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“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” 2 Timothy 1:7-8

Notice in the passage above how “power” and “love” and a “sound mind” are coupled with not slandering or receiving and joining in with the persecution of a brother or sister in Christ – no matter what they are going through at this time, no matter the season. In this season, the apostles penned these words while in prison.

“Three commands to Timothy:
1.    Be not ashamed of the gospel (2Ti_1:8; 2Ti_2:15; 2 Tim. 15; Rom_1:16; Luk_9:26)
2.    Be not ashamed of gospel preachers (2Ti_1:8, 2Ti_1:16; Luk_9:26)
3.    Be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel (2Ti_1:8; 2Ti_4:5; Col_1:24)” Dake

“Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel – No parent could love a child better than Paul loved Timothy; and, behold! he who could wish him nothing but what was great, honorable, and good, wishes him to be a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel! Because, to suffer for Christ, and suffer with Christ, was the highest glory to which any human being in this state could arrive. The royal way to the crown of glory, is by the cross of Christ.” Adam Clarke

“1:8 Timothy is told that he should not be ashamed. In verse 12, Paul states that he is not ashamed. Finally, in verse 16, we read that Onesiphorus was not ashamed. It was a day when preaching the gospel was a crime. Those who sought to witness publicly for their Lord and Savior were persecuted. But this should not daunt Timothy. He should not be ashamed of the gospel, even though it involves suffering. Neither should he be ashamed of the Apostle Paul in prison. Already some of the Christians had turned their backs on him. Doubtless they feared that to identify themselves with him would invite persecution and possibly death. Timothy was exhorted to take his share of the sufferings that accompany the gospel and to bear it according to the power of God. He should not try to avoid any disgrace that might be connected with it, but rather join with Paul in enduring such disgrace.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

May God bless each of us to walk in the wisdom of the whole counsel of His Word (James 1:5; Proverbs 8; James 3:17-18, etc.).

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17-18

Here the great apostle of Christ is in jail where he wrote this from. And, obviously some were using his jail sentence against him. So, Paul tells his understudy Timothy, not to be ashamed of him because he’s being persecuted.

The Bible tells us that when we walk in God’s love through intimate union with Christ, even “a multitude” of the sins of others will be covered.

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

Receiving and Showing His Bless-ed Mercy

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

Let’s Pray: Father, please make me whole from the inside out, as You alone can do, in Jesus’ name (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Please use me to restore instead of condemning those who fall, undergirding them in prayer and any aide You mercifully allow me to render to help them. Thank You Father that Your compassions fail not but rather are new every morning, and great in Thy faithfulness. Otherwise I’d be the one in the lowest of hell! I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The iniquitous sinful nature in us, the “old man”, tends toward joining in on slander, projecting our own darkness on others, instead of coming to their aid, to their side, to help them, to lift them up as did our LORD when He left the glories of His Father to come and reach us in our low, sinful state (Philippians 2; Colossians 3:8-10).

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3

Somehow we seem to forget that while Jesus was literally dying for OUR sins on that cross, He prayerfully cried to the Father “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

God didn’t forgive us for any inherent goodness in us – because we have none (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10; 7:18, 24). Solely on the basis of Christ’s perfect blood sacrifice and His sheer divine mercy has God forgiven us! – “even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

The most basic teaching of Christ, of Christianity, is to forgive others as God has forgiven us on the behalf of Christ, of His perfect merciful sacrifice for we ourselves – the most needy of all!

All who do not freely forgive others, do not get it – have no clue of the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ and why He came (Luke 9:56; 19:10; John 3:17). They are in darkness and cannot possibly see even a glimpse of just how wicked they are in the eyes of a holy God.

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

All those in the light of Christ the Light of the world, freely, swiftly, quickly, eagerly forgive others. They hold no grudges, something that specifically prevent any rebel from entering glory (James 5:7-9).

Father, please tenderize our hardened hearts. Grant us to have all stony places removed and for our hearts to be hearts of flesh – soft, pliable, repentant, and worshipfully obedient to Your every desire and command. In Jesus’ name.

Case in Point

“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Timothy 5:19

Note closely in the above verse, that we are not to receive any accusation against one of Christ’s elders (or any believer for that matter) without at least two actual WITNESSES. Did you catch that? Not two spreaders of slander but two people who actually WITNESSED the supposed matter/violation. Do you see the difference?

You see, we all know that one person, one devil, can accuse a brother or sister of something and then other pawns can spread the mere fabricated lie. Those are not witnesses. Those are simply people who are spreading a lie.

A man who is an elder received vicious slanderous accusations about another brother (who is a preacher). When he in “concern” contacted me about that brother, I refused his cause against that brother and told him that I have no evidence or sense that such is true about that brother and outrightly stand with that brother and against this fabricated slander. And, I stated to him that I supposed that those slanderous things came from Satan’s very children (namely jezebels). My concern then became about this accusing “elder” who would dare buy into such fabricated slander. Red flags. Paul the apostle of Christ, who was persecuted unto prison (chained down behind bars), said to Timothy:

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” 2 Timothy 1:8

The next time we hear slander about a known brother or sister, like something that they did in the past (SUPPOSEDLY), let us remember the verse above and memorize it and the address of it. Let us also be filled with joy that the brother or sister being persecuted by slander must be making a great impact for Christ and against the kingdom of hell!!!!!

Now THAT’S how we need to field these things. Is this not the kingdom perspective?!

Our concern actually needs to be about ourselves if we are never slandered or maligned, lied about or persecuted in any way. According to Jesus, if we are not being assaulted, we are not “blessed” according to His divine definition and should be greatly concerned and driven to fall afresh on His mercy at the foot of the cross before it’s too late.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you FALSELY, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Okay, someone may say, “WAIT, what if what people are saying about that person is TRUE?!??!!!”

Reply: DID God’s plan to crucify His only begotten Son not include forgiveness AT and AFTER He saved an individual?

If you for a moment believe a Christian can’t be forgiven of any and all sin, you have elevated sin above the blood of Christ’s cross and are in serious trouble spiritually.

If a man stands solid on both feet in divine truth and publicly declares it, you can know of a certainty that such a man of God WILL ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT FAIL be assaulted by “evil men” and jezebels. Remember God’s prophet Elijah and how jezebel fumed in hatred over him and swore to take his life? (1 Kings 18-19)

In fact, gentlemen, if we aren’t being lied about, assaulted, shunned, and horrifically slandered, we may wish to examine our own lives – their root in Christ and subsequent fruitfulness.

Question: Who needs to be worried?

Answer: NOT the fruitful, persecuted true disciples of Jesus but rather those who are not being fruitful and therefore attacked.

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

Of course, not all sinners will hate us. Yet, the point is, if we receive no persecution, including those which Jesus specifically cites, what does that tell us of our lack of union with He who was persecuted unto crucifixion?

The Revelation 12:10 phrase “accuser of the brethren (Satan)” fits well here and that’s because these are true disciples of Jesus being falsely accused, not the wolves of Satan. Usually that verse is taken out of context to cover for and defend absolute wolves who pose as Christ’s ministers while misleading and damning many (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). May we study God’s Word for ourselves and thereby gain a biblical clue!

Who did Jesus say is blessed? Listen to the Lamb:

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:21-26

From our LORD’s teaching here and elsewhere, conversely those who should fear for their eternal souls: are not poor in spirit, are full and not charitable to others (givers), not hated, not separated by joined with apostates and sinners, not reproached, whose names aren’t ridiculed and mocked, laughing and having no troubles due to truly following Christ.

—– Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant my heart to be clean of all self-righteousness and an evil eye and that You would allow Your love in me to overlook the multitude of sins in others. Bless me to know that no one on this planet is less worthy of Your sheer mercy, saving than myself. Grant that my heart be broken, humble, and set upon serving You and others. You have not given Your people the spirit of fear but rather of power, love and a sound mind. Bless me to never be ashamed of your beloved saints as they suffer slanderous persecution and imprisonment in this brief journey leading up to our eternity with You! Instead, use me to pray for aid, and comfort them in any way possible! Thank You this moment LORD, for multiplying Your wisdom to my heart and life, in Jesus’ holy name, amen.

More on Persecution here. | More on Self-Righteousness Here.

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments for My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

Aren’t You Glad God is the Judge and Not Man? [podcast]

Have you been Attacked “Without a Cause”?

Should We Listen to Everyone’s Opinion of Us? [podcast]

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Articles

Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]


“LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES”

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

Money Has Wings

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

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

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

Treasures In Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE are you laying up treasure?

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

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

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

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

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

Feedback:

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

More on Stewardship | Cheerful Giving

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSASAccounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed?The Return of Christ | Lie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast]

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Articles

Mission Mexico Update Part 34 [video]

Mexico Army Personnel Ministered to [podcast]


“Love this walk around ministry here in Mexico. Handed a fella a tract and about 3 minutes later I passed by him and he was still reading it.” Mark

Brother Mark is a studious, diligent disciple of Jesus. Diligently doing the ultimate mission for our Messiah which is eternal. Thank you for lifting our brother in prayer (Colossians 4:12).


Mission Mexico – This is brother in Christ Juan. After ministering to him he lit up and informed me that he is a born again Christian. He is now distributing the JESUS tract on a very busy street where his shop it (the one he owns). God is good. Satan is a liar. Jesus is coming. Let’s roll saints. More Mission Mexico updates here.


“You mentioned our prayers are golden with God. How true this is according to Revelation 5:8. They are ‘golden vials’ (prayers and praises). That go upward to heaven right to the Lord! Carried up to the throne of heaven. And are received as a sweet odour to God! If done out of a pure heart. Because we know He hears the prayers of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29). If we are clothed in humility, our prayers and praises will be a sweet-smelling aroma to our Lord Jesus!” Karen Cochran



Regrettably, most professing Christians will never love Jesus enough to give up this fleeting world for Heaven’s coming King (Luke 14:33; 17:33).



When asked if she desired Christians in the USA to lift her in prayer, Maria immediately responded in the affirmative. Thank you for lifting the people in Mexico in your prayer, right now if you wish to pause.


Last evening brother Mark and I met up again with the dear pharmacist man. Gave him a big hug, warmly interacted with him, and gave him a fresh supply of the JESUS tract to continue to distribute from his pharmacy which is on a very busy corner here in Mexico and has daily walk in and walk by traffic.


A few days ago…. TONIGHT …. Another 50-60 JESUS tracts distributed and God’s Word spoken to many. 99% reception rate. God is good. Jesus is coming. Let’s roll saints. Mission Mexico underway. Your prayers and support are vital.

 



The receptivity of the Mexican people to our LORD’s Gospel is staggering, utterly dumbfounding.

“Truthfully amazing. I don’t think we here in in America can even begin to comprehend what God is doing in the hearts of the Mexican people. The book of Acts is the closest thing we have to understanding.  I just read Daniel 12:3 “and they that the turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” You and Mark’s lives in Christ are a shining testament to so many as you lead them to salvation and the righteousness only found in Christ.” Karen Cochran


Recently it was made known that a new batch of the JESUS tracts in Spanish was a need. A dear disciple of Christ funded that. God is good. 1,500 JESUS tracts! Done! appr 7,000 distributed thus far!


 




After the last newsletter, a dear sister in Christ jumped in and sent the money for us to print 1,500 more of the JESUS tract in Spanish. So now to date 9,000 have been printed during Mission Mexico. Appr 7,000 already distributed! 7,000 souls heard and read the Gospel of our LORD thus far and your prayers and support make this possible!


Jesus the Great High Priest

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrew 4:14-16

Check this out…..Trending now on SafeGuardYourSoul.com

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]

Jesus is coming saints – we going home soon to His forever home (John 14:1-6).

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”

Heaven in the greatest investment – it’s forever. In Jesus our LORD

todd

God be praised for those who are financially supporting this outreach. We will continue to do with that which comes in. Here are some things that can be done….

More support to others doing ministry in the USA.

We support Allan Abayon, who is a sound disciple and now ministering in the Philippines.

More support for requested books by Jay, a chaplain who ministers to 800 inmates in Texas, on the border. He’s the brother who contacted me after he got a hold of one of the Authentic Disciple of Jesus books (Spanish) in the jail he ministers in. He loved it and asked for more. We’ve only sent him a few dozen as that’s all the money that was given for such…..


Roger (pictured below) is a brother in Christ and after we talked he took some JESUS tracts to distribute. Amen LORD. Roger was asked if he’d like Christians in the USA to lift him in prayer and he eagerly said “yes.” Would you like to pause now and lift up our brother in Christ to the Father in Jesus’ name?



 





Dear saints in Christ, thank you for agreeing that it is our privilege to help these beloved people, to take out of what GOD has put in our hand to help HIS work.

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Abiding

The Killing Power of the Holy Ghost with Judge Travis Bryan III [podcast]


“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

“The cross of Christ is the sweetest burden that I ever bore; it is such a burden as wings are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbor.” Samuel Rutherford

Momentum in the power of the Holy Spirit comes from a continual perpetual downward dying motion, being then raised up reciprocally in the resurrection grace of Jesus Christ.

“The flesh loses its power over you when it is crucified. Christ’s power begins to reign. The worries and stress of this life leave. And you begin to have the peace that passes all understanding. Philippines 4:7 Amen! A crucified life! Hallelujah all praise to Jesus.” Karen Cochran

God’s plan for your life….here it is:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

The ministry has put together 3 volumes sure to deepen your life in Christ, in the crucified life. 3 volumes to boost your life in Christ, in the cross He commanded us to take up – and by which He raises us upward in His glorious power and grace (Luke 9:23-24).

Travis Bryan III

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Crucified Life | Fasting and Prayer | True Repentance | Discipleship | Got Breakthrough? Here it is!

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