Abiding

“Occupy till I Come”

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]

John the Baptist “was a burning and a shining light.”

“He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.” John 5:35

Occupy till I come. What are you trading to prepare for the Kingdom of God?

This beloved forerunner of Christ never stopped serving the LORD. Yet many today who were once filled with the Holy Spirit and zeal of Christ today are waxing cold, just as Jesus foretold.

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world (with or without you!) for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

All around us we see those who once walked with Christ and were a voice for Him departing to another mission. One of those diversions is saving America instead of saving and preserving souls for the eternal kingdom of Christ. Some have left the preaching of the Gospel. Christ warns us repeatedly of the need to “endure to the end” in an abiding relationship with Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6, etc.).

The Gospel in action in our lives is born out of a oneness, an abiding relationship with Christ and the Father (John 15, 17).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8

Doing Business for God

“Occupy till I come” is a call to build and expand Christ’s kingdom with all the resources and talents God has given to us!

Repentance is always the starting place (Hosea 10:12, etc.). Repentance precedes refreshment from Heaven (Acts 3:19).

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17

The LORD has called you to fulfil His calling on your life. You are fully responsible.

The true Heaven bound disciple is doing GOD’s business and not his own. He’s using everything God has given him for the LORD’s glory. Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business” and so if you are truly following Jesus, you are about the Father’s business and not your own! (Luke 2:49)

In this parable, Jesus is speaking of the stewardship of our lives and resources He’s given us in this brief life and how they will have an eternal impact on each of us – for eternal blessing or embitterment. Here’s how Jesus begins and ends His parabolic teaching of the “ten servants”:

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” … “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:13, 27

In other words Jesus is saying: “I am your Master. Do My kingdom business, the Father’s business, until I return and you will be blessed. Yet if you do not allow Me to reign over your life on this earth, you will be destroyed and not with Me eternally.”

Those who do not “occupy” till Jesus comes will be counted as His “enemies” and slain.

This is yet another place in Scripture, of many, where final salvation is taught and the need to “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).

ARE YOU fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission command or will you be found to be an “unprofitable servant”?

“And cast ye the UNPROFITABLE SERVANT into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30

You’ve Been Given Marching Orders

No matter what – follow Jesus. What did Jesus say of those who begin and don’t finish?

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

Remember that no matter what’s going on in this fleeting world, the LORD holds His own responsible to teach and preach His Word – which He specifically sent us to do (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Always “preach the word” and never delay – never put it off for any current event…

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:34-38

Jesus is saying here that those who are and will remain with Him must never put off His work for any other occupation. – “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (v35) And Jesus communicates: “When you put off My work, the mission I sent you on, you’ve put me off.”

“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

At this very moment, hell is full of people who were once saved while on earth and then left Jesus. They neglected their fellowship with the Savior and fell away (Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

Have you lost your anointed effect on others? Has the salt you once had lost its Savour, its flavor, its punch? This can only happen if the disciple neglects His relationship with the LORD.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13

“Our holy lives ought to act as salt to arrest the corruption around us. It is said that the presence of a child has arrested many a crime. A sudden silence should fall on certain kinds of conversation when we enter the room. But it is very easy to lose our saltness, as did Lot in Sodom and the seven churches of Asia. Our lives ought to serve also as light.” FB Meyer

Is there seasoning on your offering as a “living sacrifice”? (Romans 12:1)

Does your life have “savour”? If not, it can! When the LORD sprinkles you where He wishes in this world, is there divine flavor and strength, pungency, is there Heaven’s power to bless, to bring His love, His truth, His salvation, His deliverance? His stated desire is to make you a “a vessel unto honour.” Are you prepared? Are you preparing?

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

PUN’GENCY, noun [Latin pungens, pungo, to prick.]

1. The power of pricking or piercing; as the pungency of a substance.

2. That quality of a substance which produces the sensation of pricking, or affecting the taste like minute sharp points; sharpness; acridness.

3. Power to pierce the mind or excite keen reflections or remorse; as the pungency of a discourse.

Food without seasoning is bland, boring, tasteless. Do you sprinkle salt, pepper, Tony Chachere’s, Tabasco, or any other good seasoning on your food? Of course you do, right? Would you bother if that seasoning you like became bland, tasteless? Think about this in light of our Master in Heaven: If your salt has no more tastiness, if your life is not anchored in Christ, do you think He’s still going to use you since you have no more heavenly effect on others due to Him no longer being your “first love”? No. See Revelation 2:4-5. The Master would have you restored to Himself first and foremost by way of true repentance.

“…if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13

The disciple who become like salt that has lost it’s flavor, has become lifeless, lukewarm and drab, will fall and be “trodden under foot of men.”

Does God sprinkle the salt of His truth on the world through His saints? – Yes but only if their salt has strong seasoning – only if they are abiding intimate with the Savior!

What Did Jesus Mean by “Have salt in yourselves”? Salt gives life to food. Salt is a curing and preserving agent, substance.

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:50

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?” Luke 14:34

Jesus was speaking of remaining full of His life, His truth, His grace, and therefore making an impact on those around us. Un-salty, unfavored salt is useless for the user, the Master.

Use it or lose it.

Jesus continues…. it’s only when one of His own is truly worshipping Him in sprit and in truth that the divine light is shining into and out from that vessel.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

God’s light shines in and through us as we ingest His Word which is the divine light that lights and leads us!

Those who get out of the Word, get off track:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

All who aren’t in God’s Word daily, are backslidden. Return to Christ.

You have to be full of Christ’s light for that light to shine out from your vessel, your life in this dark world.

Today is our day to get full and stay full!

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

The light of Christ only fills those who “hunger and thirst” after His righteousness, filling their hearts with His Word, His light! Is God’s Word making a daily “entrance” into your heart?

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

The darkness must be vanquished from our hearts daily via diligent study of God’s Word which “giveth light” to our hearts and scatters all darkness!

Is your lamp full today beloved? Are your hands and is your heart lifted in worship to your God today? Are you a wise virgin or a foolish virgin? Will you be full and flourish or will you be empty and perish? (Matthew 25:1-13)

Might this moment be the time that you dip your cup afresh into His divine well of salvation, to be refreshed, refilled, and overflowing? (Isaiah 12:3)

“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please break me and bring this heart to contrition before You. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry and self-reliance. LORD, I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy name. I have not trusted You fully and ask You to forgive this sin and restore my life to full strength in Your Spirit now. Please use me to feed Your bless-ed sheep and to help others know You. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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Abiding

Acquainted and Nourished [podcast]

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21

“nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”

Our Sin Should Lay us at His Feet [podcast]

“Sin lieth at the door.” Genesis 4:7 One writer takes a shot at this in the following words: “Jesus died for our sins. He is the sin offering for all humanity: past, present, and future. So the offerings in the Old Testament represent the Cross. So in short, if you reject the offering, meaning Christ and the Cross, ‘then sin lieth at the door.’ This means sin will DOMINATE you if any other method is used.” “Sin lieth at the door” – Temptation to sin presents itself perpetually and this is why prayer, abiding communion, perpetual communication with the Savior, command central, is […]

Teach the Bible [podcast]

JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE” “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, […]

Nourished Up in God's Word 1 Timothy 4:6 [1 min video]

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6 Jesus is KING and kingdom living is all about exalting KING Jesus – not mere men or organizations or ministries! It’s only then that His divine “nourishment” is going to flow down into His beloved body! “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed […]

Abiding

“Be Strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy Chapter 2 [podcast]

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

A Workman Approved by God

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to […]

Ephesians Narrated [podcast]

Ephesians 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 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 […]

The Book of 1 John Narrated [podcast]

Love. Truth. Know. Note: The Book of 1 John has at least 3 power words and truths to behold: 1. Love, 2. Truth, 3. Know “Love” appears 44 times in 1 John. “Truth” appears 10 times in 1 John. “Know” appears 28 times in 1 John. Some have called the book of 1 John “the book of certainties” as Christ’s apostle John is blunt, curt, strong, forceful in/with the truth, and loving – a true man of steal, and velvet. Reading any book of the Bible 10-20 times, reading straight through it, is powerfully effective in getting that Word of our […]

Abiding

“A Faithful Man shall Abound with Blessings” [podcast]

Do you desire to abound in the blessings of God?

Jesus our LORD taught that as we are faithful with what the LORD has already given us, then, and only then, will He multiply it.

ASK YOURSELF: Are you faithful to abide, to obey Him by obeying His Word? If so, Jesus and the Father are dwelling richly with you and will multiply you according to your proper, wise, faithful stewardship of what is already in your possession – which is from Him. See John 14:21-23.

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20

God is not going to add to or multiply His supply and blessings to anyone who is sitting around, doing the church attendance thing, and not doing His biblically stated will – of loving, tending to, giving to, serving, and blessing others (Matthew 22:37-39). Every true disciple is a doer of the WORD (James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.). A true disciple is not known merely by being a church attender, which any old dead fish counterfeit can be. No, the true servant of Christ is known by his supreme love for, and faithful obedience to Christ his King, his “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5).

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

Every good gift and blessing is from God (James 1:17). We take from what He’s given us and we share it with others – whether that be supply, or spiritual blessings in Christ, or material blessings.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹(as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

ARE GOD’S BLESSINGS CONDITIONAL? Yes they are. Here’s but one example of how God’s people forfeited His blessings due to living life on their own terms instead of complying with His.

“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.” Jeremiah 5:25

Jesus’ Parable of the Talents:
Matthew 25:14-30

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Prayer: Holy Father, I come to You in the name of my LORD Jesus. Please make my heart to long for more of You, to love and worship You as my supreme God, Supplier, and Provider. Please unite my heart to truly fear Thy holy Name and to be quickened by Your Word and Holy Spirit unto obedience. Please multiply Your grace to my life as You are working in me and Your body both to will and to do of Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Proving Jesus Matters to You [podcast]

Kingdom Opportunity “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14 May our LORD bless each of us to be cultivated in a heart filled with sincere and true worship and thanksgiving to Him. “…freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8 We should understand that we have freely received the salvation of our God in Christ and that those who don’t give out of the mercy, forgiveness, love, supply that He has given us, are not in God’s will. Out of what God gives us we give out and this clearly proves we […]

The Powerful Furtherance of the Gospel [podcast]

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; … 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;” Philippians 1:12, 25 Instead of being a hindrance, we can become a powerful helper, to “the furtherance of the gospel” of our LORD. As His “ambassadors” He is using us, His people, to propel His Gospel to the end of the Earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). Are YOU supporting the work of Christ, of […]

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS [podcast]

The Eternal Consequence of Obedience vs Neglect A parable is an earthy story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus’ parable of the talents is a teaching and severe warning of stewardship and the eternal consequences of obeying or disobeying God in the matter of our handling of His resources in this fleeting life. “And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31 It is said that of the 38 parables Jesus taught, 16 of them involve stewardship. To further underscore the divine importance placed on stewardship, we should note that […]