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

Mission Mexico Part 47

We’ve been on the ground in beautiful Mexico now for 2 years and 3 months. It’s amazing what our LORD can and will do if we let Him take and use our lives – and He’s using each of us!!!

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Brother Juan ministers all day long as he travels between towns and interacts with numerous people…. every day. 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. Here is brother Mark delivering another box of 2,000 JESUS tracts to our brother, Juan the evangelist.

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

May God perpetually imbue our hearts with His simple truth – that our lives in this world are all about loving, knowing, worshipping, and obeying Him – including helping others know Him. Matthew 22:37-39

Thank you for kindly lifting a prayer for the beloved people of Mexico – to be saved in Christ.

Mission Mexico

God tests our faith constantly in this “walk” right? “We WALK by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)…. Walking takes “steps” right? (Psalms 37:23)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23

Seems as if that’s what this is. And if it’s God leading us, then He will reward as we obey, we traverse His planet with Him, right?

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in Jesus’ name please ordain my every step, all for Your eternal glory. I love You LORD Jesus!

“Good afternoon, Brother Todd. Our God is a God of purpose; may God continue to bless your ministry here in Mexico—it is a great blessing. Please accept greetings and blessings from my brothers at the Actopan, Hidalgo, correctional facility.” Juan

Thursday morning is eat breakfast out and fellowship with other saints, brother Mark, Juan, etc.

Mission Mexico rolling. Thank you for your prayers. Scores of precious souls heard the Gospel preached to them in Spanish today and received a JESUS tract in Spanish. Isaiah 55:11 anybody!? Boom. Jesus is coming.

We solicit your prayers for the people of Mexico – to be saved and established in Christ.

JESUS CHRIST IS KING.

As was our LORD Jesus, let us be about our “Father’s business” beloved of God (Luke 2:49). The hour is late. Jesus is coming – and He foretold that His Gospel would be preached to every nation before He returns (Matthew 24:14).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Mission Mexico

Thank you for lifting the beautiful people of Mexico in prayer.

ARE YOU investing in eternity or wasting all your seed on this temporal world? See Jesus’ words of instruction, of His wisdom to us in Matthew 6:19-21.

Evangelism!

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:34-38

Mission Mexico

The perspective of people is completely different in Mexico.

People actually care for one another. They don’t take advantage of others.

They don’t have greed and so they don’t jack up prices, etc., at the expense of their fellow man.

Because they know such will affect their fellow man, fellow Mexicans

As the Golden rule teaches, the do things with others in mind. | The Golden Rule Life: What’s that Really Mean? [podcast]

This man above is LITERALLY harvesting the produce to cook our meal.

Brother Mark and I ate breakfast here yesterday. Mark was a 0311 Scout in the Marine Corp, otherwise we probably could not have found this place which is nestled in the mountains. Yet another treasure in Mexico. They are inexhaustible. A family who lives in a remote location, a small mountain settlement and cooks breakfast on their deck each morning. One of those things that is only know by word of mouth. Gotta love it!!!!

Mission Mexico

It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”

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

IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..

MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.

The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.

“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!

Let’s roll beloved of God!

in Christ

todd

More Mexico Mission Action here.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Abiding

“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]

In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
(Isaiah 65:17)

Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17

“I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley

“Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer

“65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:

a    [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
b    [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
c    [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]

Great Millennial and Eternal Changes

This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.

Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:

1.    A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
2.    Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
3.    Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
4.    God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
5.    God rejoicing eternally in Israel
6.    Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
7.    Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
8.    Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
9.    Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
10.    Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
11.    Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
12.    God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
13.    Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
14.    Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
15.    Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)

Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.

“Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.

“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20

Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.

Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).

The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.

Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.

“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26

All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45

In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11

Future Glory

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:17-39

God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.

Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).

“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!

“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

“Joy and Peace in Believing”

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Return of Christ | Are you Born Again? -Make Peace with God now, before it’s too late

The Greatest Servant [podcast]

All true born again saints of Christ are mere servants of HIS, not celebrities who tout titles to elevate self, something Christ forbids (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12). The LORD Himself is the Greatest Servant (Philippians 2). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 He served us, sinners, while we were yet separated from Him in sin. Then, after finding and saving us He requires that we show mercy to all others just as He showed such immense mercy to us by coming to die on the cross to forgive our […]

Judgment is Coming on the Whole Earth [podcast]

DIVINE JUDGMENT IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!!! Jesus Christ is Creator and LORD. He’s Large and in Charge “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalms 24:1 The LORD owns this house, this earth and is returning to take His rightful authority over it. Nothing can stop it! Anyone who isn’t in agreement with and in obedience to the Son of God will be crushed by Him – crushed under the power and weight of His holy justice. “Serve the LORD with fear, and […]

Knowing Your Enemy [podcast]

“Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” Revelation 12:9 Jesus Christ is the “Almighty” God of all that is, the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 Everything begins and ends with God. He’s never lost – and never will. Even His crucifixion was a win. In fact, Satan regretted doing this because it was the greatest win in history – because He was then buried and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians […]

Abiding

How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]

**“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”** Isaiah 55:11

“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake

“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“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

ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:

“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – 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

Sin separates men from God.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.

“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

Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.

Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.

Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.

John 4:34 – 38

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

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

37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran

Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.

The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke

In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.

“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

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

“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

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Harvest is Coming for all those Sowing the Seed of the Word [podcast]

The Joy and Expectation of Seed Sowing What we sow, we can expect to reap (Galatians 6:7-8). As we continue to sow the good, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word into the hearts of men, good news will continue to flow, will continue to be reaped – because God’s Word prospers in the thing where He sends it! See also 1 Peter 1:23. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” […]

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped. BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18 Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward […]

Bearing the Precious Seed of God's Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23). The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15). Our cute […]

The Seed of Salvation [podcast]

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 When we follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men: “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17-18) We must forsake the nets, the world’s ways in following Him. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please use […]