Category Archives: ‘Come unto me

Prayer Day 6 of 8??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #282

02 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Revive us O God!, Righteousness, Righteousness exalts a nation, Salvation

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Prayer Day 6 of 8???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #282

 

I pray that you have had a good week, and that even when we change those clocks tonight (and I change mine today—I need more time to adjust…) we will be sure and keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus!  I pray that you will find hope, peace and grace to press on in the scriptures that we have shared; my goal is to please my Lord Jesus and encourage others to pursue Him.  I want to share another of Paul’s prayers with you today and I pray that God will use it to His glory and our good!

“Wherefore I also, after I heard

of your faith in the Lord Jesus,

and love unto all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you,

making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

may give unto you the spirit of wisdom

and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;

that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,

and what the riches of the glory

of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness

of his power to us-ward who believe,

according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ,

when he raised him from the dead,

and set him at his own right hand

in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality,

and power,

and might,

and dominion,

and every name that is named,

not only in this world,

but also in that which is to come:”                   Ephesians 1:15-21

As we bow before this risen King, may we remember that the question isn’t “Will you bow?”, for all will bow.  The question is “When will you bow?”  Will you bow before Jesus now, in humble repentance of your sin and trust/believe in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin that Jesus made at Calvary?  Jesus is the only way to come to God and heaven.  God has declared it.

“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

It’s all about Jesus—not elections, or taxes, or personalities—for all will bow—it’s about Jesus, His will and His righteousness!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith:

 as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Amen and Amen!!!

Prayer Day 5 of 8??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #281

01 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Good Citizens, Good News, Polluted by the world?, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!

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Prayer Day 5 of 8???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #281

 

Hope you’re having a good Friday morning, it’s lovely here in Oklahoma, after a bit of rain, and the fires that have been raging around us are almost contained, and praise God we are expecting more rain this weekend.  Many have been praying for rain and the cessation of all the fire danger around us, but more importantly than that, we need to be praying for the spiritual rain that will quench the spiritual drought about us.  In that vein we’ll look at some things about prayer today; instructions about seeking God’s face and interceding for those around us!  All of those around us, and let me just add when we are praying for the government entities in our culture (no matter where you may live) we are to pray in humble dependence upon our Father God, our precious Lord Jesus and His Holy Spirit to lead us in all our ways, and that we will be a genuine reflection of Jesus.  That means that we are ever to be “speaking the truth in love” (See Ephesians 4:15) not disrespect!  And let me simply add that the recipients of the passage below were under unfriendly, often hostile, rulers.  Keep that in mind as you are tempted to complain instead of praying and depending on Jesus! (And I’m not saying we can’t be involved in politics, but that we are called to be those who bridge the gap not those who stir it up!  Remembering that sometimes just speaking the truth in love will stir some things up!). Heed God’s Word!

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God:

 the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God:

and they that resist

shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works,

but to the evil.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

do that which is good,

and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good.

But if thou do that which is evil,

be afraid;

for he beareth not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of God,

a revenger to execute wrath

upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject,

not only for wrath,

but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also:

for they are God’s ministers,

 attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues:

tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom;

fear to whom fear;

honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing,

but to love one another:

for he that loveth another

hath fulfilled the law.”  Romans 13:1-8

What an amazing picture of God’s will for our responses to those in authority.  I’m not condoning evil that goes on in high places, but when we feel led to participate in “civil disobedience”, we better be sure we are doing so with a clear conscience toward God, and for good cause; not for spite, pride or any other fleshly reason!  The passage about prayer that I want us to look at today isn’t actually a prayer, but instruction on how we are to pray in regard to circumstances, culture and political issues.  (Keeping in mind what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-18, that our battles aren’t against “flesh and blood” but against unseen spiritual forces.  And another helpful passage in this regard is 2 Corinthians 10:3-5!)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made for all men;

2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life

in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God,

and one mediator

between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus;

 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all,

to be testified in due time.

7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher,

and an apostle,

 (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;)

a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and verity.

8 I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”  1 Timothy 2:1-8

And let me close by saying that while we are called to pray for others, especially those in authority, it doesn’t mean that we are to condone or promote evil and unbiblical practices, and that’s enough said! (Remember Jesus’ instructions that we saw earlier this week…” Thy kingdom come…. Thy will be done…!)

Amen and Amen!!!

Sacrifice Or True Obedience??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #267

02 Wednesday Oct 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Obedience, Obedience Or Sacrifice?, Obedient or NOT?, Saul's dilemma.

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Sacrifice Or True Obedience???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #267

I want us to take some time today and consider our choices and behavior; yes, our choices are important, and sometimes we try to appease God rather than obey—in our own wisdom rather than walking in the Spirit and obeying what God has clearly spoken.  King Saul made a tragic mistake in this area, and I think it worthy of our consideration, for many of us today are faced with the same kind of situations—do I please God or seemingly keep the peace around me?

“Now go and smite Amalek,

and utterly destroy all that they have,

and spare them not;” 1 Samuel 15:3a

God gave a specific command to King Saul, and he seems to obey; like we often do. (And without going deep into the context this may cause us to question, but you’ll need to go back to Exodus 17.)

“And Saul gathered the people together,

and numbered them in Telaim,

two hundred thousand footmen,

and ten thousand men of Judah.

5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek…

…7 And Saul smote the Amalekites

from Havilah until thou comest to Shur,

that is over against Egypt.”. 1 Samuel 15:4-5 & 7

But then the king decided that he had a better plan; oh how often, I’ve tried to exercise that better plan.  How about you?  We think we can walk with God in intimacy and do things our own way!  Not!  Let’s see the outcome of King Saul’s decision.

“But Saul and the people

spared Agag,

and the best of the sheep,

and of the oxen,

and of the fatlings,

and the lambs,

and all that was good,

and would not utterly destroy them:

 but every thing that was vile and refuse,

that they destroyed utterly.”  1 Samuel 15:9

Yet even before King Saul and the people returned God spoke to the prophet Samuel (and just FYI, Samuel was a priest and a prophet.). As God told Isaiah.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9

Oh, that we would learn the lesson of humble obedience, and Paul gives us the key.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16-17 & 25

Like the King we often think, “I’ve got this!”, when we are simply walking in the flesh, in blatant disobedience to our Lord!  Saul found out how costly this could be.  I pray that we will ponder the message that God spoke through Samuel.

“Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king:

for he is turned back from following me,

and hath not performed my commandments.

And it grieved Samuel;

and he cried unto the LORD all night…

….13 And Samuel came to Saul:

and Saul said unto him,

Blessed be thou of the LORD:

I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

14 And Samuel said,

What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep

in mine ears,

and the lowing of the oxen

which I hear?

15 And Saul said,

They have brought them from the Amalekites:

for the people spared the best

of the sheep

and of the oxen,

to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God;

and the rest we have utterly destroyed…

…18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said,

Go and utterly destroy the sinners

the Amalekites,

and fight against them

until they be consumed.

19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey

the voice of the LORD,

but didst fly upon the spoil,

and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?

20 And Saul said unto Samuel,

Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,

and have gone the way

which the LORD sent me,

and have brought Agag the king of Amalek,

and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21 But the people took of the spoil,

sheep and oxen,

the chief of the things

which should have been utterly destroyed,

to sacrifice

unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.”                                      Portions of 1 Samuel 15:10-21

Saul had a ready answer, but God’s reply was not what he expected; and like Saul we are often surprised when God is not pleased with our way!  God’s answer is one that we need to heed today; we must see that God’s ways are worthy of our obedience-in full not in partial.  Partial obedience is disobedience!  Ouch!

“And Samuel said,

Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings

and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold,

to obey

 is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken

than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion

is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness

is as iniquity

and idolatry.

Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD,

he hath also rejected thee

from being king.”  1 Samuel 15:22-23

We could go on and see that while God didn’t take the kingdom from Saul immediately, when you read the rest of 1 Samuel, you’ll find that he was tormented in his heart and mind for the judgment that he knew was coming.  I encourage you to read the rest of this story, it’s worth your time.

May we truly learn to walk in The Spirit and not our own way.  There is great reward in obedience:

“Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying”!

May we ponder God’s judgment and take it to heart today!!!

‘Nuff said!

Amen and Amen!!!

Changing Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #264

25 Wednesday Sep 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Come to Jesus, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Grace, Jesus Is Truth, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Broad or Narrow Way?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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 Changing Truth???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #264

 

I would like to spend some time this morning considering what God says about truth; and like it or not our world is steadily changing what they consider truth.  As one who follows Jesus and The Word of God, I believe that God’s truth is truth, and we must remember that the enemy of our soul is the great liar—Jesus said so!  As the old folks used to say, Jesus told the leaders “how the cow ate the cabbage”!

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:42-45

We have been called to “speak the truth in love”, but when it is not received, we cannot force people to believe only call them to the Savior Jesus!  Jesus never changes, and He never chased after anyone to follow Him.  We must all choose, but remember we are to be fishers of men and sowers of the seed—the cleaning and harvesting is in God’s hands!  Truth never changes!

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

This same Jesus made it clear that the choice belongs to each person, and that we who follow Him will never be in the majority in this world!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits…”.  Matthew 7:13-16a

Notice the difference between the “strait” and the “broad” roads, and between the “many” and the “few”; it is one of the most significant things in understanding truth and realizing that not everyone wants truth!  Or Jesus!  And believe it or not, scripture tells us what the standard is—Jesus, the living Word, and the breath of the written Word!

“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

I give testimony that Jesus has never failed, and I know He never will.  I’ve walked with Him for some 50 years; and no I didn’t always get it right, but when I failed it was usually because I was going my way and not His.  So, I praise God for not only His truth, but for his forgiveness, mercy and grace that can always be found at that “throne of grace”!  Don’t forget that God is always on call!  He neither slumbers nor sleeps (See Psalm 121:4)!

So as we go from day to day in this lost and dying world remember that there is truth, and it will stand!  We must choose what kind of nation we desire to see and stand fast for truth.  It’s of urgent importance.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation:

but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34.

Amen and Amen!!!

The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Building up or Tearing down?, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Inspiring Others, Intercessors, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, Is Small Insignificant?, It's Your Choice, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, The Word

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The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

 

I had a lovely day out with a friend yesterday, and as I sat down this morning to write, I couldn’t help but feel led to share just a few thoughts on friendship.  As my friend and I were talking over our lunch, I shared some things about my past, before I was saved and how unkind I could be—a smart alec by nature and environment–but God brought conviction to my heart many years ago, that my heart needed to be controlled more by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit than the smart alec that my fleshly habit inclines to.  Not to say that I don’t try to make a comical or timely remark when given the chance, but I try to keep it kind and friendly not snarky (as they say now—who knew that was a word?).  We talked about things that I used to do and be before I was saved and she couldn’t believe that was me, and I had to reassure her that Jesus had made the difference, and what grieves me the most was the influence that I was in the negative rather than the positive.  Oh, what a difference Jesus makes in my life!  How about you?  Has Jesus made a difference in you?  Do others see Jesus or your flesh most often?

“He that handleth a matter wisely

shall find good:

and whoso trusteth in the LORD,

happy is he.

21 The wise in heart

shall be called prudent:

and the sweetness of the lips

increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life

unto him that hath it:

but the instruction of fools

is folly.

23 The heart of the wise

 teacheth his mouth,

and addeth learning

to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,

sweet to the soul,

and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:20-25

As I was looking up verse 25 above, I was reading and this is one of those places in the Proverbs what has a lengthy flow of thought, and I just had to share this passage instead of just verse 25; for wisdom and kindness are linked hand in hand, and friendship can come out of kindness and compassion.  I have found new friends through the years, just by sharing Jesus, or wisdom from God’s Word, or just a smile and a word of positive encouragement.  Don’t miss acquiring a new friend by being more concerned about winning, rushing or ignoring others than by taking time to share a smile, or a wave, or a word of positive encouragement to a stranger!  It’s much better to share a positive word than always to be thinking of yourself and hurting an innocent recipient out of our unconcern.  How hard is to say kind things to a clerk, a cashier, an attendant, a co-worker whom you may not know well, a new neighbor, a child playing outside as you walk?

“A froward man

soweth strife:

and a whisperer

separateth chief friends.”  Proverbs 16:28

“He that covereth a transgression

seeketh love;

but he that repeateth a matter

separateth very friends.”  Proverbs 17:9

“A friend loveth

at all times,

and a brother

is born for adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

A friend is a treasure rare; and I have been abundantly blessed with dear friends through the years, and while many have gone before me into Jesus’ presence, I am still encouraged by the things God blessed us to share—mostly time, and Jesus, and being family!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh

closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24

“Open rebuke

is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  Proverbs 27:5-6

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:

so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend

by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

Friends are not only an opportunity to bless others, but to receive blessing, grace, wisdom and a point of view outside of our own; and that is so often of immeasurable importance.  It’s one of the things that we can share as friends, helping each other see another side of what God wants us to know.  Even teachers learn from their students—I surely have; and I thank God for that!  The Proverb says it better than I can!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Yet, while all of these things are of great import, there is one thing better, and to me, that is to be called the “Friend of God”!  May it ever be so—thank YOU JESUS!

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called

the Friend of God.”  James 2:23

Yet there is a danger in friendship—choosing to be the wrong friend to the wrong people, which James also warns us about.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.”  James 4:4

So, my friends choose wisely, while the choice is yours to make, remember there is a consequence.  And it may be coming very soon.  Will you choose to be a “Friend of God” in Jesus, or will you be found to be “the enemy of God”?  As I said, the choice is yours but choose wisely for there is a test!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus?  He’s calling to you!  Is He knocking at your door?  It’s your call!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!