Category Archives: A Father’s Love

Redemption Or Rehearsal??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #194

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Contentedness, Contentment, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Greed, Green pastures, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, I will lift up mine eyes, Inspiring Others, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory

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Redemption Or Rehearsal??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #194

 

We live in a culture of “rehearsal”, in my opinion!  What do I mean?  Well, people are practicing to be someone else, to get to somewhere else, to work up to some other level of accomplishment, to be the fastest, the prettiest (and these days that is a totally subjective thing), the richest, the best, the most popular, the one with the most toys, awards, money, media presence, time in the spotlight, and of course most are working to get to heaven.  So, people rehearse for the role they have chosen.  I miss the days when you could just be “you” and take the ups with the downs; a day when friends loved you with or without the warts; a day when truth was more important than illusion, or facade, or performance, or “imitation anything”.  Jesus calls us to follow HIM, not the world, no matter the call of the glitter or the glamour.

One of the things that Jesus repeated over and over was and is the call to “follow me”; what followed may have varied, from person to person, but the call was to “follow” Jesus; so let’s consider a few of those calls.

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,

Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

casting a net into the sea:

for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them,

Follow me,

and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And

they straightway left their nets,

and followed him.  

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren,

James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,

in a ship with Zebedee their father,

mending their nets;

and he called them.

22 And

they immediately left the ship and their father,

and followed him.”  Matthew 4:18-22

“And he that taketh not his cross,

and followeth after me,

is not worthy of me.”  Matthew 10:38

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

In “Blanche’s Paraphrase”, you can’t rehearse your way into heaven!  There is only “One Way” to heaven and His name is Jesus; and only when we answer His call to salvation can we truly have abundant life, clear direction, and eternal life.  You can never make your own way, or rehearse to “be” good enough, rich enough, powerful enough, or successful enough to make your way into the “heaven awards”!

Paul has a lot to say about following Jesus as well.  Oh, that I had learned to follow HIM more closely and not been caught up in the rehearsal of the world!  How about you?  Have you been distracted from following Jesus by the world’s glitter—it’s a lie and not truth.  We must draw close to our Lord and Savior to know truth, seeking HIM in HIS WORD!  Help us Jesus, to hear your voice and draw nearer to You!

“Be ye followers of me,

even as I also am of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul gave a great word of encouragement and challenge to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, from which we can learn a lot, if we will but take heed and examine ourselves rightly.

“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 6:6-11

Contentment is almost a lost virtue, will we learn to be content rather than greedy (and yes, we all are afflicted with the ‘greedy bug’ from time to time—an affliction that we need to recognize and avoid); are we truly pursuing “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness”?

What are we praying for?  Are we focused on wealth more than holiness; focused on greed more than righteousness; has our heart been side-tracked by the world?  Jesus’ simple model prayer can be a great help, may we seek Him and His ways—following our Lord.  And if you don’t know Him, you can come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in HIS substitutionary (in your place), atoning (making payment for a debt) sacrifice (the very payment with HIS own blood at Calvary).  If you hear His voice don’t turn Him away!

“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.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is

the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

May our hearts be totally devoted to HIM who redeemed us with His own blood; rehearsal may work for a “performance”, but it won’t bring you eternal life—only Jesus can do that.  Won’t you come to Him today?  If you are HIS, won’t your draw near to Him who loves you and gave Himself for YOU?  May we live like we are part of the Redeemed of The Lord.

“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:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,” 1 Peter 1:17-20

Praise to our Redeemer—forever and ever!  He’s coming for us soon!

“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.”  Revelation 5:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

A Sovereign God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #191

28 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Amazing Grace, Glory of God, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Still Reigns, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Gratitude, Sovereignty

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A Sovereign God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #191

 

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad

and rejoice,

and give honour to him…”. Revelation 19:6-7a

I watched a movie on television recently, one that I had seen before and remembered it being a good flick; but this time I was watching intently (rather than between tasks) and it struck me how something seemingly innocent, was a direct challenge to what I know that scripture teaches.  What’s that, you might ask?  Well the movie’s main characters had opposite outlooks, one who believed that some unknown cosmic force ordered circumstances, while the other said that it was random chance, which science or mathematical probabilities could often explain.  Well, my friends, this is just not biblical, true, or acceptable to those who believe in Almighty God, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

Scripture is replete with direct statements of God’s total sovereign control; and while this isn’t something that most people think about, it is the absolute foundation of our faith.  It is one of the things that brings me hope, comfort and insight into the things happening around us.  I have taught the Book of The Revelation on numerous occasions, in depth, teaching people that they can understand much of this great book (and yes there are some things that were even hidden from John; and note that this is THE Revelation—no “s”).  And like the familiar adage, “How do you eat an elephant?”, we know of course, the answer comes, “ONE Bite at a time!”  And that is how you must approach all of scripture but particularly the Book of The Revelation (and if you’ll read the title, you’ll see it’s The Revelation OF JESUS, not the revelation of specific events as such, or even the horrific things that are held in check at this time but will come in God’s time!  It is the revealing of God’s plan for His Son’s victorious coming, to judge and rule this present world in person, and eternity after that (and there is an “after that”).

Because God IS in charge, we as believers can stand confident in God’s total sovereignty in all things.  So I simply want to give you some food for thought today as you face life and its trials where ever you are!  You can depend upon God’s almighty hand at work not only in His own, but in all things!  Let’s peruse some passages of scripture in this regard, and I pray will help you to “withstand in the evil day” (See Ephesians 6:10-19).  And just on a side note, if you read my posts on Facebook there is a simple text post, but also a link to the Bible Ballistics website where it is printed with scripture in color as well as in a grammatical diagram of sorts, to help clarify our understanding (I think it’s helpful).

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

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,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”  Romans 8:26-31

When we learn to walk in the peace, and trust in God’s sovereign control, the confidence we find is unequaled; I can testify to God’s faithful provision and care in the midst of some of life’s greatest heartaches, for I know who IS in control!  HE has never failed me, and HE won’t!  And just a note on the big, scary “predestination” subject, it is used here of our state IN Jesus, not how we got saved.  I have no intention of trying to explain God’s foreknowledge and how that works out in humankind.  I will simply say that we must let scripture say what scripture says, and the same Word of God that talks about “predestination”, “election”, and “choosing”, also says clearly that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. (See Romans 10:13, John 3:15-16) We humans have an affinity for making what is simple for God, hard for people to understand.  So for today, we’ll just leave this discussion for another day.

Let’s peruse some passages that confirm God’s total control over all things.  I pray that you will find comfort, peace, and even some answers to question that may have plagued you.  God loves you and has things in control—even though on our human side of things they are totally askew; God still does “Reign”!

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering,

and come before him:

worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him,

all the earth:

the world also shall be stable,

that it be not moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad,

and let the earth rejoice:

and let men say among the nations,

The LORD reigneth.”  1 Chronicles 16:29-31

And a word from Isaiah:

“Therefore my people shall know my name:

therefore they shall know in that day

that I am he that doth speak:

behold, it is I.

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that bringeth good tidings of good,

that publisheth salvation;

that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”   Isaiah 52:6-7

Just a few of the many references from the Psalmists also help:

“The LORD reigneth,

he is clothed with majesty;

the LORD is clothed with strength,

wherewith he hath girded himself:

the world also is stablished,

that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old:

thou art from everlasting.” Psalm 93:1-2

“The LORD reigneth;

let the earth rejoice;

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.”   Psalm 97:1

“O worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness:

fear before him,

all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen that

the LORD reigneth:

the world also shall be established

that it shall not be moved:

he shall judge the people righteously.”  Psalm 96:9-10

Now, two final passages from the Psalms.  One a reference to God’s sovereignty, the other a picture of what our response ought to be:

“The LORD reigneth;

let the people tremble:

he sitteth between the cherubims;

let the earth be moved.

2 The LORD is great in Zion;

and he is high above all the people.

3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name;

for it is holy.”  Psalm 99:1-3

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,

all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness:

come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:

it is he that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

 and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good;

his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth

endureth to all generations.”  Psalm 100:1-5

Amen and Amen!!!

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

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!!!