Author Archives: Blanche

Show Or Substance??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #670

24 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Believe IN Jesus, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, God Is In Charge, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, He Died That We Could Live, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Saves!, Just Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Resting In Jesus, Salvation, The Blood Of Jesus, TODAY, Trials, Trusting Jesus?, Victorious Living

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #670  Show Or Substance???

 

It’s been a challenging week for a lot of reasons, but mainly just the ups and downs of life, grief and the world around us; so I would like us to consider what we are depending on—where is our hope—who is our security—how do we press on?  The only certain answer to all of those questions is Jesus!  And because He loves us, HE came to give us life—abundant life, and pardon just as The Father promised.

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:7-9

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, He came to save, even though it would cost Him His life’s blood; He came to die, to save you and me—He willingly came to die that we might live!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:14-18

God loves us, He hates the sin that plagues us, so He had already made the plan for our salvation before we needed it!  He knew and HE created us anyway!  (See John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; and 1 Peter 1:20) What amazing love—a love that is here for you, if you will but reach out and take His hand—receiving His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for your sin and mine!  The Psalmist said it better than I can.

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help

and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him,

because we have trusted

in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O LORD,

be upon us,

according as we hope in thee.”  Psalms 32:22

Jesus IS our hope and confidence, as I’m often heard to say, “My confidence is in Jesus, not the government nor the weatherman!”  And praise God we can rest assured that our God reigns in all and is accomplishing HIS purposes all around us; and when we keep our eyes on HIM and walk in trust and obedience, we will find HE is the “substance” not just a “flash in the pan” show!  He is the only One who can not only give us abundant life but sustain us in it—and it in us!!

“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

Are you HIS sheep?  Or are you putting on a show for the seeming benefit of others?  Remember there is only One way to God, and HIS name is Jesus!  And while you may be able to fool the world, you can’t fool God!  Remember:

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And Jesus said it best!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say

to me

in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

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

Are you trusting in what “you” say, or what “Jesus has done” for you and me?

On a side note, I’ve been thinking a lot about my daughter this week, and as I was pondering on Psalm 23, God’s Word spoke to my heart in a new way.  As David encouraged us to know that even though we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”,  it doesn’t necessarily refer to just our own journey through that valley, but the journey that we sometimes have to take through that valley due to the death of someone else.  Yet God is still faithful, and HE is faithful to me now, as I continue to walk through this time of grief, sorrow, and sadness, yet my eyes can bring comfort to my soul as I look heavenward knowing that I need not “fear” any evil because just as David said,

“I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me”!

So, I pray that today you will hear the voice of The One who gave Himself for our salvation and that we might receive HIS “abundant” life; life IN Himself!  And if you don’t know Him, I pray that you will hear His voice today, and open your heart’s door to His call.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Making Yesterdays Todays!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19

19 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Beauty For Ashes, Beauty of Holiness, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Forever, Walking With Jesus, What's The Word?, Who are YOU following?, Yesterday, Yesterdays made Todays!, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19  Making Yesterdays Todays!!!

 

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”   Matthew 6:31-34

Many of us (really all of us) have a past that we aren’t necessarily proud of, but I want us to consider today God’s sufficiency to make our messed-up pasts, HIS new creation.  Satan keeps some of us so wrapped up in our past that we forget that God has given us a new future (TODAY)!  Oh, how I praise God for HIS power to make yesterdays todays!  He takes our messes and makes them HIS beauty!

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty

for ashes,

the oil of joy

for mourning,

the garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called

trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified.”  Isaiah 61:3

I am so grateful that God can take our ashes and make them into “beauty”—into the image of our Lord Jesus! It’s the truth that no matter how bad I /we have messed up–and believe me, I have messed up more than you know (but God knows!)—God is faithful to make something beautiful out of all that we will present to HIM, we don’t have to fret, we simply have to exercise our faith and watch God work!

“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.

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?”   Romans 8:27-31

When we come to understand that God is sufficient to make us into the image of His Son, Jesus, and that HE is working “all things” not only for our good, but for HIS glory and the benefit of a lost and dying world!  He makes us into the building material of HIS kingdom.

“As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming,

as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,

5 Ye also,

as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past

were not a people,

but are now the people

of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.”  1 Peter 2:2-10

This precious Savior is ever working in us to grow us into HIS reflection.  Are you being a mirror of the glory and work of our Lord, or have you allowed the world to slip into your life so much that others see more of you than Jesus?  It’s a subtle thing but so harmful to our life with our Lord, and to those who need so desperately to see HIM!  And praise God it’s HIS WORK not yours or mine.  He is ever at work to complete the work of glory in each of His own!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day

of Jesus Christ:”  Philippians 1:6

All this because Jesus paid the price and performs an exchange in each believer—exchanging HIS righteousness for our sin.  He took on our sin (for He had none of His own) and gives to each born again believer HIS righteousness by the power of HIS Holy Spirit.

“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

Even as the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 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 4:14-16

By God’s grace we can count on our Redeemer, Lord and King to transform us into His image, by HIS sacrifice and HIS grace!  Yet there is a work for us to do, and that is to faithfully, daily, humbly yield to HIS work in us—to die to self and live unto Jesus and let His transforming power be seen in all we do!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable

unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

What an amazing revelation and call to know that God is working “all things” for our good and His glory, and that He has told us that when we yield to His work in us, we can be transformed into a vessel of honor unto our Lord.  So, my question for us today is, “Are we living in the today of God’s work in us?”  Or, “Are we so caught up in the fears and shame of our yesterdays that we are of no use to our King today?”  May we ever remember the principles that our Lord taught us as He gave us the model for prayer; are we seeking: His face? His will? His glory?  His heart of forgiveness (both the receiving and giving of it)? His heart for holiness rather than evil?  His heart for dependence on the Father’s provision?  His heart and power for overcoming temptation?  HIS heart for the preeminence of HIS KINGDOM?  May we ever have eyes to see the true spiritual nature of our battles, our labors and find true victory in our Lord Jesus?  Only when we remember Paul’s mighty words of challenge to live the “crucified” life that lives to Jesus daily!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself

for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And a simple reminder in closing—may we ponder its truths!

“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.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.”   Matthew 6:9-13

And if you need another reminder, spend some time rehearsing Psalm 23 this week.  If HE is your shepherd, you will find that you can say with the Psalmist “I shall not want”! (Meaning “lack” not greed!). You/I can trust Him with the yesterdays and the tomorrows and live the crucified life with HIM TODAY!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

Rejoice And Be Glad!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #669

17 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in Believe IN Jesus, Blessed by God, Comfort, Encouragement, Only One Way, Our God Reigns

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #669  Rejoice And Be Glad!!!

 

I just thought we might all need a word of hope and encouragement in these challenging days!  So let’s just let God’s Word speak hope, truth and joy to each of us today.  I pray that God will lift your hearts through HIS Word, draw our eyes and minds upward, for our God reigns!  He hasn’t changed His view, His Word, or His love for you and me!

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn of my salvation,

and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved from mine enemies…

30 As for God,

his way is perfect:

the word of the LORD

is tried:

he is a buckler

to all those that trust in him.

31 For who is God

save the LORD?

or who is a rock

save our God?

32 It is God that girdeth me

with strength,

and maketh my way perfect.”   Psalm 18:2-3 & 30-32

And as God told Paul in response to his difficulties, one of my greatest words of hope and confidence that our God is at work on our behalf—always!  Even when it may not look like it!

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”    2 Corinthians 12:8-10

And one that we all know, but often fail to remember!

“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 8:28-29

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 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 8:35-39

May God speak peace to your heart today!  We win, because our God reigns!

“And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

Amen and Amen!!!

Fear NOT!!! But How??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #668

15 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #668  Fear NOT!!! But How???

 

I know we are inundated with crises all around us, and many are engulfed in fear.  I’d like to share some encouragement today that will lift our hearts and our eyes heavenward!

“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

The answer to fear is to either act or readjust what frightens you.  Some say that fear is sin, but I’ll have to disagree; fear is simply an emotion, like our other emotions, given to mankind by our creator.  The issue is who’s in control, the emotion or the person?  Fear can be of great benefit—if I see a snake, my fear causes me to ‘act’ and get away from the danger.  But when I let fear control me, I can do very unreasonable things, and let fear drive me rather than trusting God to lead me!  The Psalmist reminds us that when those baseless fears come (or even those that may be based in fact, but which we have allowed to haunt our heart and mind) we must simply remember to “trust in” my God who holds me in HIS hand.  And HE has promised not to let go!

“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

Jesus holds us in HIS hands, and we are safe in His care, so we need not fear, as the Psalmist reminds us, what ‘man’ can do to us!  Our God reigns, and is working all things for our good, even when we may not realize it!  We don’t have to fear but to have faith/trust in our God’s work all around us.

“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.

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?”   Romans 8:26-31

Think on these things, and dwell in the presence of The One who gave Himself for you/me!  That’s why the author of Hebrews tells us clearly that we need not fear what “man” can do to 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

May God’s blessing rest on you today, and may you find comfort and joy in His presence, His Word, and His sovereign rule!  You can trust Him in all things—without fear!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

Truth Or More Tragedy??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 18

12 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Ask God For Wisdom, Be not conformed to this world, Stand Fast!, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 18   Truth Or More Tragedy???

 

I had a topic for today’s post, but after reading an article just this morning, I feel I must address what I see as as dangerous mindset of many today.  It seems we are so biblically uninformed that we are willing to trade our biblical foundations for cultural ideologies.  Much like the passage that I had originally intended to focus on, God spoke to Jeremiah about what Israel had traded truth for.

“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 2:12-13

I am intimately acquainted with “hold no water” today, after having “plumbing issues” this week, and because our hot water heater wouldn’t “hold water” we had to have things re-routed, moved, changed and replaced.  It seems that is what we are doing with our biblical faith!  It is falling prey to popular or even unpopular cultural ideas, and that’s what I want to talk with you about this afternoon.  I saw an article that was calling on a certain group of believers to change a symbol of their denomination—and in my opinion not just their denominational icon, but the very core of our faith!  We must take a stand on truth—we must stop trading truth for appeasement, we must stop interpreting our faith through the eyes of our culture and start to, once again, interpret our culture in light of biblical truth.  Please, our very future depends upon our choices today!  Jesus told us that we would face opposition, but it shouldn’t come from within (but it often does, even as it did with our Lord!).  We should be leading people to the cross not away from it.  We are to help the world see Jesus and HIM crucified, not erase the very paths that lead to the cross and salvation.

“As it is written,

Behold, I lay in Sion

a stumblingstone

and rock of offence:

and whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.”   Romans 9:33

Paul addressed this truth of the offense of the gospel to the world, and throughout history we have had to “stand fast in the evil day” to hold to the cross of our Lord Jesus!

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold,

I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were

appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:6-9

The article that I read made some valid personal observations, but, in my opinion, the conclusions that he made were interpreting the ‘symbols’ through his cultural experience (which I am not denying are very important) but we can’t change the gospel or the truth of what the cross stands for because some have perverted it!  The cross of Christ Jesus is the very “corner stone” of our faith.

“And said unto him,

Art thou he that should come,

 or do we look for another?

4 Jesus answered and said unto them,

Go and shew John again those things

which ye do hear and see:

5 The blind receive their sight,

and the lame walk,

the lepers are cleansed,

and the deaf hear,

the dead are raised up,

and the poor have the gospel

preached to them.

6 And blessed is he,

whosoever shall not be offended

in me.”  Matthew 11:3-6

Paul warned the Ephesian leaders that the time would come, and even people would come, who would challenge the truth of the cross, even coming from among their midst!

“Wherefore I take you to record this day,

that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you

all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing

shall grievous wolves enter in

among you,

not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves

shall men arise,

speaking perverse things,

to draw away disciples

after them.”  Acts 20:26-30

As God’s children, and followers of Jesus Christ, we must hold to HIM and HIS truth—we must interpret the events around us in light of the freedom of the cross, not let culture change it into a perverted object that evil men have tried to make it through the centuries.  Where will we stand, or more importantly “come down” (or fall down)?  On the side of the gospel, which interprets all things in light of God and HIS Word (truth), rather than the twisted words of men!  (Peter talks about the men of ‘twisted words’ [read 2 Peter 2]!), those who take God’s words and try to make them suit an agenda, and greed, rather than aligning our lives in accord with God’s Word—the whole counsel of God!).  Paul only had one message, and I pray that I will live the same way!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it

unto them.”  Romans 1:16-19

May we join Paul and stand fast on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the power of the cross—the only power that matters—no matter how others have perverted it in the past, in the present or may in the future!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

 is to them that perish

foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 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 1:17-21

May the cross ever BE our banner of truth.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand

 in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-5

May my/your life always be lived and testify of what the Christ of the cross has done for me/you.  Will you join me and stand fast on Christ Jesus, crucified, risen and coming again.  May we be found faithful to HIS cross for it truly is the only “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth”!  What about you?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I stand fast on the truth of The Word of God.

“For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

Crucified for my sin and yours—Jesus who died as my/your substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for sin—for all who will believe!  I will not abandon the cross.  And just for extra measure:

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

and he will throughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!