Category Archives: Are you ready?

Is This Your New Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #169

27 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Are you ready?, HOPE, Hunger for righteousness, Hungry for The Word, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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Is This Your New Day???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #169

A bit of a different post for today as we think of The Lord Jesus, whose birth we have just celebrated—not just the babe in the manger but the crucified Lord, “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world…”! It’s all about the work that Jesus came to do, and that was laid out by the angel who appeared to Joseph and encouraged him in the dilemma that was facing he and Mary:

“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.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep

did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,

and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not

till she had brought forth her firstborn son:

and he called his name JESUS.”   Matthew 1:21-25

May we never forget the truth of Jesus’ birth, but also may we ever remember that HE was born to die for my sin and yours!  OH, thank you Jesus for coming to live in human flesh, among sinners like me, knowing that we would put you to death!  Yet, it brings me joy and gratitude that you love us that much!  That when Satan thought he had won at your last breath on the cross YOU brought an earth-shattering victory over sin, death, and hell when you rose up out of that tomb!  Our living LORD!  Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!  It’s why I tell people that I celebrate Christmas all year round—for you are my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer every day since I fell on my face before YOU and asked YOU to save this sinful soul that I had tried so unsuccessfully to save my own way!  And praise God, YOU saved me!  There just aren’t enough words to express my gratitude and love to you!

I pray that you know this Jesus as your Lord and Savior, not just as the babe in a manger.  If you don’t, you can know Him by coming to HIM in repentance of your sin (making a 180 degree turn from your way to God’s way!) and putting your faith and trust (the same thing, and while a bit redundant, sometimes the clarification is necessary) in Jesus’ substitutionary (in your place), atoning (satisfying God’s demands for payment for sin) sacrifice (Jesus died so I didn’t have to die in hell for all eternity) for sin!  To see Jesus’ own words about being born again please read John 3:1-19, it’s plain and clear for all who will receive it.

Paul wrote a great word of encouragement to the Corinthian believers which I think might give us a good start to the New Year and each day.  Oh, the joy of what God has done for us at the cross, but also each day in the complete work of atonement and new birth, we are new creatures IN JESUS!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

 21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21

I want us to spend the rest of our time perusing another of Paul’s words of hope and encouragement.  I pray that you will join me in setting this as a challenge for the New Year; to live with Jesus more in mind each day.  And while this is a lengthy passage, it is one of import to our spiritual maturity.  Thanks for joining me!

“For God,

who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power may be of God,

and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live

are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us,

but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith,

according as it is written,

I believed,

and therefore have I spoken;

we also believe,

and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus

shall raise up us also by Jesus,

and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes,

that the abundant grace

might through the thanksgiving of many

redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not;

but though our outward man perish,

yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction,

which is but for a moment,

worketh for us

a far more exceeding

and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen,

but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen

are temporal;

but the things which are not seen

are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:6-18

May Jesus Christ be praised in our life, our joy, our suffering, our wondering—finding our hope and answers in The Answer, JESUS!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:36

“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.”  Revelation 5:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Word–Part 2??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #167

20 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Baby in the manger, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Choices And Consequences, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Come To Worship HIM, Every Knee Shall Bow, God's Glory, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Love, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Sin IS the issue, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, Worship Him!, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus, You can overcome

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A Christmas Word–Part 2???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #167

Christmas is ‘A Promise Fulfilled’, but even more it’s a continuing promise that Jesus is coming again!  He came to redeem all who will believe in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin, and He will call His own to Himself, let Satan loose on planet earth (so to speak) for a time (a specific time, but that’s a subject for another time) and then HE will set foot back on planet earth to rule and reign here on earth!  And when HE comes again it won’t be as a baby placed in a manger—it will be as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and all will bow!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 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 2:5-11

Jesus, this tiny baby we picture in that lowly manger, is coming again in glory; and whether you believe it or not, whether you believe in HIM or not, whether you are ready or not, HE is coming and YOU, my friend will bow—no matter how resistant you are to Jesus now, no matter how stiff-necked, no matter how much you say ‘tomorrow’, no matter what else you are counting on—if you haven’t come to Jesus, the crucified Lamb of God “who taketh away the sin of the world” then you will be bowing before your judge not your Redeemer!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Isaiah promised a baby would come, but he also proclaimed HIS Kingship.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son,

and shall call his name Immanuel.”   Isaiah 7:14

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase

of his government

and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Matthew proclaimed that Jesus was this baby, as the angel came and declared it to Joseph!  This baby will be King!

“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

And my dear friend “God” IS with us—was, is, and ever shall be!  Jesus came to save all who will believe and receive HIM in repentance and faith—today!  For Jesus was God, is God, and is coming to display HIS glory, and it won’t be in a stable!  I pray that you will worship the ‘baby’, but don’t leave Him in the manger, come to Him and His cross for the forgiveness of your sin, and HE will forgive, cleanse, save and Redeem you for HIS own!

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man

in heaven:

and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn,

and they shall see the Son of man

coming in the clouds of heaven

with power and great glory.”  Matthew 24:30

Jesus promised to keep us and to come again to receive us unto Himself, won’t you join us?  And if you are already one of HIS own, rejoice in this amazing gift that we remember and celebrate JESUS not only during this time of year, but every moment of every day!

“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

 

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.

 5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:1-6

Only One Way—Jesus!  Will you come to HIM this Christmas and become a child of the KING?  He’s waiting for you!  Let us who know Him, spread this amazingly, great and Good News!

“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

Have a Happy, Merry, and Joyous Christmas with The King laid in a manger but coming to rule–soon!!!

Amen and 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!!!

You’re A Witness Regardless??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #151

06 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding In Jesus, Are you ready?, Ask God For Wisdom, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Living in Christ, Living TODAY!, Servanthood, Service, The Right Jesus!, Witness

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You’re A Witness Regardless???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #151

November has arrived and the Fall here in Oklahoma has been of the yoyo variety this year, we’ve had lovely cool temperatures and I sit here this morning with the door open to the screen to let in the lovely cool air.  I love this time of year, and along with cool temperatures hopefully our minds are sifting through the abundant blessings of God for which we are thankful.  I could make a list, but so could you; but do we?  Sometimes we let the busyness of life cloud out our attitude of gratitude, and gratitude is a much-needed commodity in our culture today—everyday—but especially in a day of ‘entitlement’ thinking we are needed to spread the good news of what God has done for us, you, and me!

The saddest part to me is that we are so busy looking for ‘new’ stuff that we haven’t taken time to consider what God has done for us, the blessings that HE has provided, our salvation, family, friends, possessions, etc…  We have fallen for the Wall Street idea of “new” stuff—all eyes and minds (even mine!) get distracted by the “Sales” that you just can’t miss!  “You have to have this!”  “Your kids have to have that!”  “A new car would get better mileage than our current car!”—knowing that there is no reason we “need” any of these things.  I find myself caught up sometimes, it’s like going to an auction where you can get caught up in the ‘bidding’ and wind up with something that you have absolutely no need for, just because you got caught up in the ‘competition’!  Really?  Where’s my attitude of gratitude?

An attitude of gratitude does help, yet there is something more that I want us to consider today about gratitude; that is being a “witness”!  When we call upon Jesus for our salvation, HE delivers us from sin, shame, and death, and calls us to be HIS witnesses!

“When they therefore were come together,

 they asked of him, saying,

Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again

the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them,

It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,

which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me

both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea,

and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 And when he had spoken these things,

while they beheld,

he was taken up;

and a cloud received him out of their sight.”   Acts 1:6-9

Jesus makes it clear that when we are saved “ye shall be witnesses unto me”!  We are enabled to be witnesses for Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit who is imparted to every born-again believer, Jesus gives us all we need—the power of the Holy Spirit and His Holy Written Word!  We can deny it, we can pass it off on the preachers and teachers, we can just neglect it!  But my friends the truth is that YOU/I ARE witnesses right now; are. you a good witness, living in the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of God’s Holy Word?  The question isn’t are you a witness—for YOU are a witness!  The question is whether we are being “good and faithful” witnesses, or we are being poor and negative witness?  It’s your choice and mine but choose wisely for God is holding us accountable for our witness!  Not by the number of tracts we gave out, but by what people see in our lives; do they see Jesus or the world.  It’s not about perfect attendance pins, or how much we ‘give’, or if we work tirelessly in some ministry!  Rather it’s about how closely we are walking with Jesus!  And to walk closely with Jesus we have to get to know HIM through prayer, and Bible Study—not just reading the Bible but digging in and letting God’s Word direct your/my steps, and the fellowship of like-minded believers in a Bible-preaching church!

When we are following Jesus, some may not like it; you may not be the most popular person at the office; you may make some people mad for your biblical stands; you may even be ridiculed and spoken ill of, but Jesus said this was to be the norm for those who loved HIM and followed HIM!

“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 15:18-21

Even in the beginning of His ministry Jesus mentioned this cost of being HIS witness.

“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.”  Matthew 5:10-12

We don’t hear a lot of preaching and teaching on this subject, but I believe it is much needed, and it’s one of the reasons that I write at all, especially on this subject, and in this season of “gratitude”– a time when we can take stock of our possessions, our blessings, our callings, our faithfulness to The ONE we call Lord, and the opportunities which HE gives us.  I pray that you will take some time this month, even today, to go before The Lord Jesus and seek HIS face asking to know HIM more and hear from HIM with your Bible open to help you nail it down!  If you ask, HE will reveal truth to you (one of the functions of The Holy Spirit!)!  Yet there is a cost to discipleship—a cost many aren’t willing to pay!  How about you?  Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, about being prepared for the cost of being Jesus’ witness, disciple, follower, lover!

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”   2 Timothy 3:12

We are called to keep our eyes on The Prize, Jesus, and like Paul I pray that my life will reflect the glory of Jesus, drawing people to HIS cross, and helping to grow HIS children in The Word.  Peter also has a word of wisdom about this suffering.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake,

happy are ye:

and be not afraid of their terror,

neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you a reason

of the hope that is in you

with meekness

and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better,

if the will of God be so,

that ye suffer for well doing,

than for evil doing.

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,

the just for the unjust,

that he might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh,

but quickened by the Spirit:”  1 Peter 3:14-18

In closing, another word from Peter that I pray will encourage you, as well as a word from Paul’s letter to the Galatian believers that speaks to us all—a crucified life, for Jesus paid it ALL!!!  How can we be less than faithful witnesses before a lost and dying world?  It’s a question only you can answer—only I can answer!  It’s your choice and mine, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

 this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:20-25

Paul’s challenge to us all!  May our ‘witness’ be of Jesus rather than the world—who needs our LORD JESUS desperately!!!

“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!!!

Nothing Or Something??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #145

18 Wednesday Oct 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Are you clean?, Are You Ready, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Grace, Greater is HE that is IN US!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Something out of nothing

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Nothing Or Something???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #145

 

I have a relatively brief word for us today—and I say ‘us’, for I need this reminder and encouragement today, and thought you might as well.

Jesus’ message to His disciples just before His death, calls us to devotion with a most solemn statement of truth that we need to be reminded of—or maybe it’s just me?  Either way, let’s dig in.

“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

Without Jesus, I would be nothing, but HE took this cracked pot—broken in pieces—and made it all anew by HIS blood, HIS love, HIS forgiveness, and HIS grace.  He gave me (and you, if you’ve been truly born again!) HIS indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me into HIS truth, by knowing HIS WORD, to convict, to encourage, to lead and intercede when we have no words!  OH what a Savior Friend is Jesus, and because of what HE has done in/for me, I can truly be one of God’s creations of ‘something out of nothing’, as Paul made clear.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:” Romans 3:10

Because I was a lost and wandering sinner (even within and active in a church—a good church) Jesus came to me and broke my heart for my own sin and saved me.  I fell on my face before HIM, broken and wretched—I got up redeemed, forgiven and cleansed.  OH, what a Savior– to do for me what no one else could do, not even myself.  And because of what HE has done, I/we can now say “I CAN”!  All because Jesus said…”I AM”…”I can”….”I will”!  And HE did it all for you and me on Calvary!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Press on my friend, if you know Jesus walk on in power, grace, love, and wisdom; if you don’t know HIM, you can by hearing the voice of God’s Holy Spirit calling to your heart to see your sin as sin, to turn to Jesus in repentance of that very sin—yes all of it—and believing/trusting in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine!  OH, what a Savior!  Oh, what a friend!!!  I am praying for you even now!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”                Colossians 1:12-14

Amen and Amen!!!