Author Archives: Blanche

Thank God, It’s Different Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #355

08 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Living Waters, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Made like Jesus!, Righteousness, Salvation, Second Chances, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?

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Thank God, It’s Different Now?  A Word from THE WORD!!! #355

What does your life show to the world?  Does your life show the transforming power of Jesus, or have you let the world color your influence?  Paul reminded the Corinthian believers of the import of being God’s work of glory before a lost and dying world.  Paul reminds us that we have a call when we come to Jesus; what are you and I doing in response to our call?

“For the love of Christ constraineth us;

because we thus judge,

that if one died for all,

then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all,

that they which live

should not henceforth live

unto themselves,

but unto him which died for them,

and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man

after the flesh:

yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh,

yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17 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.”   2 Corinthians 5:14-19

We are to not only display the difference that Jesus makes in our lives, but we are to also share the word of reconciliation—that Jesus saves and forgives us for sin, when we come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!       And Paul goes on to remind believers that we are made new creatures in Jesus Christ, by the resurrection power of our Lord.  Crucified, buried and risen again to make us His children.  Whose image are you reflecting; the world or the One who died for you; we are changed by the blood that He shed to pay for my sin and yours!

“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 5:20-21

Jesus not only paid for my sin, but in His resurrection power, He makes us new creatures who have received the righteousness of God all because Jesus became sin for us.  He paid the debt that we owed, and by trusting in Him and seeking forgiveness and salvation we are made righteous before God by the “blood of The Lamb”!

Paul also has even more good news for us, we can live in peace, hope and usefulness before our God because of this same “blood of The Lamb”!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:13-14

I pray that you will find the joy and strength of The Lord to be not only adequate to the task but more than sufficient for victory by the power, strength and sufficiency of the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord.  Remember we win—all because of Jesus; therefore we are to be a picture of the power of the cross to righteousness and holiness not worldliness!  Whose power are you living in?

I pray that you make today the day that starts your “Victory In Jesus”!

And in closing one of my favorite passages of encouragement, I pray that it will lift your heart today!

“O death, where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin;

and the strength of sin is the law.

57 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 15:55-58

Amen and Amen!!!

Where Is Your Burden??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #354

06 Friday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, but He's still there., Do You See What God Sees?, Don't believe the Lies, Don't let fear of tomorrow ruin your today, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus Wept--You can too!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer

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Where Is Your Burden???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #354

 

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD,

and he shall sustain thee:

he shall never suffer the righteous

to be moved.”  Psalm 55:22

Someone needs this word this morning—someone besides me that is!  I just wanted to remind us on this lovely Friday morning as the clouds are moving out to make way for the sunshine (at least for a little while here in Oklahoma!).  It’s been a rainy spring, and we are grateful for the rain and the cooler temps before the summer oven-like temperatures.

But the thing I want to point out is that when we think there is no hope—Jesus IS our hope!  He is faithful to His Word.  He has plans that we so often don’t see behind the clouds.  Keep your eyes on Jesus my friends, the clouds won’t be there forever, and when the SON shines, it will renew our strength, courage and by His Spirit enable us to press on and go forward.  He hasn’t moved or changed—so don’t you move away from His promises!  Yet to know His promises, we must be in His Word.  So make that a priority in your life, and don’t let circumstances distract you from the truth!  And remember Jesus IS truth—in person, in word and in the sacrifice that He made for our sin.

“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

So, my friends, choose to make Jesus your “way…truth…life”; He will never fail—never has—still won’t!  The Apostle Peter reminds us of Jesus’ faithfulness, and we can stand in Him, on His truth, able resist the enemy of our souls!  Remember, if you have been born again, we win.  And if you haven’t been born again, you can be, by repenting of your sin, and believing in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for sin at Calvary!   As Jesus said on the cross, “it is finished”, for all who will come to Him!  I implore you to keep your eyes on the prize—Jesus!  In Him, we win!!!  May we each follow Peter’s advice.

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-10

Cast your care on Jesus, fixing your eyes on The Prize!

Amen and Amen!!!

But We’ve Always Done It??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

01 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Deniable Truth? Really?, Dignity, Discernment, Distractions, Do all things decently, Do You See What God Sees?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, Modesty

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But We’ve Always Done It???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly,

seeketh not her own,

is not easily provoked,

thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 From the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s great treatise about love/charity, where we see not only the attributes of God’s love, but how God’s love is to be reflected in our lives.  Yet the thing I want us to consider today is the message that real love, God’s love, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”!  We are to stand for truth in all our ways, yet living and speaking it with love, compassion, and integrity.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:14-15

We must share truth, whether or not it is well received; our task is to preach, teach and live Jesus before a lost and dying world, even when we aren’t applauded or sometimes not even liked.  But we are to recognize that rejection isn’t necessarily failure, and there are those from whom we are to walk away when they don’t receive the message.  Jesus’ words not just mine.

“Give not that which is holy

unto the dogs,

neither cast ye your pearls

before swine,

lest they trample them under their feet,

and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6

“Behold,

I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

Jesus never sugar-coated following Him, but He called us to be wise—to be aware that not everyone is nice—to be discreet and discerning in all of our dealings, for we live in a lost world where we are to be a light in the darkness, and Jesus even told us about the darkness, as we live in a day of darkness and evil on every hand; a day in which even those who claim to be believers in Jesus, think it’s okay to behave, dress, act, and entertain ourselves like the world does.  We have forgotten the admonitions to “be ye holy, for I am holy”! (See 1 Peter 1:16)

“I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.

9 In like manner also,

that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,

with shamefacedness and sobriety;

not with broided hair,

or gold,

or pearls,

or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness)

with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul instructed Timothy to teach men and women to live what they profess, with prayer, holiness, and free from anger and doubts, that even our apparel should not be a distraction to others or from Jesus’ truth!  This seems to be a message that we have missed today, for there was a time when people knew the difference between modest and immodest—between tastefully modest and total exposure.  We are to be known for our good works and godly life not our skin show!  Just because it’s “fashionable” doesn’t mean it reflects godliness. Our speech is to reflect the God we serve not the gutter of this world.

“I have written unto you, fathers,

because ye have known him

that is from the beginning.

I have written unto you, young men,

because ye are strong,

and the word of God abideth in you,

and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

 abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:14-17

James also had much to say about the world and its effect upon our lives, may we take heed to his warnings.  Just because everyone else is doing it (even those who claim the name of Jesus) I must know God’s Word and what it calls me to be, to do, in being a faithful witness of my Lord!

“Let no man say when he is tempted,

I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil,

neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted,

when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived,

it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished,

bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us

with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits

of his creatures.

19 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.”  James 1:13-20

James chapter 4 is where the rubber meets the road (as we would say!). May The Word do its work to lead us to be conformed into the image of Jesus instead of the world.

“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 4:4-8

In closing one of my favorite passages of direction, may it speak to you today as The Word does its work!

“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

Let’s be sure that we are being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and The Word, and not conformed to the world!

Amen and Amen!!!

Tears Matter To Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #352

30 Friday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus Wept!, Jesus Wept--You can too!, Tears, Tears can heal!

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Tears Matter To Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #352

As I sit here this morning listening to some wonderful Southern Gospel music, some of my favorites brought precious memories and glorious worship to my soul!  Remember you don’t have to be in a church to worship!  Worship is a response of love and obedience to the God who gave “His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish”!

Yes, we can worship in church, but I can worship right here where I’m sitting, when my heart and mind are set on thee, oh, my Lord!  Worship is a response to God’s Spirit’s prompting us to love, obey and honor our God with our lives.  Yet, there are times when sorrows overcome our soul, and Jesus and Father God know about tears—remember even “Jesus wept” at the tomb of His friend Lazarus.

While there is debate over the reason for His tears, since He knew He would raise him in just a few moments, I think it apropos that Jesus wasn’t ashamed to weep over the situation—whether over His own grief for the death of His friend, or over the sadness of the two sisters, or perhaps it was because while He knew He would raise Lazarus from his death tomb, Jesus also knew that he would die again.  I think that in part it was for all of us who weep—whatever the reason—that we would know that Jesus knows!  There is a Booth Brothers song, “Tears Are A Language God understands”, if you’ve never heard it, I’d encourage you to look it up on whatever music source you have; I think it will bless you, it surely does me!  I pray that the following scriptures will encourage your heart today.  God cares about our tears, and so do I!

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee,

then shall mine enemies turn back:

this I know;

for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word:

in the LORD will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust:

I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:8-11

God is always faithful to hear and answer our call (although it will be in His time not mine—but He always shows up right on time—even when it seems that He is 4 days late!)

“Return unto thy rest, O my soul;

for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death,

mine eyes from tears,

and my feet from falling.”  Psalm 116:7-8

And one of my favorite passages:

“They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:5-6

(And just FYI, sheaves simply means the harvest of the seeds sown!)

“And said, Where have ye laid him?

They said unto him,

Lord, come and see.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then said the Jews,

Behold how he loved him!”  John 11:34-36

Thank you, Jesus, for walking this earth and understanding our tears.

“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

I pray that you find comfort, hope and confidence in the love and power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The Lord today!  He cares, and tears are never a waste of time—they can heal, cleanse and refresh a broken heart.  Look unto Jesus my friends!  The weeping won’t last forever!

“Sing unto the LORD,

O ye saints of his,

and give thanks

at the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his anger endureth

but a moment;

in his favour

is life:

weeping may endure for a night,

but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:4-5

Amen and Amen!!!

Check It At The Door??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #351

28 Wednesday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Check Your Knees???, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Spiritual Procrastination, Spiritual Warfare, Spread the GOOD news!, Stand by ME!, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Check It At The Door???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #351

I have a relatively brief word for you today, as I was thinking of one of my favorite teachers, Kay Arthur, entering into the “joy of her Lord” recently, I remember one of the most useful things I ever learned from her (and there are too many to list them all…)!  It’s a brief passage, but one of the most significant, practical and useful things that I know.  I hope you will find it helpful and that you will apply it to your living today!  I will give you the context as well as the specific verse, for remember “context is king”!

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:4-9

The thing that we must remember is that Satan will come to distract, misdirect, and try to cause you to stumble, but verse 8 is the antidote—when Satan comes knocking just check him at the door (of your mind, for that is where the battle roars—See 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 for more help in spiritual warfare!). If the thought can’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, then reject it and tell the enemy to “buzz off” (my term, not scriptural, but perhaps helpful to see the reality of our enemy).  If the thought, especially for harmful words and actions to others, isn’t ‘true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous or praise worthy’, then reject it and refrain from going down that wrong path.

I have always found it helpful, for you or I can usually justify through those first three tests (true, honest, and just) for we are using our human reasoning and retribution is the password of our day!  But when I get to “Pure…lovely…good report…virtuous …praise worthy…”, I have to shout ouch!  Even when others are pushing our buttons (maybe you don’t have any ‘buttons’, but I sure do…), we can stop the sin in its tracks and guard our hearts by rehearsing this 8-fold test and rejecting the temptation to react, rather than respond in “the spirit”; we can walk with grace and truth with The Holy Spirit’s power in our lives.  So, check those thoughts at the door, and refuse that which can’t pass the entrance exam.  Have a blessed day my friends and remember, by Jesus’ power and saving grace, we Win!  I encourage you to memorize verse 8 that you will have it at every need!

“…think on these things…”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!