“My Foolishness and My Sins” [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

“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

It’s a special blessing when we are outright, up front, transparent and tell others “I was WRONG… will you please forgive me?”

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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5 Aspects of the Mind of Christ [podcast]

5 Components of the Mind of Christ from Philippians 2

Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation.
He took upon Him the form of a servant.
He was made in the likeness of men.
He humbled Himself.
He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

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.

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The Mind of Christ [podcast]

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

The Cardinal Characteristic of Knowing God [podcast]

The word “love” appears 311 times in God’s Word. It’s one thing to know the Bible. It’s another thing to know the God of the Bible. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 This is why He created you – to know Him. “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 The disciple has nothing more important […]

Articles

Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled! [podcast]

One man has wisely stated that “Greed and covetousness will damn more souls than all other sins combined.”

“Spiritual Blessings”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:3-7

“If we are in Jesus we have the the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:36

The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Got an “education” but going to hell eternally. Self-serving idolaters.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

America is full of those who claim to be saved and yet paid big money to get a piece of paper to get more money in this life and yet it’s clear that they’ve been serving money, mammon all along, not Christ.

“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. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single (full of Christ, not covetousness), thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil (greed filled), thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

They’ve never repented and aren’t presently, literally serving God. This means they are hell bound.

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7

Real repentance or reprobate?

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5

The souls of millions who think they are saved are going to be damned due to not being truly given over to the LORD they claim to know and be saved by. If their lives were truly given over, they would be helping others and the work of Christ to be advanced in this fleeting world.

Their covetousness – “I want this” or “I just bought that” – is telling on their wicked hearts (Luke 12; 1 Timothy 6). They are sinning away their day of grace as they live unto self and are rich toward self and not Jesus. They are “not rich toward God” to use Christ’s own words (Luke 12:21). Jesus promised these would be damned for their turning a dead ear and blind eye to the needs of others – “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:45) The light bills and rent/mortgages of some in-need Christians go unpaid. The pantries of some remain empty. True, New Testament ministries go unfunded …. and Why? – Because of the waste of millions who call themselves by the name of the One who came and gave ALL. They do not resemble Him which clearly shows that they are not following Him and merely rendering lip service to Him in order to deceive their own darkened hearts into the vain imagination that they are going to be with Him eternally.

Their GOAL is your GOLD, not your SOUL! Get a clue! Read 2 Peter 2:1-3; Philippians 3:18-19.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19

What you refuse to do (omission) when you see another in need, is indicative of who you are serving – self instead of the Savior. The Son of God says: “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 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 7:19-21)

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

The fruit of the Spirit and good works are the clear indication that one is truly saved (Galatians 5:19-24; Titus 3:8; James 1:22-27). If you are not literally a giver, the LORD is calling you to repent and obey God’s Word by giving up first your whole life and will to Him. Then, all you have in your possession will go to His glory in loving your neighbor. If all you have isn’t Christ’s, it’s time to repent and get saved friend (Luke 14:33).

Prayerfully read Luke 12 and 1 Timothy 6 every day for the next week.

Toni S. writes:

“Not just helping in ministry, but also the widows, poor, prisoners and fatherless. In addition, so many just hand their tithes over to a church pastor expecting Him to do this with their money. But what they end up supporting is not a ministry but a lavish lifestyle that many pastors live. People also donate money to ‘charitable” organizations without even researching where that money really goes too.” Toni S.

Wolves patty cake with you because they want your money and could care less about your eternal soul (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

“And who are we to support? 3 John 8 “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” Those who are devoted to the truth of God’s word! And are speaking the original gospel once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. Then we become fellowhelpers to them who are spreading truth. And actually participate in their ministry by giving to them. As opposed to bidding God speed to the deceivers and false teachers (2 John 9-11). We aren’t to support financially or participate at all in their ministry. Or we become partakers in their evil deeds and will suffer the same punishment as them. So we have a choice, participate in those preaching the whole truth and receive rewards (treasures in heaven) or participate in the deception of false teachers and suffer eternal consequences!” Karen Cochran

PRAYER: I here and now confess to You Father that I have been a self-idolater, I have committed spiritual adultery against You. I have not had You but rather myself first. Please forgive my sin, wash me clean, and fill me with Your Holy Ghost afresh. Circumcise this heart and replace the stony places with a heart of flesh. Bless this vessel to abide crucified with Thee and bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

WHAT is Jesus Looking at in Your Life? 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 […]

Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render. The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below) YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21 A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom […]

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Sending Up Treasures to Heaven “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes. Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are […]

Articles

Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]

“LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES”

The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven.

Money Has Wings

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5

Instruction: “Labour not to be rich” v4
Instruction: “cease from thine own wisdom” v4
Question?: “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?” v5
Wisdom to ponder: “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” v5

Note this phrase in v5 (please read carefully) – “riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Now watch this – “they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” What does that mean? Simply, the way we spend our money on earth will testify about our lives on Judgment Day and we will thereby be rewarded or stripped of rewards or even kept out of the kingdom (Lk. 16:19-31; James 2:1-7; 5:1-6; etc.). The usage of our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matt. 6:21).

Treasures In Heaven

IN previous generations, young men and women gave up their whole life of luxury in America to go to a foreign land to preach the Gospel of Christ. Today we have a generation of professing “Christians” who won’t so much as give up a penny to support the preaching of the Gospel of the glorious Savior they claim to be saved by.

How important is Christ and His Gospel to you? Jesus told us exactly how important we count Him and His Gospel….

People spend, waste money on every frivolity under Heaven and seldom lay up treasures in Heaven using their temporal coin (Matthew 6:19-21). Read Jesus’ teaching recorded in Luke 16.

Our LORD instructs us to lay up treasure, but in Heaven not here in this temporal world where the dollar will soon be obsolete, superseded by rewards earned during this earthly life.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures (lots) in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:19-20

Saint of the Most High, are you going to look back in eternity and deeply regret the opportunities God gave you in this fleeting life that you passed up? – to bless another believer or to support the work of Christ and send forward eternal rewards?

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

WHERE are you laying up treasure?

Your investments into God’s kingdom work in this short life are truly safe, secure, life-giving, and eternal. No one can take them away.

DISCIPLE OF JESUS, Jesus Christ is all-knowing and sees everything and will reward every good deed or work done in His name and love.

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10

Tithing is not commanded under the New Testament. Yet giving and putting God first is commanded and is the privilege of the saints of Christ (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38).

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining it for yourself and to help others? We can help you. This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments For My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

Feedback:

“No matter how much I give he keeps giving back to me… pressed down shaken together and running over. God is great and greatly to be praised.” Steven M.

More on Stewardship | Cheerful Giving

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