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Grounded in the Truth

Looking piercingly into my eyes, as if he was seeing right through me, staring a hole through my heart, this God-fearing man, possessed with holy conviction, sternly declared…..

“You preach this Gospel JUST LIKE it’s written young man, you understand me!”

This word went through me like a lightening bolt from Heaven… further instilling in me the fear of God. As a young man, newly saved, I was blessed to be charged just as Paul charged Timothy to preach only God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

The world has never more needed men like this man who boldly charged me to preach the Word – just like it’s written.

ANYONE else ever had a man like this bless your life? Like Paul charged Timothy to “Preach the Word”, this man charged me! He lit me up.

If you aren’t engrossed in God’s Word today, you aren’t being prepared to be mightily used of God.

The last thing the world needs is another coward “minister” of death who refuses to preach repentance and hell, the holiness of God, the judgment of God, the cross, and the return of Christ! If he doesn’t use the King James Bible, he’s in darkness. Get a clue.

IF YOU DARE speak for God, it must of necessity be the WORD of God – letting God speak for Himself by speaking Scripture! Otherwise, you will be a false teacher, misrepresenting Him.

Memorize: Psalms 19:7; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 4:11 and Isaiah 8:20.

ATTEMPTING to talk someone into getting saved will NEVER work. Let’s cease such and let God speak for Himself saints.

“Lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

God’s Word is divine and eternal and converts sinners to Himself. Our own futile explanation is no patch on the words of Holy Scripture!

Divine truth is eternal, just like the One who spoke it. God’s Word “liveth and abideth for ever.”

“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

This is YOUR hour to seek God and ask Him to use you! (Acts 1:8)

We can win the argument and lose the soul if we don’t wisely, lovingly speak the Word of God into the hearing of the precious eternal souls we encounter. “HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) Yes we do this in God’s love and yet we do it in obedience to the LORD who commands His people to “Preach the word.” (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2).

“He that SPEAKETH truth (as opposed to hiding, withholding it) sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12:17

Some who espouse a false love foolishly believe that loving others means hiding, withholding the truth from them. Yet the Bible informs us that such withholding of the words of God comes from a cowardly “enemy” who is “deceitful.”

“Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6

Jesus says “Love your enemies” and by His life at times we know that the best way to “love” is to openly, harshly rebuke them. Compare Matthew 5:44 with Matthew 23.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; … 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 5:44; 23:15

To withhold truth is devilish hatred!

Dear pastor, minister: IF you aren’t quoting and reading Holy Scripture (King James Bible) to your audience you have NO BUSINESS – NONE, ZERO – play acting like you’re ministering! Period! Repent and step down now until you are so full of God and His Word that’s ALL that flows from your life and lips! (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 4:11)

“No one ever went to hell for hearing the truth. For rejecting the truth, yes. For hearing the truth, never!” Phil Butler

Jesus sent no one to seminary – and NEVER will! Repent, learn the Word and walk in the Holy Ghost! THAT’s the divine prescription!

As is seen in the lives of the prophets and holy apostles of Jesus, authentic men of God are known in that they have no mercy on false doctrine. Rather, they plundered, dismantled and destroyed it with divine truth (Acts 17; Book of Galatians; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, etc.). No, rather true men of God are men of holy conviction and “earnestly contend” against falsehoods! (Jude 3)

The true disciple has deep conviction. His conscience is captive to the Word of God which is the final authority of His life and therefore ministering. He says with Paul “Let God be true and every man a liar”! (Romans 3:4) The authentic disciple will be castigated by persecutors. He will be told that has a religious spirit, is judgmental, and is a legalist. Jesus says to “Rejoice.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

YOU can only be turned over to a “strong delusion” by God if you do not choose to love and devour and obey His truth! (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) And you will be if you are not “valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

ANY minister or ministry that is not constantly calling you to repentance, to humble yourself, to lay down your life in this world, to live the crucified life, is misrepresenting Christ and is false. Run!

Men who are known of the LORD “HATE every false way.”

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Those who preach anything except the original Gospel given us in the Word of God, are “accursed.”

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Fake Ministries are Everywhere: WHEN you hear people in “ministry” continue to hem haw and use words such as “I think,” etc., you should lose interest real quick. You know they are not in the Word and so you know it’s a fake ministry and they have no business pretending to do “ministry” for Jesus. “Preach the WORD.” (2 Timothy 4:2) We all have a Bible and so there’s no excuse and real kingdom ministry is simply putting forth God’s Word. Peter wrote: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God;…Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11). God’s Word is the recording of the very “thoughts of HIS heart” and He’s not confused, amen? (Psalms 33:11; 1 Corinthians 14:33) Yet, the vast majority of “ministry” that goes on today is a lame, laughable excuse for kingdom ministry!

Un-repentant, sin-justifying compromisers want to act like we don’t have a Bible – to deny that God, the Judge, has spoken. So these children of Satan attempt to shut down the messengers of truth! Steam roll them with God’s Word and authority saints! SMH What ever we read in the Bible is from the JUDGE and if you don’t believe that, you are “not of God” according to Christ (John 8:47).

ARE YOU diligently and daily devouring, learning, and only preaching the WRITTEN Word of God? If not, cease all your false “ministry.” (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10-11, etc.). God has not sent you but you have sent yourself. If you don’t repent you perish as a false prophet (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Hence the following WARNING:

“They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.” Ezekiel 13:6

“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” Jeremiah 14:14

Speaking of earnestly, contending against the many false teachers today who add to, take from, twist, and preach anything except the Holy Scriptures …. Wolves patty cake with you because they want your money and could care less about your eternal soul (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

3 Strikes and You’re Out!

Recently, a local pastor quoted from and endorsed 3 heretical extra-biblical authors/books. First he quoted from and endeared his audience to a psychology based book and he was confronted about it. Then, a month later, with total disregard to truth and the warning the LORD gave him, he quoted 2 obvious heretics in one message. This showed that he is in darkness, refusing to repent:

  1. The 5 Love Languages (psychobabble)
  2. Norman Vincent Peale (Christ-denying heretic)
  3. Mother Teresa (antichrist, works-based heretic who openly admitted she didn’t know the LORD – and spent her earthly life championing the cause of a false religion/cult)

Regrettably, so far, this “pastor” has refused to repent for selling out Christ for His very enemies. The man “bid Godspeed” to heretics and if he doesn’t repent, will perish with them (2 John 7-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.). Those who in any way endorse an enemy of Christ will be going to the same hell as they are guaranteed (2 John 10-11).

YOU have no ministry other than to lay down your life – to be dead and buried – and only then will jesus raise you up and use you! Jesus will only conduct His ministry through obedient, crucified vessels! (2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

In other words, instead of pointing people to the unmatched books of the canon of Holy Writ – Genesis, Colossians, Ephesians, John, Matthew, Revelation, etc., (which he never does), this “pastor” pointed them to the rebellion of mere sinful men – to their failed human methods in books that are based on the antichrist rebellion of self-love.

“Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.” Jeremiah 7:8

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

Make no mistake: ANY man who is teaching ANY thing except the Holy Scriptures is “accursed” and the very enemy of Christ – hell bound sure as you are breathing this moment (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.). Nothing could be clearer from Scripture.

The refusal to simply teach the Word of God and get others into it is evidence, the fruit of evil-hearted men – wolves in sheep’s clothing – who refuse to truly turn their own lives over to the LORD in repentance, and how they remain in darkness as they look elsewhere – outside of God’s Word. Were we not warned?

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

EVERY DIVINE Fix is in the 66!

Where are you looking?

Any person pointing people to other sources, especially those which are not Scripture-rich, are false teachers. They are denying Christ – and denying He gave us all we need in His Word. Scripture reveals to us that all spiritual wholeness comes from God’s Word/the Bible, Holy Spirit, and people of God.

The divine solution for all things pertaining to God and our own salvation and wholeness, is given to us in the 66 glorious books of the canon of Holy Scripture, God’s Word, the Bible! “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are contained in the “exceeding great and precious promises” of Holy Scripture (2 Peter 1:3-4).

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

Why Did God Give Us His Word? What 4 divine purposes are given in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the written Word?

“Do you understand me?!” 

Forcefully, in the holy fear of God, an older, true man of God deeply infused my bosom with the holy fear of God and mandate to preach only the Holy Scriptures. By now, I’m sure this blessed man God used that day is with the KING. I met this man at a weekend Christian conference in Florida. During our conversation about Jesus, as we sat fellowshipping, this God-fearing man looked over at me and with great, holy sternness and piercing eyes of fire, looking me straight in the eye, declared “You preach this Gospel just like it’s written young man! Do you understand me?!”

Whew! Well, as a young Marine, I knew how to take a commandment! He didn’t have to repeat himself! I knew as sure as I was breathing that the Almighty was speaking to me!

Beware of the flesh-flattering, the sin-coddling devils! Are you one of them?

God is watching you. You are 100% accountable to preach the whole counsel of His Word – regardless of what you think will be the results of the lack thereof. Die to self. Take up the cross. Lay down your life! Repent and preach the gospel or stop feigning to be a follower of Christ (Mark 8:34-38, etc.). Who do you live and preach to please – God or mere sinful men? (Galatians 1:10)

In your ministering, are you accommodating/pleasing God or sinful men? (Galatians 1:10) The answer to this question proves whether or not you are a true or false prophet! (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

Whose Life is God Using You to Shake Up and Bless?

Gentlemen, may God infuse us with His holy boldness to fearlessly preach and plunder the works of darkness in this late hour! (Jude 3; Ephesians 5:11; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 94:16

Notice the second part of this verse and how those who do not use the sword, the Word, the declared judgments of God to expose, to plunder, to attack the enemies of God will be “cursed.” THIS IS WAR. “FIGHT the good fight.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” Jeremiah 48:10

ANY man who is afraid to offend you is a compromised moral coward (Galatians 1:10; 4:16).

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

ANY person who speaks the truth is controversial. Jesus was very controversial. Read the Gospels. Why was Christ controversial? Because some hate the truth and attack the messengers of truth. A very few love the truth and few love Christ who is “the truth” and from which truth proceeds – divinely transmitted and recorded from Genesis to Revelation. If you are not controversial – causing uproars among the unrepentant – you are not speaking the truth and are unlike Christ. The truth is pure and divine. The problem is not the truth but rather the dark, unrepentant hearts it lands on and rebel instead of repenting (John 8:47; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

When Jesus spoke things happened! When true men of God speak today, things happen. God’s men are set apart in contrast with the epidemic of spineless moral cowards we call “pastors” today.

Darkness and Light will Always Clash and Light Always Wins!

The kingdom of God is a kingdom of conflict – “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)

WHO did Jesus tell us is “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? Memorize John 8:47 (King James Bible)

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “not of God.” Jesus told us that those who shut off God’s Word – who are not eagerly seeking to learn it and live by it, are “not of God.” (John 8:47)

There’s no such thing as a follower of Christ who doesn’t hold God’s written Word as final authority for all manner of life and faith.

“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

The LORD tells us that when a person doesn’t choose to love the truth, He will personally turn them over to “strong delusion” and that’s “after the working of Satan” himself (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Here is that all-important Bible passage:

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 

Quality, not Quantity

WHO do we seek to please?

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

In our humanity, we tend to judge everything by numbers – the mere number of people who are responding positively, repenting and obeying God. This is unlike the LORD. Jesus preached, desiring all to repent and believe upon Him and yet He also told us that only a “few” would. Jesus is not after everyone because, whether you like it or not, everyone doesn’t want Jesus.

Jesus is not a liar and He told us that His flock is “little.”

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

NO, we do not seek to be controversial yet we are of Christ who is “the truth” and whose written Word “is truth,” and when we speak it, there will be conflict – dark hearts who do not wish to change, to get right with God, will rebel.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Those who truly turn their hearts to the LORD will without exception see His holy face, in His Word. Any person who is not in God’s Word does not love Jesus and is rather rejecting Him for the false, futile god of self.

There are 4 types of soils God’s Word falls on. The condition, the state of heart soil is the choice, the decision of the individual (Luke 8:11-15).

Do You Love the Truth?

Who did Christ tell us is “of the truth”?

“Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37

 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

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

God’s Word is Unchanging – and Anyone not Building their Life on it is Doomed to Eternal Damnation

Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:19-29.

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

The individual who we truly, authentically be Christ’s, will non-negotiably declare from his heart “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” (Romans 3:4)

God said it

I believe it

That settles it!

WHEN we lay down our lives, we are truly hid in Christ, we fear NO mere man!

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Receiving and Giving the Truth

ANY ole dead fish can float downstream. It takes a live one to swim upstream. Stand in and speak the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

When God’s Word is in us, God’s Word will flow through us. Here’s a rich passage from Proverbs 22 I believe you are going to fall in love with:

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

When we get into God’s Word, God’s Word gets into us!

God’s Word is Final Authority

God’s written Word “is truth” and without exception, every individual who is truly in Christ, lives by His written Word and final authority for all matters of faith and doctrine (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, etc.).

Got saved? You better be continuing in the truth or you will fall away:

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF IF IF ye continue in my word, THEN are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

THOSE who put aside the Word of God damn their own soul:

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46

The Duty of Believers is to Imbue Other Saints with God’s Word – Get Them into it!

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16

“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

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

When you see a man who is not getting others into God’s Word and I will show you a fraud who is not in God’s Word himself and is getting people trusting in himself! Is this not what we observe in the modern church world among those men posing as Christ’s representatives?

YOU GOT a King James Bible? Preach that only! Cease all additions and subtractions.

Puddle Jumping and Philippians!

On a short flight, a puddle jump flight, a dear fellow Marine who was an earnest believer, got me into Scripture memory. God richly bless that brother in Christ! This dear brother took up his duty as an “ambassador” for Christ by getting me into God’s Word (2 Corinthians 5:20). Before boarding that brief flight our unit was taking, this blessed minister of Christ lovingly and firming told me that I was going to memorize Philippians 4:13 on that flight, without exception. Man, that first and short memory verse took the whole hour and a half flight to memorize! I read it over and over and over out loud out of the King James Bible until it began taking root in my memory and heart. – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Beloved of God, IF GOD is doing a work in you, and you are acquiescing, it cannot and will not be stopped!!! “Abide” in Him! (John 15:1-6)

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Since that day, by the leading and grace of Jesus, I’ve hand written on index cards and memorized volumes of Scripture from God’s Word.

As I experienced and millions of other believers have discovered, that first verse is the hardest to memorize and then the ensuing verses become easier. It’s kind of like the mind needs the rust or cob webs knocked off.

I want to exhort the reader to always use the real Bible, the King James Bible – which is much easier to memorize and has nothing missing or diminished.

When we are learning and we know God’s Word, the LORD will be able to use us in a much more powerful fashion (2 Timothy 2:21).

Under the bless-ed weight of the true original Gospel, men are convicted, broken, and crushed to repentance! (Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:20; James 4:8-10, etc.)

YESSSS JESUS!!!!! Beloved of God, IF GOD is doing a work in you, and you are acquiescing, yielding and abiding, it cannot and will not be stopped!!! “Abide” in Him! (John 15:1-6)

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

AS you learn the Word and walk in the Spirit – GOD is going to use you!

“Let thine heart RETAIN my words.” Proverbs 4:4

PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here and now I ask You to grant my heart Thy holy fear and lead me into the memorization and meditation of Thy truth, just as You prescribed and commanded in Your Word. I love You Jesus and know that I can only get to know You better through Your Holy Spirit and Word You graciously gave us in the Bible. Grant my mind to be photographic in memorizing Your Word. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask, amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Lie Not Against the Truth Feet Planted!Becoming Grounded in Christ | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern ChurchPeace with God

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Abiding

“The things which are not Seen are Eternal” [podcast]


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

All good things must come to an end…. except for those who are going to share in the eternal glory of Jesus Christ!!!

“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

No More Tears, Ever – Only for God’s People!

“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.” Revelation 21:4

STORE | SupportThe Return of Christ | Stewardship | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Parable of the Talents [podcast] | Proving Jesus Matters [podcast]Money, Material Wealth, and RichesRusted Gold and Fire Untold [podcast]

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Abiding

The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]


Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12 

King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….

Are you blessed or cursed?

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.

“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12

Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.

One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:

“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.

The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.

Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”

The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ

Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2 

Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?

“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4

Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 

2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…

  • The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
  • That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
  • That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
  • That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5)  ….. Proverbs 1:33
  • Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
  • The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7)  ……  1 Chron 16:11
  • Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Hebrews 11:20-22 

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17 

“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22 

“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 

God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22) 

“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?

“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2

When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.

“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

Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).

In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.

All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) 

Read Revelation 2-3.

Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34 

You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.

When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”

We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19

“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

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3

Counting it all Joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

The Whole Heart

“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15

The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You nor sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You will all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

MESSAGE RECEIVED:
 
“Hi Todd. I just want to make sure that when I’m talking about salvation but I am being biblically correct. I don’t believe in once saved always saved. While I believe God is always willing to forgive and restore the backslider. I do believe that a person can choose to turn away from God and go back to living a life of sin they’re for forfeiting their eternal life. Any correction would be greatly appreciated. In Christ. Andrea”
 
REPLY:
 
Yes amen sister Andrea
Nice to hear from you
Very important doctrinal topic here
All it takes to go to hell after being saved is to be “lukewarm” right? Yes. Revelation 3:15-16
These 2 categories are loaded: Check it out. LOTS of Scripture to shape pure doctrine in your heart and life and ministering.
In Jesus, todd
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Abiding

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]


God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Make the deliberate decision to “set…

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.”  1 Chronicles 22:19

“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.

This beloved  brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.

He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?

Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?

Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Jesus warns:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?

The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:

“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:

“Have fun this summer.  Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world.  Just don’t take a vacation from God.  He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”Calvin Coolidge

“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens

“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”―Chuck Close

“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla

“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”Dr. Lucas D.  Shallua

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison

“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”William Shakespeare

“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon

“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley

“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15

Power Words Power our Lives!

Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?

What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?

My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”

Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.

While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.

Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?

Hebrews 10:32-39

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33  Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34  For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 6:9-12

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.

Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”

“Diligent”

“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4


“Diligence”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23


“Diligently”

appears 37 times in God’s Word

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

“Keep your dukes up!”

Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”

Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.

Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown

We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.


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