Category Archives: A Father’s Love

A Mother’s Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #91

14 Sunday May 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Motherly Wisdom, Mothers, My Grace Is Sufficient

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A Mother’s Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #91

I’m going to take a little bit of a different take on the post for today, and whether it turns out short or long, there are some things I want to share from my heart–the heart of a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a neighbor, a Bible teacher as well as a learner; but today I’d like to share some of my own perspective of what I see around me.  What I see in the world around me, in my community, in my own family; while God gave every person the right to choose, we seem to have forgotten God’s admonition to us all.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

It is your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  And the standard is God and HIS WORD!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”                      Hebrews 4:12-13

We will all give an account, and we can choose to walk our own way or God’s way, but there is a difference, and it is seen from the inside out.  Jesus makes that real clear!

“A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word

that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.”   Matthew 12:35-36

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed evil thoughts,

murders, adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

And before we return to the words of Jesus, I’d like us to consider the message of James–And if there was ever a message to a people, a people who like to talk about Jesus but then use language more suited to the gutter than civil conversation; a people who talk about loving Jesus and live in sin, immorality, greed, self-destructive habits, dis-regard for life, righteousness, and mostly the God who reigns on HIS Throne!  I’m not throwing rocks, but I am hoping that God can use this message to call people to repentance, to call the lost to repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin; to call His own to holy living rather than being influenced by the corruption of this world which is leading men, women, boys and girls (and yes there is a difference between ‘girls’ and ‘boys’–God created it and HE hasn’t changed HIS mind or the rules!) straight to hell! !  I many will just stop right here and say I’m old-fashioned, and YES, I thank God I am!  If ‘old-fashioned’ means living God’s way and not the world’s; if it means refusing to use words and phrases that are crude and lude; if it means being respectful of others while refusing to compromise my own personal convictions; if it means trying to live with the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ before the world rather than the lusts of this fleshly world.  James says it better than I could!

“But the tongue can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree,

my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation

his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have

bitter envying

and strife

in your hearts,

glory not,

and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above,

but is earthly,

sensual,

devilish.”  James 3:8-14

And in closing, I leave you with the call of Jesus to examine your heart, and please come to HIM in repentance and faith if you don’t know HIM, or in repentance and restoration if you have already been born again.  The days are drawing close to HIS return, I pray that you will be ready.

“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

I pray that you will examine your heart and your mouth–you are influencing someone today!  And I thank God for the privilege of being a mother, and I hope you hear the heart of this mother calling you to come to Jesus either for salvation, if you are lost in sin, or for cleansing and restoration to HIS service if you are HIS own! I pray that all of you know or will come to know the Father of Heaven who loves you so much that:

“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.”  John 3:16

Amen and Amen!!!

What Are YOU Hungry For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #90

07 Sunday May 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Be ye doers of the Word, Be ye DOERS of the word NOT hearers only, Beatitudes, BEattitudes, Hunger for righteousness, Hungry for The Word, What are you hungry for?

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What Are YOU Hungry For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #90

I was raised in a family that loves to eat–it’s kind of the family joke that it’s in our “genes”, and that’s why we often don’t fit into our “jeans” (and my sister or I don’t’ even wear jeans!!ha ha)!  But the point is we like good food; and probably you do too, but my question isn’t really about cuisine–but something else!

“Blessed are they

which do hunger

and thirst

after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.”   Matthew 5:6

 We talked recently about the “be-attitudes”, and this is one of them–our attitude, our appetites, and our affinities are to be ‘grounded’ in Jesus!  Scripture is replete with instructions about setting our “attitudes” IN, ON, WITH, FOR, AND THROUGH Jesus, His Word, and HIS ways!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.”   Colossians 3:1-2, 14-15

We are called to “seek those things which are above”–as Jesus said, “hunger and thirst after righteousness”! We are to have our appetites set on the spiritually healthy things–Jesus!  Are you letting the junk food of the world ruin your appetite!  Just as we don’t let our children fill up on ice cream or candy just before we have a nutritious meal prepared, we are to guard our hearts and minds to keep our attitudes, our appetites, and our affinities set on Jesus!

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is a great place to set our sights, for ourselves as well as to pray for our loved ones!

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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:

15 Who is the image

of the invisible God,

the firstborn

of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him

all things consist.”   Colossians 1:9-17

I have some homework for you this week; I encourage you to take each phrase of this passage in Colossians 1, and pray it before God and ask HIM how you need to apply it to your life–today…today…today and each today before you, right where you are!  May we each grow in grace and dependence upon Christ and HIS righteousness!

“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 5:21

Amen and Amen!!!

Peace With The Past??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #87

23 Sunday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Peace, Peace of God, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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Peace With The Past???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #87

“Who is a God like unto thee,

that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression

of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again,

he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins

into the depths of the sea.”  Micah 7:18-19

Paul tells us in the letter to the believers at Rome that our peace is in, from, and through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice; it is that which Jesus did for us!

“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.”  Romans 5:1-2

We have peace with God because of what Jesus did at Calvary!  No other way–No other One– could have paid for our sin but the ‘sinless’ Son of God!  And because of that, peace with God and the forgiveness of our sin, we can have peace within ourselves, when we walk in the work that Jesus did for us, within us and will do through us when we yield ourselves to His Spirit working within us. Not, I have to say when we learn (as is so popularly touted today) to “love ourselves”!  We are to love God and rely upon HIS faithful work within us, receiving the forgiveness and cleansing that HE promised to us when we but agree with God about our need for forgiveness (yes, believers need forgiveness every day!)!  John makes that very clear talking to believers!

“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.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

Because we are forgiven, we can trust God with our past, present, and future; and we don’t have to writhe in the guilt and shame that Satan tries to heap upon our heads, especially for the sins that Jesus has forgiven–and that would be all of them!

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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 1:9-14

Forgiveness of SINS–God forgives our sins–when we are born again by the blood of Jesus–when we are “delivered…from the power of darkness” and are “translated… into the kingdom of HIS dear Son”!  God said it–Jesus did it–and you can have it!  Paul goes on in his letter to the Roman believers to assure us of our place before God, and our freedom to stand without condemnation–not people’s, not Satan’s and NO, not even our own heart and mind!  When we know God’s truth we can stand in confidence of our state before God!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

hath made me free

from the law of sin and death…

…. 37 Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                      Romans 8:1-2 & 37-39

This new life is in Jesus and He describes it better than I could:

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.”  John 10:9-10

 So, in conclusion, I would like to encourage you to remember that your confidence is in The One who gave HIS life for yours!  His forgiveness places your sin at the bottom of the sea, and as Corrie Ten Boom used to say, “He puts up a ‘no fishin’ sign!”  So stand fast in the evil day and don’t let Satan or people cause you to doubt the scope of the forgiveness that Jesus provided at Calvary!  If you belong to Jesus, you are forgiven and no matter the ’unforgiveness of others’, your place is secure, and you can stand fast in JESUS!

“To open their eyes,

and to turn them

from darkness

to light,

and from the power of Satan

unto God,

that they may receive forgiveness

of sins,

and inheritance

among them which are sanctified

by faith that is in me.”  Acts 26:18

“I write unto you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven you

for his name’s sake.”  1 John 2:12

Jesus sums it all up:

“When Jesus had lifted up himself,

and saw none but the woman, he said unto her,

Woman, where are those thine accusers?

hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord.

And Jesus said unto her,

Neither do I condemn thee:

go, and sin no more.”  John 8:10-11

 I’m forgiven, how about you?  Amen and Amen!!!

The Famine Is Here??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #85

16 Sunday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Born Again, Conviction, Famine, Filled With His Spirit, Holy Spirit

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The Famine Is Here???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #85

Famine: extreme and general scarcity of food…extreme hunger or starvation…. (I want us to consider this spiritually).

“Shall not the land tremble for this,

and every one mourn

that dwelleth therein?

and it shall rise up wholly

as a flood;

and it shall be cast out

and drowned,

as by the flood of Egypt.

9 And it shall come to pass in that day,

saith the Lord GOD,

that I will cause the sun to go down at noon,

and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

10 And I will turn your feasts into mourning,

and all your songs into lamentation;

and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins,

and baldness upon every head;

and I will make it as the mourning

of an only son,

and the end thereof

as a bitter day.

11 Behold, the days come,

saith the Lord GOD,

that I will send a famine in the land,

not a famine of bread,

nor a thirst for water,

but of hearing the words of the LORD:

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea,

and from the north even to the east,

they shall run to and fro

to seek the word of the LORD,

and shall not find it.”  Amos 8:8-12

Amos’ message to Israel was a call to repent (although in context, his message was to all the surrounding nations, as well as Israel and Judah) and that for those who refuse to heed God’s message a day will come when they desire God and won’t be able to find HIM or HIS WORD!  Jesus made a statement about coming to Him that most are unaware of or choose to disregard His message–a dual edged message for all, that people can only come to God by the call and revealing of the Holy Spirit of 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

“And this is the will of him

that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.

41 The Jews then murmured at him,

because he said,

I am the bread

which came down from heaven.

42 And they said,

Is not this Jesus,

the son of Joseph,

whose father and mother we know?

how is it then that he saith,

I came down from heaven?

43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:40-44

There is a time to hear and respond to God’s call, but HE will not always be calling; will you hear when Jesus knocks at your door, or will you turn HIM away?

“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

Paul gave us a warning as he reminded the Thessalonian believers of the time of judgment, which is immanent, I think!

“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you,

I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth

that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity

doth already work:

only he who now letteth will let,

until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming

is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”   2 Thessalonians 2:5-12

Will you seek God while He is calling you?  Will you receive “the love of the truth, that they might be saved”?  Or will you be one who will be sent the “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”?  Instead of eternal life through Jesus, will you be left with the consequences of not choosing Jesus that:“they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”?  Where are you finding your pleasure?  Are you seeking to hear and know truth, or are you going the way of worldly and fleshly pleasure, and missing the opportunity of salvation?

“But with whom was he grieved forty years?

was it not with them that had sinned,

whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

18 And to whom sware he

that they should not enter into his rest,

but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in

because of unbelief.”  Hebrews 3:17-19

I don’t mean to be harsh or unkind, but my friends, the days grow short, and the time of Jesus’ return is at hand–and I want you to join me then!  Don’t starve spiritually!

Amen and Amen!!!

Got Any BE’s??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

14 Friday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Ask God For Wisdom, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Beatitudes, BEattitudes, Busy Bees, Change your attitude, Jesus call

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Got Any BE’s???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

We’re going to spend some time this morning being a “biblical apiary” — looking for the “BE’s” from God’s Word so that we may be found faithful “busy bees” when our Lord returns!

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face

in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed

in his deed.”  James 1:22-25

We can choose to “BE” a doer of God’s work or as James says, or forgetful “hearers only.”  Oh, to choose Jesus, HIS Word, and God’s ways is a joy to my soul!  How about you?  Are you “Being” so God can work through your ‘doing’, or have you been so distracted by the world that you have forgotten what “God’s mirror of HIS WORD” reveals?  It takes commitment, devotion, and the power of The Holy Spirit to be and then to DO, but it’s our call, our command, and can be our joy and delight!  The choice is yours and mine, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“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 15:57-58

I’d like to close with my version of the ‘Beatitudes’, which I call the “BEattitudes”, and a practical application from Paul!  I hope it will encourage you today.

“And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are

the poor in spirit:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4

Blessed are

they that mourn:

for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are

the meek:

for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are

they which do hunger and thirst

after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are

the merciful:

for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are

the pure in heart:

for they shall see God.

9 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.”  Matthew 5:2-10

BE ‘poor in spirit’–

those who see their abject poverty to pay for sin

and turn to Jesus.

BE ‘mourners’–

       Those who grieve over the things that grieve God.

BE ‘meek’–

       Those who aren’t weak but have yielded to God’s power!

BE ‘hungry and thirsty for righteousness’–

Those who are always wanting more of JESUS, His WORD

       And HIS ways.

BE ‘merciful’–

Those who recognize the needs of others and meet them as they are able       and directed by The Spirit (whether they deserve it or not, in our view!).

BE ‘pure in heart’–

       Those who have been washed in the blood,

and keep a guard on their heart, mind, and mouth!

BE ‘peacemakers’–

Those who help other receive the “peace of God through

Jesus” and maintain the “peace of God” in their walk.

BE aware and ready to receive ‘persecution for righteousness’–

Those who don’t ‘go along to get along’, but speak the truth                           in love and without fear.

And Paul’s wise advice:

“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 4:8.

Amen and Amen!!!