Category Archives: A Call To Look Unto Jesus!

Trusting Or Worrying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #454

27 Wednesday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Faithful, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Peace of God, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Wonderful Counselor!, Worldliness

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Trusting Or Worrying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #454

I saw a post on something earlier this week, and I had to laugh but at the same time feel very sad at the truth of what I saw.  The writer had intended to write “prayer warriors”, but what was printed for all to see was sadly funny, it said “prayer worriers”!  Oh how true that often is of us as we pray!  We go to God but have little faith in The One to whom we are lifting our prayers!  I just want to share a bit today about real faith and trust in the God we claim to serve.

I’ll start with several verses from one of my favorite Psalms —and apropos to the world we live in; a world of faithlessness, compromise and self-will all around us, even in the church that claims the name of Jesus Christ ‘The Lord’ freely!

“1 Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity…

…7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Portions of Psalm 37:1-9

I find it interesting that in the last portion refers to those who “wait upon the LORD”, we most often think of that waiting, as referring to time; but I think it can also refer to those who ‘wait’, as in serving the King of Kings, rather than only seeking Him when we want to be served!  Food for thought —which are you/I?  But the main thought I want to consider is that our God does provide for us and has told us to call upon Him.  We are to trust to His care rather than fretting or getting angry!  Both things which are a frequent battle for me; how about you!  But there is a better way.

“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

We can have hope and joy knowing that our Lord Jesus has paid the price for our sin, and He was able to do that because He was the sinless Lamb of God who takes our sin away!  We just have to quit taking it up again.  John the baptizer recognized Him and proclaimed His person and His purpose.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man which is

preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

Very similar to the message that Joseph received before Jesus’ birth.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”   Matthew 1:21

You see, sin was, is and ever shall be the issue—we can pray in faith to The One who saves from sin, or go our own way being a “prayer worrier”.  Or we can come to Jesus in recognition of our sin, repenting of it and believing/trusting in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  It’s all because of the blood HE shed for me and you!  And when we come to Him, we are His and He keeps us in His care.  Paul gives us such a powerful call to trust and know Jesus’ care. We can have this confidence that Paul refers to in Jesus, and we can grow in trust and faith, by following the amazing instructions he gives us—one of my favorite reminders of how we are to order our steps!

“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.”   Philippians 4:4-8

And in closing a reminder that I come back to again and again; it’s about our God and His Son Jesus, not about me!

“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.”   Matthew 6:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

A Memorial Challenge??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #453

24 Sunday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Rejoice IN The Lord, Remember, Responding to God's call to share the Good news.

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A Memorial Challenge??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #453

 

As we take time to celebrate “Memorial Day” here in the US, I simply want to share a few things to consider as we think about remembering and honoring those who have not only gone on before us, but those who have given their service to our country (my father was one who gave during WWII, and was a Purple Heart recipient, who also gave over 21 years to the US Navy!) in the military services.

Living in a military community makes most around us here sensitive to the need to recognize and thank those who have given or are giving service to our nation. How sad that we often forget this in these perilous times.

Memorial:  something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc. as a monument or a holiday.

As we consider things this weekend, may we consider those who have sacrificed for our freedom—especially the many who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.  May we not abandon the old landmarks.

“Remove not the ancient landmark,

which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

he shall stand before kings…”.  Proverbs 22:28-29a

How sad that we as a nation are abandoning that which our parents and forefathers have set before us.  I pray that we will turn back to the God who blessed us with this freedom.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these

are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Notice that our founders declared that we are entitled to “the pursuit of Happiness”, NOT “Happiness”!  We are free to pursue success and prosperity, but not at the expense of others.  While God called ancient Israel to respect and preserve the “ancient landmark”, may we as Americans see the need to repent and return to God and His Word upon which this nation was founded (regardless of what people deny today!)!

As we seek to remember the sacrifice of others, may we more than anything, remember the sacrifice that the Lamb of God made for us on Calvary! What will you do with this “ancient landmark”—Jesus has paid the price for our sin and will save all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice!  May we consider just a few things as we spend time together remembering the past and the present blessings of our God.

       The goodness of God—always—

              For our family–

              For our friends—

              For real beauty—that which God has created

                      (rather than man’s pretense of beauty.)

                             Like a rose—

                             Like a sunset/sunrise–

                             Like a full moon—

                             Like a baby’s laugh–

                                    or joy in new accomplishments—

       The blessings of life—

       The Word of God—not only its truths of yesterday,

But its power to help us choose wisely today and tomorrow!

God please bless America to remember the landmarks!

Is Anything Wrong??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #450

13 Wednesday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Believe God?, Believing God's Words, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, Boldness without arrogance., Born Again, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Righteousness, Righteousness exalts a nation, Today is the day of Salvation, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Victory IN Jesus!, Walk in the Spirit, Walking by Faith or Sight?

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Is Anything Wrong???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #450

The subtitle of this post could be: A Yardstick, Biblically Speaking!  I would like to share some food for thought, as we look at our own lives, and the culture around us, especially in light of what God’s Word has to say!  God’s Word which should be the lodestar for the born again—for the church—for Chrisitan faith and practice; but it seems to seldom be what’s held up as right!  You decide, but please base your decision on what God has said, rather than what our culture is broadcasting as “truth”.

Let’s consider first today, what Jesus declared as truth.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,           

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”   Matthew 7:13-15

Jesus declared plainly that HE is the only right way to God.

“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

Jesus also made it clear that Satan is a liar and much of what we hear today, is straight out of hell!  As I often say, “Saying so doesn’t make it so!”  Only Jesus can make it so when we belong to Him, having been truly born again of The Holy Spirit of God—it ought to show it as we order our lives according to God’s Word not the world!  What’s your plumbline? (See John 1:10-13)

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:42-45

And what I believe to be one of Jesus’ most concise descriptions of truth also comes from the Gospel of Matthew.  Please consider it carefully—and yes, I go to this passage often for good cause; Jesus said it, and we need to hear it!  May we heed its truth; which gate are you choosing?

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7 :19-23

When will we realize that we are called to live like the redeemed; after all it was Jesus’ blood which purchased our forgiveness and pardon of our sin.  Will you trample His blood, or will you withstand in this evil day holding to His Word as God grants us grace and wisdom to follow Him!

“To the praise of the glory of his grace,

wherein he hath made us accepted

in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us

in all wisdom and prudence;” Ephesians 1:6-8

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

‘13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:12-14

Are you ready to stand before Him?

“And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps, and golden vials

full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign

on the earth.”  Revelation5:8-10

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

Now is come salvation,

and strength,

and the kingdom of our God,

and the power of his Christ:

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,

which accused them before our God

day and night.

11 And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.” Revelation 12:10-11

What are we loving more than Jesus and His Word?  Peter calls us to live holy lives!  Would that describe you and I today?  Right now?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:13-19

And I’d like to close this article with some hard scriptures that we don’t like to talk about today; mainly, I think, because we have chosen to abandon the truth which they contain—for ourselves, for our children and those closest to us.  We would rather condone bad and sinful behavior than take a stand for righteousness and be ridiculed and/or rejected by those we love and admire.  Give it some thought.

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:4-6

Whom or what are you afraid of in this world?

“Know ye not that

the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but ye are washed,

but ye are sanctified,

 but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God…

…. 19 What? know ye not

that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.” Portions of 1 Corinthians 6:9-20

My heart is heavy, and I pray that you will hear the voice of Jesus as He speaks His truth to your heart and mine.  May we be found faithful servants and not those imitators who will hear, “depart from me, I never knew you…”! (Don’t miss the “such were some of you, but…”!  When Jesus saves and redeems us, we are never the same!  Who’s your Father?

Remember, “…ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”  Numbers 32;23

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s In My Hand??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #449

11 Monday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Dare To Be Different!, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's got you and me!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's measure isn't ours, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Instruction, Godly Wisdom, Rock-It Science, Running The Race!, Salvation

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What’s In My Hand???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #449

I’ve been reading about David this week, and I couldn’t help but think about myself; we all face giants, but what do we have in our hand?  We can be like David and pick up the tool that he was familiar with—a simple sling—or we can try to come up with elaborate defenses and devices to face our problems, or we can be like David, who refused the professional armor of the king and trusted to his God instead!

“And he took his staff in his hand,

and chose him five smooth stones

out of the brook,

and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had,

even in a scrip;

and his sling was in his hand:

and he drew near to the Philistine.

41 And the Philistine came on

and drew near unto David;

and the man that bare the shield

went before him.

42 And when the Philistine looked about,

and saw David,

he disdained him:

for he was but a youth, and ruddy,

and of a fair countenance.

43 And the Philistine said unto David,

Am I a dog,

that thou comest to me with staves?

And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44 And the Philistine said to David,

Come to me,

and I will give thy flesh

unto the fowls of the air,

and to the beasts of the field.

45 Then said David to the Philistine,

Thou comest to me

with a sword,

and with a spear,

and with a shield:

but I come to thee

in the name of the LORD of hosts,

 the God of the armies of Israel,

whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the LORD deliver thee

into mine hand;

and I will smite thee,

and take thine head from thee;

and I will give the carcases

of the host of the Philistines this day

unto the fowls of the air,

and to the wild beasts

of the earth;

that all the earth may know

that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know

that the LORD saveth

not with sword and spear:

for the battle is the LORD’S,

and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:40-47

Oh that we could learn to remember that “the battle is the LORD’S”; that our Father is The totally sovereign Lord God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ who paid the debt for our sin and is working all things to the good of those who are His own, who are the blood bought, born again children of God.

“…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”.Portions of Romans 8:28-29

Will we be like David and leave the victory to The Lord!  It’s so hard sometimes to trust God in the dark, to let God conform us into “the image of his Son” by whatever means HE sees fit.  David went in faith; he used the weapon that God had taught him to use and had blessed in the past.  He didn’t trust to his own wisdom, but in the value and power “in the name of the LORD of hosts”!  He didn’t trust in the king’s armor, but in his Lord God of hosts!  What are you trying to use in your own defense—intelligence, power, position, consorts, or even using the “name of the LORD of hosts” without knowing HIM!  We must have a close and intimate relationship with God, and that only comes with the new birth, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is imparted by Jesus to everyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our personal sin!  Just claiming His name isn’t enough, we must belong to Him by being born again (See John 3:6-19)!  What stones do you have in your hand?  Rocks of offense, or stones of trust in the Savior to guide your/our every step? Jesus makes it clear that it’s our choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  Will you accept His invitation or reject the only hope of salvation and heaven!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

thou that killest the prophets,

and stonest them which are sent unto thee,

how often would I have gathered

thy children together,

even as a hen gathereth her chickens

under her wings,

and ye would not!

38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:37-38

And His invitation is still open—but it won’t always be!

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith…” Revelation 3:20-22

What’s in your hand?  Self?  Ambition? Greed? Popularity? Or the Gospel, for yourself and as you are born again, to share with the world God places before you?  What’s your Goliath?  Will you give it all to Jesus or go your own way?  I pray that you will join me and Job, in proclaiming our total dependence on God, even when we don’t understand—still will I trust HIM even in the pain, sorrow and uncertainty!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite

shall not come before him.” Job 13:15-16

And in closing Jesus’ own words; you decide!

“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

And one final word from Job—Is Jesus our rock? Our sustenance? My necessary food –the Words of life?

“Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”  Job 23:12

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Your Truth True??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #447

02 Saturday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Almost But Lost, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Word, Though HE slay me--still will I trust HIM, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter, Worldliness

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Is Your Truth True???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #447

 

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:5-6

Thomas asked how to get to the place which Jesus declared that He was preparing.  Jesus answered with the most concise and enlightening declaration of truth in practically all of scripture.  I want to call each of us to examine what we are choosing to claim as truth.  We hear so much on every hand that truth is left up to each person’s creation!  That is just not true.  Jesus wrestled with the lack of understanding with the very people that God had chosen for His own; yet they had come up with their own version of truth—the main reason that they failed to recognize their Messiah, and that Jesus was that One and only “Way” to The Father, salvation and heaven!  What have you chosen, in fact what are you choosing this very day—in reality what you are choosing each and every day!  Jesus made even more declarations about truth.

“I have many things to say and to judge of you:

but he that sent me is true;

and I speak to the world those things

which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not

that he spake to them of the Father.

28 Then said Jesus unto them,

When ye have lifted up the Son of man,

then shall ye know that I am he,

and that I do nothing of myself;

but as my Father hath taught me,

I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me

is with me:

the Father hath not left me alone;

for I do always

those things that please him.

30 As he spake these words,

many believed on him.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews

which believed on him,

If ye continue in my word,

then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”   John 8:26-32

Jesus proclaimed Himself to be of The One who “sent” Him, and that He did all that pleased the Father.  Oh how replete with truth the Gospel of John is!  Jesus told the Pharisee Nicodemus the truth of the love of God—Jesus IS the love of God and His truth!  And before we look at that great passage in John 3, let’s look at some clear revelations of what God expects of us and Jesus (as The Son of God) as well.)

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth

and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.”  John 8:42

Jesus came from God!  He is God!  And His Word IS truth!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him

was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

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

And Jesus proclamation of truth in John 3, He came to be lifted up—to die—that we might live by His sacrifice!

“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.

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 3:14-19

Jesus IS God—the same God that was “In the beginning…” of Genesis 1!  The creator, the redeemer and savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith and trust in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  Jesus also made it clear that when we are born again into Him, we are to share the love that we have received from HIM!  And while it’s kind of popular today to talk about “love like Jesus”, I don’t see much love that is born again to the same kind of love that Jesus expressed—truth, even when it was not received; courage, doing what God has called us to, regardless of the response of the world; grace without perversion (especially perversion of God’s Word to accommodate the world around us—making Christianity palatable is totally not biblical…); holiness—letting the righteousness of God shine through us as Paul calls us to.

“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

Is the righteousness and holiness of Jesus seen in you—or are you claiming the name of Jesus without ever receiving His holiness and righteousness as Paul describes above? Have you been made a new creature in Christ, or have you just tagged His name onto your lifestyle, goals and worldliness?  Jesus spoke truth to the crowds in Israel, and it still stands fast today; not a popular message but truth!!!  And Jesus IS truth.  What truth are you counting on?  Jesus and His Word, or your own version of truth—a supposed truth that makes whatever is popular ok—as it is said, “If it feels good, just do it.”  Let’s measure that against what Jesus actually said. (A lengthy passage but a necessary one.)

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth

not forth good fruit is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:13-23

What will Jesus say to you, enter in? Or depart from me? It’s your call but choose wisely there is a test! Jesus knows those who are His!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his. And,

Let every one that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Amen and Amen!!!