“O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and MY SINS are not hid from thee.” Psalms 69:5
Here the Holy Spirit reveals to us that our “foolishness” and our “sins” are openly known by our Maker.
God knew the foolishness and wickedness of David’s heart and the hearts of all men (Jeremiah 17:9).
“Foolishness” is one of the sins Jesus cites as coming from corrupted hearts and is the opposite of authentic, honest worship. Anyone else realize how foolish they can be in many ways?
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:21-23
David spoke of “My Sins” which means he took personal responsibility for his sin instead of covering or making excuse for his sins. The sweet psalmist of Israel declared his sins, denounced, and confessed them to the LORD (Psalms 69:5).
God can and will work with the honest. He requires honesty for glory (Proverbs 28:13; Luke 8:15).
The LORD knows the wickedness of our hearts. If I choose not to be truly “crucified with Christ” and therefore dwell on wickedness of any kind, He sees all the thoughts that I allow to occupy my mind that are not holy, but sinful (“evil concupiscence” – see Colossians 3:5). He sees where the enemy or my own un-mortified sinful nature feeds thoughts to my mind. I have at times not guarded my heart by casting down wicked imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23). Can you relate? Yet, this must not be (Romans 8:5-8; 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24).
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (secret desire for that which is forbidden by God), and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
Those who walk with the LORD, who is the “Prince of peace”, walk in purity of heart and “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” (Isaiah 9:6-7; Philippians 4:7)
“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” – Thomas Watson
The cross, purity of heart, and the peace of God go hand-in-hand. They are inseparable.
Did I mention Matthew 5:8? Smile. Have you memorized the words of our LORD recorded in Matthew 5:8?
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Without the present working of Christ in our lives, the thoughts of our hearts are “only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)
It would be deceitful, self-deception on our part to believe we are going to “see God” – to walk with Him now and eternally be with God, without a purified heart, cleansed by the working of the LORD in our submitted lives. Who did Jesus tell us in going to “see God”?
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Every single day is the opportunity to overcome – yet this can only happen as we choose to do things God’s way – the cross (Romans 6-8; Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9; Galatians 2:20) | Sinless Perfectionism Exposed
The cross, the crucified life, is the divine answer to an impure heart and life.
Though many who claim Christ want to believe that they have no personal responsibility in their salvation, the Bible reveals the contrary.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
God doesn’t separate our current spiritual state from what we think/meditate upon. Scary huh? We can hide our true spiritual state from men but not the Almighty. We can smile and seem to be rejoicing and even ministering in the love of the LORD, and at the same time, allow iniquities to make a nest in our hearts and minds. The big question is; What am I entertaining in the theatre of my mind and heart?
“If I regard (approve; consider; enjoy; experience, gaze upon) iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalms 66:18
The Hebrew word for “regard” is RAAH. According to the definition of this Hebrew word used here, the word “regard” means to: presently approve, consider, enjoy, experience, gaze upon in one’s heart.
I am not a good person. Neither are you – “There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10) Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! (Romans 7:18, 24) The Cross!
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18
Until we realize the depth of our depravity, we’re not going realize or understand the purpose of the cross Jesus ordained for your daily life (Luke 9:23-24). He desires to be at the center of your daily life and that requires you getting out of the way. The cross crucifies us out of His way!
ADMITTING our own poverty is the starting place for God’s grace to make us holy. Propping ones self up as holy or sinless perfection is a lie and a sham and is rooted in pride and self-righteousness.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate for and wholly dependent upon God – not self): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
You are not holy in God’s eyes unless you are truly born again into Christ and presently abiding in He who alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
Yet instead of taking personal responsibility to be crucified with Christ, the evil nature wants to nit pick, to busy body the sins of others. According to the Son of God, the definition of a “hypocrite” is one who stands in judgment of others while he himself has sin in his own life that he hasn’t dealt with in repentance before a holy God (Matthew 7:1-5). Such a man is heaping undiluted judgment upon his own pate/head (James 2:13).
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
Backsliding Begins in the Heart
“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Proverbs 14:14
The “backslider in heart” is one whose heart affections are not presently fixed upon the Lord and His kingdom. Usually, the backslider does not know he is slidden back. He has allowed his heart to wander by not taking his thoughts captive and has become deceived thereby. The “cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” have entered in to “choke the word” because he has not tilled (cultivated) the soil of his heart through regular communion with the Savior along with obeying Him in the denial of the self-life (John 3:30; Luke 9:23-26).
Take notice in Proverbs 14:14 that backsliding is a matter of the heart.
“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Proverbs 14:14
A person could be perfect in his Bible reading, praying, and attendance of church services, do many wonderful works, and still be in a backslidden state. The LORD sees all because “the Lord looketh upon the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….” Proverbs 23:7
This revelation – that God sees the very motive of our inner man – should drive us to seek Him in fresh repentance and diligence to guard our hearts.
“Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
If we do not take control of our thoughts, our thoughts will take control of us and lead to our eternal ruin. A pure heart is a requirement for eternal life in Heaven:
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Who is going to “see God”? The “pure in heart.”
“God wants our heart, and our motivations for things we do mean a lot. WE must submit our will to Gods will and be in a heart relationship with God… Actions matter, but so do motivations for doing things.” Shirley Bruso
See Philippians 4:8 and 1 Peter 1:13 for the divine prescription for the thought life.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Remember how the Lord forewarned us that on the Day of Judgment, there would be those who called Him “Lord, Lord” and then they will say things like “have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” And yet, they will hear the horrific words of termination to their brutally eternal destination:
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness of heart).” Matthew 7:23
God have mercy upon me/us!
“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.” Matthew 10:26
God doesn’t separate who we are in His sight from what we think upon. This is a critical issue to the Lord.
Here’s more of His truth that reveals that the Lord sees us according to what we entertain in our hearts:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….” Proverbs 23:7
Note that “as he thinketh – so is he….” Wow!
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
Did you catch that!? “God SAW the WICKEDNESS…that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart…” Here the Lord defines to us that “wickedness” is based upon “the thoughts of the heart.” So, we see that one must not separate what he chooses to meditate upon in his heart, from what God sees and determines his state to be. He is either carnal/wicked, or “spiritual (Christlike).” Am I “carnally minded” or “spiritually minded”? (Romans 8:6) Such determines whether I am living in a spiritual state of “death” or “life”.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
We will eventually perform the things we give place to in our minds according to James 1:13-15). What should be realized is that although we will eventually perform the things we think upon, it doesn’t take the physical act to offend the one true God (James 1:14-15; Matthew 5:28). Note in the verse above, that to be “carnally minded” is “death” (separation from fellowship with God). Note the word, “minded” and the importance of this truth – it says nothing of physical performance (the act of sin/a transgression).
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness (lawlessness), to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:17-24
If I do not cross-walk in the Spirit (will of God; see Romans 8:1-14), then my heart will ‘revert back to type’, which is revealed in many places in Scripture to be a state of wickedness before the LORD who is holy. Again, here is but one example:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24; Psalms 39:4-5; Titus 3:5-7).
One man said:
“Beware of no man more than yourself; we carry out worst enemies within us.”
We must first realize that our hearts, without the divine influence of God’s grace, are iniquitous above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Then, we must realize that this state of heart is condemned by the Almighty (Romans 8:5-8).
“It is then, we say, in the successive stages of his experience, that the believer sees more distinctly, and adores more profoundly, and grasps more firmly, the finished righteousness of Christ. And what is the school in which he learns his nothingness, his poverty, his utter destitution? The school of deep and sanctified affliction. In no other school is it learned, and under no other teacher but God. Here his high thoughts are brought low, and the Lord alone is exalted.” Octavius Winslow
Where are God’s eyes pointed?
“The LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Can God look upon a wicked heart and be pleased?
“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” Habakkuk 1:13
We cannot live in a wicked state of heart and be in fellowship with God who is holy. I cannot be dwelling upon hate, fornication of any kind, immorality, getting drunk, etc., and expect to maintain the fellowship of the One who is holy by nature, holiness personified (holiest of all – no one else as He is in His holy state of existence).
“The LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), so there is no way of fooling Him, even when we look good on the outward in the sight of men.
“Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:23-24
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13
I must become transparent in my heart toward God – realizing that He sees all. All who don’t will face severe and eternal consequences on that final Day. God will not permit any person to remain in His kingdom who continues to allow that which He condemns to permeate their minds (Psalms 101:4,7; Revelation 21:27, etc.). What we think upon is a serious matter with the Most High. Meditating and burning inside with that which the LORD condemns is sin, and Jesus came and died and “condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3) We should decide not to fool ourselves. God is watching every thought and deed that we allow and perform, and He will judge us accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:12-13). O LORD help us. Have mercy upon us.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
THE CANDLE OF THE LORD
The Lord looks upon the inward part of us – the heart. He constantly examines our inwards to see where we are. He judges such by what or who we are choosing to dwell upon.
“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Proverbs 20:27
Remember that after Adam sinned, the LORD asked Him “Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9) Did the Creator of all that is, whose eyes are in every existing place, not know where Adam was physically? Of course He did. Was He not attempting to get Adam to realize where he was in his spiritual state now that he had sinned? This was so that Adam could have a repentant heart and be restored to Him.
This rhetorical question from the LORD seems to mean that He was searching Adam’s inwards to see if he realized his fallen state and need for restoration.
Here are a few more verses which illustrate the truth that God is viewing and searching out our inwards:
“For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness…” Psalms 5:9
“Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.” Psalms 49:11
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” Psalms 51:6
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24“
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.” Proverbs 20:30
“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33
“And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.” Luke 11:39
“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:” Romans 7:22
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10
The LORD sees all and if we allow to fester and perform sin in our mind/heart we are guilty before God of such (Matthew 5:28). He reads our hearts.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
This disciple would venture to say that each of us have sins that tempt us and that we have even stumbled and fallen into at times, or even willfully pursued them. Instead of covering those sins with denial or false doctrines, let us be “honest” and admit, confess and forsake these things and grow into a deeper life of worship to our Creator. (see Proverbs 28:13; Luke 8:15)
“He that covereth (hides) his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh (turn away from entirely) them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
It is clear from this verse that the way we appropriate His “mercy” is by confessing and forsaking our sins. The LORD wants us to “prosper” and this is only possible through confessing and forsaking our sins, remaining in an abiding relationship with Christ who is holy (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8). You can be free, beloved, by honestly confessing to God and forsaking sin. Remember that Christ is the way to holiness. Holiness is not the way to Christ.
Also, to have a close friend in Christ whom you can confess to, when needed, is powerful (James 5:16). Bringing sinful darkness into the light by sharing your sin and struggles with another (who is sound in the faith), disarms the evil one who can only work in darkness (1 John 1:6; 2:9,11, etc.). Get your sins into the light! God’s liberty (freedom) will follow the confession of your sins to Him and one of His (if the situation warrants your confession to a Christian growth partner). Live James 5:16 which speaks of confessing our “faults” and not necessarily our sins to other brethren.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
We can live in His love and joy when we “walk in the light”, confessing and forsaking our darkness, our sins. To “walk in the light” is to continually admit and confess all shortcomings/sins and iniquities to the Savior and as we are led, walking in His wisdom, divulging some of our “faults” perhaps to other believers for prayer (James 5:16). You have an Advocate with the Father!
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1
Rejoice! As the LORD did in restoring beloved David, He will forgive, cleanse, and restore unto us the joy of His salvation, which is our strength, when we cry out to Him in repentance for a pure heart (Psalm 51; Nehemiah 8:10). The Lord will give you beauty for your ashes, you are His beloved (Isaiah 61:3).
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion (God’s people), to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” Psalms 51:6
Sin is not added up or treasured up to the righteous who get in and stay in God’s light (Isaiah 30:1; Romans 2:5-11; 1 John 1:7).
“Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:7-8
The LORD will not impute (add up; keep count of) the sins of those who “walk in the light” by admitting, confessing, and forsaking their sins. All who don’t honestly admit their sins reveal by such that they are not in an abiding relationship with Christ, but rather are walking in darkness (John 15; 1 John 1:3-10).
What vanity to imagine that the LORD sees not and that we are okay in our sin. We must be honest and cease to attempt making the Word of God conform to our sins – justifying ourselves in them. This is wrong and is adding to and taking away from God’s holy Word. We are found to be liars if we do such (Proverbs 30:5-6). Lord help us.
We should ask ourselves a sobering question: Is the sin I am allowing myself to be lured into, worth spending eternity in hell for? Is the momentary pleasure worth a trip to forever torment?
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:13-16
Look at 2 Timothy 4:3-5:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions…”
According to JESUS, Judgment Day will hold a great surprise for “many” (Matthew 7:21-23). “Many” who were once saved will hear the devastating and irrevocable verdict from the Judge of all the earth – “depart from me, ye that worker iniquity (lawlessness).” Like Judas, who was sent by JESUS Christ to “preach…Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give”, these people accomplished great things for the LORD in their earthly lives, but neglected to continue in the grace of God, to endure to the end as did the wise virgins, and “by transgression fell.” (Matthew 10:7-8; 25:1-13; Acts 1:25).
“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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness).” Matthew 7:21-23
I must deal with my sins and not justify myself in them or attempt to change God’s Word to make myself feel better temporarily while violating His holy law (Romans 7:12-14). This is a form of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
“O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.” Psalms 69:5
Is it not cowardly to vainly attempt to change the clear teachings of Scripture to conform to our own desires? This is what many are being taught by many of modern day leaders who manipulate, dance around, and purposely evade certain Scriptures and texts in order to keep their little game going.
Those who teach the unconditional eternal security message are a perfect example of those teachers whom God warned us to stay clear of who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (a license for sin).” Beloved, you must acknowledge your faults and refuse to find temporary “comfort” in this deceitful message which has no reconciliation with the fear of the LORD found in the Scriptures (see Psalms 2:11-12). This grace-no-matter-what message is the very myth Satan designed to successfully disengage Adam and Eve from fellowship with God (See Gen. 2:17 and 3:4). It worked. It still works. Those who espouse the unbiblical OSAS (once saved always saved) message forsake the fear of the LORD and have invited the evil one into their lives, whether they realize it or not (1 Timothy 4:1-2). The price we must pay when embracing a false doctrine is weighty and can ultimately result in denying the LORD and being damned to hell eternally (Jonah 2:8; Hosea 4:6, etc.).
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (a license for sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
One might ask, how are these deceivers who teach this license to sin doctrine, “denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ”??? The answer is simple; they are teaching people an unconditional eternal security which JESUS never taught. This is causing those who are misled to offend God by living in sin. This is the doctrine of lawlessness – antinomianism. This is the doctrine of Balaam which causes God’s people to sin and therefore lose His favor and fellowship (Revelation 2:14). Restraint is removed where this doctrine is taught. This was and is Satan’s desire – that’s why he started this message to the first man and woman and still uses it. Remember that “There is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) In teaching this no-fear-of-God doctrine of devils, they deny the Lord. To the contrary, the Son of God taught a conditional eternal security. See Matthew 7:21, 10:22; Luke 8:13; Revelation 2:26; 3:14-15….).
“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
REPENTING AND CONFESSING THE SIN OF UNRIGHTEOUS THOUGHTS
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD (repent – turn back to the LORD), and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9
Repenting and exchanging of our thoughts is realizing with a heart of humility that God’s ways and thoughts are superior to ours and making an exchange by replacing our thinking with His. His thinking is His logos, the very “thoughts of His heart”, His written Word to us, the Bible (Psalms 33:11).
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, please purify my heart and make my heart pliable and teachable to You. Please help me to become transparent and confess any and all sin to You and forsake them. Please use those around me who are mature whom You have placed in my life (James 5:16; Gal. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:24-26). Quicken me to cast down all thoughts of wickedness that enter my mind through my own heart or the evil one. I love You LORD Jesus. Please purify my heart as You alone can do, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Clara and Her Boys Blessed! Mexico Mission Rolling!

Okay so here’s the original message concerning Clara.
Brother Vicente continues to minister to the Word of God to men I minister to and then hand them off to him and/or brother Salvador. Such was the case with a man named Florentine who received the spoken Word of God and a JESUS tract in Spanish last week. Both Salvador and Vicente are now in touch with this man and ministering God’s Word to him in his own native tongue, Spanish. Just now, tonight, brother Vicente sent me this: “I’m taking this opportunity, brother, to see if you have any work available for someone. She’s a woman looking for work from 7 AM to 2 PM, cleaning or anything else you can find. If you could get her something, please. She has three children and is a single mother. She doesn’t have a husband. Or if you, the group, could get her things to sell. She’s a young woman with very limited resources.” Vicente
Okay saints, here’s another opportunity. Please lift this dear lady in prayer and her children.
We are already helping a man who is cleaning the vehicle weekly – by paying him cash and buying him lunch once or twice weekly.
I am thinking of hiring Clara to clean the apartment weekly or every other week. This will help her with her monthly bills.
And anyone who wish to help her, just earmark your gift or email me to discuss.
In Christ
Todd
JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]
TODAY: YOU, YOUR PRAYERS AND LOVE OFFERINGS MADE CLARA’S DAY, WEEK, MONTH, AND YEAR!!!
We live in a fallen world and as is far too common this dear woman is carrying a load, burdens that God never intended her to carry (1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Peter 3:7). And you answered her plight and pain with the love of God!
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17
Clara thought she was just coming over to clean my apartment and get a few dollars. God and you had more in mind though!!!!
I will let her speak to you in her own exact words. Upon receiving the cash you sent, which is a large amount in the Mexican economy, Clara broke down uncontrollably in tears for a long while. She was literally shaking, sobbing, tears were flowing down her face. This blessing shocked her – and it’s ALL your fault! 😉 You are guilty as charged beloved of God!
“No one has ever done anything like this for me … I had nothing left to feed my children at home.” Clara
Here below is the raw version of Clara’s words of gratitude for what God did through you, your love! She was only expecting a few dollars for cleaning the apartment. Clara was stunned when I pulled YOUR wad of cash out of my pocket and handed it to her for cleaning the apartment. After she broke down and cried for a while, she spoke her words into google translate to communicate to us. Clara said ……
“Seriously, thank you so much. This means a lot to me. I’ve really struggled a lot. I’m sorry I cried, but I’m very sentimental. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Many people approach me with bad intentions, and some, knowing my need, try to take advantage of it. Tell your friends that I’m so grateful for what they’re doing for me. I’ll never tire of thanking them because, honestly, I had nothing left to feed my children at home, and this will help me buy groceries so they can eat well.
I’m not tired, to be honest. What motivates me are my children.
Without them, my life would have no meaning. I came to work with you today
because of them, and I’m leaving happy, knowing that my life will gradually
improve. Now all I want is to go back home to see my children and be able to
cook them something delicious because I know they’re waiting for me.” Clara
After she spoke of cooking for her boys, I asked Clara if we could go to the grocery store first before I took her home. We went and bought a whole, very large basket full of food. This family has food for weeks and you did it!!! You stepped up and said “Yes LORD Jesus! Thank You for this opportunity to give out of what You gave me – to bless this family in need!” Clara
“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19
WHILE this was all happening, one of you Christ-glorifying culprits wired $150 – the exact amount that was spent to get Clara a very large portion of groceries~! There was no plan to buy her those groceries but GOD had the plan!!!! The plan was for her to have that cash she received and a basket overflowing with food!!!!
Your giving to Christ’s work …
Makes this happen …
Real people receiving real help, real love, real touch from the body of Christ.
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.



Articles
What’s Wrong with the Modern Church World? [podcast]

Is Church Membership Biblical?
State of the Earliest Disciples of Jesus
It’s more than obvious that local churches today are about EVERYTHING EXCEPT JESUS. If you don’t see this, that only proves how Satan has used this system of rebellion called “the church” to blind you to the true Gospel, plan, and will of God.
Anyone who doesn’t see that most pastors are preaching a false Gospel, do not know the true Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).
It’s amazing how we learn to truly begin to trust and walk with the LORD when we leave the modern church system. When we leave it, we no longer trust the idols and elements we once relied upon. Then we can experience true fellowship with Christ and His beloved people.
Just after Pentecost, when the Church was born, before any deceivers or deception could enter in, the saints flourished with Christ and His beloved people. See Acts 2:42-47 as the model of fellowship. Acts 2:42-47 is the prescription for true New Testament worship. Note the word “daily.”
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (God’s Word) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 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. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47
Note that only the LORD can add to His church.
Is there a difference is what we see when peering into the early church and that which calls itself the church today?
What four things were these earliest Christians doing as they met together? Read the first verse one more time and notice closely those four things.
Notice in verse 43 above it says that “fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” Wow! Where’s the fear of the LORD among those who claim to be saved in this late hour? Where is it? Where are the “wonders and signs”?
The “wonders and signs” aren’t present today because of the lack of the communication of the Gospel to the lost which Jesus promised to confirm with signs following (Mark 16:15-20).
“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:20
Beloved saint, I want to encourage you to read this blessed passage every day for the next week (Acts 2:42-47). Drink it in, allowing the LORD to use His very words here to begin to possess your heart and mind with His vision for His beloved people.
“There was a Great Persecution Against the Church”
“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:1-4
The apostles (under shepherds) stayed at Jerusalem but of the other Christians, the Word relates here that “they were all scattered abroad.”
When persecution hit, those who fled went forth “preaching the word.” When persecution hits our land, how many will even know God’s Word in order to go forth spreading it to others?
That will require knowing God’s Word and most who claim to know Christ today have very little learning in God’s Word. They have been entertained and / or steeped in something else other than Jesus Christ through His Word.
You see, let’s piece together the Word of God a bit. When the LORD poured out His promise – the baptism with the Holy Spirit – His people flourished in worshiping Him and being prepared of Him to do exploits. – “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many.” (Daniel 11:32-33)
As we see in this powerful passage of Scripture in the book of Daniel, knowing the LORD, doing exploits by His power, having His understanding of His Word, and instructing others in His truth, all go hand-in-hand.
Leading up to and before this hour when “great persecution” hit Jerusalem, the earliest believers were engaged in authentic fellowship which begins with continuing “stedfastly in the apostles doctrine” which is contained in the 27 books of the New Testament canon of Holy Scripture (Acts 2:42). These earlier followers of Jesus flourished in vital union with Him. They were individually consumed. Then, persecution hit and when it did, each individual disciple “went everywhere preaching the word” of God (Acts 8:4). The individual believers in the early church were equipped and this is obvious because each of them “went everywhere preaching the word” of God (Acts 8:4).
Before the “great persecution” hit, the saints of Jesus were flourishing in fellowship with Jesus and therefore one another. They were learning of the LORD. They weren’t being entertained by hireling wolves because none had yet entered into the flock (Acts 20:27-32). God was moving and they were learning of Him, being equipped, trained, and prepared.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Being daily nourished in our hearts by God’s Word is essential and so is attaining to “good doctrine.” This will only happen by diligent, deliberate obedience to the LORD. This is how He prepares His people to do His work. Of Ezra, the servant of the LORD, the Bible records:
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Ezra 7:10
The LORD requires preparation in order to use someone.
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
What will happen when persecution hits America? Have the individuals who sit in church buildings every Sunday ever even been told they need to repent and surrender completely to the LORD? If so, are they being prepared/equipped as is the mandate upon all elders to do? (Ephesians 4:11-12) Jesus commanded us to teach and feed His sheep.
Wolves entertain goats.
True disciples feed sheep, prepare them for the work of the ministry, and push them on to spiritual maturity/perfection. Any leader not doing this is a wolf!
The LORD told us plainly through the prophet Isaiah that “the leaders” among us are the problem:
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
In a time when many reading these very words should be teaching, you don’t even know the fundamentals of the faith.
“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1 Therefore leaving the principles (basic fundamentals) of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.” Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-3
Most who name the name of Jesus as their Savior do not even know there are foundation doctrines of Christ. They have never even heard about this. Yet, as we just read, all believers are to know and be teaching the words of our LORD and to go on to maturity, bringing others along.
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16
If you now realize that you have been a gullible pawn of some man or men who were/are simply building their little church business at your expense, I want to encourage you flee for your life at once and to get rooted and grounded in God’s love and in His Word. – “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (Genesis 19:17) The LORD is going to judge the wicked who now occupy that which poses as His church and yet is merely using His name in vain to make themselves popular and rich (Isaiah 56:8-12; Matthew 7:13-23; Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 3:18-19).
God has a much larger plan for His called-out elders than being in leadership in a physical building. His sphere is much more expansive, unrestrained, unencumbered by man’s imposed borders and limits. If a physical building defines or determines a man’s ministry, would that not be an indictment upon Christ and His twelve? Jesus and His apostles don’t qualify as much if possessing real estate where man is king is a defining factor. None of them chose to have a building to minister out of. No, instead they went to the people and were free to be led by the Holy Spirit to the exact places and people whom God wanted to bless.
No Scripture Knowledge
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2
To illustrate this great deficiency of truth in that which calls itself Christ’s church, please allow me to convey a conversation I recently had. While talking to a lady about the things of the LORD and the Bible, she wrote this to me (These are her exact words):
“How do you know all these verses? I’ve gone to church all my life, and I can’t quote anything.”
This is an all-too—common admission among those who are good church members but not true disciples of Jesus Christ. This lady is sitting under a false shepherd who has not obeyed God by getting her into His Word for herself. The man or men she has wrongly submitted to are not obeying the LORD by teaching all men all the things Jesus teaches us in His Word (Matthew 28:18-20). Those leaders she has placed herself under are not equipping the sheep of the LORD’s pasture for true worship and the works of the LORD He commands His people to do.
The current apostate system has completely incapacitated the working of the Gospel and Holy Spirit of God in each individual saint. The system is simply making people part of the system – the status quo membership, tithing, and weekly attendance is the extent of involvement. Basically, it’s a brainless, just-follow-along type social club. The deepest involvement of the individual may be giving their own opinion about a topic in a cell group meeting. Hardly an activity seen in the book of Acts. Pitifully lame!
Most who claim to know Jesus don’t even have five Bible verses memorized. This is a telling fact. Instead of learning to take up the cross daily and walk with Jesus, learning God’s Word diligently, they depend on their CEO style pastor and local church and not on Christ. Because he wants job security, the hireling pastor(s) never teach their naïve audiences to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Christ themselves.
But the LORD holds each of us individually responsible to study and know His blessed Precepts – and to do them.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The fact that God’s very Word – “the apostles doctrine” – is not the main course of local churches today, is clear evidence of complete apostasy and guarantee that divine judgment is coming upon them (Jeremiah 6:19).
The Great Commission Command of Christ
What shall we answer the LORD on that Great and Terrible Day? How shall we make excuse? How will we explain to Him who bled and rose again that we didn’t understand His simple command – the Great Commission?
“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 them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
Those who aren’t following the teachings of Christ, are not following Christ!
Are you learning and teaching God’s Word to others? Such will answer whether or not you are genuinely following Christ. He command it – now “Repent” and “Go.”
Many will regret the wasted years and dollars they squandered on lukewarm local fellowships (Revelation 3:16-17; 21:4). They will have lost volumes of eternal reward for doing so – if they are in Heaven.
The cry of the disciple’s heart is “I simply want to know and follow Jesus as His authentic disciple.” And, most of the time, the local church gets in the way of this – hinders and misdirects the time, energy, and resources of their capture, their corralled prey! Beware.
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Articles
The Curse of the Judaizers [podcast]

MODERN ANTICHRISTS BLASPHEMOUSLY SAY THAT JESUS’ SACRIFICE WASN’T ENOUGH SO YOU HAVE TO KEEP TORAH. Jesus says “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30). SOMEBODY’S LYING, AND IT ISN’T JESUS.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
The Curse of the Judaizers
It has been rightly observed that the most prolific, prevalent heresy of the New Testament era is the curse of the Judaizers. That is, the “accursed” snakes seducing the members of the body of Christ to go back under the law, which is “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). Since they have put law-keeping (the law), in place of Jesus, we know they are antichrists. Remember, ALL Judaizers, Hebrew Roots groups have this goal—to seduce you to cease trusting Christ and go back under law-keeping. They will vehemently swear that this is not their goal and yet experience tells us different. They are snakes, in every case. Read Galatians closely, afresh. Also Colossians 2.
The true New Testament saved-by-grace-through-faith-in-Christ-alone disciple, sees the Old Testament through the eyes of the infinitely superior NEW Testament. In contrast, the Judaizing serpents seduce their prey to do the opposite—to see the New through the Old. Hebrews 8-10 clearly emphasizes the infinitely superior blessings of the NEW Testament He gave us in Christ (John 1:17).
Glory robbing devils of the vilest nature: Torah keeping antichrists are not upholding Christ, the HEAD of HIS church. Memorize Romans 10:4.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power …. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19
REST is the blessing of God and wise to partake of in worshipful observance of the LORD who will thereby grant great productivity. Yet keeping a certain day is never commanded under the NEW Testament—because it’s BY FAITH that we rest in our Sabbath, JESUS CHRIST—the only One to perfectly keep the law, then He nailed it to the cross and took it out of the way (Colossians 2:14-19). Read Hebrews 4. Keeping or not keeping a day weekly has nothing to do with salvation. This is how the judaizing wolves seduce saved-by-grace-through-faith saints back under law keeping. And there’s where they are cut off from God, they fall away—due to rejecting Christ’s perfect sacrifice alone for their redemption (Galatians 3:1-3; 5:4). When Jesus says “If ye love me keep my commandments” He is not saying to keep SATURN-day and we know that because He nor His holy apostles ever once instructed any born again disciple to keep any certain day. Paul warns about this often. See Colossians 2:14-19. Salvation, eternal life is Jesus Christ, not His creation, not a day He made (1 John 5:20-21).
The Old Covenant is Obsolete:
“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old (obsolete). Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13
The Old Covenant is “abolished” yet we have antichrists going around insisting that people “keep Torah.” They are not saved.
“And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is ABOLISHED:” 2 Corinthians 3:13
“Having ABOLISHED in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:15
The old covenant is “ABOLISHED.” It has been superseded by the infinitely superior NEW Covenant ratified in the blood of the Son of God (Matthew 26:28). The old covenant is “abolished.”
Read 2 Corinthians 3 each morning this week.
Anyone who gets saved and then doesn’t drill down into the doctrinal letters and epistles and get grounded in grace through faith justification and living, will be susceptible to being deceived by the antichrist Judaizers in our midst. It will cost many of them their eternal souls. There will be not one law-keeping Judaizing snake in Heaven. If you don’t know that, you are biblically illiterate. Romans. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Hebrews.
“The yoke of bondage” is law keeping.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
Biblical Justification | Accursed Judaizing Devils Exposed
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