Category Archives: All Sufficient God!

God’s Abiding Comfort??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #180

31 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Comfort, God's Secret Place, God's Wisdom, Grief, Growing in Jesus!, Guard Your Heart, HE makes all things beautiful, Life, Life or Death?, Living In My Season, Loss, Love, Remember, Responding Rightly, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Suffering With Jesus, Take Up YOUR Cross, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Troubles, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Weeping Tears., What's your valley?, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

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God’s Abiding Comfort???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #180

 

I am writing this morning to remind us that all the comfort of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father is always there, even when we are hurting so badly that we don’t recognize it.  I have heard His voice so often in my pain, sorrow, and confusion reminding me that HE is still God and HE has me in His hand.  He is there for you as well, and no matter the pain, Jesus knows.  We have so many of our loved ones who are going through trials, grief, and sorrow, and I felt that the comfort of God’s Word would be a much needed “balm of Gilead”!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:12-16

No matter your need this “throne of grace” is always there for you and me; we have a God who loves us and never sleeps, but is ever there for us, night or day—through the good or bad, the simple or the difficult, the ups and the downs, HE knows our every need and is ever waiting for us to stop trying to “fix it” myself and run to, rest in, and rely upon Jesus and His cross.

The Psalmist said it better than I can:

“My help cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper:

the LORD is thy shade

upon thy right hand.”  Psalm 121:2-5

And one of my favorite passages from the Apostle Paul, which I run to myself, and share with you often, so let’s just rehearse what we know to be true—today, and every day!

“Grace be to you

and peace from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

 it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast,

 knowing, that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.”  2 Corinthians 1:2-7

And in closing a word from our Lord Jesus, a word for which I am eternally grateful.

“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.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

I pray the prayer of Paul for each of you, may you know God’s presence in new and amazing ways.

“And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Amen and Amen!!!

YOU Can Make A Difference??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Encouragement, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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YOU Can Make A Difference???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

“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

With all the strife, chaos, deceptions, and uncertainty around us, I just want us to take a look at what we can do right where we are, by the power of the cross—the power of Jesus’ blood and HIS saving power.  Let’s consider some of God’s truths today that I pray will encourage your heart and move each of us to do that which God has saved us to do.  One of my favorite verses which I often recite to myself, says that we are to live “peaceably” with all men, yet Paul made one of the greatest caveats in all of scripture; it is one that has brought great encouragement and wisdom to my heart in many places and circumstances, “as much as lieth in you…”, reminds us that we aren’t always in control and there are people with whom you can’t have peace—simply because they don’t desire peace, for they are disrupters.  There are those people who don’t want peace but stir the pot intentionally for the seeming pleasure they find in creating turmoil.  We don’t have to interact with them; I’ve often taught and shared with others that there are those that we just need to avoid having encounters with as much as possible.  It’s ok, no, it’s way more than ok, it’s often the best choice for real peace—just walk away graciously but walk away.  Consider this when those ‘irritants’ come your way, don’t get mad and engage, rather, get ‘moving’—with grace and dignity, but move on!

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire

on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:18-21

Let’s also consider Jesus’ own advice!  Oh, that I can learn (and practice) to do this better.

“Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you…

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”                       Matthew 5:9-12 & 16

I don’t think that Jesus is talking simply about political peace in our circumstances, although there are great people who do that, but there’s also a different kind of “peace” maker.  Paul shows us that our job is more importantly, to help people find the “Prince of Peace”, so they can truly know, have, and share “Peace” as‘the children of God’!

“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.”  Romans 5:1-6

I pray that these passages will bring you encouragement to go “about doing good” by the power of The Lord Jesus; and whether you are in the work force encountering people daily, face-to-face or at home full time, you can share peace, love, and joy as you converse, or send out cards, or prayer texts, or calls to those around you, or praying for those God brings to your heart and mind—let’s just share The Truth, JESUS, who gives peace, real peace!  May we share HIM at every opportunity, in whatever ways God may open before us.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters

according to the flesh,

with fear and trembling,

in singleness of your heart,

as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;

but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service,

as to the Lord,

and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing

any man doeth,

the same shall he receive of the Lord,

whether he be bond or free.”  Ephesians 6:5-8

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. Galatians 6:7

Amen & Amen!!!

God’s Witness??? Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

08 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Be not conformed to this world, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Word

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God’s Witness??? Really???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

I realize that we talked about “witnesses” last time, but I wanted to go, if you would, a step farther, and consider that our witness is before God—good, bad, or indifferent!  Yet God also is a witness!  I can’t help but think that most around us are totally indifferent, without any cognizance or regard for God, His Word, or His ways, much less the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith—may we shine JESUS in all we do!

No matter what the world may say, (even some churches now days), JESUS IS the only way to God—to heaven.  And I can’t help but think, “Why would you want to go to heaven and be with God when you have no time or regard for Him here and now?”  Just asking?  So, let’s just take a few minutes and consider what God has said in His Word, about THE WORD, Jesus—The Living Word who gave Himself for our salvation, the breath of life who imparted the ’words’ written in The Word of God, The Bible!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him

was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

John goes on a bit later in his gospel to share Jesus’ own words in regard to who HE is, may we consider them today, in all our ways!

“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…

…. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

…. 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.”  Portions of John 3:3-19

When we are HIS, we have not only eternal life with God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit, but we have an abundant life with Jesus right here—right now, by the power of HIS Holy Spirit with His own!  Yet, it’s our choice as to where we will walk, and with Whom we will have fellowship–with the God Man, Son of God who gives this abundant life or the prince of this world, the father of lies, he who comes to “steal…kill…and destroy”?  Choose wisely, there is a test, and the ‘father of lies’ will never lead you ‘up’, he’ll on drag you down—and who is following YOU?

“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.”  John 10:27-30

Jesus IS God and HE has promised to make us HIS own!  He has never failed me yet, and HE never will, because HE has already paid the price to redeem me from my sin—and my friends, I had a boatload of it, still fail Him so often, but HE is ever faithful to correct, teach and grow me into a child that pleases his Father!  Do you know HIM?

“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

Paul gives us the Gospel in a nutshell, and I’ll share it with you again, for it is truth and Jesus, The Truth, is the only way to have abundant life here, and eternal life with God when we leave this life—and we’re all leaving sooner or later!  Are you ready if Jesus came today for HIS own?   If He came for YOU?

“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

God’s witness IS Jesus, and HE will also be the judge, but for we who belong to HIM, HE is our ever-present help walking by our side!  You can believe HIS testimony—and an even greater blessing, we can BE His witness as we go along each day, walking with HIM.  HE is ever ready to hear and answer our cry, our prayers, our heartfelt longings to know HIM more and more.  Won’t you come to this great Throne of Grace!  It’s open 24/7 just for YOU and me!  God keeps HIS Word!  He’s waiting for you to come! (He has caller ID but never call blocker!)

“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

Come to HIM and then spread the WORD!

Amen and Amen!!!

Greater IS HE??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #139

04 Wednesday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Hear ye HIM!, Hearing God

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Greater IS HE??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #139

It is so easy to become dependent on our own strength, wisdom, and strength, but in truth I am so aware of the truth that Jesus spoke in John 15, that I remind myself (my often self-willed and self-determined self) that it is ALL because of Calvary and the ONE who gave Himself for my salvation!  He is my hope, help and supply in all things—not just in so-called “spiritual” things but in all things!  I need to listen to HIS voice and pursue HIS will in ALL things.

“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

There is so much that I could write on this subject, but suffice it to say, we must –yes, we must abide in JESUS—every day, every step of the way, in ups and downs, in good times and difficult ones, whether we understand or not!  All I need to know is that JESUS is my King, my Lord, and my Guide in all that I will release to HIM!  All things!  It’s what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 3, where he contrasts the difference between “wood…hay… stubble… gold…silver….and precious stones”; just as he wrote to the Galatians to “walk in the Spirit” not the flesh!  It’s one of the hardest things to do consistently, walk in HIS SPIRIT and not our own earthly wisdom; but the results call us to strive for God’s will—it will result in eternal, indestructible results that will withstand the judgement of fire before our KING!  And there is a day coming (and very soon, I believe) when we will stand before The Lord Jesus and answer for our decisions, our life, and our work!  Oh, how I want to please HIM, but it means I must learn more and more to “Abide in me, and I in you”!  Right here–right now!  Will you join me in the pursuit of holiness in our Lord Jesus, that we might truly hear HIM say, “well done, thou good and faithful servant”!

HOW?  How do we stand fast and follow?  Well, it’s not easy, but it is doable because we do it “IN HIM”, and John makes it clear for us in his letter to encourage and help believers.

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

John goes on to say:

“If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater:

for this is the witness of God

which he hath testified of his Son.

10 He that believeth on the Son of God

 hath the witness in himself:

he that believeth not

God hath made him a liar;

because he believeth not the record

that God gave of his Son.

11 And this is the record,

that God hath given to us eternal life,

and this life is in his Son.

12 He that hath the Son

hath life;

and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.”  1 John 5 :9-12

Are you running your own show?  Or have you come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for YOU?  He IS able—and HE will keep you, for truly “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”, for those who are HIS own!  I’m so glad HE saved me!  How about you?  John said it all:

“He that hath the Son

hath life;

and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.”!!!

Amen and 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!!!