Monthly Archives: September 2025

May I Be Like_____??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

14 Sunday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Behold the Lamb of God, Believing God's Words, Blessed by God, Born Again, Bow Before our God, By Him We Live, If I be lifted up---, If not now? When?, In Jesus name--means what?, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Sayers or Doers, Search me O God?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May I Be Like______??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

May I be yielded to my Lord, allowing Him to work in me to make me more like Him.  God has promised to work in us, to conform us, to shape us and equip us to the work that HE has called us to. We are called to yield to and desire His work to be done in us as we cling to and abide in our vine—Jesus! (See John 15:1-5)

“Search me, O God, 

and know my heart: 

try me, 

and know my thoughts: 

24 And see if there be 

any wicked way in me, 

and lead me 

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

This must be the prayer of our heart, and it will be reflected in the way that we choose to live each day!  As Jesus said in His sermon on the mount (as we call it, yet He taught these things continually).

“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 6:24

As Paul reminded us, we must not let the things of this world consume, control and direct our lives; and while that sounds easy to say, I understand that it is a daily battle, and I fight it just like you do!  But the thing I want us to understand is that it is a winnable battle!  The things of this world will continually try to distract, disable and disarm our testimony for Jesus!  We are called to stand fast “in the evil day”!  And believe me my friends, the “evil day” is here!  What will you do?  Serve God or the world?

Jesus gave the Apostles instructions about the work that would be ahead of them when He talked with them after the resurrection.  What He said to them is basic but absolutely essential to our comprehension of and adherence to the Gospel and, as Paul said, not being “ashamed of the gospel”!  We are called by Jesus to stick to the biblical gospel—not water it down to reach a people who don’t want to hear the truth.  Only Jesus saves—ever has—ever will!

“And he said unto them, 

These are the words which I spake unto you, 

while I was yet with you, 

that all things must be fulfilled, 

which were written in the law of Moses, 

and in the prophets, and in the psalms, 

concerning me. 

45 Then opened he their understanding, 

that they might understand the scriptures, 

46 And said unto them, 

Thus it is written, 

and thus it behoved Christ 

to suffer, 

and to rise from the dead the third day: 

47 And that repentance 

    and remission of sins 

should be preached in his name 

among all nations, 

beginning at Jerusalem. 

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.”  Luke 24:44-48

We have been called to share “repentance and remission of sins” to all nations!  Don’t miss what Jesus is saying, salvation can’t come when we are not willing to see sin as sin, repent of our own sin (not anyone else’s), and seek the forgiveness that only Jesus can give to remit our sins to the blood that HE has already shed for sin!  Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 15.  Let’s look at it.  (See Colossians 1:12-14)

“For I delivered unto you first of all 

that which I also received, 

how that Christ died for our sins 

according to the scriptures; 

4 And that he was buried, 

and that he rose again the third day 

according to the scriptures: 

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, 

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Until we see our sin and understand that only Jesus can save, we have no hope.  Only God can save us, and when He sends the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin, we are being drawn to The Lord who saves, through His blood, don’t miss His voice!

“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 6:44

And:

“All that the Father giveth me 

shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me 

I will in no wise cast out. 

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me. 

39 And this is the Father’s will 

which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.”  John 6:37-39

This is what Jesus came to do, even as the angel revealed to Joseph at the beginning announcements of the birth of our Savior.

“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

And in closing, who or what are you seeking to be like?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test.  But aside from the test, the blessings that we have IN JESUS are immeasurable!  The blessings of God are beyond measure.  Are you pursuing His blessings, grace and provision, or are you doing your best to be like this hell-bent world.  Please choose wisely, I’m praying for you!  (And please take time to read all of Romans chapter 8—it can bless your soul!) May you join me in praying, Lord, I want to be like you?

“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

To God be the glory—great things HE has done—He is doing—He will do!  Jesus is coming again soon, my prayer is that you will be ready.

Amen and Amen

What Choice Have You Made??? A Word from THE WORD #386

12 Friday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Footprints, For Such A Time As This, Sheep amongst Wolves!!!, Shine as lights in the world, Signs of the times?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Choice Have You Made??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #386

I am trying a new app to write in, so I hope this comes out well—we’ll see!  I want to share some thoughts from God’s Word, as usual, and I pray that it will encourage us to look up, rather than around!

“Jesus answered them, 

I told you, 

and ye believed not: 

the works that I do in my Father’s name, 

they bear witness of me. 

26 But ye believe not, 

because ye are not of my sheep, 

as I said unto you. 

27 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 10:25-30

Jesus tells us that His sheep hear His voice—that He knows His own—and they follow HIM!  Whose sheep are you?  We see and hear so many today, who claim the name of Jesus, yet their lives don’t match what scripture describes as the life that is following Jesus!  Many use cutesy little sayings about being like Jesus, but without being born again, and having received the indwelling Holy Spirit, saying so doesn’t make it so; but doing God’s will and His work HIS way does.  Jesus makes that clear in scripture.

“Even so every good tree 

bringeth forth good fruit; 

but a corrupt tree 

bringeth forth evil fruit. 

18 A good tree 

cannot bring forth evil fruit, 

neither can a corrupt tree 

bring forth good fruit. 

19 Every tree 

that bringeth not forth good fruit 

is hewn down, 

and cast into the fire. 

20 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 7:17-23

My question is, are you bringing forth good fruit?  Is your tree grounded in Jesus, or are you a tree that is bringing forth bad fruit, because you don’t belong to the Savior?  As Jesus clearly states above, saying, “Lord, Lord”, doesn’t make you a real sheep.  Being born again by the Holy Spirit, is the only way to become Jesus’ sheep!

“He was in the world, 

and the world was made by him, 

and the world knew him not. 

11 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 1:10-13

Have you been born again by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin…” (see 1 John1:7)?  If you aren’t sure, then take it before the Lord of all, even as the Psalmist cried.

“Search me, O God, 

and know my heart: 

try me, 

and know my thoughts: 

24 And see if there be 

any wicked way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

And in closing I want to close with a message from Paul to his son in the ministry, he reminds us that God knows.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time; and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God!”  Whom are you trying to fool?  Others or yourself?

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal, 

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”   2 Timothy 2:19.

Amen and Amen !!!

What A Sad Change??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #384

10 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Broken Cisterns, Busy-ness or Business?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

What A Sad Change??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #384

“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::11-13

I can’t help but feel that God could have sent this message to America now, instead of Israel—it fits; especially when we have leaders who are now telling us that our liberties aren’t a God-given asset, but rather a “government-given” and “government-controlled” operating system; claiming that our country wasn’t founded on Biblical, Judeo-Christian principles and the Bible!  Talk about a “broken cistern”!

I truly pray that we will pray for our country, for our leaders (regardless of political affiliation), and for God’s own people to humble ourselves and come to the cross seeking cleansing, grace and restoration to biblical principles in our lives, our families, our schools and our government (and I’m not talking about cramming religion down the throats of those who aren’t interested, for truly religion without the redemption offered at the cross is futile, but I am talking about those who love truth to stand up for it!)!  But I also believe that we haven’t stood up because most don’t even know God’s Word enough to stand.  We have forsaken the living water for that which is stagnant!

Jesus encountered a woman with this very problem—and His instruction to her, is still what people need today—especially those who are going to a well that can’t satisfy their soul!  Let’s consider Jesus’ message to this woman!

“There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,

Give me to drink.

8 (For his disciples were gone away

unto the city to buy meat.)

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him,

How is it that thou,

being a Jew,

askest drink of me,

 which am a woman of Samaria?

for the Jews have no dealings

with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water.

11 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with,

and the well is deep:

from whence then hast thou that living water?

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob,

which gave us the well,

and drank thereof himself,

and his children,

and his cattle?

13 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.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.”  John 4:7-15

Notice that Jesus told this woman that the “water” that He would give her would be a:                           Well of water…

                                    Springing up into everlasting life…

                                    That we would never thirst…

                                    That His water is living water…

Who could give this kind of water, “living water”?  Only The One who actually made water to begin with.  He not only can but will give unto those who come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice.  We must, like the woman at the well, choose whom and what we will believe!  She believed and received, then she shared His truth with those in her town.  What are we doing with Jesus and His truth?  Are we flourishing in this living water, or are we living with spiritual dehydration?  Are we trying to drink from “broken cisterns”, as God told Jeremiah to share, trying to drink from that which cannot hold water.  I find it interesting that we use that phrase regularly, to refer to something that isn’t worthy of credence, yet we refuse the offer of Jesus’ living water, attempting to provide our own resources, when we do, we will find that we have an unquenchable thirst.  Jesus position as creator is established in scripture.  John 1 is one of those passages, as the Apostle John begins His gospel, not at Bethlehem, but in eternity past—not the beginning of “God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”—but the beginning of mankind and the earthly creation; and John makes it clear that Jesus was and is the creator along with His Father and the Holy Spirit.

“In the beginning was

the Word, and

the Word was with God, and

the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

Another perspective of provision is found in the model prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:9-11

Jesus told us to seek God for HIS will, HIS timing, and HIS provision for our sustenance (food and water)!  Whose provision are you depending upon; Jesus? Or broken cisterns?  Cisterns which can’t hold water.  Jesus is my all-in-all, and He can and will provide if we will but come to Him, believing as the woman at the well did!  One of Jesus’ final calls to come is another opportunity for you to receive this living water?  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“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 22:16-17

True confidence will usually result in contentment!  Paul gives us a most profound principle for this contentment!

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.”  1 Timohty 6:7-8

I pray that you know The Living Water—His name is Jesus and He gave His life for you to be saved!  (Read John chapter 3!)

Amen and Amen!!!

Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

07 Sunday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Calm or Clamor?, Change your attitude, Check Your Knees???, Never Alone, No man can serve two masters!, Paying attention, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Perseverance, Place of Safety, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Servanthood, Serve The Lord with gladness., Serving God or Using God?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

 

I must be honest, I am weary of all the clamor going on around us; who we hate, who we don’t hate, who’s right, who’s wrong, what are we supposed to be pursuing?  I would simply like to share a few things that we find in God’s Word, that I pray will help us bring calm to our lives, our hearts and the effect that we have on others.  Jesus didn’t need politics, and we need Jesus instead of anything else!

“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

Jesus has promised us HIS peace, via the Holy Spirit—The Spirit of God/Jesus which He promised would bring “all things to your remembrance”!  Notice (as I often teach in my classes) that Jesus said The Spirit would bring things to our “Re’membrance”; and if you go back in mind to your childhood grammar classes, hopefully you’ll remember that the small prefix “re” means to ‘do over’—meaning that we must, I repeat must, “member” it first.  We must put The Word in us and then the Holy Spirit will help us to remember things at the appropriate time. While I won’t put it here, if you’ll go back and read Matthew chapter 4 where Jesus encounters the tempter, Satan, He, Jesus, faced and overcame each temptation with scripture telling the enemy, “It Is Written”. Even when Satan used scripture, Jesus brought him back to the actual context of God’s Word!  That is such a good principle and practice for us to apply to our lives today!

I can’t tell you the peace that I have experienced in life by knowing God’s Word—in its context!  It is such a joy and delight to know Jesus through His Word, and to use Jesus’ own words, it is imperative; for we will either be serving ourselves, the enemy of our souls, or The Lord Jesus Christ!  Jesus said it much better than I can.

“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 can choose to follow The Master who gives peace, grace, love and wisdom; or we can let the clamor of the world keep us in an upheaval, not knowing which way to turn or whom to believe.  When we know Jesus and what He has said in His Word, we will find an amazing peace that “passeth all understanding” (See Philippians 4:7.)

Let me just say, that scripture isn’t calling us to be negligent of our responsibilities, but He is calling us to have right priorities and be pursuing His kingdom priorities as we faithfully serve God and provide for our own families as He directs.  A couple of passages that direct us in putting God first will never direct us to neglect the physical needs of our family, but we will seek to do it God’s way!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread…”  Matthew 6:7-11a

Paul had somewhat to say about this also!

“…Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness,

and peace,

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ

is acceptable to God,

and approved of men.”  Romans 14:16b-18

I know I wrestle with these things on occasion, and I just plain forget to keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!  It is so easy to be distracted with all the clamor around us; with all the things seemingly demanding our time, our focus, and attention—things of the world and not of our Lord Jesus!  It’s one of the reasons we are to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”!  Isaiah reminded me of God’s faithful provision not long ago, may we ever remember that our God never fails, and HE has promised to never abandon us!  I encourage you to read the context of this passage from Isaiah.

“And the key of the house of David

will I lay upon his shoulder;

so he shall open,

and none shall shut;

and he shall shut,

and none shall open.

23 And I will fasten him

as a nail in a sure place;

and he shall be for a glorious throne

to his father’s house.”  Isaiah 22:22-23

It’s much like the assurance that God gives to us through the author of the book of Hebrews, knowing that even though God may discipline His own, He will never ever abandon us.

“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

Even as the author tells us that we have a great one to run to in our time of need—He never sleeps nor slumbers!

“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.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

So, as I bring this post to a close, I want us to consider the call that Peter gives to us to know how to walk right before God in this calm assurance; in the power of Jesus to not be overcome of the crazy clamor all around us, but to be the steadfast servants of our King Jesus—living hope, peace and joy that will lead others to the cross of Him who is The way—The truth—The life!  The only way to God, to heaven and to receive eternal life!  May others see His peace and calm in us—in contrast to the clamor of the world!  Let’s reflect Jesus today!!

“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:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope might be in God.”                         1 Peter 1:14-21

I pray that God’s greatest blessings of peace will fall on you today!  If you need Jesus, please call on Him today— “for by grace ye are saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (See Ephesians 2:8-10!)

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Is It Too Late To Return??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #382

05 Friday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Check Your Knees???, If not now? When?, In hell it's too late to be a witness?, Religion isn't enough?, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Responding to God's call to share the Good news.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is It Too Late To Return??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #382

I have to be honest with you, I’ve been trying to get this writing done since Wednesday, but it’s been a busy time with several unexpected interruptions, but here I am with a burden on my heart that we must seek God’s face and forsake the way that we are going.  We are not above God’s just and true ways, and I am praying that we will see the truth of scripture, and the error of our ways, and turn back to God.

“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!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:18-24

The world we live in has turned against God, who like Isaiah says above in verse 19, they wanted God to convince them with miraculous signs that HE was worthy of their regard.  Jesus dealt with the religious leaders of His day with a most significant reply to their request for a sign that He was from God.  I hope that we will hear and heed the Words of Jesus Christ my Lord!  Jesus told them that the only sign that they would receive was His death burial and resurrection for sin—your sin and mine!  What sign are you looking for.  Which way are you going?   God’s way or your own?

May we hear and heed God’s answer to Solomon at the dedication of the first Temple in Jerusalem and come to Jesus in humility, recognition of our sin, and a willingness to obey. Or is it too late for us to turn around?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test coming!  Hear with your heart as well as your ears!

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts

to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence

among my people;

14 If

my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then

will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”  

Chronicles 7:12-14

God was telling Solomon that He, as His righteous character demands, would discipline His people when they sinned and rebelled, but there was hope hinged on their response to HIM!  We hear a lot about this promise of God to respond, but we often hear the emphasis on what God will do, not what HE is calling us to do.  First there is a great big IF for God’s own—the born again (in the context, those faithful servants in Israel, whom God also called with this big IF)—and we are called to some clear and concise instructions.  Let’s rehearse them:

Humble ourselves—bow before HIM–

Pray ourselves—beseech HIM on our knees–

Seek God’s face—look to GOD not man–

Turn from our wicked ways—repent, return to faithful service to our King, not the world, knowing that Jesus died to give to all who will believe eternal life.

Let’s hear what Jesus says about seeking signs for assurance!  Seek God’s Word for answers and wisdom.

“But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,

Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them,

An evil and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given to it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights

in the whale’s belly;

so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights

in the heart of the earth.”   Matthew 12:36-40

Jesus came to die for our sin, and the greatest sign from God ever to be given, was Jesus’ resurrection; but what will you do with it!  Will you receive the Gospel that Paul was unashamed of?

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve…”  1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!