to His people! See Isaiah 60:10.

Did God make provision through the blood shed by His only begotten Son for the forgiveness of all our sins if we come afresh to Him in repentance and confession? (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2) Does that blood cleanse our sins alone or all who are Christ’s and stay or abide in fellowship with Him? Are not all of His children invited by Him to “come boldly (with full confidence) before the throne of grace” to receive afresh of His mercy and grace? (Hebrews 4:14-16)

There IS a fountain filled with the precious blood of Jesus!

If we hinder in any way someone from coming to Him afresh, we are scattering abroad and acting as agents of Satan himself who is the accuser of the brethren! (Matthew 12:30; Revelation 12:10-12)

Carol Burke ‎notes regarding 1 John 1:9…

“1:9 ‘If we confess our sins.’ God’s forgiveness is given as soon as we admit our need of it, not on the basis of any acts we have done to earn it, but solely because of His grace. The free gift of forgiveness carries with it purification from unrighteousness. God accepts us as righteous because He imputes to us the righteousness of Christ. That is, the very righteousness of Christ our sin-bearer is reckoned to our account.”

Is it not a full-time job keeping our own sinful nature crucified? If so, then how is it that some have so much time and energy to have judgmental attitudes and words toward others? Is it time we get a clue as to our own utter depravity of heart and need for Christ’s present grace and mercy?

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:15

We must seek to “RESTORE” others “in the spirit meekness” and really cannot be used to do such until we get the logs out of our own eyes according to Galatians 6:1-2. Being used by God to “restore” the fallen is reserved for those who are “spiritual” or spiritually mature according to Galatians 6:1-2. Why? Because they are fully aware of their own utter, present, and perpetual need for the mercy of God.

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore (not condemn) such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens (by helping them overcome sin), and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:1-3

Do our lives testify “Hey, look how great I am”? Or, are our lives saying “Hey, look at how very great God is and how much mercy He has shown my wretched soul. He will abundantly pardon you also if you will come to Him”?

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

Question: If God chooses to “abundantly pardon” those who come to Him on His terms, falling afresh upon His blessed mercy, then why don’t we do the same in our attitudes?

Answer: Wicked, evil hearts!

Correction, rebuke and admonition is to be for the purpose of restoring fallen believers to their relationship with the LORD, amen?

“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head.” Psalms 141:5

David’s prayer recorded in Psalm 141:5 is a prayer that reveals authenticity. Am I being honest with the LORD? (Proverbs 28:13) Have I asked the LORD to use godly men to correct my errors, faults, sins, my foolishness?

ALL sense of SELF-righteousness must be removed from our hearts in order for God to call us mature and be able to use us to restore others. See Galatians 6:1-2.

Sinners are to be invited to receive God’s mercy by repenting and putting their faith in Christ, the only Savior. I love Revelation 22:17 which tells us that the true remnant Bride of Christ is saying to those outside His camp to “The Spirit and the bride say Come …. take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). We are to personally testify to the goodness of God and how He has so mercifully dealt with us and how He will do the same to all who “Come” to Him! Glory! Matthew 11:28-30

“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3

If we will concentrate on our own need for God – today – He will fill us with His righteousness and love and use us to help guide others to Him – both backsliders and the heathen.

The LORD rebukes those who are His whom He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11). As we allow Him to rebuke us, He will then mature us and use us to bring correction to those other souls He so deeply loves, and the message will come from a heart of compassion and not the “wrath of (mere) man” which “worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). The most Holy Spirit-anointed rebukes come from the heart of the disciple that is giving his life over to the LORD today and in whom the LORD is doing a deeper work. That true disciple is receiving the change and rebuke that the LORD, our Potter, desires in our own lives.

All who are truly the LORD’s remnant are purging themselves of the vanity of self-righteousness as they are becoming more and more a vessel unto honor, meet or fit to be a tool for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:20-21).

If we don’t realize just how merciful God is by reading how He dealt with His people Israel, we have no clue yet. If we are not honest-hearted people and/or are unlearned and gullible, we have no clue as to just how unholy, wretched, corrupted, and desperately wicked we ourselves have been (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:3; 4:22, etc.).

To God, getting our own life/heart right with Him is more important than rebuking false teachers. Please know that this disciple knows what God states about marking false prophets and that it’s a mandate for us to do (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3, etc.). Yet, the LORD’s primary concern or primary duty He wishes us to steward, is for our own hearts (Matthew 7:1-5). As He works in us, He can then work through us (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

NO ONE is anything but unrighteous/sinful outside of Christ (Isaiah 64:6; John 15:5; Romans 7:18). Beware of those who act self-righteously (Philippians 3:9). It’s a religious scam and the vilest of sinners, cloaked in religious titles and garb are guilty (read Matthew 23). Jesus says the crack whores will go to Heaven before the self-righteous. Read Matthew 21:31. God grant us to repent and to get a clue! Read what Christ said of the religious imposters of His day and who are plentiful today. He called them “hypocrites” and that means actors (Matthew 23). Acting righteous outwardly is not pleasing to our God according to Jesus especially if it’s not emanating out of an abiding worshipful relationship with Him. God always works from the inside out (Matthew 23). Jesus made it clear that He is not pleased when we clean the outside of the cup and yet have not sought Him to clean the inside (Matthew 23). He desires truth in the inward parts and that begins with being honest about our true state and infinite need for Him – His saving mercy and grace (Psalms 51:6).

What does Romans 2:1-7 say? It seems to indicate that those who harshly judge the sins of others have the same sinful seeds and perhaps acts of sin in their own hearts and lives.

I Die Daily: Get This Book and Learn to Die so He can Reign.

I refuse to act a part or, in other words, be a hypocrite. I refuse to feign to be sinless perfection or to falsify the notion that I don’t need the grace, love, and saving mercy of my Savior today! I refuse to be found “having MINE own righteousness” lest I be found as an antichrist liar in that Day. See Philippians 3:9 and Matthew 21:31.

Jesus was most harsh towards the religious leaders. Nothing has changed. His condemnation looms over all self-righteous religious souls. Are you one of them? The vilest of sinners are religionists who live out of self-righteous hearts. To the SELF-righteous today, the LORD says that the crack whores and rank sinners will go to His Heaven before they will. In other words, they have no possibility of being eternally saved and are as lost as one can be. See Matthew 21:31.

How can you condemn others of murder when you yourself have a heart full of hate? God sees it! How can you lust after another person sexually in your own heart and then condemn the man or woman in the mug shot who molested a child? Why is their sin any more vile in the eyes of a holy God than are your own sins of the heart?

“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? … 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:4, 8-13

One of the vilest sinners of Christ’s day was freely forgiven by the only LORD and Savior in his final moments in this earthly life (Luke 23). Do you have a problem with that? If you do, it’s because you simply do not have a clue as to what God, who is “Holy, holy, holy” says concerning your own depravity in His eyes. Did Jesus not come “to seek and save that which was lost”? (Luke 19:10) Did not Christ Jesus come into the world to SAVE sinners like you and I? (1 Timothy 1:15) That doesn’t mean we can die in sin and still be with Him (Romans 6:1-2, 15, etc.).

In the finality of things, there are going to be grossly, publicly sinful people, like the thief on the cross, who are in Heaven and so-called “Spirit-filled” people in the lake of fire who trusted in their own righteousness and condemned others in their hearts. God sees our hearts and every thought and intent of them (1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:13).

Self-Righteousness Condemned

Two Men Prayed – Only One Was Justified

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ¹⁰Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. ¹¹The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. ¹²I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. ¹³And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. ¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

Friend, I have no idea what your struggles are. We do know the One who can subdue our sinful bents and bring full and complete deliverance and His holiness into our lives! It’s a full time job keeping my own heart and mind in order with Jesus. We should have no time to micro manage anyone else. The LORD saved them and that’s God’s work, not ours. Pray for them as He has instructed us to do. Why would we have any curiosity about another’s struggles or sins? Is that not called “an evil eye”? (Mark 7:22; Luke 11:34)

We ALL have sins in our past that we are ashamed of, but we are now washed by the exact same blood. Your past sins are gone forever and they are no less vile than are my past sins or anyone else’s! Now, go search out every single Bible verse on God’s mercy and forgiveness to His beloved people.

Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. “If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20 Speaking of king David’s imperfections, even nearing the end of […]

What Did Paul Mean by "I Keep Under My Body"? [podcast]

In spite of all the evil that is me, dear LORD You have been so gracious (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7; Titus 3:5-7). If OSAS/eternal security is true, WHY did Paul say he himself that he could be “castaway” from God in the end if he didn’t endure to the end, perpetually keep under his body (the cross life)? “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 Here Paul speaks of his own need for […]

"The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit Giveth Life"

See if you’ve ever heard this verse mis-used to block the light of truth. “… the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 Yes this verse says “the spirit giveth life” and yet this in no way negates the divine command to live out and to “preach the word… in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4) The point is that many are using this Scripture out of its context to say or insidiously insinuate that God’s people shouldn’t “preach the Word” as the LORD commanded us to do (2 Timothy 4:2). Ephesians 6:17 says “the sword […]

Abiding

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.

H.O.T. BIBLE STUDY [podcast]

“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 Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 today. Index card perhaps. Read it aloud over and over. YOU cannot personally know the ORIGINAL Gospel if you don’t study the naked truth of it for yourself beloved. KJB So very many today are deceived due to not studying God’s Word for themselves. They live for years with erroneous notions men told them. Instead of repenting and getting into the Word for themselves, many of them go to their graves having embraced […]

Teach the Bible [podcast]

JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE” “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing […]

The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21 Did you know that God has magnified His Word even above His holy name? “I will […]

Audios

Current Events and the Name of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

IF we are praying God’s WORD in the name of JESUS CHRIST…. in His bless-ed humility, God is answering!

I don’t think we begin to realize the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ – and available exclusively to those who are HIS.

Memorize the word of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 14:13-14.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

One commentator notes: “The universal fascination with knowing what is going on in the world has ancient roots. Knowing that Jesus is a well-known rabbi, some ask for his take on the hot news of the day. “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). Pilate, the governor, has executed some Jews while they were in the act of offering their sacrifices, mingling their blood with the animal blood. Jewish sentiment is likely strongly against Pilate, although some seem to be critical of the people who have suffered. Maybe they deserved it.”

End Times

America is Under Divine Judgment [podcast]

Chasing the American dream all the way to hell? Are you bowing before your Maker who came and died to save you from sin and this world? Or, are you bowing before “old glory—the red, white, and blue”? “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17 Every person reading these very words is making his eternal bed in Heaven or in hell. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near […]

WHAT is the Context of Fighting the Good Fight of Faith?

What was Paul speaking of when he declared that Christ’s disciples must “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”? (1 Timothy 6:12) First off, it’s a “good fight” because we are going to win – yet only if we do things God’s way with no compromise. What do we fight against? What must we put under foot, conquer and reign victorious over? What did the Holy Spirit in Paul mean by fighting the good fight of faith? Think context. You have to […]

"Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped for"

If you don’t understand how your vehicle works, why do you still drive it? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Is there “substance,” that which is substantial in our faith in God? The Greek word from which “substance” is derived is hupostasis. Definition: hoop-os’-tas-is From a compound of G5259 and G2476; a setting under (support), that is, (figuratively) concretely essence, or abstractly assurance (objectively or subjectively): – confidence, confident, person, substance. In the times, the seasons of testings, of attack, we are undergirded, supported by the substantial presence, the […]

Fight, Finish, and Keep! FFK [podcast]

“Run that Ye May Obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Prophetic perspective… ” Daniel 11: ” Daniel 12: Finishing Strong requires becoming weak in self (the cross) that Christ might reign supreme in us! (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; 12:9-10) Empowered by the Cross The Laid Down Life [podcast] https://safeguardyoursoul.com/the-laid-down-life/ run that ye may obtain podcast WHO are the only people to get free from sin? “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7 Resurrection victory follows death and burial. Wolves can be known in that they don’t get their prey in the Word for themselves 2 Timothy […]

Articles

The Golden Rule Life: What’s that Really Mean? [podcast]

Thinking, Knowing, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Golden Rule living is the only way to live in glorification of our Maker. Spread this word. God calls you, yes you – to love Him supremely and to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved, treated (Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40; Philippians 2:3-5).

We must teach ourselves, our children and those around us the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus is coming.

“Golden Rule, precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): ‘In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .’ This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian’s duty to his neighbour and states a fundamental ethical principle.” Unknown

Taken from the teachings of Jesus, the Golden Rule is summed up as ”treating others how you want to be treated” or, ”doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

WELCOME TO THE LAST DAYS! The self-worshiping false gospel being taught by the enemies of the cross of Christ is epidemic these days as was foretold (Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-8; 4:2-5, etc.). Beware of the self-love they are teaching. It’s the “What’s in it for me” gospel of self-love. THIS CAUSES THEIR PREY TO WALK IN SELF-SERVING HATRED, MALICE, STRIFE, ETC., NOT GOD’S LOVE.

SOBERING! DO WE REALLY GET IT? Are you omitting love, charitable acts? How are you treating Christ’s body and servants? Ready to meet Jesus today? The way you are treating His body is the exact way you are treating Jesus (Matthew 25:40-41, 46).

The way we are treating others is the exact way we are treating Jesus – who created, died for, and rose again from the dead to save those people! If our relationship with Christ isn’t translating into the love of God filling us for others, we’re departed from Him and in need of swift repentance. Matt 7:12; 22:37-39

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

“The way we treat others sets the standard of how we will be treated by God. And this includes receiving God’s gifts! Amen.” C.

If you aren’t respecting someone, you aren’t walking in God’s love toward them. Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Didn’t the LORD command us to treat others BETTER than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5)? Would you like to be treated the way you are treating that person? Others?

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” V.

Would you like to be treated the way you’re treating others? Golden Rule! Live it! Would you like to be neglected or inflicted as others have done to you?

Are you elevating other people ABOVE – “BETTER than” – yourself? This is the very “mind of Christ.”

THINKING, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Don’t want something done to you? Then don’t do it to someone else. Don’t want something thought about you? Then why think such about another person, especially if it’s not proven? Read Exodus 23:1-2. Don’t want something said about you (slander)? Then why believe the sowing of discord among the brethren which is an “abomination” to the LORD and the work of Satan himself, the accuser of Christ’s brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 12:10) …. MEASURE THIS!

Do you truly care for people or do you only care about what they can do for you?

This must be examined in each of our hearts.

If we care only about what others can do for us, we are Christ-less and should immediately seek Him in repentance and confession of our sins. He came and died for you and me with no guarantee we’d receive Him or with any other motive but to love us by paying the full price to redeem us from our sins in which we were otherwise hopelessly cemented.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” Romans 5:6-8

Instead of asking: “What’s in it for me,” we should always ask: “What’s in it for Jesus and others?”

Contrary to what we have been led to believe, we get NO “points” from God for “going to church” or for having a good record of “church attendance.” If this is true – and it sure is – why are we wasting precious time doing things God never told us to do while we leave the things He commanded us to do undone? How long shall we live outside of His will and yet still claim to be following Jesus – who gave all (John 15:13)? How long shall we allow the hirelings to exploit us with their weekly program that has never produced an ounce of discipleship in us? The divine command to “LOVE one another” appears 12 times in the New Testament. Do we truly LOVE our neighbor as ourselves? If so, then, like the earliest of Christ’s disciples, we do not consider that what we have in our possession is our own. Read, follow, and do Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Why should I have two coats when my brother or sister has none? …… Selah!

The ultimate expression of the Golden Rule was performed by the One who gave that Golden Rule.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

He who owed no debt to us, chose to pay the debt He did not owe – the debt we owed and could not pay. Sinners can’t redeem (pay the price) for sinners – only a perfect Savior could do that (Isaiah 53)! No man on earth was found qualified to redeem mankind but God sent His prophesied Savior, the very Son of God (Genesis 3:15; Ezekiel 22:30; John 3:16). | Redemption Through Sacrifice

Jesus Christ, the eternal God, came to the earth in fulfillment of over 300 Jewish prophecies, born of a virgin, to show us His Father’s love and to die the death that would redeem mankind. That is, the price for our sins was fully paid and whosoever will, can “Come and take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The LORD still saves all who repent and receive Him as LORD and Savior (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-13). Read John 1 today.

THE GOLDEN RULE is Simple: Think about This – Do you want something believed or said or done to you that you are tempted to do to someone else? If not, then drop it and do not think it or do it toward another. Stop and pray for that person. This is exactly what Jesus told us to do and the disposition He desires us to have as of Him and His Father – love (Matthew 5:44-48).

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies”
“bless them that curse you”
“do good to them that hate you”
“pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”

Read Matthew 5:44-48 prayerfully, asking the LORD to make it manifest in your heart, thinking, and life.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12

So, according to the One who gave us “The Golden Rule” (as we call it), what is the Golden Rule? Read and begin to memorize and incorporate the above verse of truth into your everyday thinking.

“The golden rule always should apply to every life! TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED! This world would be a much better place to live!” K.

EVER been used? EVER been exploited by someone? WHAT did Jesus instruct, command us to do when we are used?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

What’s going to happen to those who maliciously wrong another? A curse is coming on that person and their household:

“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Proverbs 17:13

According to the divine pronouncement above, rewarding evil to someone who did you nothing but good (never harmed you), brings a curse.

The cardinal fruit of knowing God is love.

“He that loveth not, knoweth not God.” 1 John 4:8

GOD is interested in FRUIT and fruit only comes from a ROOTED abiding relationship with Jesus (Matthew 3:7-10; John 15, etc.)!

Any questions?

If you do not have God’s love manifesting in your thoughts and actions, it’s because you do not know Him. Read 1 Corinthians 13 every day this week and ask the LORD to make every bit of it a reality in your life.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8

Golden Rule Living is following Christ – the example He set when He “came NOT to be ministered unto (be served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). WHOSE interests are you living for? Your own or Christs, and therefore His people? Do you realize that if you neglect those around you in need you are neglecting and affronting Jesus (Matthew 25:40-46)? Do you realize that you and I will be judged according to this exact measure and rule?

Just WHAT does preferring others ABOVE ourselves mean? How does that work itself out in our daily lives?

Are you living according to Christ’s teachings, OR, are you deceived into thinking you are following Him who is the only way to Heaven while setting aside, neglecting, and even shunning what He taught? Check out Mark 8:38; John 14:15, 21; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6. If I am to love my neighbor “as myself” (equally) and even prefer others “BETTER THAN” myself, why would I keep two houses when I knew another member of Christ’s body was without a home? WHY would I keep earthly investments or items that could be sold and the money given to those in need? I simply wouldn’t. The same goes for other possessions and money. Compare your Christianity to the earliest believers in Christ to see if you are authentic. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35.

The earliest disciples of Jesus were living according to His Word. They were preferring other believers “BETTER THAN themselves” (Golden Rule; Philippians 2:3-5). As true disciples of Jesus, they were naturally doing unto others as they would have them do to themselves if they were in the same need or situation.

Applying the Golden Rule in Your Thoughts and Attitudes Towards Others

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10

Notice: “let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” When your iniquitous, condemning fleshly mind, or Satan, tempts you to “imagine evil against” your brother or sister in Christ, what should you do? Read the above verse again, write it on an index card, and live by it. This qualifies exactly what Paul meant when he spoke of divine charity and its place in our lives. He stated that when we are walking in God’s love, it “thinketh no evil” inside of us, His vessels and dwelling place (1 Corinthians 13). In other words, love thinks nor concludes “no evil” against any person until it’s actually proven, and then, it shows mercy even as we are so personally and desperately in need of divine mercy – moment to moment (Titus 3:3-7; Jude 21).

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

“Imagining evil in your heart sounded foreign until I came to recognize how wretched our sins are. I pray for forgiveness when I am thinking in a wrong way. We are supposed to be forgiving and merciful to others, not having feet that are swift to do mischief.” Dana R.

The Two Great Commandments

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

1. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”

2. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”

Any person claiming to be a Christian – a follower of Christ – who does not have loving God and loving others as their highest priorities, is completely misled and deceived.

The Greatest of These is What?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

GOD PLACES the highest premium and priority on love and if you don’t, you simply do not yet understand Him nor His kingdom. Cry out to Him in confession and repentance to open the eyes of your understanding. Whatever you do, make this the priority of your life – loving God and all others – above yourself. Pouring over Philippians 2:3-5 each morning is a daily kingdom recalibration!

Pass This On.

The Mind of Christ

Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the Moments with My Master email that is sent out.

Feedback:

“That is a wealth of wisdom. Usually I get laughed at for being too gullible. But that’s okay, I’d rather give a person the benefit of the doubt, unless they keep arguing over obvious scriptural passages, then I just pray for their eyes to open! So many who follow these Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing! I never want to be that gullible!” Diana M.

The Mind of Christ [podcast]

ARE YOU WALKING IN THE MIND OF CHRIST? WHAT IS THE MIND OF CHRIST? “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5 The Messiah, the Man and His mind we are blessed to know, to be known by, and to follow is seen in Philippians 2. Read it in the morning beloved of God. Life change! Father, please bless Your beloved children with “the mind of Christ.” In Jesus’ name, amen! Jesus left His world with the Father in the pristine and glorious perfection of Heaven to come this is fallen world and show […]

Returning to Christ as Our "First Love" [podcast]

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 The LORD is a “Jealous” God. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14 If Jesus Christ is not genuinely the first love of our hearts, our lives, we are committing spiritual adultery on the Son of God. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two […]

Chosen, Called, Cleansed, Consecrated, Commissioned [podcast]

The LORD’s Vision to His Servant Isaiah and how it Relates to each of Us When the LORD revealed Himself more fully to the man Isaiah, the response of Isaiah is something we should behold and be taught by, learn from. “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which […]

One Body in Christ [podcast]

Love in the Body [podcast] “One fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Do we have a slight clue as to how much the LORD loves His children? (See 1 John 3:1-10.) He also requires that those who will be His obey Him, walking with Him according to His Word (Matthew 7:21; Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.). The UNITY God’s Word speaks of is ALWAYS and only on the foundation of TRUTH – the written Word! God is not the author of unity at the expense of His truth. For example: The Catholic church is a works-based antichrist pagan […]