Evidence of Control and Concern
Jesus calls men to serve His body – never to exploit them!
Those in leadership who refuse to truly repent and walk the crucified life, will be cast upon the trash heap of false prophets – in the irrevocable “damnation” of hell (2 Peter 2:1-3).
WHEN a local pastor begins to hammer the “local church” drum repeatedly, he’s going in the wrong direction. This is the sign of control, being desperate, holding on tight to what is not his but rather “God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:1-6). This begins to happen when pride creeps up in a man’s heart due to lack of a crucified life. He begins then to take control of the people around him, to use them for his own purposes instead of nurturing them, cherishing them, protecting and feeding them and being the wind underneath their wings to grow in the grace of Christ.
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith (in GOD not men) ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Fanning the Flames!
God’s Word tells us that believers are to be “…fervent in spirit (maintaining zeal to the boiling point); serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
One evidence of undue control would be when leaders shut down individual believers from sharing Scripture. Paul exhorted the members of Jesus’ body to let the Word of God dwell richly in our midst, among us.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
When individual believers begin becoming rich in God’s Word, that indicates that God is using us to help get them into His Word. That’s an occasion to rejoice greatly and never the time to shun or squelch such bless-ed zeal!
True New Testament fellowship will always include His Word and will get God’s people stirred up in Christ! God forbid that we shun or shut down that fire and not fan the flames of it with great rejoicing! Only an antichrist seeks to control or stop the work of Christ in His people.
After all, isn’t getting Christ’s people into His Word what ministry is all about? YES!
We should be fanning the flames of God’s Word in others and never in any way hindering or squelching them! We are to greatly rejoice when God uses other of His saints! (1 Corinthians 12)
Dare we seek to shut down the work of God in others? Forbid Him Not [podcast]
Think: It’s to the personal advantage of those pastors who over-emphasize and push the local church doctrine of men – where they define it as being THEIR organization/local church.
Who were the Nicolaitans and why did Jesus say He hated their deeds and doctrines? (Revelation 2:6, 15) The Nicolaitans: Then and Now.
The reason for the joy in the hearts of every individual believer is CHRIST who died to save them. Joy is of divine origin. Every true servant of the LORD Jesus is merely a helper of the joy of Christ’s salvation in the lives of HIS people.
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalms 51:12
As we see in David’s prayer recorded in Psalms 51, the LORD will cleanse our hearts of all sin, deceit, control, manipulation, etc., when we cry out to Him in sincere repentance.
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Saints, we must cry out to God daily for a pure heart. SO many in ministry who do not have pure hearts but rather darkness (Psalms 51; 139:23-24; John 3:19-21; Matthew 5:9).
God exclusively uses crucified vessels (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). he doesn’t powerfully use men due to any other credential! in fact, all those other “credentials” (SEMINARY, Bible college, etc.) are a circumventing of the fruit-bearing cross life Christ calls His true servants to (Luke 9:23-24; John 15). Jesus alone can prepare and ordain a man to do His work and it will always be according to the cross life – daily death, burial, and resurrection (John 15:16). Things like SEMINARY are many times an evasion of dying to the self-will, the self-life. Facts about God, false doctrines learned at seminary, are no substitute for a real walk with Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit.
In Psalms 51, by divine providence, we have on full display the prayer of repentance of beloved David who like ourselves, did not always remain in abiding relationship with the LORD. This man of God’s own heart had drifted and sinned grossly against the LORD (2 Samuel 11-12). He took possession of what was not his own. Root: This was due to not giving possession of his own life to the LORD who gave him life.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
Beloved of God, we must always walk in the revelation that we are not our own.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Today really is the day to let go and let God – let Him have us, let Him possess that which He purchased with His own blood. Only then will He be glorified in us.
Christ’s kingdom authority is vast and never limited or bound by any mere man’s small domain or leadership. Jesus told His people to “Go” and that He’d be with them everywhere they went (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). God wants His love and truth everywhere and not hiding in a physical building, corralled by self-serving hirelings who claim to be representing Him.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
There is no place in the New Testament where Christ’s apostles are seen telling a believer to “go report to the building where the local pastor is set up and submit to him.” No. The kingdom of Christ is as vast as His creation in that it’s where ever His domain is. King-dom = domain of the King. Beware of those who subtly insinuate that God only moves through their little building-based “ministry” they’ve set up.
God has a much larger plan for His called-out elders than being in leadership in a physical building. His sphere is much more expansive, unrestrained, unencumbered by man’s imposed borders and limits. If a physical building defines or determines a man’s ministry, would that not be an indictment upon Christ and His twelve? Jesus and His apostles don’t qualify as much if possessing real estate where man is king is a defining factor. None of them chose to have a building to minister out of. No, instead they went to the people and were free to be led by the Holy Spirit to the exact places and people whom God wanted to bless.
Many once sincere men have become greed-driven wolves.
Did Phillip need some local pastor’s permission to be led of the LORD to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom Christ saved? (Acts 8) No! There are some modern pastors in need of true repentance. When they do, they will get over themSELVES. The cross.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (carnal appetites), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19
Sobering Fact: In the 27 book New Testament canon, not 1 red cent of money was ever raised to build a “church building.”
Those who scorn disciples who don’t choose to patronize their church busine$$ are acting like the LORD’s disciples in the early days when they were immature. Remember when they sought to shut down another brother who was doing Christ’s ministry? Remember that?
“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50
John seemingly thought this was a good thing. Yet Jesus sternly rebuked this sinfulness.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
In context, this is speaking of remaining in the liberty Christ died to grant all of His people. And this would include standing in Christ’s salvation and standing against the warlocks who bewitch, use witchcraft to conquer those saved by the grace of Jesus Christ by placing them under Moses’ law or any other works-based law (Galatians 3:1-3; 5:1, 19-21, etc.). New Testament saints are blessed to walk in “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” which “hath made me (us) free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
Today, some pastors have set up and organized their ministries and begun to over estimate such. This an over reach which is coming out of an unrepentant heart. They’ve stretched their measure of rule above that which Christ has ordained. For some they see those not submitted to themselves or some other supposedly ordained pastor as rebels, out of God’s will. This is a false notion and is scattering some as Ezekiel points out when exposing false leaders (Ezekiel 34).
Men of God must be content with whatever of His sheep Jesus is trusting to them to feed and help and cease all covetousness through a crucified life (2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5, 10-12, etc.).
The most on fire, precious saints I know, do not report to a “church building” on Sunday mornings. Such a notion flips the wigs of modern pharisees.
Could it be that there is a connection between lukewarm, cold, dead “Christians” and local church bondage (the control of sinful men)?
Those who seek to control the sheep of Christ’s pasture prove they have not repented, been crucified with Christ, and therefore haven’t given control of their own lives over to the LORD.
Each member of Christ’s body was bought by His very life blood on that cross and never to be ruled with cruelty and force (Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34).
So many pastors are reaching out for more prey while they neglect the sheep already attending their gatherings. This reveals their utter fakery. Instead of taking good care of those already under their care, wolves market their communities to garner more nickles, noses, and numbers.
In contrast with tenderly feeding and guiding our LORD’s flock, the false shepherds of Israel ruled harshly, in cruelty.
“with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4
In the kingdom of Christ, one of the ways we learn is by the bad example of others, right? Example: Matthew 23 where Jesus lambastes the false leaders of His day.
Dear pastor: Whose sins did you die for? Do you have nail-scarred hands and feet? Were you raised from the dead?
Men called out to servant lead are always to point those they have the privilege to lead to God Himself and His Word … never to self.
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32
Those with a heart like the “Great Shepherd of the sheep,” feed and guide His flock tenderly, graciously, and never forcefully or with undue, unwarranted control (John 10:1-16; Hebrews 13:20).
“Feed the Flock of God” 1 Peter 5:2 … Christ and the apostles were the salt and light every day. They had no building. They went to the people as did all the disciples upon being scattered from Jerusalem during persecution. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Pastors According to Mine Heart
Leading by Example
Those men truly following Christ the way He exclusively prescribed – by daily dying – will lead His sheep according to His heart (Luke 9:23-24; Jeremiah 3:15). They will teach them His cross message!
Bible knowledge is one thing. Life reality, example is another.
What are people catching by our lives?
Recently, I reached out to one of the godly elders the LORD has graciously granted to this life. I expressed my thanks for not only the teaching of God’s Word he does but also the blessing of his example of Christ-likeness to my life.
Knowing how much I need to grow in His grace, the LORD has given some of His best elders!
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
It has been wisely stated that “More is caught than is taught.” This begs the question as to what we are putting forth, putting out there by our actual life.
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Philippians 3:17
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,” 2 Timothy 3:10
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:7
Prophecy Against the False Shepherds of Israel
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel 34:1-10
Pastors | Prepared to be Used | Satan’s Seminaries | STORE
Warn them from Me:: The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast]
Articles
Biblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]
Dominating the Devil! (below)
The Heart of the Matter (below)
Biblical Deliverance and Wholeness Prescription:
PRAYER: Holy Father, please make me whole, make me holy, from the inside out, as only You can do! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts, broken lives, and making them WHOLE as He alone can do! THAT’S why He came! (Luke 4:18.)
Dear LORD Jesus, I love You. Please quicken my spirit in Your holy fear, make me alive in Thee afresh dear Savior. Please bless this life to be dead and buried that You might raise it up for Your eternal glory – both now and forever. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
Are you hearing the voice of God? If so, it will be proven in that your life following Jesus will of certainty include regular times of fasting and prayer. Jesus says “WHEN” and not “if” you fast (Matthew 6:16). A true oneness with Christ and the Father, absolute deliverance, broken yokes, refreshing, true rest, wholeness to the core, a poor in spirit heart, and the blessed place of brokenness and divine peace await you beloved of God (Isaiah 58).
Remember that whatever you FEED will FLOURISH and whatever you crucify will DIE, will DIMINISH. In Christ, there’s nothing in your life you can’t fast away – as you cry with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Read Isaiah 58 and do it God’s way. He promised to “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). If you love Jesus supremely, you will obey Him and at any cost, get the sin out of your life (Mark 9:43-49). If you’re not willing to die, you will not enjoy the benefits that He desires to load you with (Psalms 68:19).
You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting earns nothing from God. No, a time of fasting and prayer is the wise decision to declare “Jesus, I love You and I want You to consume my life!” … Saints, today is our day to drive our stake in the ground by scheduling a time of fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:16). Broken yokes, deliverance, wholeness, and fruitfulness for His glory await as Jesus manifests Himself in and raises up those that be bowed down (Psalms 145:14; Isaiah 58; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; James 4:10).
The Untold, Untapped Blessings of Fasting and Prayer According to Holy Scripture
The only way sin will be forgiven and devils will leave a person is if they “submit” to God in true repentance (James 4:7).
ANYone who is willing to repent can be delivered! Do you know what James 4:7 says?
You will remain in bondage to sin, depressed, feeling lonely, defeated, miserable, unfulfilled, hurting, anxious, etc., until you truly submit your life to God. He’s going to allow all the evil to remain upon you and increase in your life – because He loves you and wants you to come home to Him which begins at repenting.
The only way to escape the evil one controlling your life is submission to God which begins with unreserved repentance which then results in abiding fellowship (James 4:7).
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Overcoming the enemy requires submitting to God. There are no shortcuts. “The children of disobedience” are under the control of the enemy of all souls, the cruel taskmaster himself, Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3).
The LORD avenges us of our enemies only when we submit to Him (James 4:7).
As long as we are not truly submitted to the LORD, Satan is in control of our lives. Memorize James 4:7.
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2
“WHEN” we “willingly” offer ourselves to the LORD, He will bring His deliverance and wholeness into and through our lives!
“Willingly” offering ourselves is spoken of in 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. 2 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
Needing deliverance? “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves” (Judges 5:2).
WHEN we willingly offer ourselves to the LORD, He brings deliverance to our lives by ridding our enemies which first must pertain to the conquering, the crucifixion of “the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and in putting on of “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).
WHEN you make your move, abandoning the futile flesh, you can bet Satan is going to send you diversionary distractions! God is able as you continue to press into Christ, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left!
“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27
DEMONSTRATE to God that you are authentic-by laying down your life so Christ can reign!
Forgiveness and Inheritance
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
The LORD wants to grant each of His children not only deliverance but wholeness!!!!!
WHEN we are fractured in soul, not made whole by our LORD, it will destroy our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a divine prayer for wholeness!
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
We just read that wholeness is our LORD’s will for us and He’s the only One who can make us whole – from the inside out! Oh, and the promise that He “will do it”!!!! What great confidence with which we can approach our Father!!!! in JESUS’ Name!
God is a good Father, perfect! He left nothing out of His Word that we need and TODAY is the day we apply His divine healing, wholeness balm/medicine in JESUS’ name! (See 2 Peter 1:3-4.) Wholeness is only, exclusively available to those who are truly in Christ!
Two Great Prayers for today:
“Father, in Jesus’ Name, please make me whole, from the inside out” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
“Father, please make me whole, as You alone can do-spirit, soul, and body, in JESUS’ Name” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
LITTLE BY LITTLE!!!! IF you are not completely delivered and made whole, join the club. Take encouragement in this truth: “By little and little I will drive them (your enemies!) out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land” (Exodus 23:30).
Beware of wasting time with the false movements, preachers, and local churches of this apostate day who only feed the flesh instead preaching the original Gospel where Jesus and His holy apostles commanded that we die to self, lay down our lives in the fleeting world or we will perish (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25, etc.). The self-serving person will never be made whole. Jesus only makes whole those who take in and adhere to His whole counsel!
A time of fasting and prayer is the cross in action! What day do you fast weekly?
Fasting weakens the flesh and prayer strengthens the spirit! Bam! Death, burial and resurrection in action!
EVERYTHING you need and desire is in Christ! It’s time to indulge! To “Delight”! (Psalms 37:4.)
The only way to get Satan out of your life AND BE MADE WHOLE IN CHRIST, is to repent for real – to submit your life to God (James 4:7). When you do, the LORD will make you whole! (1 thessalonians 5:23.)
Charles Pray writes:
“Yes Lord, just as a piece of fruit that is rotten starting from the inside and works its way out to the surface, where when you finally see it it’s too late to save it. Father, in Jesus’ Name, let our fruit be seen from the inside out. Cut out the evil rebellion LORD, we pray! LORD, please purifies us to the depth of our hearts that You might be glorified to use us, in Jesus’ Name, amen!”
ARE YOU being made whole in Christ for that relationship you are praying for? Okay You are PRAYING, but are you PREPARING?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
If you truly desire to be delivered from all oppression or possession of the enemy of all souls, you will read and heed this divine prescription – a guarantee for your liberty in Christ.
- Present your body a living sacrifice – lay down your life (John 12:23-25; Romans 12:1-2).
- Set yourself apart (Psalms 4:3).
- Seek the face of the LORD in a time of fasting and prayer (Isaiah 58; Matthew 17:21 KJV only – the new perversions have removed this verse).
- Repent of all known sin in order to shut out the enemy by cancelling his legal right to you (James 4:7).
- As we submit ourselves to the LORD, the enemy will be cast out and kept out in Jesus’ holy Name (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18; James 4:7; Matthew 12:43-45).
- Ask God to baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 38-39; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6, etc.).
- Memorize Hosea 10:12.
- Pour over James 4:4-10.
- Read and do Isaiah 58.
- Memorize Mark 10:27.
- Now, once delivered, you must keep your house – temple – clean and clear of all sin and this will keep Satan out (Matthew 12:43-45).
- This will keep him from having legal right to your life through sin (James 4:7).
- Know that God is able and willing and desires to make you completely whole, set apart to Him, and free (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
- Liberty is in Christ and staying rooted in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
- Those who obey the LORD’s truth are made free (John 8:31-32, 36).
- God wants us to speak with Him. So, come before the LORD with “words” of repentance, denunciation of all idols, and placing all your trust – the whole weight of your existence – upon Him (Hosea 14:1-3).
Deliverance | Devils | Holy Ghost Baptism | Satan Crushed! | Off the Chain | Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans
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Abiding
Going Directly to the Source [podcast]
IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)
It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.
Psalms 73
“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
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Abiding
“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:
“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake
“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.
“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke
“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25
In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:
“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:
“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7
“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16
Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:
“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“2 Peter 3:
To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.
Key aspects:
- Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.
- Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
- Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
- Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
- Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).
- Passionate prayer
- Diligent study of God’s Word
- Active, loving service to others
- Bold witnessing for faith
- Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”
Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”
“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.
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