Lay Down Your Life To Hear God Speak by Travis Bryan III
by admin on Jan.07, 2012, under The Daily Cross, Travis Bryan III
In 1 Sam 3:1-14, in a time when there was “no open vision,” Samuel was lying in bed when he heard a voice. He arose and went to Eli the priest but was told Eli had not spoken. He lies down again and this scenario happens two more times. Each time Samuel goes back to lie down. Again he hears God’s voice speaking to him and gets up to see if it was Eli.This episode prefigures the change in God’s economy from the Jewish dispensation to the grace and Gentile age. The blindness setting in on Eli, the lamp in the Temple going out and the cessation of open vision represents the end of the old covenant age. The vision is no longer open but is hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3.
Samuel’s continual lying down then arising in response to God’s voice signifies the grace age where the believer participates with Christ in His dying and rising. Each lying down of Samuel typifies our laying down our life and dying with Christ on the cross. Twice Samuel hears the voice and thinks it is the Jewish priest Eli. Eli denies speaking. This illustrates our difficulty realizing there has been a major change in the way God deals with His people in the new testament gospel presented by Paul. God is no longer using priests like Eli as go-betweens. He speaks directly to His people but only after they first lay their lives down on the cross.
Notice here the symbolism. Each time God speaks to Samuel it is right after he is lying down. The Bible then says Samuel “arises.” This signifies resurrection with Christ. At His last speaking, God stands near Samuel and tells Him he will do a thing in Israel at which the ears of everyone that hears will tingle. God “stood” in verse 10 also typifies His resurrection as He speaks to us.
Here is the main point of the passage: God’s way of relating to us has changed. There is no open vision in the age of grace. God only speaks to those who first lie down on the cross and die to self. We no longer relate to God thru a priest as in the old testament. We speak directly to God and relate to Him by dying with Christ.
Get down with Christ on His cross and expect to hear from God. When he speaks say with Samuel, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ.
Miracles Through Suffering by Travis Bryan III
by admin on Nov.25, 2011, under The Daily Cross, Travis Bryan III
“Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Galatians 3:4
Two key words in the above passage: “suffering” followed by the results of suffering, “miracles.”
Today, under God’s economy of the cross, miracles are only wrought through the sufferings of the cross. Resurrection comes only through death (2 Corinthians 4:10-11). Renewal through surrender (Romans 12:1-2). Power is only perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12). Strength is not built upon strength; only upon powerlessness.
Only as we declare defeat in the natural will God win supernatural victories in and around us.
Paul’s grave concern in this passage was that the Galatians were leaving God’s economy of miracles through justification by faith and suffering and going back to a way of relating to God through performing rules (the Mosaic law).
It takes everyday miracles to live for God. The problem with the law approach is that there are no miracles when a rule keeping mindset reigns. Why? Under law, it all depends on us. But human flesh can’t work miracles, especially the miracle of saving and keeping grace (Romans 5:1-3).
God usually only acts in lives when we believe it depends on Him and not on us (Romans 4:4-5). When we suffer and give up on self (die to self), God comes in with His unseen hand and works miracles, the wondrous works of God – every time!
The LORD works in the power of miracles as we walk with Him by faith, ceasing to strive in the flesh, but rather believing upon the LORD who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:4-5).
“Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14
Miracles are only experienced when we suffer and lie still in our burial with Christ at Calvary.
And what is “suffering?” I define suffering as the discomfort you feel when you are no longer allowed to be in control OR you are not allowed to have your way. When you suffer and embrace these losses in faith, the miracles begin.
Sign up here to begin receiving full-counsel devotionals by email. Let’s grow in His grace and learn His Word together, one truth at a time.
Rachel Scott, Martyr for Jesus – “Happy are Ye”
by admin on Jul.11, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
“I have lost all of my friends at school. Now that I’ve begun to “walk my talk,” they make fun of me . . . I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend, Jesus, then that’s fine with me. . . . I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will” Rachel Scott. Murdered at Columbine High School. April 20, 1999
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14 (KJV)
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ.
The First Word of the Gospel is “Repent”
by admin on Jul.11, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
The true Gospel begins with repent doesn’t it? – per John the Baptist, Christ, and Peter the apostle (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19). Any “ministry” or leader, preacher, or whatever whose message does not begin with and contain the necessity of repentance, if a false teacher. Repentance, in my opinion, is turning to God and therefore turning away from sin (that which He says is sin which displeases Him). God bless us to repent and walk in the light as He is in the light so that the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us or keep us clean (1 John 1:7).
“He Laid Down His Life for Us”
by admin on Jul.07, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
WITHOUT even one exception, every truly saved person follows Christ by laying down their life and giving it to God and others. This is the Heaven-bound remnant or “few” that will be with Him eternally. All others who claim Christ as Savior are deluded and will be damned (Matthew 7:21; Luke 19:27).
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18
Memory passage:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ.
SafeGuardYourSoul.com | The Original Gospel | MercyPlanet.com | FairestLordJesus | Grace and Truth Bible School Modules | WomenWhofearGod.com
The Sin of Limiting God will be Punished
by admin on Jun.27, 2011, under Jesus is Coming, todd tomasella
One of the stated reasons that many of God’s people were cursed was due to their refusal to rejoice “for the ABUNDANCE of all things” as if the Almighty is somehow limited! The only limiting factor is the faith of the individual.
“Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things.” Deuteronomy 28:47
In fact, because they “limited” the LORD, He punished them.
“Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Psalms 78:41
Unbelief is a serious offense in the eyes of the one, true, and holy God. Unbelief impugns the integrity of the LORD and must be repented of immediately. Unbelief comes out of “an EVIL heart.”
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15
Remedy for Unbelief
Repent at once!
Memory Verse - “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Read Hebrews 3-4 5 times this week.
Ask the LORD to increase your faith.
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ.
Truths to Bless
by admin on Jun.21, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
IF the LORD has no say so in your personal daily life, you will have no part in His eternal kingdom. The Son of God says “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” (Luke 19:27)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
WHO, WHO, WHO? – “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
There is no Christianity without the cross …. 1) First, the propitiatory cross of Christ, the altar upon which He shed His precious blood to redeem us, and 2) the daily cross he commanded us to daily take up. The Laid Down Life
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Prov. 16:28) According to Jesus’ clear instructions in Matthew 18:15-17 you have no business going to anyone else first other than the person you have a concern about. If you have any question about them, then go to THEM. Learn to do what Jesus said.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
GOD’s written Word is His standard, His will, His wisdom. Human ideas or philosophies are not God’s will and never to be followed or placed on same level of authority of God’s Word.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
God’s recorded Word is always the truth for every genuine disciple who say to our LORD with David and full weight of faith that “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
DO WE realize what we have signed up for? Paul the apostle said “For a great door (to reach many) and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9) With the “door … opened” for ministry, will also come “many adversaries.”
Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the
WHO IS YOUR LORD AND TEACHER?
by admin on Jun.20, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
BELOW is my response to a recent email that claimed that we are “against” a lot of people. The person inquired, asking whom we recommend or endorse since we are exposing several wolves on the ministry site.
MY RESPONSE:
“Well there is alot on the site …. 278 items of articles, study guides, audios, and expose’ …. the purpose of God is to keep us “safe” (Philippians 3:1) and that comes in part by His true disciples earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints against “ungodly men” ….. this is done by preaching, WARNING, and teaching (PWT)-see Colossians 1:28.
Perhaps the LORD is trying to rid His remnant of the notion that we need to learn of Him through (via, by way of) mere men … since we somehow believe (sometimes without even realizing it) that we need men to help us know God, we find ourselves ever searching for that next new “enlightened” teacher or public “Christian” celebrity 
…. And we find ourselves latching on to someone who is highly visible whose personality we like for some reason and by doing so we drink in what ever they say and don’t even check it against the Word like the Berean believers who when hearing even Paul the apostle preach, “searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) These were wise and “more noble” disciples who measured truth by the final authority of God’s Word.
The Word speaks of “idol shepherds” which are mere men and women we make idols out of (Zech. 11:17), heaping them to ourselves, having itching ears as we refuse to learn and endure “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1-4) ….. also He speaks of “idols of the heart” ….. for some reason, in our natural sinful nature, does it not seem that we tend toward identifying with a flesh and blood human being, as we seek to vicariously experience God through them/mere man? ….. when Jesus is our “exceeding great reward” and is to be our “first love” and ALL men in their very best state are “altogether VANITY” (Psalms 39:5)….. God is love precious brother, love you man and thanks for sharing….. remember that Jesus told us that “God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)
Remember, Paul was the ultimate bulldog about protecting God’s people in the truth….he actually cried with tears for 3 whole years, knowing that “grievous wolves” were going to rise up from the midst of those Ephesian believers, infiltrating, undetected, in order to draw away, devour, and destroy some of God’s sheep (Ezekiel 22:25-27)…. Why was Paul so strong about this?–Because he was just a mad man or angry or self-centered? No! But because of Christ’s (“the Great Shepherd of the sheep” Hebrews 13:20) love for them… He bled for them and didn’t want them or us stolen out from His flock … The Bible tells us plainly that we can be seduced, beguiled with enticing words, led astray, and spoiled (Colossians 2:4, 8; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 3:17; 1 John 2:26) … The LORD instructed us to “ be sober, be vigilant …… there is a real and impending danger to beware of–which should quicken us into the fear of God, to remain deeply planted into Christ and not “be moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23; 2:6-10)….. read Acts 20:20-32 very prayerfully and closely, asking our Savior to open up the eyes of your understanding …. as you know, we truly are in a major and furious war for the souls of men and as the Bible tells us repeatedly, satan’s emissaries have risen up within or among us ….. so, may God bless us to be good Bereans who weigh in the balance every and all teachings and teachers who come in Christ’s name (study Acts 17:11 and 1 John 4:1) ….. The LORD is clearly intent upon His beloved people not being naïve but rather discerning (Ezekiel 44:23). 1 John 4:1 says that we are to try or test the spirit to see whether they are of God and not just receive someone because they tell good stories, use a few Scriptures, or have a likeable personality…
Stop for a moment and consider … just in this short writing, how many Scriptures and passages your favorite “celebrity” “Christian” leader never has read or acknowledge to their audience nor ever will. This is exactly your problem and the reason you are currently blinded – you have limited yourself to what they are telling you, instead of searching the Scriptures daily for yourself, studying to show your own self approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). You have thereby erred and will ultimately be destroyed if you don’t come out from among them and seek the LORD is the purity of worship in the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Ghost and His true body (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29). Did Jesus not promise us that the Holy Ghost is divine and the One who would lead us into all truth and that we need not any man to teach us? (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 John 2:20, 27) We need and must have regular fellowship with other like-minded saints, but we only need the LORD Himself to ultimately teach us His truth. This does not mean that we don’t receive His holy truth from other men, but rather that ultimately it is God Himself who teaches and confirms His truth in the heart of His disciple.
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher, the One Jesus said was going to dwell in us and does dwell in us and would lead us into all truth. So the divine Person of the Holy Ghost is our Teacher and not the Greek, not the Hebrew, not the slick talking TV preacher, not the seminary graduate, not the theologian, not the evangelist, and not the pastor!
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.“ John 14:26
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth … 27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.“ 1 John 2:20-21, 27
By forsaking the LORD in not seeking His holy face individually, we have become devil bait to the one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour,” and has come to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10; 1 Pet. 5:8). Instead of drawing near to Him daily in prayer, praise, and His Word, we have limited ourselves to the smidgen of crumbs manipulatingly tossed out by the beguiler who has his personal agenda at heart and does not and cannot care as did the One who actually and literally came and bled to buy our souls back to Himself.
Who ever said we needed a man or men to teach us God’s truth? Isn’t He divine and they mere men, sinners? How can sinful and finite man possibly teach another sinner the truth of an infinite God? Isn’t this the work of and joy of the God who made and redeemed us by His own precious blood? Recently I posed the following rhetorical question to myself and a few friends … we should serious ask ourselves this question: What ever happened to seeking the face of the LORD with only the Holy Scriptures, the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit who is our Teacher, and a few God-fearing remnant disciples who are seeking the face of Jesus? Where did God ever tell us that we needed some popular speaker or author to help us know Him? No where! In fact, Jesus said “Woe unto you when all men speak well of you, for did your fathers to the FALSE prophets.” (Luke 6:26) ….. why are they popular? Who, what spirit, controls who gets popular in visible “Christendom”? A little research will yield satan himself as the answer to that question. Isn’t it time to return to pure worship as the earlier believers experienced before there was time for corruption to enter? Check out Acts 2:42-47 and take note of the 4 things the very first Christians continued in. Remember that the Church was born at pentectost which is on record in the earlier part of that same chapter–Acts 2. It is such a blessed thing for us to be able to peer into the life these early believers experienced in Christ as they sought Him together, assembling house to house and continuing steadfastly in God’s Word (“the apostle’s doctrine”) and in fellowship, and in breaking bread together, and in prayers! Whew what a blessing!
Jesus is coming,
todd tomasella
Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the
“I will Strengthen Thee; yea, I will Help Thee”
by admin on Jun.17, 2011, under Jesus is Coming
God’s children always come out on top – with Him who is atop all – the most high God! – “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Ps. 27:6)
Beloved, for now it may look bad for the home team as the saying goes, but you just wait upon the LORD precious saint! Your time is coming! His victory is going to make its home in your life, surroundings, environment, and all else as you learn during this time of trials and testing to die down deep into Christ (Hosea 10:12; 1 Peter 5:10).
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” Isaiah 37:31
As you “take root downward” into the soil of death and burial with the LORD Jesus, He is going to reciprocally resurrect/raise you “upward” in the most abundant fruit-bearing season of your life!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” Psalms 27:1-6
What in this fleeting world have you got to fear?! – only the LORD!
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
What more can the wicked do but temporarily hurt or harm the corruptible flesh. Soon our spirit will be free from this fleshly tabernacle and forever with our KING where there will never be another iota negative – never! Now, go read Revelation 21 okay!
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the body of Christ.
Cain: The First Wolf
by admin on Jun.14, 2011, under Jesus is Coming, todd tomasella
The Most Telling Fruit of All
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” 1 John 3:11-13
Cain was a Judas of the Old Testament. Cain chose evil and sin and was cursed by God for it (Genesis 4). Cain had a murderous heart from which his physical murder of his own brother sprang. There was hatred where there should have been love between two brothers. That hatred was in Cain’s heart and we know this because he killed his own brother. Today, there is malice, striving, jockeying, and emulations among those who should be full of God’s love. When men seek their own glory and good instead of placing Christ first in their personal lives, here will be the fruit:
“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. 9 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. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:5-11
In this above passage we see the greed and lust for earthly riches and power among those who claim “godliness.”
In this above passage, we are also told to flee serving self and to follow “love.”
“Jesus Christ asked us to replace hatred with love. This is not easy, this commandment seems unattainable, but there is no other way.” Irina Ratushinskaya, The Christian Quote Book, p. 65
Some of the vilest hatred, malice, and slander comes out of the hearts of men who claim to be Christians, and even leaders. This hatred can be seen among those wicked wolves who claim to be ministers or representatives of Christ. Yet, such fruit is the evidence of depraved, apostate men, not Christians. 1 Timothy foretells of these days where men are not said to depart from the pulpits or their leadership positions but rather that they will “depart from the faith.” (1 Timothy 4:1) This means when their hearts and lives depart from Christ, they now operate in their leadership position and influence over others with wicked hearts.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God.” 1 John 4:8
Since the LORD “is love,” as He increases in us, so His love increases in us toward others, especially His body. The LORD calls His people to “decrease” in self and “increase” in His love (John 3:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
It must be understood that love is the clear evidence and ironclad proof that one is saved. Hatred is the clear evidence that one is not saved. Hatred manifests itself in many forms. Unforgiveness, strife, slandering others, malice, and not helping others when the opportunity arises are all clear evidence that a person is full of hatred and not God’s love.
“Brotherly love is still the distinguishing badge of every truth Christian.” Matthew Henry, The Christian Quote Book, p. 62
The Word of God instructs us to increase in His love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). Those who walk in and “increase” in God’s love seek His face and not the things of this fleeting life. They have no hatred in them. Those who trade God for their greed, accolades, and self-preservation while pretending to be saved, have betrayed the LORD of love like Cain and Judas and are in for a great and eternal surprise if they don’t repent and turn to the LORD before it’s too late.
No one could possibly abide in or be planted into Christ who “is love,” and not be full of His love.
The Bible tells us exactly who it is that should be INCREASING in our lives. Is it US or the LORD who “is love”? – “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
Since “God is love,” when He increases in us, in that same measure His love toward Him and others increases in our lives.
“God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
The increase we need is what the Bible calls “the increase of God.” Let’s look closely at how this happens and also for the warning that deceitful men seek to hinder this:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16
When Christ, the only “Head” of His one church is lifted up and His people mature and speak His truth in love, “the increase of God” is happening. The body of Christ is said to be experiencing “the edifying itself in love” as this occurs. To the contrary, when evil men who occupy positions of influence and authority seek their own good in vainglory, vile bitterness and contaminants are spread throughout the body.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:3-9
The Evil Spirit of Cain is Murder and Hatred
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother.” 1 John 3:12
As Jesus forewarned, the spirit of Cain is alive in this last hour (Matthew 24:9-13). Like Cain, many in leadership serve themselves and not the Savior and yet, they feign to be serving and representing the LORD Jesus. This is where discernment is needed because Jesus says we must know or discern all men by their fruits (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Cain served self and not the Savior and was therefore filled with hatred. This is the same sin of wolves in our day as the prophet Ezekiel clearly showed:
“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” Ezekiel 34:1-6
The above scenario shows how those who were leading among God’s people in Ezekiel’s day hated the people they were called to serve. They did not love them. If they had loved them, they would have been serving them and not exploiting them.
Just as Cain allowed his heart to be filled with hatred and therefore slew his own brother, so in this last hour “brother shall deliver up the brother to death.” (Matthew 10:21)
Cain is the father of all wolves. Cain epitomizes those who love self and not the Savior. This applies to wolves who are mere hirelings who exploit sheep for their own selfish gain – “whose god is their belly.”
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (serve selfish lusts), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:17-21
The Bible says that “there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
Cain was the first wolf who hated his brother out of the sheer, Savior-rejecting, self-serving jealousy and depravity of his own heart. Cain chose not to walk with God who “is love” and therefore was not walking in God’s love.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
We are forewarned by our LORD Jesus that in the final days the love of “many” would “wax cold” and “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you.” (Matthew 24:9-13) Christ made it clear that their would be “many” traitors like Cain and Judas and that betrayal will abound because sin would be widely accepted and abound (Matthew 24:9-13).
Enduring to the end is essential to final salvation and being with our LORD eternally. The Bible has much to say of this truth – a truth many are blinded to due to lack of knowledge of the whole counsel of God’s Word.
“The Master, who loved most of all, endured the most and proved His love by His endurance.” Hugh B. Brown, The Christian Quote Book, p. 66
Cain was obviously taught by His Maker how to treat others but he didn’t. The same goes for us. Keeping ourselves in God’s love is the command we find throughout Holy Scripture. Jude writes:
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
Simply put, if one is not in the love of God, he is not in the will of God.
God first loved us and demands that we reciprocate that love back to Him and to others.
“We must have Divine love imparted into our hearts, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, before we can truly and Scripturally love God.” ~ G. D. Watson, Our Own God, p. 33
Beloved, like it or not, LOVE is so very much an imperative in the LORD’s kingdom economy. Watch for it – in your own life first and in the lives of others claiming to know Jesus.
Would to God every disciple would read 1 Corinthians 13 every day for the next seven days!
Love Waxing Hot!
While the love of many is waxing cold, the love of the remnant is waxing warmer and hotter! Jesus Christ be praised! May the LORD increase His love in each member of His body (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). God’s love in our lives in the tangible, earmark proof that we are His.
Let’s read over a portion of 1 John 3 again:
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:11-16
Beware of the murderous evil spirit of Cain operating in some. Cain killed his own brother. Just like Cain, some today are seeking to slay the brethren of Christ with words and fabricated lies. They do this by setting traps for the righteous, finding out of digging up a few things they can embellish and then launching a campaign of malicious slander. The LORD is watching all! Beware precious saints – “They lie in wait to deceive.” (Ephesians 4:14)
Prayer: LORD Jesus, I know You are love. Infuse my heart to love You who are the truth and to love others with Your love. Please break me LORD! Chasten, purge, and correct me for Thy glory. I am all Yours Jesus. Amen.
Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out 2-3 times weekly for the edification of the
todd tomasella
