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WHAT is Jesus
Looking at
in Your Life?

GOD sees what you leave behind, what you keep in store for your “safety”, what percentage you keep, the waste. Read Luke 12, 16.

WHAT did Jesus mean when He said that the woman who gave all, a mere two mites, gave the most? HOW could she possibly have given more than those who gave thousands when all she gave was a mere two mites which equal less than a penny in today’s economy?

Jesus Never Changes because He is Divine and Eternal Perfection

Read this account carefully:

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44 

If Jesus were to walk into your life today, do you know where the Bible says He would sit in order to observe your giving behavior or lack thereof? Read Mark 12:35, 41-44.

WWJS = WHERE Would Jesus Sit?

WWJD? Have you ever wondered what Jesus would do if He walked into a gathering of His people today? If Jesus came in the flesh to visit the place you gather with His people this week, where would He sit? What would He look for?

WWJS? Where Would Jesus Sit? When the saints gathered, where did Jesus choose to station Himself? Where did Jesus sit in the gathering of saints? Does the Bible answer this intriguing and important question? Read Mark 12:35, 41-44.

From this biblical account, now we know that if our Savior visited our worship gathering, Jesus would sit and watch how people give – what heart posture and the % out of which they possessed (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). He’s watching for these things as He peers into our individual personal lives. He’s unchanging and is watching exactly how we are stewarding what He’s given us!

Do we really believe that Gospel ministries would be running on empty, barely existing, about to go under, if God’s people were rightly stewarding the money He is giving them and for which they shall give full account to Him?

IS JESUS WATCHING? WHERE exactly would Jesus position Himself today if He walked into a gathering of those who claim to know Him? Is He not watching our every move and motive? Yes, since we know Jesus is divine, He’s perfection, He never changes and by this we know He is sitting at His Father’s right hand watching how we are using the thing’s He entrusted to us in this brief life (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 12:2; 13:8, etc.).

If Jesus came, where would He choose to sit and what would He choose to do? Exciting question isn’t it? The following text reveals the insightful answers to these important questions:

“And Jesus … taught in the temple … And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” Mark 12:35, 41-42

In Mark 12:35, 41-44, we see here that Jesus taught amongst the people and then He sat down and watched how each person gave into that work of His kingdom which He had just taught them. Christ’s kingdom work always concerns and is centered in the the teaching, the preaching of His Word to feed His beloved sheep (Matthew 4:23; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Colossians 3:16, etc.). Giving to the LORD out of that which He’s given to us is a divine command and how we give is always a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts and reveals where our faith truly is (Matthew 6:19-21).

How we worship God, the reality of our love for Him, is always seen in our giving.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Mathew 6:21

As we give out of that which the LORD is giving us, our hearts are continuously cleansed of worldly greed and redirected, anchored in Him, in our relationship with Him and the treasure He is laying up for us in Heaven. Our continual giving perpetually affirms our worship of the Giver of all we have and our rejection of covetousness, of of greed for the mammon of this fleeting sinful world.

“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

THE BIBLE informs us that Jesus came into a gathering of people who were worshiping or feigning to worship God (READ MARK 12:35, 41-44). WHERE did the unchanging Son of God sit? WHAT did He observe?

Jesus is teaching. Are you learning? Are you personally obeying the Son of God? Where did Christ choose to sit when the Son of God walked into a gathering of worshippers? – “Jesus sat over against the treasury.” The “treasury” is the place where people gave or didn’t give their monies. Jesus notices who gives and who doesn’t give. Among those who give, the LORD looks at their heart, whether they are “cheerful giver(s) and the percentage they give out of what He’s put into their temporary possession on this earth and for which they shall give account (2 Cor. 9:7).

As was the case with the rich religionists of Christ’s day, so today, some give lots of money but it’s a small percentage of what they have, what they temporarily possess. God looks at 2 things concerning our lives, our giving:

1. The heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), and

2. The percentage (Mark 12:35, 41-44)

Do you think God observes those who don’t give out of that which He has given them? Of course He sees.

What did Jesus do while observing those giving? Among the many things that were going on, which of the people’s activities did our LORD choose to observe? “Jesus…beheld how the people cast money into the treasury.”

What was transpiring as people decided how they were going to steward their monies? “…many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.”

What was Christ’s judgment of this matter? What was His conclusion concerning the “rich” who “cast in much” and the “poor widow” who gave all she had? Here it is: “And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want (lack) did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:43-44

The rich tipped God out of their discretionary income, while the “poor widow” gave all. Jesus was pleased in her and not with them. The monies they retained instead of using it for the LORD’s work would be used as a testimony against them on that Great and Terrible Day of His Holy Judgment (James 5:1-6).

When we give we should remember that the widow with a mere 2 mites (less than one penny) was heralded by Jesus for giving the most – because she gave all (Mark 12:41-44).

Suzanne Carcabasis Ramos writes: “Jesus sat by the treasury and watched what people gave to the work of God. He witnessed rich people give and the poor widow who gave all that she had and Jesus told the disciples that even though the rich gave, they didn’t give all that they had like she did but rather only a mere small percentage. God has always blessed me for giving. He has been faithful to me and made ways for me when there wasn’t a way to pay something and I know that was Him blessing me for giving. But I don’t give to receive. I give because God commands that of me and out of a cheerful heart of worshipful thanksgiving for all that He’s done!”

Cable TV, soft drinks, movies, candy items, junk food and drinks, cars, houses, etc. are luxury items.  These things aren’t necessarily sinful, yet God looks at how we steward the monies and possessions He gives us. If we have nothing to give to Christ’s work, perhaps it is because we have sold ourselves to the things of this fleeting world by deciding to allot monies to fund things that do not bring glory to God. So, when we have nothing to give, is that okay? Should we not put Him first by allotting the first portion to Him (Prov. 3:9-10)? Does He not promise to take care of us and are there not numerous promises in His Word to those who are generous givers? (Ps. 112:7; Prov. 3:9-10; 11:25; 2 Cor. 9:6-10, etc.) Are we not idolaters for not putting Him first but instead putting ourselves first? Does our spending not tell the story of who we are truly serving? (Matthew 6:19-24)

Is it a Sin to Give the Opportunity of Stewardship?

Is it a sin for people doing God’s work to give the ongoing opportunity for others to give/donate? No. – “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” (Mark 12:41-44) Jesus watched people giving and how they gave. He never rebuked the idea of coffers, only the misuse of them such as when He drove out the money changers (Matthew 21; John 2). Did Jesus in any way rebuke the heads of the temple for offering an opportunity to the people to give by having set up “the treasury”? Yes or no please? The answer is a resounding No!

Concerning those who slandered Paul for offering opportunity for people to give, he answered them thoroughly in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14. In verse 3 he says: “Mine answer to them that do examine me is this …” The English work “examine” here comes from the Greek work anakrino and means to scrutinize, interrogate, judge in the negative sense. Christ’s apostle then proceeds to explode the greed mongers’ idea that men who do the most important work (of Christ) in the earth are not worthy to be compensated so they can stay on the post the LORD placed them on.

The great apostle was questioned by critics on this very issue. Most likely, those critics were self-serving, greedy wolves who were jealous that Paul was being supported by the people of God whom he was faithfully feeding, which is exactly what God has ordained (Galatians 6:6-8).  The apostle then set forth the landmark precedent establishing that true Gospel workers are “worthy of their hire” for doing the infinitely most important work in the earth. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

When people are serving mammon and not God they react viciously to any teaching on biblical stewardship. When they see a donate button opportunity they grab their wallet and hold it tightly closed. Why? Because greed is their god and God’s not interested in their money anyway because he sees their hearts. The greedy, covetous apostate is an idolater and wants no part of what the LORD says of stewardship for which we all shall be judged (Matthew 25:40-46; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 16:19-31; Ephesians 5:5-7, etc.).  The Bible tells us that a “covetous man … is an idolater” and has no “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5-7)

It’s simple, when people are full of greed they do not want anyone speaking what the Word of God clearly establishes and states concerning stewardship. There are over 2,500 Bible verses on stewardship and the way we steward our resources points to who we really are, where are hearts really are, and where we are headed (Matthew 6:19-24; 25:40-46; Luke 16:19-31). Whether rebels like it or not, stewardship is part of the whole counsel of God and must be preached in obedience to the LORD and with no fear of mere sinful men. | Diminishing or Divine Blessings?

Giving is worship and it is foundational to the true Church fulfilling the law of Christ which is to bear the burdens of each other in His love (Acts 4:32-35; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; Gal. 6:2; Phil. 4:10-19). The love offerings of God’s people are essential to the ministering to and building up of the saints by those called and set apart for such a work (1 Cor. 9:1-14; Eph. 4:11-12). Revenues given to the work of the ministry are of paramount importance for those who labor in the Word and doctrine and in the watching over the souls of the saints (1 Tim.5:17-18; Heb. 13:17). These who are called out to serve are to give themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word” and whenever they have to stop doing this divine calling to try to get money to pay even their basic necessities, the work of the LORD is hindered (Acts 6:4). – “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:14) – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:2)

God “so loved” that He “gave.” (Jn. 3:16) It is our privilege to give of what God has given to us to steward (1 Chron. 29:14). Make no mistake: It is the giver who is most blessed when he gives, not the recipient – and the LORD will reward the liberal (generous) soul for eternity for what he joyfully chooses to give to His people and work in this brief life! Wow! (see Prov. 11:24-25; Matt. 6:19-20; 10:42; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:6-10)

“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” 1 Chronicles 29:14

Those who don’t give of their finances to our lord’s people and work, seem to be lacking the proof that they have given their heart, their life to Christ.

Recently, a close friend and dear brother in Christ gave one of his vehicles to a true widowed sister in Christ (also a close friend of mine). He released from his possession that which would bless another member of the body of Christ and in such set himself free from that excess possession and put it to use for the LORD. He will receive untold eternal benefit from this charitable act from a joyful heart (Matt. 10:42; 2 Cor. 9:6-10; etc.).

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.“ Proverbs 11:24-25

“Continue to help me starve out my enemy’s workers (Jesus’ servants He has called out)! Keep spending all your money on yourself!” ~ Satan, your friend and self-serving co-laborer

Believers don’t give an order the get and yet that doesn’t change the divine promises of God’s blessings specifically to those who give (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).

There is great joy in kingdom giving and when the LORD’s people open their hands generously they send forth (invest in) eternal blessings. The LORD promised to replenish and eternally reward such worship-filled obedience (Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).

“But this I sayHe which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and is watching what we do with what He has blessed us with. He promised to bless us as we give generously of what He places in our temporary care, participating in His Gospel program, namely to share with and build up the saints (Prov. 3:9-10; Mal. 3:10-11; Acts 4:32-35; 2 Cor. 9:6-10). The needs of those believers around us and Christ-centered ministries are to be supported financially by those who are able and fed by their preaching of His pure Word (1 Cor. 9:1-14; Gal. 6:6).

Those who are divinely called-out to preach the eternal Gospel and watch for the souls of the saints, perform the most important work in the earth. Yet their fruitfulness and ours (individually) is greatly enhanced or limited by the choice of the surrounding saints who either give or do not give. Eternal blessings await those who partner with the LORD and His body in supplying the needs of the saints and the building of His body (Matt. 16:18; 2 Cor. 5:18-20).

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Beloved, this not a commercial to get money for this ministry. Forgive me if it appears that way. Someone must say these things to help God’s people see the truth. Please search out genuine Gospel ministries and help fund them. Give to those believers around you who are in lack. Jesus is coming and true believers are preferring others ABOVE themselves as this is the very “mind of Christ.” (Philippians 2:3-5)

Let’s learn God’s Word together, one truth at a time. Sign up here to receive the Moments with My Master email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body.

Giving, Stewardship | Was Judas Jesus’ Treasurer? If So, What Does that Tell Us?

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

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Abiding

Safety in Wise Counsel [podcast]


Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” Proverbs 20:18

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

“Safety” in wise counsel from God’s wisdom, Word, and including at times with the help of His beloved saints.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31 

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6 

Caprice means a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13-18

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Articles

“Let Brotherly Love Continue” [podcast]


“Let Brotherly Love Continue.” Hebrews 13:1

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2

1 John 4

God Is Love

“7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19  We love him, because he first loved us.
20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

1 Corinthians 13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and PrayerThe Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast]What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast]“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]Departing from Hell BeneathPrayer

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 5 Aspects of the Mind of Christ [podcast]


5 Components of the Mind of Christ from Philippians 2

Philippians 2:2-10

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3  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.
9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

At Gethsemane the death before the cross, before His death on the cross occurred.

“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

“He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8

Living in the mind, the disposition of Christ means you are truly following Him.

As Christ’s disciple, your devotion, your love is first to Him, then to your neighbor, not self (Matthew 22:37-39). You are commanded by the Savior to set self aside and to lift others above yourself—to prefer, to put God and others first. Those who do so, experience true freedom, liberty.

Being one with Christ, who gave all to save you, means your life is over—you now live to serve the LORD and others, not self (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3).

Have you poured prayerfully over Philippians 2:3-5 today? If you will begin every day this week pouring prayerfully over this passage, asking the LORD to internalize it in your heart, God will begin to deeply instill the very “mind of Christ” into your innermost disposition.

Part of the dying…. IS GOD calling us to Himself, to forsake this world, including the attempt to save an unrepentant nation long in rebellion against Him – America?

Prayer: LORD, I want to walk in the disposition You walked in on earth. I will esteem You and others above myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18).  It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.

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