Category Archives: ‘Come unto me

Works Of Darkness??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #497

08 Sunday Nov 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Dare To Be Different!, Darkness or Light?, Lifting up Jesus, Light In The Dark, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living Waters, Walk in the Spirit, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus, Walking Worthy

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Works Of Darkness??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #497

We are called to continually examine ourselves and our walk of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ our Lord!  The only way we can do that is to know God’s Word and order our steps in accord with what we see; to align ourselves with God’s ways rather than the ways of the world.  Our enemy is a liar; a trickster and we must prepare ourselves for the real battle.  Today I simply want to share some scripture with you that I pray will convict, grow and prepare each of us to walk in a way that pleases our Lord, especially when His return seems very near.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.”  Ephesians 6:10-12

The Psalmist gives us some beautiful advice.

“Order my steps  

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man:

so will I keep thy precepts.”   Psalm 119:133-134

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

The key is to remember to whom we belong; who saved us; who keeps us; who will direct our steps if we will but hear and heed His leading (it comes easier when we dig into HIS WORD continually!!)!

“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

When we come to Jesus in repentance of our sin and belief  in His Substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  God does a work to grant to us the new birth—as Paul says here, God has (I love the King James wording here) “translated” us into HIS Kingdom and “delivered us from the power of darkness”!  And it’s this power of darkness that I want us to consider today, are we walking in the power of Jesus’ redemption, or are we slipping back into the darkness of the world, because we have failed to pay attention to the battle we are actually in.  The book of Acts recounts some believers who got caught up in the darkness but heard from God and made an amazing decision to get back in the light!

“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,

took upon them to call over them

which had evil spirits

the name of the Lord Jesus, saying,

We adjure you by Jesus

whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva,

a Jew, and chief of the priests,

which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said,

Jesus I know, and Paul I know;

but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was

leaped on them,

and overcame them,

and prevailed against them,

so that they fled out of that house

naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks

also dwelling at Ephesus;

and fear fell on them all,

and the name of the Lord Jesus

was magnified.

18 And many that believed

came, and confessed,

and shewed their deeds.

19 Many of them also which used curious arts

brought their books together,

and burned them before all men:

and they counted the price of them,

and found it fifty thousand

pieces of silver.

20 So

mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”   Acts 19:13-20

So I don’t overload you, a couple of brief verses to remind each of us to stay in the light of Jesus, and to not be influenced by the dark!

“The night is far spent,

the day is at hand:

let us therefore

cast off the works of darkness,

and let us put on the armour of light.”   Romans 13:12

“For ye were sometimes darkness,

but now are ye light in the Lord:

walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit

is in all goodness

and righteousness and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship

with the unfruitful works of darkness,

but rather reprove them.”   Ephesians 5:8-11

Romans says is better than I can.

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!

Thankful To Whom??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #496

06 Friday Nov 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Thankful To Whom??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #496

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are called to be thankful people—thankful to God for all things!  Not easy in our flesh, but by the power of His cross and the Holy Spirit which Jesus has imparted to all who come to Him, it’s a doable!  We can do “all things” with a heart of gratitude.

Paul also gave the Colossian believers some great instruction including being thankful; may we all learn in humility, obeying all that God has revealed to us.  And even as we have been called to “put on” the armor of God, Paul calls us to put on some other things also.  May you ponder these things on this brisk (here in Oklahoma) Friday morning.

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:12-15

And one last challenge to have a grateful heart.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. (and don’t miss that little (big) word—all things!)

“Speaking to yourselves

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody

in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always

for all things

unto God and the Father

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”   Ephesians 5:19-20

And I am thankful for you—have a blessed day in Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Gratitude From The Heart??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #495

02 Monday Nov 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Gratitude From The Heart? A Word From THE WORD!!! #495

This is such an imperative of a godly life, but how do we live it out?  We must keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus and all HE has done for us.  Not just the gifts and blessings, but the sacrifice of The Son of God, who gave Himself a ransom to save all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, and eternal life for all who receive Him.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18

May we learn from Paul’s admonition to the Galatian believers; to know that Jesus died for us, therefore what less can we do than express our gratitude to Him each and every day before us—today, and today and another today!

“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

This is reiterated in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian believers, where he tells us who we are in Jesus!  Are you in HIM?  Are you grateful for His work of redemption in you?  I pray you are; and if you haven’t thought about it, that you will think about it as we ponder gratitude this month.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

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

Thank you, Jesus for saving me; for imparting to me your righteousness by the blood of Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen and Amen!!!

Prayer Matters??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #494

27 Tuesday Oct 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preaching Jesus, Prince of Peace, Pursuing Excellence?, Rain from heaven.

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Prayer Matters??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #494

We talked last time about prayer, Daniel’s prayer to be specific and I’d like to continue our conversation about prayer today, knowing the difference that prayer can make in our lives.

Jesus prayed often and set an example for us, as well as instructing us in the matter of prayer.

“And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray standing

in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.

7 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.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:5-13

Prayer helps us keep ourselves prepared for life in this world; we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and of this Christian life; he is ever diligent to pursue God’s own.  Peter gives us a grave warning of the nature of the battle and the beast who opposes everything godly, including us!!!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We ought to heed Paul’s advice which we have looked at recently, which I think needs to be continually before us.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ

for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit

           in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing

I make mention of you always

in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”  Romans 1:8-10

As you ponder on all these things, I pray that you will also think on one of my favorite passages from Paul.  I hope that you will take it to heart and measure your life by God’s Word and His will for those who belong to Jesus’!

“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

God bless and grow you as you dig into His Word!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Does God Expect??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #492

21 Wednesday Oct 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus SinLESS Son of God

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What Does God Expect??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #492

 

Jesus makes it very clear that to know Him and follow Him, I must die to myself and be ready to live for Him, through His Holy Spirit, and walk the narrow path that leads to life, as my Lord directs my steps; but it requires the new birth! (See Matthew 7:13-14)

“Saying,

The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected of the elders

and chief priests and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?”  Luke 9:22-25

Paul reiterated this very thought in his letter to the Galatian believers—not seeking to live a successful life on my own before the world–but being yielded to Jesus in my life, my all! This can only be done when we are enabled to live the “crucified” life—dying to self each day, and living unto Jesus; walking by faith and the direction of His Holy Spirit in all our ways.  Not easy but remember, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…”!  Only by being born again of the Spirit of God!  Living the new birth on display before a lost and dying world in need of a Savior!

“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

The Apostle John explained this in his Gospel.

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

Jesus—what God gives to meet His own expectations; His very Son to die for my sin and yours, if we’ll but repent of our sin, in trust and believing in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin; receiving the new birth, becoming “sons of God”!

God also spoke through His prophet Micah, with an amazing picture of the character of God, which Jesus came to replicate in us; not just keeping ten commandments, or ever the Law of Moses, but having His Spirit within us as His reborn, adopted children.  How about you, have you been to Calvary and received this new birth?  I pray that you have!

“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD,

and bow myself before the high God?

shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

with calves of a year old?

7 Will the LORD be pleased

with thousands of rams,

or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

8 He hath shewed thee, O man,

what is good;

and what doth the LORD require of thee,

but to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly

with thy God?”  Micah 6:6-8

I’ll close with Paul’s great contrast between the works of this flesh and the fruit of The Spirit (not something we work up, but the produce of the very presence of God within us!)! It’s all of, from, and unto God.

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:34-36

Paul also reminded the Galatian believers that it’s all about God’s work, not ours! HIS grace, mercy and the payment for our sin! (And note there is no ‘s’ in “fruit”!)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,

lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft,

hatred, variance, emulations,

wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness,

revellings, and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, 23 Meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

 let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:19-25

All this because of Jesus’ work of redemption on the cross.

“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 5:21

Where are your steps leading?  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!