Treasures In Heaven [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]

Being Possessed with an Eternal Perspective

The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven.

True worshipers of the One who gave all rejoice to give a portion back to the LORD who provides all we have had, do have, and ever will have (James 1:17).

Are you truly trusting God for your provision?

“Without Faith it is Impossible to Please Him” Hebrews 11:6

Our LORD Jesus teaches:

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

People spend, waste money on every frivolity under Heaven and seldom lay up treasures in Heaven using their temporal coin (Matthew 6:19-21). Read Jesus’ teaching recorded in Luke 16.

First off, please realize that Christ didn’t teach us here not to lay up treasures, but He did instruct us where to lay them up. He actually commands us here to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

God so loved that He gave and the giver experiences the joy Christ gives in doing that which is “more blessed” than withholding – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) God didn’t withhold but rather gave that we might have life and we should give to obey Him and that others might be blessed (John 3:16). Conversely, the person who withholds where he should give will reap accordingly. God’s Word informs us that “the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

What has one truly given up when he gives liberally or bountifully to the work of the eternal Gospel? Here are a few things we should consider concerning what is accomplished when we give financially to Christ’s work in the earth… When we give, we:

Avert eternal judgment by giving away what we cannot keep to obtain what we cannot lose – in Heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt.” (Matt. 6:19) Hoarding is sin (see James 5:1-4).
Alleviate the worry of “thieves” who “break through and steal.” (Matt. 6:19)
Giving frees the soul to serve and love God and not money.
Giving keeps covetousness and greed at bay.
When we give, we give up that which can hold us back from laying up the treasure that will never stop giving – “treasures in heaven.” (Matt. 6:20)
Giving helps us to set our affection on heavenly things and not the things on the earth in order to direct our whole heart upward to the LORD because “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; Col. 3:1-4)

Jesus is specifically speaking of financial giving in many of His teachings. Our giving is a measure of what is truly in our hearts. Remember His parables? What about Luke 12 and 16? Have you read these lately?

According to Jesus’ teachings, coveting, greedily going after, and laying up treasure in this world will prevent one from the treasure of Heaven (Mark 10:23-25; Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-12, etc.).

Liberal or Generous Giving

Some wonder why they always run out of money and this indicates the great need to be a better steward of the money you obtain in this life. Complaining about not having enough is an invalid complaint if you have wasted what you did have. Wanting God to give us more when we have wasted and squandered what He already gave us is futile. We will lose it if we don’t rightly use it and that’s what Jesus taught in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25).

Hoarding or withholding is the opposite of liberality and generosity in heart and therefore in giving. Hoarding is the manifestation of unbelief (lack of trust in God) and selfishness. Unbelief is the root of all sin and will lead to eternal damnation (Heb. 3-4). Elijah trusted the LORD in the desert and He fed him by ravens (1 Kings 17:1-7). The LORD always provides and told us not to be as those without Him (heathen).

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:25-35

The happiest people are giving people. Lust gets love gives. People who trust God are not up tight. They are rather at peace. Joy comes from trusting and relying upon the LORD Almighty who has never in history failed one of His servants.

As a result of trusting the LORD we are free to be generous givers. God’s Word tells us that “the righteous giveth and spareth not.” (Prov. 21:26)

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26

Those who scatter (plant seed liberally) increase while those who withhold come to spiritual poverty. A“curse” comes upon those who withhold and “blessing” upon those who release.

“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:30-31

Hoarding is Sin

WHAT do you have against God’s work prospering? Is the spread of the Word of God important to you? If so, please give to those who are feeding you as the LORD says such is your personal responsibility in participating in His work in this late hour (Galatians 6:6; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35, 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.).

There is no sin in having wealth in this earth yet according to God’s Word to withhold undue portions is sin (Mark 12:41-44).

“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire (hell). Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days (the end of your tyranny is near – agony awaits if you don’t repent).” James 5:1-4

Friend, are you truly willing to listen to what the LORD you claim to serve said about giving? If not, perhaps we are lawless in heart and suppose to be making up our own religion instead of bowing humbly in obedience under the lordship of Christ (Matt. 21:44; Jn. 12:24-26). He made it clear that only those who do His will know Him and will reign with Him in eternity (Matt. 7:21-23; Jn. 14:15, 21).

Jesus spoke about a widow who gave “all” even though she gave much less monetarily than those rich religious men. The Son of God who surveys how and what (how much) we give said of this woman – “of her want (lack; poverty) did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mk. 12:44) Have you stopped to meditate on this lesson Jesus gave us? What the poor widow did in giving all that she had out of her own lack, took much more faith than the rich religionists who cast in much out of their overflowing coffers. – “Without faith it is impossible to please him” and it doesn’t take much faith to cast in such a small percentage of what we possess because we have that temporal money to fall back on – to rely on instead of trusting God as Provider. Think about it – isn’t this why Jesus told us that very few rich people will go to Heaven? (Mk. 10:17-31; Heb. 11:6) A rich person who is not a liberal giver can insulate himself from needing God because of the wealth he is able to wield at any problem or need that arises. He finds himself in few positions that corner him into crying out to the LORD in deep and utter desperation. Such a position is to be pitied not coveted. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-17.

“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. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 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: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44

When Jesus chose to go into the fellowship meeting of people who supposedly gathered to glorify God, He found some interesting things. Where did He choose to sit? – “Jesus sat over against the treasury (the place where people gave monetary offerings).” What was He looking for? – “Jesus…beheld how the people cast money into the treasury.” What did Christ discover? – “many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” What was the conclusion of what He observed? – “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

It was no strain for the rich to cast in what was a sizeable financial gift.

It was a real faith sacrifice for the poor widow woman to cast in all that she possessed. In this the LORD was pleased. This is the kind of faith in giving that impresses God. King David said “neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (2 Sam. 24:24)

“Rich Toward God”

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

We are all being weighed in the balance by the eternal God. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and watches how and how much we give (Mk. 12:41-44; Heb. 13:8). He wants our hearts – our whole lives. When our hearts are truly His, so will be our monies (Matt. 6:21).

What is your real net worth? How does God determine your net worth? In eternal terms, right? – “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matt. 6:20) What is your true net worth – in eternal terms? There are those, even ones who claim to be following Christ, who in heart think themselves to be “well off” or “set.” Instead of giving more to further the cause of the Gospel, in their prosperity they have said in their hearts “This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…” (Lk. 12:18-20)

The absurdity of this depraved thinking is that these same people have not much visible fruitfulness consistent with the true Christian life as defined by the reality of Holy Scripture (Gal. 5:22-23). The fruit or evidence of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling a person is “love, joy, peace…” Love isalways – without fail – giving (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 13). So what is their true net worth in the eyes of the One whom they and all of us will soon stand before to give account for every intent of heart and work done in the flesh in this fleeting earthly life? Are we open to allowing the Judge to answer this for Himself?

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21

According to Jesus Christ, those who build fleeting wealth in this world without being “rich toward God” are hell bound. – “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Lk. 12:20) See also Luke 16:19-31.

The rich will not be penalized because they possess earthly monetary wealth, yet if they do not aggressively and diligently find people and ministries to give it to, God will judge them – “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Note here in Luke 12 what the Master calls the one who seeks earthly treasures apart from being “rich toward God” – “thou fool.”

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to obtain what he cannot lose.” Missionary and martyr for Jesus, Jim Elliott

Jim Elliott had little in the way of material wealth in his earthly life, but what treasures do you think he possesses now and forevermore in Heaven?

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

“Nothing in life is insignificant or trivial when weighed in the balance of eternal justice.” FB Meyer

Jesus here (Luke 12) warns us to “beware of covetousness” and informs us that a man’s significance and true net worth is not based upon (has nothing to do with) what his financial bottom line is on earth – “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Lk. 12:15)The true believer must endeavor to see all of life through the eyes of the eternal One ho is the Author of all life. This is only possible through an intimate relationship with Him, he Holy Ghost, and observing “the thoughts of heart” which has been given to “all generations” in His written Counsel (Ps. 33:11).

Those born again from above can “see” the kingdom through Heaven’s eyes (Jn. 3:3). Never judge a man or woman by what their financial state is in this passing life. Ever see the bumper sticker that says “Don’t Laugh, My Treasure is in Heaven”? Is there truth in this statement? Yes. Where is your treasure? Remember that heart affections and treasures are linked by Christ who stated “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21)

The Holy Spirit instructs the saint to “withdraw thyself” from those who equate financial gain with being godly – who say that “gain is godliness.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Note: You will need to study this passage in 1 Timothy 6 from the Authorized Version (KJV) because the artificial versions have perverted the text by removing Christ’s instruction to His people to withdraw themselves from such false teaching. The phrase “from such withdraw thyself” is in the original Greek, but Satan didn’t want the LORD’s people to have this truth (Mk. 4:15). The LORD graciously preserved His Word as He promised in the KJV (Ps. 12:6-7). For this we give Him thanks! For a deeper study of this topic go to the “Bible Versions” button on the ministry site www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com.

Christ instructed us to “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (Jn. 7:24) The reader who is a disciple of Jesus Christ should here and now bow and repent for having ever judged another person using any other criteria than God’s Word and how Christ came to earth to pay the price for each of us who are spiritual paupers (1 Tim. 1:15). A fitting prayer could be as such: LORD Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins without which I would have no hope here or hereafter. Without You I can do nothing and have nothing. At this moment and here forward, I choose not to ever judge anyone (including myself) by shallow things such as what someone has on or what kind of car they drive or place they live in. Amen.

James tells us that we “are become judges of evil thoughts” and “convinced of the law as transgressors” if we size people up by their momentary monetary worth. Please read this following passage prayerfully and closely, asking Christ what He would have you to personally learn in what He is speaking here:

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:1-9

God bless you child of His – to number your days, realizing that your time on this earth is short to prove your love for Him by keeping a loose hold on this temporal world, escaping the lure thereof and laying up treasure in heavenly places for eternal blessings to abound. – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12)

*Praising Him in Much or in Little***

Look at this golden passage from the prophet Habakkuk:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

Let us resolve to never base our praise for the eternal God upon how much or how little in the way of material possessions we currently possess. I will worship and praise His holy name who is my wealth -whether in much or in little. Paul the apostle said “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11)

PRAYER: Father, please strike my heart with Thy holy fear. I delight to do Thy will LORD. Jesus I choose this day forward to emulate You in being a giver. You loved and gave Your very life blood for my sins on the cross and for this I thank You my Savior. Teach me to understand that my days are numbered in this life and to build for the eternal future glory of Your holy kingdom and name. In Jesus’ name, amen. Glory to God forever!

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.

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Sending Up Treasures to Heaven “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes. Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are […]

The "Precious and Pleasant Riches" of God's Word [podcast]

“And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:4 O the “precious and pleasant riches” of our God! Are the chambers of your heart, your vessel being filled today via communion with Him? Remember the ten virgins of Jesus’ parable? (Read Matthew 25:1-13.) Getting into God’s Word today means God’s Word is getting into you! How can I possibly bless others today with the “precious and pleasant riches” of the treasure chest of God’s Word if those riches of His Word aren’t being replenished into the chambers of my heart today? Are you hungering and thirsting […]

Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled!

One man has wisely stated that “Greed and covetousness will damn more souls than all other sins combined.” “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:36 Got an “education” but going to hell eternally. Self-serving idolaters. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 America is full of those who claim to be saved and yet […]

Rich in Faith

Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]

Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled!

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

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)

Prayer | Support | STORE |

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