The Peace of God, which Passeth all Understanding [podcast]

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]

“Great podcast. It helped me see how much the Lord has done a mighty work in me. I struggled with insomnia and not sleeping sometimes for days. That can be very hard on your body. As I laid down more of my self and my worries I was able to sleep better. It was lack of faith and trust in God that caused me to not be able to sleep. If you don’t trust God you won’t have peace. Psalm 4 speaks about sleep. Especially verse 8. I will lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. I can sleep in the peace and safety of Jesus!” Karen

Peace has come to us at the highest, infinite price ever paid.

Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” and He “made peace by the blood of his cross” so that we now have “peace with God,” peace among the brethren, and peace in our hearts (Isaiah 9:6-7; Colossians 1:20; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 4:3; Psalms 133:1; Philippians 4:7, etc.).

“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 1:20

There was a price to be paid for peace between God and fallen man and it was Christ’s blood. Jesus “made peace through the blood of his cross” and the only way we can have peace, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” is through the cross – by being truly washed in the blood of the “Prince of peace,” and “crucified with Christ” (Isaiah 9:6-7; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 4:7; Galatians 2:20). Any other prescription for peace is a lie. Beware of the cross-less counterfeits which Paul specifically warned us of (Philippians 3:18-19).

Hint: If the cross isn’t in the middle of a man’s message, it’s not of God – it’s not the original Gospel, it’s “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).

God brought peace to the world, to mankind, through the death of His only begotten Son. And, He has ordained that peace come to those who truly follow Jesus the “Prince of Peace” which simply means to die and let Him live in your personal daily life – which according to Jesus, is the only way to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). His peace will then possess your life and there are no shortcuts.

Today we see countless, continual promises of peace which are misleading at best and hopeless. We see the same people trying to cope and have peace who were doing the same 20-30-40 years ago.

If you want peace but not the “Prince of peace,” you’ll have neither. No Jesus – No Peace.

For His fallen race, there were no shortcuts. Christ, of necessity, had to come and die and when He did He defeated our enemy the Devil and conquered sin by dying (Isaiah 59:16; Ezekiel 22:30). Where there is sin, there is no peace. Where sin is forgiven, the subject is washed, and there is peace. The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15

Wherever there is separation from our “Prince of Peace,” there is no peace in us. Union with God and peace possessing us go hand in hand. There will be bondage and not peace until there is oneness between the individual and the LORD, His Maker and Redeemer.

Notice that Jesus Christ paid with His own blood to grant peace between God and fallen men and also for those still “in earth,” to walk in His peace. Christ’s blood exclusively satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to reconcile fallen man back to Himself (Isaiah 53:11).

The cross of Christ is at the center of our peace. In fact, there could not have been peace between God and fallen mankind without Christ’s perfect sacrifice on that cross which fully satisfied the Father’s claims of justice to redeem mankind.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; and with his stripes we are healed. … 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5, 11

Jesus secured your peace – in Him! And as long as you remain “in Him,” – that is, on His terms and no other – His peace will possess your heart.

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Ephesians 2:14

Through the blood of Jesus, there is now but “one body in Christ” made up of both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews). Read Ephesians 2.

Peace in our hearts is more important to peaceful sleep than an expensive bed.

There is “no peace” to the wicked. Peace from God comes only when the individual is brought to repentance and saving faith in Christ, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7; 57:21).

The man who won’t do things God’s way, will never have peace, never. God’s way is the cross – the cross of Christ and the cross He mandated that we take up “daily” (Luke 9:23-24).

Being possessed by Christ is being possessed by His peace that passes all human understanding!

Many today take drugs to help them sleep which is a mere band aid. Drugs don’t get to or solve the root of their issue which only God can do.

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.” Job 33:14-18

Did you see the cross in this passage above? – “That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.” Only the cross can separate us from our own purposes unto God and crucify sinful pride out of our lives.

The Christian life will not work without the power generator of the cross. Let the addiction begin – as the resurrection life of Christ fills, teems in, and works through His crucified saints! (See 2 Corinthians 4:10-12.) Are you ready to exchange your sin, guilt, misery, and shame for Christ’s resurrection life? Cross – Resurrection Gospel Life

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“With thanksgiving” results in “the peace of God…” The thanksgiving offered in times of hardship and trials with our supplications denote the trust and confidence we have in our Saviour to bring us through (our faith) to perfection. God bless brother 🙏” Jon Crane

I am in agreement with brother Jon Crane here. The LORD had to chasten this fool for years…. to bring me to the place of worshipping and thanking and praising Him in the middle of the trials.

” Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

God Provided the Divine Remedy for All that Ails Us!

As the Great Intercessor, our LORD Jesus, Heaven’s KING, ever lives to provide what He died to purchase for His people, His body (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26).

Are you struggling with lack of peace, with lack of good sound sleep?

Are you battling to walk in an abiding relationship, fellowship with Christ?

Is there mental anguish at hand?

Is your sleep disturbed?

Be not surprised, we are in a war. Those who fight – God’s way – will be blessed with the spoils of His peace.

Do you desire the deep and divine peace that only the Prince of peace can give? Are you willing to follow the Lord’s prescription for such?

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165

ANY person who is not immersed in God’s Word – daily reading, studying, and meditating upon it, is not in the will of God, is not abiding faithful in Christ, and does not have “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) We declare this boldly with not one exception, on the final divine authority of God’s Word. And, the only people who would argue with this self-evident fact are the unrepentant who have to this point chosen not to return to the LORD afresh (Hosea 10:12). Until we “repent” – return afresh to Christ – we cannot and will not be blessed by Him with “times of refreshing (which) shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

WHO are they that God says have no peace?

“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21

Prayer: LORD Jesus, please teach us to “fight the good fight of faith” the way YOU have ordained. We here and now acknowledge that we do not fully understand this and ask You now to teach our hearts. Father, we ask this in the name of Jesus.

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.” Psalms 18:34

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:” Psalms 144:1

The Fight, the War New Testament Saints Fight

What happens when you kick a dead dog? Nothing.

What happens when you kick a live dog? He bites you, right?

Are you alive in self-will or are you crucified with Christ, presently?

Have you died the death?

Have you cried with Jesus “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

The cross is the only – the only – exclusive place that we are found in His rest from all the “noise,” the turmoil that seeks to disturb our peace of mind. When I am not in the cross, I am not in His peace. Christ and His cross are inseparable. The cross and peace are inseparable (Colossians 1:20). Returning afresh is what God is leading me to do, daily.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

God will fill no vessel with His peace until that vessel surrenders – consents to be crucified with Christ, truly.

The “mind of Christ” only dwells in His crucified vessels – who therefore serve God and others, not self (Philippians 2:3-5).

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh (the cross), arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (the cross) … Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” 1 Peter 4:1, 12

Whew, personally this disciple is no stranger to the war that rages over the mind. Every disciple of Christ can surely attest to this war.

THIS is the fight – to remain dead and buried so Christ alone is reigning in us! Think about this …. The mind of Christ is specifically defined as elevating JESUS and others above ourselves which is the fruit, the outworking of the crucified life (Philippians 2:3-5).

…. Oh and there is also Isaiah 26:3, right? When I am in Christ, in His prescribed cross, I am dead and buried and at rest, at peace with Him…..

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

The believer is kept in Christ’s “perfect peace” as he choose to remain dead and buried – crucified with Christ.

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD [podcast]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD Are you ready to Pass from Death to Life? God desires to pardon you – before it’s too late. Jesus beckons you to “Come unto me” — while you can (Matthew 11:28-30). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 GOD sees all sin and will either forgive or […]

Resting in His Love

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” Psalms 91:14 Our obedience to the LORD is not in order to get Him to love us but rather in response to the love He already has for us – and was profoundly demonstrated by sending His only begotten Son to die for us “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8). There are priorities in the divine economy. Jesus called them “the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23). Jesus says that “IF” we love him, we are to “keep” His “commandments” […]

"Let him be Your Fear" [podcast]

Is Loving God Enough? (below) There should be NO fear of mere sinful men among the righteous!!!! “The righteous are bold as a lion!” (Proverbs 28:1) The righteous of the LORD fear God and therefore fear NO mere man or men!!!!! “And walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 Like we see here with the earliest followers of Jesus, when we truly walk “in the fear of the LORD,” we shall also walk “in the comfort of the Holy Ghost.” Those who fear the LORD, obey the LORD and […]

Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]

Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life: “I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.” “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose […]

Abiding

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]

“Hid with Christ in God”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

"Blessed are the Poor In Spirit" [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount. The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It […]

The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which […]

Articles

Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast]

Could our diminishing returns could be due to our refusal to put God first which would mean we are putting His work, His agenda, His stated will and mission – the Great Commission – first?

“The beginning of Haggai’s prophecy finds Israel returning to the land after 70 years under Babylonian oppression (God’s punishment for the sins of Israel’s leaders). Now, a new and younger generation of God’s people are working to rebuild God’s earthly dwelling place, the temple. Long before Haggai’s prophetic ministry, God had promised that when his own presence dwelled among his people, the life-giving power of God would flow from him into their land (Deut. 28:1-14, Haggai 1:1-4). So, in hopes of experiencing God’s promises after a long season of exile, the people begin to rebuild.

Unfortunately, the temple rebuilders quickly become distracted from the project at hand. They stop working on the temple to build their own houses (Hag. 1:1-4). Meeting their immediate needs takes priority over rebuilding God’s temple. But this priority doesn’t work out well for them in the end. Haggai points out that no matter how much they sow in their fields, the returned exiles are reaping less and less. Every day, their rations get thinner, and they feel just a little thirstier (Hag. 1:5-6). Haggai says their diminishing returns are a result of their failure to prioritize rebuilding the temple, the place of God’s presence (Hag. 1:10-11). But he also promises that if they recommit themselves to the temple project, all the blessings and life they hope for will return (Hag. 2:7-8, 18-19). This new generation listens to Haggai and starts making plans for the project’s next phase.”

The rebuilding of the temple in the days of Haggai the prophet is equivalent to the Great Commission work Christ sent us, His “ambassadors” to accomplish as we look for His soon return (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Who is it that gives men the “power to get wealth”? The LORD. Why does He do such? – “that he may establish his covenant.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

“And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:17-20

Does God still keep His Word to bless those who put Him first with what He grants them the ability to bring in?

If a person chooses to repent of poor stewardship and conform to God’s Word, will the LORD not give that person grace to do the impossible? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Mark 10:27) Are you on your own with your finances? Or, are you dying to human reasoning and excuses and simply obeying the LORD? When we do simply obey Him, we can expect that He will undertake the cause and begin to do things that are miraculous. We see this throughout history, especially as recorded in Holy Writ. Remember the widow who had only a handful of food left to feed herself and her son? Remember who when she obeying the LORD that she was abundantly blessed? (1 Kings 17:10-16) The fact that some wolves have utilized this passage to garner gains for themselves, in no way negates the divine authority in and of this passage of truth. Will the LORD still bless? Has He changed or is our sin hindering His blessings? (Isaiah 59:1-2; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:9)

“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

The people of God were experiencing diminishing returns due to their refusal to simply put God first in their lives, hearts, and therefore finances. The LORD blew on their finances and scattered them because they were not putting Him and therefore His work first – but rather their own lives and money were first. Repentance required (Revelation 2:4-5). Read Haggai 1. It’s a very revealing chapter.

The LORD’s Plan to Feed, Protect, and Bless His Saints and to Spread His Good News

It’s interesting and telling to compare the distribution of goods/resources/funds among the earliest believers and the way things are done today. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Today, as was so often foretold, the merchandising wolves are living ‘high off the hog’ when the Bible clearly instructs leaders never to “greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”(Deuteronomy 17:17)

Of course, the Bible teaches that those whom God has called out are to be provided for (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) and yet, today we have lavish wolves flaunting their multi-million dollar homes in gated communities (insulated from the little guys/the poor). This has nothing to do with and blatantly contradicts the lifestyles of Jesus and His holy apostles. This makes you wonder if those who enable these wolves have even read the Gospels! A second grader knows this is wrong.

Most of us have funded wolves only later to see the light of their greed later. So, should we stop obeying God by giving to further His work? Is it time we understand the LORD’s balance in these things?

Does the Almighty have or need American money in Heaven? No.

The LORD has a plan and following that plan (instead of our own) will result in glorifying Him and seeing many blessed.

***The true disciple of Jesus is not looking for the next trinket to waste his money on, but rather is about His Father’s business of putting that money toward God’s eternal kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-24)

Some who are greedy in heart, serving the god of mammon, do not like biblical teachings on stewardship. They will lash out against the messenger, when those demons that control them are enraged. There are more than 2,500 verses on stewardship in God’s Word and over half of Jesus parables are on stewardship so anyone endeavoring to disclose/teach the full counsel of God cannot dodge that topic.

Many today who name Christ as their Savior are saying in their hearts: “I have more important things to fund than YOUR work LORD! After all, the things in my life, to make me feel more comfortable in this fleeting world, are very important. Jesus, please don’t bother me any more concerning funding YOUR work. I have vacations to go on. I have to get a bigger, nicer car so that I, I, I, look better to mere men. I HAVE to run out and see the newest movies, buy the latest fashions, subscribe to magazines from the world to help me me me be in the know, eat out 20 times monthly, put more money in the bank for MY security, get a bigger house to make myself feel better …”

Which World are You Rich In?

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Praise God for those who give to the work of Christ! It is regrettable though that many of those who see God’s work and receive of Him through it as they see those workers of the LORD doing HIS work, do not contribute and do not agree with God that HIS workers “ARE worthy”of financial reward so they can be sustained and furthered in doing HIS HIS HIS work. Many are saying with their inaction that Christ’s workers are NOT worthy of their hire. They are saying “LORD, I know You said that Your servants ARE due financial reward so they can keep doing YOUR work, but I am too busy to take a moment to help, I am too strapped financially, after all, I have the cable TV bill to pay, I have to pay my mortgage, my rent, for food, daily coffee, golf, and for many other essential things. I really don’t think that Your work is important. Winning souls to Your eternal kingdom for who You bled and rose again is not important to me. I am too busy being entrenched in and loving this present sinful world. So, Your kingdom, Your work, and Your people will have to wait till I have so much money that I can keep doing these important things that are important to ME in this life and also throw a token tip your way.”

When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18? Do you know what the LORD is teaching us in these important passages? How can we expect to be blessed of Him if we ignore His instructions?

It is clear that God will bless those who agree with Him – in heart, mind, and in action. We will find amazing, supernatural blessings in our lives if we will put Jesus “first” in our stewardship, in our finances (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:10-11). Did He not promise to bless us if we put Him first which means putting His work as a top priority?

The “double honour” financial reward is due to called out Gospel workers and that’s the instruction of the One who has called out and set those workers apart to do (1 Timothy 5:17-18). That money should be there and that’s why God says that those who labor in His Word – learning and feeding His sheep – are to receive “double honour” so that they do not have to be interrupted in doing HIS work.

Jesus says that what we do with our monies is a direct reflection of who we truly love, worship, and serve – self or the Savior. “For where your treasure is THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Who has God put in your life to feed you HIS Word? What does the Bible say to do to those who feed you God’s Word? (Galatians 6:6)

Is God calling you to get into agreement with His revealed mind? Is He calling you to count His work as a high priority in your life? Will He not open His windows of blessings upon your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Will His kingdom blessings now be added to your life if you truly and practically put Him first? (Matthew 6:33) Will your barns not be “filled with plenty”?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

If you are upset, I am sorry. I sure hope this never has to be said again other than in the general teaching of the full-counsel of God which includes the important topic of stewardship.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Do you begin to realize what is at stake here? Do we begin to understand the implications of sinful omission? Do we begin to realize what great rewards we are forfeiting?

Aren’t the bank accounts that are connected to the work of the LORD worthy to be filled in order to supply for His work to be done?

Are you doing your part to fund those who are truly fulfilling a New Testament purpose?

Is the feeding of the LORD’s people important to you? Do unreached precious souls for whom Christ bled and rose again matter?

Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Are you personally interested in Christ and His sheep? Are you concerned that His sheep will be fed (nourished) and that more souls will be won to Him before it’s too late? What work or labor in this fleeting, sinful world could possibly be more important than that of the LORD’s business? Are you prayer for His laborers and supporting the work of Jesus? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Do we fit into that last day’s prophetic category of those who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the divine authority of God to reign in our daily lives? Are we “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” and are we those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous …”? May the LORD rebuke and change us now! (2 Timothy 3:1-8)

God is able!

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Fruit Abounding To Your Account: Divine Incentive [video]

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Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

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