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Giving and Lordship (below)

 

The Joy of Kingdom Giving (Below)

 

The Joy, the Severity, and the Opportunity

All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

One day in the temple, where people gathered to worship the LORD together, Jesus sat and watched

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want (lack) did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44  

There was opportunity for all to give. Many came and gave a smidgen of what they kept back from Christ while a certain widow came and gave her all. Jesus was impressed with her and justified her in her giving of her all but was not impressed with those who gave large monetary gains while withholding much more for their own preservation which clearly demonstrated their utter lack of essential, saving faith.

This lady knew that “All things come of thee (the LORD), and of thine own have we given thee.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) In her own lack and poverty, this lady gladly and freely gave of her substance – “all that she had, even all her living.”

This lady was putting her money where her mouth was and Jesus honored that. Such obedience demonstrates where her heart was and is a memorial for us all who name the name of Jesus. What we choose to give and/or not to give is telling of our true spiritual state. As Jesus “sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury,” so He does today. He is watching you and I and holding us accountable for what we do with what He gives us.

The Severity

The glory of God matters and so does your eternal soul. I refuse to be negligent but will rather endeavor to disclose the full-counsel of God’s Word. This includes stewardship, a subject that is said to appear 2,500 times in Holy Scripture. Faith is said to only appear 500 times. Get His point?

You may be looking at me like a mean person who is tampering with your personal life. But Jesus is the One who said that He sits and watches how we give (Mark 12:41-44). He told us that He is watching how we steward that which He allows to come into our temporary possession and will bring us into question and accountability for it in that hour when we stand to be judged (Matthew 25:14-30). In case you still don’t begin to perceive just how important  this is, consider that the Son of God finishes that parabolic teaching with these words of severe warning: “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30)

A true servant of Christ, called to communicate His very Word, will have in his heart to be prepared and to prepare other believers to be ready to meet the LORD and to be acceptable in His holy sight (Colossians 1:28). The great apostles said that he preached, warned, and taught God’s people in order to prepare them to be ready to meet Jesus – “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:28)

As we relinquish control of our lives, realizing that we are not our own but rather bought with the price of His very precious blood, all we have will no longer be seen as ours but His (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We will then begin to be possessed with the mission of Christ “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

The desire of Christ and those who oversee or sincerely teach His Word in truth, is that you will have some true riches in your eternal account beloved. In fact, the place of leadership in Christ’s body requires a deep dying in order to clearly reflect or communicate the full counsel of God’s Word, including those things which seem to bring much persecution. One such teaching is that of stewardship. We must die and simply teach God’s Word no matter the cost – no matter how many people attack us by saying we are in it for the money when nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, those who endeavor to preach the full Word of God will never be rich in this world but rather persecuted and shunned severely as promised (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Hebrews 11:37-40, etc.).

You and I live in the land of “opportunity.” There are many saints to be fed and strengthened and over abundance of lost souls to be reached.

Have you ever missed out on the “opportunity” to invest into something that became a success and you later regretted not investing in it? What are we going to do when we get to Heaven and we have to suffer the loss of eternal rewards due to not taking the “opportunity” to give on earth when we had the chance?

The believers at Philippi were generous givers and yet apparently “lacked opportunity” at some point. Yet, when they had “opportunity” to give to Christ’s work, they did so.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me (they gave financially) hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Philippians 4:10

Then Paul says ….

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

You and I do not lack “opportunity.” The question is: Are we taking advantage of those opportunities?

Did you notice that Paul, the servant of Jesus, “rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again”? (Philippians 4:10) Paul’s ministry and life “flourished” when other saints did their part and gave to help Christ’s work. This flourishing means that Paul “flourished” in fruitfulness in the winning of lost souls and in successfully tending to the blessed sheep of Christ’s pasture for whom He bled and was raised again.

Never forget that it is more important that you give than it is that ministries receive of our giving.

As you give and continue to give in worshipful obedience and thanksgiving, you are establishing and continuing to establish that Jesus is the LORD of your life and that His work is the most important work. God promises to fill your barns with “plenty.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Paul was not doing his own work but rather the work of Christ – the work that is infinitely more important than any other work in this world. So, the disciples at the city of Philippi were given the “opportunity” to help that work and they did! Praise God!

Speaking of “opportunity,” recently, a sister in Christ and her three precious adopted daughters were going to minister to some men who gather and wait for work in a certain part of our town. So, this sister was preparing to do this ministry in the days preceding the time they were going to go bless these men. She needed men’s clothes and Bibles to give to these men. Apparently, several people passed right by this opportunity, until one blessed brother stepped up and took advantage of this “opportunity” to jump in with a donation to purchase 50 Bibles for this exploit! I got so excited to hear what this brother did that I sent him the following email:

“Brother, what a blessing that you ordered 50 Bibles for Melanie and the girls to hand out!!!!!

Way to go brother…. That’s the way to step up and do it for Jesus brother!!!

I have some clothes to give her so they will have clothes and Bibles now! God is so good to us!

Praise God Bob for your obedience to Him using what He has given you!

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Hebrews 6:10

todd”

If we want to be “bless-ed” according to Christ’s definition of “blessed,” we must always remember His words – “It is MORE blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Jesus came and gave His very life and those who serve Him are known by the reality of giving up their own lives and giving of what they have for His eternal glory. Bob is one such brother – the man mentioned above who gave so those precious lost souls could have a Bible!

“And the Gospel’s”

As we get lost in Jesus, losing our own lives and being infused, permeated, and filled with His life, we will not see money and possessions as our own but His and will be engaged in the furtherance of His Gospel in this late hour as we look for His soon return. Watch what Jesus says concerning those who are truly losing their lives in exchange for His glorious eternal life:

“For whosoever will save (preserve) his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35

Losing our lives in this world in order to further the message of His glorious Gospel is the mandate of Christ. When we are losing our lives for the greater glory of His, the ministry of His blessed Gospel will be our heartbeat. We will live to please, worship, glorify, and obey Him in teaching and preaching His Word – fulfilling His Great Commission command (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). We will no longer overly entangle ourselves in the fleeting, frivolous affairs of this rebellious world system but will rather be in it to shine His glorious light and to be His preserving agent (salt). See Matthew 5:13-16.

“ALL Things Come of Thee”

The money in your possession is not yours. It has wings (Proverbs 23:4). You can’t bring it with you (1 Timothy 6:7).

In 1 Chronicles 29 we have David’s thanksgiving and prayer. Read this blessed passage carefully friend and note the worshipful, grateful, and obedient hearts of king David and God’s people. Note what that worship included:

Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. 16 O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 18 O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: 19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-19  

In obediently establishing that the money that comes into your possession is His and not yours, we do well to apportion the firstfruits to Him. Right off the top, in demonstration of earnestly putting Him first, it would be wise to cut that first check for His work. And what will He do in response?

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

This is the LORD’s promise, not mine. And so, I refuse to withhold it in disclosing the whole counsel of His Word.

God keeps all of His promises and did not stop giving seed to those who sow the seed that He allows to be in their hands – “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And 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. 10 Now 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;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

The obvious fact that many today in leadership positions take advantage of their audiences by exlpoiting them for their own selfish gain does nothing to diminish aught from the promises of God to bless those who give – both now and eternally. Jesus actually commands His people to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Christ or Coins? – All Must and All Will Choose

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

God still blesses those who give generously. The tithe or tenth is never commanded but all is commanded – 100%. And, He promises repeatedly to bless those who give.

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so very much for giving Your only begotten Son for me. I don’t deserve the least of Your blessed mercies and merit only Your rightful judgment. Thank You Jesus for every single breath, penny, and opportunity You have and do place in my life. I love You Jesus and ask You now to please forgive my sins of hoarding, greed, and covetousness. I now beg You to forgive these sins and to change my heart to truly serve You, being pleasing in every good work and opportunity. Amen LORD Jesus!

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Articles

The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]


What exactly does the Bible mean by the phrase “the sure mercies of David”?

The divine guarantee in Christ is that God’s mercies are upon your life, is available to you – as His divine mercies were upon the beloved David, from whose lineage came the promised Messiah. This grants no license for sin, which leads to judgment – now and forever (Romans 11:20-22; Hebrews 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21). God’s mercy in no way negates the biblical truth that we must all reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

Biblical examples of Sinful People God Forgave:

  • Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).
  • David (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalms 51).
  • The prodigal son (Luke 15).
  • One of the two men who stood before the LORD to pray (Luke 18:9-14).
  • Peter (Matthew 26:26-69, Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-17).
  • Thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).
  • Woman taken in adultery (John 8).
  • The fornicator in Corinth (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2).

According to Ezekiel 16:8-13 and many other Bible passages, God takes care of His beloved people.

Just as was the case with our earthly parents, so God took care of us, of you, when you couldn’t take care of yourself, He, your loving heavenly Father was there, tenderly taking care of you.

“Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. 9  Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. 10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers’ skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. 11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.” Ezekiel 16:8-13

The LORD saved Paul as an example to us – to every vile sinner to be born thereafter.

“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. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 

IF God forgave David and told you that in Christ you have “the sure mercies of David,” why wouldn’t He freely forgive you? (Isaiah 55:3-4; Acts 13:34) If God forgave the fornicator of 1 Corinthians 5 in 2 Corinthians 2, WHY wouldn’t He freely forgive your sins? Return to Him, confess all sin, forget the past, and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

The “sure mercies of David” are exclusively reserved for those who are in Christ!

“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.” Romans 8:33-34

What is meant by the phrase we read in God’s Word “the sure mercies of David”?

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” Isaiah 55:3-4

“55:2-5 In its alienation from God, Israel has been wasting its energy and resources. True satisfaction and lasting pleasure are found only in the Lord. If Israel returns to the Lord, they will receive all the sure mercies promised to David in the everlasting covenant (see Psa_89:3-4, Psa_89:28-29). These blessings are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus and in His glorious reign. The Gentile nations, too, will share in the benefits of the kingdom, and there will be amicable relations between Israel and the nations.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“the sure mercies of David” … yes those words definitely are so beautiful….. when we realize how wicked we are, we will find no stone to cast at any other. Instead we will send out the life saving message of “the sure mercies of David” which are in Christ.

UNTIL, as an individual, you begin to realize just how wicked you really are, you will never begin to appreciate what our KING and Savior did on that cross!

Read this verse carefully:

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

Recently, someone asked me what is meant by “mercy rejoiceth against judgment”? Reply: God’s mercy is greater than the judgment of sin…… His mercy is powerfully forgiving. The LORD would clearly rather bestow His mercy upon sinners than His judgment.

“But God commendeth (exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

All men have sinned against our Maker and yet the LORD is so very good that He “gave his only begotten Son” to be sacrificed for “the sins of the whole world” so that none “should perish” (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9).

I love this verse which puts it all in perspective…. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Stay in the mirror – the Word. When we are not in the Word we forget just how wicked WE are, how in desperate need WE are of God’s mercy, and that’s when we judge others when we should be extending that bless-ed divine mercy upon them.

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass (mirror): 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (Gospel), and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:23-25

God freely forgives His people on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice…. and requires that we forgive all others as He freely forgives unworthy sinners like us on behalf of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We are unworthy in and of ourselves. Jesus’ righteousness alone provides for our salvation, the justification of God.

If God were not a forgiving God who restores the backslidden, NOT EVEN ONE of us would still be alive and headed for eternal glory.

It takes no less than to read Jesus’ 3 parables which make up Luke 15 to witness this glorious truth concerning His great mercy! Read it afresh with the restorational love of our God in mind!

Well, most of us would admit that we are not sinless… and sin is sin…. because God is holy….. and so we should have no stone of condemnation to cast at anyone except ourselves for any sin we committed in the past 😉

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:37

Does God forgive all sins? Yes, all except one…

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:31-32

Well Judas committed perhaps the worst sin in history by betraying Christ and yet Jesus offered him mercy but he refused it.

Note that even in the midst of Judas betraying the innocent Son of God, Jesus called Judas, the traitor “friend.” This would clearly convey that Christ had his forgiveness in mind, had the desire to restore him.

“And Jesus said unto him, FRIEND, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Matthew 26:50

Of this verse where even while betraying the LORD Jesus, He refers to Judas as His “friend” or companion, Adam Clarke writes:

“Jesus said – Friend – Rather, companion, wherefore, rather, against whom art thou come? How must these words have cut his very soul, if he had any sensibility left! Surely, thou, who hast so long been my companion, art not come against me, thy Lord, Teacher and Friend! What is the human heart not capable of, when abandoned by God, and influenced by Satan and the love of money!”

God’s Word informs us that the LORD will love us all the way into hell if we choose to refuse to turn back to Him. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love (not life) of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39.) We see such unconditional love extended from the Savior upon the very man who was previously His close companion, one hand picked by the LORD Jesus and promised an eternal throne (Matthew 19:28). All men are given free will – till they die (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15, etc.). Instead of turning back to the Lamb of Glory before it was too late, Judas chose to kiss the Gate of Heaven and turn and plunge headlong into eternal hell (Acts 1:25).

God’s love is unconditional but His acceptance is not. | The Truth about Judas

“I would have been eternally lost if not for Jesus’ parable in Luke 15…O, may the prodigal, lost in this world, hear the good news, turn, and repent before its too late. O the tender mercies of God!” Jon Crane

As we see illustrated in Luke 15, RE-TURNING, turning back to God (repentance) is always the answer (Hosea 14:1-2). Denying such a need simply prolongs the separation and the misery of being in sin (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). Just ask the prodigal son in Luke 15. Take a fresh look at the before and after on his life! Our loving heavenly Father, His mercy and desire to restore the fallen is so beautifully depicted in the three parables which makes up Luke 15.

Take a look at what our glorious LORD and Savior is depicting, is showing each of us in His parables of the lost sheep, silver, and son.

Mankind is already fallen, condemned, and separated from Him in sin. Never forget beloved that Jesus came to save and not to destroy! That’s His stated desire and will (Psalms 86:5, 15; Luke 9:56; 19:10; John 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:15, etc.).

ALL sin is first and foremost committed against God, not man. God is the only law giver who determines what sin is (James 4:11-12).

ANY sin one would commit is first and foremost against our Maker, God Himself.

“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalms 51:4

God is the only One who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

David is forever a trophy of God, set forth with the characteristic of the Messiah….. and yet, like all men, he fell, and was shown mercy….. in this we take heart and are forged with confidence by this example that if God forgave David, He will surely forgive and show mercy upon my life…. the key is to have a heart after God, which causes us to be honest and repent and confess all sin (Ps. 51).

“And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.” Acts 13:34

The promise of “the sure mercies of David”

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16

“The sure mercies of David” are secure to us in Christ because they are from our loving merciful God who forgive the beloved David.

God’s people are commanded to forgive others, to show them mercy toward, upon others as God has showed us His mercy in our sin.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe 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 Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ

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Articles

Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]


The future belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ and His followers. Read the book of Revelation!

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

Is your hand on “the plough” – that which God has called you to do in His kingdom work? Have you looked back?

“Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17

Have you grown weary in well doing?

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

Are you obeying God by forgetting, by putting behind you the past – good and bad? Declare aloud in prayer before the LORD today: “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16

GOD WILL REWARD ACCORDINGLY

“And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” John 4:36

ALL WHO PARTICIPATE IN GOD’S WORK WILL BE EQUALLY REWARDED!!!

DO YOUR MISSION. Colossians 4:17

Think about this…..

Every laborer of Christ, no matter what small part he plays in God’s work, will be equally rewarded.

“For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24

Are we praying this specific prayer?

Whatever you do, never cease to preach Christ’s original Gospel!

The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Being kingdom minded means that your life is all about King Jesus and you are living a life of prayer, busy about the ¨Father´s business¨, waiting with baited breath to jump in and engage in and support the teaching, preaching, spreading, the communication of God´s Word – fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

Whose business are you about today – Christ´s or your own?

The answer to this question plainly reveals which kingdom you are in – Christ´s or Satan´s. The remnant body of Christ is all about the ¨Father´s business.¨ (Luke 2:49)

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Abiding

Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]


“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

  • “Ye have not chosen me”
  • “I have chosen you”
  • “and ordained you”
  • “that ye should go and bring forth fruit”
  • “and that your fruit should remain”

Of this truth, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:

“15:16 Lest there be any tendency for them to become discouraged and give up, Jesus reminded them that He was the One who chose them. This may mean that He chose them to eternal salvation, to discipleship, or to fruitfulness. He had appointed the disciples to the work which lay before them. We should go and bear fruit. Fruit may mean the graces of the Christian life, such as love, joy, peace, etc. Or it may mean souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a close link between the two. It is only as we are manifesting the first kind of fruit that we will ever be able to bring forth the second.

The expression “that your fruit should remain” leads us to think that fruit here means the salvation of souls. The Lord chose the disciples to go and bring forth lasting fruit. He was not interested in mere professions of faith in Himself, but in genuine cases of salvation. L. S. Chafer notes that in this chapter we have prayer effectual (v. 7), joy celestial (v. 11), and fruit perpetual (v. 16). “That whatever you ask … .” The secret of effective service is prayer. The disciples were sent forth with the guarantee that the Father would grant them whatever they asked in Christ’s name.”

Adam Clarke writes;

“The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.

To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must –

1. Be chosen of God to the work.
2. He must be placed in the true vine – united to Christ by faith.
3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.
4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.
5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.
6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.
7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain – that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.
8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God – Whatsoever ye shall Ask.
9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. – Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.”

God alone ordains His people to His work and brings them through many purging seasons to cause His fruitfulness in them, preparing them to bear more of His fruit. God chose us and blessed us with the ability to repent and receive Christ. As His people, He’s also ordained us to “go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

As we read this discourse from our LORD (John 15 and 17), we discover that He is speaking of that abiding fellowship we have with Him, and how out of it is borne the good fruit of His ministry in and through our life.

Being rooted in that oneness, the abiding relationship with Christ, is all-important to our relationship with Him and the Father. As his student, His disciple, may the reader be encouraged to pour prayerfully over these truths captured, and given to us in John, chapters 15 and 17.

Isaiah 43

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3  For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4  Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5  Fear not: for I am with thee … “

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please make me one with You. Please deeply root and establish my life in an abiding fellowship with You dear LORD.

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


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