Category:

Highly Motivated

11/30/2024

Good day. Today's video Highly Motivated is on the topic of: Are you highly motivated in serving God or men? What is the motive of your heart when you pray, when you worship, when you share the gospel of Christ, is it to be seen of men or are you doing these things truly seeking to please the Lord? We are to enter into our own closet and shut the door and pray to our Father who is in secret, and our heavenly Father who sees in secret (the motive of our heart) will reward us openly. We are to worship our Father in spirit and in truth, for our Father seeks such to worship him (God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth), not as an outward show that others can glory in our fleshly display of worship that men teach. We are to share the gospel of Christ in sincerity and in truth, not for the sake of money or to be seen of men, it is doing all things whole heartedly as unto the Lord and not unto men. We cannot serve two masters; for either we will hate the one and love the other; or else we will hold to the one and despise the other. We cannot serve God and mammon (money); and it is written that the love of money is the root of all evil, and for many they will compromise the gospel of Christ to keep the people happy and in the pews, which stinks to high heaven; or they will compromise their faith and walk in Christ for the things of this life or to please men; money answers all things, it reveals the motive of the heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:13-15 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand (KJV). John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed (KJV). Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom (KJV).

We cannot please God and men; a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. The LORD sees not as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart (the motive), he knows the secrets of the heart, the righteous God tries the hearts and reins (mind) (1 Samuel 6:7, Psalms 44:21, Psalms 7:9). Remember we will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ and give account of our lives, whether it be good or bad. Who or what motivates you? Examine yourself with the leading of the Holy Spirit and find out, and if there be anything contrary to sound doctrine, remove it, get rid of it out of your heart, with the Lord's help. Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth; because the truth is what will make you free and keep you free indeed (reality). Ask yourself this question: "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." If you find that you are pleasing men more than God then make the correction in your life and continue forward in your walk in Christ standing fast in the liberty with which he has made you free and don't be entangled again in that yoke of bondage or any other that may be hindering your walk, including the traditions and doctrines of men. And don't let the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, or lusts of other things enter into your heart which will hinder you and choke the Word that is written in your heart, and it becomes unfruitful; watch and pray always, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Brethren, get highly motivated from above where Christ sits on the right hand of God our Father and put away pleasing man. God bless and keep the faith.

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Short Work

10/12/2018

Good morning. Today's video Short Work is on the topic of The last days; the Lord said he would do a short work.

Romans 9:27-29 Isaiah also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Isaiah said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah. (KJV)

Brethren the time is short; we are in the last times and have been since the Lord left this earth being raised up to sit on the right hand of God. The Lord said he would do a short work upon the earth to give us a way of escape from destruction, spirit, soul, and body. He left us a seed, and that seed is Christ in us the hope of glory so that we too can overcome the wicked one that is in this world through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit into all truth in the knowledge of God our Father and His Son Christ Jesus our Lord; and of all that our Father has given us we should lose nothing, except the son of perdition which is our old nature, that Christ may raise us up holy and unblameable before God.

2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (KJV)

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (KJV)

There are many deceivers and antichrist’s out there in the world today seeking to deceive you out of your crown which is laid up for you in heaven. Not only those whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things; but also the false prophets who stand in the pulpits or on the street corners to be seen of men who promise you liberty, but they themselves are the servants of corruption.

The time will come when many will not endure sound doctrine but will heap to themselves, teachers having itching ears; that time is now. You can see what is happening in the religious organizations which claim to be of God but in works deny him; they are more interested in fitting into the world and its ways, as well as preaching for filthy lucre sake to fill their own pockets, robbing the church blind (spirit, soul, and body), than to hold fast the profession of faith without wavering and to teach others to do the same.

Scofield note: Message to Laodicea: the church in the final state of apostasy. Revelation 3:14-19 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (KJV)

Dearly loved brethren; today if you will hear the Lord’s voice harden not your hearts in the day of temptation as others who were overthrown in the wilderness, knowing that your salvation draws near; today is the day of salvation; now is the accepted time. Watch and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that are to come upon the proud and disobedient. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. God bless.

Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Turn Up The Sound

12/31/2015

2 Timothy 4:3-5 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. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)

Williams New Testament translation of 2Timothy 4:3-5
3. For a time will come when they will not listen to wholesome teaching, but to gratify their own evil desires will surround themselves with teachers who teach to gratify their own evil desires, because their ears are itching so to be tickled, 4. and they will cease to listen to the truth and will turn to listen to myths. 5. But you, on your part, must always keep your head cool, suffer hardship, do your work as a herald of the good news, and so fill your ministry to the brim.

Thayer’s definition for ‘sound’:
5198 hugiaino-
1) to be sound, to be well, to be in good health
2) metaphorically:
a) used of Christians whose opinions are free from any mixture of error
b) used of one who keeps the graces and is strong

Rather than turning up the sound, that being the voice of God, many would rather turn down the volume and in essence drown out the source of life. When one looks around especially in this country, we see so many that are not in good health, but rather they are out of shape and weak. Spiritually the same holds true; though the spirit is willing it’s the flesh that is weak and so are those that choose to stay in that realm rather than stepping out into the realm where our Lord operates, that being the spiritual one. Oh but it is the fastest growing church in the area because they have learned how to reach out to those in the community and draw them in. Instead of drawing the people closer to God which can only be done with truth, many use gimmicks, worldly methods with worldly preachers who tell people what they want to hear and not what they truly need to hear. Case in point; though our Lord had a following for a season, when it came down to dieing to self and dealing with sound doctrine many chose a different path.

Titus 2:6-8 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. (7) In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (8) Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (KJV)

You will not and cannot have sound speech unless you are giving ear to sound doctrine, which can only come from the source Himself. With what measure you mete or allow, is what is measured back your way; so the more you turn up the volume, that being your spiritual ears, the stronger you will become in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Thus the term ‘young men’; not a child or childish people who listen to childish doctrine because it makes them feel good. You know, you can eat a lot of candy and get a sugar rush that feels good, like a child who isn’t concerned about their health or the consequences of their actions, but if one desires to mature and grow up in the Lord it will take more of the meat of the word of God in order to accomplish this. Sound doctrine is not always fun to hear, or even easy to endure at times, but afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those that keep their spiritual senses exercised to discern between good and evil. You wonder why your body is out of shape and you are weak? It’s because you did what you wanted to and not what you needed in order to keep it maintained. You wonder why you are weak and unable to stand spiritually? Well, it’s because rather than give ear to sound doctrine you chose someone that would tickle your ears rather than build you up.

John 6:63-66 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. (65) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (66) From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (KJV)

You know, our Lord Himself delivered sound doctrine, pointing the people to the spiritual realm and away from the flesh and its fallen nature. I know of no one that delivered a more sound doctrine, as well as demonstrating what it is truly like to walk the walk; and yet with that in mind it says many went back and walked no more with Him. Just where do you think the many went? Well, there were plenty of ear tickling people pleasers back then as there are today; so rather than continue in their search for truth they chose a different path, you know that easy fun one where all the people are hanging out. Even today when someone holds fast to sound doctrine and denounces things that are unhealthy (like we spoke about yesterday; how people think it is ok to live together before marriage), or doesn’t agree with homosexuality or alternative lifestyles as some put it (which the only alternative they will end up with is hell instead of heaven because they held to the flesh which is weak and not to the Spirit which would make them strong and able to overcome what God says is an abomination), that which their life ministers or they preach is termed old fashioned or out of touch.

2 Timothy 1:7-8 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (8) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (KJV)

You are not going to have a sound mind unless you give ear to sound doctrine. That spirit of fear that is tormenting you did not come from God, but obviously the enemy was given a clear shot at the heart that should have been protected by the shield of faith; you know, the one that is established by hearing, hearing the word of God and not man’s versions. You know that fun guy that tickled your ear last Sunday and told you everything you wanted to hear, he won’t be around on Monday when it comes time to take a stand for the Lord and the afflictions that come with being one of His. Kind of like that slick used car salesman that gave you a line about the car he just sold you the other day, you know, the one that would now be described as a lemon. Well that guy is long gone, laughing all the way to the bank, standing in line right behind the preacher that sold you a lemon of a doctrine also.

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (14) That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (KJV)

The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak and so are those that don’t get built up in the word of God and stay built up. A perfect mature love will cast out all fear, because you are more willing to give ear to the Holy Ghost, looking within to find that strength and peace. Turn up the sound, because the more you give ear and practice sound doctrine the more sound you will be in your walk.

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

Flattery Will Get You No Where

8/14/2015

1Thessalonians 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)

Flattering words are those that seek to please the people, which can actually beguile them as well if one is not saying what they truly mean. Say what you mean and mean what you say when speaking on behalf of our Lord. Many are more concerned with what people’s perception of them is rather than the approval of our Lord, which makes them more of a hindrance than an asset to the body of Christ. So how do you give God’s answer to people, is it the straight forward truth that will set them free or are you sugar coating the speech to make it more acceptable to them? When you are asked a question, do you give simple yes and no answers or do you feel it is necessary to explain yourself to people, trying to explain it in a way you hope they will accept? For those that wish to truly please our Lord you will find that trying to please God and man just doesn’t seem to work, like mixing oil and water, it just doesn’t gel. For those that are truly steadfast and unmovable in their walk, they will find that pleasing God alone may leave you on a narrow path, one that is not heavily traveled, but the only one that leads to our eternal inheritance.

Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (KJV)

Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 5:37
37. But your way of speaking must be a simple `Yes' or `No.' Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Have you ever had someone ask you a question or make a request for you to do something and your answer was no? Then once you gave your answer there is a space of uncomfortable silence, where now you are expected or think you owe an explanation? This is exactly what the Lord is referring to here; keep your answer simple and to the point and don’t think you always have to explain yourself. Many of us have been brought up with the mindset that we need to be polite and do things just to please others, even things that are contrary to sound doctrine or something the Lord just isn’t asking us to partake of. Now I am not saying to be a jerk, but rather if the Lord asks you not to involve yourself in something, no matter how popular it may be to others, a simple yes or no answer is all that is needed to be pleasing to our Father. And don’t think you need to manufacture an answer just because someone else is putting the pressure on you, if you don’t have an answer at the time or if you are just not sure, then it would be in your best interest to leave it alone and not try to make something up that you will regret later. Sometimes the Lord just may ask you to not get involved even though at the time you are not sure why; but by letting patience have its perfect work, sometime later the answer will manifest as to why the Lord had you withdraw from it. Simply put this is just another way of saying we walk by faith and not sight. Basically what Paul is saying is that if you are always seeking to be a people pleaser, then don’t expect to be used by God. However if you chose His approval above anyone or anything else then you will be a vessel fit, ready for the Masters use.

Psalms 5:8-9 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. (9) For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. (KJV)

Have you ever seen people and the term ‘slick’ applies as a fitting nickname? Someone that always tells everyone what they want to hear, someone that just uses people for their own advantage? The reason there is no faithfulness coming out of the mouth is because there is nothing in the heart but two faced double talk; always the nice guy telling people what they want to hear and not what is really going on, which aptly describes many of the so called pastors and teachers we have around today. Are you able to give a straightforward answer concerning the kingdom of God or do you skirt the truth leaving out the essentials so as not to offend anyone? When someone asks your response to an issue are you able to respond with what is pleasing to God or are you more concerned with mans opinion of you? If someone asks you to get involved in something that is not peaceable, something you know is not of God, do you feel the need to explain it in a way they will accept, sugar coating it, or do you just give a simple yes or no answer and let them ask God for themselves if they are really concerned? We have way too many people pleasers preaching and teaching things they shouldn’t be for their own advantage sake and not the Lord’s anymore, which will have dire consequences to those that follow these wishy washy doctrines.

Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)

Sometimes what is edifying to the hearers is not always something that is pleasing to them, but something they needed to hear. One of the ways many corrupt the true communication that should be coming from the mouth is by flattery, people pleasing, someone that should have been a minister of grace is now a disgrace in the sight of our Lord. It grieves the Holy Spirit to see the true intention of God watered down by those that don’t have the spiritual spine to stand up and tell the people what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear. When you were raising your children and all they were concerned with in their diet was things that had sugar and spice, things that they thought were nice, did you cave in and give them what they wanted or what they needed? As one matures, and this does include maturing in the Lord, you find out that in order to grow strong it will take a much better diet than that to maintain a healthy body. So it is not only a matter of what you are feeding yourself spiritually, but what are you feeding others around you as well? Is it simple truth that will build them up and edify or are you halting between two opinions seeking the favor of man and God at the same time?

Psalms 12:1-4 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (2) They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (3) The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: (4) Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (KJV)

Ever hear the term two faced? Well we have a lot of two faced people that speak from both sides of their mouth because of a double heart, which makes them double minded and unstable in the things of our Lord. So who is Lord in your life, and whose words are you speaking today? Are they spirit and are they life to the brethren or are they of your own tongue seeking your own desires? Don’t wait till it’s too late to find out, remember flattery will get you nowhere.

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

Fantasy Land

6/4/2015

1 Corinthians 4:11-14 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; (12) And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: (13) Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. (14) I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. (KJV)

Remember the TV program Fantasy Island, where they fly into the island with a problem and leave with the solution? They make it look so easy; and how they look up to the people that provide the solutions and put them on pedestals. Well today we still have re-runs of that program which are displayed by many false teachers of the gospel of Christ, who make ministry work look so glamorous and exciting; how well thought of they are in the community, and looked up to as leaders and pillars. With their three piece suits and two bit doctrines they try to compare themselves with those that God has used before, but as one can see from the above verses, the gap between reality and fantasy is huge. If you think you want to be like Paul, Peter or some of the other people God has used then you need to look at what I will call the fine print; because for many ear tickling preachers it seems they have left this part out, or do their best to hide the true fact that the closer one gets to the Lord the more they truly will endure suffering on His behalf. It would be nice if all one had to do is write of the blessings of God and all the wonderful things that accompany them, but I would be negligent in presenting the truth about the things that don’t tickle the ear, but warn the heart of the reality, for those that chose to be led of the Spirit.

Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. (29) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (30) Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (KJV)

The more one is led of the Spirit the more it contradicts those that are led of the flesh, and to them the doctrine of Christ seems foolish and a waste of time. The warning Paul was giving to the people was not only to believe in Christ but also that there would be suffering for His sake to those that speak on His behalf. Although Paul was used of God to write a good portion of the epistles, if you read through His accounts you will see there was plenty of conflict and opposition along the way. So don’t be discouraged if you encounter these things also, because it doesn’t mean you did something wrong but rather just the opposite. I see a lot of these do gooders who claim to be of God, who write and sell their books, who preach a life of prosperity living the American dream in the name of God, yet they are selling their souls for a buck (money). Many would like to only tell the people what they want to hear instead of what they need; the truth that will set them free indeed. So before you choose to enter the ministry based on these false illusions, the reality is that the only reason many false teachers sell this stuff is because they are not a threat to the enemy but rather an asset to him; settling for the rewards of this realm and not for an eternal reward of inheritance. Christian brothers and sisters, know there will be opposition, but also take comfort in the fact that it is because you are doing what is right in the sight of the Lord; which is why it will rub man the wrong way and cause the conflict.

1 Peter 4:15-19 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (KJV)

We have many false prophets out and about that the Lord warned us of that bring false doctrines and rob the people of the truth. They portray a people pleasing life of a minister as being someone that is looked up to and revered by many, which in reality is nothing more than seeking the honor of man rather than that of God. If you suffer as a Christian don’t be ashamed, even if it is by other so called Christians that would rather water down the truth and not deal with the reality of those that truly choose to follow the leading of the Spirit. Again don’t think it so strange concerning the fiery trials that come your way, because the more you choose to live the truth and speak it, the more those darts will be hurled your way. And don’t be surprised if you end up taking some friendly fire from those that claim to be of God, false brethren that smile to your face and stab you in the back.

2 Timothy 3:10-15 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

The reason the righteous are scarcely saved is because evil men and seducers are getting worse and worse with their deceptions and lies, and many Christians do not take the time in the word of God for themselves to know the difference, but rather get caught up in them. The reason Paul suffered so much is because of the doctrine of Christ that he taught and preached as well as lived, which is why there was so much opposition. That is why we are to continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is Christ in you, His leading and guiding of the Spirit. We see the encouragement in verse 14, to continue in these things despite the sufferings and persecutions because you know the truth and that is why you are suffering, not because you did something wrong.

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV)

Still interested in ministry work? Then time for a reality check. If you think you are going to be revered and highly thought of in the community, think again. If you wish to be highly thought of and a pillar in God’s community then proceed forward. Those that portray a one sided version of the ministry are living in a fantasy world on an island located somewhere in the dead sea, and will find their program cancelled.

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

Honorable Mention

2/24/2015

Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)

Do you want the honor from above, then quit seeking it here on earth. Many want the approval of the Lord, but waste their time seeking it from man. What are the true motives of your heart? What is the true reason you serve the Lord? Is it to please a pastor, parent, wife, husband, boy or girlfriend, or your boss at work? God see’s the secret inward heart of man, and only gives His stamp of approval to those that do serve Him no matter what the consequences are, or who on earth it offends.

Colossians 3:22-25 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (25) But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (KJV)

What about the job you have, are you doing it to please man, or is it being done to please God? I have worked with those that claim to be of God, only to have a lousy work ethic, and basically flush their testimony down the drain. Do you only work when the boss is around or looking, then slack off when he or she is not? The Lord said in order to be faithful in spiritual things we need to be faithful in earthly things first. There are many who think they can serve God who haven’t learned this lesson, so they spend more time putting on a front, rather than being up front with the truth. And so as it is written in Matthew, they will have no reward of our Father. So smile, you’re on the Lord’s very candid camera, which sees and knows the thoughts and intents of the heart, and will only reward those that do those things heartily unto Him and are not concerned with what man thinks. It doesn’t matter who you are, or who you think you are, or how long you claim to have known God, He does not play favorites like man does, and does not waver one bit concerning His word.

Galatians 2:9-11 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (10) Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. (11) But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (KJV)

Cephas was another name given to Peter, the same Peter that walked with the Lord, and ended up writing letters in the Bible, was one perceived to be a pillar by many, until the Lord instructed Paul the apostle otherwise. We know Peter denied the Lord three times before the crucifixion of our Lord, but have you ever read how he denied the Lord even after his conversion, and who God used to bring the correction?

Galatians 2:12-14 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (13) And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (KJV)

Basically Peter was playing musical chairs, he would eat with the Gentiles, but when the Jewish religious people showed up, he would jump over to their table and try to appease them, even to the point that others were getting caught up in the charade. Trying to please people rather than God; a double minded man will not receive anything from the Lord, including His reward if the warning is not heeded. Ever wonder why God used Paul to write most of the epistles? Are you willing to stand up and speak the truth, no matter who it is or who they think they are? No matter how much of a pillar in the community man considers them, are you willing to tell them where God sees them no matter where that may be?

2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (KJV)

God did continue to use Peter; and as Peter wrote in his second letter, he acknowledges his beloved brother Paul, and his willingness to be used of God. Though many times Paul would meet opposition, especially with those that claim to know God, the ones that would heed the warning and correction were able to be used of God, while others would twist and pervert the scriptures to their own destruction. So don’t take it personal if God asks you to speak the truth, and you too are met with opposition, especially within the realm of Christianity, or those that claim to be Christians, because though many are called few are truly seeking the honor from above. Remember, it was the religious leaders that rejected our Lord, and ultimately betrayed Him. Today not much has changed. There are still many religious people who are still crucifying the message of our Lord today, trying to please the congregation rather than the Lord.

Luke 19:45-47 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; (46) Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. (47) And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, (KJV)

Our Lord Himself did not get a standing ovation from the crowd, but rather was sent to set things in order the way God intended it to be. The more He chose to please God, the less appealing He was to those that were perceived pillars in the temple as well. So what are you going to do if you are not a crowd favorite anymore? Will that alter your stand and commitment, or will it just strengthen it further? Will you fold under peer pressure, or will you continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel as many before you have, and as many as hope to be honorably mentioned before our Father in heaven?

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

People Pleasers

2/23/2015

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV)

Many ministries and ministers base their success on how well they stack up with other ministries. Some base their accomplishments on how many followers they have, using the term ‘one of the fastest growing ministries today’. But which way are they heading, what are they using for their measuring stick, is it based on the word of God, or the world and its way of marketing? If you think you can please man and God at the same time, then you need to take a closer look at the word of God and heed the warning. Because in the end it is not any minister or ministry that you will have to stand before and give account of your life too.

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

The fastest growing ministry, pillars of the community, or as one advertisement I saw, the friendliest church in town. Watch out Church, you can please God or you can please man, but those that truly seek the Lord and are willing to speak on His behalf will find that they can’t do both at the same time.

Luke 16:15 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)

Ever see the marketing strategies of the world, the commercials where they interview certain hand-picked people that will promote their product, and like puppets they will say whatever makes them look good? So, now we have this mindset in the so called church. Ministries doing the same thing to promote their organization, rather than letting the word of God and their walk do the speaking for them. People pleasing, ear tickling, money grubbing hucksters, who profess to know God but in works deny Him; they are in for a rude awakening come the Day of Judgment.

Galatians 1:10-12 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. (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV)

Have you ever thought, I wish I could be like Paul, that I could see the things he saw, and write the things he wrote, and be used of God the way he was? Many picture the ministry as being of a life on easy street; preach a sermon here and there, visit some sick people occasionally, and be looked up at as some wonderful person, someone loved and cherished by all. To who much is given much is expected; and with the revelation of Jesus Christ not only comes God’s stamp of approval, but you also become a target of the enemy, and are now entering a whole different realm. Simply put, for those that come to a working knowledge of Jesus Christ and the mystery of the gospel, this is what I refer to as a reality check; will your check bounce, or be approved?

1Thessalonians 2:4-6 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)

Do you wish to be used of God more, to be able to speak and teach His word effectively? The reason many are ineffective and fall short of the glory of God is that they are not willing to speak the truth and sound doctrine which will enable the people to be set free, but rather they are more interested in building up numbers and outward appearances which is an abomination in the sight of God. So will you be a burden to the body of Christ, or a blessing, it all depends on whose approval you are truly seeking.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)

You can fool man, as many false prophets have, but you will never fool God. So quit fooling around and get your priorities in order if you truly plan on spending an eternity with Him.

John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (KJV)

If you need a pat on the back from someone else, or if you are looking for the approval of some big name preacher, you need to truly rethink your priorities and ask yourself honestly, am I really doing this to please God, or is there someone else I am seeking honour from, someone else that I am holding in higher esteem than our Father in heaven?

John 12:42-43 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: (43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (KJV)

Don’t take it personal if you are not welcome at certain organizations that claim to be of God, because you have chosen to please Him rather than man. I have found for myself that the more I know the truth, the more it contradicts the doctrines of man and their people pleasing methods. Oh by the way, still interested in the position Paul held which he ended up losing his life for? Don’t forget to read the disclaimer, the fine print before making the decision; because if the truth be known, the more he was used of God, the more he was abused of man. Still interested, let me give you a brief job description before you decide that you to would like to be used of God as well.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (KJV)

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

2 John 9