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“Neither was there any Among them that Lacked” Acts 4:34

We have been given a blessed window through which we can view just how true Christianity manifests itself in the lives of those who truly have it. Among the earliest believers, the saints of Christ, there was not one of them that had lack. They gave liberally, not counting their own lives dear to themselves (Acts 20:24). They were truly losing their lives in this world and therefore gaining eternal treasure in eternal glory (John 12:23-25).

Are we living this?

“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35

Why was there no lack among the earliest saints who walked in perfect union with Jesus?

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45

If you are unduly holding on to your money, it reveals you are preserving your own life which means you will “lose” it (Proverbs 11:24-26; John 12:23-25).

We each have a small window – this brief life – to abandon our lives in true worship and obedience to our LORD who gave all for our sins and the sins of the whole world. He commanded us to give all or lose out in the end (Luke 14:33; 19:27).

According to the Son of God, the way we steward money is a clear measurement tool of how much or how little we have given up our lives in this fleeting world (Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12, 16). Jesus is coming – Are you ready to meet Him, being found faithful with what He has given you? Remember Jesus’ parable of the talents? (Matthew 25:13-29)

WHEN we choose to freely give out of what God has put into our hands – “God loveth a cheerful giver” – we are sending it before us – laying up treasure in Heavenly places where it’s safe – forever (2 Corinthians 9:7).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Those who don’t supply GOD’s work prove that they valued everything else they spend money on above God and His work.

Our brief window of opportunity to obey the LORD by laying down our lives and therefore our riches hastens to a close. Will we be found faithful or will we be found wanting?

***THIS IS INTERESTING: THERE WAS an orderly discipline of gathering and giving among the earliest saints – “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

Things to Observe:

1. There was a collection weekly “for the saints” who had need.
2. Paul had “given order to the churches” to do such.
3. The apostle’s instruction to “do ye” means all Christians should do such.
4. “let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” – The LORD instructs us to set aside to give of what we have, as He has allowed us to get (Deut. 6:17; 2 Corinthians 8:12).

How much and with what heart posture we give is what the LORD looks at. Our giving to the LORD proves how much He means to. It is shown in how we give to His kingdom people and work – the heart and the percentage (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44). He gave us the ability to earn money that we may have to give – which is an integral part of our worship of Him.

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

~STEWARDSHIP FEST: Examining Ourselves Honestly |  “Depart in Peace, be ye Warmed and Filled” | 1 Timothy 6 | Wealth Wasted on the Worship of Self! | Token Tips

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Articles

Biblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]

Dominating the Devil! (below)


 

The Heart of the Matter (below)


Biblical Deliverance and Wholeness Prescription:

PRAYER: Holy Father, please make me whole, make me holy, from the inside out, as only You can do! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts, broken lives, and making them WHOLE as He alone can do! THAT’S why He came! (Luke 4:18.)

Dear LORD Jesus, I love You. Please quicken my spirit in Your holy fear, make me alive in Thee afresh dear Savior. Please bless this life to be dead and buried that You might raise it up for Your eternal glory – both now and forever. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.

Are you hearing the voice of God? If so, it will be proven in that your life following Jesus will of certainty include regular times of fasting and prayer. Jesus says “WHEN” and not “if” you fast (Matthew 6:16). A true oneness with Christ and the Father, absolute deliverance, broken yokes, refreshing, true rest, wholeness to the core, a poor in spirit heart, and the blessed place of brokenness and divine peace await you beloved of God (Isaiah 58).

Remember that whatever you FEED will FLOURISH and whatever you crucify will DIE, will DIMINISH. In Christ, there’s nothing in your life you can’t fast away – as you cry with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  Read Isaiah 58 and do it God’s way. He promised to “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). If you love Jesus supremely, you will obey Him and at any cost, get the sin out of your life (Mark 9:43-49). If you’re not willing to die, you will not enjoy the benefits that He desires to load you with (Psalms 68:19).

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Fasting earns nothing from God. No, a time of fasting and prayer is the wise decision to declare “Jesus, I love You and I want You to consume my life!” … Saints, today is our day to drive our stake in the ground by scheduling a time of fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:16). Broken yokes, deliverance, wholeness, and fruitfulness for His glory await as Jesus manifests Himself in and raises up those that be bowed down (Psalms 145:14; Isaiah 58; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; James 4:10).

The Untold, Untapped Blessings of Fasting and Prayer According to Holy Scripture 

The only way sin will be forgiven and devils will leave a person is if they “submit” to God in true repentance (James 4:7).

ANYone who is willing to repent can be delivered! Do you know what James 4:7 says?

You will remain in bondage to sin, depressed, feeling lonely, defeated, miserable, unfulfilled, hurting, anxious, etc., until you truly submit your life to God. He’s going to allow all the evil to remain upon you and increase in your life – because He loves you and wants you to come home to Him which begins at repenting.

The only way to escape the evil one controlling your life is submission to God which begins with unreserved repentance which then results in abiding fellowship (James 4:7).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Overcoming the enemy requires submitting to God. There are no shortcuts. “The children of disobedience” are under the control of the enemy of all souls, the cruel taskmaster himself, Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3).

The LORD avenges us of our enemies only when we submit to Him (James 4:7).

As long as we are not truly submitted to the LORD, Satan is in control of our lives. Memorize James 4:7.

“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2 

“WHEN” we “willingly” offer ourselves to the LORD, He will bring His deliverance and wholeness into and through our lives!

“Willingly” offering ourselves is spoken of in Romans 12:

“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

Needing deliverance? “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves” (Judges 5:2).

WHEN we willingly offer ourselves to the LORD, He brings deliverance to our lives by ridding our enemies which first must pertain to the conquering, the crucifixion of “the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and in putting on of “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).

WHEN you make your move, abandoning the futile flesh, you can bet Satan is going to send you diversionary distractions! God is able as you continue to press into Christ, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left! 

“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27

DEMONSTRATE to God that you are authentic-by laying down your life so Christ can reign!

Forgiveness and Inheritance

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18

The LORD wants to grant each of His children not only deliverance but wholeness!!!!!

WHEN we are fractured in soul, not made whole by our LORD, it will destroy our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a divine prayer for wholeness!

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

We just read that wholeness is our LORD’s will for us and He’s the only One who can make us whole – from the inside out! Oh, and the promise that He “will do it”!!!! What great confidence with which we can approach our Father!!!! in JESUS’ Name!

God is a good Father, perfect! He left nothing out of His Word that we need and TODAY is the day we apply His divine healing, wholeness balm/medicine in JESUS’ name! (See 2 Peter 1:3-4.) Wholeness is only, exclusively available to those who are truly in Christ!

Two Great Prayers for today:

“Father, in Jesus’ Name, please make me whole, from the inside out” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

“Father, please make me whole, as You alone can do-spirit, soul, and body, in JESUS’ Name” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

LITTLE BY LITTLE!!!! IF you are not completely delivered and made whole, join the club. Take encouragement in this truth: “By little and little I will drive them (your enemies!) out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land”    (Exodus 23:30).

Beware of wasting time with the false movements, preachers, and local churches of this apostate day who only feed the flesh instead preaching the original Gospel where Jesus and His holy apostles commanded that we die to self, lay down our lives in the fleeting world or we will perish (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25, etc.). The self-serving person will never be made whole. Jesus only makes whole those who take in and adhere to His whole counsel!

A time of fasting and prayer is the cross in action! What day do you fast weekly?

Fasting weakens the flesh and prayer strengthens the spirit! Bam! Death, burial and resurrection in action!

EVERYTHING you need and desire is in Christ! It’s time to indulge! To “Delight”! (Psalms 37:4.)

The only way to get Satan out of your life AND BE MADE WHOLE IN CHRIST, is to repent for real – to submit your life to God (James 4:7). When you do, the LORD will make you whole! (1 thessalonians 5:23.)

Charles Pray writes:

“Yes Lord, just as a piece of fruit that is rotten starting from the inside and works its way out to the surface, where when you finally see it it’s too late to save it. Father, in Jesus’ Name, let our fruit be seen from the inside out. Cut out the evil rebellion LORD, we pray! LORD, please purifies us to the depth of our hearts that You might be glorified to use us, in Jesus’ Name, amen!”  

ARE YOU being made whole in Christ for that relationship you are praying for? Okay You are PRAYING, but are you PREPARING?

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

If you truly desire to be delivered from all oppression or possession of the enemy of all souls, you will read and heed this divine prescription – a guarantee for your liberty in Christ.

  • Present your body a living sacrifice – lay down your life (John 12:23-25; Romans 12:1-2).
  • Set yourself apart (Psalms 4:3).
  • Seek the face of the LORD in a time of fasting and prayer (Isaiah 58; Matthew 17:21 KJV only – the new perversions have removed this verse).
  • Repent of all known sin in order to shut out the enemy by cancelling his legal right to you (James 4:7).
  • As we submit ourselves to the LORD, the enemy will be cast out and kept out in Jesus’ holy Name (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18; James 4:7; Matthew 12:43-45).
  • Ask God to baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 38-39; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6, etc.).
  • Memorize Hosea 10:12.
  • Pour over James 4:4-10.
  • Read and do Isaiah 58.
  • Memorize Mark 10:27.
  • Now, once delivered, you must keep your house – temple – clean and clear of all sin and this will keep Satan out (Matthew 12:43-45).
  • This will keep him from having legal right to your life through sin  (James 4:7).
  • Know that God is able and willing and desires to make you completely whole, set apart to Him, and free (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
  • Liberty is in Christ and staying rooted in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
  • Those who obey the LORD’s truth are made free (John 8:31-32, 36).
  • God wants us to speak with Him. So, come before the LORD with “words” of repentance, denunciation of all idols, and placing all your trust – the whole weight of your existence – upon Him (Hosea 14:1-3).

Deliverance | Devils | Holy Ghost Baptism | Satan Crushed! | Off the Chain | Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans

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Abiding

Going Directly to the Source [podcast]


IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.

“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

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

“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.

“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

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)

It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.

Psalms 73

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”

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Abiding

“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]


“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:

“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake

“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.

“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke

“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”

“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25 

In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:

“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7 

“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16

Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:

“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12 

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“2 Peter 3:

To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God. 

Key aspects:

  • Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication. 
  • Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties. 
  • Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth. 
  • Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within. 
  • Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25). 
How it’s expressed:
  • Passionate prayer
  • Diligent study of God’s Word
  • Active, loving service to others
  • Bold witnessing for faith
  • Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm” 

Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”

“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.

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