Category Archives: Check Your Knees???

Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

07 Sunday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Calm or Clamor?, Change your attitude, Check Your Knees???, Never Alone, No man can serve two masters!, Paying attention, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Perseverance, Place of Safety, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Servanthood, Serve The Lord with gladness., Serving God or Using God?

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Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

 

I must be honest, I am weary of all the clamor going on around us; who we hate, who we don’t hate, who’s right, who’s wrong, what are we supposed to be pursuing?  I would simply like to share a few things that we find in God’s Word, that I pray will help us bring calm to our lives, our hearts and the effect that we have on others.  Jesus didn’t need politics, and we need Jesus instead of anything else!

“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

Jesus has promised us HIS peace, via the Holy Spirit—The Spirit of God/Jesus which He promised would bring “all things to your remembrance”!  Notice (as I often teach in my classes) that Jesus said The Spirit would bring things to our “Re’membrance”; and if you go back in mind to your childhood grammar classes, hopefully you’ll remember that the small prefix “re” means to ‘do over’—meaning that we must, I repeat must, “member” it first.  We must put The Word in us and then the Holy Spirit will help us to remember things at the appropriate time. While I won’t put it here, if you’ll go back and read Matthew chapter 4 where Jesus encounters the tempter, Satan, He, Jesus, faced and overcame each temptation with scripture telling the enemy, “It Is Written”. Even when Satan used scripture, Jesus brought him back to the actual context of God’s Word!  That is such a good principle and practice for us to apply to our lives today!

I can’t tell you the peace that I have experienced in life by knowing God’s Word—in its context!  It is such a joy and delight to know Jesus through His Word, and to use Jesus’ own words, it is imperative; for we will either be serving ourselves, the enemy of our souls, or The Lord Jesus Christ!  Jesus said it much better than I can.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man

can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:19-24

We can choose to follow The Master who gives peace, grace, love and wisdom; or we can let the clamor of the world keep us in an upheaval, not knowing which way to turn or whom to believe.  When we know Jesus and what He has said in His Word, we will find an amazing peace that “passeth all understanding” (See Philippians 4:7.)

Let me just say, that scripture isn’t calling us to be negligent of our responsibilities, but He is calling us to have right priorities and be pursuing His kingdom priorities as we faithfully serve God and provide for our own families as He directs.  A couple of passages that direct us in putting God first will never direct us to neglect the physical needs of our family, but we will seek to do it God’s way!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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.

11 Give us this day our daily bread…”  Matthew 6:7-11a

Paul had somewhat to say about this also!

“…Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness,

and peace,

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ

is acceptable to God,

and approved of men.”  Romans 14:16b-18

I know I wrestle with these things on occasion, and I just plain forget to keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!  It is so easy to be distracted with all the clamor around us; with all the things seemingly demanding our time, our focus, and attention—things of the world and not of our Lord Jesus!  It’s one of the reasons we are to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”!  Isaiah reminded me of God’s faithful provision not long ago, may we ever remember that our God never fails, and HE has promised to never abandon us!  I encourage you to read the context of this passage from Isaiah.

“And the key of the house of David

will I lay upon his shoulder;

so he shall open,

and none shall shut;

and he shall shut,

and none shall open.

23 And I will fasten him

as a nail in a sure place;

and he shall be for a glorious throne

to his father’s house.”  Isaiah 22:22-23

It’s much like the assurance that God gives to us through the author of the book of Hebrews, knowing that even though God may discipline His own, He will never ever abandon us.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness;

and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Even as the author tells us that we have a great one to run to in our time of need—He never sleeps nor slumbers!

“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

So, as I bring this post to a close, I want us to consider the call that Peter gives to us to know how to walk right before God in this calm assurance; in the power of Jesus to not be overcome of the crazy clamor all around us, but to be the steadfast servants of our King Jesus—living hope, peace and joy that will lead others to the cross of Him who is The way—The truth—The life!  The only way to God, to heaven and to receive eternal life!  May others see His peace and calm in us—in contrast to the clamor of the world!  Let’s reflect Jesus today!!

“As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope might be in God.”                         1 Peter 1:14-21

I pray that God’s greatest blessings of peace will fall on you today!  If you need Jesus, please call on Him today— “for by grace ye are saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (See Ephesians 2:8-10!)

“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.”  Romans 5:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!

Is It Too Late To Return??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #382

05 Friday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Check Your Knees???, If not now? When?, In hell it's too late to be a witness?, Religion isn't enough?, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Responding to God's call to share the Good news.

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Is It Too Late To Return??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #382

I have to be honest with you, I’ve been trying to get this writing done since Wednesday, but it’s been a busy time with several unexpected interruptions, but here I am with a burden on my heart that we must seek God’s face and forsake the way that we are going.  We are not above God’s just and true ways, and I am praying that we will see the truth of scripture, and the error of our ways, and turn back to God.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity

with cords of vanity,

and sin

as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say, Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:18-24

The world we live in has turned against God, who like Isaiah says above in verse 19, they wanted God to convince them with miraculous signs that HE was worthy of their regard.  Jesus dealt with the religious leaders of His day with a most significant reply to their request for a sign that He was from God.  I hope that we will hear and heed the Words of Jesus Christ my Lord!  Jesus told them that the only sign that they would receive was His death burial and resurrection for sin—your sin and mine!  What sign are you looking for.  Which way are you going?   God’s way or your own?

May we hear and heed God’s answer to Solomon at the dedication of the first Temple in Jerusalem and come to Jesus in humility, recognition of our sin, and a willingness to obey. Or is it too late for us to turn around?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test coming!  Hear with your heart as well as your ears!

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts

to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence

among my people;

14 If

my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then

will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”  

Chronicles 7:12-14

God was telling Solomon that He, as His righteous character demands, would discipline His people when they sinned and rebelled, but there was hope hinged on their response to HIM!  We hear a lot about this promise of God to respond, but we often hear the emphasis on what God will do, not what HE is calling us to do.  First there is a great big IF for God’s own—the born again (in the context, those faithful servants in Israel, whom God also called with this big IF)—and we are called to some clear and concise instructions.  Let’s rehearse them:

Humble ourselves—bow before HIM–

Pray ourselves—beseech HIM on our knees–

Seek God’s face—look to GOD not man–

Turn from our wicked ways—repent, return to faithful service to our King, not the world, knowing that Jesus died to give to all who will believe eternal life.

Let’s hear what Jesus says about seeking signs for assurance!  Seek God’s Word for answers and wisdom.

“But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,

Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them,

An evil and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given to it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights

in the whale’s belly;

so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights

in the heart of the earth.”   Matthew 12:36-40

Jesus came to die for our sin, and the greatest sign from God ever to be given, was Jesus’ resurrection; but what will you do with it!  Will you receive the Gospel that Paul was unashamed of?

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Check It At The Door??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #351

28 Wednesday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Check Your Knees???, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Spiritual Procrastination, Spiritual Warfare, Spread the GOOD news!, Stand by ME!, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Check It At The Door???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #351

I have a relatively brief word for you today, as I was thinking of one of my favorite teachers, Kay Arthur, entering into the “joy of her Lord” recently, I remember one of the most useful things I ever learned from her (and there are too many to list them all…)!  It’s a brief passage, but one of the most significant, practical and useful things that I know.  I hope you will find it helpful and that you will apply it to your living today!  I will give you the context as well as the specific verse, for remember “context is king”!

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:4-9

The thing that we must remember is that Satan will come to distract, misdirect, and try to cause you to stumble, but verse 8 is the antidote—when Satan comes knocking just check him at the door (of your mind, for that is where the battle roars—See 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 for more help in spiritual warfare!). If the thought can’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, then reject it and tell the enemy to “buzz off” (my term, not scriptural, but perhaps helpful to see the reality of our enemy).  If the thought, especially for harmful words and actions to others, isn’t ‘true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous or praise worthy’, then reject it and refrain from going down that wrong path.

I have always found it helpful, for you or I can usually justify through those first three tests (true, honest, and just) for we are using our human reasoning and retribution is the password of our day!  But when I get to “Pure…lovely…good report…virtuous …praise worthy…”, I have to shout ouch!  Even when others are pushing our buttons (maybe you don’t have any ‘buttons’, but I sure do…), we can stop the sin in its tracks and guard our hearts by rehearsing this 8-fold test and rejecting the temptation to react, rather than respond in “the spirit”; we can walk with grace and truth with The Holy Spirit’s power in our lives.  So, check those thoughts at the door, and refuse that which can’t pass the entrance exam.  Have a blessed day my friends and remember, by Jesus’ power and saving grace, we Win!  I encourage you to memorize verse 8 that you will have it at every need!

“…think on these things…”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Smiles Help! Are You Smiling? A Word from THE WORD!!! #162

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Check Your Knees???, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Smile if you love Jesus!, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!, Smiling is contagious, Spread a smile, Spread the GOOD news!

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Smiles Help!!  Are You Smiling? A Word from THE WORD!!! #162

Just a few words this morning to hopefully brighten your day.  Joy and laughter are good for the soul, and many are weary and tired, rushed and stressed with work, home, shopping, spending money—or trying to come up with the money to spend!  These are perilous times and scripture told us they would come, but don’t lose heart—our God reigns and Jesus is coming soon!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard

as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”   Revelation 19:5-6

Oh, Hallelujah sings my soul—as I sit here listening to Handel’s Messiah singing the Hallelujah Chorus, one of my favorite pieces of music—and I am smiling.  How about you.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:

but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22

I pray that you will find the “joy of the Lord” and smile, through your tears if necessary.  I was trying to encourage a friend recently who is carrying a heavy load of caring for an aging parent in the throes of dementia and heart problems; now not to give away any personal secrets but part of our conversation may help you see that sometimes, lightening the spirit with laughter and light-hearted banter can help.  Our texting conversation was something like this:

       “me:  take one step at a time….

         My friend: can I crawl?

        Me:  not unless you’re wearing knee pads…

My friend:  sending a meme of a woman on the floor rolling up into a carpet…

Me: rolling is fine, but you better watch those corners, they’ll get you….”

No great words of wisdom, or spiritual depth, just a friend trying to make another friend smile in the midst of her tears.  Smiling is ok!  Smiling is good for the soul, the spirit, and the face—especially for those looking at it, and it’s often contagious!

“A merry heart

maketh a cheerful countenance:

but by sorrow of the heart

the spirit is broken.”  Proverbs 15:13

“All the days of the afflicted

are evil:

but he that is of a merry heart

hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD

than great treasure

and trouble therewith.”  Proverbs 15:15-16

Money is nice to have, and friends (real friends) are a delight to the soul, and an encouragement to the downhearted, but I’ve learned that you can’t buy love or friendship, but you can nurture and cultivate both, or you can give up and go without—but that is a most dreary way to live.  I’ve known people like that, and I just smile and say, “Have a blessed day!”—and while it sometimes evokes a smile—and sometimes not so much—but either way, I know I’ve spread a little love, cheer, and kindness.  You never know what that little clerk may be facing, or that teller, or that service person on the phone may be worried about; so spread a little cheer with a smile on your face, in your voice and everywhere you go.  It costs little and can do so much good.

Nehemiah was one who stepped up to help his people rebuild out of chaos, and that under circumstances of great stress and fear, but as they gathered to hear The Word of The Lord, their hearts were sad, yet Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice in what they had heard from God; rather than sorrow, he called them to rejoice, share what they had with those who had none and to, in my paraphrase, “put on a smile, rejoice in the Lord and spread it around”!  Won’t you do the same, especially as we celebrate the gift of our Redeemer’s birth—HE who came to die in our place, so that we could live!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd

giveth his life for the sheep.”  John 10:10-11

And that my friends, is something to smile about.  Spread the love of Jesus, smile at the world and don’t be ashamed to wish others a “Merry CHRISTmas”!  Blessings on your day!

With a great big smile!

Amen and Amen!!!

Pray For Someone Else??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #19

07 Thursday Jul 2022

Posted by in Broken Hearts, Check Your Knees???, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Intercessors, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Standing in the GAP!

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Pray For Someone Else???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #19

Say what?  I want us to consider taking our Lord’s advice and example.  What do I mean?  Well, what I mean is that our Lord was in excruciating pain, yet HE chose to pray for us in His hour of greatest need (in the human perspective); He took that time of extreme distress and prayed for the forgiveness of those who were ridiculing HIM, those who were mocking HIM, those who were oblivious of what was really happening, as well as those of us who would need redemption so far down the road—you and me—in fact for all who would receive His saving grace in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which HE completed that day!!  He also extended grace to a dying thief, hanging next to Him, when he asked for it!  He didn’t stop there; He also appointed the Apostle John to care for His mother!

One of the few things that Jesus said in regard to Himself, was recorded by Matthew and Mark:

“Now from the sixth hour

there was darkness over all the land

unto the ninth hour.

46 And about the ninth hour

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,

Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?

that is to say,

My God, my God,

why hast thou forsaken me?”  Matthew 26:45-46

And even this was to fulfill scripture:

“My God, my God,

why hast thou forsaken me?

why art thou so far

from helping me,

 and from the words

of my roaring?”  Psalm 22:1.

(And I would encourage you to read Psalm 22 in its entirety!)

Jesus came to die in our place and even in this time when physical pain was racking his body, mind and spirit, His main thought was of we who are ever in need of His grace and love.  Yet when we are in pain what is our first thought?  Usually, to moan and complain to God and man (maybe you’re better than I am, but that is usually my ‘go to’ choice); but I’m calling us to take the example of Jesus and learn to take those moments of anguish and pain and become Christ-like intercessors.  So, let’s look at what Jesus said on His way to Calvary, as well as His final words from the cross, and take them to heart—for He spoke those words directed toward not only those who were physically present, but to you and me today!

“And there followed him a great company of people,

and of women,

which also bewailed

and lamented him.

28 But Jesus turning unto them said,

Daughters of Jerusalem,

weep not for me,

but weep for yourselves,

and for your children.

29 For, behold, the days are coming,

in the which they shall say,

Blessed are the barren,

and the wombs that never bare,

and the paps which never gave suck.

30 Then shall they begin to say

to the mountains,

Fall on us;

and to the hills,

Cover us.

31 For if they do these things in a green tree,

what shall be done in the dry?”  Luke 23:27-31

To put it simply, Jesus was telling them, even though you see this with your own eyes, this is NOT the end, and worse things will come—but never a better, except for the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, JESUS—crucified, buried yet raised again to ever live and have victory over sin, death, and hell!

“Behold, he cometh with clouds;

and every eye shall see him,

and they also which pierced him:

and all kindreds of the earth

shall wail because of him.

Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning

and the ending,

saith the Lord,

which is,

and which was,

 and which is to come,

the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:7-8

So, back to the cross:

“And when they were come to the place,

which is called Calvary,

there they crucified him,

and the malefactors,

one on the right hand,

and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus,

Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment,

and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding.

And the rulers also with them

derided him, saying,

He saved others;

let him save himself,

if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also

mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.

38 And a superscription also was written

over him in letters

of Greek,

and Latin,

and Hebrew,

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”  Luke 23:33-38

With their own eyes they saw Him, with their own ears they had heard Him, with their own hearts they rejected HIM!  How about you?  For HE continued in compassion, love, and grace to shed HIS life’s blood for them, for you, and for me!  Will we receive it or reject, rebuke, and ridicule the LORD of all creation—the Redeemer of all who will believe and come to HIM alone for salvation!  The ultimate of examples of man’s opportunity and Christ Jesus’ offer of grace even when rejection seems to rule.

“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

Which one will you be?  The rejector or the acceptor—one who will receive grace and eternal life or the condemnation justly due?

“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.”  John 3:16-19

Let’s look at the last few things that Jesus said from the cross, for our perusal and consideration.  What do you/I “care” about?

“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.”  John 19:26-27

 And the other human request that Jesus made:

“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 19:28-30

So, the thing I want us to consider, is this precious thing that Jesus did in HIS most difficult hour; HE thought of others when HIS own need was beyond our understanding.  What will you and I do when we are in need?  When we don’t know what to do, or where to go; will we take heart from our Redeemer and keep our focus on others?  Will we pray “Father forgive THEM”, or hold onto our grudges; will we pray “Father into thine hands….” and let it go, or will we stubbornly hold onto our own way, our own needs, our own problems?  Or will we pray for those in need around us, for those we know are serving God in precarious circumstances, for those who need an intercessor desperately?  Will we follow our Lord into battle for the needy, or moan and groan about the place that God has allowed us to be in?  It’s your choice, and mine!  Please, Father, teach us to remember to rehearse the commands of The Master, “THY kingdom come…THY will be done”, not only for me but those around me with needs greater than mine.  May I remember to count my blessings, and stand in the gap for others as God called and equipped us to do?  Ezekiel said it best, and I’ll close with his message from God.  Will you join me in praying for others, seeking God’s face on behalf of those in need, especially when we are hurting, in pain, in confusion, or just stumped physically or spiritually; God is never ‘stumped’, nor does HE ever say “oooops”?  May we ever “stand in the gap” instead of focusing on self—speaking the “truth in love”—but speaking GOD’S TRUTH—not man’s; and lifting other to the throne of grace!

“The people of the land have

used oppression,

and exercised robbery,

and have vexed the poor and needy:

yea, they have oppressed

the stranger wrongfully.

30 And I sought for a man among them,

that should make up the hedge,

and stand in the gap

before me for the land,

that I should not destroy it:

but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation

 upon them;

I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath:

their own way have I recompensed

upon their heads,

saith the Lord GOD.”  Ezekiel 22:29-31

How sad!  God have mercy!!!  Amen and Amen!!!