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by Chris Sitter

This article is written for those who love the Word of God, and specifically – for individuals in the following categories:

  1. Those who desire that they and their families would be saved in their times of trouble.
  2. Those who wish to find mercy on Judgment Day.
  3. Those who fear God and who have no desire of incurring the wrath that comes upon His enemies, and from opposing His true representatives.

Ebed-Melech, Barzillai, The Shunamite Woman, Hananiah, Amaziah, Onesiphorus & Alexander the Coppersmith…What would God have us to learn from these 7 Old & New Testament stories?

The word count in this article will mostly come from the scripture selections that tell us these people’s stories.  The comments at the end of all these passages will be shorter than the full scripture passages, as I believe the scriptures themselves will help to make the primary points I am trying to make – very clear.

Let’s start with Old Testament Good Guy #1 – Ebed-Melech, in Jeremiah 38 – who risked his life to help Jeremiah

38 Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

Thus saith the Lord, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Thus saith the Lord, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.

Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king saying,

My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.

10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

11 So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.

13 So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Jeremiah 39:15-18  (God remembers Ebedmelech – when the Babylonians take the city)

15 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

16 Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.

17 But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.

18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.

Barzillai – Old Testament Good Guy #2 

2 Samuel 17 – Wealthy Barzillai and some others give lots of Food and other needed items to David and his companions – when they were running for their lives from Absolom.

24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.

26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

2 Samuel 19 – When King David was returning – after Absalom was dead – David Remembers Barzillai for his kindness

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

Blessings for Barzillai:

  • He obtained Favor with King David – when David returned to his kingdom
    • Including David’s offer to have him come dine at his table and take care of all his needs – for the rest of his life!!!
    • Favor to have David treat Chimham his servant – very well, to the point that David said he would do for Chimham whatever “seems good to Barzillai”,
    • Favor to have David also say “whatsoever you shall require of me – THAT WILL I DO FOR YOU!
    • There are many parallels here, of helping God’s afflicted people (and perhaps even more of a direct parallel for this particular story – his persecuted and true leaders and preachers and prophets) now – before the King returns to planet earth at his Second Coming: ”And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” Revelation 22:12

Old Testament Good Person # 3The Shunamite woman and her husband – who helped to meet the physical needs of Elisha

2 Kings 4:8 –37   Shunamite Woman & her husband feed Elisha (& probably also Gehazi) and even build an extra room for him when he passes through their area.

Shunamite Gets a Son when her husband is old & then – years later – has her son resurrected, after dying from sickness.

2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

18 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

19 And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.

20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.

21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.

22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.

25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:

26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:

27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

30 And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.

33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord.

34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

Shunamite woman is blessed yet again – with a warning of the 7 year famine which is about to come. And after the famine – the King “just happens” be having the miracles of Elisha read to him – and hearing the story of her son raised from the dead – when she approaches the King.  Shunamite woman finds favor with the King and receives not only her land back, but also ALL THE FRUITS OF THE LAND. WOW!

2 Kings 8:1- 6

1Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. 2And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. 4And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. 5And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 6And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

Shunamite blessings:

  • Good feelings in her heart about helping the true man of God – Elisha (and probably also Gehazi). “A good man is satisfied from himself” Proverbs 14:14
  • Birth of a son when husband probably too old to have kids or maybe even too old to have relations with his wife
  • Warning about the coming famine – with the result that her life and family were preserved for those 7 years
  • Favor with the King after 7 year famine – upon returning to her land, and The Lord orchestrating how the King was asking about Elisha miracles during the moment when she walked in, and The King restoring not only her land – but also all the fruits of the land over the past 7 years.
  • Think about this – NOBODY ELSE is listed as being warned about this coming famine…just the wife and husband who showed great hospitality and kindness to God’s true prophet and his helper (Elisha & Gehazi). What a major bummer – for the multitudes of Israelites who gave their time and money sacrificially and religiously to support the False Prophets & then – with no warning – tried to survive that entire 7 year famine.  Makes me want to REALLY study my Bible so I can know who is true & who to support, and who to show kindness.

Old Testament Bad Guy #1 – Amaziah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Amos & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.

See what happens to him…

Amos 7 : Amaziah – Enemy of God’s messenger and his message

And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.

10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.

11 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.

12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.

14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Old Testament Bad Guy #2 Hananiah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Jeremiah & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.

See what happens to him…

Jeremiah 27:1 – 28:17      

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

2  Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

3  And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

4  And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters;

5  I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

6  And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

7  And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

8  And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

9  Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

10  For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

11  But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

12 ¶  I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

13  Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?

14  Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

15  For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

16  Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

17  Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

18  But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

19  For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

20  Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

21  Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;

22  They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

1 ¶  And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

2  Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.

3  Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD’S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:

4  And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.

5  Then the prophet Jeremiah said unto the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people that stood in the house of the LORD,

6  Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD’S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.

7  Nevertheless hear thou now this word that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people;

8  The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.

9  The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

10 ¶  Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and brake it.

11  And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.

12  Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

13  Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

14  For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

15  Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

16  Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

17  So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

New Testament Stories – One Good Guy & One Bad Guy

New Testament Good Guy : Onesiphorus

 2 Timothy 1:16-18

16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Onesiphorus’ blessings:

  • Apostle Paul praying that The Lord will give him one of the GREATEST blessings you could get – that The Lord will have mercy on him – on Judgment Day.
  • Honor amongst the believers – and throughout the future of Christiandom – in Paul making note of his kind acts towards the Apostle Paul while he was in Ephesus.

New Testament Bad Guy – Alexander the Coppersmith

2 Timothy 4:14-15

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Study God’s Word Diligently – So YOU can confidently identify who is preaching the Truth, and who is not!

As I briefly mentioned earlier, these stories make me want to obey 2 Timothy 2:15:    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  If we get to know it well enough – we will know which preachers and prophets are true, and which are false.

Please do not take this exhortation to know God’s Word lightly.  Ponder for a moment – the ratio of false prophets and preachers – throughout history – to those who are true.  Think about Micaiah – in 1 Kings 22, when he stood before Ahab, Jehoshaphat and FOUR HUNDRED false prophets – who ALL told those 2 kings that they would have victory in the battle before them.  That ratio was 400 to 1.  And think about this…really think about this…all the people – the religious people – in ISRAEL – who supported those 400 FALSE prophets.   Then, there is Elijah and the Prophets of Baal – and the story when they all tried to call down fire from heaven.  How many false prophets in that story (1 Kings 18) – and how many true prophets in that story? Wasn’t it 450 false prophets (IN ISRAEL – which is supposed to contain God’s people) and ONE true prophet.  So, we have two examples that provide a ratio of around 400 to 1.    But those who were listening closely to the Scriptures they had in those days – would have known that those 400 + prophets were false.  So, today – we need to make it a HUGE PRIORITY to REALLY KNOW God’s Word, because (like then) MOST of the preachers today are also telling God’s people lies.  Today – like these stories from 2,000 plus years ago, millions of Bible carrying church goers today are supporting False Teachers.  And not only are they MISSING OUT on God’s special blessings for those who would support the rare and true messengers of God – they are ALSO bringing judgement upon themselves (2 John 1:11 “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”) for supporting another gospel and supporting those who are lying to God’s people.  Jesus Christ loves those people who are being lied to so much – that He Died on a cruel cross to save them.  He gives them life and breath every day – with hopes that they will somehow hear one of God’s true messengers and then turn from those lies and believe His Word, and then be filled with His spirit and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

The bottom line is this:  Make it a priority to identify God’s true messengers and do something considerable to help them or bless them.   Pull your support away from those who are speaking lies and ask God to forgive you for having supported false teachers – in the past.  And while part of you will just want to selflessly support these true preachers and other workers – just because you truly want to please The Lord, another part of you can also know – that SUPPORTING THE TRUE MESSENGERS OF GOD OFTEN HAS THE BIBLICALLY BASED RESULT OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BEING SAVED – IN THE TIMES OF TROUBLE THAT YOU & YOUR FAMILY MAY ENCOUNTER IN YOUR FUTURE!   So, I would agree with one old preacher I heard years ago – who called meeting the conditions of promises like this: “Enlightened self-interest”.  Do it for the true preachers & also…Do it for the good of yourself and your family. J

And since we are on the topic of Being Saved in Times of Trouble (war, famine, pestilence, etc.), I must take an extra moment to share one of the most incredible scriptures and LIST of precious promises – for those would study God’s Word and allow Him to “Correct” you.  I am not sure that I have EVER seen such an incredible list of blessings – for meeting just ONE CONDITION.  Many people spend thousands of dollars trying to be “prepared” for the possible emergencies and troubles that could happen to them and their family.  The Proverbs do certainly tell us – twice: that “the prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself” (Proverbs 22:3 & 27:12), but as you put aside some extra flashlight batteries, canned food and other items for those kinds of “rainy days”…you really need to also consider the above stories – and the amazing promises in the following passage from Job chapter 5 – if you want your family to be safe – in the time of trouble.  Check out the following amazing passage.  And when I say “check it out”, I want you to print this verse, and highlight every blessing you get – for meeting this one single condition.  In one of my Bibles, I think I actually numbered them.  I think I counted 8 blessings – just for allowing God to “Correct” me.  How many do you find?

Job 5:17-23

17Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: 18For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. 19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 20In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. 21Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 22At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

Exposing Satan’s Scheme to STEAL from both God’s sheep, and from His true messengers. 

After seeing how plainly God has made it – that there is such a great blessing in identifying and heartily assisting God’s true messengers, I am CONVINCED that this is a HUGE PRIORITY in Satan’s kingdom – to do everything he can to:

  1. Keep people from studying God’s Word diligently enough to clearly identify who God’s True messengers even are.
  2. Thru that ignorance (and through Covetousness – for those who actually DO KNOW who God’s true messengers are) Satan wants to ROB people from the blessings of heartily supporting God’s true messengers.
  3. Satan wants to STOP God’s true messengers from doing their work, to hinder that work through lack of funds or having to do other jobs to make ends meet, and to discourage God’s true messengers – thru the frustration of consistent LACK! Satan wants to starve out these true Oxen – so much – that they just want to lay down and QUIT!  Sometimes God’s true messengers actually get so frustrated that they just want God to take them home!

God Help us all – who call ourselves Christians – to not let this happen to these dear and True messengers, in Jesus name – for we shall all give account – on the day of Judgment.  And May we also embrace the opportunities that The Lord gives us – to heartily assist His true messengers – knowing that The Lord has some VERY Special blessings in store – both in this life, and in the world to come (1 Timothy 4:8) – for those who follow in the footsteps of Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite woman (and her husband). J

Conclusion:

In conclusion, God has graciously spelled out 2 activities that help us to procure safety in the time of trouble, and even eternal favor.  Those 2 activities are A) Make it a point to heartily do nice things for God’s True Messengers, and B) Study God’s Word and let it “CORRECT” you.

Something Else Very Important – that I did not see – until AFTER writing this article

(It was not until I reread these passages – yet another time, that I noticed something else very significant.  Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite – did not just toss these true men of God a few leftovers.  One made a whole extra room on their house & kept it available for whenever they happened to pass by. One risked their life speaking to the King for Jeremiah’s sake, and one gave literally tons of food and stuff – to King David and his men and their families – while on the run from Absalom.  None of these 3 just tossed out a couple shekels of silver, or a few loaves of bread.  Most of God’s true messengers will be thankful for anyone that decides to help them with any amount or in any way – as they push towards accomplishing the work God has given them to do, and God surely keeps very good accounting – with whatever we do or do not sacrifice – to assist these oxen, who are treading out the heavenly corn for God’s sheep. But do keep in mind the level of sacrifice exhibited by our 3 good examples – as you ponder the true message of what God is trying to teach us – from the above 3 Old Testament stories & New Testament Onesiphorus.  The more I think about these good examples, the more I am wanting to consider them Helping Heroes – to God’s true messengers.

I also think of this final verse (in Isaiah 32) sometimes – when I think of this subject.  Just make sure you know enough of God’s Word, that you can truly identify who God’s true “Oxen” are.

Isaiah 32:20

20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven, Thank you so much for these beautiful truths in your precious Word.  We rejoice in them as one who finds GREAT SPOIL!  Please help us to discern who your true messengers are, and please guide as to which of them we help – and how we help them.   Please also help us to be teachable and to allow your Word to correct us, that the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and the actions of our lives – may more fully please you. Also, please call many of those who are either preaching lies or supporting false teachers – to repentance and true salvation, and help them to redirect their paths – that they (and we) might all hear you say on That Day…Well Done, thou good and faithful servant.  In Jesus name.  Any Amens?

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Abiding

The Imperative of Private Prayer [podcast]


We must be aware of our prayers we throw up while they have no congruence with our personal life – when they are shot gun prayers void of the foundation of private prayer, private praying, and holy living.

Private prayer with God is an essential to set your life up for success.

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6

Private prayer is essential to the disciple. Jesus reveals here that those who seek His face in prayer privately, will be used of Him publicly!

Are you at Christ’s feet? Do you live a life of prayer? Have you ever studied the life of Christ and beheld the many instances of His prayer life?

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35

“Solitary” simply means uninhabited.

If we want to assess our true spiritual state with God, we need only look to our prayer life or lack thereof. Show me a man’s prayer life, and I will show you who that man is! When God is truly first in a person’s life, all else will be demoted in importance!

“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

Backsliding begins with neglect of our relationship, our prayer life, our life of prayer with our LORD and Savior.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

I will either pray my way into glory, or I will not be there. Matthew 26:41

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I return to You now. Please forgive my sin of prayerlessness. Break me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at safeguardyoursoul.com/store and amazon. English and Spanish.

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Abiding

What Eternal Security Wolves Refuse to Teach [podcast]


THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.

The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.

We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)

There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:

  • Lust

  • Idolatry

  • Fornication

  • Tempting Christ

  • Murmuring

This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.

Fornication Defiles

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 

1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.

Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.

Case closed.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.

7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

The cross. Christ raises up those who are crcified with Him – outside of which no man can overcome sin. Romans 6.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 

Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).

The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16 

Die or death always means separation.

OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..

The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

“Psalms 51:1-19
Psalm 51: Sweet Perfumes of Penitence
Alexander Maclaren once said, ‘The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin.’ We have an illustration of this in Psalm 51. As the heading explains, it was written by David after Nathan the prophet had boldly exposed him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering Uriah. Utterly convicted of his sin, David pours out this torrent of penitence from his broken and contrite heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Read and pray Psalm 51.

Prayer of Returning: Holy Father, You gave all when You gave Your only begotten Son who came and died for our sins. You’ve also called me to lay down my life, to lose my life in this fleeting world. I have not done well at giving over my life to You … You alone who are worthy of my full, unreserved worship. Right this moment I ask You to forgive my sin of having another god before You which is self idolatry and spiritual adultery. I have alienated the affections of my heart away from You LORD and onto myself. For this I ask You to forgive me and I right here and now turn to You Jesus. Right this moment I lay my life in Your holy hands LORD. Into Your hands I submit my spirit – my whole being. Not my will but Thine be done LORD Jesus! I am no longer my own. I am Yours. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Jesus and am ceaselessly grateful that You bought me with the price of Your own blood! You must increase but I must decrease. I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy holy name! Teach me daily to lay myself aside and to give the reins over to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?

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Abiding

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]


Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their
home.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

God is holy and He says to …

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

Holiness simply means pure, sanctified.

Clearing out everything that defiles us in His holy eyes is the sign that we are living in fervent expectation of our LORD’s return for His bride.

“His wife hath made herself ready”

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9

We see here again, the earmark fruit of the Heaven bound remnant of Christ, the bride of Christ – “his wife hath made herself ready.”

2 ways to purification

  1. The precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7
  2. The washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).

Washed in His Precious Blood

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19

The Washing of Water by the Word

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Your present spiritual state is what matters most to God. In Ephesians 5:25-27 carefully note the state of the Church—the people for whom Jesus will soon return.

Those not purifying their lives (washing daily in the blood and water of His Word), do not live daily with the hope of Christ’s return.

Memorize 1 John 3:3 today.

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

Jesus warns us here of …

  1. the cares of this world,
  2. and the deceitfulness of riches
  3. and the lusts of other things

We are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom. We are not yet married to Him and will not be if we are not purifying ourselves before Him (2 Corinthians 11:2).

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

All 10 virgins in Jesus’ parable were engaged, invited to attend the the marriage, the wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Only 5 of them made it in and the other 5 were rejected. Why?

One source summates the importance of the parable of the 10 virgins – where 5 made it and the other 5 were shut out.

“The parable of the ten virgins teaches about spiritual readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, with five wise virgins who prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps and five foolish virgins who did not. The foolish virgins were turned away by the bridegroom when he arrived, as they were unprepared and missed the feast. The parable, found in Matthew 25:1-13, encourages constant vigilance and preparation for the unknown time of Christ’s coming.” 

Here is a picture of our abiding fellowship and relationship with Jesus…..

“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.” Psalms 73:23-24

When your vessel is full of the oil of Heaven via fellowship, you will be purifying your life of everything that defiles you in His holy eyes, in the eyes of the Great Bridegroom.

We are no longer our own. We are Christ’s. He bought us, purchased us back to Himself and the Father with His blood.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

“The flesh and spirit”

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

Prayer: Father, I know You are holy and will have Your holy Bride whom Jesus died to purchase. Please purify my heart, mind and life of all that defiles. Make me holy dear LORD, as You alone can do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Loved this podcast. I think it was important to stress that women need to be submitted to their husbands as our country is infested with Jezebels. Who refuse to lay down their lives and submit to God and their husbands. Who can find a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:10. Do men ask that question? And more importantly our relationship with our husbands is a direct result of our relationship with the Lord. If a woman is not submitted to Jesus she will never submit to her husband. It starts at the feet of Jesus. We must be like Mary. Bringing all of our alabaster box (ourselves) to Him. I love what Job says, ‘The root of the matter is found in me.’ Job 19:28. This is always true! If my husband or anyone else upsets me I must go before God and let Him search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me! Psalm 139:23-24. And I can guarantee there is. It all starts with me!! Allowing God to purify and cleanse my heart. My heart!!” Karen Cochran

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE page and amazon. English and Spanish.

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