Strength Through Weakness

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Divine Grace and Power in Weakness

“Yes! I grew up believing it was better to be tough and strong. I hated weakness. Then Jesus got a hold of me! I now know that is a lie from hell. God has shown me you have to first be broken and weak. That is where you find Jesus in your weaknesses! When you can no longer do it and realize how much you really need Jesus. 2 Corinthians 12:10. When I am weak, then I am strong.” Karen Cochran

Coming to the revelation that in and of ourselves, even in our very “best state” we are “altogether vanity,” is a starting point for becoming “poor in spirit” (Psalms 39:4-5; Matthew 5:3). The only righteousness we have has been freely given to us – undeserving paupers worthy only of judgment for our sin.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

When we begin to come to this understanding, we will begin to cease attempting to earn God’s love or vainly imagine that we in any manner merited His gift of salvation.

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

Saving and sanctifying grace (divine enablement/empowerment) must be understood as the working of the LORD in each of His beloved people – influencing their hearts as He alone can do, causing them to overcome and to please Him in all things as they abide in oneness with Him (John 15).

Remember always from whence ye came and where you will go back to if you are not living in the Spirit via the daily cross (1 Corinthians 9:27).

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He (the LORD, not ourselves) brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Psalms 40:1-4

We cannot possibly begin to realize just how much of a blessing it is that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” if we don’t begin to realize from where it was that He has brought us as we are and are being saved (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 1:10). We read and know these blessed words found in John 3:16, but do we really begin to understand the reason God sent His only begotten Son for us? Get ready for your appreciation for Christ to begin to grow!

“Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.” Isaiah 51:1

WHEN we become “weak” in self, that’s when He becomes “strong” in us and on our behalf (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). It seems apparent that the LORD ordains these times of bringing us low, so that He can bring us to realize in a greater sense and depth, just how much He loves us and is with us and that He is guiding, upholding, and undertaking our lives! Aren’t these the times when we truly cry out to Him, draw nigh to Him, and know that closeness, that oneness? We really are His (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It was when the great apostle of our LORD Jesus suffered much with that “thorn in the flesh,” that he was brought to this place of weakness and the consequent sufficiency of God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Can we possibly begin to realize the true score of things if we don’t first humble ourselves in the LORD’s holy presence – becoming “weak”? Is it not then that He becomes “strong” on our behalf?

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Beginning to understand what Paul called the “unspeakable gift” of Christ who is our Salvation, requires the knowledge of our own depravity (2 Corinthians 9:5).

To the degree that we are receiving the revelation of CHRIST’s righteousness, is the degree that we lose self-righteousness (Romans 3-8). Understanding your own utter depravity is never a license to sin but rather the starting point to be able to truly cherish Christ and what He did for us.

The LORD Jesus Christ taught us that the man who humbly prayed “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner” was heard while the “natural ability” of the other self-righteous religionist and his foolish, pride-filled prayer was utterly rejected (Luke 18:10-14). The self-righteous man in this illustration represents so many today who somehow believe they are accepted of God on some other basis or a shared basis with Christ Jesus’ perfection.

Mankind has NO righteousness of his own in and of himself – before and AFTER Christ saves that person. – “But we are all as an unclean thing, and ALL our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

Daniel and all who ever pleased God did so by trusting HIS righteousness! Listen to Daniel’s prayer and declaration:

“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” Daniel 9:18-19

Beloved, beware of any and all false teaching which would dare lead you to believe that you have ANY righteousness whatsoever outside of Christ Himself who said “without me you can do nothing!” (John 15:5)

David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed to the LORD to show him his own end (finite-ness, mortality, limitations) and for God to show him just how “frail” or weak he is.

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5

MANY today are puffed up as they have gullibly bought into a self-righteous, Luciferic theology they borrowed from Charles Finney which teaches that man has his own “natural ability” to please God and can overcome all sin all by himself, even before the LORD saves him. Finney taught that man was neutral and had no sin nature. In other words, he taught that the all of man, who was previously created in a perfect state, had no effect on human nature thereafter (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:18-19; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:22, etc.). Those who teach such a diabolical heresy shun, twist, and ignore volumes of Holy Scripture including the curses pronounced upon then newly fallen mankind in Genesis 3. So, basically, this teaching that man has the “natural ability” to stop all sin and to obey God WITHOUT CHRIST would have to mean that Christ came in vain which makes this self-centered theology antichrist. That’s one way “the spirit of antichrist” denies that Jesus came in the flesh and perfectly paid for man’s sin debt as ONLY He could do (1 John 2:1-2; 4:1-6). To the utter contrary, the great apostle of Jesus taught that attitudes of self-righteousness and self-dependence are directly connected to the old law by which no man can be saved. We also notice in this passage that Paul remained perpetually in the fear of the LORD, fearing that it was possible for him to fall away from Christ.

Yes, God gives saved men the ability to overcome all sin and has made full provision for such and also, if he chooses to sin, the child of God can choose to repent and confess that sin and be cleansed (1 John 1:6-22, etc.).

It’s clear that when a man sins, he does so out of his own volition and he alone is to blame (James 1:13-15). When a man sins, he does so in the face of God’s promise to give that man the power to overcome – to choose to do what is right and pleasing in His holy eyes (1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Romans 6:14). There’s no argument there. Yet, the fact that “all (men) have sinned” and therefore have that sinful inclination to sin seems undeniable by the whole counsel of God’s Word.

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;’ Philippians 3:9-10

Did you notice how the apostle Paul contrasted “mine own righteousness” with “the righteousness which is OF GOD by faith”? It’s one or the other. WHO are you trusting to save you?

“The more we know Christ the more we are aware we NEED Him!” Anita Villarreal

Being “poor in spirit” is the diametrical opposite of being puffed up trusting in a supposed, feigned “natural ability” which does nothing but foster that which God despises – pride and self-righteousness! (Read James 4:6-10.) The disciple must become completely and totally dependent upon Christ and His saving grace on a momentary basis. This truth of the inherent sin nature of all men, which includes each of us, makes me so aware of my utter need for Christ’s saving mercy and overcoming grace moment to moment and the need for me to get down low and stay down low and to keep going down, down, down – sinking down deep into the death of Christ! Read: Romans 6; Matthew 16:24-25; John 12:23-25; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 37:31, etc. Laying aside self as our LORD instructed, causes us to trust Him and to push away all self-dependence and self-righteousness.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

The LORD Jesus commanded each and every person who would truly follow Him to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily” and to “lose his life for my sake” (Luke 9:23-24). The daily cross is the essential prerequisite to a “poor in spirit” disposition.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Denying self is the opposite of “natural ability” which is nothing but Christ-denying self-dependence.

The Greek words for “poor in spirit” are defined as: to crouch (in utter humility), a beggar (as cringing), a pauper – as in a state of begging, and denotes a mental disposition.

The divine prescription for being possessed with HIS victory requires that we agree with His statement against fallen, sinful humanity and trust fully in the redemption He wrought through Christ alone! Denying our own tendency toward that which displeases God (sin, iniquity) negates the biblical doctrine of our initial saving and moment to moment (perpetual) need for the saving mercy and grace of Christ. The daily cross and divine grace in overcoming is God’s answer, not denying our own sinful state. No, we don’t deny it but rather we simply lay down our lives and allow the LORD Jesus to raise us up in His bless-ed power into the full victory He has ordained. Read Romans 6-8 as a whole.

Strength through Surrender

It’s only when we surrender and admit our own weakness that His strength is made perfect in us.

“Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:5-10

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You in the perfect name and righteousness of Jesus Christ alone. Here and now I confess my sins of self-righteousness, self-will, self-agenda, spiritual adultery, having other gods before You, and the sin of idolatry. Please break me dear LORD. Make me weak that You alone might be strong in this vessel. Please multiply Your heart-influencing, enabling grace in the lives of Your beloved people. We are weak but Thou art strong. I love You Jesus. Have Your way in this life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read these to gain a much deeper revelation on this important subject:

Charles Finney: False Teacher | No Inherent Sin Nature? | Stop Sinning? Really? | Sin: Man’s Core Problem

Wondering How God Views You in Your Weakness?

“Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. …” […]

THE BOOK OF 1 PETER NARRATED [PODCAST]

Chapter 1 Greeting 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Born Again to a Living Hope 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and […]

Abiding

What is our Highest Priority as we see Christ’s Return Nearing? [podcast]

What’s most important?

How do we want Christ to find us when He splits the eastern sky?

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

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

In light of the end time events transpiring before our eyes we are keeping our:

Eyes to Jesus (Luke 21:28; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-3).
Hand to the plough of His work (Luke 9:62).

“…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

“All we can do is not look left or right but keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s coming soon! This is becoming a time when people’s hearts will fail them for fear! Luke 21:26. Because our world is definitely being shaken. Our foundation needs to be built on Christ, not sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Or we will fall. Building our house means not just hearing God’s Word but obeying Him. Build your life on the Word of God! Then when these things come to pass you will not fall.” Karen Cochran

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Here’s one of the responses given to this man in that conversation:

“Nothing of this offends me. Just iron sharpening iron concerning sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). ‘But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine’ (Titus 2:1). 2 Peter 1:3-4 informs us that ‘ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness’ are found in God’s Word, in His ‘exceeding great and precious promises.’ Why then do we resort to using extra biblical symbolism, especially that which is out of a known pagan, blasphemous religion? Certainly the Holy Spirit is not behind such. If we are truly in Christ’s service, we should use Christ’s Word and not something contrary to it (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Do we not mislead when we do such?

There is no such thing as a Christian psychologist. Such must be denounced, and will be, unless we are still walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. Jesus taught against using titles (Matthew 23:8-12). Nothing Christian about Psychology. Title Touters safeguardyoursoul.com

Paul denounced….

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:3-11

Salvation, ministry, is all about Jesus Christ, not us.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Asking the LORD to strip you and build you from the ground up – HIS way and no other. Ask Him to remove every trace, every iota of flesh, of deceit, of evil (2 Corinthians 7:1).

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

WHO continues to get stronger and stronger? – “from strength to strength” ….

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.’ Psalms 84:7

Those who appear, go before the LORD in private prayer will be increased in divine power!

The Return of Jesus | Lukewarm is Hell Bound | Fresh Start with God | What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

YOU know when you are listening to a wolf when He only speaks of God’s love for us but never about God’s command that we love Him – and if we don’t, we are going to hell. Beware. The LORD’s been 100% faithful to us and yet He requires our faithfulness to Him or hell awaits (Matthew 22:37-40). If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall […]

Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 “God allowed Job to be stripped. I was also thinking of Jeremiah 1:10. God uses what Satan meant to harm us for His good. Providence. Romans 8:28. As we know he did in Joseph’s life. I could be wrong but in this title is Satan getting credit for stripping us?” Karen Cochran Why Did God allow Job to Suffer, to be Tested? Job’s Suffering, Testing […]

The Lure and Peril of Titles and Taintings!

TODAY, many cross-less, self-serving wolves tout their great calling from God to be prophet, prophetess, bishop, apostle, etc. True disciples of Jesus proclaim they are undeservingly saved by the blood of Jesus and merely HIS servants. Kingdom echelon? If there is any echelon in Christ’s kingdom, perhaps this is it, right? …. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT.” (Matthew 23:11) ALL who call themselves “apostle” or “prophet” are self-promoting. Most if not all today who claim to be prophets are frauds. Apostle and prophet are functions to serve God and OTHERS in and not for […]

Self-Appointed Title Touters

EXCUSE me WOLF, “apostle” or “prophet” are NOT titles to be used to promote yourself! Repent sinner! Title touters are completely SELF-centered and need to repent, lay down their lives, be crucified with Christ, and follow Jesus (Matthew 23:8-12). Are those who use titles not broadcasting their pride for all to see? Does Using Titles Draw Attention to Mere Men While Stealing Glory from Jesus Christ? JESUS CHRIST is the only Celebrity in Heaven. The last time a phony “celebrity” self-actualized, the LORD booted that devil! (Ezekiel 28:12-12-19; Luke 10:18) The fact that you dare call yourself an apostle or […]

Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]

Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21 It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in! What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE! Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully […]

Abiding

“But God, who is Rich in Mercy” [podcast]

Ephesians 2:1-10

“1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

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“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13 By the blood of Jesus, we are made one with the Father, Son, and body of Christ! Ephesians 2, 4 Only Jesus could have satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem, to forgiven men – and He did just that – when He shed His perfect, precious, sinless blood on Calvary’s cruel cross for our sins. “It is finished” means the price to bring us back to God, to forgive us, is now “paid in full” (John […]

Articles

Dancing on Hell’s Grave: Why We Need not Fear Death: Resurrection Joy – Fearless in Death [podcast]

Resurrection Joy – Fearless in Death

– Dancing on Hell’s Grave

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

Dancing on Fear’s Grave!

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Those who are ready to die and be with Jesus do not fear death (1 John 4:16-18).

Eternal perspective. Hope for eternal rest, glory with Christ and the Father.

In Christ, when we close our eyes in death, we awake to the resurrection bliss of eternal joy with Him who is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

“For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:16-21

We are fully confident that the moment we pass, we breathe our last, we shall “be present with the Lord.”

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

The death of a Christian is not a tragedy.

Death is our passport to glory.

Death without Jesus Christ is the tragedy.

What have we to fear other than the long wait till we meet Him?!

“I think it’s sad to see so many who claim to be Christians

acting all worried about dying… I get excited more each day

about getting to be with the Lord.

The good ole days are just ahead!

Happy New Years!” Kirk

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

For the one who is truly in Christ, “to die is gain.”

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

Jesus Christ is “the resurrection and the life” and will soon raise up into eternal glory all who truly know Him.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Jesus Christ is the “Exceeding Great Reward” of every true believer (Genesis 15:1). They seek nothing more than Him! He is truly their “first love” and all consuming passion (Revelation 2:4-5). He’s coming back soon and He promised that He’s going to reward every man according to his work which is the reflection of of what’s in a man’s heart.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12

Because Jesus rose again, all who are born again in Him are raised up spiritually in this life to overcome all sin, satan, and the world and will be soon raised up into eternal glory with Him.

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Where O Where is it! Now, say these blessed, divinely-inspired words of our LORD Jesus Christ aloud prayerfully –“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

GOT FEAR? – “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:4) So, what is the divine prescription for being delivered from all fear? Read the verse again and you will notice that seeking the face of the LORD is your deliverance.

Seeking the LORD is always the answer. Getting delivered from “ALL” fear:

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

Notice here that one must seek the LORD for deliverance from fear.

Why do we fear?

“People fear because their faith is in self, not in God. Therefore they try and meet their own needs. Matt. 6:33 says when we make God’s kingdom and His righteousness a priority He will meet our needs.” Karen Cochran

All fear shall be dispelled as the regenerated disciple diligently seeks the LORD – the only One who “is love.”

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. ¹⁷Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. ¹⁸There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

When someone close to us passes on to the next life, dies, we need not fear, namely if they were known of God (Isaiah 57:1-2).

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

Remember how Jesus’ disciples were “exceeding sorry” when He foretold of His own death, burial, and resurrection?

“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.” Matthew 17:22-23

Of this passage, Shadrack Rotich notes: “They were saddened and forgot to be encouraged by the Word of Jesus that in 3 days He was raising again.”

Because our LORD Jesus was raised from the dead, so we have full hope and confidence that so shall all who are known of Him. We need not therefore fear or sorrow.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (raise up, make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1-2

Pray this: Father thank You so very much for sending Your only begotten Son for me! Thank You that the Son of God died and You raised Him again to justify me and that Your resurrection life and power indwells me today as I abide identified with and in the death and burial of Jesus! Glory to God Most High! Thank You LORD Jesus for Your resurrection power to victoriously overcome all sin, Satan, and this sinful world and to be fruitful in helping others know You. I now look for Your soon return LORD Jesus. Amen Jesus!

Return of Christ

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