Only Sinners Need Saving??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #442

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Only Sinners Need Saving? A Word from THE WORD!!! #442

I have a few things to share this morning, but they are things I believe to be imperative; and while this may be a strange title, I think it apropos in the day in which live where every person is doing “that which seems right in his/her own eyes”! (See Judges 21:25). Only when we see our need as sinners will we see our need for Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for “sin” to save us!  So I want to share what scripture tells us, and I pray that this will help someone today to see the need for the blessed Savior who changed my life, and He will change yours today if you will but bow before Him. (See Philippians 2:5-11)

Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”              Colossians 1:12-14

Jesus saves, delivers and forgives all who come to Him in repentance and faith in His sacrifice for our sin; it’s what He came to do!

And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Jesus can save us because He came, the Son of God, to be the Lamb spotless before God because He had no sin!

Therefore He could pay for my sin and yours, and He did!

For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

Jesus paid for sin, but without coming to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, there is no salvation.  It is the Gospel which the apostles preached; the one which we are called to share today also, and Jesus made it clear that repentance (turning from our sin to the Savior!) was necessary.

3 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5

And the word preached after Pentecost.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,

said unto them,

Ye rulers of the people,

and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined

of the good deed done to the impotent man,

by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand

here before you whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven given among men,

whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived that they were

unlearned and ignorant men,

they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

 that they had been with Jesus.”   Acts 4:8-13

All I can say is Amen and Amen!  But I would like to share a few more insights with you before I finish!  Jesus made it very clear that just “saying so doesn’t make it so”!  As He told Nicodemus in John chapter 3, we must see our need for salvation and repent and receive Jesus’ salvation to be born again!  If you haven’t heard the voice of the blessed Holy Spirit speaking conviction of sin to your heart, you might want to check out what you think saved you.  I’ll simply close with a few passages, the first about Jesus, the other the powerful words of Jesus to “the many” who claim His name but don’t do HIS will!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

And a passage from Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

 I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus gave an example of this powerful insight in a passage that many write off to a children’s song; but it is one of the most powerful truths of scripture.  Only one way—Jesus!  Only on foundation—Jesus!  Because the foundation matters?  Where/what is your foundation?  You won’t be judged on how you look, but who you have trusted with your soul!

Therefore whosoever

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:24-27

Remember, circumstances come upon us all—the good, the bad, the smooth and the difficult, the happy and the sad; it’s not the circumstances that make a difference, but the foundation.  What’s your house built upon—Jesus never fails and I can boldly say Amen to that, for He has never failed me!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Melting Snow??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #441

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Melting Snow???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #441

As the snows melt from the winter storms we have been having—much of the USA in fact—I thought a lot of things as I shoveled the walkways yesterday!  As I cleared the snow and ice away, there was still had a lot of snow and sleet covering my flowerbeds.  I decided to leave the snow on the beds so the moisture would seep into the ground (as we are super dry here in Oklahoma) to provide moisture for my plants.  I couldn’t help but think how God does the same thing in our lives—through His Holy Spirit and His Word!

Be patient therefore, brethren,

unto the coming of the Lord.

Behold, the husbandman

waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth,

and hath long patience for it,

until he receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient;

stablish your hearts:

for the coming of the Lord

draweth nigh.” James 5:7-8

Oh no, not the “P” word?  Patience is something we all have issues with—we live in a culture (a whole world) which wants its desires met immediately!  We have created a culture of “gim’me”, or more correctly put, give ME, now!  What I want, when I want it and in an unending continuum of provision at no cost and with no consequences.  It often seems that no one wants to work, or earn their own living, much less to be content with what they/we have.  And if I want what you have, I’m entitled to take it from you!  It makes my heart sad, as I think about how desperately we need the rain of conviction to come down from God upon our land.  I pray for the early rains and the latter rains of truth, grace, conviction unto salvation over our land.  How about you?

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field:

for the pastures of the wilderness do spring,

for the tree beareth her fruit,

the fig tree and the vine do yield

their strength.

23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion,

and rejoice in the LORD your God:

for he hath given you

the former rain moderately, and he will cause

to come down for you the rain,

the former rain,

and the latter rain in the first month.

24 And the floors shall be full of wheat,

and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

25 And I will restore to you

the years that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”   Joel 2:22:26

Israel had suffered the discipline of God for their faithlessness, yet He promised to restore them.  How? By sending the rain that would cause the land to bring forth abundant crops.   It is sad to me that most people around us make no connection between the elements of creation and the Almighty God who created all things through The Son Jesus.  (See Colossians 1:16, and John 1:1-3.) It is so important that we recognize that all we have comes from God, especially grace!  I am so grateful for the moisture that we received this past week (even if the freezing cold was not on my list of favorite things—but it was beautiful to look at, if not so nice to try to walk through) for we need the moisture.  How about you and me?  We need the spiritual rain from heaven—the work of God in our heart, soul and mind.  I am so grateful that God’s Word is replete with hope, joy and encouragement to refresh our heart, soul and mind!  Have you stopped to thank Him for the gifts in your life?  Or are you too busy complaining about what you don’t like, to see the goodness of God rained down upon you?

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down

from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us

with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits

of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.”  James 1:16-20

Firstfruits is an interesting word here, it goes back to the offerings and feasts which God gave to Israel, and the firstfruits was a praise offering to God in the expectancy and hope in God for a prosperous harvest to come.  Paul talks about this very thing and tells us that ‘we’ who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice are the picture of the harvest to come, are to be a picture to the world of the transformed life in Jesus, the firstfruits of the resurrection.  He arose and overcame sin, death and hell, and when we are born again into Jesus, we are a picture of the that very thing as we reflect to the world the life that Jesus gives to us at salvation.  It’s what Paul calls us to in his letter to the Corinthians church and the Galatian church.

For since by man came death,

by man came also the resurrection

of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die,

even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order:

Christ the firstfruits;

afterward they that are Christ’s

at his coming.”  1 Corinthians 15:21-23

Paul gives us an admonition and instruction to live by Jesus’ power; it is how we need to be and do God’s will and be the reflection of our Lord; all through the watering of God’s Spirit in and on us.  As Zachariah spoke so long ago!

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Zachariah 4:6

Paul tells us all how we can do that in this passage from Galatians.  We must live by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit!  How will you live today?  By the power of Jesus’ Spirit which dwells in all who are His, or by your own wisdom?  Even as Paul said to the Colossians long ago, “Christ in you, the hope of glory…

I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me, and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

Also, Romans 12, tells us how to have spiritual success in this life with Jesus.

I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is

that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly, according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

So, what is Paul calling us to?  He is calling us to present ourselves to God in our daily living.  To sacrifice our will for His!  To present ourselves daily to whatever God calls us to!  We are called to not exalt ourselves (remembering that we are created by God, not ourselves!), and to live in a way that does not conform to the world around us; but to be conformed to the image of Jesus (God’s work) by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit who indwells each genuine believer in Jesus!

And in closing let’s consider a similar message from both James and Peter.  When we fix our mind on Jesus, it will help us to walk in the Spirit of Jesus instead of ourselves!  Paul’s message to the Galatian believers helps us to direct our life choices, and humbling ourselves before God is the way!

This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:10

Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

I pray that we will humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to work in us, that we will be “conformed to the image of his Son”!!  All by God’s working in us through the power of HIS Spirit within us!  No Holy Spirit within?  Without the Spirit we don’t belong to Jesus!

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

Do you belong to Jesus?  If so, we are called to walk (live) by His Spirit’s direction in our living.  If not, you don’t belong to Jesus.  Jesus said it best in Matthew 7.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?  

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:20-23

I pray that we will let the rain of God’s work, Spirit and truth soak into our hearts and minds that we will truly be a reflection of Jesus to a lost and dying world.  Get into HIS WORD and listen to HIS Spirit that you can receive the refreshing of HIS rain!  Let it soak into your heart!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Eye Exam Recommended??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #440

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Eye Exam Recommended?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #440

I started to title this article, “Clear Vision”, but changed my mind to redirect us to the need not to focus on our need, not our self-satisfaction with the status-quo; for so often we become self-satisfied and we, like most of the culture around us, tend to measure ourselves by a standard that we have set, or allowed other outside sources to skew reality.  We decide that we can see fine, even if we need glasses, we see all that we need to see.  I think God may have a different perspective and I want God’s true perspective.

Seeing many things,

but thou observest not;

opening the ears,

but he heareth not.”  Isaiah 42:20

They have not known nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

And he said,

Go,

and tell this people,

Hear ye indeed,

but understand not;

and see ye indeed,

but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;

lest they see with their eyes,

and hear with their ears,

and understand with their heart,

and convert,

and be healed.”  Isaiah 6:9-10

We can be of those people who desire to know God, and will give heed to His voice, or we can join those who close their eyes and ears to God’s message.  We have a God-given right to choose—but choose wisely, there is a test!  The Lord will honor those who seek Him, with eyes that see and ears that hear and hearts that understand.

And the eyes of them that see

shall not be dim,

and the ears of them that hear

shall hearken.

4 The heart also of the rash

shall understand knowledge,

and the tongue of the stammerers

shall be ready to speak plainly.”  Isaiah 32:3-4

There is a true understanding that leads us to God, or we can close our eyes to truth and fall for the lies of the enemy; an enemy who dresses up like the real deal, but he is a liar.  Let’s consider what Jesus said, and Paul gives us even more insight into what scripture calls, “the wiles of the devil”!  Who are you listening to?  What are you following?  What are you believing?

Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:42-45

And Paul’s warning was to be aware of our enemy, and let me just add, if you don’t know God’s Word, you will have a most difficult time discerning between truth and lie.

For such are false apostles,

 deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself

is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be according to their works.”                             2 Corinthians 11:13-15

And please note that they are “transforming themselves” not being transformed by the power of the cross. (See Romans 12:1-3 & Matthew 7:20-24). Only Jesus can save, redeem and change lives for eternity—Satan always lies!  Even his half-truths are based in lies not truth! Yet, Jesus clearly reminds us that it’s a heart issue, and while we can fool some of the people all of the time and we can fool all of the people some of the time—but we can’t ever fool GOD!  And it’s God to whom we will give an account!

Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

    they shall give account thereof

    in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:33-36

Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

Do we understand this truth!  The Proverbs give us an amazing word of caution.

Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee

a froward mouth,

and perverse lips

put far from thee.

25 Let thine eyes look right on,

and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet,

and let all thy ways be established.”   Proverbs 4:23

One of my favorite and most apropos passages is from the Psalms.  I hope it will speak to you as well.

Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalms 19:14

And as we close, how do we receive that which we need to please God.  Paul said it best; we have to become renewed by the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin (See 1 John 1:7), by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice.

Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;”  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Are you a new creature?  Have your eyes received sight from Jesus?  I pray that you will see Him in saving faith by grace, that you may see and hear God’s truth!

Amen and Amen!!!

Through Every Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #439

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Through Every Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #439

We talked about literal storms the other day, but today I want to take that a step farther; reminding us that no matter the storm, whether physical, mental, spiritual, or some other attack on our peace, God has it!  Our God is the master of every storm, no matter it’s origin or it’s intended harm (from the enemy), God is faithful and sovereign over each and every storm.

Then they cry unto the LORD

in their trouble,

and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm,

so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad

because they be quiet;

so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the LORD

for his goodness,

and for his wonderful works

to the children of men!”  Psalm 107:28-31

I want to share a word of encouragement to you who are facing trials, disappointments, discouragement, wonder, confusion or any other storm real or imagined!  May we each remember that our God is sovereign over all!  Isaiah shares a most amazing truth about our place of safety—Jesus, Father God and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will ever reassure our hearts regardless of our circumstances.  What is plaguing you today?  Don’t let the enemy rob you of your confidence in The Lord of all!

O LORD,

thou art my God;

I will exalt thee,

I will praise thy name;

for thou hast done wonderful things;

thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth

…. 4 For thou hast been

a strength to the poor,

a strength to the needy in his distress,

a refuge from the storm,

a shadow from the heat,

when the blast of the terrible ones

is as a storm against the wall.”  Isaiah 25:1 & 4

When Jesus is your Lord and Savior, my friends, you have a confidence that those who don’t know God will never understand; but that’s ok!  We are called to be His witnesses, allowing God to use our testimony as HE sees fit! All because God is ever at work to accomplish His purposes; even as Isaiah declares, God’s counsels are….” faithfulness and truth”!  Is our life a testament of God’s faithful truth?  As we overcome each and every storm, God is using that testimony in ways that we most often never see; and whether we see or not—God is still faithful to accomplish His purpose in and through our life!

So my question is, “Are you being a faithful, useable vessel for God’s glory, and your good?”; and very often the good of others as well, those who need to see Jesus in you and me!

We also find a word from the Apostle Peter, reminding us that we are the blood bought, redeemed; are you living like it.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:13-19

I pray that we may we be found faithful before God and man—ever being a testament of the grace which we have received from God through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Are you living the new, redeemed and transformed life, trusting to God’s faithful provision?  It’s our calling!

I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

Remember, we win; so let’s lead others to our precious Lord that they may enter heaven with us!

Amen and Amen!!!

Shelter In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #438

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Shelter In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #438

I would like to share a bit of encouragement this morning as we in SW Oklahoma are hunkering down for a severe winter storm.  I thought a bit of a reminder that God is our ever-present help no matter the storm.  So whether you’re facing bad ‘weather’ or a storm of a different kind, I hope you will look up, knowing that help is always there-our Father God Almighty, Jesus Christ the Son, and the precious abiding Holy Spirit (to all those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—yours and mine!). So, I leave a word of God with you for today—and each and every day to know that Jesus never fails, no matter the storm.

Hear my cry, O God;

attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth

will I cry unto thee,

when my heart is overwhelmed:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been a shelter

for me,

and a strong tower

from the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle

for ever:

I will trust in the covert

of thy wings. Selah.”  Psalm 61:1-4

I pray for our safety and yours in whatever storm you may be facing today!  God is ever faithful to be our high rock, a shelter, a strong tower, and a tabernacle over our heads, and the everlasting and covering wings!  Blessings on your day!

Amen and Amen!!!