The Great Benefit of Suffering for Christ by F.B. Meyer
F.B. Meyer, Joseph
The Great Benefit of Suffering for Christ
Of sufferings and as it related to the life of Joseph, son of Jacob, F.B. Meyer wrote:
“But besides all this, his religious notions added greatly to his distress. He had been taught by Jacob the theory which comes out so prominently in the speeches of Job’s three friends, and which was so generally held by all their teachers and associates in that olden, Eastern, philosophic, deeply-pondering world; that good would come to the good, and evil to the bad; that prosperity was the sign of the Divine favour, and adversity of the Divine anger. And Joseph had tried to be good. Had he not always kept his father’s commandments and acted righteously, though his brethren were men of evil report, and tried to make him as bad as themselves? But what had he gained by his integrity? Simply the murderous jealousy and hatred of his own flesh and blood. Had he not, in the full flush of youthful passion, resisted the blandishments of the beautiful Egyptian, because he would not sin against God? And what had he gained by that? Simply the stigma which threatened to cling to him of having committed the very wickedness it was so hard not to commit; and, in addition, an undeserved punishment. Had he not always been kind and gentle to his fellow-prisoners, listening to their stories, speaking comfort to their hearts? And what had he gained by that? To judge by what he saw, simply nothing; and he might as well have kept his kindness to himself.
Was it of any use, then, being good? Could there be any truth in what his father had taught him of good coming to the good, and evil to the bad? Was there a God who judgeth righteously in the earth? You who have been misunderstood, who have sown seeds of holiness and love to reap nothing but disappointment, loss, suffering, and hate – you know something of what Joseph felt in that wretched dungeon hole.
Then, too, disappointment poured her bitter drops into the bitter cup. What had become of those early dreams, those dreams of coming greatness, which had filled his young brain with splendid phantasmagoria? We these not from God? He had thought so – yes, and his venerable father had thought so too; and he should have known, for he had talked with God many a time. Were these imaginings the delusions of a fevered brain, or mocking lies? Was there no truth, no fidelity, in heaven or earth? Had God forsaken him? Was he to spend all his days in that dungeon, dragging on a weary life, never again enjoying the bliss of freedom: and all because he had dared to do right? Do you wonder at the young heart being weighed almost to breaking?
And yet Joseph’s experience is not alone. You may have never been confined in a dungeon; and yet you may have often sat in darkness, and felt around you the limitation which forbade your doing as you wished. You may have been doing right, and doing right may have brought you into some unforeseen difficulty; and you are disposed to say, “I have been too honest.” Or you may have been doing a noble act to someone, as Joseph did to Potiphar, and it has been taken in quite a wrong light. Who does not know what it is to be misunderstood, misrepresented, accused falsely, and punished wrongfully?
Each begins life so buoyantly and hopefully. Youth, attempting the solution of the strange problem of existence, fears nothing, forbodes no ill. The minstrel, Hope, keys her chords to the loftiest strains of exultation. The sun shines; the blue wavelets break in music around the boat; the sails swell gently; Love and Beauty hold the rudder-bands; and though stories of the wreckage of the treacherous sea are freely told, there is no kind of fear that such experiences should ever overtake that craft. But presently disappointment, sorrow, and disaster overcloud the sky and blot out the sunny prospect; and the young mariner wakes as from a dream, “Can this be I, who imagined that I should never see ill?” Then come several tremendous struggles of the soul to wrench itself free. The muscles are strained as whipcord; the beads of perspiration stand on the brow: but every effort only entangles the limbs more helplessly. And at last, exhausted and helpless, the young life ceases to struggle, and lies still, cowed and beaten, as the wild denizen (citizen) of the plains, when it has lain for hours in the hunter’s snare. Surely there was something of this sort in Joseph’s condition, as he lay in that wretched dungeon.
II. THESE SUFFERINGS WROUGHT VERY BENEFICIALLY. – Taken on the lowest ground, this imprisonment served Joseph’s temporal interests. That prison was the place where state prisoners were bound. Thither court magnates who had fallen under suspicion were sent. Chief butler and chief baker do not seem much to us, but they were titles for very august people. Such men would talk freely with Joseph; and in doing so would give him a great insight into political parties, and a knowledge of men and things generally, which in after-days must have been of great service to him.
But there is more than this. Psalm 105:18, referring to Joseph’s imprisonment, has a striking alternative rendering, “His soul entered into iron.” Turn that about, and render it in our language, and it reads thus, Iron entered into his soul. Is there not a truth in this? It may not be the truth intended in that verse, but it is a very profound truth, that sorrow and privation, the yoke borne in the youth, the soul’s enforced restraint, are all conducive to an iron tenacity and strength of purpose, and endurance, a fortitude, which are the indispensible foundation and framework of a noble character. Do not flinch from suffering. Bear it silently, patiently, resignedly; and be assured that it is God’s way of infusing iron into your spiritual make-up.
As a boy, Joseph’s character tended to softness. He was a little spoilt by his father. He was too proud of his coat. He was rather given to tales. He was too full of his dreams and foreshadowed greatness. None of these great faults; but he lacked strength, grip, power to rule. But what a difference his imprisonment made in him! From that moment he carries himself with wisdom, modesty, courage, and manly resolution, that never fail him. He acts as a born ruler of men. He carries an alien country through the stress of a great famine, without a symptom of revolt. He holds his own with the proudest aristocracy of the time. He promotes the most radical changes. He had learned to hold his peace and wait. Surely the iron had entered his soul!
It is just this that suffering will do for you. The world wants iron dukes, iron battalions, iron sinews, and thews of steel. God wants iron saints; and since there is no way of imparting iron to the moral nature than by letting his people suffer, He lets them suffer. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Are you in prison for doing right? Are the best years of your life slipping away in enforced monotony? Are you beset by opposition, misunderstanding, obloquy (contemptuous speech), and scorn, as the thick undergrowth besets the passage of the woodsman pioneer? Then take heart; the time is not wasted; God is only putting you through regimen. The iron crown of suffering precedes the golden crown of glory. And iron is entering into your soul to make it strong and brave.
Is some aged eyes perusing these words? If so, the question may be asked, Why does God sometimes fill a whole life with discipline, and give few opportunities for showing the iron quality of the soul? Why give iron to the soul, and then keep it from active service? Ah, that is which goes far to prove our glorious destiny. There must be another world somewhere, a world of glorious ministry, for which we are training. “There is service in the sky.” And it may be that God counts a human life of seventy years of suffering not too long an education for a soul which may serve Him through the eternities. It is in the prison that Joseph is fitted for the unknown life of Pharoah’s palace; and if he could have foreseen the future, he wold not have wondered at the severe discipline. If only we could see all that awaits us in the palace of the Great King, we should not be so surprised at certain experiences which befall us in the earth’s darker cells. You are being trained for service I God’s Home, and in the upper spaces of the universe.” F.B. Meyer, Joseph, p. 44-48
In His book Joseph, F.B. Meyer captures and conveys a treasure chest of truth concerning the blessed benefits of suffering.
“JOSEPH’S COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF THESE SOFFERINGS. – “He was there in the prison; but the Lord was with him.” The lord was with him in the palace of Potiphar; but when Joseph went to prison, the Lord went there too. The only thing which severs us from God is sin; so long as we walk with God, God will walk with us; and if our path dips down from the sunny upland lawns into the valley with its clinging mists, He will go at our side. The godly man is much more independent of men and things than others. It is God who makes him blessed. Like the golden city, he has no need of sun or moon, for the Lord God is his everlasting light. If he is in a palace he is glad, not so much because of its delights as because God is there. And if he is in a prison he can sing and give praises, because the God of love bears him company. To the soul which is absorbed with God, all places and experiences are much the same. “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night (of sorrow and of confinement) shall be light about me; yea, the night shineth as the day.”
Moreover, the Lord showed him mercy. Oh, wondrous revelation! … God our Father has often to turn down the lights of our life because He wants to show us mercy. Whenever you get into a prison of circumstances, be on the watch. Prisons are rare places for seeing things. It was in prison that Bunyan saw his wondrous allegory, and Paul met the LORD, and John looked through heaven’s open door, and Joseph saw God’s mercy. God has no chance to show his mercy to some of us except when we are in some sore sorrow. The night is the time to see the stars.
God can also raise up friends for his servants in most unlikely places, and of most unlikely people. “The Lord gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” He was probably a rough, unkindly man, quite prepared to copy the dislikes of his master, the great Potiphar, and to embitter the daily existence of this Hebrew slave. But there was another Power at work, of which he knew nothing, inclining him towards his ward, and leading him to put him in a position of trust. All hearts are open to our King: at his girdle swing the keys by which the most unlikely door can be unlocked. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” It is as easy for God to turn a man’s heart, as it is for the husbandman to turn the course of a brook to carry fertility to an arid plot.\
There is always alleviation for our troubles in ministry to others. Joseph found it so. It must have been a welcome relief to the monotony of his grief when he found himself entrusted with the care of the royal prisoners. A new interest came into his life, and he almost forgot the heavy pressure of his own troubles amid the interest of listening to the tales of those who were more unfortunate than himself. It is very interesting to notice what a deep human interest he took in the separate cases of his charges, noticing the expression of their faces, inquiring kindly after their welfare, sitting down to listen to their tale. Joseph is the patron of all prison philanthropists; but he took to this holy work not primarily because he had an enthusiasm for it, but because it gave a welcome opiate to his own griefs.
There is no anodyne (medicine) for heart-sorrow like ministry to others. If your life is woven with the dark shades of sorrow, do not sit down to deplore in solitude your hapless lot, but arise to seek out those who are more miserable than you are, bearing them balm for their wounds and love for their heart-breaks. And if you are unable to give much more practical help, you need not abandon yourself to the gratification of lonely sorrow, for you may largely help the children of bitterness by imitating Joseph in listening to their tales of woe or to their dreams of foreboding. It is a great art to be a good listener. The burdened heart longs to pour out its tale in a sympathetic ear. There is immense relief in the telling out of pain. But it cannot be hurried; it needs plenty of time; it cannot clear itself of its silt and deposits unless it is allowed leisure to stand. and so the sorrowful turn away from men engages in the full rush of active life as too busy, and seek out those who, like themselves, have been “winged,” and are obliged to go softly, as Joseph was, when the servants of Pharoah found him in the Egyptian dungeon. If you can do nothing else, listen well, and comfort others with the comfort wherewith you yourself have been comforted by God.
And as you listen, and comfort, and wipe the falling tears, you will discover that your own load is lighter, and that a branch or twig of the true tree – the tree of the Cross – has fallen into the bitter waters of your own life, making the Marah, Naomi, and the marshes of salt tears will have been healed. Out of such intercourse you will get with what Joseph got – the key which will unlock the heavy doors by which you have been shut in.
And now some closing words to those who are suffering wrongfully. Do not be surprised. You are the followers of One who was misunderstood from the age of twelve to the day of his ascension; who did not sin, and yet was counted as a sinner; concerning whom the unanimous testimony was, “I find in Him no fault at all”; and yet they called Him Beelzebub! If they spoke thus of the Master of the house, how much more concerning the household! “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
Do not get weary in well-doing. Joseph might have said, “I give all up; of what profit is my godliness? I may as well live as others do.” How much nobler was his course of patient continuance in well-doing! Do right, because it is right to do right; because God sees you; because it puts gladness into the heart. And then, when you are misunderstood and ill-treated, you will not swerve, or sit down to whine and despair.
Above all, do not avenge yourselves. When Joseph recounted his troubles, he did not recriminate harshly on his brethren, or Potiphar, or Potiphar’s wife. He simply said: “I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the hole.” He might have read the words of the apostle, “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath.” “If when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” We make a great mistake in trying always to clear ourselves; we should be much wiser to go straight on, humbly doing the next thing, and leaving God to vindicate us. “He will bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our judgment as the noonday.” In Psalm 105:19 there follow words which, rightly rendered, read thus: “The word of the Lord cleared him.” What a triumphant clearing did God give His faithful servant.
There will come hours in our lives, when we shall be misconstrued, misunderstood, slandered, falsely accused, wrongfully persecuted. At such times it is very difficult not to act on the policy of the men around us in the world. They at once appeal to law and force and public opinion. But the believer takes his case into a higher court, and lays it before his God. He is prepared to use any means that may appear divinely suggested. But he relies much more on the divine clearing than he does on his own most perfect arrangements. He is content to wait for months and years, till God arise to avenge his cause. It is a very little thing for him to be judged adversely at the bar of man: he cares only for the judgment of God, and awaits the moment when the righteous shall shine forth in the kingdom of their Father, as the sun when it breaks from all obscuring mists. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Ah! what a clearing-up of mysteries, what dissipating of misunderstandings, what vindication of character shall be there! Oh, slandered ones, you can afford to await the verdict of eternity; of God, who will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noon day.
In all the discipline of life it is of the utmost importance to see but one ordaining overruling will. If we view our imprisonments and misfortunes as the result of human malevolence, our live will be filled with fret and unrest. It is hard to suffer wrong at the hands of man, and to think that perhaps it might have never been. But there is a truer and more restful view, to consider all things as being under the law and rule of God; so that though they may originate in and come to us through the spite and malice of our fellows, yet, since before they reach us they have had to pass through the environing atmosphere of the Divine Presence, they have been transformed into his own sweet will for us.
It was Judas who plotted our Saviour’s death, and filled the garden with the capturing bands and flashing lights; and yet the Lord Jesus said that the Father was putting the cup to his lips. And though He was murdered by the chief priests and scribes, yet He so thoroughly acquiesced in the Father’s appointment, that He spoke of laying down his life, as if his death were entirely his own act. There is no evil to them that love God; and the believer loses sight of second causes, so absorbed is he in the contemplation of the unfolding of the mystery of his Father’s will. As the dying Kingsley said, “All is under law.” F.B. Meyer, Joseph, p. 48-53
The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become
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Articles
Out of the Mouth of Babes – “What is Love?” Hilarious. Revealing [podcast]
Hilarious and heart warming: What these precious children say will have you laughing and perhaps crying.
“What a blessing this was to my heart! My favorite was the 4 year old white sat on his neighbors lap! Phew! We could learn so much from children about love. They aren’t judgmental. There arms are open wide to give and receive love.” Karen Cochran
Jesus says that we are to be “converted” and also to “become as little children.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
Our LORD Jesus, the greatest Servant says:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
This “greater love” of our Creator, Jesus Christ, was busy blessing each of us in our mother’s womb.
Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE. Share.
Recently it occurred to me…. That the younger the child, the less corrupted they are by this world and the closer they are to God, as in they were more recently in the womb, being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139).
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalms 139:13-17
“Out of the Mouth of Babes” is a Scripture and an idiom, a biblical idiom that teaches us that the young and innocent are often unexpectedly wise. This term originates in the Old and New Testaments. The Book of Psalms (8:2) has God ordaining strength out of the mouths of babes and sucklings; the Gospel of Matthew (21:16) has praise emerging from the same source.
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4
What does Love mean to 4-8 year old kids? How do they define love? (by an unknown guest)
“The problem is; We look for someone to grow old together with, While the secret is to find someone to stay a child with!” (Charles Bukowski)
What does Love mean to 4-8 year old kids?
Slow down for a few minutes to read this…💕
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they got were broader, deeper, and more profound than anyone could have ever imagined!
‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore… So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’ Rebecca – age 8
‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.’ Billy – age 4
‘Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.’ Karl – age 5
‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.’ Chrissy – age 6
‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’ Terri – age 4
‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’ Danny – age 8
‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and just listen.’ Bobby – age 7 (Wow!)
‘If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.’ Nikka – age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet)
‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.’ Noelle – age 7
‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.’ Tommy – age 6
‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that.
I wasn’t scared anymore.’ Cindy – age 8
‘My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.’ Clare – age 6
‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’ Elaine – age 5
‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.’ Chris – age 7
‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.’ Mary Ann – age 4
‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.’ Lauren – age 4
‘When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.’ (what an image!) Karen – age 7
‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross…’ Mark – age 6
‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.’ Jessica – age 8
And the final one: The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, ‘Nothing, I just helped him cry.’ (This made me cry!)
Now, take a few seconds and post this for others to inspire and spread Love like butter!
And then go be a child again today!
“It’s good to be weak in flesh and strong in the power of His might. It’s good to be vulnerable like a child and abide under the shadow of His wings.” Debbie Lord
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 44
21,000 JESUS tracts distributed thus far to the beautiful people of Mexico!!!!
JUST ORDERED 20,000 MORE JESUS tracts today! More on this below….
Remember those Bibles you sent? Brother Juan is scheduled to go to the prison this coming weekend. But for now, hope you don’t mind, Juan is blazing a trail daily as he preaches Christ’s Gospel. He can’t help himself. He gives our the JESUS tract and has distributed a few of the Bibles you sent. Most of them are in his vehicle and going to be distributed at the prison he ministers at. The man is on fire for Christ! And we are the ones blessed to serve God by upholding, by supporting him and Maria and others. Gospel fires burning! (Philippians 1:19)
*FYI: This Gospel ministry outreach is grossly under-funded. Your support, from your heart, welcome.
FROM BROTHER JUAN: “Greetings and blessings, brother. A big hug. God is good and merciful; His mercy endures forever. Thanks to what our Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross. He gave us the most beautiful gift of humanity: forgiveness of our sins. To Him be all honor and glory, in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”
Beloved brother Juan is one of the indigenous disciples of Jesus your prayers and support are upholding. Much needed.
God be praised for your prayers for the people of Mexico to be reached, saved. More Mexico Mission Action here.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
The dreaded inevitable call just came in from sister Maria. She has no more JESUS tracts to minister with. I simply asked her to pray for more support to come into the ministry outreach. She was heartbroken actually.
So after sleeping on this, I’ve determined to order 20,000 JESUS tracts, price $873.67. This is going to come out of the emergency fund which is already miniscule. As you can understand, I simply cannot sit on this money while souls go unreached. If anyone wants to join me in stepping out in faith, ………….. I negotiated a lower price with the printer for 20,000 …. the adjusted price since we have been loyal clients of this print shop, is $873.67 for 20,000 JESUS tracts!
For $600 we were getting 10,000 JESUS tracts. So getting 20,000 it’s $873. 20,000 eternal souls will be reached for $873.
Let me remind you saints…. that it’s virtually impossible to see any Mexican discard the JESUS tract…. They readily receive and thank you for telling them about Jesus. I cannot imagine a better people group to introduce to Jesus Christ.
If you don’t mind, I am relying on you guys to pray for more support to come in to this ministry outreach. There’s no more in me to carry that burden also.
I am asking God to allow His people to reach the un-reached people in Mexico etc
Ultimate Gospel Outpost Goal – is to travel to and establish disciples in evangelism outposts of ministry, including providing the JESUS tracts…. Matthew 24:14. If this sits well with you, feel free to join me in prayer that God will bring this to pass. I’ve prayed that the LORD would grant a few more decades in order for Latin America to be evangelized. They want the Gospel and that is clear!
As God would have it, a dear couple with children were sitting next to Mark and I in a local restaurant as we fellowshipped. Their little boys ball came rolling over toward us and so they apologized and a great conversion ensued.
Just ministered the Gospel to that precious family we talked to…
I actually broke down in tears
It was a full presentation of the Gospel.
God is good
They got a Jesus tract and I am inviting them to email me on the website if they wish
God is good
Matthew 5:16
More Mexico Mission Action here.
We spend our time money and energy on that which we love the most. If you wish to honestly assess your heart, the real state of it, take a look at where your money is going out to.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
Thank you for being patient with me and my lack of temperance and longsuffering.
“Praying for the Lord to open the windows of heaven, pour out His blessing, and fill your storehouse with Jesus tracts to overflow! Mal 3:10. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we think or ask. And even above that! Ephesians 3:20. Unto Him be all glory, honor and praise!” Karen Cochran
Blessings in Christ dear blood bought saints.
Our King is coming! Revelation 19
I received this from Clara late last night:
“Hello, very good evening, excuse me for bothering you again, but I wanted to know if you haven’t had a job, I still don’t get a good job and because the children went on vacation, it has been difficult for me with the expenses, the rent, the new supplies, the registrations and to make matters worse, I got sick with the flu, if you know of any job, could you send me a message, please, I would appreciate it very much.”
I am scheduled to buy and bring Clara some groceries today and cash. God is good. | Clara Podcast here. https://safeguardyoursoul.com/clara-and-her-boys-blessed/
(see pic below)
Your prayers are vital and appreciated much for our LORD’s eternal glory. We can only do the Gospel work with what we have to work with.
As I ponder the opportunity and mission of reaching the people of Mexico, I am reminded perpetually that only God can provide for such.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
2 things came to mind this morning concerning Mission Mexico, getting the Gospel of Jesus to this beloved people ….
- You will never see a JESUS tract on the ground, discarded in Mexico. This includes when sister Maria is passing out hundreds per evening and we are there fellowshipping with her at length. Not 1 tract on the ground. Not even 1.
- Mexican people are authentic, sincere, and hungry for Jesus. They receive the Gospel with all readiness of heart and mind, and read the JESUS tract as if their life depends on it – and it does!
Vision Outlook: God willing and providing, the plan would be to obey Christ’s Great Commission command (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15) and set up Gospel outposts throughout Mexico and then the remainder of Latin America. This will have to be God because printing the JESUS tracts in Spanish takes money. The LORD is able.
Share this email if you wish.
In Christ
todd
More Mexico Mission Action here.
God be praised for your prayers for the people of Mexico to be reached, saved.
FROM SISTER KAREN COCHRAN:
“So amazing! Praying every morning for her and the beautiful people of Mexico.
Acts 13:46
This also makes me think of America! Has America rejected the gospel so the Lord has turned to Mexico? I watched a video yesterday where a street preacher was handing out Jesus tracts. And they were all rejected. Many said, no we go to church, so we are good. Then he said, well then give this someone else. And shockingly they would not even take it to hand to anyone else. They gospel was refused. Yet we see the precious people of Mexico cry when they receive a Bible or are given a Jesus tract. And because of their humility and open hearts to the gospel, we see the word of the Lord being published throughout Mexico! Acts 13:49.
Perhaps this is the vision God is given you! And I just read that Chick Publications is sending 120,000 Jesus tracts to their missionary in Mexico! So they have boots on the ground in Mexico as well!”
REPLY:
Excellent sister
Just got back from delivering God’s love in the form of bags of staple food
To Clara and her boys
What you penned here is very interesting and confirming.
Today while on the way back from Clara’s,
It occurred to me concerning the unfolding of God’s plan
All I knew the LORD was saying “Get up and go” like Abraham
And now the Gospel outreach in SMA is becoming established
Now He seems to be lightly sprinkling into the hearts of His people….
Expansion to come
The LORD has plans for these precious people
As we know, as usual, everything the LORD leads us to do can be seen, tracked to be true in His Word. Boom.
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” Acts 13:46-49
TODAY at the mercado. Dozens upon dozens heard the Gospel of Jesus preached to them. 100% reception! Gospel action!
Thank you for praying for Mission Mexico – for the people of Mexico.
The ministry is nearly out of JESUS tracts in Spanish.
You are invited to lift a prayer for the 600.00 needed to print 10,000 JESUS tracts in Spanish. See SUPPORT button/page on safeguardyoursoul.com
More Mexico Mission Action here.
TODAY at the mercado. Dozens upon dozens heard the Gospel of Jesus preached to them. 100% reception! Gospel action!
Thank you for praying for Mission Mexico – for the people of Mexico.
More Mexico Mission Action here.
In fellowship with brother Juan today, I asked him if we could put his name and number on the back of the JESUS tracts from now on, beginning with the next printing of them. He said “yes”!
TODAY, after fellowshipping, Juan and I walked around and many received the ministry of God’s Word and readily received the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Another Glorious Update from Beautiful Mexico
Last night I brought the final 2,000 Jesus tracts to Maria (with the exception of a few for myself and brother Mark, etc).
This is a blessing as you know and it’s also a time to pray and ask the LORD to give us another $600 to get a new batch of 10,000 Jesus tracts printed.
For now, the ministry is already going into the negative each month.
Being in the middle of and too close to these things, I am going to ask you to kindly lift this in prayer.
This is a call and request for you to pray in faith to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ to provide this amount for the Jesus tracts to be printed (John 16:23-24).
More….
Brother Juan ministered to this dear woman named Andrea. You will notice he gave her one of the Bibles you sent! Juan said he prayed with Andrea. Video attached.
I think we all love what we see in Juan and Maria right… They are Christ’s labourers (Matthew 9:35-38).
Doing business secularly and using that to do the Father’s business! Lk 2:49
Oh and I will definitely want to use an animated ai version of me to help the rap music band….. so I don’t have to be shamed for my lack of rap talent
Right for sure
Cops do not interfere with the people, ever
The people don’t trust any part of the gov’t
And all the cops are REAL Mexico, not corporation bought traitors like the usa who are more than willing to violate your rights
More Mexico Mission Action here.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Articles
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Fountain of all wisdom, and Heaven’s coming King. The devil’s game is to remove us from “the SIMPLICITY that is in Christ” and he is using “false apostles, deceitful workers” to carry this out (2 Corinthians 11:1-3, 12-15; Colossians 2:6-10, 18-19, etc.).
“Preeminence” belongs of Jesus Christ alone.
It is highly doubtful that you can read Colossians 1 and not fall out of your chair…. and raise your hands to Heaven, praising God for the unfathomable gift of His only Son – who is the Preeminent Creator, Sustainer, and God of all that is! (Colossians 1:15-17)
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16
Do We Have Time to Learn More About the LORD Jesus today, OR, are We Just looking for Yet Another Quick Fix, Self-Serving Feel-Good Message like so many professing Christians today?
The modern church is too busy to study Christ Himself because they’re too busy trying to use Him to get what they want. Let that soak in as you remember how long it’s been since you’ve heard a message specifically about Heaven’s King. Most modern “pastors” probably don’t even know what the word Christology means.
God created us to know Him and yet, such doesn’t happen without the recipient of His great love seeking Him – with a whole heart.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Memorize John 17:3. This is a paramount, a crowning jewel divine revelation to us, to you. In light of this revelation – that the chief purpose for which He created us is to know Him – let’s take a little trip, to Christ!
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power…Let no man beguile you of your reward…vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head (not upholding JESUS!), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19
Today we often hear the words “spiritual growth” and yet, there is no spiritual growth outside of learning of Christ, the LORD and Savior. Are you learning of Jesus who calls us to “Come unto me” and to “learn of me”? See Matthew 11:28-30. Spiritual growth is never separate from learning of and from Christ! (Hebrews 1; Isaiah 53; Colossians 1-2; John 1, etc.). Growing in grace is also never separate from knowing and discovering more of Christ the LORD, Heaven’s KING.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” 2 Peter 1:2
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
Any person, teaching, icon or ritual that robs or intercepts glory from the Person and work of Jesus Christ is of the arch enemy of God and His prize creation (mankind). The adversary has come “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (Jn. 8:44, 47; 10:10; Col. 2; 1 Pet. 5:8). According to 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Satan has his “ministers” and these deceivers are known by whether or not they clearly and fully elevate the divine person of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work and whether they promote or condone any person or teaching that does not clearly elevate Christ as the supreme LORD and the only Savior of depraved sinful mankind (Col. 1-2; Rev. 1:8).
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:12-20
Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, Creator and Sustainer of all that is (Col. 1:15-17). He is the only Salvation and hope of men and is coming soon (Col. 1:14, 20). This is the message of the book of Colossians. Have you recently studied this rich and invaluable book and mined out its precious truths?
Colossians 2:8-10 warns believers to “Beware” of any “philosophy” or “traditions” that would be elevated above Jesus Christ and supremely loving Him who is supreme and pre-eminent above all (Isa. 45:21-23). “Educated” men in leadership who do not profoundly elevate Jesus Christ actually boast of such (their academic accomplishments) when they ought to be ashamed that they have actually rebelled and paid good money to be defiled and misled. It is these men that Paul tells us are “deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). A philosophy can be known to be God-honoring or antichrist based on what it ultimately does with the Person and redemption of Jesus Christ. Any religious teaching that does not magnify and glorify Jesus Christ is antichrist and to be exposed as such (Rom. 16:16-18; Col. 2; Jude 3-4).
Paul the apostle of Jesus, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:13-17).
The believers at Galatia had allowed false teachers who were “accursed” to come in and lead them to count rituals and times and foods (all non-essentials to salvation) to become important and Christ to become demoted (Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11).
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently (clearly) set forth, crucified among you?” Galatians 3:1
In light of the reigning King of all kings, Maker and LORD of the whole universe, we must ask: Who is man? Who is the phony religious leader who touts himself and is promoted by the faithful who are deceived by him? What miracle did any of these people ever do? Where are the nail scars in their hands and feet?
“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13
Men who mislead others have one thing in common – they are mere sinful men…Zechariah 11:17 calls them “idol shepherds” of Satan himself….” See also 2 Corinthians 11:12-15. They are icons – “idol shepherds” of Satan himself to draw away and intercept your attention and heart’s affections from the only One who came and redeemed your precious soul (Zech. 11:17; diligently study Colossians 2). Like Lucifer before he was thrust from Heaven, they seek to usurp the place of worship that belongs to the LORD alone (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18).
“(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)” Psalms 49:8
The Great Shepherd came to grant you life – Satan’s goal is to rob you of your inheritance that Jesus Christ came and fully paid for. Will you let him? Whom will you serve?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:17-20
Who in history other than the very Son of the living God ever foretold his own death, burial, and resurrection and then accomplished it? Who shed His sinless blood on your behalf? Who else in history laid down His life, giving His own blood to pay for your sins and bring you into a vital relationship with the Father and purchase Heaven on your behalf? Who? Who? Who?
If Jesus Christ is truly the Supreme being in all the universe, is He not worthy of our exuberant praise and gratitude? Does He merit a moment of verbalized praise and thanksgiving?
“By him (Christ Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15
Study Colossians closely.
Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8
“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, open my eyes to behold the glory of the only begotten of the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous! Teach my heart to discern any religious teaching that does not blatantly elevate Christ as LORD of all and soon coming and sole Head of His true Church (called out ones)! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
More on the Supremacy of Christ:
The Supremacy of Christ
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:1-3
The remnant disciple must take pleasure alone in the divine Person, work, and riches of Christ. It is in Jesus Christ alone that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…are hid” (Col. 2:3). We are “complete in him, which is the head of all principalities and powers” (Col. 2:10). He should savor and be ever grateful for the fullest sufficiency of “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24). He is privileged to appreciate and delight in Christ’s name, life, power, and superiority, as the only “Head” and high and mighty “Potentate” or supreme Ruler of His eternal kingdom. All others posing as such or unduly elevating themselves as they seek to steal His glory are brazen wolves, thieves, counterfeit, and wholly false (Matt. 7:15-20; 24:5, 11. 24; Jn. 10:1; Col. 2:4-19; 2 Jn. 7-11).
“Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
There exists no one else except Christ who is all of God, Creator, Redeemer, Savior, Counselor, and King of all kings (Jn. 1:1-4; Col. 1:15-17; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3; Rev. 1:8). Jesus Christ is unique in all of history. No other was born of a virgin by the Holy Ghost, called “God with us,” showed us the Father, lived a perfect and sinless life, conquered death by “the sacrifice of himself,” satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice as He did “taste death for every man,” died on a cross with the superscription “THE KING OF THE JEWS,” was buried and guarded by numerous soldiers and then fulfilled His own prophecy by rising from the dead to prove He is the very Son of God and Messiah, and promised to return for His own (Matt. 1:23; 24:30; 27:37; Jn. 1:1-4; 14:9; Rom. 1:4; Heb. 2:9; 9:26). There is no one comparable to Jesus Christ.
Father, in Jesus’ name, please give Your people an ever deepening revelation of the cross of Christ, “the blood of his cross” by which exclusively we are redeemed, bought back to Thee…. and also the cross He commanded us to take up daily. In Jesus’ name.
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. … For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 1:20; 3:3
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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Out of the Mouth of Babes – “What is Love?” Hilarious. Revealing [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 44
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
“Rend Your Heart, and Not Your Garments” [podcast]
God and His Word are Unchanging [podcast]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Out of the Mouth of Babes – “What is Love?” Hilarious. Revealing [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Out of the Mouth of Babes – “What is Love?” Hilarious. Revealing [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 44
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
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