Category Archives: A Form of godliness?

Tipping Over Or Standing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #138

01 Sunday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Walking With Jesus, Water of Life

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Tipping Over Or Standing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #138

I have two large flower pots out in front of our home, they are large pots, the smaller one of the two is the heavier and usually stands up to our Oklahoma winds, but not always, the other is a light pot, and even though it’s the largest of the two, it is so light that it blows over regularly unless I keep them watered.  As I was watering the pots last evening, I couldn’t help but think of the parallel to our spiritual life, when we don’t stay “full of the ‘water of life’, we also will tip over regularly”!

“In the last day, that great day of the feast,

Jesus stood and cried, saying,

If any man thirst,

let him come unto me,

and drink.

38 He that believeth on me,

as the scripture hath said,

out of his belly shall flow

rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit,

which they that believe on him

should receive:

for the Holy Ghost was not yet given;

because that Jesus

was not yet glorified.)”. John 7:37-39

In John 6 Jesus spoke mostly with the people in/near Jerusalem, yet in chapter 7 Jesus had moved into the area of Galilee to avoid conflict with the religious leaders, for as the scripture often says in the gospels, “His time had not yet come”, but it was coming!  Yet even before Jesus was found in Jerusalem, He shared this very truth with, of all people, a Samaritan woman of ill repute!   In fact it’s the first recorded time that He revealed Himself as the Messiah, and that not only to a woman, but a Samaritan woman, to whom He made the same reference to this water of life—Jesus IS The water of life for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—your sin and mine!  We need this water of life to stand, to keep from ‘tipping over’ in the winds of life.

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.”  John 4:13-15

As Jesus encountered this woman and started a conversation with her (which was a cultural no-no), He led her to examine her life, her beliefs, and then brought her to the truth of Who HE was.

“Ye worship ye know not what:

we know what we worship:

for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh,

and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such

to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him

in spirit

and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee am he.”  John 4:22-26

Jesus IS The Water of Life, and only in HIM can we find the strength, grace, and power to “withstand in the evil day”!  Just like my pots full of plants, without water they just fall over; in the same way we can’t stand when we don’t stay at the fountain of living water and quench our souls IN JESUS!  I find it interesting that John 7:39 reminds us that The Holy Spirit who indwells each born-again believer in Jesus, is our constant source of this water, and empowers us to live successful, holy, pleasing lives before our God, and avoid the pitfalls that the enemy is ever trying to trip us up with!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

….25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

So my question is relatively simple, will we stay at Jesus’ ever-springing well of the ‘water of life’, or will we settle for the water from the well like the woman of Samaria, the water that keeps requiring refill after refill; while like my pots, we lay on the ground from the winds of the world, to dry to stand upright.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10 (sometimes the part of the armor that we forget!) that we must remember to keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus, Father God, and The Holy Spirit.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.”  Ephesians 6:10

Amen and Amen!!!

Have You Checked Your Crop??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #136

27 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, SIN, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Watch Your Words, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter

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Have You Checked Your Crop??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #136

 

“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

For those of you who may not know, I am married to a farmer (a retired one, but still a farmer at heart, for ‘Once a farmer, always a farmer!”), and that is an amazing adventure, in and of itself, but farmers know about sowing and reaping. You’ll never reap what you don’t sow at all—You won’t reap different than you sowed (other than the weeds that we all fight, physically and spiritually, for remember, we “wrestle not again flesh and blood, but principalities…..”), if you sow good, clean seed, you’ll reap the same—You won’t sow what you don’t have, without seed there is no crop!  Yet, you’ll always reap more than you sowed (example 1 kernel of corn produces an ear of approximately 1100 kernels!!!), the kind that you sowed, and later than you sowed (it takes time for a crop to sprout, grow, and produce a harvest!)!  But what you sow you will reap—sooner or later!  God says so!

I find it amazing that people talk about God and heaven, especially when there’s been a death near them, like they are something ‘good’!  Yet, they have no regard for God, His Word or His Son, Jesus Christ The Lord, in their living—they speak what they want, regardless of the vulgarity, profanity, or lewdness, and they act how they like.  James has a most profound word about that.

“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.”  James 3:8-13

James is reminding us that if we claim to belong to Jesus our lives—especially our tongues—out to reflect Jesus, not the vileness of the world, by the power of The Holy Spirit who dwells within those who are born again by HIS power. Jesus imparts HIS Spirit, love, and power to those who genuinely call upon Him in repentance and faith/trust/belief in HIS substitutionary (in my place), atoning (satisfaction for a wrong/debt due) sacrifice (Jesus died in my place for my sin— “for God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son…”)!  All this because He loves us—you and me—sinners in need of a Savior!

“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

As Jesus told Nicodemus, the religious leader who came to Him by night to know what he could ‘do’; and Jesus told HIM!

“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.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

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.”  John 3:3-7

This “new birth” is what Paul was referring to when he described the children of God in 2 Corinthians 5:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

…. 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

God put our sin upon Jesus (who knew no sin—see Hebrews 4:15) that we who come to Him and receive this new birth, also receive the very “righteousness of God in him”!  It’s relational, it’s not about my works but the work of Salvation that Jesus completed at Calvary, for all who will come to HIM in that repentance and faith that scripture teaches again and again.  If Jesus is in you, can anyone see it?  If not, won’t you come to HIM today, HE is ready to give you that new heart full of HIMSELF!  If you claim the name of Jesus, what’s coming out of your mouth—HIM or YOU, ‘the you’ that has allowed the world to invade your heart and push Jesus to the side?  Only you can answer that question; here’s what Jesus said about the mouth; and note in this context, that Jesus is speaking to “religious leaders”, I say again, “sayin’ so doesn’t make it so”, only the new birth can!

“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

  In other words, you can wash your hands multiple times a day, you can claim your ‘religion’, your ‘works’, your ‘family’, but if your heart is unchanged by Jesus, your mouth will betray what is really in your heart!  Your choices will come back to haunt you! Paul said above that we are in reality mocking God, and HE knows the truth!  Do YOU?  Jesus came to die for sinners just like me!  Just like you!  I’ll share with you today a rather lengthy passage from Paul that paints a glorious picture of what we receive in Jesus; we are to be a reflection of the Savior within, a mirror of HIS love, HIS Spirit, HIS work, HIS grace to a lost and dying world.  Are you reflecting Jesus?  Or has your mirror gotten dirty?  Do you need Jesus to forgive, restore and cleanse you?  HE will!  The Apostle John gives great truth and hope for all who will receive it.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 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 1:6-10

Please don’t mock God, but come to HIS throne of grace for forgiveness in Jesus, your harvest is at hand; what will it yield?

“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.”  Romans 5:1-8

How about your harvest?  Are you mocking God, or do you love HIM and walk in HIS ways.  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  I’m praying for you!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.”

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Lies People Believe??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #135

24 Sunday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Behold the Lamb of God, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, God Knows, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Lies That Defeat Us, Life or Death?, Satan, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting God

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 Lies People Believe???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #135

As I look around me, it seems that on every hand people are drowning in the lies of the enemy of our souls—Satan the great deceiver.  Who said so?  God’s Word says so, and if we don’t acquaint ourselves with what God has said in His Word, we are likely to fall for those lies ourselves.  Our young people have no hope, they don’t know who or what they are because the world is lying to them, and even professing Christians seem to be falling for and failing to recognize those very lies!  God’s Word isn’t outdated, or false, or unreliable—it is the VERY WORD OF GOD, and without it we have no hope at all—but God’s Word is true in every “jot and tittle” as Jesus said!  Whom will you believe?

“And the great dragon was cast out,

that old serpent,

called the Devil,

and Satan,

which deceiveth the whole world:

he was cast out into the earth,

and his angels were cast out with him.”  Revelation 12:9

There is a day coming when God will cast Satan and his angels down to the earth—an awful day of judgment for them, as well as for the inhabitants of earth.  I won’t get into the debate of the time of this event, but I will put it simply, they were cast out of any heavenly access.

“And there was war in heaven:

Michael and his angels

fought against the dragon;

and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not;

neither was their place found any more

in heaven.”  Revelation 12:7-8

The account described here, in my opinion, can’t have taken place before the ‘beginning’ and there is scriptural evidence that we will consider, simply for clarity.  If this event preceded the things that are recorded in scripture, then there would be no record of Satan encountering God in His heaven, but there are several places in scripture where this is referred to, and I want us to just let scripture say what scripture says (and I would encourage you to read Job 1 & 2 for the whole picture.).  In this particular context, the “sons of God” refers to angelic beings, not men!

“Now there was a day when the sons of God

came to present themselves before the LORD,

and Satan came also among them.

7 And the LORD said unto Satan,

Whence comest thou?

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said,

From going to and fro in the earth,

and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the LORD said unto Satan,

Hast thou considered my servant Job,

that there is none like him in the earth,

a perfect and an upright man,

one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said,

Doth Job fear God for nought?”  Job 1:6-9

And chapter 2 of Job reiterates Satan’s presence before God, and keep in mind this is after his encounter of chapter 1.

“Again there was a day when the sons of God

came to present themselves before the LORD,

and Satan came also among them

to present himself before the LORD.

2 And the LORD said unto Satan,

From whence comest thou?

And Satan answered the LORD, and said,

From going to and fro in the earth,

and from walking up and down in it.

3 And the LORD said unto Satan,

Hast thou considered my servant Job,

that there is none like him in the earth,

a perfect and an upright man,

one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

and still he holdeth fast his integrity,

although thou movedst me against him,

to destroy him without cause.

4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said,

Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath

will he give for his life.

5 But put forth thine hand now,

and touch his bone and his flesh,

and he will curse thee to thy face.”  Job 2:1-5

Those of us who are familiar with scripture know that God brought Job through a bevy of troubles, with a few so-called friends who accused Job of every failure under the sun, yet Job maintained his integrity before God; and in the end God honored Job’s faith in Him and restored him completely.  The enemy was a liar then and he’s a liar now, he accused Job causelessly, for he is the enemy of God’s own, and he is still the ENEMY!  How did Jesus, our Lord respond to him? (See Job 13:15)

“And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge

concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain,

and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world,

and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him,

All these things will I give thee,

if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him,

Get thee hence, Satan:

for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him,

and, behold,

angels came and ministered unto him.”  Matthew 4:3-11

If you’ll notice Jesus didn’t debate with the enemy—and we don’t have to either; Jesus answered the enemy’s attacks, temptations, and slanders with only one thing: The Word of GOD!!!  That is our best defense against the “wiles of the devil”.  The Word of God and the Armor of God are our greatest resources, but we must open The Word to avail ourselves of them!

Oh, how my heart aches for the lies that have broken families, sent our young people into the throes of suicide, sexual perversion, confusion, and rejection of God’s design for male and female, marriage, and the home!  Sadly many of our young people are taking these wrong roads following parents who have fallen for the same lies.  When will we realize the cost of abandoning God’s Word, God’s Ways, and God’s standard!  And even sadder still is the fact that even the church has, in many cases, abandoned the Word of The Savior and Lord whom they claim to follow.  If we truly belong to Jesus, we are called to “take up his (your own) cross daily and follow me”!  It’s the way to victory in Jesus—the only way!  As I’ve often said, “say’n so doesn’t make it so”!  James addresses this issue with great wisdom and truth—will we take heed?

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not

the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 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.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:19-26

“What doth it profit, my brethren,

though a man say he hath faith,

and have not works?

can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not

those things which are needful

to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead,

being alone…

…26 For as the body without the spirit

is dead,

so faith without works

is dead also.” James 2:14-17 & 26

And I’ll close with Paul’s comments on vain faith and what the Gospel is in truth and power:  Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and risen again for our sin!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you

first of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Have you been to the cross for YOUR sin?  I met Jesus there some 40+ years ago, when HE came to me in my own living room and said as plain as if He spoke into me ear rather than my heart, when He said, “YOU aren’t mine!”!  I argued with Jesus most of the day before a friend came and pretty much said little just listened to me come face-to-face with my own SIN and call on Jesus to save me and transform me!  I was made a new creation, and while I didn’t get it all right in the beginning, HE has grown me into what I am today—not all I ought to be, but better than I was, and HE’s still working on me!  Oh, the glory that God showers down on we who come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  I’m so glad I believed Jesus’ assessment of my heart rather than the enemy’s who kept convincing me that I did ‘church’ really well, and that was enough!  It ain’t!  Only Jesus’ blood can cleanse us from sin, and only when we see our sin and turn to HIM in repentance and faith!!!  How about you?

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 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 1:5-10

Whom will you believe?  Will you come to Jesus’ cross?  He’s waiting for you to see your own sin and come to HIS cross in repentance and faith!  He’s waiting for you, but don’t wait too long, He may return today!  Don’t be one day too late!

“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

He who is “the way, the truth, and the life” loves you and died for your sin and mine.  Trust to HIS truth and save your soul today!  Don’t fall for the lies of Satan!  (see John 8:44)

Amen and Amen!!!

Follow Or NOT??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #134

22 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Instruction, Godly Wisdom, Repentance, Righteousness

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 Follow Or NOT???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #134

Just some food for thought on this Friday, and I pray that we will take heed to the words of The Lord Jesus.  Sayin’ so doesn’t necessarily make it so; what about you, are you following Jesus or going your own way while using HIS name?

“He that loveth father or mother

more than me

is not worthy of me:

and he that loveth son or daughter

more than me

is not worthy of me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross,

and followeth after me,

is not worthy of me.

39 He that findeth his life

shall lose it:

and he that loseth his life for my sake

shall find it.

40 He that receiveth you

receiveth me,

and he that receiveth me

receiveth him that sent me.”  Matthew 10:37-40

Matthew goes on to share even more about this “cross bearing”.  The issue isn’t “not” loving our parents, or siblings, or even our children, the issue is knowing that Jesus is our first love and if we follow HIM, we will never go astray, and when there are conflicts of devotion, Jesus will always lead us aright in our lives, and HE will care for those whom we trust to HIM (although HE will never violate our will or theirs)!  Jesus calls us to “follow” HIM–it’s our choice –what you do with it is up to you!  But don’t wait too long, we’re not promised tomorrow.

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh…”  Genesis 6:3a

Jesus’ other words are also worth our consideration—are we truly following Jesus, or are we falling for the lies of the enemy and compromising The Word of God?  Following Jesus demands our self-denial in deference to Jesus and HIS will for me and you!

“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?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.” Matthew 16:24-27

Paul puts it in a ‘nutshell’ for us, and while I know I use this verse often, it is a much-needed reminder of what following Jesus really looks like—death to self while living for Jesus where ever HE may lead, trusting all to HIM.  As Peter said, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you”! (See 1 Peter 5:7) Will you trust all of you to HIS care?

“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

James points us in Jesus’ direction for our life walk! Are you/I walking in dependence upon Jesus Christ our Lord, or in our own wisdom?  Are you staying in “the perfect law of liberty” or doing your own thing and “forgetting” about Jesus, and what your life was without HIM!

“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.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before

God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless and widows

in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:22-27

Paul also had something pertinent for us in regard to wisdom; real godly wisdom will lead to genuine repentance and restoration when we fail—it will never be the result of worldly wisdom, which most often compromises truth and leads us astray!  Paul called for repentance in the church at Corinth, and they recognized the truth that Paul shared and found restoration, where are you today?  Will you follow Jesus or NOT?

“Now I rejoice,

not that ye were made sorry,

but that ye sorrowed to repentance:

for ye were made sorry

after a godly manner,

that ye might receive damage by us

in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh

repentance to salvation

not to be repented of:

but the sorrow of the world

worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing,

that ye sorrowed after a godly sort,

what carefulness it wrought in you,

yea, what clearing of yourselves,

yea, what indignation,

yea, what fear,

yea, what vehement desire,

yea, what zeal,

yea, what revenge!

In all things ye have approved yourselves

to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-11

Will we follow, obey, and be blessed or will we press on in our own ways?  To be a “doer of the word” we must know The Word! So, dig in!!!  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Missed Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Almost But Lost, Believe IN Jesus, Don't Wait, Fruit of the Spirit, Glory of God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, HE who began it will complete it!, He's Alive, Hell, Hell's Hot, Holiness, Holy Living, If I be lifted up---, IN Jesus!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Gospel, the hope of glory!, This is the Way, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Walk in the Spirit, Watch Your Words, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Who Missed Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

I am writing this in the semi-light of the dawn, as our power is out, yet fortunately my laptop was charged up!!!  Today my heart was thinking about missed opportunities to share Jesus, but even more significantly those who have missed Jesus because of my failures to walk in The Spirit (Holy Spirit) rather than the flesh!!!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers gives us a great tool to use in our daily struggles.  When ugly, ungodly thoughts, desires or passions come knocking at the door of your mind—just Philippians 4:8 them!  Here’s how:

“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

Stop the temptation at the door by memorizing Phil 4:8 and if the temptation can’t pass the test of ‘true…honest…” then tell the enemy to ‘buzz off’! For when temptation comes, if you’re anything like me, it seems like the struggle is continual—well, my friends, IT IS!  Even as Paul challenges us to walk “in The Spirit”, he is calling us to be a reflection of Jesus not ‘ourselves’; for I find that my flesh and yours can be really ‘ugly’ sometimes—for our flesh still loves the things of this world!  That is why it was so imperative to heed Paul’s call to walk in the power, strength, and direction of The Holy Spirit, in God’s love which HE has planted in our hearts (See Romans 5:1-11) and not our flesh!  Yet sometimes we let old habits rule our behavior, we let old grudges color our outlook, we let unforgiveness rule our hearts and minds and spill over with unkind words and deeds, we let old corrupt words come out of our mouths, we let the enemy have way in our lives rather than The Holy Spirit—it’s why in Paul’s instructions about ‘the armor of God’ he reminds us that we ‘wrestle’ with unseen enemies in this world!!!  Peter also warned us about the very real danger of the “roaring lion” who is out to ruin your testimony and influence just as he is mine.  Peter reminds us of this fact, and the only solution that works!

“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.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We are in a battle my friends, a battle for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys, and girls!  What are you and I doing about it?  I pray that we will heed the call and the warnings of scripture and ask God to daily “order my steps in thy word…” (See Psalm 119:133)!  It grieves my soul to see so much of the world making its way into the church!  Instead of calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus, we call them to just bring the world into our midst.  We will never win the world by competing with their modes and means!  Jesus made it clear in many passages as did the Apostles and other writers of scripture. My challenge for us today is to examine my life, as you examine yours against Scripture—what do others see in me?  A reflection of the world—in my speech, my actions, my attire, my habits, my choices of entertainment, music, and venues?  I could make a list but if you’ll simply get into the “WORD” instead of so much of the “world”, you can learn to listen to the precious Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.”                   John 12:32-33

Jesus knew HE would be lifted up, crucified for our sin, buried, and raised the third day, all according to the scriptures—all for our salvation; for all who would heed His call, repent, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN; the choice is yours, for HE is calling today!  Whom will you choose—the Christ of glory or the enemy who wants to take you ‘to hell’ with him?  There is no other message, and regardless of all the attractions of the world, I will stand with Paul and proclaim Jesus.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit and of power:” 1 Corinthians 2:1-4

 This man took the One Way-Jesus Gospel in God’s power, not man’s wisdom, plans, or programs!  He preached Jesus! Will we?

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

It’s all about Jesus—because: “it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

Oh, that we who believe might return to the message of the cross.  My heart longs for a heaven-sent revival, but I fear that we have come to a place to see the judgment of God upon His own.

Jesus’ and The Cross are not about pantheistic health crazes upon which we try to put “Jesus’ name”, or unholy celebrations to match the world’s evil days, or accepting sin by simply changing its name, I could go on, but I’ve probably said enough.  I remember a time when the church wanted to call people out of the world of sin to the cross and the crucified life, but now it seems more popular to just invite people to bring your sin on into the church, we won’t mind.  There is no need for me to add some “disclaimer” about who or what I’m talking about—take it to Jesus—take it to The Word of God—take it to GOD in prayer, but I think we might have to change some things in our lives!  God is watching and HE will judge His own.

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”1 Peter 4:17-19

What’s going on in your church?  Do you compromise truth for a crowd?  Do you stand up for Jesus, crucified, buried, risen, and coming again, The Gospel of HIS life-changing salvation or something less?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember, there is a test!  And I think the “final exam” is closer than we think!

So, my friends, my question is, “Is my/your life drawing people to Jesus or driving them away?”  Does your/my life reflect a love of Jesus or do the words of our mouth, our life-choices and actions turn them away into hell.  Remember there are only two destinies—heaven or hell?  May we be drawing people to the CROSS, not driving them the other way, or justifying sin to please the crowds we want on our pews?  Only One Way—and HE is the crucified, risen and coming again Savior, JESUS!  I pray that this will touch hearts and change lives.  May we cling to The Cross of Jesus!  I’m not claiming to be perfect, just a simple servant of Jesus who pursues HIM and HIS WORD for my life’s journey!  He does save!  He does give new life!  He is coming soon!!!  I pray that you know Him and will join me in following Jesus not anyone or anything else.

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Amen and Amen!!!