A Jesus Mirror??? Or Not? A Word from THE WORD!!! #470

29 Wednesday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving Or Taking?, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Marginalizing God

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A Jesus Mirror??? Or Not?  A Word from THE WORD!!! #470

Today I want to focus on a rather lengthy passage from the book of James; it is apropos to the world we live in, and I pray will help us to examine the things we see and hear (especially those things purported to be from and about Jesus—but are often less than true to the Jesus seen in the scriptures!).  It’s like what we looked at recently in Paul’s messages to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, that we are to study God’s Word not man’s! And as we also considered the truths found in the book of Hebrews, reminding us that God’s Word IS that which is the standard of judgment!  And with so many contrasting messages being put forth in our world, we must—I repeat—we must know what God has said.  And just as a note of reference, we aren’t the only ones to ever rely upon our own wisdom, but when that’s done the results are recorded for us, and they’re not good.

“In those days there was no king in Israel,

but every man did that which was right

in his own eyes.”  Judges 17:6

“In those days there was no king in Israel:

every man did that which was right

in his own eyes.”  Judges 21:25

Just a note for information, when things are repeated in scripture we need to take extra heed.  We live in such a day, so I’d like us to consider the message of James to those who claimed to be believers.  And I’ll make only this note of my own opinion, it’s not what we claim to believe, but whether or not we have truly been born again and have the Holy Spirit dwelling within; as I often mention, just “saying so, doesn’t make it so!”  Only the new birth can make it so!  Paul said it better than I can. (I encourage you to read all of Romans 8!)

“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.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10                                (See 2 Corinthians 5:19-12)

With that being said let’s proceed on to consider James’ message to us!  Will we look into the mirror of God’s Word, or a mirror of our own choosing?  Will we see the truths of Jesus or a cultural modification of our own selection?

“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.

21 Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into

the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

 this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled

before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless

and widows in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:19-27

And one of Jesus’ pictures of those who are His own.

“Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

 and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:11-16

And one last word of Jesus’ to His own.

“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 15:19-21

I pray that you will look unto Jesuss, “the author and finisher of our faith…” (See Hebrews 12:1-3); and when you look in that mirror you will see more and more of Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Bother??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #469

25 Saturday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's Faithfulness, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Instruction, Godly Wisdom, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Suffering With Jesus, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Why Bother???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #469

There are some things better when we have all the facts, and Bible knowledge is one of them.  But how do we get the facts and knowledge that we need to better understand God’s Word?  By inductive (with logic) study, the study of God’s Word with reason, examination and keeping scripture in context; it always calls for prayer and the leadership of the Holy Spirit as we dig into each passage; and consideration of the whole, not dissecting scripture to create our own version of what God has said, (and quick below means alive.

“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

God gives us a picture of the need to study in the prophesies of Isaiah, it is good to consider this message from God to the people who claimed His name, but in truth, had chosen to go their own way.

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and

whom shall he make to understand doctrine?

them that are weaned from the milk,

and drawn from the breasts.

10 For precept must be upon precept,

precept upon precept;

line upon line,

line upon line;

here a little,

and there a little:

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue

will he speak to this people.

12 To whom he said,

This is the rest wherewith

ye may cause the weary to rest;

and this is the refreshing:

yet they would not hear.

13 But the word of the LORD was unto them

precept upon precept,

precept upon precept;

line upon line,

line upon line;

here a little,

and there a little;

that they might go,

and fall backward,

and be broken,

and snared,

and taken.

14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD,

ye scornful men,

that rule this people

which is in Jerusalem.

15 Because ye have said,

We have made a covenant with death,

and with hell are we at agreement;

when the overflowing scourge

shall pass through,

it shall not come unto us:

for we have made lies

our refuge,

and under falsehood

have we hid ourselves:” Isaiah 28:9-15

What we absolutely must consider and remember always, is that the Bible is one book—not 66—not 2 versions (Old Testament and New Testament); it is one book authored by God and given to us to take as a whole; a whole, which when taken as such, can be much clearer to understand and we will make much more accurate conclusions, and understand how the parts fit together!  Yet without taking the Bible as one book, we are very likely to misunderstand and misinterpret the parts and surely how the whole goes together.  There are those whom I have encountered through the years who have seen the Old Testament as ‘plan A’ and since it didn’t work, then God came up with the New Testament as ‘plan B’! Not so—Jesus is the subject from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21—and the salvation of man the primary subject; and when we keep this in mind, we will find ourselves with greater understanding as we read and study God’s Word that studying God’s Word is our calling!

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Peter also calls us to scriptural integrity.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth

in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star arise

in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first,

that no prophecy of the scripture

is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time

by the will of man:

but holy men of God spake

as they were moved

by the Holy Ghost.”  2 Peter 1:19-21

As we learn to study God’s Word in its entirety, and honor it in its context, we will be much more able to “withstand in the evil day”!  Jesus knew the word from cover to cover, and John reminds us that He is the living Word as well as the breath of the written Word; yet those who claimed to know God and scripture put Him to death! We need to be prepared to be confronted with the same response as others have, including our Lord.

“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

So, as we consider the study of God’s Word, may we keep in mind that it all goes together—and scripture will never contradict scripture.  So, just a few pointers that I pray will help you approach the scripture with new hope and insight and a readiness to handle scripture with integrity and a readiness and willingness to let scripture say what scripture says; letting good study practices lead you into truth, rather than any preconceived notions, or beliefs that you may already have!

First of all read the whole thing—the whole book that you are readying/studying, not just a few verses. Then read it again, looking for keywords (repeated things) and note the things that are said about foundational doctrines (salvation, faith, sin, repentance, Jesus’ deity, etc.).  May we each commit ourselves to that which Jesus calls us to in our faith!

So, why bother?  Because when we come to Jesus, we need to know Him through His Word that we might walk in accord with it!

“Saying,

The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me

and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:22-26

Go study, my friends, it’s a win-win!!!  It’s well worth the cost and effort—no bother– but a great plan of God!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Landmarks??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #468

22 Wednesday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Broken Cisterns, Broken Hearts, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Laying up treasure in heaven

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What Landmarks???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #468

I want to start with some pictures of truth from Jeremiah the prophet of God.  I love that book, and while it is hard to read sometimes, it is chock full of God’s principles for living, as well as the cost to follow God in a hostile environment!  Lessons that we need to be prepared to face any uncertain future!.

“Wherefore I will yet plead with you,

saith the LORD,

and with your children’s children will I plead.

10 For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see;

and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently,

and see if there be such a thing.

11 Hath a nation changed their gods,

which are yet no gods?

but my people have changed their glory

for that which doth not profit.

12 Be astonished,

O ye heavens, at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:9-13

For those of us who never lived where they use cisterns, this may be a bit foreign to us, but it is such an amazing picture.  I remember years ago, visiting a family member who lived out in the Kentucky farmland, and they had a cistern, well, I have never experienced this situation, and so one morning I was hand-washing a new white blouse in the lavatory and set it to soak a few minutes and then went back to turn on the water and finish washing it, when all of a sudden this awful black stuff came out of the faucet and I couldn’t get my blouse out quickly enough, and it was stained beyond recovery.  I went to ask what was going on, and they explained that the cistern must have gone dry, and they’d have to order water to fill it!  Well, needless to say, I learned a lesson about cisterns whether I wanted to or not.  An empty cistern is of little to no use, and if it goes dry or is broken there is no water.  God accusses His people, Israel, of forsaking a fountain of water (like our artesian wells) and not only digging cisterns for water but created broken cisterns that wouldn’t hold water (like our old adage, “that won’t hold water”!).  God is our fountain of life—not only life-giving water, but the water of life, eternal life; life in Jesus, not only the giver of water, but the One who is the water of life!

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.”  John 4:13-14

Let’s consider two passages from the book of The Revelation, which remind us of the water that we need, and Jesus’ own proclamation of where to get it—In HIM!

“And he that sat upon the throne said,

Behold, I make all things new.

And he said unto me,

Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me,

It is done.

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end.

I will give unto him that is athirst

of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh

shall inherit all things;

and I will be his God,

and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:5-7

And repeated again in chapter 22.

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life,

clear as crystal,

proceeding out of the throne of God

and of the Lamb…

…16 I Jesus have sent mine angel

to testify unto you these things

in the churches.

I am the root and the offspring of David,

and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say,

Come.

And let him that heareth

say, Come.

And let him that is athirst

come.

And whosoever will,

let him take the water of life freely.”                 Revelation 22:1, 16-17

What does this have to do with ‘landmarks?  Well, landmarks in the scripture could be one of two things, it could refer to boundaries, or it very often referred to the reminders that Israel erected as landmarks on their journey to Canaan, such as the stones they set up at Jordan, as well as various altars that they set up to note a time with God.  What landmarks are you erecting or tearing down.  Have we forgotten not only the promises of God, but perhaps the promises that we have made to God?  We are often a forgetful people, just like Israel; so I’d like to close with a passage from the Psalms that gives us God’s perspective of the fickleness of we people; even God’s own people, often become forgetful!  How about you and me?  Have we forgotten the landmarks?  Have we forgotten our God?  Forgotten His promises?  Forgotten our promises to Jesus?  Let’s resolve to not forget the landmarks of our God; spend some time today rehearsing His goodness, His provision (on so many levels!), His forgiveness in our failures, His encouragement in our successes (that came because of HIS faithfulness!), the truths of HIS Word that supply our every answer and need! Set it as your constant landmark—don’t exchange His glory for the world’s lies!

“They made a calf in Horeb,

and worshipped the molten image.

20 Thus they changed their glory

into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

21 They forgat God their saviour,

which had done great things in Egypt;

22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham,

and terrible things by the Red sea.

23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them,

had not Moses his chosen stood before him

in the breach,

to turn away his wrath,

lest he should destroy them.

24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land,

they believed not his word:

25 But murmured in their tents,

and hearkened not

 unto the voice of the LORD.”  Psalm 106:19-25

And in closing, Paul’s reminder of where our focus needs to be.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timohty 2:15

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timohty 3:16-17

Keep God’s Word as your landmark and you’ll find faithfulness and service in your walk each day.

Amen and Amen!!!

A Word For Your Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #467

15 Wednesday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Creator of ALL, Crucified With Christ, He lives in my heart., HE makes all things beautiful, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Times and Seasons, Transformed life, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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A Word For Your Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #467

I just want to share a brief word from the Psalms with you today.  I pray that it will encourage you today.  Have a blessed Wednesday.

“Behold, thou desirest truth

in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part

thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop,

and I shall be clean:

wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

that the bones which thou hast broken

may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted unto thee…

…. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice;

else would I give it:

thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God

are a broken spirit:

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God, thou wilt not despise.”  Psalm 51:7-13 & 16-17

Amen and Amen!!!

Liars Lie??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #466

11 Saturday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Liars, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Life or Death?

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Liars Lie??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #466

 

We live in a world where truth is at a premium, and many ask why; well I want to share some food for thought to understand how and why we have come to this, and can we help change our circle of influence.

“They answered and said unto him,

Abraham is our father.

Jesus saith unto them,

If ye were Abraham’s children,

ye would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now ye seek to kill me,

a man that hath told you the truth,

which I have heard of God:

this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 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 8:39-45

Jesus calls the enemy what he is—a liar; and He also warned us of the import of having a focus on heaven, truth, our Lord God, The Holy Spirit’s work, and the blood of Jesus the Son!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body

is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”                  Matthew 6:19-24

We are to hold to Jesus and the truth of The Word of God!  We can only serve “one” master, so we must make a choice and when we choose Jesus, He will always provide for us. The author of Hebrews makes this so clear!  My confidence is in Jesus; how about you?  And just a little side note, this passage gives ’s God’s expectations about marriage and the rejection of the same; and contrary to popular belief and practice, the family is the foundation of all culture!

“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 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 13:4-6

We don’t have to fear when we belong to Jesus, and we are called to live lives in accordance with God’s Word not the whims and lies of the world.  What’s your guide?  Paul called the Grecians to look to the God of heaven not their idols; he wasn’t well-received but stood firm in what he knew to be the faithful truth of God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—lifting up the risen Lord Jesus, which they found ludicrous. (It would be good to read all of Acts 17!)

“For as I passed by,

and beheld your devotions,

I found an altar with this inscription,

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,

him declare I unto you.

24 God that made the world

and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not in temples

made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped

with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life,

and breath,

and all things;” Acts 17:23-25

James reminds us that even believers need to examine their own hearts and lives; even within the church Satan is lying to God’s own, we must keep our heart and mind set on Jesus, not fall for the lies of the enemy—and he’s ever busy spreading them everywhere!

“From whence come wars and fightings

among you?

come they not hence,

even of your lusts

that war in your members?

2 Ye lust,

and have not:

ye kill,

and desire to have,

and cannot obtain:

ye fight and war,

yet ye have not,

because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not,

because ye ask amiss,

that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:1-8

May we choose to draw nigh to God—it’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember there is a test…

As I have often said, and I’ll say again, “Saying so doesn’t make it so!”  We live in a culture where people use Jesus’ name like a talisman, or a magic charm to get what they want, yet if they have truly come to Jesus in repentance and faith, it is often less than obvious.  We rename sin to something much prettier than truth declares it to be.  Isaiah said it best, don’t miss the parallel to our culture.  We will give an account, even as Israel did long ago.  What’s your measuring line?  Are you falling for the lies of the Devil?  Are you living something averse of what you claim to believe?  There is a time coming when we will all stand before The Holy God and give an account—according to truth, not the lies that we have chosen to believe.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed, and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:18-21

Please don’t believe the liar.  Trust instead to “the way, the truth and the life”!

Amen and Amen!!!