Author Archives: Blanche

YOU Can Make A Difference??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Encouragement, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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YOU Can Make A Difference???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

“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

With all the strife, chaos, deceptions, and uncertainty around us, I just want us to take a look at what we can do right where we are, by the power of the cross—the power of Jesus’ blood and HIS saving power.  Let’s consider some of God’s truths today that I pray will encourage your heart and move each of us to do that which God has saved us to do.  One of my favorite verses which I often recite to myself, says that we are to live “peaceably” with all men, yet Paul made one of the greatest caveats in all of scripture; it is one that has brought great encouragement and wisdom to my heart in many places and circumstances, “as much as lieth in you…”, reminds us that we aren’t always in control and there are people with whom you can’t have peace—simply because they don’t desire peace, for they are disrupters.  There are those people who don’t want peace but stir the pot intentionally for the seeming pleasure they find in creating turmoil.  We don’t have to interact with them; I’ve often taught and shared with others that there are those that we just need to avoid having encounters with as much as possible.  It’s ok, no, it’s way more than ok, it’s often the best choice for real peace—just walk away graciously but walk away.  Consider this when those ‘irritants’ come your way, don’t get mad and engage, rather, get ‘moving’—with grace and dignity, but move on!

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire

on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:18-21

Let’s also consider Jesus’ own advice!  Oh, that I can learn (and practice) to do this better.

“Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you…

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”                       Matthew 5:9-12 & 16

I don’t think that Jesus is talking simply about political peace in our circumstances, although there are great people who do that, but there’s also a different kind of “peace” maker.  Paul shows us that our job is more importantly, to help people find the “Prince of Peace”, so they can truly know, have, and share “Peace” as‘the children of God’!

“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.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died

for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:1-6

I pray that these passages will bring you encouragement to go “about doing good” by the power of The Lord Jesus; and whether you are in the work force encountering people daily, face-to-face or at home full time, you can share peace, love, and joy as you converse, or send out cards, or prayer texts, or calls to those around you, or praying for those God brings to your heart and mind—let’s just share The Truth, JESUS, who gives peace, real peace!  May we share HIM at every opportunity, in whatever ways God may open before us.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters

according to the flesh,

with fear and trembling,

in singleness of your heart,

as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;

but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service,

as to the Lord,

and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing

any man doeth,

the same shall he receive of the Lord,

whether he be bond or free.”  Ephesians 6:5-8

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. Galatians 6:7

Amen & Amen!!!

The Cross Or The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #173

07 Sunday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Cross, Crucified With Christ, No man can serve two masters!, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Overcoming By His Blood, The Cross or the world?

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The Cross Or The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #173

 

Two questions for today, “Do you see the cross through the world’s eyes?” or “Do you see the world through the The Cross?”?  We live in a culture that implies, if not saying it right out, that we can serve/love/follow Jesus and the world at the same time; Jesus said otherwise.  Whom will we choose to believe?  While this passage is a lengthy one, I think it necessary to help us see the real answer to the questions.

“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.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life more than meat,

and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air:

for they sow not,

neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought

can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought

for raiment?

Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow;

they toil not,

neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven,

shall he not much more

clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

31 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 6:24-34

May we consider what Jesus is telling us, and let it sink in so that we may assess our lives according to God’s Word, not man’s—knowing that our decisions have eternal consequence.  Another thing I would like us to consider is also a message from Jesus, found in His letter to the church at Laodicea.  In my words I see this as what I have often referred to as, “Saying so doesn’t make it so!”

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith

the Amen,

the faithful and true witness,

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works,

that thou art neither cold nor hot:

I would thou wert

cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither cold nor hot,

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me

gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes

with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.”  Revelation 3:14-18

Consider what Jesus tells this “church”—not the lost and dying world, but those who were claiming His name, yet seem to be leaving Him out of their salvation, their priorities, and their lives (they seem to think they have saved themselves—like many churches today maybe—maybe the American church?).  I encourage you to consider what Jesus says above and then to consider this picture of a church that thinks they “have it all” and “need nothing”—how many Christians are living this “mantra” today!  It seems to me that Jesus’ call to this “church” to “buy of me” is an indication that they have tried to “buy” salvation their own way, saying, ‘I claim’ Jesus and therefore, I have no other need—grace is my ‘scapegoat’ to justify me in the eyes of the world—but perhaps not in the eyes of God, especially considering Matthew 6.  You decide?

What are you claiming?  Who are you following?  Where is your confidence?  Is it in the “blood of Jesus that cleanseth us from all SIN” (emphasis mine) or yourself, and your self-sufficiency—whether it be money, power, position, fame, influence, station in life, politics, ‘religion’, family connections, education…. you fill in your ‘blank’ and compare it to what Jesus said.

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God…

…. 5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into

the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  Portions of John 3:3-7

I close with this passage that reverberates with truth that we need to heed.  Have you been ‘born…of God’?

“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 1:12-13

That is the question.  What is your answer?  If it’s not Jesus’ blood, you might want to reconsider.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test—and it may be coming soon!

Amen and Amen!!!

From An Enemy To A Son??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #172

03 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Christ IN YOU, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Now is the time...., Obedience, One Day Too Late?, Only One Way, SIN, Sin IS the issue, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!

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From An Enemy To A Son???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #172

 

With wars raging all around the world, and the political crises all around us here at home, I just want to start this new year off with a reminder for us all, that when we belong to Jesus, when we have been born again by the “blood of the Lamb” who died that we might have life—eternal life—abundant life.  Yet not just life, for we are made sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin!

“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

Sin IS the issue, and while it’s not a very popular topic today, it is still the truth, and Paul states it so concisely (which I seldom can 😊) that I want us to see how amazing God’s love, mercy, and grace are toward us, to extend this gift to us, pursuing us while most of us were clearly running from HIM!  I’m so glad that I finally “ran” right into HIS arms when HE spoke so clearly to my heart that day so long ago, but as fresh as yesterday!

“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. 3

And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 5:1-11

How grateful I am for Paul’s calling and gifts, for he left us so much truth, and it is such a powerful truth here, to remind us that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”!!! Praise God—Praise God—Praise God–“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”! (2 Corinthians 9:15).  Have you thanked God for saving you?  If you know HIM, how could you not continually thank HIM?  If you don’t know JESUS you can; it’s why HE came—to save, to redeem, to transform sinners into saints!  He will transform your life if you’ll but let HIM!  And we who are already HIS need to remember this too!

“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;” Romans 12:1-3

How, might you ask?  It’s pretty simple—not easy—but simple, I’ll let the Apostle Peter’s words speak.

“Likewise,

ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 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.”  1 Peter 5:5-7.

And the Apostle John has some great wisdom for us today, even as he wrote to the church so long ago.

“Behold,

what manner of love the Father hath bestowed

upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God:

therefore the world knoweth us not,

because it knew him not.

2 Beloved,

now are we the sons of God,

and it doth not yet appear

what we shall be:

but we know that,

when he shall appear,

we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself,

even as he is pure.”  1 John 3:1-3

My friends, in this beginning of a new year, won’t you invite Jesus to search your heart, and receive Him either as your Lord and Savior, or hear His voice of conviction and restore HIM to the throne of your heart and life.  May God’s insight, truth, and blessings rest upon your choices!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

And a final word from James, to remind us of the difficulty of the battle—but IN JESUS, we win!  But we are in enemy territory and the battle is real.

“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 4:5-8

Amen and Amen!!!

Your Momma Ain’t Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #171

31 Sunday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Come to Jesus, Eternal Consequences, Eternal Plan of God, Every Knee Shall Bow, Holy Spirit, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Samuel & Eli, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, SIN, Sin IS the issue, There IS a Test!, Whose Sheep are You?, Whose Side Are You On?, You can't get yesterday back!, Your Day?, Your Momma Ain't Enough

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Your Momma Ain’t Enough???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #171

I have a rather brief, but important word for the New Year, as we bid 2023 farewell, adieu, good-bye; but for sure we can’t say “see you later”!  That which is passed will be the past at midnight tonight, so to speak; what have you done with this year?  What will you do with the next 366 (it’s leap year) days?  But even more important than that question is this one, “What have you done with, for and through Jesus in 2023?”  Do you even know HIM?  Have you come to Jesus in repentance of your sin, and trusting in/believing in HIS payment for your sin and mine on that cross at Calvary?

Has your faith been put in Jesus in humble turning from your sin to receive HIS righteousness?  It’s all that matters in the end.

“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

Jesus paid the price for sin, by taking on all sin, for HE had no sin, yet HE died for my sin and yours, that we might receive HIS righteousness and be able to stand before HOLY GOD ALMIGHTY!  But please hear me, it’s YOUR choice—you must decide, and your decision will set your eternal destiny—heaven with Jesus, or hell without HIM!  It’s your choice—your mother or father can’t save you; grandma/grandpa can’t save you, your preacher, your best friend, your spouse (no matter how much they love you) can never come to Jesus for YOU!  So, I beseech you to come to Jesus today, while there is still a today!  Come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin. Bow before HIM today while He’s still calling you to grace and not judgment!  You’ll face one or the other!  You make the choice, but the consequence has already been set. (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

If you hear HIS voice calling you, don’t turn HIM away, but heed the Holy Spirit’s work in your heart.  You’re the only one who can!

“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 1:12-13

 Please come to Jesus—make 2024 your New Life New Year.  I’m praying that you will hear Jesus today, whether He is calling you to salvation or restoration from a stumbling.  HE loves you!!!

“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

Catch you next year, Lord willing!!!

 Amen and Amen!!!

Hail And Farewell Challenge??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #170

29 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Living In My Season, Living TODAY!, Press ON!, Pursuing Excellence?, TODAY, Today and Forever, Today And Tomorrow, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Tomorrow

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Hail And Farewell Challenge???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #170

 

My father was a Navy veteran and my “little” brother (he’ll appreciate that, even though he prefers to use the term “younger” brother, for he is younger than me, and always will be…ha ha ha) was in the Army, as well as my brother-in-law, a Vietnam veteran.  So you can see the military has always been a big part of our family; and in the military, when there is a change of command there is a “Hail and Farewell” ceremony of some sort, to bid ‘farewell’ to the departing leader, and ‘hail’ (welcome and salute) to the incoming leader.  As we approach the New Year, we here at our house bid you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Well, you may be saying, Christmas is past, and New Year’s not here; but that’s the point I want us to see and understand, that we who are followers of JESUS celebrate Him and His arrival every day of the year!  I do!  How about you?  What do I mean?  I mean we are called to say farewell to the past failures and even our successes—for they are of yesterday, and we are called to live in the “today”.  Jesus said it Himself when He told us how we ought to pray, and part of that prayer says clearly, “Give us this day….”; but I think sometimes we are so focused on “bread” that we seem to forget that God is talking about life as well as “bread”!  We are to live and focus on today, and let the past be just that— “Passed” (memories to cherish but just that—memories!)!

Paul gives an amazing picture of this in his letter to the Philippians, and I’ll simply let Paul speak this truth!  I pray that each of you have an amazing day today…and today…and today into and through the New Year.  May you lay your regrets, sorrows, confusions, hurt feelings, successes, and whatever else may be a lingering hindrance to living “today” for Jesus.  We have an amazing Lord and Savior who is totally sufficient to meet our every need—whether it’s a ‘hail’ or a ‘farewell’!  Today is a gift given by God to you and me, let’s commit to use each day ‘today’, leaving our regrets before the ‘throne of grace’ (See Hebrews 4:15-16) and our successes at Jesus feet.  God has promised that HE is ever at work conforming His own “into the image of His son” (See Romans 8:28-29), and I’m convinced that God always does good work, even (if not especially) when we mess up, HE said HE would, and HE has proven Himself faithful in my life, and the lives of so many.  Look up my friends, not around at a lost and dying world who needs Jesus, but up to your Father and His Son Jesus who is ever interceding for us to be HIS hands and feet to those lost and dying around us.

“Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

 who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.”  Romans 8:34

So, let’s march confidently into each day—now and into the New Year (so called, for they’ve been coming and going since God set creation in place!  But that’s a study for another time!)!  Here’s Paul’s admonition and encouragement for each of us, “press on”!

“Yea doubtless,

and I count all things but loss

for the excellency of the knowledge

of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss

of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through

the faith of Christ,

the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable unto his death; …

13 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.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, (mature)

be thus minded:

and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,

let us walk by the same rule,

let us mind the same thing.”  Portions of Philippians 3:8-16

And if I might borrow Paul’s words of conclusion to this part of his call to the Philippian believers, may we be found faithfully standing “fast in the Lord”!  The prayer of my heart is that Jesus will find us so standing when He comes for us or when we go to HIM!  Ready or not here HE comes!

“Therefore,

my brethren dearly beloved

and longed for,

my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord,

my dearly beloved.”  Philippians 4:1

May the blessings of God rain down on you, and your eyes, heart and mind be open to receive them, praising God for them all!

Amen and Amen!!!