WHAT SHALL WE RECEIVE

One of the biggest drivers in our lives as to why we do things (even things for God) is based on our understanding of a reward system. Most rewards from God are not external although the church preaches this. How can you be “blessed” (which means happy) if you do not have a church of 1,500 members with big buildings, well manicured lawns, paved parking lots, or a network of churches so people can call you Apostle or Bishop? How can we be “blessed” if we do not have a BMW, Mercedes, Landrover or a big house with a circle driveway to entertain friends? How can we be “blessed” if we do not have a mighty ministry traveling around the world? For some strange reason we think since we are in service for the LORD He must give these things to us to show the world He is on our side (an African term), but not true. My friend God is not really too concerned about all of this stuff, but He is concerned about our heart condition and why we do things for Him. Funny He already knows our heart yet He allows us to continue in our selfishness and presumption hoping we will turn from our evil ways giving Him the preeminence. God said of Joseph, “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” (Genesis 39:2) All Joseph had at that time was a loin cloth and God. God did not list Joseph’s possessions because he had none, but what made Joseph prosperous? Well the Biblical definition of being prosperous has nothing to do with things, but means to push forward in God. Joseph was pushing forward in God as he allowed God to work in his life from the pit, to Potiphar’s house, to the prison, then to the palace. No palace unless there is a pit my friend. Man (both men and woman) even Christians (both men and women) often go after the external rewards because they have never really allowed God to work in their lives (like God did in Joseph’s life) and seek the external rewards because they feel unfulfilled in their lives (and heart) and secretly do not believe their eternal reward from God is waiting for them in Heaven. Karen made this observation and the more I observe people spiritually functioning in church the more convinced I am of her words. Now I find myself here often with my fellow brothers and sisters (I have not made it yet) and make no bones about it. I have a long ways to go (please pray for me), but God does not want to change our external situations and perceptions of our lives, but wants to change our inward desires and motives for external things. This is why in Ephesians Paul said, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:16) Not with might by His spirit in the external man, but the inner man. Yes believe it or not God cares little about our external, but is intent on changing us inwardly and will do whatsoever we allow Him to do. Now before you get all depressed do not feel too bad Brother Peter suffered from the same ambitions and desires. In Matthew Brother Peter asked Jesus, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27) Peter exposed his heart for why he did things for Jesus and why he followed Him. Peter wanted to know what he was going to get for serving the LORD. What is his reward, what shall he get for all of his troubles. I have met so many Christians (at all levels of spiritual growth and development) with this same question. Some ask in words, but others ask in deeds and actions. When we moved back from Germany to Jacksonville we started an once a month Home Group Meeting in our home. We continue this time of fellowship in our home in Sneads Ferry and is a great joy in our home. How can we not use our home (something God has given us) as a place to gather people to hear His word and fellowship with His children? God gives us things so we can use them to bless others. When we started I asked a friend (I still call him friend) I have known for over 30 years, traveled overseas many times in ministry, who lived 30 minutes (now 60 minutes) from our home, and is a great Bible teacher to come monthly and share with us. At first he was delighted (or so I thought) the people just loved him, he brought a strong word. Sometimes he would bring his wife and they would minister. When Karen and I would have friends from around the world come and stay with us (I would preach them around the area) they too would speak at our Home Group Meeting. It was a wonderful time many people (me included) looked forward to each month. But as we were driving back from a trip to Africa my good friend informed me he was no longer coming to our Home Group Meeting. To be honest I was not surprised you see while in Africa he asked me a question about his character and I told him the truth; what people in past have failed to do because if they tell him the truth they risk him breaking off relationship with him, which he has done with me and many others. Call me crazy, but if I care about you and our relationship I will not try to blow smoke in your ears, but try my best to share my heart, have it be at your level of expectation or not. But now what surprised me was the reason he gave me. He said, “sometimes I come and receive no money.” Now that was true, however there were also times he would come (and I know for a fact) he would receive $100s of dollars, so what was his motive in coming? Was it for the people to share (his wonderful gift to teach) the word of God or to make money? Well out of his own mouth spoke his heart. Now I do not share this story to demean him or make him feel bad (I would love to have fellowship with him, again he is a great Bible teacher), but I share this story so that we can learn from the loss I bear and feel in my relationship and somehow somewhere someone will not make the same mistakes. Also I share this story in hope (as strong medicine for both of us) it will be a means to come together again as the Bibles commands us to do, settle the offense in our heart, and once again join our God given strengths together to minister edifying the Brethren. You know we think God measures our ability in keeping relationship by the number we keep, well I am persuaded that is not true. God measures our ability in keeping relationships by how many we have lost not how many we have. I guess our entire relationship of over 30 years was not what I thought it was. Godly relationships are not one sided they are mutual in respect. One person is not over another oh no we all are to be servants, but when one thinks they are the boss or even a “mentor” (a mentor is a worldly business term) (even if someone willfully puts him in that place of authority in their life) they assume the role of providing guidance and direction which is the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “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) Jesus said “all” and He means “all.” We must not allow ourselves to be led astray in these areas even when it comes to people we look up to and admire. By all means live a Godly life and we must allow people to observe ours, but we must never allow people to pattern their lives after ours or live their lives according to our understanding of God. Mentor relationships are not Godly they are selfish built on arrogance, control, and manipulation the biggest sin of church leadership today. I have seen it all my life and on five continents. These relationships are not built on Godly principles, but built on an inward lack of the mentor (or mentoree) and their need to be esteemed and exalted. At its best any mentorship program (or mentor relationship for that matter) in a church is nothing more than a humanistic approach at leadership. Now friendship is much different it is based on mutual respect which honors the values and contributions each brings to the relationship. This is what God is looking for in relationships. It is amazing how we all seem to hide behind verses in the Bible when we are confronted with things about our character we get all spiritual ignoring people (but this is manipulation at its finest) who either made a heartfelt mistake or who would dare to speak the truth in love. Since I am on a roll I would like to touch on another touchy issue that is destroying relationships at all levels within the church and that is the endless stream of preachers from all over the world coming to America and even Europe on their annual business trip to get money and support for their church. That is not the model you find in the New Testament. Yes the disciples did carry money church to church, but they did at the direction of the Holy Spirit they were not manipulated and guilted into giving money as I see going on today. I will be honest African pastors have mastered this as a art. When I pastored in Germany our congregation was about 70% African and how the apostles, bishops, pastors, prophets, etc. would try to get their greedy little fingers in the heart and wallets of our people, but I would not allow them to come and fleece the flock which often caused problems between my African Associate pastor and me. I have gone to some churches who were having special services for such “men of God” and it was appalling to watch the manipulation and downright foolishness in the name of the LORD. In Africa I have sat in the office of pastors as they counted the Sunday offerings from four or five services (they are not that poor) and as pastor belonging to the greater denomination would bring in their money and add it to a money making pyramid scheme (a fee for service) for a spiritual covering within the country. This is not the model found in the Bible. But this foolishness also happens in America. Apostles, bishops, pastors, prophets make their way across the pond to America to see how much money they can get for their churches. I have heard them measure the successfulness of their trip by how much money they got. Now do not get me wrong I do believe in helping out churches overseas in need if I can, but it is at the direction of the Holy Spirit. Relationship is never the reason to make money. Relationship is the reason to join hearts and lives together, to come along side each other and work together. You know if your church cannot stand on its own two feet then maybe your church does not need to be standing. If God is not enough to provide what you need then all of the money in America will never do. Peter asked Jesus, “what shall we have therefore?” And Jesus said unto them, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” (Matthew 19:29-30) Did you get that? I did not see where Jesus said you will get money for driving a few miles once a month, crossing the oceans and living in squalor, or you will get a big name and be honored in the nations, but our reward is 100 fold IN OUR NEXT LIFE for those who can wait, those who like the back seat, and those who do not mind being last. Written by David Stahl

THE MAIN MESSAGE

As Karen and I were driving from Sneads Ferry, NC to Mentone Alabama (about 10 hours one way by car) to spend some time with our son Daniel and his wonderful family (Sarah, Abigail, John, and Hannah), Jeff (our son-in-law) and Connie (our daughter), and with Dan’s Pastor Jack, his charming wife Debbie, and their son Jason. What a wonderful time we all had up in the Alabama mountains where we all stayed in a huge three level cabin, hiking many miles on trails in the national and State parks, splashing in the streams, waterfalls, and lakes, fishing, just a wonderful quiet time with family. God has given us rest to enjoy. It was much needed after my long trip to Ethiopia and the death (that is okay she is in Heaven and I will see her again) of my mother shortly after I returned. God was so gracious to allow me to be home when she passed even though I was not in her presence when she entered the presence of the LORD. As we drive my attention often is peaked by the many churches along the road I see. Karen always tells me I need to knock off the skylarking when I am driving, but I seem to have a hard time being obedient when it comes to looking at God’s handiwork (nature) and man’s handiwork (buildings some call churches). Now I did not say, “God’s handiwork, the “church” because “churches” are not God’s handiwork (or workmanship) we and nature are God’s handiwork not a building. We are the house (the church) and unless we allow God to build us we will never ever become the instrument God is looking for to represent Him in the earth. Solomon said, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalms 127:1) Now Solomon should know because for a time he did NOT allow God to build him. For a time Solomon was building idols (that turned the heart of Israel from God) in high places for his many wives and concubines. Sadly Solomon then was looking for a new life and a new beginning with his new religions. Let us not follow that example. In Matthew Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) We are the bricks in the wall of the Body of Christ Jesus said He will build. Paul also knew this truth when he said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) We are the workmanship of God not the fancy buildings or all of the good works we do in ministry, oh no it is our lives that God takes and molds, fashions, and shapes. When we submit our lives into the “good works” of God’s dealings and judgments that He brings our way we then are built on the revelation Christ spoke to Peter, “upon this rock” not a stone or building, but on the main message, built on the revelation of who Christ is. But as we traveled on I began to notice many of the “church” buildings had names like: New Covenant, New Beginning, New Life (there is a ton of church buildings named New Life) and maybe it was just the area we were traveling in that liked the name, but the “New” was always accented (like big letters or underlined) and preceded the focus of the congregation’s target what will be new. The message was if you come to our “church” you will have a new: covenant, beginning, life, etc. Funny though I never saw any “churches” named “New Creatures” (it probably does not ring right to the ear of most people) which is the thought of the verse these “churches” give their names and to the focus they are projecting, but Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Now Paul did not say we would have: a new life, a new covenant, or a new beginning oh no, Paul said we will be “a new creature.” Now there is a big difference between having a new life and becoming a new creature. Having a new life means the problems and situations in our old life has been done away with and everything now is sunshine, lollops, birds are singing, babies are smiling, and ships are at sea, but becoming a new creature now that can take time and can be a very painful process in our lives. Who wants to tell someone if you come to our “church” God may be able (if we allow Him) to make us “a new creature” where “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Now I really like the word “behold” here. In the middle of Paul’s thought he stops and says take a good look; “behold” you take a good look at this new creature! Do you want to become it? We become “a new creature” not because our external situation and circumstances have changed, but because our internal (thoughts and intents of the heart) attitudes, desires, motions, and motivations have changed. God does not need (and does not want to) to change our surroundings that is what man wants, but God is after changing our heart so that the bad surroundings, situations, and circumstances in our lives only drive us to Him and the more we go towards God the less we will be worried about our bad surroundings, situations, and circumstances. As we travel the world I have had the good pleasure to meet people who live in grass houses, sleep on dirt floors, and do not even have a pot to pee in, but have a smile on their face and a joy that three BMWs cannot give and a richness in God that humbles and drives me to my knees. Yes “old things are passed away” not by God bonking us on the head with His magic wand, but by us submitting to His work in our lives. Once God begins to work in us (oh yes it will be painful) we will cry and kick, even scream like a big baby who wants their own way, but when our tears stop and our selfish cries for self-preservation ends we then will be able to get a glimpse of some of the work God is trying to do in our lives. Isaiah said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:7) If we go our way then we can never go God’s way and my friend God’s way is narrow, limiting, and restricting not much room to do what we want to do. I am afraid in America you will not get many takers for this message. Most want the new life and a new beginning without any work in their lives, without any change in their behavior or character, well my friend God does not work that way. This is why there are not really a lot of Christians in America that are “new creatures” only old creatures hoping for a new life. To me these “churches” projected the message that they represented. Their focus and projection is all about starting over, a second chance after messing up you get a do over, but believe it or not that was not the message Jesus taught when He was on earth, His main message was not about a second a chance, but an opportunity to be able (or choice) to tap into the power of God Almighty. Later in Ephesians Paul says, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:16) WOW! Again Jesus message is not about changing situations and circumstances in our lives, but about changing our thinking and heart condition so that we will be able to endure life’s many problems, situations, and circumstances. Matthew, Mark and Luke all agree on this. In Mark we read, “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15) For us the kingdom of God is always at hand all we have to do to enter the kingdom of God is just reach out and grab it in your heart by believing Jesus died for our sins and repenting (turning away, turning our back on) of our sin. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God is at hand NOT you can get a do over if you blow it. And please know the kingdom of God is not Heaven, a place, an address, something to eat, drink, or wear, but is a heart condition, an understanding of what God wants for our lives, a way we are to treat our brothers and sister, even our enemies. Many Christians equate the kingdom of God to some earthly kingdom with lands to rule over, armies in which to conquer the enemy, and authority to judge the nations, well the only authority we have is what God gives us (we can earn it or take it) and the only land we will ever rule over (for now) is when we allow God to be seated as king over our heart, and remember the highest rank in God’s army is a private. Paul again helps us with this point in Romans, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:16) The kingdom of God is the righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that we have allowed God to work and build in our lives. Please notice “righteousness” first (orders matters in the Bible) before “peace” and “joy.” God is a righteous God and wants His children to be righteous. No “righteousness” then none of God’s “peace” and “joy.” As we drove on and the more I thought on these “churches” the LORD spoke to me and said, “They have chosen the wrong message. They have focused on another message and missed the main message” which only opened up more thoughts like; I wonder why they shifted from the main message of Jesus to another messages? How could they (we) do this? Now, yes we do get a second chance, but that is not Jesus’ best, not even His intention for our lives. Jesus does not want nor does He expect us to mess up again and again because He has made a way (by us coming into the kingdom of God) where we can prevent this continual roller coaster ride of failure and victory. It is not God’s intention for us to keep making mistakes again and again so we can keep asking forgiveness from Him and our brothers and sisters. I do not know about you my friend, but I do not do things in my life with the intention or hope of making a mistake, if so then we will always be repeating everything we do. Example: oh I hope I mess this cake up when I make it. No we say I hope I make this cake right the first time, but if I do not then I can make another one. But even in making the second cake there is a cost we will bear for our mistake. This is why God does not want us to keep making mistakes. Oh no my friend we do things with the intention of doing things right the first time. Now if we make a mistake thank God for His grace, His longsuffering, and the grace and longsuffering of our brothers and sisters too. Yes forgiveness for our sin and our coming short of His glory is a part of the salvation package (the beginning of becoming a new creature), but believe it or not it is not the main message. Did you know if you focus not on the main message you will settle for other messages which may work to a certain degree, but in the end God’s plans and purposes will not be accomplished in our lives. Man seems to always go after something new: a new teaching, a new song, a new doctrine, something new. We are conditioned so by the world. Do not look at your old truck too long or you will begin to remember the new truck adds. Jesus did not come preaching the kingdom of God so that we can have new things, get a do over, or so we all can run off to heaven, but He came so that we can help others come into the kingdom of God. Jesus came to give us life, His life. In John Jesus tells us why He came, “The thief (not the devil here, but Strong’s #2812, an embezzler, pilferer, the name is transferred to false teachers, who do not care to instruct men), cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus did not come to give us a new beginning, new life, or anything new oh no Jesus came to give us of His life so that we might be able (our choice) to stand and withstand life, deal with our love for the world and our self, and all that comes our way. Now that is more than just getting a do over. Written by David Stahl

NO COWARDS IN HEAVEN

God cannot use cowards in His army and they will have no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Book of Revelations John tells us, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelations 21:8) I am amazed the company the word “fearful” keeps in these verses the, “unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:” The word “fearful” here is translated coward and my friend no coward will make it to Heaven. If you are fearful or timid, if you cannot stand up for or stand your ground to what you believe in word or deed God will not allow you into Heaven. Actions matter, but our words matter more to God when we say we are going to do something and then not do it. As Christians we must measure our words. How many times have we said something not really meaning it? Or how many times have we backed out of our promise because it was not convenient or we did not like the possible outcome or we were just afraid. I have been there and know God is not pleased when we do not measure our words when speaking. In the Book of Thessalonians Paul equates the word “fearful” with being “feebleminded.” “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) This word really hits home to what the Holy Spirit is talking about. Someone who has a feeble mind (or feebleminded) is unstable, not committed, or dedicated in all their ways even though they think and say they are. Their mind is feeble, sick, not well, or unhealthy. Paul even goes further than John here; the word “feebleminded” is Strong’s #3642, fainthearted or cowardly. No feebleminded, fearful, or coward will make it to Heaven. In the past I would plan for months with brothers to travel abroad in ministry, but as we got closer to leaving they began to listen to voices (of seemingly everyone) of people who put fear in their heart and not the voice of God who puts truth and knowing in our heart, thus they turned their back on what God wanted for their lives. Now please know I am not trying to beat up on my friends and brothers or make them feel bad, but I am trying to draw a parallel from a real world, personal experience (in a hope to prevent the loss of spiritual growth and development in lives) and how the word of God directly applies in this situation. The saddest thing though was they thought they were turning their backs on the trip, but in reality they were turning their backs on the work God so desperately wanted (and still wants to do) in their lives. I told (and they knew it too) them the next level of spiritual growth and maturity in their lives leads through a successful completion of this trip. They knew this from the start and voiced it to me time and time again, but in the end the projected work God wanted to do in their lives was not enough to entice them to get over their self image of who they thought they were in God, their fear of losing their family, their comfortable lifestyle for awhile, their ministry, and possibly losing their lives for the sake of Christ. Unless God can bring us to the place where we are willing to sell out totally (Jesus could not do this with the Rich Young Ruler Luke 18:18-25) where we are willing to put our life on the line then God cannot use us as He so desires. Getting over the fear of death is the last great hurtle and obstacle before we can abandon all for Christ. What else than our life is held in such high esteem? We would gladly give up our precious treasures and even other people, but when our skin is on the line our flesh scream, “I want to live and do what I want to do” even at the sake of spiritual growth and development. God must be able to give our desire for life (both physical and spiritual) a death blow where we value more what God wants for us and our family than what we want for us and our family. Satan knew what he was saying when he said, “And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.” (Job 2:4) Make no mistake my friend when our skin is on the line (again I have been there) we will say (even make deals with God) and do anything to save our skin. But there will be no cowards in Heaven all will be skinned by God. In the Book of Luke Jesus gives us His standard for those who would be approved or qualify for ministry. “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26If any man come to me, and hate (Strong’s #3404, to hate, pursue with hatred, detest) not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:25-35) The word “hate” in verse 26 is the word we all know as hate. “Hate” means just that hate. Now Jesus was not saying we must detest our family to follow Him, but He was saying we must “hate” with a great passion turning our back on Him and others or not “bear his cross” (enduring life’s many situations and problems, our character shortcomings, and even sin areas in our lives) then we cannot be His disciple. Here the word “hate” talks about the intensity of the hatred and not the act of the hatred from our heart. The message Jesus is sharing in these verses is for us to count the cost BEFORE we embark! To measure our words because words matter; our words speak of our integrity and character. Cowards have no integrity, they have no commitment, and would never think of losing something for someone even God. Please notice the end of verses 26 and 27 “cannot be my disciple.” We may have asked Jesus to forgive us of our sins and on our way to heaven, but that is NOT Jesus’ criteria for becoming a disciple. Unless we turn our backs on the world and all (in favor of Him) in the world we will never be a disciple of the LORD. Unless we endure difficult situations (like many hours sitting on plane) in our lives, deny our self of time spent with family, give up our “good life” of ease for awhile, or plainly lose whatsoever is asked of us so that God may win we cannot be His disciple. There is a spiritual truth that most Christians have either forgotten or never heard, you cannot save yourself and someone else someone has to die, someone will have to lose their life. John tells us, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:24-25) The word “hateth” is the same word used in Luke 14:26. In God if we love our life on earth we will lose our life for all eternity, but if we hate or deny ourselves while on earth we will find our life for all eternity. Losing come first, finding comes second. Not too many Christians want to lose their life, but this is another requirement to be a disciple of Christ. God knows when He can get us to lose something of our self the loss makes room for more of His glory to be deposited within us. This is why God measures our gain in Him not by what we add to our selves, but what we can lose of our self. What of the world can we lose that is in us? What of our carnal selfish nature can we lose so that we can be conformed more into the nature of Jesus Christ. Loss makes room in us for more of God. The more we lose the more we gain in God. Then Jesus goes into counting the cost, measuring our words and actions. Verse 33 wraps it all up, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Again cannot be my disciple not that your sins are not forgiven and on your way to Heaven there is a huge difference. If we do not count the cost (do not measure our words and actions) in God before we plan to do something we are like salt that has lost it savour not fit for the dunghill. You know God is watching our actions and listening to our words; whether they be salty (full of life in them) or unsalted (no life in them) and the production is based not on God’s abilities and power, but on our words and actions. Are they full of life or do they leave a bad taste in the mouth of God, His people, and the world. My friend there will be no cowards in Heaven only people of courage and faith in God. How gracious is God’s longsuffering and faithfulness? The answer is only seen in the second, third, fourth . . . chance to grow in the “grace and knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ” if not then we are cowards. Written by David Stahl