“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:24-26
Greetings. It is with the utmost joy that we are spreading God’s Word effectively into the hearts of tens of thousands of souls monthly – to the saved (feeding His flock) and to lost souls who need Jesus.
The Gospel tracts are going out like a river and equipping many. There are many upcoming Scripture-rich resources under way including a new book titled Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, and a new believer’s booklet for making disciples of others.
Those who have given share in the treasure of healthy saved souls (well fed) and the conviction and salvation of many lost souls. We cannot do our part without you doing your part. We are not in this for the money (that would be insane).
“We seek not yours but you.” 2 Corinthians 12:14
Is the ministry work having an affect? Well, you decide. The preaching of God’s Word is getting responses, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Here are some of this week’s reactions:
A Few of the Recent Unsolicited Comments from the Saints
- “Preach away!!!! There is freedom in preaching truth.” Joseph S.
- “Amen, keep on preaching the truth.” Priscilla P.
- “More of this preaching is what’s needed today! God Bless you.” Mark M.
- “Thank you, for always preaching the truth, rather than what people with itching ears want to hear!” Kathy L.
- “Keep right on preaching it! Bless ya!” Meg W.
- “So right on target Brother! What a blessing you are to me. Sincerely, Mark! ps Our nation is about out of time, so make it count! Maranatha!” Mark
- “Amen, glory hallelujah!!! God bless you!” Janet B.
Jesus gave all – What are you willing to give to see His saints fed and the lost saved?
Who Do We Think We are Fooling?
Do we so vainly believe that the Almighty doesn’t see that we have extra (excess – more than we need) and other saints are without? Does He who is the Judge of our eternal souls not see how we have hoarded – refused to share with others?
“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:11-12
What example did the earliest believers leave us?
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 2:32-35
Did you catch this?: “neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own”
Those who have are the privileged ones – to give to other saints who currently have a need. That’s why we work – “that ye may have to GIVE.” (Ephesians 4:28) Those who are called out of the LORD MUST answer that call.
For the record: I refuse to apologize to any mere man or devil for answering God’s call to be set apart to minister to His people. I do, however, question and wonder about those who would question such. I wonder where their heart would be – to be so cold and indifferent about the most important work in the earth. With all the evil in this world in this late hour and the great need for humanity to hear the only life-saving message, how is it that we do anything but get behind a work of Christ? How could we possibly “sit in the seat of the scornful” and mock or question those called out of God (Psalms 1)? Where is our heart? Should we not rather be applauding this obedience in answering the divine call and getting behind it?
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! ” 1 Corinthians 9:16
Is it okay that there are full-time plumbers, attorneys, insurance salesmen, medical personnel of all kinds, accountants and clerical workers? Is anyone at all complaining about full-time secular workers – people doing work infinitely less important than the eternal Gospel work? Not one. Yet, some, moved in their sinful heart by the evil one himself (accuser of the brethren), question whether those called-out of God are truly called out. Why? Many times it’s because they – those very accusers – are full of greed, serving money and not Christ, and do not want to be bothered with someone preaching on stewardship. Instead of helping, they attack. May the LORD deal with them according to their deeds.
The answer is not to question obedience to the infinitely most important and only eternal work of Christ, but rather to jump in and be a part of the solution!
Our stewardship reveals exactly where we are in abiding with Christ. Attempting to sweep this essential and litmus test truth under the rug will only frustrate the grace of God and hinder the work of Christ in our own lives and in the lives of others (Proverbs 28:13).
If we are saved then our money is saved. If we are under Christ’s rule, so are the resources He places in our hands.
The Bible instructs you to give to those who are truly feeding you (Galatians 6:6). They need your help and cannot be ultimately fruitful without your participation (1 Corinthians 9:1-14) Also, most of those they feed will never bother to help, so keep that in mind and do what is right – even if it hurts at times. God sees all and will reward you here and hereafter.
If you don’t like preaching on stewardship, you will not want to continue to receive this email. There will be no punches pulled. The left hook of hell, repentance, warning, the daily cross, and holiness, the right uppercut of mercy, grace, and love, and the overhand punch of stewardship and sanctification will not be spared. These are all essential, vital components of sound biblical truth/doctrine and we shall preach them unapologetically. This email is not for the moral coward who wants his ears tickled and refuses to “endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
We have no clue to the fear of God or Jesus’ teachings if we think an un-charitable rich person will enter Christ’s kingdom.
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that HAVE (simply in their possession) riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25
Do those that “have riches” not “trust in riches”? Selah (think long and hard about this).
True disciples of Jesus are called to follow Him and that would include to at times rebuke the rich as did Jesus, Paul, and James.
While it is so very true that God is our Provider, this does not negate the divine mandate for you and I to rebuke the rich – for the LORD’s sake and in His righteousness and NOT just because we have lack. Yet, regardless of whether or not we are currently abounding or abasing (in lack), we must do the LORD’s bidding nonetheless with no fear of mere men (Philippians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2).
God does put His watchmen in the midst of His people “to know and try (test) their way.” (Jeremiah 6:27)
As you know, the most severe warnings and rebukes from our LORD Jesus came to the rich and to the religious.
The work of the kingdom is greatly hindered by the greed of those touting the name of the One who gave all.
Update:
We have never had a problem with too much help. Also, as it was in Jesus’ day and the hour of the widow who gave her two mites – her all – so today, those with excess of monies, will not give. They are rich toward self and not “rich toward God.” Read Luke 12 and 16. Hell awaits!
Hate me for preaching the truth? You won’t be the first or the last – I wear the scorn of rebels as a badge of honor. – “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)
The Bible commands me to “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Most are fearful to preach what God says about the rich. They don’t want to offend the rich. But we are commanded to warn them strongly – just as Jesus did and Paul His apostle (1 Timothy 6:17-19.
A friend of mine who is a Christian and a doctor in the medical field came to have lunch with me this week. He was speaking for a while about earthly investments. Quickened by the Spirit and Word, I read him the above verses, warning him that he had better be rich in giving or he will suffer the loss of his eternal soul. Nothing could be clearer in Scripture.
Every time we spend money that God has put in our hands, we are demonstrating exactly what is important to us – and what’s not. The way we spend our money – steward money – is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-24). Seems to me that if we will faithfully give to God out of the very first portion of what we are gifted by Him to receive, our consciences will be clear and we will be able to enjoy spending the rest of that money (Proverbs 3:9-10).
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
“Fruit” Abounding to “Your Account”
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
This ministry work is in great need of an endowment of sorts. Do we really think that if all the people we are blessed to feed were obeying God with their stewardship that we would still be in such need?
Of all the bank accounts in the nation, which ones deserve to have surplus? Our own, a secular company’s, or God’s ministry work treasury?
Is it time to cease pretending and put our money where our mouth is?
If we take care of God’s work, will He not take better care of our dealings than we could? (Matthew 6:33-34)
RUN FROM THIS IF YOU WISH BUT YOUR LIFE WITH CHRIST WILL NOT GO FORWARD UNTIL YOU LISTEN TO AND BECOME ACCOUNTABLE TO HIM IN THIS MATTER. His blessings will follow.
What is the LORD going to say to us on that terrible Day when we stand before Him to give account?
Have we made ourselves rich in this world while scoffing at His work and workers by refusing to sow into those works?
God is watching and will require this of us.
There are people reading this who have tens of thousands sitting in so-called “investments” instead of the true and eternal investment of God’s Word going forth.
Do you think I enjoy having to write these things? Not one bit but it’s obviously needed.
The LORD be praised for those 5-8 people who are giving. And may God quicken 5-10 more of you to begin giving on a regular basis.
Through the preaching of Christ’s kingdom message, slowly but surely, some are begin to be imbued with His revelation that His church is His called-out PEOPLE and not some physical structure some enterprising hireling is selling you on. If His kingdom is spiritual, and it is, then it’s getting His Word into the hearts of men and women and children that is the work of Christ, calling them to repent and edifying those already saved. Jesus never instructed, nor does He today sanction what is feigning (faking) to represent Him – namely in building physical edifices supposedly for His glory. Not one penny was collected in the New Testament to do such a thing. Instead “The ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ” and “they that were scattered abroad went EVERYWHERE preaching the word.” (Acts 5:32; 8:4)
Those called-out to servant lead are called to build up, to equip, and to mature Christ’s saints in His Word to do His work (Ephesians 4:11-14). This would include teaching them to discern between the holy and the profane – that which is of God and that which is not (Ezekiel 44:23-24; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 4:14, etc.).
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Jesus taught and will hold us accountable for:
“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
Those who give give to the LORD – the perfect One who uses imperfect vessels He has called out to do His work.
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Abiding
The Victory of the Crucified Life [podcast]
The victory of God in your life comes through the victory of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. And thereafter, from adhering to His instructions on how to walk with Him – the way of the cross.
“Praise be to God! Glory, glory, O what a wonderful Saviour we have in Christ Jesus! What salvation! What beauty of holiness that can change ashes into beauty! We praise Thee, Most High in all Thy beauty and holiness, and thank Thee for salvation found in Thy holy One, Jesus Christ.” Jon Crane
WHO are truly Christ’s?
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (the cross, crucified life).” Galatians 5:24
Read that verse above again. Memorize it.
There are many who claim to be Christians, followers of Jesus, yet regrettably, but a miniscule few are actually His, are actually serving the Son of God on His stated terms – recorded in God’s Word, the Bible. One cannot pretend to honor the Savior who bled on that cross, was buried, and raised again and yet not be diligently learning what He said and obeying Him.
MOST who claim to be Christ’s live according to what suits THEM, not Christ. “Depart from me” is coming if they don’t repent (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:40-46).
“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
You are no longer your own. You are a new creature in Christ, an ambassador of Christ, the temple of the Holy Ghost. Read 1 Corinthians 6 and 2 Corinthians 5.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
There’s War Going on
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians 5:17-18
This war, the warring against the flesh, cannot and will not be won outside of the crucified life and yet, scarcely do we ever hear the daily cross, the crucified life original Gospel message, even mentioned today by pastors, much less taught on regularly. They are what Paul calls “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) The days of the prophesied great apostasy are in complete fulfillment (Matthew 24:10-11; 2 Thessalonians 2; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:2-4; 2 Pter 2; Jude 3-4; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
God has already said that you can walk in His full victory – the victory won by the sinless Son of God who alone was crucified, buried, and raised again from the dead.
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
And His victory is to empower His people to do HIS work:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
WHEN you begin seeing GOD raise you upward into His victory, the victory He alone can bring in your life, you are going to scratch your head and wish you’d heard and applied this cross message a long time ago! It’s going to be one of those Boom Jesus! moments.
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
“Wish I’d have known about walking in this original Gospel cross message a long time ago! Why did I wait so long? If you want to have more fruit you must die! Want to to be resurrected and have new life in Jesus? Die. God doesn’t use anyone who hasn’t fully surrendered themselves to Him.” Karen Cochran
Do We Truly Have and Walk in Christ’s Victory Beloved of God?
It’s one thing to say “I have victory in Jesus” and yet another to actually be walking in, experiencing that victory over sin and Satan by way of the crucified life which Jesus and His holy apostles prescribed as the only way to actually possess, or be possessed by that victory. Think cross economy – death, burial, and resurrection – the Gospel being re-enacted in your daily life (Romans 6).
WE CAN only preside as master over the flesh, the self-life, as we are crucified with Christ – and thereby is the flesh kept under the authority and power of Christ, who is raising up into His victory the crucified saint.
Memorize this:
“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
Not one of us is walking in victory outside of complying with our LORD’s cross message – that we must die so He can live in and reign in us. And you are not alone. As usual God gives the grace, His divine empowerment to all who obey Him. Note “through the Spirit” …. Read this closely:
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:11-14
According to Scripture, including the above passage, there is no walking in the Spirit, walking in the raised-up-by-the-Holy-Spirit-life outside of being crucified with Christ. We have a whole generation of misled “Spirit filled” professing Christians who have never heard of the original Gospel requirement and message of the cross. Their diabolical handlers are what Paul calls “the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19).
Notice that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from the crucified life. Read this closely:
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (the cross, crucified life).
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
You do not and will never have victory in Christ until you submit to His cross – to being crucified with Christ, just as He mandates for all who will follow Him. This is His stated term:
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
Only those truly submitted to God, to His cross, are going to overcome sin, Satan, and the flesh and walking in the victory Jesus died to grant each of His people.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
TODAY, you are either dying downward and being raised up by Christ into His victory – or you are losing, you are in defeat and will remain there until there is sincere repentance, confession of all sin, and an embracing of the crucified life Jesus calls you to.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 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.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:1-14
Reading Romans 6 each morning this week is a life changer waiting to happen. Do it.
“They want heaven without the cost …. That is a false gospel message and many are deceived by it. We are to deny ourselves take up the cross daily and follow Jesus. Trust and obey.” Darlene
Holiness is essential and there can be no holiness without the cross.
Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the only way to holiness – and He prescribed, He mandated the cross for such to be accomplished. There are no shortcuts.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:” 1 Peter 1:15-17
“Satan has redefined Christianity with no requirements, no sacrifice and costs nothing. You can live as you please, because God accepts you as you are. It’s been all finished at the cross as many vainly believe. If you truly follow Jesus you must crucify the flesh. There is no way to be Holy as I am Holy 1 Peter: 1:15. without dying and taking your sinful self (flesh) to the cross of Christ. Without holiness no one will see the Lord! Hebrews 12:14 Doctrines of Devils. 1 Timothy 4: 1-2 Yes. They want a ticket to heaven but nothing else. No relationship just a free ticket. They somehow believe God will welcome them with open arms.” Karen Cochran
Why would anyone in their right mind want to be filled with sinful self when we can all be filled with the Savior, with the Holy Spirit? John the Baptised cried out to the LORD with this prayer and declaration that we should all pray right now to our God in Jesus’ name:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for finding and saving me into Your eternal kingdom family through Christ. I come to You now in Jesus’ name, surrendering to You afresh, laying my whole being, my life, at Your feet dear LORD. Please have Your holy way in this life, possessing my heart, mind, and body. Sanctify me for Thy glory dear LORD Jesus. Please wash and cleanse me of all sin, of all that is unclean and defiles, right this moment LORD by Your precious blood. Please fill this, Your vessel and use me. In the name above all name, the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Camping Out on the Message of His Cross |
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Abiding
The Sheep vs the Goats as Defined in Scripture [podcast]
“The goats feed their carnal appetite. The sheep of Christ feed on the Word of God! Jesus’ sheep know His voice. They follow and obey their Lord Jesus (John 10:27). The goats obey their fleshy desires (Galatians 5:16-21), and follow the hirelings and not the Great Shepherd, the LORD Jesus (John 10; Heb 13:20). Christ’s sheep are known by Him! (John 10:14,27; 1 Corinthians 8:3). The goats will be cast out and told, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.’ (Matthew 7:23). Terrifying words! Are you Jesus’ sheep, or are you a goat, a counterfeit? Search your heart today. Ask God if He knows you! It matters not if we claim to know Him. He must also know us, as this Scriptures clearly reveal!” Karen Cochran
“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
Of sheep and goats, one source notes:
“Jesus shares the story of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25:31–46 to describe the final judgment. In the story, the Son of Man separates all of humanity just like a shepherd sorts sheep from goats, placing the sheep on His right side and the goats on His left.”
The Naked Truth about Who’s Going to Heaven and Who’s Going to Hell
WANT to see those whom the LORD calls His own? Want to see who the true Heaven bound remnant are? Look at those who are about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission (Luke 2:49; 24:47; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts, etc.). Everyone else is doing their own thing.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
With their life, the rebel declares “Not Thy will but mine be done!”
With their life, the righteous declare with Christ “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 24:42).
“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” John 14:21-24
“And hereby we do know that we know him, IF we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
Walk and live as Jesus lived? Yes. Those who know and love Him are about the work and “the will of him that sent” them.
Take a look:
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Jesus then speaks of evangelism, something every one of His people are to be doing (John 4:34-38).
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38
“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Anyone not fully with Jesus, is against Him, the only Savior.
So you claim Christ as Savior but don’t participate in prayer, support, and Great Commission action? Time to repent for real. The fruit of your life is rotten. You are presently a Savior-rejecting, self-serving counterfeit.
Read 1 Corinthians 9. The first half is concerning our privilege to give to HIS work. Then the apostle Paul speaks of running the race, to the end, becoming all things to all men to see them saved, being crucified with Christ.
The more I read God’s Word, the more convinced I am that the Heaven bound remnant are known in that they are about the “Father’s business” —the Great Commission—and not their own (Luke 2:49). They have laid down and are forsaking their own lives in this fleeting world in their supreme love for Christ Jesus (Acts 20:24). Anyone claiming to be Christ’s and not doing, participating in the Great Commission command … clearly reveals that they are in need of repentance, before it’s too late. Jesus is not their “first love” —which means they are committing spiritual adultery on Christ, the Great and coming Bridegroom (Revelation 2:4-5). Repent and obey Him or perish.
If you are committed to Christ, with no exception, you are committed to studying, knowing, and walking out His Word. You are committed to carrying out the Savior’s Great Commission command.
YOUR PRAYER: Right now dear holy and heavenly Father, please begin a fresh work in this heart. May Your love fill this heart and may You alone be my “first love.” May the love in me for You burn. Let it far exceed all other loves and interests! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Dirty Ox Stalls bring Dividends [podcast]
An intriguing proverb that applies directly to our daily lives and the stewardship of the time our LORD has afforded us in this brief life. Gaining traction via the wisdom of our great God and King Jesus Christ. How to avoid spending our lives “spinning our wheels.”
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4
The blessing of a dirty ox stall…. What’s most important to God is productivity, not neatness, not tidy-ness, not a clean stall.
Here’s a proverb from the Holy Spirit and Solomon which breathe wisdom into our lives. Let’s read it again:
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4
The proverbs of the LORD we have in His Word hold hidden meaning which breathe wisdom into our lives.
A proverb is a figure of speech, words that impart truth by using natural illustrations to convey spirit truths.
Jesus taught in parables. Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meaning, divine wisdom to establish us in our relationship with Him as we love, worship and obey the LORD.
This is exactly what we have in Proverbs 14:4, where an ox and his stall are featured in order to convey the divine truth that productivity is more important to God than the pettiness of cleanliness.
The proverbs often use simple images to convey a deeper moral or practical lesson.
Active, working oxen bring dirt and dividends. Clean ox stalls glitter but produce no gold.
When commenting on this proverb, one man said: “Don’t be deterred by the dung.”
Fruitful saints aren’t known by how clean their house is but rather how full, how abundant their treasure in in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Their prayer and work is focused upon pleasing their LORD Jesus and not with how clean their temporal living space looks, by how sparkling clean their life looks to mere sinful men.
One pastor notes the following about the divine truth imparted to us in Proverbs 14:4:
“There are some proverbs that stick in our heads more than others and this is one of them for me. The image is memorable and the lesson is unforgettable. Solomon paints the picture of a barn without oxen and because of no oxen, the stalls are clean and pristine. This is a barn that the perfectionist likes; a barn that can be organized, cleaned and maintained without interruption. This is a barn that the neat freak and the clean freak crave; a barn that they can come into and know that everything is clean and tidy. This is a barn that needs no work. This is a barn that, after working in the field, demands no additional time or effort to clean. This is a barn that needs no attending to after hours. It demands no thought when heading out of town. It never smells. It doesn’t even make a sound. There is no sickness in this barn nor does death ever visit its crib. This is a barn that requires no food or water and as such, it doesn’t require any constant removal of dung. It’s clean and pristine! … While that sounds appealing to the average man or woman, the average farmer doesn’t pursue an empty crib. He knows that the tradeoff is well worth it. It’s the cost of doing business in agriculture. He knows that he could farm his land on his own and that he could produce “some” increase on his own. He knows that he doesn’t need oxen to till the ground, to sow the seed or to harvest the crops but if he’s going to have “MUCH” increase, he needs oxen and there are no oxen that clean up after themselves.”
The mess is worth the money.
The dirt is worth the dividends it brings.
Dirty spaces bring special graces.
The progress and productivity are worth the pile of trash.
Men who are dirty from working all day will go home with fruitfulness for their family. They are satisfied and blessed to do so and so we wake up the next morning and gladly go do the same. The trade off that brings wages is worth it.
This proverb also brings into mind the harvest that can being produced by you alone, in contrast with the harvest produced having others to labor with you to bring forth “much increase.”
Also, by not inviting others to join you in doing our LORD’s work, we deprive them from being blessed to lay up treasure in Heaven as our LORD commanded each of us who His children to do (Matthew 6:19-21).
The following is from Josh Denhart:
“In ministry we think, “If you want a job done right, do it yourself.” You may avoid messes, but you have just stepped into the “Trap of the Clean Stall”.
Proverbs 14:4 reads, “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. “
In the ancient agrarian world, animals brought a massive advantage. To have an animal meant you could accomplish so much more. Today we refer to a car as having a certain amount of “horse power”. In times past, an animal brought with it a certain amount of power. Power to increase the harvest and get the job done. Here, the writer of Proverbs is referring to “Ox Power”. The power and advantage is brought through the strength of an ox.
The writer of Proverbs says that it is really a trade off. On one hand you get a significant increase through the strength of an ox, yet with it you get, poop. Yes, good, ol’ fashioned ox poop.
Goal: Huge Harvest
Let’s compare the alternative. You have no oxen, but you have an amazingly clean manger stall.
More harvest with a poopy stall vs. a perfectly clean stall and a diminished harvest.
Our goal is not a clean stall. Our goal is a huge harvest. A natural side effect of a huge harvests are messes. What do you want? Do you crave a super clean stall over a bountiful harvest? Listen, a tidy stall in and of itself is a bad trade for a compromised harvest.
Let me shoot straight with you. I have a well-managed case of OCD. I crave order. If you serve in children’s ministry, you probably do too. I hate disorder. Yet the calling of the harvest trumps our neurotic desire for order.
Do not fall into the trap of the clean stall.
You Can’t Do It Alone
We must define our goal for the harvest over and over! Our goal is reaching the lost through equipping the fold. Our ultimate goal is not order for order sake. Our goal is the good news of Jesus going deep into the hearts and heads of kids, which brings messes. Get used to it. And get over it.
We can have order as we achieve a large harvest, but uncomfort with messes can short circuit great harvests.
Let’s take this proverbial analogy a step further. You as a ministry leader are essentially the farmer. You can’t and don’t want to do it alone. You need help. Those willing to help you from a staff or a volunteer perspective can bring great strength and accomplish more for the harvest than you by yourself. And, yes, I am equating associates and volunteers to oxen.
The Harvest is Plentiful
Oxen and people are living beings. Both bring messes. Farming, like ministry, is just messy. Jesus said He came not for the healthy but for the sick. Sick people vomit physically and emotionally, have issues and need attention. That is our job. Years ago, someone sarcastically said, “Ministry would be great were it not for all these people!”
Listen, if you want order more than you want the harvest, you may find yourself doing it alone. Doing it alone equals to a field white for harvest with no one to get the job done. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. More workers means more messes. We as farmers must manage the messes and rise above the stall to see the harvest.
Do you want a harvest more than you want order? Absolutely. Therefore, we had better embrace the reality of a poopy stall. Do not fall into the trap of the clean stall.”
One has to roll up his sleeves and get dirty to produce dividends to the glory of the divine.
Ever see construction works at the end of a work day? They are dirty and yet earned dollars, dividends. They will do it the next day also. Why? – because the trade off is productivity, earning that which is desirable.
Lots of work brings movement and a mess.
Lot’s of dirt when you much to diligently do and bring dividends.
A clean workspace brings no coin.
Do you want to work and get dirty, cause a mess, and yet make a profit? Or do you want to keep your place clean with the outcome being no coin?
The blessing of “much increase” comes at the expense of a clean crib, work space. It’s a bless-ed trade-off, right?
Personally, I could care less about a disheveled work place. My goal is to be fruitful, fruit-filled for Christ, bearing – “fruit … more fruit … much fruit.” (John 15)
In your business life, would you rather a disheveled work space and work to do, or a clean work space with no work?
It is better to have dirt to clean up with work that brings wages than to have a clean work place with no work.
Increase in material prosperity, productivity, fruitfulness comes by utilizing the oxen for labor and as a result there will be a mess made. The fruit produced far outweighs having to clean the stall, the work place.
“A barn can be kept cleanly swept where there are no oxen, but isn’t it better to have some dust and dirt around, knowing that the labor of an ox will lead to a bountiful harvest? The rewards of toil more than compensate for its disagreeable aspects.
This proverb is not intended to encourage homes or chapels that look like disaster areas. But it does discourage that passion for order and dustlessness that puts the brakes on progress and productiveness.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Dust and dirt bring dividends.
Productivity makes for progress.
The grind brings the goods.
Labor brings some loot.
Someone has wisely stated:
“Salons always have hair on the floor.
Garages always have oil on the floor.”
The oxen serve a good purpose and produce productivity.
What is it to have a clean work place? That just means you aren’t being productive, you don’t have work that is bring wages and blessings.
“Straining at a gnat”…. Swallowing a Camel
This idiom Jesus uses means over-emphasizing the minors while under-emphasizing the majors, “the weightier matters of the law.”
Matthew 23
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. “
Martha and Mary – Mary had the Divine Priorities in their Rightful Place
“38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
No, it’s not a sin to keep things clean, to be organized. Yet, at the judgment, Jesus is not going to say “Oh wow, you kept your living and workspace clean! Enter thou into the joy of the LORD.” No, but rather….
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21
At the coming judgment what we did for His glory, in His holy name, will be rewarded.
Matthew 25
“And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 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.”
Read John 15 and underline “fruit” and “more fruit” and “much fruit.” “Fruit” emanates from the life that is soundly grounded in an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:16-17
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