Category Archives: Abiding In Jesus

Is Your Religion Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

16 Friday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, 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 Wisely, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Cleansed from all sin, Come to Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, My Grace Is Sufficient, My Help Cometh from THE LORD, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, Not Of This World, Religion isn't enough?, Relying on self or Jesus?, Salvation, The Word

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Is Your Religion Enough???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

What is religion?  Is it enough to get you to heaven?  This is an important question; in fact it’s a matter of life and death—of heaven and hell, so I want us to consider what scripture says about it.  It’s the most important opinion!

“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.

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 1:21-27

Notice that James doesn’t begin by saying “be religious”, rather he says that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls”!  Religion doesn’t save, but when we are saved, we are to become “doers of the word”!  Actions come out of what we become in Jesus, when we are born again by grace through faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. Let’s see some scripture on that very thing.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

There is also what I call Paul’s ‘gospel in a nutshell’!  Don’t miss heaven by the deception of religious activity, of the world or of Satan’s influence and lies.

“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

(I’d encourage you to read all of chapter 15, it’s long but powerful in revealing the power of the resurrection!)

Then there is the powerful testimony of Peter after the day of Pentecost.  Have you “been with Jesus”?  Have you been to the cross where HE paid for your sin and mine

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.   

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived

that they were unlearned and ignorant men,

they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:10-13

 As Jesus himself said to the apostles just before His death.

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me,

he is cast forth as a branch,

and is withered;

and men gather them,

and cast them into the fire,

and they are burned.”  John 15:5-6

And the book of Proverbs reminds us that our actions speak more than our feeble words when they reveal no proof in our living.  Jesus’ counsel to Nicodemus is still the only way to know God and see heaven; you “must be born again”!

“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…

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.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth,

and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh,

and whither it goeth:

so is every one that is born of the Spirit…

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  Portions of John 3:3-20

I know I talk about this a lot, but my friends, it is the only thing that will matter when we face Jesus, and we will all face Him!  (See Philippians 2:5-11)Are you counting on ‘religion’ (any religion, for no religious entity or practice can get you to heaven—only Jesus’ blood can save and forgive sin!), or have you been “born again” by God’s power in the resurrected Jesus Christ The Lord?  Even as Peter said,

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”!

I pray that you will find the sufficiency of Jesus’ saving grace.  I’ve walked with Him for many years, and He is ever faithful to bring His own to glory—you and me, I pray that you’ll join me!

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”

Amen and Amen!!!

Unified Or Divided??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #326

03 Monday Mar 2025

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Know not what they do, Knowing GOD, Knowing Truth, Lead them to Jesus., Leading Or Mis-Leading?, Let You Light So Shine, The Word, Trendy Or Truth, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, unity or division?

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Unified Or Divided???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #326

I have a few thoughts to share with you this morning; most know I don’t get political, but I think we need to consider some things that The Word has to say about our attitude, especially toward the thing called “unity”!  I think we often misunderstand unity and confuse it with uniformity; unity means a oneness but not sameness.  As a nation, and especially the followers of Jesus, we need to stop throwing rocks, pray and consider scripture—not the personal version, but the biblical truths that stand the test of time, circumstance, and the human need for God!  We seem to have thrown out the baby with the bath water (look it up if you don’t know what that means!). I simply want to share some scripture for our consideration.  So drop your rocks for a minute or two and let’s peruse a scriptural perspective—not mine but God’s!  Unity calls us to uplift one another, even in our personal differences.

Unity isn’t uniformity—it is the uplifting and building up rather than tearing down with greed and avarice!  It is doing things for the common good, without violating or exchanging God’s principles for greed—avarice—and fleshly lust (as the detective shows always say, “follow the money”!). I pray that this will give us all some food for thought, knowing that we are called to follow scripture’s advice as followers of Jesus. The context in Ephesians 4 is in regard to the giftings that Jesus (via the Holy Spirit) gives to the church in regard to leadership—as those who prove things on the “testing grounds”! And just FYI, the reference to “perfect” is referring to spiritual maturity-not sinless perfection, which only Jesus has (See Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 9:28,) — in contrast to being “children”. (And if you’re curious Romans 3:23 and 6:23 remind us that all are sinners except for our Lord Jesus!)

“Till we all come

in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

This bears out the principle that Paul put forth to the Philippian believers, not a panacea, but a call to keep in mind that whatever Jesus leads us into, HE will provide for.

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

And the Apostle John recorded Jesus’ own words to us.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me, and I in him,

 the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

Are you with Jesus?  Or are you spinning your wheels trying to go your own way rather than the way that is down the “straight” road? (See Matthew 7:14-21, and notice the “many” and the “few”—where are you?)  What we often fail to consider is that when we stand with Jesus’ we will receive the same response that HE often provoked in those who were walking away from God.  We are to lift up without caving to the world’s sinful direction.  While it’s a great dilemma, it’s one that “in Jesus” we can accomplish—remembering what Jesus said, “without me ye can do nothing”!

So, are you spreading unity or division?  It’s a quandary but we who belong to Jesus must stand for the truth, no matter the cost; and without throwing rocks, remembering Paul’s reminder that things are not going to get truly better, until the King of Kings arrives!  And notice that Paul said that “men shall be” not just “do”, but they will “be” evil!  We must never put unity over holiness, but at the same time we are not to spread “discord” (see Proverbs 6:19+)!

“This know also,

that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,

proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,

unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers,

false accusers, incontinent, fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded,

 lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Yes, we are to be compassionate and a help to those in need, but we are not to be enablers of continual bad behavior.  We will never eliminate poverty, illness or sin—only Jesus can and will accomplish that when He returns, but until then we must be aware of the failures that we will deal with due to original sin! And we must understand that things are not always what they seem to be; Jesus made an amazing declaration to the disciples over an extravagant act toward Him!

“There came unto him a woman

having an alabaster box of very precious ointment,

and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

8 But when his disciples saw it,

they had indignation, saying,

To what purpose is this waste?

9 For this ointment

might have been sold for much,

and given to the poor.

10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them,

Why trouble ye the woman?

for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

11 For ye have the poor always with you;

but me ye have not always.

12 For in that she hath poured this ointment

on my body,

she did it for my burial.

13 Verily I say unto you,

Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached

in the whole world,

there shall also this,

that this woman hath done,

be told for a memorial of her.”  Matthew 26:7-13

Don’t miss what Jesus didn’t say, He didn’t memorialize this woman, but He did declare what she had done to and for Him would be memorialized—for her love for Him and her willingness to give probably the greatest thing that she owned to honor Jesus; and she gave it without regard to what others might say!  Are we willing to pour ourselves out for Jesus, no matter the cost or the backlash?  We don’t know her name, but we do know that her extravagant love for Jesus is still talked about today.  What are we willing to give to Jesus, no matter what others may say?  I don’t have any “precious ointment”—but I do have me and whatever Jesus has given me to use—even those things that sometimes I’m clinging too tightly to!  How about you?

And as we think about serving others, we need to keep the proper perspective, and I’ll close with one of the greatest “misses” in trying to supposedly “serve God” one’s own way.  And while this is a lengthy passage, I believe it is worthy of our consideration; and please don’t miss what God’s Word says about rebellion (disobedience).  What blessings have we missed because we did it “my way” rather than God’s.  Let’s determine to be those who help bring unity, but never at the price of disobedience. (And remember that being a leader has a great call of responsibility— “to whom much is given, much is required…” See Luke 12:48.)=

“And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him,

Blessed be thou of the LORD:

I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

14 And Samuel said,

What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep

in mine ears,

and the lowing of the oxen

which I hear?

15 And Saul said,

They have brought them from the Amalekites:

for the people spared the best

of the sheep and of the oxen,

to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God;

and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

16 Then Samuel said unto Saul,

Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said

to me this night.

 And he said unto him, Say on.

17 And Samuel said,

When thou wast little in thine own sight,

wast thou not made the head

of the tribes of Israel,

and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey,

and said,

Go and utterly destroy

the sinners the Amalekites,

and fight against them

until they be consumed.

19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey

the voice of the LORD,

but didst fly upon the spoil,

and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?

20 And Saul said unto Samuel,

Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,

and have gone the way which the LORD sent me,

and have brought Agag the king of Amalek,

and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21 But the people

took of the spoil,

sheep and oxen,

the chief of the things

which should have been utterly destroyed,

to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God

in Gilgal.

22 And Samuel said,

Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings

and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey

is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken

than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion

is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness

is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD,

he hath also rejected thee from being king.”  1 Samuel 15:13-23

May we be busy speaking God’s truth in love; may we pursue unity without leaving God’s Word and holiness behind.  May we see sin as sin, and help others see truth with love and kindness but not compromise.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s Warming Up? Are We??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

26 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Firecrackers of Regret!, Following Jesus or the World?, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Light In The Dark, Salvation, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Little Things., The Love of God, The Word

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It’s Warming Up? Are We???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me

is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you

with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

 and he will thoroughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

John the Baptizer was telling the people that the “One” (Jesus) who would come after him would baptize with The Holy Ghost and with fire.  While fire is a purifying element, it is also an element of judgment for those who reject Jesus!  Jesus promised his disciples (and us) that He would send the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to dwell within His own, and we would be empowered to do His work in His Spirit not our own.  It seems to me that Satan is busy putting out the fires of God’s Spirit in His own, with weariness, distractions of every sort, and we have allowed the coals to cool the fire that came down at Pentecost.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord

in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues

like as of fire,

and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Acts 2:1-4

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His disciples, and we get so distracted with the issue of “tongues” that we miss the point that they did what The Spirit gave to them, and they went forth with the Gospel and people were saved.  Let’s not let Satan stir us to focus on our disagreements and differences of insight into scripture, but to let the fire of The Holy Ghost fill us and work at HIS direction.  We must focus on the promises of our Lord.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you…

… 25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”                             Portions of John 14:16-26

“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…

…26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  Portions of John 15:17-27

Jesus went on to give us more about our precious “Comforter”—the One who would come along side to guide our steps—if we will but “stop—look—and listen”!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”  John 16:7-15

Jesus has given us of His own Spirit to lead us, guide us, help us to understand His written Word as well as the promptings of The Spirit.  Oh, there is so much more that I want to share with you, but I think this is enough for today; my prayer is that you will let the fire of The Holy Spirit warm your heart, light a fire in your soul and lead you and me to spread the warmth and saving power of the Fire of Jesus’ saving grace!  We can either receive the warming gift of salvation or experience the fire of His judgment when He comes, or when you face Him in death.  Oh, my dear ones, I truly believe that Jesus’ return is eminent, and we are sorely unprepared and less than busy about “my Father’s business”!  Oh that the fire of repentance, revival and renewal shine in our hearts, and before a lost and dying world that needs Jesus.  May we be a faithful light!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

To God be the glory!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Gift Will You Give??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

05 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Love, Love Is Action

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What Gift Will You Give???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea

in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east

to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he

that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star in the east,

and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things,

he was troubled,

and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests

and scribes of the people together,

he demanded of them

where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him,

In Bethlehem of Judaea:

for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda,

art not the least

among the princes of Juda:

for out of thee shall come a Governor,

that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called

the wise men,

enquired of them diligently

what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,

Go and search diligently for the young child;

and when ye have found him,

bring me word again,

that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king,

they departed; and, lo, the star,

which they saw in the east,

went before them,

till it came and stood over

where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts;

gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream

that they should not return to Herod,

they departed into their own country

another way.”   Matthew 2:1-12

Something you may have never considered is what I call us to consider in this scenario—these men (and we don’t know how many there were, but most deduce that since there were three gifts there were possibly three men…) had seen a star, an unusual astronomical sign and they were overwhelmed to see it, and they also were familiar enough with Jewish scripture that they knew a King, a Messiah had been promised by God, so they made this incredible journey to find this King to worship Him—I believe they were seeking the Redeemer.  So they proceeded to the capital of Judah, Jerusalem, to find this King—where else would you seek a King but in a palace.  Not so in this case.  Of course the reigning King, Herod, was a wicked man but feigned interest in the child, to know where he was (and of course tried to kill him later) to join them in worship!  NOT!  But that’s not what I want to consider.

As you read the narrative, Herod called for the religious leaders, who should know where Israel’s Messiah would be born, and as they knew the scripture (even if they didn’t know the author) who gave Herod the information he requested.  Then in his deceptive designs, he sent these visitors to find the child and then “let me know”!  This is where I want us to focus; these men had just advised the king and the religious leaders that there was a newborn King of the Jews (whom you would think to be anxious to seek and honor their promised Messiah/King!); yet not one person from Jerusalem went with these men.  No stir over this newborn King at all!  Not one soul went to seek and worship Him except these strangers!  Are we any different today!

I celebrate Christmas because I love Jesus!  The question I have for us today is do I seek Him?  Am I bringing Him gifts?  I spend time, money and effort on gifts for others, but what have I done for Jesus, what gift have I considered, thought about and purchased for my King—the redeemer of my soul?  What will I do for Jesus this “Christmas” season?  There are so many opportunities to share in HIS name—giving to missions, sharing food for the hungry, giving to organizations that feed and clothe the down-trodden, or perhaps serving at a soup kitchen!

In essence, what gift have I brought to Jesus?  Or will I be like those in Jerusalem, and hear about Him, know He’s arrived, see the needs, and do nothing, go nowhere to worship Him, or just write it off to “I don’t have time for this!”!  Just asking?  God blesses us continuously, what will we do for Him when we have the opportunity.  I encourage you to find out what you can do for this One we claim to love and adore!  Worship isn’t just a word, or an abstract ideal, it’s the giving of ourselves to someone or something in total devotion.  What are you devoted to?  One easy was to find out is to examine your checkbook—not being nosy, just saying what you love, you’ll spend money on; be it self or others.  You get to choose.  But choose wisely, there is a test!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

and before honour is humility.”  Proverbs 18:10-12

Amen and Amen!!!

What Are You Thankful For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

25 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Salvation, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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What Are You Thankful For???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

Today’s post is a simple reminder that I have shared before; we need to count not only our blessings of “things”, but even more importantly, our blessings of the people that God has placed within our lives.  So I just want to set the example.

First and foremost, I am grateful that Jesus still saves and changes lives, and that He spoke to my heart those many years ago (some 50 years I’ve walked with The Lord Jesus), and I fell on my knees and asked for His forgiveness and salvation.  Oh, what a difference a moment can make!  Thank you, Jesus for dying for me.

I am also thankful for godly parents who loved my siblings and me and taught us the virtues of loving, caring, sharing and thinking of others, and while they are now with our Lord, their impact remains a constant reminder of the power we are given to help or harm other’s lives.  I’m thankful for a brother and sister who love me and are still serving Jesus also, my brother a pastor, my sister, a pastor’s wife! We were so blessed with an extended family who loved us and lived lives worthy of following.  We didn’t have a grandmother (as both of our grandmothers had died before we were born, and a grandfather), while we had one grandfather still living, we didn’t get to see him very often, but we were able to make up a little lost time when he came to live with us for the last months of his life.  What a treat to hear his stories (true or not—who knows) and share his life for a while.

I am more than blessed with friends, my Miss Diane who has been my friend since we were preteens; and many friends who have come and gone, as I’ve heard: some come to stay a while, some for a brief time, some for a lifetime, but each one brings new insights—some joyful, some sorrowful.  There are those friends who have left us behind and joined our Lord in glory.  Oh how I miss them, but how I treasure the times we spent together—the coffee/tea we shared—the stories we rehearsed-the joy we shared.  Even thinking of those stories, I sit here smiling as I write this.

Then there are those who have tired us!  There are those whom we have tried and had to apologize to!  Praise God for forgiveness and restoration, it is such a blessing to enjoy restored relationships.  Yet for some of us sadness burdens our hearts for lost relationships, as we pray for them!

I’ve been blessed to live in many places (I was a Navy brat!) and find friends and people who loved me and impacted my life in countless ways.  There are names I can’t recall now but have glimpses of memories that linger still.

So, why do I share all of this?  Hopefully to spur us to action.  Is there someone that you need to call or go visit to thank for their influence, help, love or just being there?  Make that phone call.  Write that note, or text or email.  Send that gift that would make someone’s day!   And don’t forget to thank God for His gift of Jesus and all His mercies upon us.  Don’t forget sunshine and rain, cold and heat, tears and smiles, a baby’s laugh, a dandelion flower from a three-year-old, God’s love and provision, open arms of grace, and our hope in Jesus’ return.

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him,

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength,

seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works

that he hath done,

his wonders,

and the judgments of his mouth;”   1 Chronicles 16:8-12

And in closing a reminder of the grace of our Lord.

“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 14:14-16

If you know Jesus, rejoice in His love, grace and provision for us!  If you don’t know Him, you can!  He is calling today, if you will but hear and heed His call to repent of your sin and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  Amen!!!

“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

 “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…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!