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Smiting, Slander, Strife

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3

Christ’s body should relish, edify, exhort, admonish, teach, and to nurture one another as much as is possible. The opposite would be to rail on another member of Jesus’ body. Railing is listed 9 times as a sin in the Bible.

Beating and betrayal instead of unity clearly reveals who are the wheat and who are the tares among us (Luke 12:45).

May God bless us to afford to others the same grace we personally need in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling before our God (Philippians 2:12-13).

Do you truly love God’s people? To the degree you love God, you love His people. Prayerfully read, repent, and relish 1 Corinthians 12-13 this week.

Recently, I was abruptly attacked by a man I have tried to help and fed God’s Word to for a few years now. I was always there for him. He used to come to our home fellowship. When others shunned him, I was there for him. When he kept backsliding, I was there to tell him the truth and pray for him. I never attacked him but dealt with compassion towards him. It seemed that the LORD had me to be patient with his sinful living, seeking to help him by giving him God’s Word and praying for him. Yet, last night, perhaps because he had been drinking alcohol, he found something small to nit-pick and attack me with. He didn’t come to me in gentleness to just make something known that I may have overlooked. No, he shot with both barrels up front about something that wasn’t very important. So, I gave him the following passage and he kept attacking, so cut him off (Titus 3:9-11).

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.  2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

One of the signs of an apostate heart and/or generation is being merciless or “unmerciful.” (Romans 1:31)

We are not fit to condemn. When we do usurp that mantle, only evil can result.

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20

You see, there’s only One qualified to judge and that One is God, not us.

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11-12

Who, Who, Who?

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.  34Who 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

As I reflect upon the problem this guy had concerning something small he thought I was compromising about, I think of just how simple it would have been to hear his concern and do something about it. Actually, I would have been glad to be corrected and sharpened if only he had approached with concern and not condemnation. The approach is important. We must walk with God’s wisdom which is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18)

The main reason I share these things is:

1) Just as Jesus predicted, the love of many is waxing cold before our very eyes and God’s love is the key fruit that proves we are still in Christ or not (Matt. 24:10-13; 1 John 4:7-8). Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). Some are now smiting or railing on the servants of the LORD which proves they have fallen away and are no longer saved (Matt. 24:48-51).

2) If you have a question about another believer, DO NOT attack them! If you do, YOU are the sinful one who needs to get right with God and your lack of concern and care (love) prove it. We are to be restoring agents, not attack agents. Like the sons of thunder, we do not know what spirit we are of (Lk. 9:49-56). If we don’t yet understand and walk in God’s restorative love, perhaps we don’t yet have a clue as to who Jesus is and why HE came (Lk. 9:56; John 3:17). If this is our hardened, depraved state, we have forgotten what manner of man we once were. – “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (mature), RESTORE such an onein the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3For if a man think himself to be something (pride), when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:1-3

What did the LORD mean to communicate to you when He said this?

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure (perhaps) will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

In fact, the LORD told us that He is coming soon and that we are not ready to meet Him if we are grudging against one another:

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:7-9

As we treat His people, so are we treating Him, literally. Jesus taught:

“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:40-41

To mistreat one of His children, is to mistreat Jesus. Those who have done or do such without repenting, are as sure for the lake of fire as if they were already there!

The utter necessity of love and walking in love must be declared without ceasing.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Love is an essential. Anyone who does not possess and is not possessed by its fruits, does not know the One who “is love” and is hell bound as sure as your eyes are reading these words.

If we truly serve Christ, we shall, like Paul had an Alexander and many “false brethren,” also endure our betraying Judas’. God is able to comfort and bring us through and teach us His wisdom. We can “count it all joy!” (James 1:2-4)

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Articles

Mission Mexico Part 48

THE NEXT 20,000 JESUS TRACTS ARE NOW BEING PRINTED!

Money for the next 20,000 JESUS tracts as come in!

“On it’s way via Paypal. Happy to be able to help supply those, and that you have provided a way and members of our family to distribute them…so, can I say also: GONE FISHING for the Lord.

As I am no longer physically able to go fishing in person, thank you for finding and equipping those who are. As we all work together in THE FAMILY OF GOD, for the final round-up. Praying for a huge round-up, and that each and every tract sends the Holy Spirit right into their hearts and souls. Bless you Brother Todd.

I always loved Acts 16:31 – Then I pray that those who were touched, then spread it to their families and friends, so that “You and your household may be saved.” Crystal


Below is one picture and part of the ministry of beloved brother Jaime and his 2 sons who are pastor. They live near Mexico City. More coming on their ministering, which we are now blessed to serve, support.

As “labourers TOGETHER with God“, saints “WE” are now supporting pastor Jaime’s ministry work in another part of Mexico.

Your prayers and support are the fuel. “Ask and ye shall receive…” Matthew 7:7

God is good. | Mission Mexico

Brother Mark was miraculously, by divine appointment approached by this beloved brother – Jaime and his wife Luisa who were in town celebrating their wedding anniversary. Brother Jaime is a pastor and their whole family serves our LORD. Their 2 sons who are pastors also. This couple was having a Bible study when they met Mark. They loved the JESUS tract and so brother Mark called me and I brought over nearly a whole box of them to this beloved couple (appr 1200). Jaime and Luisa were thrilled and it looks like this may be another case where we are blessed to support the LORD’s people in doing His work!!!! They were intent on staying connected and so we exchanged contact information. God is moving saints.

Jaime, Luisa, and there 2 sons live in a city outside of Mexico City. The Gospel of Jesus is spreading all over Mexico! They have a church and also a ministry outreach to the broken!

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20


Genuine Gospel, Great Commission ministries give the members of the body of Christ the opportunity to obey Jesus by laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Notice in this passage that Jesus commanded His people to lay up treasure, in Heaven, not on earth.


Would you like to pause and lift Saul in prayer?


Concerning the love offering that came in to print the new batch of 20k JESUS tracts….

“My heart is filled with some much joy that you will be ordering these Jesus tracts. God is so very good! I am praising God for this sister in Christ and her love for Jesus! We are team Jesus! And for the Mexican people’s humble and meek spirits to be so open to the gospel that can save their soul from hell! Look up for our redemption draws near! Very soon we will see our Savior face to face!” Karen Cochran

“Glory to God brother! What wonderful news to hear that support and supply has been furnished by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples and blood bought people 🙏 who love the LORD 💞” Jon Crane


Saints, we’re not going to beg or try to manipulate anyone but rather just give out of what we have – and that Gospel fuel comes from Heaven via Christ’s saints …. to the poor and needy, who need God’s love and Word and in some cases, something to eat and a cold water, etc

No doubt that it’s easy to declare on social media that we love and stand for our LORD. And every disciple should! Yet who are we proclaiming Christ to, today, in our real life? Who are we tract-ing? Who’s hearing the Gospel of Jesus through us?

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30


I wonder what Jesus would do in the life that looks up to Heaven today by faith and says “Please prepare and send me dear LORD Jesus! Let’s roll Jesus!”


Brother Juan, an elder in Christ, continues daily ministering our LORD’s Gospel, meeting and exhorting, feeding, and sending forth more Gospel laborers for Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; Ephesians 4:11-12). We are super blessed saints, to support our brother Juan and a growing list of Christ’s disciples here in Mexico. Here’s another one. Brother Alejandro. Juan writes: ‘Praying for my brother Alejandro; he wants to serve God and others. Amen.'” Juan the Evangelist

Mission Mexico


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


Here’s our brother Juan speaking in this video below:


Recently, brother Mark told me that he never feels more at peace than when he is spreading our LORD’s Gospel, handing out Gospel tracts and communicating with people that Jesus died for their sins ….

Our LORD is using each of His beloved saints, daily, and for His eternal glory.

And it’s just begun.

The LORD is perfecting that which concerns your life in Him.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalms 138:8


“Praise Jesus for the word of God growing in the hearts of the people. Daniel 12:3. You guys are God’s shining stars who bring the gospel of hope to the people. Praying!” Karen Cochran


A few days ago, sister Maria called to let me know she was out of JESUS tracts and so I was blessed delivered another 2,000 JESUS tracts to her.

41,000 in print and over 35,000 distributed thus far in Mexico. Getting ready to be 61,000 JESUS tracts in print. Hundreds going out daily.


Brother Juan ministers all day long as he travels between towns and interacts with numerous people…. every day. Christ’s Gospel message flows from this brother like a river. He also ministers to hundreds at a local jail/prison. Thank you for lifting our brother in prayer and for considering supporting. Jesus is coming saints. Let’s roll. Recently brother Mark delivered another box of 2,000 JESUS tracts to Juan.

We are boots on the ground supporting our LORD’s saints, Gospel laborers, here in Mexico (Matthew 9:35-38). Your prayers and support are the fuel of Heaven (Philippians 1:19).

See more Gospel action here at Mission Mexico




LAST WEEK: I answered the knock at my door today and there were appr. 10-12 well dressed (uniforms) health care canvassers going through this neighborhood. Each of them readily received the spoken Word and JESUS tracts. Absolute success in sowing the message of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel. 100% reception. God is good.

As usual, here in Mexico, there was complete desire to hear the words of Jesus and no negative resistance whatsoever. These beloved souls eagerly listened and heard (in Spanish) Jesus’ Gospel preached …. that hell is forever, that Jesus died for our sins, and to please repent and receive Jesus Christ today…. all while pointing to the prayer of repentance and faith on the back of the JESUS tract. God is good yes.

God’s people are obediently and with His love and great joy planting the seed of His Word in the hearts of men today. 1 Peter 1:23; Isaiah 55:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Your prayers coveted for the fruitfulness and supply of this ministry outreach. “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)




Would you like to pause and lift a prayer for a young man named Gonzo? He’s seen the fruit of the Holy Spirit in several of Christ’s saints here and is wanting to get right with God.


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America

America is Under Divine Judgment [podcast]


Chasing the American dream all the way to hell? Are you bowing before your Maker who came and died to save you from sin and this world? Or, are you bowing before “old glory”, “the red, white, and blue”?

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17

Every person reading these very words is making his eternal bed in Heaven or in hell.

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

Those bowed truly before Christ and no idol, are about His “business” which is the Great Commission He gave us! Oh, and He holds you fully accountable to obey, to do it. Read the very end of Matthew and Mark.

If you are not deliberately, integrally involved in the Great Commission mandate Jesus gave His people, you are out of the will of God.

Evangelism! (Mark 16:15-20) Teaching God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).

AMERICA’S ENEMY INVASION

In the Bible, we read of how God allowed foreign empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians to invade, conquer, and exile Israel and Judah as a form of divine discipline and covenant judgment for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and refusal to repent.

One source notes:

“The Theological Framework of Judgment

    • The Covenant: God made a conditional agreement (covenant) with ancient Israel. Obedience brought protection and blessing; disobedience brought explicit warnings of national defeat and dispersion (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
    • Using Foreign Nations: Prophets like Isaiah and Habakkuk explain that God sovereignly used ruthless empires (calling Assyria the “rod of my anger”) as instruments of correction against His own unfaithful people.
    • The Limits of Judgment: While God used these empires to punish Israel, the Bible notes He also held those invading nations accountable for their own extreme cruelty, arrogance, and subsequent destruction (e.g., Isaiah 10, Jeremiah 50–51).”

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY NATION THAT FORSAKES GOD. – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalms 9:17) America is under divine judgment. See Jeremiah 18.

“The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:16-17

“At what instant” (marked space in time)

It seems God has His timing in judging nations and history records…..

It is more than obvious that America is not repenting. If that’s the case, what future does America have?

Jeremiah 18:7-10

At what instant (marked place in time) I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;

8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;

10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.”

How does He judge?

Does He not lift His hand of protection and allow invaders? Read Jeremiah 5-7. This morning as I begin again reading these 3 chapters, what’s happening in America seems to fit for sure. And no president can save America from the LORD judgment. The only hope would be the true repentance of the people.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY NATION THAT FORSAKES GOD. – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalms 9:17) America is under divine judgment. See Jeremiah 18.

What Bible verse or passage comes to your mind when you think of being possessed by an eternal perspective? How about this one?

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

PRAYER: My Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please imbue this Your vessel with the eternal perspective Your Word communicates. Bless me to be a consummate soul winning, with my hands gripping the plow of Your Great Commission command. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Why would we put our hope in a country that belongs to our arch enemy? (2 Cor 4:4). As scripture clearly tells us this earth will vanish like smoke (Is 51:6). We are looking for a new heaven and new earth! Rev 21. Where God will dwell among us! We will be His people and drink from the fountain of life forever and ever! That is my hope! Not this wicked fallen world!” Karen Cochran

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Articles

A Word of Encouragement on Ministering to Others

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

It’s God’s Word, the “incorruptible seed” of the truth of God that shatters that which stands between Him and sinners. Listen closely and grasp these divinely inspired Word through the prophet Jeremiah:

“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29

The rock of unbelief is broken by the words of God entering the hearts of men. The light of divine truth pierces the darkness:

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

When the very words of God enter the human heart, by its nature – light – darkness is exposed for what it is.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7

YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make me a consummate soul winner, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Many times, due to a lack of the cross in our lives, are we not rather in the flesh instead of the Spirit and therefore do we not attempt to force or coerce the truth of God on others?

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

EVER BEEN THERE? There are times when we are to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” and other times when the enemy is trying to get us to take the bait, to bite on something minor and not be quiet, listen, and meekly minister the Word and love of God (Jude 3-4; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). May God bless each of His children to be led by His Holy Spirit in each instant and glorify Him, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Preaching AT someone and ministering TO someone are mutually exclusive. Are we preaching in our own self-righteous wrath and don’t yet realize it? The words of James are stinging and should be memorized:

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20

May God fill us with His love and bless each of us to edify (build up) the members of His body.

Both rebuking and ministering are certainly Scriptural and yet, personally, I can look back in regret and see that when God wanting me MINISTERING TO someone, I was instead preaching AT the intended target/person. They are not a target but an eternal soul heading to Heaven or hell. And at times, God will mercifully lead His people to send forth a strong rebuke in order to turn the sinner to Himself.

There are many instances in Scripture where unrepentant rebels are dealt a hard blow with strong preaching, strong rebuke – the call to repent (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; Revelation 3:19, etc.).

I wonder if it would help up today if we paused to consider the process that transpired in our own lives. Though salvation is instantaneously imparted upon repentance, it most likely took a few people sowing the seed of God’s Word in our hearts before we repented and received Christ, right? Is that what happened in your life? It sure is in mine. I didn’t stop and get saved the first time some bless-ed disciple ministered to me. Did you?

When we put a seed in the ground to get a crop, it has to first be planted and then it begins to germinate, right? Then comes the crop and the fruit. This is a process and Paul speaks of it when he writes:

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Here below is a passage the LORD quickens my heart to pour prayerfully over on a regular basis:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

PEOPLE go public about a lot of things. It’s time for God’s people to GO PUBLIC about JESUS!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16  

Like everything in Christ’s kingdom, nothing works outside of the cross – the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ happening in our lives daily.

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