Category Archives: A heart of faith

Grace Is For Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #115

30 Sunday Jul 2023

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Forgiveness, Grace, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Guard Your Heart, Look UP, Love

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Grace Is For Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #115

“And now, brethren,

I commend you to God,

and to the word of his grace,

which is able to build you up,

and to give you an inheritance

among all them

which are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32

“Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”                     Romans 3:24-26

God is the great giver of grace, and Peter reminds us of this in HIS letter to scattered believers.

“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

One of my favorite passages is Paul’s amazing truths taught in Romans chapter 5–not simply about a grace that is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”, but the beauty of God’s gift of salvation through Jesus–the Lamb of God who died for me and you– is that by HIS love and grace we can have an amazing relationship with God IN Jesus Christ our Lord!(not just a religion but a relationship)  As my Pastor friend, Bro. Scott says, “Glory, Glory, Glory”!!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

God’s grace is so much IN Jesus, not only His sacrifice for our eternal life in heaven, but HIS provision for us on a daily basis.  I’m so glad that God/Jesus knows what we need in sunshine or rain, in sorrow or joy, in victory or seeming defeat, in confidence or doubt, in frustration or patience, in tears or rejoicing, in the trials and the glory!  And praise God from whom all blessings flow–we know that Jesus IS our glory, not just later in heaven but right now; and He sends the sweetest and most timely blessings when we least expect them!  And another one of Paul’s assurances for us to ponder today! (And yes, it seems that we’re camped out in Romans today–but that’s ok, it’s a great place to camp!!!)!  While this is a lengthy passage, I think it worthy of our time and consideration.  God’s grace abounds and I’m so grateful that it is continually showering around us even when we’re not looking!  But keep looking, for it is such a sweet blessing to see God’s hand at work around us in the daily and the seemingly mundane!

“9 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…

…. 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?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing

to the charge of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

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 8:9, 28-39

May you spend some time this week relishing and glorying in the wonderful, amazing grace of God! He loves you and me so much, and we can rejoice in the grace that, while underserved, abounds at every hand!

“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

“Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us,

we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:10-11

Rehearse the wonders of God’s amazing grace all around you!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

28 Friday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU

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Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

“Give ear,

O my people,

to my law:

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable:

I will utter dark sayings of old:

3 Which we have heard and known,

and our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

shewing to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD,

and his strength,

and his wonderful works

that he hath done.

5 For he established a testimony in Jacob,

and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers,

that they should make them known

to their children:

6 That the generation to come

might know them,

even the children which should be born;

who should arise and declare them

to their children:

7 That they might set their hope in God,

and not forget the works of God,

but keep his commandments:” Psalm 78:1-7

God wants us to lead our children to HIM, and yet if our lives don’t match our ‘words’ or the mask we wear at church or in other public places, those little eyes and ears will know what’s real and what’s fake.  It seems that we are often more concerned with impressing people who don’t care, rather than impressing our own children.  When was the last time you shared your story with your children?  Have you been open and honest about your failures–even when we need to apologize to our children!  Yes, I said there are times when we need to apologize to our children for our failures, misunderstandings, and negligence–after all they usually already know and know we’re just covering up!  Truth is not only a powerful tool, but even more importantly HE is the very person of Jesus Christ!

“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

Do you believe this?  Have you told your children that you believe it?  Have you helped them come to HIM personally?  There is nothing more important than helping our children to be prepared to hear HIS call, to recognize HIS voice, to desire to know HIM because they see HIM IN US?  Are you living out the never changing character that Jesus desires for us to possess?

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“We love him,

because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:18

Paul paints a great picture of what we are to be before the world; and who more importantly than our own children?  Renewing our minds in Jesus and helping our children to know HIS ways through not only The Bible, but according to what they see in us!  And what they see in us has way more impact than we think!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

 and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

And in closing, as we try to do right with the “measure of faith” that has been given to us by God’s grace, love, and the power of the cross, may we pursue one of my favorite passages on parenting; not that I’ve always lived up to it, but my desire is to pursue it diligently.  May HIS Word and way pervade our life?

“Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign

upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts

of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

And God goes on to tell us that there will come a day–when we will have the opportunity to share what God has done and IS doing in our lives; and I believe if we’re living what we profess, it will bear fruit!!!

“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:”   Deuteronomy 6:20-21

Will our testimony match what our children see?  There are little eyes and ears watching and listening to you and me!  Every Day! TODAY!!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Saved YOU??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #110

20 Thursday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Born Again, By His Grace, Cross, God Who Sees, Gospel, Grace, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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What Saved YOU??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #110

Just a few reminders of the basics today!  There is so much false teaching/preaching going on today, I just thought we’d take some time today to see what God’s Word says about salvation, where do we get it, how, is it me or something/someone else that provides and imparts it to you and me.  Let’s dive in!

What do YOU think ‘saved’ (saves) you?

If you think it’s ‘works’, you’re wrong:

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-9

(walking in the good works that come out of salvation, not

 saved by them!)

If you think it’s ‘family’, you’re wrong:

“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

(It’s being “born again” into the family of God by the blood of Jesus Christ The Lord!)

If you think it’s religion or ‘spiritual prestige’, you’re wrong:

“There was a man of the Pharisees,

named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus

by night…

… 3 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 3:1-7

And some of Jesus’ greatest words to us all–

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

There’s only One Way and Jesus IS HIM!!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

 no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

(Jesus gives new birth to all who will come to HIM–in   repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for YOU and ME!

If you think it’s ‘the church’ that saves, you’re wrong:

“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

(Not man, not institution, not relation, not salvation in “any other”, but in Jesus’ name, work, death, burial, and resurrection, all for sin…”according to the scripture”!)

“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 15:3-5

(The GOSPEL in a nutshell!)

If you think it’s ‘riches’, ‘success’, ‘fame’ or ‘popularity’–even within the church, you’re wrong:

“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

What are you counting on?  I pray that you will ask God to reveal truth to you, so you know “redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (See Colossians 1:14!).

Amen!!!

Increase My Faith??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #109

17 Monday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Are you ready?, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Increase my faith?, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Increase My Faith??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #109

Are you ready to meet Jesus?  That’s the most important question of life; are you/I prepared to meet God The Father, Jesus The Son who died for our sin (if you have come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice; if not then you will be found guilty of your own sin, without any payment except your own life in hell, all because you have trampled underfoot the blood that Jesus shed for YOU!).  What does all this have to do with faith?

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Amazing! “Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please” God!  Who are you pleasing?  Do you believe?

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Praise God, He’s still in the soul-saving business and if you will but trust HIM today and bow before the King of Kings for salvation now, you won’t have to face HIM later as your judge (with no option for grace or salvation!)!

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

 that Jesus Christ is Lord,

 to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

So, you see, my friends, the question isn’t will you bow; rather, the question is when will you bow?  Will you bow before Jesus now in repentance and faith in His shed blood to save you and forgive your sin; or will you stand before HIM as your judge and join the devil in Hell/The Lake of Fire?  (See Revelation 20)

But what does all of this have to do with ‘increasing my faith’?  Well, it’s pretty simple, if you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior–the Redeemer of your soul–then you have no faith to increase; yet even those who know Jesus often misunderstand what it means to “increase my faith”?  Let me begin by telling you what it’s not:  it’s not ‘name it claim it’; it’s not believing enough to get what you want from God; it’s not trying to twist God and bargain to gain what you want!  Faith is shrouded in prayer–communication with God–not a sugar daddy that I beg favors from–not a heavenly slot machine, where I drop in my coin of ‘faith’, pull the handle of ‘faith-so called’, and expect God to send my ‘jackpot’; not trying to twist God’s arm (so to speak) to get my own way!  IT IS seeking God’s face, God’s will, and God’s ways.  Remember what Jesus told us about prayer?

“Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

Jesus does go on to instruct us to ask God for our physical and material needs, but greed isn’t included in this kind of praying.  One of the things I do when I rehearse this prayer is like this: “Thy kingdom come” …IN me!  “Thy will be done” …IN me! Today!  Whose will are you pursuing today?

So, what does it mean to “increase my faith”?  I can only share with you that which I have learned, and I encourage you to delve into the scriptures and verify these things, it’s amazing what we can learn when we read and study God’s Word. I believe that this “increase” doesn’t mean ‘give me more stuff’; or make me ‘healthy’, ‘wealthy’ and ‘smart’…I didn’t say ‘wise’ for when we pursue God in faith, love and committed obedience we will find wisdom and God will give it to those who ask and truly want to receive it in faith not in vain, or for selfish gain!  This increase is to grow in the expanse of what I KNOW to be TRUE about God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for they are ONE!  Jesus made that perfectly clear to His attackers.

“I and my Father are one.”  John 10:30

You and I need to pursue God/Jesus, to know HIM and to grow in our understanding of HIS character!  Job reveals much of this kind of “faith” to us–trust NOT presumption!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite

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

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body,

yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed within me.”  Job 19:25-27

In the midst of some of the most severe suffering ever recorded, Job declared HIS faith and trust in HIS God!  When his wife told him to “curse God and die”, Job rebuked her; and when his friends (so called in my opinion) came to console him, all they could do was call him to confess his sin–for he had to have some ‘sin’ in his life, or all these bad things wouldn’t be happening to him.  We have a lot of that kind of teaching going on today, but it won’t hold ‘water’, the ‘water’ of The Word, that is!  God calls us to walk in faithful obedience seeking His face when we don’t understand and wait on HIM (See Isaiah 40:31)!  For He is often working where we can’t see!  Let’s peruse some examples of God’s work, and what increased faith looks like!

“If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:17-18

These precious young men, servants of God, as well as King Nebuchadnezzar, took their stand and refused to bow before the King’s idol.  You can go back and see in Daniel1:8 that they had committed to not “defile themselves”, and by God’s grace their faith was “increased” to be able to stand against the fire!  And while God did deliver them, they trusted HIM whether HE did or not.  In fact, what they said (in Blanche’s paraphrase) was that “our God can, but even if He doesn’t deliver us from the fire, we will be delivered into God’s presence–and out of yours, oh King”!

And the father of a demon-possessed child, asked Jesus to “help thou my unbelief”!  We need to see our need and not presume by our ‘activity’ that we can work-up our faith increase.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out,

and said with tears,

Lord, I believe;

help thou mine unbelief.”  Mark 9:24

There were two thieves on the cross who railed on Jesus as they were all three being crucified, the two for their own sin, and Jesus for the forgiveness of sin to those who would believe.  One changed his mind, and called on Jesus in faith, not the other one.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged

railed on him, saying,

If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward

of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord, remember me

when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

Small faith, greatly rewarded with salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life with Jesus!  What kind of faith do you have?   Do you need to come to Jesus as this thief and see HIM as the King of Kings, asking for HIS forgiveness and salvation?  Are you a believer who is having trouble “believing”?  Are you wrestling with issues that you can’t understand, that you don’t deserve, that you have no control over?  Jesus is the answer to all the questions that we have!  I have trusted in HIS care for close to 50 years and while I can’t say I’ve always understood, I can say that HE has never failed, and my faith is in HIM, as HE has helped my faith to increase as I know more of HIM through His Word and watching HIS work all around me.  My circumstances can’t change who HE is–they didn’t change Job’s trust, or Daniel’s, or the three young men who faced the fire, or the Apostles as they stood for truth and in many cases faced death for it.

What are you facing today?  Jesus can handle it, and you can draw closer to HIM.  Paul gives us one of the greatest passages of instruction and encouragement if you and willing to heed God’s Word.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there IS a test.  How does your faith “measure” out?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

If your faith needs increasing, just ask The Master, HE will provide, if you will but ask and receive, in humble dependence on HIM.

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man

think that he shall receive any thing

of the Lord.

8 A double minded man

is unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8

 I pray that you hear HIS voice today, and let Jesus increase your faith!  HE IS The faithful provider!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do You Remember??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #107

12 Wednesday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, The Word

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What Do You Remember??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #107

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life

for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd…

25 Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able

to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  Portions of John 10:14-30

Are you one of HIS sheep?  Do you remember the call of HIS voice upon your heart?  Have you met Jesus face to face?  I remember the day as if it were yesterday–HE came knocking at the door of my heart and opened my eyes to see my own sin, and I fell before HIM that day in tears of repentance, and asked HIM to save me, for I couldn’t save myself.  He heard, He answered, and HE saved me that day, right in my own living room floor; and I got up a new person–not a perfect person, but one that heard the ’Shepherd’s voice’ and have tried to follow HIM.  I haven’t always succeeded or always responded in obedient faith, but HE has never left me, and I know HE never will.  What do you remember?  Have you had an encounter with Jesus?  Not just walked an aisle?  Not just “prayed this prayer”?  Not just had the experience of baptism?  Not just signed a card or shook a preacher’s hand?  But have you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart–calling you to face your sin and come to HIM.  He still calls, and HE will keep HIS own sheep!

“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

Jesus is speaking; will you hear HIS call and open the door?

“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

Blessed Assurance (By Fanny Crosby)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I pray that you know Jesus and remember that blessed and glorious assurance of HIS presence, mercy, and forgiveness.  HE died to save you!  HE loves you!  HE wants you to share blessed remembrances with HIM.  I can’t tell you all that HE means to me; or even find the words to convince you that HE loves you and the life that HE gives is all you/I need.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!