Where Are You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #479

04 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Apart from ME you can do nothing, Fickle or Faithful, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's Call, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Presence Not Presents, God's Righteousness Not mine, Godliness will be opposed, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

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Where Are You???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #479

“Wherefore the Lord said,

Forasmuch as this people draw near me

with their mouth,

and with their lips

do honour me,

but have removed their heart

far from me,

and their fear toward me

is taught by the precept of men:”  Isaiah 29:13

I pray that we will consider where we are in relation to God; it’s not where you are, but if you are where God is.  But by the same token –God is where you are even when you don’t want Him to be.  It’s your choice, but as I often say, choose wisely, there is a test.  We see above that God speaks truth always for HE is truth. What are you doing with God?  Are you like one of those above, talk the talk, and appear to do the ”right things” to please God, but as God says above, are you one who has “removed their heart far from me”?  Are you listening to the ideas of men or are you steeped in God’s Word for your foundation and your walk? It makes a difference.

“Now the Lord is that Spirit:

and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty.

18 But we all,

with open face

beholding as in a glass

the glory of the Lord,

are changed into the same image

from glory to glory,

even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Paul has a lot to say about the indwelling Holy Spirit and I’d like to share some passages from the book of Romans; I pray that they will help each of us assess our lives and make sure that we, first of all, are born again and know Jesus personally, and that we understand that when we are born again, The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us and give us aid, guidance and directions.

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

hath made me free

from the law of sin and death.”   Romans 8:1-2

 

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 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 8:8-9

Whose are you?  Do you belong to Jesus?  Are you blood bought, redeemed and saved by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin?  I pray you are; and if you’re not, you can be!  Today!

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit

of bondage again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit

of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.”  Romans 8:14-18

And two of my favorite passages from Romans chapter 8; I pray that these words from The Word will encourage your heart to seek The Lord’s face, knowing that He is supplying our every need, and if we will but heed His Word, He will guide our every step!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things…

…. 13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me…

… 19 But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”   Portions of Philippians 4:6-20

So let’s pull this all together with more from Romans chapter 8 and a word from Jesus himself.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 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.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

And some words of great import from Paul!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”  Romans 8:26-29

And in closing some of the greatest words of encouragement from our brother Paul.  Remember that when we belong to Jesus, we are called to Him, saved by His blood, and kept by His eternal power.  We can ever be near to our God, no matter the times, the trials or our circumstances.  Take heart my friends, We Win!!!

“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 8:36-39

We can be inseparable from God, when we are “in Jesus”!  How glorious to know that we can be where God is, and that God is always where we are, for if we are born again, He is dwelling in us!!! It’s your choice my friend, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithful To Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #478

23 Sunday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Glory To God, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, The Only Name That Matters, The Only Way, The Struggle IS Real?, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

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Faithful To Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #478

I love reading and studying Paul’s letters, they are chock full of so much that can make us better servants of King Jesus; he talks not only about the ‘don’ts’, but also immeasurable treasures about the ‘dos’!  Yes, there are things we are to recognize as harmful to our own walk with Jesus, as well as to those who are following us, and even those whom we encounter even casually.  We are a testimony to the world of Jesus all the time; in fact we are a testimony all the time—be it a good testimony or a harmful witness!  Let’s dig into the scripture and see what we can glean from our observations to help us be better witnesses and servants!

“Wherefore putting away lying,

speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not:

let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

     hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:25-32

Because I am forgiven, I am called, equipped and obligated to extend that same forgiveness to others; not the kind of forgiveness that is often promoted around us, that which says, I forgive you, but I won’t let it go; I forgive you but I will seek retribution; I forgive but I won’t forget what you’ve done to me.  Now, I’m not saying that we can erase the past wrongs done to us, but what we must do is to think on the things of God and remember what Jesus did for me!  I can learn to forgive and release the consequences to Jesus!  I know that is often easier said than done, but scripture is our hope, our truth and our pathway to success.  Let’s check out a few passages—some of my favorites that I rely on regularly.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”   Philippians 4:6-8

“But I beseech you,

that I may not be bold

when I am present

with that confidence,

wherewith I think to be bold

against some,

which think of us

as if we walked

according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”                           2 Corinthians 10:2-5

How can we do these things?  By taking heed to scripture and what it teaches us about walking successfully with and before our King!  As Paul says so succinctly in his letter to the Philippian believers.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:12-13

Jesus can supply our needs when we depend upon Him, His grace, and His power!

“16 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.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

And one of the best ways to keep things in order, is to put on the armor of God—every morning first thing!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

What an amazing opportunity to start our day off in such wonder of what Jesus has not only done for us, but also what He has provided for us to not only survive but to thrive spiritually.  We must rely upon The Word of God—as our hope, confidence and power.  Let’s consider two more passage that give us total assurance in The Word; and remember Jesus is the living Word (See John 1:1-12) and the breath of the written Word.

“For the word of God is

quick, and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

Jesus has promised to be with us, and you can depend upon Him, yet it is essential that we walk with Him in accordance with His Word.  I pray that you will draw near to Jesus and dig into His Word to get to know Him and His desires for you!

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;

and be contentwith such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.” Heb.13:4-6

Amen and Amen!!!

Follow The Leader??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #477

21 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, When Is True NOT?, Where are you leading those following you?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who are you listening too!, Who will you believe and follow?, Who will you SEE?, Who's following you?, Who's Listening?, Whole Earth Is Filled with HIS Glory

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Follow The Leader???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #477

We all remember playing the child’s game of follow the leader; and everyone wanted to be the leader—some were creative, some were always trying to trip everyone up, some were stop and go, some were just confused and caused everyone to fall down.  Well, our world is much the same; there are “leaders” crying all around us ‘follow me’, I have the answer—the solution—something brand new—a way out of all your problems—the way to health—the way to wealth —the way to happiness!  Yet God is calling us to a different path; holiness is the call of God, and following Jesus is the only way to find it; and that way is to be born again through the “blood of the Lamb that cleanseth us from all sin”, and to pursue Jesus through God’s Word. (See 1 John 1:7)

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“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

Jesus hasn’t changed and neither have the rules!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

John recorded a lot about ‘following’ the leader, Jesus.  Let’s consider some of them, asking ourselves if we are truly following Jesus?  Is He my leader?  Or are all the other things of this world calling me away from my Lord and Shepherd—my Leader?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am

the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”   John 8:12

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

As Jesus spoke these things, He was not well received, and we need to be prepared to face opposition when we speak His truth—for HE IS the “truth”!  He told us in advance what we would face!  Are you prepared by setting HIS Word as the priority for your life?

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

Interestingly enough, John was the Apostle who survived all the others, yet he suffered great persecution; with all that, he was the one to whom the precious Leader and Lord gave the Revelation of Jesus!  Remember when you read and study the book of The Revelation, that it IS the revelation of “Jesus” not all the signs and wonders—it’s about our Leader!

In closing a message that Paul gave to his son-in-the-ministry, Timohty; a word that is timely for us. May we examine our life and ask God to help us truly realize whom we are following.  May Jesus be our focus each and every day.  God bless you to find the truths revealed in His Word by the precious Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer!  And note, you can’t “remember” anything that you haven’t yet “membered” (if you put it in, God will bring it out when you need it!)

“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

And Paul’s words again remind us that character matters—they should resemble The One we claim to be following! Let’s be known as those who are genuinely following our Leader, Jesus!

“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 6:10-11

“Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow

righteousness, faith, charity, peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

I pray that this will be an encouragement and a blessing to you today.

Amen and Amen!!! 

Always The Same??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #476

16 Sunday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, The Right Jesus!, The Same Yesterday, The Word Or The World?, This is the Way, Though your sins be as scarlet-they shall be white as snow.

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Always The Same???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #476

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

I have a few brief things to share with you today!  Brief but ever so true, not only truth but our greatest hope and confidence. It’s all about Jesus!

“And when I saw him,

I fell at his feet as dead.

And he laid his right hand upon me,

saying unto me,

Fear not;

I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth,

and was dead;

and, behold,

I am alive for evermore,

Amen;

and have the keys

of hell and of death.”  Revelation 1:17-18

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write;

These things saith the first and the last,

which was dead,

and is alive;” Revelation 2:8

“And, behold,

I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.”  Revelation 22:12-13

Jesus IS our hope and confidence; He gave His life for our salvation, and He will ever be with His own.  Are you letting life get you down?  Don’t let the enemy steal your hope, joy and confidence; Jesus IS our all in all.

“And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge

after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither

Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all, and in all.”  Colossians 3:10-11

Jesus said it a little differently—a way that gives us the greatest of confidence, truth and joy; as well as strength and hope!

“The thief 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.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy given to Joseph in regard to His purpose at Calvary!  He came for you and me!  He came not to show us the way—but to BE the way via His blood!!

“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

I pray that these things will encourage you in your walk with The Lord Jesus!  And I want to leave you with two of my favorite and most encouraging passages—I repeat them often; as they are closely related.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness;

and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

And the Psalmists confirmation of our amazing God and His Word!

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

Amen and Amen!!!

Attitudes Matter??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

14 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Attitude of Gratitude, Be not conformed to this world, Be Steadfast, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Tuned In To Jesus, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!

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Attitudes Matter???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

We live in a very trying world, everyone has an opinion, a reason, a cause, a message; yet what is our heart set on? Our attitude toward truth matters…and Jesus IS truth.  What can we learn from scripture today?  We need to have a Biblical view to have a proper attitude, let’s assess what we see in God’s Word!

“Therefore we ought to give

the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard,

lest at any time

we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast,

and every transgression

and disobedience

received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape,

if we neglect so great salvation;

which at the first

began to be spoken by the Lord,

and was confirmed unto us

by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness,

both with signs and wonders,

and with divers miracles,

and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4

What’s your answer to this question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”?  Over and over again scripture reminds us that we need to choose wisely; there is a test—one for believers in Jesus, and a different test for the unbelievers, the difference is what we each choose to do with this “so great salvation”!

“For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Those who are saved will stand at the “judgment seat of Christ” (see Romans 14:10) to give an account for our deeds done in the flesh, deeds we have done through the Spirit or neglected in our flesh—again it’s about that choose wisely, there is a test!  We who are born again, won’t stand in judgment for our sins which Jesus paid for at Calvary, but rather for what we’ve done for Jesus—have we exhibited the manifestation of the “fruit of the Spirit” or the “works of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:19-25)

Paul tells us in several places that our task to not let this world wear us down, but to “weary not”; let’s look at two of them.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

“For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command and exhort

by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness

they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Believers are to work and provide for their own, not be lazy and unprodouctiv(my words not Pauls). The Apostle Peter also wrote in his second letter, that we are not only called to avoid the evil, we are to follow the example of those righteous ones who went before us.  Let’s consider what he has to say, as he warns us about the false teachers and prophets who would continue to attempt to lead God’s own astray!  May we be wise and heed God’s Word with an attitude of gratitude, as well as an attitude of wisdom that comes from being in His Word diligently.

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in

damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord

that bought them,

and bring upon themselves

swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom the way of truth

shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

upon the world of the ungodly;”   2 Peter 2:1-5

Peter reminds us that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness”; consider that he preached for a hundred years or so, and when the flood came, only eight people escaped—Noah’s family alone.  Noone else believed and received the truth of Noah’s message, and we need to be prepared to live righteous lives no matter what the response of the world is—even of those within the church or close to us.  We are called to follow Jesus no matter the cost.  Our lives are to reflect the righteousness of Jesus no matter the response.  With that thought in mind I leave you with Paul’s reminder to us that we who are born again, have exchanged our sin for Jesus’ righteousness!  Food for thought—that we might be ready for the test!

“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;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Ready or not, Jesus is coming again!  What attitude controls you?  Righteousness or worldliness?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!