Category: Mammon

Identifying Truth

8/3/2015

Malachi 3:8-9 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (KJV)

We talked yesterday about identity theft, which is when one pretends to be someone they are not and use their name for advantage sake, many times financial ones. While many of today’s so called preachers and prophets of God claim the problem with the church is their lack of giving in tithes and offerings, the truth be known, the reason God is not a part of their equation is because most of their attention is focused on the financial and not the spiritual, thus robbing the people of truth which truly reveals who God is. While many profess themselves to be wise concerning the kingdom of God they are actually fools, because rather than teaching the people who they are in Christ they lower His standards by twisting and perverting the word of God, thinking God is like man, more concerned with earthly things than spiritual ones. That which is highly esteemed among mankind, which the love of money would definitely fall into that category, is actually an abomination in the sight of God, as well as idolatry when mankind and its worldly preachers put their own priorities above the Lord’s. God is a Spirit, and those that wish to partake of His spiritual kingdom must, not should or maybe, worship Him in spirit and in truth; anything else and you are just a thief and a robber, trying to access God through the flesh and its fallen desires.

Malachi 3:10-12 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (12) And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

Once you are able to truly identify which storehouse is the Lord’s, then you now have become a partaker of His spiritual realm, as well as all the spiritual blessings that are available to His people. If you notice in verse 12 it refers to His people as a delightsome land, fertile ground if you would, to plant the seed of God in, which is Christ, and allow it to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit to perfection (maturity). God then opens the windows of heaven up for a downpour of living waters so that you can be rooted and grounded in the love of God, not in watered down messages, and messengers that are more concerned with their financial outcome than the congregation’s spiritual one. Your diligence and commitment to God on a daily basis in the word of God and in prayer will allow you to keep your attention focused on the things above, and not so entangled with the things of this life. Like the book of John says ‘He must increase and I must decrease’ so that there can be more of Christ in you manifesting and less of your fallen nature festering.

Romans 12:1-2 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. (KJV)

Here is another take on verse 2; good, acceptable, and perfect will, equates to the gospels version of bringing forth fruit, some 30, some 60, to the point of hundredfold, the perfect will of God. The more you present yourself to God, willingly entering into His rest and ceasing from your own works, the more you allow Him to work in and through you, building a confident relationship with the Father based on love and not guilt. While so many claim that the congregation needs to be giving more to get God’s approval and love, the truth be known, God just desires more of you, your time and talent as well so that the line of communication can be opened and stay open, so that you can be a partaker of His divine nature. A true man of God is not conformed to the world and its way of thinking, which puts money ahead of the true riches in Christ, but is changed and transformed by a constant renewing of the mind so that they can learn to operate more with the mind of Christ and less with the mindset of the world.

Luke 12:27-29 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (KJV)

Have you truly stopped and considered the beauty of a lily? Now stop and ask yourself, what did the lily do to get that beautiful? If the answer is nothing but to let God have His way then you are on the right path. The seed was put into the ground, the heavens opened and poured out a blessing of rain, and it grew and prospered into what God intended it to be. The lily didn’t have to tithe and give offerings to some big name preacher or organization to win God’s favor, and neither do you. If God is willing to do this with a flower, which is one of His many creations, just think what He can do with you if you let Him; and remember our salvation is based on faith and not works, lest any man should boast. Quit being so full of doubt, and comparing the love of God to the love of man which is based on a ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude, but rather know that God loves you for who you are, right now, unconditionally.

Luke 12:30-32 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV)

Do you wish to please your heavenly Father? Nothing pleases Him more than to see His children walk in truth and allow Him to give them His kingdom. As a parent raising a child, all you want for them is the best and not to see any harm come to them; your heavenly Father desires the same for you. When raising your children, did you only feed them if they gave you money for a meal, or were you willing to freely feed them because you loved them and they were one of your own? Why then do so many portray our heavenly Father as some cheapskate, who is only concerned with financial matters and not with what really matters, the true love of God? Is there anything more disgusting than seeing a bunch of half baked ministers, who claim to be of God, selling His word and blessings to the highest bidders? Talk about identity theft! Except this one has eternal consequences people. You are not dummies and should not be treated like one either; we all know or should know the difference between the voice of God and that other voice of guilt and damnation. We know how we need to support those that truly are called of God, and truly preach His word, because it will be based on love for the flock they are feeding; and not based on a bunch of you know what, that some are feeding the people to make gain of them. Fear not flock of God, it is our Father’s good pleasure to not only give you an inheritance in His kingdom, but to see you grow and prosper in it, accepting nothing less than the true identity of God which is found in Christ. God bless and expect the best, nothing less.

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Identity Theft

7/31/2015

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)

In this day and age of computers and high tech we are constantly being warned to be on the lookout for identity theft. Which is when someone takes the name and other personal information of another person without their knowledge and claims to be that person; then they go out and about misrepresenting that person for their own advantage or gain. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; many have taken the name of Christ, so called Christians who claim to be Christ like, and use His name for their own advantage or gain, many times robbing the people blind without them even knowing it is taking place. We are told to take heed, be aware and on the lookout, so that when this type of crime is being committed one will take action and not allow their spiritual account to be robbed and pilfered. You know how quickly you would be on the phone demanding a response if you found your credit card was being accessed by someone else; yet are you as quick and alert spiritually, as well as persistent, to address spiritual theft in like manner, or do you ignore the warnings until you are literally bankrupt spiritually?

Ephesians 5:6-11 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (KJV)

Some of these people you associate with: are you doing it because they truly are preaching sound doctrine which brings health to the spirit man, or are you more of a friend of the world blindly following an organization because of a highly regarded personality or denomination? It’s up to you, the individual, on what you put your stamp of approval on, or should I say what you put God’s stamp of approval on, because many have chosen the wide path of destruction that is misrepresenting God’s identity and replacing it with man’s. The word of God is very specific to point out that not only should we not be caught up in this identity theft, but the moment it is spotted we should immediately take action by not having fellowship with it, and reprove them just as we would if it involved our financial state.

Malachi 3:7-9 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (KJV)

Here is a different take on the above verses, on how many have robbed God similar to identity theft. While many of today’s so called preachers claim that the reason people are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf is because they don’t tithe enough and give to their organizations, the truth be known is that they are being duped into tithing and giving to the wrong organizations, supporting those that claim to be of God but are not. While many may have good intentions in the beginning, instead of being on the lookout and alert they let their spiritual shield of faith down and get hit with the fiery darts of the enemy.

Malachi 3:9-11 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

While you were asleep at the wheel, by the time you woke up you were in a ditch spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast. Instead of being doers of the word of God and not hearers only, you were putting tithes in the wrong storehouse; and were now a part of those that were robbing God and His people of the true riches of His inheritance which are in the spiritual realm, and not the financial one as many claim.

God is a Spirit; His storehouse is a spiritual one as well, which means the meat that should be in His house, which you happen to be, should be of a spiritual nature as well so that you can get off the milk of the word of God and grow strong and mature. But sad to say, for when the time you need to be teaching and instructing others, you have need that one teach you again the first principles so that you can quickly identify the difference between the truth and the lies. It’s only those that come to the realization that God is a Spirit and in order to truly worship Him it has to be done in spirit, as well as in truth; so in order for Him to open the windows of heaven you have to be operating in His realm, and not stuck in the dead end realm of the flesh with all its cheap imitations of what man says are riches. God’s storehouse is spiritual, located in the heavenly realm, while many man-made doctrines are stuck in the physical realm so that many are unable to partake of His spiritual blessing that has been poured out for His people. Could you imagine if you were a delivery driver with a full load of cargo and ended up delivering the load to the wrong warehouse? How long do you think you would have a job let alone expect to get a paycheck? This is in essence what the above verses in Malachi are referring to; those that get caught up in the identity theft end up being diverted from the truth, delivering to the enemy’s storehouse instead of the Lord’s. While many limit tithing to just money, it is your time and talent the Lord is truly seeking; because with what measure you meet His way is measured back to you; and it is the Lord’s good pleasure to open His windows and pour blessings out unto His people; same as, we as parents desire for our own children.

Quit being duped Church; if you want God in your life and wish to be partakers of His heavenly reward then you need to be seeking those things which are above to find the right storehouse. It’s time you double check the address, the only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ, so that you can grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might, and allow Him to open His window of opportunity your way and receive His spiritual reward.

John 4:31-34 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (32) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (KJV)

Which storehouse are you delivering to today? Where are you looking for your answer, for the spiritual meat of the word of God that will strengthen and sustain you today? Is there meat in your house, or has the enemy diverted your load and stolen what is rightfully yours with some cheap imitation, and mislabeled the product so that what was intended to be healthy is actually spoiled and rotten because it never arrived at its destination? Talk about identity theft, the true spiritual meat of the word of God and God’s true intention of it is being stolen from many, and they have shut the windows of heaven and are not partaking of all of the spiritual blessings God has for His people. Don’t be duped Church; for because of these things comes the wrath of God, not only on those that do this stuff and preach these false doctrines, but also on those that lend their support to it will also suffer dire eternal consequences as well.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Unsearchable Riches

6/16/2015

Ephesians 3:8-12 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV)

Why did Paul describe the riches of Christ as being unsearchable? Mainly because you won’t find the riches of Christ in the realm of the flesh, which is where many are still looking for the answer, and are still being deceived into thinking they will find it in the riches of this life. Where else and what price tag can you put on having a boldness and access to the throne of God with a confidence because of your faith in Christ? Nowhere else could this be found, nothing else could come remotely close to giving you this kind of peace and joy; a perfect love which casts out all our fear. This is the manifold wisdom that the devil has been fighting against the Church to try to detour us from this truth which sets us free and allows us to see and understand the fellowship of this mystery, which is hid to the carnal man but revealed to the spiritual man in Christ. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so great is this mercy and the riches of this wisdom to those that seek and find it with all their heart.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV)

While we were running around on this earth chasing our tail in destruction and misery before our conversion in Christ, we were missing out on all the spiritual blessings that are in Christ. Haven’t you spent enough time knowing that the things of this life are nothing more than a dead end? So why do so many try to incorporate the riches of this life with the riches of God? Like Paul said, ‘have we suffered so many things in vain if it yet be in vain?’ When you try to mix and match you end up corrupting the original living waters with man-made additives that pollute and distort the original intention. While I hear of so many testimonies of people that limit blessings to this realm, mostly how God has blessed them financially, I rarely hear of those that have come to a true understanding of the mystery of the gospel where all the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ, and those that have a working knowledge of the Son. The things of this life are temporal, which refers to temporary, but the things of God are eternal, and only those that build their foundation on the name of Jesus Christ will be able to tap into all these spiritual blessings in Him. So why settle for less Church? If you desire the things of God then you need to start looking in His realm, on His turf, which is spiritual and located in the heavenly places. If you wish to seek the riches of this life then go get the Wall Street Journal.

Luke 6:24-26 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. (KJV)

Those that have settled for the riches of this life have their reward; and as we brought nothing into this world, they have nothing to take with them once they depart. Because they chose to have a good time while they were here they will spend an eternity mourning and weeping over the fact that they neglected the true riches and spiritual blessings that were in Christ because they listened to and supported a bunch of people pleasing ear tickling hucksters who claimed to be prophets of God. So when all men speak well of them watch out, because obviously they were no threat to the devil but rather were speaking on his behalf under the pretense of religion. While many think the so called church of today is so strong and growing rapidly, the devil doesn’t mind if mankind has religion as long as it doesn’t involve the truth which will set them free. After all the enemy has been playing mankind for a chump since the garden of Eden by talking mankind out of partaking of the tree of life, which is Christ, and settling for a cheap imitation for something of this life. While many are building their monuments which they claim are in the name of the Lord, then have the nerve to name the ministries after themselves which truly shows you whose ministry it really is; very few are building the people up in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we may be saved.

Ephesians 3:14-19 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (KJV)

Again, what price tag can you put on the riches of this inner strength that is only available to those that know our Lord Jesus Christ and how to access Him? To be able to have a faith in Him rooted and grounded in the love of God, like a tree planted by the river of life so that no matter what storms we endure we will not be blown over with winds and self serving doctrines of man, is priceless. This is a love, a confidence and strength that goes beyond anything we could have ever imagined or thought of, one that can’t be bought or found with the riches of this life but is freely given to those that seek it in the heavenly realm. The Lord’s riches of His glory are eternal. The riches of this life are only temporal and have an eternal price tag of misery and destruction to those that chose to limit themselves to them.

Matthew 13:22-23 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (KJV)

The seed is the word of God which is Christ; and those that nurture and water it with the living spiritual waters will see it grow and produce a spiritual crop, all the spiritual blessings God intended for you to partake of. Those that choose the things of this life will find themselves deceived in the end and forever regretting what they ignored and were talked out of. So where is your treasure today, and what realm are you seeking it in? Are you settling for something of this realm, or are you looking above and beyond this one into the heavenly realm to find the unsearchable riches in Christ so that the eyes of your understanding can be enlightened to a working knowledge of this mystery?

1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) 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. (KJV)

The root of all evil can be traced back to one thing, the love of money. So where does your root system lead to, the love of God, or to the love of money? What source are you drawing from today will determine your true intents and motives of the heart, and where you are going to spend your eternity.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Free Gift

6/15/2015

Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (KJV)

Salvation is truly a free gift; the good and perfect gift which came down from above in the form of Jesus Christ the Son of God who came to bring reconciliation between God and mankind. While the world is constantly peddling its goods to people, and spicing up its ads with the offer of a free gift included, in the end the buyer ends up footing the bill, it’s just disguised somewhere in the fine print. The Lord who provided a free gift to all mankind having paid the price by His own sacrifice has now asked us to receive this gift freely and distribute it that way also. Mankind may play favorites especially with the rich, but God’s word is available to all, and should be made available by those that have been called to teach and preach without a price tag. Now that doesn’t mean that if you are getting fed somewhere and the Lord asks you to help support the cause, that you ignore Him; but the key is knowing when the Lord is asking and not when these fat cat preachers are begging the congregation with their giving messages. Those that are operating in the liberty of Christ will be preaching messages that are building up the people and showing them who they are in Christ. Those that haven’t been set free and are still more concerned with the treasures and upkeep of this life will center their sermons around the upkeep of their ministry and their works, not on the ministry and work the Lord has done for them.

Luke 16:19-25 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (KJV)

When looking at this example it parallels what I see going on today in the so called churches and with many of its worldly preachers. Because they have spent so much time and effort on their own upkeep, which many of them do on the backs of others instead of giving the congregation the meat of the word of God, they just end up with crummy self serving doctrines. Those that had come to their organizations seeking the Lord ended up with nothing less than watered down doctrines and a few crumbs, while those that should have been giving them the bread of life were more concerned with collecting the bread from the congregation. As we see the end result, with what measure they gave was measured back to them, having chosen the riches of this world over the eternal riches of the Lord. If you find you are being bombarded with endless sermons that focus more on giving and supporting the organization rather than focusing on the spiritual needs of the congregation, it may be time to move on if you truly desire to grow in the Lord. And by the way, whose lame brain idea was it to do these stupid telethons, especially this stuff I see on TV? I don’t care who they are or who they think they are, the last time I looked the Lord went into the temple with a three-fold cord and cast those cheap hucksters out. It was the devil that invited them back in to set up their cheap carnival side show acts, and its people that don’t spend enough time in the word of God that support this junk and will also be held accountable for doing so. Oh, they may promise you liberty but the truth is they are the servants of corruption because of the fact that they have sold out themselves, and have been overcome by their own desires, and are now brought into bondage of them. Just because they have sold out doesn’t mean you have to support them in their folly. Many of these people have taken the calling of God and then added their own interpretation to it and have created a monster, thinking bigger is better, the more the merrier. Just because they haven’t lived within the means God had intended doesn’t mean it is up to you to feed their monster which is just a manifestation of their inflated egos.

Matthew 23:16-23 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! (17) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? (18) And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. (19) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? (20) Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. (21) And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. (22) And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. (23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (KJV)

Basically what they are saying here is the priority has been misconstrued, putting the cart before the horse. Today I see and hear a lot of doctrines that have the people sitting in a cart, getting what comes out the backside of the horse as well. Instead of being more concerned with the weightier matters, faith, mercy and righteous judgment, they are more concerned with their commitment to giving and supporting the temple. They are willing to overlook spiritual matters, it’s the gold they are concentrating on and holding the people to. It doesn’t matter to them if you don’t spend time in the word of God or grow in the things of the Lord, that seems to be the least of their concerns, but don’t you dare miss tithing or that’s when they claim you will suffer the wrath of God. Everything to these people and their fallen nature’s is center on giving, which is why they twist the scriptures and sermons to make it look like God is more concerned with it as well. Again it is important and your obligation is to support wherever you are being fed, but when the outward temple becomes more of a priority than feeding the inward one, then it may be time to rethink and pray about moving on.

Matthew 23:24-26 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (KJV)

God is more concerned with the inside rather than the outward appearances. Now it is up to you to discern and rightly divide the truth so that you too can freely receive the gift of God and freely distribute it as well.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Idle Worship

6/12/2015

Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)

Is there anything more highly esteemed and sought after by mankind than the riches of this life; which many are led to believe that by someday acquiring enough of them they will find peace in their life? As we see again in verse 14, the Lord addressed and warned those that were covetous, which is just another form of idolatry. This get rich mentality has crept into the teachings of many; so in order to justify their lifestyles they become people pleasers with prosperity messages limited to the realm of the flesh that promise so much and deliver so little. No wonder our Lord was derided and chastised for teaching against these false doctrines, trying to point the people to the realm of the Spirit by forsaking the things of the flesh.

Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (18) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, (19) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (20) The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (23) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)

Why are so many people preaching and teaching a doctrine today that can be detrimental to ones spiritual well being? No man can serve two masters; in order to grow and mature in the Lord one has to forsake the things which are highly esteemed here on earth to partake of the heavenly gift. The Lord instructed the rich man to go and sell out to this way of thinking; and rather than continue seeking the treasures of this earth become a follower of Christ and begin partaking of His spiritual treasure. If you notice to, the Lord didn’t try to get Him to donate all his riches to the Jesus Christ worldwide evangelical association, but rather distribute it to the poor. How few true teachers do we have left today who are more interested in the spiritual welfare of the congregation and not for their own personal welfare, who are willing to lay down their lives and desires for the sake of others. The eye of the needle has been described as a smaller opening in the large gates which go into the city. In those times the cites had walls surrounding them with a large gate in front that had a smaller opening just big enough for quick access into it. In order for the camel to enter in it would have to crouch down on all fours having had all the cargo it was carrying removed before it could get through. The same holds true with the believers; we humble ourselves before the Lord, and before entering into His realm we leave all the old baggage and what we thought were priorities behind us and walk in a newness of life. Anytime we try to hang onto the old and enter into the new, any excess baggage and cargo will get in the way and block ones entrance and not allow them to continue forward, which is what the rich man in the above parable was experiencing. Is there something you are hanging onto today that is keeping you stuck in the realm of the flesh and not allowing you to move forward on the path of life? That thing that has been eating at you, something you have been trying to justify before men may just be what is now an abomination in the sight of God and needs to be discarded and left behind so that you are not the one that ends up left behind and on the outside looking in.

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)

All these things that are so highly esteemed among mankind and highly sought after look good and sound good to our carnal senses, but make no sense to the spiritual ones. If your love and affection is more toward the world and the things of it, which are in the process of dying and passing away, then you too will end up passing away with them. It’s only those that are willing to forsake these things, take up their cross and crucify the flesh and its carnal desires, who will be allowed access into the realm of God, and who will continue in the truth grounded and settled and not moved away by cheap imitations of the devil. No man can serve two masters; double minded, unstable, and unable to move forward in their walk: like the old time prisoners which had the ball and chains attached to them to keep them bound.

1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)

While the world and its worldly preachers will tell you the importance of giving so that you can acquire more, the simple truth is in being content; content with the fact that you are a part of the kingdom of God and an inheritor of His eternal life, having forsaken the desires of this temporal one. While so many that have been called to teach and preach the things of God end up to be nothing more than cheap hucksters peddling the word of God and giving special treatment to the highest bidders, simple contentment is where one will find true peace, and the joy of the Lord. You came into this world with nothing and you have the opportunity to leave it with everything. The question is, ‘what is highly esteemed in your life today, and is there anything you are coveting after that is causing you to err and miss the mark?’ Anything other than contentment is idol worship, and it will keep one idling instead of moving forward and maturing in the Lord.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bank Account

6/11/2015

Psalms 37:3-4 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)

We have been talking lately about treasure and what it is the heart truly is set on; the things of God or the things of this life. Where your treasure is will determine where the heart is and which way it is going. As we have spent so much of our life in the past living in the realm of the flesh we were more concerned with our bank accounts here on earth than our spiritual welfare. We spent most of our time consumed with how to make deposits in our accounts so that we wouldn’t end up bankrupt. With a new heart will come a new desire; now our attention should be more on making a direct deposit into our spiritual bank account on a daily basis so that we have enough to supply the need. The enemy will try to access your account and rob you blind, so it is up to you to make sure you stay alert and keep a watch over your heart. It is the true riches of God that we have access to, and this is why the devil fights so hard to keep you from accessing these spiritual riches and would like nothing better than to keep you in bondage by chasing temporal riches.

Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (KJV)

While driving a few weeks ago we spotted eagles and other birds off the road working on some fresh road kill. When we slowed down to get a picture the eagles were the first to fly off and not present a close picture, but kept their distance. For those that are stuck in the realm of the flesh and seek worldly riches the same holds true. Although they come up with their own ways to get rich, and think they are getting close to the answer, it somehow eludes them and is outside their grasp. This is just the realm the enemy would like to see the people of God pursuing as well, getting caught up in the things of this life so they are not able to access the things of God and His true riches.

Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV)

Which account have you been depositing into today; which one will have the sufficient funds in it if needed; or will your reality check bounce because of insufficient funds? Has the devil gotten into your account and replaced the true riches of God with a fake love and affection for the things of this life, funny money? Or have you held fast your profession of faith without wavering and found the fruit of the Spirit, the love, joy and peace of God above and beyond any gold or silver this earth has to offer? Remember, no man can serve two masters; you will hold to one and despise the other. So which one are you holding to today, or should I say which one has a hold on you?

Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (KJV)

Remember that parable about putting new wine into an old wineskin? It doesn’t work; it ends up breaking and spilling the new wine. The same holds true with us, we cannot grasp and hang onto the new unless we are willing to let go of the old desires, replacing them with new heavenly ones. Once one partakes of the new they find out that the old just doesn’t satisfy anymore. In fact the more one partakes of the new the more they realize how they have been ripped off and were missing out on the true riches of God, and how God does richly give us all things to enjoy without the bondage.

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV)

Remember all that effort you have been putting into your physical desires? Well the Lord said He would give you the desire of your heart if you would put that same effort and affection into the things of His realm. Remember, even though you thought you made progress in the realm of the flesh it still left you empty and not satisfied. Well the peace of God which passes our understanding gives us the true desire of our heart despite what our outward circumstances may try to dictate. Once one has truly tasted the goodness of God they find that it is the one thing they were always looking for just never able to achieve in the realm of the flesh and its carnal thinking.

Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (KJV)

When you truly treasure the things of God more than the things of this realm that is when you will experience the love of God which is an eternal treasure. While so many teach and preach a prosperity message which limits them to the realm of the flesh, a few have found the true treasure chest which is located in the heavenly realm ready to be revealed to those that are willing to walk in the Spirit.

Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV)

Why do you think Paul suffered such great conflict, and why the enemy did all he could to keep this truth from being preached? Is there anything more comforting than to know the true love of God; being able to have a full assurance and understanding of the mystery of God that has been hidden in Christ but now ready to be revealed and accessed by those that are more concerned with the eternal treasures? How many movies and books have been written that deal with treasure hunts and how those that seek it must follow the clues hidden in the maps to find it? These movies also show the opposition and how many thieves try to keep them from finding it, as well as attempting to steal it from them once it is found. You have a treasure map, and all the clues point to the Father who can only be accessed through His Son and a working knowledge of Christ where this treasure chest of spiritual wisdom and knowledge awaits those that seek it with all their heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (12) The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. (KJV)

Ever hear of fools’ gold? Those that think something in this realm will ever satisfy a spiritual need will find themselves shortchanged and spiritually bankrupt, robbed blind. So while the world and its worldly preachers are asking what's in your wallet, the Lord is asking what is in the spiritual account, and what realm are you banking on?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proving Ground

6/10/2015

Ephesians 5:5-8 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (KJV)

The Bible gives warnings throughout on the dangers of coveting, which is described as a form of idolatry. This is a vital area, one that gets overlooked, and an area where many a good intentioned Christians ended up being deceived. Though in our past we were surrounded by this mindset and caught up in the things of this world, somehow there are many that think they can carry this over into the realm of God and get away with it. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Your ability to let go and trust in the Lord in the area of finances is vital if one is going to grow into a deeper knowledge and trust with our Father.

Luke 16:9-11 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV)

This is what separates the men from the boys; this is the proving ground for what a man will truly trust and believe. We have a parable of a man described as an unjust steward who made his living and prospered by taking advantage of others. Then one day it occurred to him that in order to be accepted into the eternal realm he would have to change his ways and find the just and equal balance. What many don’t realize, and especially for those that are entering ministry work, is that one has to prove faithful before the Lord in the area of finances, or riches as they are described, before the Lord will open up to them and show them His spiritual riches and then entrust them with it. What verse 10 describes as least ends up being the priority with many; if they are unjust in that area then its game over and they will not be moving ahead in their walk. We have people out there that claim to be of God yet when you listen to the message being delivered they speak more of this world than the realm of God because they haven’t been enlightened to the things of God, and therefore have not been entrusted with the true spiritual riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge which are only found in Christ.

Luke 16:9 Riches promise MUCH, and perform NOTHING: they excite hope and confidence, and deceive both: in making a man depend on them for happiness, they rob him of the salvation of God and of eternal glory. For these reasons, they are represented as unjust and deceitful. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: (2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (KJV)

What kind of hope is being given to the people; a false hope in the deception of worldly riches, or is the flock of God being fed with the truth of God’s word that will set them free and allow Him to be their source? Many lord over the flock with guilt trips and pity party messages of how much more one could do for the Lord if they would just ante up. Those that are truly looking out for the spiritual welfare of the people will be more concerned with building the people up in the Lord, rather than having the people more concerned with a building and its upkeep.

John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (12) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (KJV)

The problem with hirelings, which is someone that is working for a wage, those that think ministry work is just an occupation, is that if the money runs out the hireling isn’t far behind. Our Lord set the example of how to live and walk in the Spirit, seeking more the spiritual welfare of others and not His own, thus why He was so effective. Today we see just the opposite; for many that enter the field of ministry work think it is a fun and exciting way to make a living, which is well documented by watered down messages that deal more with seeking the riches of this world than the true riches of God. Yes God does call people to full time ministry, and they get their support from the Lord and through the flock they oversee. The message the Lord is getting across is that His people need to be more concerned with the spiritual substance that will feed the flock, not the financial one that they are feeding themselves with.

Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. (11) Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (KJV)

There are too many hirelings, false prophets and such who are only seeking their personal gain, and not what is best for the flock of God. This stuff has been going on for a long time and has continued to manifest, getting worse and worse. No man can serve two masters because he will hold to one and ignore the other; and the Bible is quite specific to say that we cannot serve God and mammon or worldly riches, which is idol worship.

Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV)

Many vain talkers alter the message of truth to fit their lifestyle, teaching things just for the sake of filthy lucre. Messages that point to hundredfold returns, the more you give the more you get, are nothing more than self serving cheap imitations for what the Lord intended for His people; thus why the Lord’s people perish for lack of knowledge. So do your own self inventory and make sure the things you treasure are in line with the things of God so that He can open up His spiritual treasure and allow you to be a partaker of His heavenly gift.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Called Few Called Back

6/9/2015

1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)

Here we see the many again and how they responded to the calling of God. God is calling to our hearts, a spiritual calling which requires a spiritual response. So how do you know the difference? Those that have come to a working knowledge of the mystery of God are those that teach in the name of Jesus Christ, and are more concerned with the spiritual needs of the people. They are the ones that know the doctrine of Christ, and are willing to lay down their lives for the brethren so that they can teach them who they are in Christ and the completed work He has done on our behalf. Those that have not answered the call of God the way He intended are described in verse 5 as more concerned with the things of this world, putting the physical ahead of the spiritual. While they love to promise the people a better life in this world they overlook the spiritual realm and end up settling for their reward here, loving the praise of men more than God. Nothing plays to the emotions of the people and tickles the ears more than promising prosperity; which these false prophets have determined to be measured by amounts of money rather than the spiritual prosperity which is only found in Christ, the unequalled treasures of His wisdom and knowledge we have access to through His name.

Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (44) For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (45) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV)

The heart will truly reveal its intentions and motives because the abundance of what is in it will be spoken by the mouth. A good tree has not been corrupted, has not allowed the thief to break through and steal the word of God from the heart; therefore their only motive and true intention is teach and preach sound doctrine. A false prophet and teacher will reveal their true motive also; so if they are not teaching and preaching the mystery of the gospel through a working knowledge of Jesus Christ then somewhere along the line there has been a breach of spirit which has gotten in and corrupted the heart. No matter how they try to twist and turn the truth, manipulate and fabricate the word of God, they have been corrupted and the heart is proclaiming an evil treasure instead of an eternal one. A tree is truly known by its fruit; just as apparent as it is in the outward realm of revealing what the tree truly is, it is just as obvious to those that have taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth; they are able to see through these false doctrines and phony intentions of the heart.

Micah 3:11-12 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. (12) Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. (KJV)

The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, and that is why we need to heed the warnings, make sure we are prepared and not giving credence to things that are not of God. The Lord has been dealing with cheap hucksters throughout the Bible, so basically it is the same sin today, just different disguises. Like with a thief when they go to pull off a heist, they put on a mask so they won’t be identified. Those that know the truth and have a working knowledge of the doctrine of Christ will be able to see through these masks and easily identify the thief, and not allow him to rob them blind.

Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for covetousness:
4124 pleonexia- greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice

As we see again, many that have been called have decided they were more interested in building and establishing a kingdom in this world rather than establishing a firm foundation for the eternal realm. God has warned us and continues to remind us to be on the lookout for this false doctrine which has gotten in, and sad to say corrupted many of His own.

Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (KJV)

If you ever go through the Old Testament you will see that idolatry was practiced by many of God’s people and caused them to err, and led to their destruction. Today we see idolatry spring forth in the form of covetousness, an evil root that cannot produce good fruit no matter how it is spun, or who is preaching and teaching these doctrines. This is something we used to pursue in our old way of thinking, as verse 7 refers to, and it is something that should not be incorporated into our new life. So how are you answering the call of God today? Are you responding in the Spirit, or are you still looking for some cheap shortcut that mankind claims will bring peace and security?

1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV)

Paul was used of God, and answered the call of God in sincerity and in truth. He did not disguise his intentions under a cloke of covetousness, but rather was able to be used of God as he was allowed of God, because God could entrust him with His gospel. How trustworthy are you today? Can God use you and open His truth to you also because you have chosen to answer His calling in sincerity and in truth, or are you still hanging onto things of this life that are breaking through and clouding your spiritual vision? Anything or anyone we hold in higher regard than our heavenly Father is similar to idolatry, and will not pass the heavenly test, or be someone that God can use to deliver His message.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Called Few Ch0sen

6/8/2015

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for ‘which corrupt’:
2585 kapeleuo-
1) to be a retailer, to peddle
2) to make money by selling anything
a) to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain
b) to "trade" (traffic) in the word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth
c) to corrupt, to adulterate; peddlers were in the habit of adulterating their commodities for the sake of gain

So if many have been called then why are there so few left to deliver God’s message of love? Could it be there is a different love and affection that has snuck in and taken over, a method that isn’t approved of God but a big hit with mankind? Even in the time of Paul’s ministry we see the word of God corrupted and peddled to the highest bidder; those that were called of God are now answering to mankind and catering to the highest bidders. As we see in the above verses it just wasn’t a few doing this stuff but many had sold out and allowed a breach in the Spirit, a spiritual virus that was infecting the early Church; and quite frankly as I look around today, has only gotten worse.

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

When looking at these verses one can see two points being made and the comparison being implied, like a parable. As moth and rust corrupt the physical riches over time, by getting caught up in this doctrine one has allowed the thief to break through spiritually and steal the truth, replacing it with heartache and misery. As rust can eat away and distort riches, so does the love for them eat away and distort our vision of what will truly bring peace and joy to the believer. So where your treasure is will determine the direction of the heart and its true intentions will be manifest.

Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV)

If your vision is not kept single, seeking only the things of God that will bring joy and peace, as well as a confidence and boldness to speak His word, then one will be walking in darkness; and what many have thought would bring them the answer ends up to be a dead end. The word of God is quite specific that no man can serve two masters because a double minded man is unstable and unable to receive the things of God or be entrusted with the truth to be used of Him. Remember it is the love of money, not money itself that is the root of all evil; and those that look to the things of this realm to find joy and peace will find that they have erred from the faith and are now drowning in destruction and despair.

John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV)

Since when did the temple of God become a place of trade? The Lord set the example and quite emphatically let the people know where God stood on this doctrine of making merchandise of His word. And yet today as I look around, or flip through the religious channels, it is quite apparent that mankind has decided to set the tables back up with their endless money pitches and gimmicks. Folks if it didn’t work back then why would one think that God approves of this nonsense today? Remember that you are the temple of the living God and He dwells within you. So what is your true love today, and what is it you truly treasure in your life? Just because mankind decides that it’s okay, and just because someone has a big TV following doesn’t make it right; and according to the word of God it is not something our Father approves of either.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV)

Oops, remember the many that were called? Well now we are seeing what happened to their calling and how they chose to respond. When I see the word feigned which means to fabricate, I think of all these phony hundredfold return doctrines that are promised to people that donate to these ministries preaching them; which in simple layman’s terms is nothing more than a pyramid scheme, where those on top get rich, and well we all know what runs downhill. Just because others have sold out and set up their tables in the temple doesn’t mean you have to fall for their guilt trips and pity party sermons of how much more they could do if they only had the loot, when they should be answering God’s call and teaching the people what God has already done on their behalf.

Titus 1:9-11 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV)

You know folks, you can’t buy your way into the kingdom but you can sell out. What is it going to profit you if you gain the whole world but lose your soul for an eternity? Many that have been called of God may have begun in the Spirit with good intentions, but tried to perfect it in the flesh by supposing gain was godliness, which the Bible says we should withdraw from, which includes our support. So put away your TV remote control and grab your Bible; start partaking of the true riches of the kingdom of God and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who promise liberty but they themselves are the servants of corruption.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paying More Than Lip Service

4/22/2015

1 Timothy 1:8-10 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; (9) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (KJV)

The laws of our land are put in place to protect us and keep an order to our society. For every transgression there are consequences, and God has ordained our military, police and other law enforcement bureaus to maintain this order for all of our benefit. I am grateful for the jobs they do, and would much rather see dangerous criminals locked up instead of roaming loose and preying on our society. That is why, as Christians, we are the ones that should be setting the example by our deeds and not just cheap lip service. So rather than run and hide when it comes time to pay our fair share concerning taxes to keep these services going, the people of God especially should be the ones leading by example. After all I don’t see many ministers today who are not shy about putting their hand out and literally demanding it from their flocks with their guilt trips and pity party sermons about how much more they could do if they had more money. We should be living by a higher standard which includes ‘putting your money where your mouth is’.

Mark 12:13-17 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. (14) And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? (15) Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. (16) And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. (17) And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (KJV)

Back in the Lord’s brief period of time on this planet He also was approached by those that claimed they were believers who were looking for loopholes too. Being the fact that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, would not the answer He gave to those back then still hold true today? The Lord was quite specific with His answer and didn’t stutter. So I ask ‘which part of paying taxes is being misunderstood by the so called believers today’? Having watched a documentary about a big corporation that goes into communities seeking to set up their franchise stores there, the first thing they do is hit the local governments up for tax breaks. These are multi-billion dollar organizations that rather than do their part and be an example to the community, they do whatever they can to milk it dry. Sounds like the same mindset that has crept into the so called churches of today; they look for loopholes in the system which the Lord pointed out in verse 15 above is hypocritical. Maybe what has happened is rather than follow the example of our Lord, they have gone out of His will; and rather than feed the flock of God with the truth they end up fleecing it with their hypocritical messages that end up making merchandise out of the flock rather than Christ like people. Personally, I don’t like paying taxes (although I do) especially when I see some of the waste and mismanagement that goes on with it. Although many people complain about our country and direction it is going it is the place the Lord has me at for this time; and quite frankly when I watch the news I see there are a lot worse places to be. Our system is not perfect and never will be because of the effect sin has on this fallen world. So until the Lord returns we all need to do what is required in His word and pay our fair share if we wish to keep the Lord as our source.

Proverbs 11:1-4 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (2) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (3) The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (4) Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. (KJV)

If you worked all week and didn’t get what was agreed to, you would be all over the situation demanding a just balance. If your tax return came up short you would be after them to get it straight. So when did the people of God and those that claim to be followers of Christ become above the law with their tax loopholes and big corporation mentality? Christians are supposed to be the example; and if everyone followed the example of these so called ministries, then we would have no one paying their fair share for services rendered and we would have nothing but chaos and anarchy in this country. Since when did they become such cheapskates? Claiming they serve a God of abundance but act stupid when it comes time to distribute it; nonsense! Our military people should not have to come home to a more hostile environment than the one they just left; and rather than thanking them, many that claim to be of God, are actually just as guilty as many others for ignoring their needs.

Acts 20:32-35 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. (33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (35) I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (KJV)

This was Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus; letting them know the example he set and what it took to be blessed of God. As a Church and an example of the believers in Christ, is our mindset the same also, realizing it is more blessed to give than receive? If so, we need to lead by example. For all those that are truly serving our Lord in not only talk but walk, we will realize this and do what the word of God requires of us.

2 Corinthians 9:7-11 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (9) (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. (10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) (11) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (KJV)

Although this is one of the most popular verses with many of the religious people of today who have their hand out to the congregation seeking their just do financial balance, God is also speaking to them about doing their just part and quit fussing and complaining about rendering to Caesar. Although it is important to support the fellowship God has put you in, and you are to be obedient to what the Lord is asking of you, make sure the next time you get hit up with money pitches and sermons that pertain to the importance of giving, that the people who are preaching it are doing what the word of God requires also; giving more than just cheap lip service. If they have sold out to tax loopholes and are not doing what the word of God requires of them, how many other areas have they compromised and sold out in? No man can serve two masters, you cannot serve God and mammon (money); that’s called double minded which is unstable and unable to receive anything or any support from the Lord.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.