Category Archives: Abiding IN Jesus or the World?

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Am I willing to go?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Finishing Well, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

I have an unusual word for today, for myself more than anyone else.  It is often so difficult to keep my heart and mind focused on the things of my Lord; I get distracted by the smallest things, and I spend a lot of time going into rooms and forgetting what I went in there for!!!  Maybe you don’t suffer from this plague, but if you live long enough you will–ha ha ha!!!  But really, it is a constant battle to keep my mind, heart, and feet on the right track.  I pray that you will join me in praying to have a heart like Mary’s heart of submission and obedience to whatever God asks of me!

“And Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me

according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary arose in those days,

and went into the hill country with haste,

into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias,

and saluted Elisabeth…

….46 And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold,

from henceforth all generations

shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy

is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich he hath

sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham,

and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.” Luke 1:38-40 & 46-56

I love the simplicity of this account, Mary received a visit from an angel, heard the news of her impending pregnancy, and her only question was, “How…?”, I think wondering if she was to be with Joseph, or what; to which the angel replied that God’s Spirit would overshadow her, and she would become a mother by the hand of God not a “man”!  Her simple reply revealed a wisdom and faith beyond her years (probably about 15 or 16) as she replied to the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”! This young woman of faith and obedience would bear the Messiah!  Our soon-coming King!  I can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through her mind; but I think she went to see Elizabeth for a confirmation that she had really heard the angel’s message correctly (for who else would be likely to believe her account?  Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant and God did it.  Really???  Even Joseph didn’t believe it until an angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story, see Matthew 1:21)

We’re not told whether she went to her parents, and obviously not to Joseph until she returned some three months later, after her encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth.  I can’t even imagine the questions in her heart and mind, but I know she obviously had a faith in her God beyond earthly measure, and I desire to have a growing faith like that!  How about you?  Will we “settle for” getting by–keeping up–doing the ‘churchy’ thing–impressing people?  Or will we desire the approval and pleasure of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, as we yield ourselves to the work of The Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and lives?  Help me yield to You Lord in all my ways!!!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…. 14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

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

In closing, may this verse I repeat to myself often, touch your heart and mind today, as we ponder the things of holiness, righteousness, and love.  May others truly see Jesus in me/you?

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

14 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Baby in the manger, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The greatest gift!!!, Who's in your manger?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Who’s In Your Manger??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #54

I love Nativity sets, I have them all around my house all year round.  People often ask, “Why do you have nativity sets out when it’s not Christmas?”  I always answer the same way, “I love Jesus all year long!”, and it makes me smile to remember the gift that God gave to all who would receive it.  It also causes people to ask “why”, and I have an opportunity to share about how much I love Jesus!  My question for us today is, “Who” is in your manger?

As you decorate (or even if you don’t choose to celebrate the season) what or who is the focus of your celebration, your life?  Is it the baby born that we could be saved from our sin?

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Why two names?  I believe Matthew was helping us to see that Jesus would save us from our sins, because HE was/is/shall ever be the “only begotten Son of God”, who is the only one who could save us from our sins!  And after all, sin IS the issue and only Jesus could be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN! So, friends, I love the reminder that my nativity sets bring to my heart, soul, and mind! That’s just me!  But who is in your manger?  Just a little image of a baby in a set of figures, or a toy that comes out at this time of year?  Or do you know Jesus, the King of Kings?  Is Jesus the One that your heart rejoices in, or just the presents, tinsel, and parties?  John says it better than I could, as he states clearly the reason for his gospel account.

“Jesus saith unto him,

Thomas, because thou hast seen me,

thou hast believed:

blessed are they that have not seen,

and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus

in the presence of his disciples,

which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written,

that ye might believe

that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of God;

and that believing

ye might have life

through his name.”  John 21:29-31

The birth of Jesus, His life, ministry, miracles weren’t a show to impress man, but they were part of the real reason for His coming; He came to die for you and me–for all who will believe and come to Jesus to have their sins forgiven and to receive eternal life. To know that He was raised from the dead for you and me, for all who will believe this truth!

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,

that God hath made that same Jesus,

whom ye have crucified,

both Lord and Christ.”  Acts 2:36

Paul makes the simplest declaration of this gospel truth, and may we examine our hearts today, to know WHO is in ‘my manger’?

“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

If you don’t know Jesus today, won’t you invite Him in today.  He truly is the Risen Lord, and HE is coming again– soon, I believe!

“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

Blessings on your day my friends, and may you know the peace, joy, and love that Jesus gives today.  He is the greatest gift ever given.  Don’t miss the real “baby” in the manger!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Greater Joy??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 24

12 Monday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Life or Death?, The Things of God, The Word, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Greater Joy???         Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 24

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius,

whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things

that thou mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

3 For I rejoiced greatly,

when the brethren came and testified

of the truth that is in thee,

even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy

than to hear

that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:1-4

While I know this sounds like a strange Christmas message, I wanted to take this time to remind each of us (myself at the top of that list!) that Jesus IS TRUTH! Why does that matter?  Because if we aren’t walking in Jesus–IN TRUTH–then we aren’t walking the way that God would have us to walk.  It was Jesus’ prayer for His own before He left this world, along with His declaration in John 14, that HE IS TRUTH!  And truth is not only important–it is vital to LIFE!

“I have given them thy word;

and the world hath hated them,

because they are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not

that thou shouldest take them out of the world,

but that thou shouldest

keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them

through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world,

even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes

I sanctify myself,

that they also might be sanctified

through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone,

but for them also

which shall believe on me

through their word;

21 That they all may be one;

as thou, Father, art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us:

that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.”  John 17:14-21

(or as I just wrote ‘accidentally’–JESUS 17:14-21, as this is His High Priestly prayer for His disciples, but also for you and me who follow Him!)

Why the focus on “truth”?  Because contrary to popular belief, truth IS NOT subjective to man’s whims, but God has set truth in HIS Word, and HIS Son, whose incarnation we are celebrating at this time of year.  Jesus IS truth and it’s what He has called us to walk in–with HIM, for HE IS truth!

“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

Not to oversimplify, but if we claim the name of Jesus and walk in anything other than the “truth” we are being hypocritical!  Yet, how can we walk in the “truth” if we don’t know “truth”, Jesus Himself?  We can’t!  Truth isn’t just a set of facts, although it includes facts, but it is founded in and based on the ultimate expression of “the truth” —JESUS!  So, I think the question becomes rather simple; do I know truth?  Do I know Jesus, and if I do, I need to know HIS Word so I can walk obediently with Him, and see God work that Word into me! (See Phil. 2:5-12)

“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?”  Romans 8:28-32

And just as amazingly, Paul reminds us of the assurance, power, and authority we have IN Him, and IN His Word when we walk according to its precepts and truth!  May we take some time during this celebration and exam ourselves and see how our lives align to the life that Jesus has empowered us to live according to The Word of God.  For remember, IN JESUS, we WIN!!

“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 8:33-39

Yet, there are a few other thoughts that I’d like to share for our consideration; Jesus told us that it wouldn’t be easy to follow Him, just as it wasn’t easy for Him to walk this earth and proclaim God’s truth to people who didn’t want to hear it!  He calls us to stand fast in this “evil day”!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

And praise God we don’t have to do it on our own, don’t even try!

“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 15:5. AMEN!!!

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Death, Father's Way!, GET READY, Glory To God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's love, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, Power of The Cross, The manger leads to the cross

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will

toward men.

15 And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them

into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known

unto us.

16 And they came with haste,

and found Mary,

and Joseph,

and the babe

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-16

Just as this amazing news of The Messiah was told to shepherds, they went to see this child and found him “lying in a manger” because “there was no room for them in the inn”; amazed, like the shepherds, we come to the manger during this wonderful season of celebrating Jesus our King!  Yet we must not be distracted from the truth that Jesus didn’t stay in that manger.  He grew to be the man who was nailed to a cruel Roman cross for my sin and yours!  That is why HE came!  This precious baby endured the trials of all flesh without sin, HE was/is the perfect “lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!  He came to be born that He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin–He was Born to Die–for our sin, to be raised from the dead, and ascend back to heaven where HE ever intercedes for His own!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

Yet, there’s more–more that points us to the pain of the cross, so let’s go back to Luke’s account, and while this is a bit lengthy, I think it worth our time and effort!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him

by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen

the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit

 into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant

depart in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them,

and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set

for the fall and rising again

of many in Israel;

and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through

thy own soul also,)

that the thoughts of many hearts

may be revealed.”  Luke 2:25-35

Then we see this prophecy played out at the foot of the cross!

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus

his mother,

and his mother’s sister,

Mary the wife of Cleophas,

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother,

and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,

he saith unto his mother,

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple,

Behold thy mother!

And from that hour that disciple

took her unto his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing

that all things were now accomplished,

that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith,

I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:

and they filled a spunge with vinegar,

and put it upon hyssop,

and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,

he said,

It is finished:

and he bowed his head,

and gave up the ghost.”  John 19:25-30

Like some of you, I have experienced the death of a child, and it is like a sword piercing your heart, leaving a hole that seems to always be there–even when the immediate pain subsides, the hole in your heart is ever-present with you!  I can’t imagine the pain that Mary felt, knowing that this was God’s plan for her own salvation; the wonder and questions that flooded her soul, are the same questions that often come to our hearts!  BUT GOD!  God was working His perfect plan for the redemption of mankind, for all who would repent of their sin and trust in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus offered at Calvary.  It’s all about the cross, so don’t linger at the manger and miss the cross, but trust to the sacrifice that this baby came to BE!  And as Paul so clearly reminds us, and which I try to convey in all I write and teach:

“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.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

And Paul’s words ever resound in my heart as my hope, my goal, and my encouragement! May it ever spark us on to greater hope and victories as we walk in the power of the precious Holy Spirit whom Jesus imparts to each of His own!

“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

May you draw near to the cross, remembering the greatest gift of all, Who was laid in that manger in Bethlehem; enjoy your celebrations but don’t forget the price that baby came to pay for you and me!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Christmas Reflections #1!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

02 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Behold the Lamb of God, Blessed by God, Bow Before our God, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, SIN, Sin IS the issue

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Reflections #1!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to take care of the sin issue.  We have sinned–born in sin–choosing to sin–living in sin, willfully sinning– for which the penalty and price is death and hell.  Yet Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin; all because HE came as the Holy Son of God, born without the nature of sin, for HIS father was, is, and ever shall be The Almighty God.  He had no sin, which made HIM the perfect, holy Lamb of God who would pay for MY sin and yours at Calvary if we will but believe in and give our lives to The Lamb of God, Jesus!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

John the Baptizer saw Jesus, and proclaimed that HE was, is and ever shall be the “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”, for HE came to deliver you and me from the payment due for sin–HELL with HIS own blood!  He came because HE loves us. John the Apostle, saw this proclaimed in heaven above, and one day (soon I believe) all will see; some in joy and rejoicing, others in sorrow and regret for eternity!

“And I beheld,

and, lo, in the midst of the throne

and of the four beasts,

and in the midst of the elders,

stood a Lamb

as it had been slain,

having seven horns

and seven eyes,

which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came

and took the book out of the right hand

of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts

and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy

to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us

to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us

unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign

on the earth…

…. 12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb

that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.”  Revelation 5:6-10 & 12

This IS what we celebrate at this precious CHRISTmas time.  Won’t you honor King Jesus?  If you don’t know HIM, what better time than the season in which we celebrate HIS coming in flesh to pay for your sin and mine!  It’s why HE came, and He is still calling people to Himself today!  Won’t you respond to HIS call.  And may we who know HIM, reflect HIS glory not our selfish flesh?

“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

Won’t you bow before the King today?  He loves you!  He gave His life’s blood for your salvation.

“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

The door is yours to open to The King!

Amen and Amen!!!