Celebration and the Self-Righteous
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8
If you don’t like celebration – the right kind, as God defines it – you will not fit in in Heaven.
DO YOU LIKE TO CELEBRATE???? I SURE DO!!!!! Like it or not, the LORD invented and is all about celebration!!!! Read Revelation to begin to discover the eternal celebration that awaits those who die in the LORD. God is going to eternally and indescribably reward all of His children who remain/abide to the end with Him, for continuing to search out, believe, and obey His truth sister. This is our only safeguard (Prov. 30:5-6; Acts 20:20, 27-32, etc.). Jesus says “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.” (Revelation 1:3)
Is Jesus Christ praise-worthy to you?
John Wesley wrote a book titled Man with the Dancing Heart. Don’t you love that title?! Does your heart leap, rejoice, and dance with joy in the magnificent LORD and Savior?
The Great Gap
HAVE YOU ever noticed how modern pharisees hate joy, real praise, worship, and dancing before the LORD? Why? Could it be due to the fact that GOD is getting the glory and not them? Did you realize that the Son of God was crucified due to the ENVY of the pharisees of His day? (Matthew 27:18) The depraved religionists of Christ’s day were fed up with Jesus stealing away the attention of those they preyed upon, so they handed Him over to be crucified.
Has anything changed? No. As the Word says, nothing has changed (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Oh, and by the way, we’re not talking about all the false worship going on in the so-called “prophetic” and charismatic movements. Much of that is man-centered and delusional.
“And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.” 1 Samuel 18:6
Anybody got a problem with singing, dancing, joy, and music?
What was going on when the prodigal (previously apostate) son returned home to his father?
“Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.” Luke 15:25
I love spurning religious devils so bear with me for a moment please.
Dancing is not always seen in Scripture as holy (Mark 6:22). There are unholy uses of dance just as there are unholy or perverted uses of most good things. YET, that does NOTHING to negate or diminish the holy use of dance. But that’s exactly what religious swine do – they capitalize on a small error by wiping out the whole of a good thing from God (Matthew 23:23-25).
Dancing and rejoicing are not always appropriate. Sometimes it’s time to mourn and weep for sin. – “The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.” (Jeremiah 5:15) And “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:9-10)
As seen throughout Scripture, there is certainly a time to dance, sing, shout, clap, and rejoice in the goodness of God.
“And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” 2 Samuel 6:14
“And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. … And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.” 2 Samuel 6:16, 19
The Divine Curse Upon the Religious who Mock those who Celebrate the LORD
“Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! 21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord. 22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. 23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.” 2 Samuel 6:20-23
King David, a man after the LORD’s own heart, with righteous indignation, steam rolled the evil hearted Michal who mocked his praising God. He made it clear that he did not praise to be seen of men but rather declared that he danced “before the LORD.” (V21) David declared “I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight.” (v22) In other words, King David said “You ain’t seen nothing yet, devil!”
Like so many today, Michal, David’s wife (who was Saul’s daughter), had a bitter, self-righteous, pride-filled, and hell bound heart. She despised the joy of the LORD that was in David. As a result, Michael was cursed with barrenness just like all religionists are cursed and spiritual barren and will be unless they choose to repent and turn to the LORD and get right with Him before it’s too late.
Remember that Saul had been chosen as king of Israel and was humble in the beginning. Then, he became filled with pride and despised the fact that the women rejoiced and danced and celebrated King David. Saul was deeply envious because he did not daily die to self and therefore was full of self. Saul is a type of the self-righteous religious Pharisees and David is a type of Christ and His true, humble followers.
“Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?” 1 Samuel 29:5
1 Samuel 15:17 records the reason Saul was dethroned and why so many others in history and in our day have been unseated and cast down from a relationship with the LORD.
“And Samuel (prophet of the LORD) said, When thou wast little (humble) in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?” 1 Samuel 15:17
Today, many who were once broken and humble, are now lifted up in unwarranted religious pride, having their hearts darkened through sin and have completely forgotten from whence every good and every perfect gift came and comes (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17). They are now stiff-armed or kept at a distance from and away from the LORD (James 4:6-10).
To follow Christ to the end, one must first repent, believe, and be born again and remain “little in thine own sight.” (1 Samuel 15:17; Matthew 18:3-4)
Rejoicing is never seen in the self-righteous. Religionists are never happy, glad, or full of joy. Joy and celebration are mutually exclusive from modern, prudish Pharisees.
Why?
Religious devils hate competition. They want to own the attention, accolades, and revenues of the people. They are the most vile power-hungry, controlling, evil-hearty, and greedy dogs on the planet and a sure shot for hell – “Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31) Did you just catch what Jesus said to all religionists of every generation? Read His words again. He said they have no possibility to be in Heaven unless they repent and get saved.
The religionists want to control and therefore don’t want the LORD to be in control. It’s a control struggle to see who’s going to lead – Christ or the evil workers posing as His servants while being His sworn enemies. Paul says they completely self-serving and are the very enemies of Christ and His cross:
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19
Nothing has changed. In Isaiah’s day, the religious leaders were the same:
“His watchmen (apostate men in leadership) are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12
Dancing before the LORD
Dance, danced, and dancing appear 27 times in Holy Scripture. Anybody have a problem with that? If so, you have a problem with God Himself. There is great and perpetual celebration in His holy Heaven. Here’s a taste – “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10) Does God dance? He just might – read the verse above again and notice that it doesn’t say that the angels danced but rather that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God.” WHO is in the presence of His angels? The LORD Himself!
The Son of God made it clear that no religionist would be in Heaven (Matthew 21:31). Why? Because they refuse to truly abandon the love of self and celebrate Christ the Messiah.
While the wicked fry, the righteous will be celebrating with loud praise the King of all that is:
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:10-14
Preparation
The LORD says for us to “Be sober” in this life and to “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. “ (Philippians 4:4-5 ; 1 Peter 5:8) For now, it’s best to mourn than to be overmuch involved in celebration (Ecclesiastes 7:1-5). Yet, great, unending celebration awaits the righteous! Nothing could be more evident a truth in God’s Holy Word to us!
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
Support | STORE | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet
Articles
The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]

Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).
(Excerpt from the book I Die Daily)
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3
Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD:
- That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice”
- That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer
- Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the morning … I will look up”
From this passage, we see that David planned or scheduled, in an intentional and calculated fashion, to meet with the LORD every morning. The phrase “in the morning” appears twice in this inspired transmission of the Holy Ghost. The man whose heart panted after the LORD – to behold His precious beauty – declared that he would “direct” (point) his prayer upward to the LORD “in the morning.” (Ps. 5:3; 27:4; Acts 13:22) Communing with the LORD was priority to David, and therefore occupied first place in his daily life. He sought the LORD firstly as he arose from sleep, and before he went forth into his day.
Jesus commanded that if any person will come after Him – truly follow Him – he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). There is no place that the cross applies more than in daily prayer. The moment one arises, he will choose either to seek God or dwell upon self-sentiments and such. He will seek Christ, or he will seek his own salvation or rescue from his troubles. We all make a “daily” choice:
“… choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
No different from those covenant saints the LORD spoke to in this important passage, those whom we dwell among are serving self – the flesh – and yet we are called upon by the LORD to “choose” to daily serve Him rather than self. We are called to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.” (Phil. 2:15-16)
The LORD is calling us to purposefully declare Him as the LORD and Master of our lives, and this we do by making the premeditated decision to seek Him daily in prayer communion. Like Joshua, the way we “choose” to “serve” God must be premeditated, deliberate, daily, and in practicality. Daily, early morning, first fruit prayer is all three of these. It is the fruit of the crucified life – the life that is dead to self and in whom Christ dwells and reigns. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)
To those who seek God and not their own devices, there are many benefits (Ps. 68:19).
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
The precious peace of the “Prince of Peace” rules and reigns and makes sound the hearts of those who deny self’s ability to overcome and solve issues and problems, and instead earnestly and diligently rely upon God’s power to do such for them (Isa. 9:6; 26:3).
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4
As we fix our whole being upon Jesus Christ, our thoughts will be upward to His “glorious high throne,” which is “the place of our sanctuary.” (Jer. 17:12)
God is calling each of His saints to give his whole being to Christ, and to those things that “are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php. 4:8).
So, according to Philippians 4:6-8, saints are to rely upon the LORD and not self by submitting all their requests in prayer to Him who is their Source, and to think upon those things of Christ which are “true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … if there be any virtue … if there be any praise.” It is upon “these things” that we are instructed to “think on.” (Phil. 4:8)
God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and yet it is not until we become truly “crucified with Christ” that we are going to be ruled by His thoughts and peace (Isa. 55:8-9; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:6-7).
Changing the way one thinks is being done by millions of people who are not regenerated (not born again). New age and religious teachers hold this thought transformation teaching closely. Anyone can change the way they think for self-serving reasons – to stop smoking, to visualize and earn more money, to have more self-esteem, etc. However, hell still awaits all who are not born again, and that takes facing the living God and Judge in repentance for sin and placing all faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). The only renewing of the mind and thoughts that brings glory to Jesus Christ, is that which begins with one casting his whole being upon the LORD afresh – presenting himself a “living sacrifice … unto God.” Let’s look at Romans 12:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Those who are presenting their bodies to the LORD as “living sacrifice(s)” are infused and enabled by His grace to keep their minds or thoughts stayed (fixed) upon the LORD and not self, as they look for Jesus’ soon return (Col. 3:1-4). They trust Christ and not their own strength, reasoning, whims, philosophies, or wisdom. As they give themselves over to Christ and His infinite divine power, and become weak in self and self’s abilities, Jesus’ power raises them up to trust Him and rely upon Him alone – to rest the weight of their whole beings in Him who is able. They first declare that they are not able, and that only “God is able.” (Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 9:8) These are they who have and are finding out in a personal way that there really is nothing impossible with the LORD!
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Abraham trusted God. He is our human example of a man who walked with God – by faith believing that God would raise up that to which he died. Concerning the promise of a son being born to him and his aged wife, the Bible records these words from the LORD to His servant Abraham:
“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14
If God can and will split the Red Sea for His people, and cause a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife to have a child, what in your life can’t He do? (Gen. 17:17)
Here’s yet another question posed to our hearts from the LORD:
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
God requires that we die to self-will, self-help, and self-esteem, and lay our lives in His holy, perfect, and more-than-sufficient hands. He can then work in us and in our lives – raising up His holy standard and power to glorify Himself in and through His children. Nothing will be impossible for the LORD to perform in the lives of those who deny themselves and, like Abraham, trust God to raise up His solutions, answers, and blessings to bring Himself glory.
“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (makes alive) the dead, and (God) calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17
God called forth Isaac out of Abraham’s loins when it was an otherwise impossibility in the natural. In your life, beloved, “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14)
Our connection with God is all about relationship, and the quality of that relationship is exemplified in our prayer lives – or lack thereof. If a person is pursuing the LORD, he has a prayer life. He lays down his own desires and life and seeks God’s life. This is perhaps in no other scrutiny seen more clearly than in the value he assigns to his prayer life, and the heart affections and time he is willing to invest in it.
In Psalms 63, the Psalmist captures the life of the person who truly has a heart after God.
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:1-8
The following is an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:
“’At that day ye shall ask in My name.’ John 16:26. We are too much given to thinking of the Cross as something we have to get through; we get through it only in order to get into it. The Cross stands for one thing only for us – a complete and entire and absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is realized more than in prayer.
‘Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.’ Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.
‘I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? ‘At that day’ you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.
When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else.”
PRAYER: Father, please bless this life to honor You and Your will first and foremost in this life You have granted, by my being authentically crucified with Christ. Please unite my heart to fear Your holy name and to number with wisdom this short time on this earth as a gift from You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for dying for my sins and for the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost You placed in us upon salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You must increase but I must decrease. This moment, if never before, I declare and deliberately decide to place You first daily in my life – I am crucified with Christ. Early will I seek Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Capture Points
- Discuss Psalms 5:3 along with Mark 1:35 and the importance of daily and first fruits prayer in the life of every disciple of Jesus.
- Transcribe onto an index card and discuss Romans 12:1-2 (KJB recommended).
- Write out on an index card Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (KJB)
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | THE BLOOD OF JESUS | Blood Atonement | PEACE with GOD | Christology (the study of Christ) | Christ Crucified | Was Jesus the “One and Only Son”? [podcast] | The Remission of Sins



Abiding
The Joy of God’s Word [podcast]

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Psalms 119:89
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
PRAYER: Heavenly Father please match and exceed every trial You allow me to go through with Your joy! For You said that the joy of the LORD is my strength! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]



Audios
Current Events and the Name of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
IF we are praying God’s WORD in the name of JESUS CHRIST…. in His bless-ed humility, God is answering!
I don’t think we begin to realize the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ – and available exclusively to those who are HIS.
Memorize the word of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 14:13-14.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
One commentator notes: “The universal fascination with knowing what is going on in the world has ancient roots. Knowing that Jesus is a well-known rabbi, some ask for his take on the hot news of the day. “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). Pilate, the governor, has executed some Jews while they were in the act of offering their sacrifices, mingling their blood with the animal blood. Jewish sentiment is likely strongly against Pilate, although some seem to be critical of the people who have suffered. Maybe they deserved it.”
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Let Him be Your Fear [podcast] | Why We Need Not Fear Death | Fear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]




America2 years agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
Articles3 years agoChildren being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
Articles8 years agoSelf-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
Apostasy3 years agoSHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True




































