Author Archives: Blanche

Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

25 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Weariness

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Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race that is

set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

I want us to consider a different turn on this passage today!  This passage follows the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, and what we find if we go back and look at that chapter, is a list of those who were faithful to hear, heed and believe the things that God said to them, both what He has said in His Word, and even to some, a personal message.  We have the written Word as well as The Living Word, Jesus, and what they were looking forward to, we have seen through the testimony of Jesus’ Apostles and followers in The Word of God as well as history!

One of the things I think we often miss, is that while there is to be an action to our faith, we are to “lay aside” sin, and “run with patience” (or endurance) the race that Jesus sets before us—my race, assigned by The Master, not anyone else’s race.  Yet we are not called to run on our own, but the key is to keep “Looking unto Jesus”, our Lord and Savior, King of Kings, who is also “the author and finisher of our faith”!  We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not the particulars of our individual race, but to follow HIM where ever HE leads, knowing that if we keep our eyes on HIM, He will not lead us astray, into exhaustion, or confusion!  While we may often find ourselves feeling exhausted or confused, we must remember to refocus and get our eyes fixed on Jesus, not our surroundings, the people around us, or the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.

Jesus had a word for His disciples after they had been sent out to do ministry.  We need to heed His words and know that we must also make time for rest.

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we have to stop, look, and listen—not for the train, but for the signs of running on our own, not The Master’s strength.  I say this because sometimes we just have to stop and ask God to speak to our heart about where we are; for sometimes we let our feelings, our tiredness (be it real or imagined) and our personal expectations to drive us to doubt, pout and think about dropping out!  I experienced this recently, and I just had to take a walk and ask God to help me realign my focus back onto my Savior, not my feelings—even the ones that some would call justified—but I’d rather be right with Jesus than to justify myself in the eyes of people.

We must also remember that we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and God has given us lots of instruction in His Word to know how we can deal with these spiritual battles.  Let’s consider a few today—and I pray that they will help you in whatever battle you are facing; for as I’ve heard it said, “We are either about to face a battle, coming out of a battle, or in the red-hot midst of one!”  So, remember always:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

When we belong to Jesus; when Jesus is within us; we are overcomers because HE lives within us.  It’s the essential!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

And to use another of Paul’s admonitions to us, we need to suit up in our armor—every day!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:10-12

Don’t miss this grand calling, to not only be strong, but to be strong “in the Lord” and “in the power of HIS might”!  I pray that you will consider these encouraging instructions to walk in victory with Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness

to revenge all disobedience,

when your obedience is fulfilled.”                           2 Corinthians 10:3-6

And one of my favorite passages from Paul, I encourage you to memorize at least verse 8 and check your thoughts at the door, and if the thoughts don’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, slam the door in the devil’s face!

“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 4:6-9

May you find courage to walk in victory with your Lord, regardless of the fleshly battles.  Remember, with Jesus, We Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

His Grace IS Sufficient??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #189

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, God Knows, God of all comfort!, God sees your tears--sorrow is ok!, God's Faithfulness, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's love, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., Grace, JESUS, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Wept--You can too!, Jesus--our all in all

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His Grace IS Sufficient??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #189

I want to share a word of encouragement and a reminder that we are loved and cared for by our Great God, The Almighty God of all creation, and His Son Jesus Christ, who died willingly to provide salvation and deliverance for those who come to Him.  As Paul reveals to us, no matter the opposition that comes against us, our God is sufficient to provide all that we need.  HIS grace IS sufficient, when we come to HIM for help, rather that complain, moan, or try to fix it ourselves, or plead with God to remove the pain.  Paul gives us an amazing testimony of his experience in such a situation.  Take heart my friend—we win, IN Jesus!

“For though I would desire to glory,

I shall not be a fool;

for I will say the truth:

but now I forbear,

lest any man should think of me

above that which he seeth me to be,

or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 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 12:6-10

Jesus also wanted us to understand that following Him wouldn’t always be a ‘piece of cake’, but rather we would be in a seemingly continual warfare with the enemy of mankind, especially those who belong to Jesus by repentance and faith!  Yet in Jesus we can have victory, hope, peace and even joy “unspeakable and full of glory” (See 1 Peter 1:8).  What a mighty, mighty, God we serve—don’t give up, give in, or lose heart dear one—We Win!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

We must stop expecting the enemy to show his true colors, or to act like something he isn’t!  Yet in the midst of the conflict going on around us, we can have complete victory in our Lord Jesus. One of the greatest examples that Jesus gave to us, is a difficult one, yet one that we must pursue!

“And when they were come to the place,

which is called Calvary,

there they crucified him,

and the malefactors,

one on the right hand,

and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus,

Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment,

and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding.

And the rulers also with them derided him, saying,

He saved others;

let him save himself,

if he be Christ,

the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.”  Luke 23:33-37

Remember that apart from the saving grace of Jesus’ blood sacrifice we would all be doomed, yet in Jesus we can find forgiveness, victory, and restoration.  If He could raise the dead (who would sadly die again), heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and speech to the dumb, raise from the dead Himself to never die again that we might have eternal life IN HIM, then my friend HE can supply all the grace that you need; just come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  Today!  Even if you’re a believer already, run to His cross, it’s a place of safety, love, forgiveness, cleansing and LOVE!

“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

So my friends, may we draw closer to our King, knowing that the throne room is always open to us.  It’s never too late or too early to “come boldly” (boldness in coming, but not arrogance to expect to dictate to our God—there is a difference–) to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to ask for His help in our times of need!  He never fails!

“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

Amen and Amen, remembering what Peter reminds us of:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”   1 Peter 5:7

Where Do You See God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #187

18 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A heart of faith, Beauty of God's Creation, Creation, Creator, Creator of ALL, Cross, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's Glory, God's glory NOT mine!, God's got you and me!

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Where Do You See God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #187

I have a rather brief post this evening—well, maybe it will be short—depending on where it goes.  I just want to remind us all, especially those of us who claim to belong to Jesus Christ The Lord; we ought to see our God in all the times, places, events and especially the beauty of God’s creation in people and nature, even our trials and troubles—our God is at work (Check out Romans 8:28-39)!

“In the beginning

God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void;

and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God moved

upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be…”.   Genesis 1:1-3a

Notice it doesn’t say that God ‘made’, but rather God said, “Let there be….”; yet there were parts of the creation that God did record as “make”, but the creation came into existence because God “spoke”!  Yet, we have allowed the world to rob us of the confidence to know that our God IS the creator, as well as The Son Jesus Christ!  When we recognize the indescribable beauty that God gave us to enjoy it encourages my soul and reminds me of the great creative mastery of our God; not even accounting for the individuality that He put into each of us.

Remember how amazed you were when your child was small as you saw that little one grow each day (and for most of us, way faster than we wish they had, but that too is part of God’s plan) and transform into amazing adults.  So, the greatest gift of God’s amazing design was that HE sent Jesus, HIS only begotten Son, to be born of a woman, walk this sinful old world without sin (See Hebrews 4:15 & 9:28), and be crucified, buried, and risen again for our salvation (for the Gospel in a nutshell see 1 Corinthians 15:1-5) —how can we not praise and see HIM in everything that HE has created around us.  Don’t miss the absolutely intentional way that the Apostle John began his Gospel.

“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…

…9 That was the true Light,

which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 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.

14 And the Word

was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   Portions of John 1:1-14

Here we find Jesus as “The Word”’; let’s look at what we find out about Him in this simple passage, may you consider these truths and thank God for them, I do!!!

He was/is/and ever shall be:

              In the beginning—

              With God—

              Was God—

              In the beginning with God—

         ***All things were made by HIM—(Jesus is the “said”)***

              Without HIM was nothing made—

              In HIM was (/is/ever shall be) life—

              He, the life, was (is/ever shall be) the light of men—

              HE shines in the darkness—

              (but the darkness comprehended “it” not, still doesn’t)

              He is the true light…for all who will see—

              He came into this world—

                      Which He created—

                      His creation didn’t want to receive Him—

              He gives power to all who will receive HIM—

                      To become sons of God—

                      Births them–***

                             Not by blood—

                             Not by the will of the flesh—

                             Not by the will of man—

                             (except by The God/Man Jesus)

                             But BY GOD—

He became flesh and dwelt among us—sinful mankind—

He revealed God’s glory as The Only Begotten of God—

He was/is/ever shall be full of grace and truth—

“Thus saith God the LORD,

he that created the heavens,

and stretched them out;

he that spread forth the earth,

and that which cometh out of it;

he that giveth breath unto the people

upon it,

and spirit to them

that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5

“For thus saith the LORD

that created the heavens;

God himself

that formed the earth and made it;

he hath established it,

he created it not in vain,

he formed it to be inhabited:

I am the LORD;

and there is none else.”  Isaiah 45:18

God created all this beauty and made us stewards of it, to be sustained by it, and to bring glory to God in our stewardship and service to God, no matter our “occupation”.

I love God’s creation—the mountains, the oceans, the beaches, the trees, the clouds, the smiles, and laughter of children (of anyone really, but there’s nothing much more precious than a child’s pure laughter), the hands of a grandma or grandpa, a roaring fire, and snow!  I’ve gotten old enough, that I don’t look around much when I’m driving to avoid some of those lovely trees, and in Oklahoma, we don’t have any to spare, but I so love sunrises and sunsets, especially with a cup of tea.  May you spend some time today and each day thanking God for the beauty that He has made for us.  And of course, the most beautiful thing on this earth—the beauty of the cross on which Jesus died to save you and me.  I pray that you know Him, and if you don’t, you can; if His Spirit is speaking to your heart and revealing your sin to you, just call on HIM in repentance for your sin, and faith/believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you.  And if you already know Him, then let us all go serve the beautiful Lord Jesus with all we’ve got!  By His grace and to His glory—Paul says it’s what we’re created for!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

Amen and Amen!!!

The News Ain’t NEW??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #186

16 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Good News, Gospel, Nothing New, Now is the time...., One Day Too Late?, Perilous Times Are Here, Perseverance

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The News Ain’t NEW??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #186

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing under the sun.

10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said,

See, this is new?

it hath been

already of old time,

which was before us.”  Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

Just as Solomon reminded us in his wisdom, there is “no new thing under the sun”, we can go all the way back to Cain, who hated his brother because his brother followed and obeyed God and His truth, but Cain did it “his own way”, and became so angry when God rebuked him for it, that he rose up and killed his innocent and righteous brother—and my friends, it is still going on today.  The wicked rise us and accuse, persecute, and even kill God’s own, don’t be surprised or deceived thinking that we are immune.  As Paul said, “in the last days perilous time will come”, and my friend they’re here, we’re there, and we must draw near to Jesus that we may be able to “withstand in the evil day”!  Are you standing true?

“By faith

Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice

than Cain,

by which he obtained witness

that he was righteous,

God testifying of his gifts:

and by it he being dead

yet speaketh.”  Hebrews 11:4

Abel not only offered an acceptable sacrifice, but his righteousness spoke even after he was dead.  When we live for Jesus and have HIS righteousness applied to our heart and life, the world will see Jesus in and through our witness of His saving, transforming grace.  The question is, what do others see in me now, while I’m alive?  May we ever pursue His righteousness and reveal it to the world, knowing that it isn’t of me, but Him.

“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

I pray that we will heed the Word of God, and His Spirit speaking its truth to our heart and pressing us on to bring glory to God and draw others to the cross of Jesus, and His saving, cleaning blood.

“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.”  1 John 1:7-9

And lest we forget that we are called to examine ourselves to be sure that we truly belong to Jesus, the words of The Lord Jesus will remind us, that the foundation matters—if our faith isn’t built on the blood of the corner stone, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, or if we aren’t sure, we need to seek God’s face and ask Him to reveal our own heart to us.

“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 7:20-23

The “news” isn’t new, but just as it was back in the garden, the “liar” of all time (“that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”, See Revelation 12:9) is still lying and deceiving people, and if we miss Jesus, we’ve missed it all.  It doesn’t matter what your “sin” is, what matters is that you see your sin as sin, repent, and trust to and believe in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine on the cross!  That my friends IS the GOOD NEWS!    Come to Him today, or if you’re His already, live what you say you believe and possess!

“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

 It’s all about what Jesus did for me, how can I do less than give my all to Him, live for Him and stand for Him and His Word!

Amen and Amen!!!

Contentment Or Greed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #185

14 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Contentedness, Contentment, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Greed, Growing in Jesus!, Idolatry, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Laying up treasure in heaven

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Contentment Or Greed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #185

We live in a “grab it while you can” world, and it doesn’t even matter what you’re talking about; if I see it, if I want it, then I am “entitled” to it!  As I used to hear when I was young, “Taint necessarily so!”  Not good grammar but you get the point.  We have created at least two generations who have been brought up with this mentality, and we have forgotten that scripture says different, but then we have written scripture off as “fairy tales” rather than the truth of God!  It breaks my heart, so I simply want to share some truth from God’s Word that may remind us to reevaluate our ideas, our mindset, and our attitude toward material gain—or you could say material greed!

Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry to beware of the dangers of the “pursuit” of wealth rather than the “pursuit” of godliness.  While this is a bit of a lengthy passage, I pray that it will call us all to reassess our focus, our desires, and our stewardship, especially toward our Lord.

“If any man teach otherwise,

and consent not to wholesome words,

even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and to the doctrine which is according

to godliness;

4 He is proud,

knowing nothing,

but doting about questions

and strifes of words,

whereof cometh

envy,

strife,

railings,

evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings

of men of corrupt minds,

and destitute of the truth,

supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

6 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.

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation

and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction

and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God,

flee these things;

and follow after

righteousness,

godliness,

faith,

love,

patience,

meekness.”  1 Timothy 6:3-11

What is greed? Not just wanting what we don’t have, we can have desires that aren’t greed, but appreciation and desire to have beautiful things around us; but greed is setting up our desires as the “prime directive”, or in biblical terms, “idolatry”—making “my desires” being fulfilled the great goal and pursuit of our lives (and remember Paul didn’t say that money was evil, but “the love of money”—be careful what steals your “love”).  And often once we get it, we find that “all that glitters is not gold” (from William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice)!  For one of the saddest episodes in all of scripture, we can look to the story of Tamar, Absalom, and Amnon in 2 Samuel 13.  I would encourage you to spend some time in this story, for it contains some important lessons that we can all learn from.

Paul also wrote some things in regard to possessions and our regard for them—people, places, or things!  And in light of eternity and the fact that we will leave all of this world’s goods behind, it would seem that our focus ought to be heavenward and laying up treasure in heaven rather than totally focused on earthly things.

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,

then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;

fornication,

uncleanness,

inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence,

and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God

cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time,

when ye lived in them.” Colossians 3:4-7

The new life in Jesus is not to be a match to the life we lived in the flesh—as Paul also told the Galatians we are called to “walk in the Spirit…not the flesh”.  I just want to share some other scriptures for you to consider.  My words mean little without God’s own words to rely on, and base our life on.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.”                   Hebrews 12:1-2

And Jesus’ own admonition to us to be heavenly minded rather than earth bound, keeping our eyes on Jesus not our flesh, greed or earthly pleasures, and yes, there is “pleasure in sin for a season”—but that season is short-lived and the bill will come due, and we will never find it agreeable, for “sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay” (attributed to R. Zacharias).

“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.”  Matthew 6:19-21

So where’s your heart?  May we remember Paul’s simple words to Timothy:

       “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Amen and Amen!!!