“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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Articles
Darwin’s Demise: What they don’t want You to know about Charles Darwin! [podcast]

“Darwin’s theories are hardly irrefutable. He refuted them himself. This is how science works. Even he conceded that his theories would never be proven. Any actual learned Darwinist would have to concede the same. Also, we use the term ‘evolution’ so improperly that it’s become desensitized to actual facts of biology. We misuse it. Evolution is most often times intertwined with ‘adaptation’, which it is not. It’s like saying the term ‘free’ is the same as the term ‘no cost to you.’ Those are also obviously different. In any case, the ‘evolution of hominids’ is nonsense. These are nothing more than piles of various bones cherry picked to put the skeletons that they hope to display together. God made man in His image. Not in a monkey’s image. His.” Dave Fury
Darwin himself described the lack of transitional fossils as, “… the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory.”
With the theory of evolution, we still lack much evidence. Where do we go from here?
Why do we not have unlimited fossil records of missing links of transitional forms if Darwin’s theory of evolution is true?
For example: If man came from apes, why are there still apes? And, where is the fossil record of the intermediary, transitional stages?
Shocking Charles Darwin Quotes
“But, as by this theory, innumerable transitional forms must have existed, why do we not find them embedded in countless numbers in the crust of the earth?” (Darwin, Origin of Species, 1859).
“When we descend to details we can prove that no one species has changed (i.e., we cannot prove that a single species has changed): nor can we prove that the supposed changes are beneficial, which is the groundwork of the theory.” Charles Darwin, 1863
“To suppose that the eye, with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest possible degree.” – Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, 1st Ed., p. 186.
“I have asked myself whether I may not have devoted my life to a fantasy . . . I am ready to cry with vexation at my blindness and presumption” Charles Darwin [12].
“Often a cold shudder has run through me, and I have asked myself whether I may have not devoted myself to a fantasy.” (Charles Darwin, Life and Letters, 1887, Vol. 2, p. 229)
“The number of intermediate varieties, which have formerly existed must be truly enormous. Why then is not every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? Geology assuredly does not reveal any such finely graduated organic chain; and this, perhaps is the most obvious and serious objection which can be urged against the theory.” (Darwin, Charles, Origin of Species, 6th edition, 1902 p. 341-342)
“The FOOL hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalms 14:1
If “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God,” the wise people say in their hearts that “There is a God, you’re not Him – and we are all accountable to Him.”
“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
Not one library the world over contains a stitch of proof that evolution is true.
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,” Romans 1:22
Atheism – The belief that there was nothing and nothing happened to nothing and then nothing magically exploded for no reason, creating everything and then a bunch of everything magically rearranged itself for no reason whatsoever into self-replicating bits which then turned into dinosaurs. Makes perfect sense.
It simply doesn’t matter how many scientific sounding words or theories one uses, we know from the first law of thermodynamics that matter cannot appear accidentally, by chance. We didn’t need someone to coin a “law” to know what the very first law of thermodynamics admits – that something cannot come out of nothing.
In His Word, God warns us of “avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20). False science is designed to oppose true science which acknowledges that which is self-evident. Much of what presents itself today, that which comes in the mere name of “science” is nothing more than an atheistic religion designed to deny that creation has a Creator. Consider the source. The atheistic peddlers of the debunked mere theory of evolution can be found to be miserable deniers of the obvious. More in a moment on how it’s been rightly stated that evolution is a “fairy tale for grownups.”
Remember, science is the mere study of the creation of an Almighty infinite Creator by the mere finite human.
Making Peace with God – Before it’s too late. | Atheism/Evolution
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Apostasy
Beware of “Private Interpretation” [podcast]

NO MAN GAVE THE TRUTH AND NO MAN CONTROLS IT
ANY person who doesn’t uphold God’s Word as final divine authority on all matters of faith, is 100% “NOT of God” according to the Son of God (John 8:47).
“Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4
Is God or are mere men confused?
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Beware of those who violate, who speak contradictory to other parts of God’s Word in order to sell you on their “revelation.” Known truth, biblically stated truth must never be contradicted. The LORD is not confused and so we conclude that anyone upholding what they believe to be truth that contradicts known biblical truth, is confused at best. Beware of what the Holy Spirit calls “private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) More in a moment on this.
Many seek to use commentaries, historians and the like to paint the picture, the outcome they desire because they do not love the LORD and therefore His truth. If God wanted us to have more it’d be in His Word…. I am not opposed to background information but that’s not divinely inspired Holy Scripture and many people try to change the outcome of biblical truth by using extra-biblical sources. Beware. They attempt to create a path to an unbiblical conclusion because they are “not valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)
It’s convoluted theology to speak against, contrary to the whole of the Word of God which among other things says “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Ignoring known, clearly stated Bible truth to perpetrate a certain view is bearing false witness against the LORD, is confusion, and is violence against the Holy Scriptures and the picture painted by the WHOLE of God’s Word. This is also a refusal to rightly divide the Word of truth but instead a deliberate, subjective ignoring of divine truth in order to perpetrate an agenda (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Many today interpret the Bible for their own self-serving purpose or liking, based on being predisposed to certain traditions, philosophies, and clichés. This is exactly what Jesus cited the false religionists of His day for doing (Mark 7:6-9).
God gave His Word to us and will reveal Himself and His will to each of His saints as they seek Him, studying His words thoroughly, diligently, daily.
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40
God gave us the Holy Scriptures to reveal to us who He is and yet, the individual must come to Jesus personally to know Him and understand His Precepts, His kingdom truths. Like the religionists Jesus is addressing above, many who think they know God are not known of God at all because they refuse to truly repent and seek His holy face.
Exactly as Jesus warned, there are “many false prophets” today to accommodate counterfeits, tares (Matthew 7:15; 24:11).
Many times we hear men stand up to speak, claiming they’ve been studying a topic in the Bible extensively – and insinuating that on the basis of THEIR study, you should just buy wholesale everything they’re about the say. There are “many deceivers” operating today (2 John 7-11). Out of the pride of their hearts we hear men preface their message this way, boasting of their study, to set up and snare the unlearned, the gullible when in reality many of them have simply borrowed the errors of other men. Yet we must judge all that is taught against our own personal, diligent study of the whole of God’s Word and never buy the subjective claims of mere men. This is the very reason so many are deceived today. Following man’s supposed revelation, interpretations, instead of getting God’s revelation for ourselves, firsthand, is the recipe to be deceived. There are no shortcuts to personally, thoroughly studying the whole counsel of God’s Word for ourselves. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study
This scenario often plays out when someone is teaching on the end times, claiming or insinuating that they have come up with special revelation. At times they will claim to definitely know and have figured out who the antichrist is, the specifics and timing of end time events, and secrets about these last days. Yet, at least some of those things they claim to have special knowledge of are not specifically, expressly written in the Bible. Beware of the “private interpretation” of mere men.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
God’s Word, the words of God recorded in Holy Writ, were inspired by the Holy Spirit and were not written from any mere man’s “private interpretation”, nor are the words of God to be twisted and done violence to by anyone today for their own “private interpretation” to promulgate their own view, doctrine, or agenda.
Notice in this passage above that through Peter, the Holy Spirit puts the personal responsibility upon the individual disciple to “take heed” to the Word of God, to study it daily, diligently as the revelation of Christ and His will rises in our hearts, dawns on us – “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
God expects His people to study thoroughly and to know His Word for themselves.
“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
No man controls the truth nor does he control the interpretation of divine truth which is self-evident and to be first and foremost studied and understood by individual disciples. Yes, God calls elders out to teach HIS Word, to let God’s Word dwell richly among His people, and yet the LORD alone teaches the individual believers heart His truth (Colossians 3:16). This is the individual priesthood of each and every blood bought saint of Christ. Jesus saves the individual sinner first and foremost who is then and only then an individual member of His one body (Ephesians 4; 1 Corinthians 12).
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. …26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:20-27
Ultimately, and most importantly, God teaches each and every one of His individual saints – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)
Those who aren’t objective with the whole counsel of Scripture clearly prove their hearts are not honest, not authentic, and sincere before the LORD (Luke 8:15; John 7:16; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16, etc.).
Beware of Being a “Back it Up” Bubba
Personally studying God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, organically, is ultra-important. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study
To “back up” a belief with Scripture seems to really mean: “I believe ABC doctrine and I’m hell bent on finding Bible verses to prove it!” In other words someone like this doesn’t really care what the whole of Scripture teaches as much as they care to hold on to some pet doctrine (it’s usually something to justify their sin such as the falsehood of eternal security).
Some put forth their subjective beliefs and defend those beliefs by saying “I can back everything up with scripture.” Satan can too as we see him do when tempting Jesus (Luke 4). The devil used Scripture out of context as many today do. Are we merely backing up what WE say and what WE currently believe with Scripture or are we simply reading and diligently studying the whole counsel of Holy Scripture and letting GOD speak for Himself as we “compare spiritual things (Scripture, known truth) with spiritual things”? (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Big difference. Think about that. Men and devils can deceitfully make the Bible say anything THEY want it to say but that doesn’t make it biblically sound and true. We must beware of our own tendency to espouse and hold on to philosophies, notions, and doctrines that do not line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word and we must be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The disciple of Jesus, without exception, will be ever more rooted and grounded in the final divine authority of the written Word of God.
Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”
“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47
ALL who are “of God” uphold His Word as final divine authority, with no exception.
When discussing any matter, specifically spiritually, the main issue is what God’s Word says, which is His “truth” and when one is valiant for His truth, such a man will not rely on anything except God’s Word (Jeremiah 9:3; John 17:17). God says we can be CERTAIN about what He says concerning any topic revealed in His Word – “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee KNOW the CERTAINTY of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)
We must honestly examine our own selves to see WHY we believe WHAT we currently believe. Discernment, “rightly dividing the word of truth” seem to be concretely connected to searching the Scriptures as we see with the Bereans who tested Paul and all that he taught, right? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-11) Lots of people who talk about discernment trust their own subjective discernment instead of letting the written WORD be their two edged sword of discernment (Hebrews 4:12). Many believe they are discerning correctly and yet aren’t daily, diligently being grounded in the written Word, which God will never contradict (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
The Berean Saints are a Great Example to us Today
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
May the reader be exhorted to become intimately familiar with the above passage, noticing that the Bereans didn’t even take Christ’s apostle Paul at his word. No, they “searched the scriptures daily” for themselves to see “whether those thing were so” that Paul was preaching.
As was the case with the Berean disciples who listened to Paul preach, God intends for us to partake in, to hear preaching and yet, all must be cross examined against our own personal searching of His Word for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). On that note, do you remember when the LORD Jesus spoke to the woman at the well and how when He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah she ran out and told everyone? Yet, those men didn’t fully embrace Christ till they personally went to see Him for themselves.
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. … 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” Acts 4:28-30, 42
No Greek or Hebrew is needed and is certainly not the main rule of interpretation. We must take God’s preserved Word for what it clearly states in our own language, as we compile, compound, put together Scripture with Scripture (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13). This is the method of priority in apprehending truth, the highest, stated rule of interpreting truth. A thorough gathering of all Scripture pertaining to the given study, is essential.
“TAUGHT OF GOD”
“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all TAUGHT OF GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:45
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are TAUGHT OF GOD to love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9
The LORD alone is “the truth”, gave us His truth – His written Word – and presides over it, teaching it to His people (John 14:6; Psalms 146:6, etc.). His written Word is final divine authority and taught by Him to His people in abiding relationship (John 14:26; 16:13-14).
Beware of “Private Interpretation”
Being crucified with Christ means one is emptied of self, self-will, self-agenda, and abandoned to God’s will. This means that such a person searches out and embraces the biblical truth, no matter where it leads. He never bends the truth to try to fit a tradition or doctrine but rather reject any previous believed notion when the Word says differently (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.).
Those who engage in the sinful activity of privately interpreting Scripture, do so because …
- They themselves are un-repentant, not denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 4:2-4)
- They refuse to let God be true and every man a liar – beginning with their own wicked hearts (Romans 3:4)
- They value tradition about divine truth (Mark 7:6-9)
- They do no hold God’s Word as final divine authority though they claim to (John 8:47)
- They refuse to be honest with the whole counsel of Holy Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17)
Beware of those who seek to control the interpretation of God’s Word – those who impose their own notions and doctrine onto God’s truth. There are many who read things into Scripture which are not in the Scriptures. Let’s read again our central passage:
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
“Private interpretation” seems to point to the agenda and act of self application based on tradition or preconceived notions. Not allowing God to speak for Himself via a thorough study of the whole counsel of His written Word. Application or interpretation based on self desires or that which conforms to some extra-biblical notion or doctrine of men.
Here’s the Greek word for “private”
G2398
ἴδιος
idios
id’-ee-os
Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, that is, one’s own (agenda); by implication private or separate: – X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private (-ly), proper, severally, their (own).
Greek word for “interpretation”
G1955
ἐπίλυσις
epilusis
ep-il’-oo-sis
From G1956; explanation, that is, application: – interpretation.
Total KJV occurrences: 1
Not only did the Holy Ghost give us God’s written Word, but also it’s the Holy Ghost that teaches individual saints. Here’s how:
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which THE HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13
Believers are “taught of God” as they study and collate Scripture. This is never to be infringed upon or controlled by elders. That’s one reason for the plurality of elders in the local expressions, the gatherings of Christ’s body. There’s safety in a plurality of elders who should thereby be held accountable and rebuked when needed (Titus 1:5, etc.).
As Christ’s saints continue “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”, they compare, put together, collate line upon line, Bible verse upon Bible verse, in ordain to be “taught of God” His truth (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16).
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
RED FLAG: When you witness a man, an elder, who dodges or doesn’t want certain BIBLE verses read, due to that truth contradicting his tradition/heresy, you know you have a man who is in need of repentance (Mark 7:6-9). Such a man’s heart is not captive to the Word of God. He has his own evil agenda. Such a wolf will seek to impose his doctrine of men and devils on others and must be rebuked.
“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:19-20
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2
The root reason people choose the lie of OSAS is that they simply refuse to truly repent and lay down their lives in this fleeting world. So they are willing to wax over and avoid mountains of biblical truths and warnings. They have their own agenda they hold in reserve. They are not given over to Christ. They believed and were saved and yet didn’t continue in the truth – which Jesus says is essential.
Many times, the ones who cry “context, context, context” are those taking God’s Word out of context in order to perpetrate their heresy. They don’t want the real context because though they pose as Christians, they are not men of truth and so don’t honestly follow the Word of God honestly, no matter where it may lead. They don’t like the context of Holy Scripture – because it simply doesn’t say what they want it to say. They have a predetermined outcome, a doctrinal goal they want to reach and are willing to bait and switch, do acrobats, and ignore Scripture that doesn’t agree with their heresy. These are not honest people. Their goal is to reach their predetermined conclusion.
The Bible reveals that un-repentant people migrate to false teachers, false doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
“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; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Counterfeits invent ways to excuse themselves from accountability to Scripture. Though they regularly and selectively refer to and read the Old Testament Scriptures, when you quote or read them Holy Scripture from the Old Testament to expose OSAS, they will scream “but that’s Old Testament!” Nice try. But “ALL scripture” is given to New Testament saints and we are told that we are taught by those very Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:17; Romans 15;4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). Also, this same truth as is taught in the passage below, is also taught and confirmed all over the New Testament and from Genesis to Revelation.
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:11-13
Eternal Security is a Lie from Hell.
The Ultimate Teacher is Divine
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14
GOD alone “keepeth truth”, is the Divine Source and Steward of His Truth
“…the LORD his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:” Psalms 146:6
Notice the Hebrew word for “keepeth” here….
H8104
שָׁמַר
shâmar
shaw-mar’
A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.: – beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).
Total KJV occurrences: 468
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Abiding
The Benefits of Knowing and Delighting in the LORD [podcast]

Delighting ourselves in Him
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
Loving God with a Whole Heart, our Whole Being
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Abiding in Christ, Asking
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
Jesus Must Be Our “First love”
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5
“That Your Joy May be Full”
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24
“That is the only place I want to be at the feet of Jesus drinking in His word. Soaking up all He has to say to me! I do not ever want to be arrogant enough to believe I can make it without Jesus. Everyday I tell Him how much I need Him. I am nothing without Jesus!! Oh how I long to be with Him! Yearning for the day when I shall see Him in the clouds. Coming to take us home! Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran
Truly Delighting in the LORD
“Many take this verse out of context (Psalm 37:4). For many years all I would hear Christians say was, ‘He will give you the desires of your heart.’ This then becomes all about you. They would leave out the first part, which says you must delight yourself in the Lord. I came to realize that when you delight in Him, He changes your heart, and you begin to desire what He desires. He aligns your heart with His heart!” Karen Cochran
The subject matter of your prayers reveals if you are about you, or about Jesus.
To illustrate our relationship with Christ, one write of old noted:
“The life of self is death.
The death of self is life.”
There cannot and will not be a resurrection until there is a death. Death and burial must precede raising up. Read Romans 6 each morning this week and ask God to help you life a doornail dead life!
Am I delighting in the LORD? If not, how can He possibly grant the desires of my heart?
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
When we delight in the LORD, our lives are crucified with Christ, we are one with Him and He is filling our hearts with His desires – to worship, love, and obey Him. What we ask Him for in prayer will change. Instead of “LORD, please give me this or that fleeting trinket,” it will be “LORD, please let this life be crucified with Thee. Help me to love You more. Use me to edify Your people and minister Your bless-ed Gospel to the lost souls You died and raise against to save.”
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
Run from any wolf who is not squaring you up regularly to inform you that the LORD mandates your death so that He can fill and raise your life upward, Heavenward, for His eternal glory.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You so very much for sending Your only begotten Son to find, rescue, forgive, and save me into Your glorious eternal kingdom. Please help me to know and love You more. Sanctify my life and conform me to the image of Christ. Please wash me afresh with Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Use me to help others know You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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