Monthly Archives: April 2023

Peace With The Past??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #87

23 Sunday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Peace, Peace of God, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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Peace With The Past???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #87

“Who is a God like unto thee,

that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression

of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again,

he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins

into the depths of the sea.”  Micah 7:18-19

Paul tells us in the letter to the believers at Rome that our peace is in, from, and through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice; it is that which Jesus did for us!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

We have peace with God because of what Jesus did at Calvary!  No other way–No other One– could have paid for our sin but the ‘sinless’ Son of God!  And because of that, peace with God and the forgiveness of our sin, we can have peace within ourselves, when we walk in the work that Jesus did for us, within us and will do through us when we yield ourselves to His Spirit working within us. Not, I have to say when we learn (as is so popularly touted today) to “love ourselves”!  We are to love God and rely upon HIS faithful work within us, receiving the forgiveness and cleansing that HE promised to us when we but agree with God about our need for forgiveness (yes, believers need forgiveness every day!)!  John makes that very clear talking to believers!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

Because we are forgiven, we can trust God with our past, present, and future; and we don’t have to writhe in the guilt and shame that Satan tries to heap upon our heads, especially for the sins that Jesus has forgiven–and that would be all of them!

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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 1:9-14

Forgiveness of SINS–God forgives our sins–when we are born again by the blood of Jesus–when we are “delivered…from the power of darkness” and are “translated… into the kingdom of HIS dear Son”!  God said it–Jesus did it–and you can have it!  Paul goes on in his letter to the Roman believers to assure us of our place before God, and our freedom to stand without condemnation–not people’s, not Satan’s and NO, not even our own heart and mind!  When we know God’s truth we can stand in confidence of our state before God!

“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…

…. 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 8:1-2 & 37-39

This new life is in Jesus and He describes it better than I could:

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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.”  John 10:9-10

 So, in conclusion, I would like to encourage you to remember that your confidence is in The One who gave HIS life for yours!  His forgiveness places your sin at the bottom of the sea, and as Corrie Ten Boom used to say, “He puts up a ‘no fishin’ sign!”  So stand fast in the evil day and don’t let Satan or people cause you to doubt the scope of the forgiveness that Jesus provided at Calvary!  If you belong to Jesus, you are forgiven and no matter the ’unforgiveness of others’, your place is secure, and you can stand fast in JESUS!

“To open their eyes,

and to turn them

from darkness

to light,

and from the power of Satan

unto God,

that they may receive forgiveness

of sins,

and inheritance

among them which are sanctified

by faith that is in me.”  Acts 26:18

“I write unto you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven you

for his name’s sake.”  1 John 2:12

Jesus sums it all up:

“When Jesus had lifted up himself,

and saw none but the woman, he said unto her,

Woman, where are those thine accusers?

hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord.

And Jesus said unto her,

Neither do I condemn thee:

go, and sin no more.”  John 8:10-11

 I’m forgiven, how about you?  Amen and Amen!!!

Practical Wisdom??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #86

20 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Social Media Wisdom, Wisdom, Wise As Serpents

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Practical Wisdom???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #86

“Behold,

I send you forth

as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:26

I have a very brief and simple word to share today, and it may surprise you, but it’s about Facebook and social media in general.  It’s all around us and seems to affect everything in our lives, but we need to heed the words of Jesus and apply them to our use of technology.  I would like to share just a few pointers that you might want to consider in your interaction with the media platforms that you use.  Some of you have been “hacked” regularly and wonder why; I offer some suggestions and I pray that they will help.

1.Use 2-step verification on all your online accounts (where it       offered, and yes, I know it’s time consuming and a bit annoying, but it will give you a measure of safety that is worth the effort, especially on your shopping platforms).

2.Don’t give out your password and make them private and personal–not your birthday or SSN or phone number.  Use pet names that others won’t know; initials of people that aren’t know by strangers.

3. DON’T click on links –even the cutesy spiritual ones, if you take the time to watch the sender/post-er, you’ll find they are often bating you to get your information. If you don’t click, they can’t get your “stuff”!

4. DON’T play games with others that list your personal information, i.e. all your children’s names, ages, your ‘legal’ name, and date of birth–scammers are looking for that kind of information to steal your identity and get into your accounts!!!

5. Don’t advertise that you’re “GOING” on a trip. Post the information and pics when you return–it’s like putting a “rob me” sign on your front door (especially if you post enough private information that they know where you live–HELLO!)

6. Don’t feel obligated to answer questions or say “AMEN” to someone’s post that you don’t know–again a favorite of scammers who want access to YOU! Check out who it is from or by–and watch the “initials” of the person posting stuff that you are tempted to share, if you don’t know what they mean then don’t share!!  I had to call a preacher friend once and tell him what he was sharing (the source, not the content–that’s where they trick us!)

7. Be wary of posting pics of your kids and grands, and listing their names, where they go to school, or where they’re playing competitive sports, stalkers and perverts love to have access to your precious little ones.

I could go on, and if you have questions just send me a private message or email, or comment and I’ll try to answer any questions.  We need to be wise and harmless as Jesus told us, and we need to understand that while we may personally find the media silly and frivolous (and some fun is ok, but not without caution!), we need to be aware of the dangers that lurk there. And just as a personal observation and opinion, you may notice that it is getting more and more pornographic in ads, content, and suggestions–be careful!!!

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.

7 For let not that man think

that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man

is unstable

in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8

Amen and Amen!!!

May we be wise and stable in our walk before the world–on or off of social media.  I hope these thoughts will help you make good choices.

The Famine Is Here??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #85

16 Sunday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Born Again, Conviction, Famine, Filled With His Spirit, Holy Spirit

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The Famine Is Here???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #85

Famine: extreme and general scarcity of food…extreme hunger or starvation…. (I want us to consider this spiritually).

“Shall not the land tremble for this,

and every one mourn

that dwelleth therein?

and it shall rise up wholly

as a flood;

and it shall be cast out

and drowned,

as by the flood of Egypt.

9 And it shall come to pass in that day,

saith the Lord GOD,

that I will cause the sun to go down at noon,

and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

10 And I will turn your feasts into mourning,

and all your songs into lamentation;

and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins,

and baldness upon every head;

and I will make it as the mourning

of an only son,

and the end thereof

as a bitter day.

11 Behold, the days come,

saith the Lord GOD,

that I will send a famine in the land,

not a famine of bread,

nor a thirst for water,

but of hearing the words of the LORD:

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea,

and from the north even to the east,

they shall run to and fro

to seek the word of the LORD,

and shall not find it.”  Amos 8:8-12

Amos’ message to Israel was a call to repent (although in context, his message was to all the surrounding nations, as well as Israel and Judah) and that for those who refuse to heed God’s message a day will come when they desire God and won’t be able to find HIM or HIS WORD!  Jesus made a statement about coming to Him that most are unaware of or choose to disregard His message–a dual edged message for all, that people can only come to God by the call and revealing of the Holy Spirit of God.

“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

“And this is the will of him

that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.

41 The Jews then murmured at him,

because he said,

I am the bread

which came down from heaven.

42 And they said,

Is not this Jesus,

the son of Joseph,

whose father and mother we know?

how is it then that he saith,

I came down from heaven?

43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:40-44

There is a time to hear and respond to God’s call, but HE will not always be calling; will you hear when Jesus knocks at your door, or will you turn HIM away?

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Paul gave us a warning as he reminded the Thessalonian believers of the time of judgment, which is immanent, I think!

“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you,

I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth

that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity

doth already work:

only he who now letteth will let,

until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming

is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”   2 Thessalonians 2:5-12

Will you seek God while He is calling you?  Will you receive “the love of the truth, that they might be saved”?  Or will you be one who will be sent the “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”?  Instead of eternal life through Jesus, will you be left with the consequences of not choosing Jesus that:“they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”?  Where are you finding your pleasure?  Are you seeking to hear and know truth, or are you going the way of worldly and fleshly pleasure, and missing the opportunity of salvation?

“But with whom was he grieved forty years?

was it not with them that had sinned,

whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

18 And to whom sware he

that they should not enter into his rest,

but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in

because of unbelief.”  Hebrews 3:17-19

I don’t mean to be harsh or unkind, but my friends, the days grow short, and the time of Jesus’ return is at hand–and I want you to join me then!  Don’t starve spiritually!

Amen and Amen!!!

Got Any BE’s??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

14 Friday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Ask God For Wisdom, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Beatitudes, BEattitudes, Busy Bees, Change your attitude, Jesus call

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Got Any BE’s???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

We’re going to spend some time this morning being a “biblical apiary” — looking for the “BE’s” from God’s Word so that we may be found faithful “busy bees” when our Lord returns!

“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.”  James 1:22-25

We can choose to “BE” a doer of God’s work or as James says, or forgetful “hearers only.”  Oh, to choose Jesus, HIS Word, and God’s ways is a joy to my soul!  How about you?  Are you “Being” so God can work through your ‘doing’, or have you been so distracted by the world that you have forgotten what “God’s mirror of HIS WORD” reveals?  It takes commitment, devotion, and the power of The Holy Spirit to be and then to DO, but it’s our call, our command, and can be our joy and delight!  The choice is yours and mine, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye

stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

I’d like to close with my version of the ‘Beatitudes’, which I call the “BEattitudes”, and a practical application from Paul!  I hope it will encourage you today.

“And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are

the poor in spirit:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4

Blessed are

they that mourn:

for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are

the meek:

for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are

they which do hunger and thirst

after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are

the merciful:

for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are

the pure in heart:

for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are

the peacemakers:

for they shall be called

the children of God.

10 Blessed are

they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:2-10

BE ‘poor in spirit’–

those who see their abject poverty to pay for sin

and turn to Jesus.

BE ‘mourners’–

       Those who grieve over the things that grieve God.

BE ‘meek’–

       Those who aren’t weak but have yielded to God’s power!

BE ‘hungry and thirsty for righteousness’–

Those who are always wanting more of JESUS, His WORD

       And HIS ways.

BE ‘merciful’–

Those who recognize the needs of others and meet them as they are able       and directed by The Spirit (whether they deserve it or not, in our view!).

BE ‘pure in heart’–

       Those who have been washed in the blood,

and keep a guard on their heart, mind, and mouth!

BE ‘peacemakers’–

Those who help other receive the “peace of God through

Jesus” and maintain the “peace of God” in their walk.

BE aware and ready to receive ‘persecution for righteousness’–

Those who don’t ‘go along to get along’, but speak the truth                           in love and without fear.

And Paul’s wise advice:

“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 4:8.

Amen and Amen!!!

Hope IS Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #83

11 Tuesday Apr 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Encouragement, Glory of God, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's Glory, God's got you and me!, God's love, God's provision, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, Gospel, He IS Alive!, HE who began it will complete it!, Holy Living, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, It's All About The Cross, Look UP, Look up and Praise The Lord, Now is the time...., Press ON!

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Hope IS Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #83

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

….6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them

that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Faith by the biblical definition says, “faith is the substance of things hoped for”, yet it isn’t just vain “wishing” but it IS “the evidence of things not seen”!  I didn’t see the resurrection of my Lord Jesus, but I trust to the word of God and the witness and testimony of those who did see HIM.  And why would I do that?  Because the Word is of God a precious love letter to those who will receive it; and through that Word, receive Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives.

“For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him

in whom they have not believed?

and how shall they believe in him

of whom they have not heard?

and how shall they hear

without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach,

except they be sent?

as it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach

the gospel of peace,

and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then

faith cometh by hearing,

and hearing by the word of God.”   Romans 10:13-17

(Just a side note, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21–not entertainment, or gimmicks, or programs but PREACHING of the GOSPEL, see 1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

I heard that voice speaking to my heart some 50 years ago, and responded in repentance of MY sin (yes, a church-member but lost!), and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin, and received the forgiveness that Jesus paid for at Calvary, and HE has never failed me to this day, and HIS WORD has never missed a beat of truth as I have learned to lean upon it, to trust its advice, wisdom, direction and HOPE for today and tomorrow (however many of them I have), yet my call is to live in the ‘today’s’ with gratitude for yesterday and pressing on today (regardless of its circumstances– remembering that God orders my steps!) knowing that God is The Sovereign God over all!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

I press on with this prayer of the psalmist in my heart (but remember if you don’t put The Word ‘in’–“member it” — you won’t “re”member it)!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man:

so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant;

and teach me thy statutes.

136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes,

because they keep not thy law.”   Psalm 119:133-136

Jesus Himself reminded us that HE came to give us life–real life–with hope in The One who not only created us but gives us joyous life, no matter our circumstances; and while HE didn’t promise that our circumstances would always be pleasant, HE is faithful to be with us to work them for our good, and HIS glory!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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 10:9-11

Paul said it amazingly:

“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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-32

Yet there is even more encouragement in the close of chapter 8!

“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 8:38-39

There is so much more that I could share about the assurance of hope that we have in Jesus, but I simply want to close with one of my favorite verses of assurance that lights my hope anew again and again.  May Jesus comfort your heart today with HIS truth no matter the battles that you may be facing, the discouragement that may be haunting your soul, or the uncertainty of life’s issues coming at you–remember that Jesus knows, Jesus cares, and Jesus will provide the perfect provision!  I pray that you will find the same comfort, encouragement, and hope that I find in HIM no matter how I “feel” –God works on truth and certainty and feelings change with the wind (and in Oklahoma we know all about the ‘wind’) so look up, walk forward in faith, and cling to HIS WORD not those ‘feelings’!

“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

I pray blessings of hope and encouragement on your heart and life today.

Amen and Amen!!!