Category Archives: Encouragement

Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

23 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faith or Entertainment?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greed, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

“But I beseech you,

that I may not be bold

when I am present

with that confidence,

wherewith I think to be bold against some,

which think of us

as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

This is a passage where Paul is calling us to remember that we are to learn from God’s work in our lives, not only in the spiritual realm, but also understanding that God is ever at work through the physical circumstances that surround us to teach us, grow us, and most importantly to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, being an example of His grace in us to a lost and dying world!.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”  Romans 8:26-31

And while these two passages are a bit lengthy, I want us to get a grasp on the truth that we are blessed by a God who not only loves us but also has made perfect provision for us in every way. In thinking of that may we not become complacent or become like the world around us and fixate on expectations rather than gratitude!  We are called to be a grateful people, not only by scripture, but by the very truth that “…God so loved the world (ME) that He gave…”!  He gave His “only begotten Son…” for you and me!  He gave Him to die for my sin and yours.  And if there is one passage that pictures this amazing love, grace and provision that Jesus made for all who will come to Him, it is found in 2 Corinthians.

“17 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

John said it this way:

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

I am grateful that God loved me first!  I was lost in sin—as we all are—yet Jesus reached down and lifted me up to Himself.  I encourage you to examine your own heart and ask God to help you know where you stand with Him—and if you ask in faith, He will reveal your true state to you; if you are saved He will encourage you in The Word, and if not, He will bring you to the cross if you will but hear His voice and heed His call.  It isn’t by entitlement, but by grace!  How we ought to continually have an attitude of gratitude; Paul says it better than I can.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye

stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

I ask you to join me in thanking God always, in all things, remembering that in Jesus—we are victorious!  Remember, as I often say, We Win!  Keep that attitude of gratitude, not looking for what you think you are “entitled to”!  As the old song calls us to “count your blessings”!  I encourage you to spend some time this week rehearsing your blessings—count them, name them, and thank God for them!  And if He lays someone on your heart that you need to thank—do it!  Today!  Today! Today!

Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done for me!  Thank you for these precious friends who follow these posts each week!  Grow each of us in Your grace!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Price Never Too High??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

06 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Ears that hear not, Elijah, Elijah's Run, Encouragement, No Price Too High???, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Service, Serving God or Using God?

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A Price Never Too High???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah;

and he girded up his loins,

and ran before Ahab

to the entrance of Jezreel.”  I Kings 18:46

My close friends know I am not prone to be an athletic person and while I do try to walk every day, I have never been prone to run, jump, or do great feats of athletic prowess, and I often tell people I don’t even run to the mailbox on a good day! And that is about my limit; Elijah isn’t noted for his speed, but he is remembered for his commitment to God, and after the encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he literally outruns King Ahab to the city.  Yet the challenge came close on the heels of the victory over the enemies of God; how often we fail to understand the nature of the spiritual warfare that comes with victory –especially great victories!  Satan doesn’t take spiritual success of God’s servants “lying down” (for he would rather “lie up” in defiance of truth and those who love the truth—See John 8:44!).  We must press on dear ones—press on (See Philippians 3:13-15!)

Many people struggle with Elijah’s response, but I find great comfort in this episode in Elijah’s life and God’s response to it.  We don’t have to always be the bold, confident flag waver; sometimes we find ourselves being the one running the “other” way!  Let’s see what God does in, for and to Elijah.  Often God’s ways just amaze me and bring me to rejoice that He loves us and doesn’t condemn our humanity—after all, HE created us humans, as humans, but He won’t leave us in the wallows of defeat for Jesus has won the victory—and in HIM we always have victory, even taking a nap!!!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done,

and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

So let the gods do to me,

and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die;

and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree,

behold,

then an angel touched him, and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD

came again the second time, and touched him,

and said, Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.”  I Kings 19:1-8

God knows our journey, even those where we know we have been faithful to do God’s will, and the enemy comes with a vengeance, and we are overcome with weariness!  It’s OK!  Rest, it’s alright to sleep when you need it!  It’s more than alright to be human—we are human!  God knew what Elijah needed, and He even sent the angel to meet his need, not once but twice!  God gave him the food that he needed, some good rest, and then the message to travel on, and he went for forty days and nights in that strength.  God may not call us to go forty days (I do good to go one day at a time), but whatever the call is He will supply our need of sleep, food, fellowship and relationships that make our way more doable!  But the story doesn’t stop there, and what God did for Elijah He will do for us, maybe not in fire and storms, but He will always lead us to that “still small voice” to guide us, and for us who belong to Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to direct our every step when we will be stop—look—listen for His voice and promptings.  If you’ve never heard that voice you may want to check and see what you think saved you.

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there;

and, behold,

the word of the LORD came to him,

and he said unto him,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said,

I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:                       for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,                thrown down thine altars,                                                                     and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.

And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it,

that he wrapped his face in his mantle,

and went out,

and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

14 And he said, I have been very jealous

for the LORD God of hosts:

because the children of Israel

have forsaken thy covenant,

thrown down thine altars,

and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 And the LORD said unto him,

Go,

return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:

and when thou comest,

anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi

shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel:

and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah

shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.”  I Kings 19:9-16

God has a plan, a man (or woman or child) and total provision, direction and success!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in!  Don’t think you are alone—the only one—remember that God even told Elijah who would be his successor!  Someone is learning from you—be that rested, satisfied and obedient servant—in the victories and in those “the devil-is-chasing-me times”.  He is a defected foe.  Remember, we win!

“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

 May we take Peter’s words as our marching orders!!!  Please, please, don’t let the “father of lies” discourage you!  Resist him and remember, he is a defeated foe—a toothless lion—a loud noise-maker–yet We Win in Jesus!!!  Jesus arose!!!  He’s coming soon!!!  Press on with, for and in Jesus’ resurrection power my friends, Jesus never fails!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Following Jesus Into 2025??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #312

05 Sunday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Encouragement, Eternal Treasures, Examine Myself?, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithfulness, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Perilous Times Are Here, Persecution, Perseverance, Suffering With Jesus, Take Up YOUR Cross

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Following Jesus Into 2025???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #312

 

As we go into this new year of 2025, I would like to share a most impactful but often overlooked passage from the Apostle Peter; a passage that can challenge our often-presumptuous attitude toward God and what we consider as our “privilege” in being God’s children.  Suffering is often the call of true believers; yet what is our attitude toward this scriptural principle?  Today we’ll consider truth, first of all from Jesus, then from Peter.  And let me clarify something before I even print it, and that is when Jesus refers to asking anything “in my name” it isn’t a heavenly slot machine using Jesus’ name; rather it is seeking “first the Kingdom of God…and His righteousness…”!  When we put God first, we’ll know His will and not only pursue it but follow it faithfully.  And just FYI, if you’re popular with the world, you may want to examine your relationship with Jesus (not judging simply making an observation, Jesus did!)

“Ye have not chosen me,

but I have chosen you,

and ordained you,

that ye should go and bring forth fruit,

and that your fruit should remain:

that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father

in my name,

he may give it you.

17 These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 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 15:16-21

Peter seems to restate the case for persecution of the believers by reminding us of the example of Jesus.  I pray that you will ponder this call to faithful service to our King regardless of the cost.

“Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters

with all fear;                                   (respect not terror)

not only to the good and gentle,

but also to the froward.  (unreasonable)

19 For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 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 2:17-25

As another side note, we are healed from sin by His stripes, so that we can live unto righteousness (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  I would also encourage you to read on into chapter 3 for more advice for our homes; remembering that what we live before our children is much more important than just our words.  I pray that God will help me to be more of what He has called me to be—by His grace, through His power, and for His glory.   Won’t you join me in concentrating on our pursuit of God this year—today, and today and the next today!!!

“This is the day which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

Amen and Amen!!!

 

The Lord Is Enough!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #254

29 Thursday Aug 2024

Posted by in Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Dare To Be Different!, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!

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The Lord Is Enough!!!  A Word from THE WORD #254

 

I would simply like to borrow part of David’s cry of praise to The Lord for His deliverance.  I pray that you will find encouragement in his words today—I always do!  God is so good, I pray that you know Him and rejoice in not just what He does, but Who He Is!  If you don’t know Jesus, you can—if you hear His voice calling you simply admit your sin to Jesus, repent (simply turning from your sin to Jesus precious, cleansing blood!) of it, and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you!!!  Jesus still saves and changes lives today!

“I will love thee,

O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is

my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

 my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn of my salvation,

and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

4 The sorrows of death compassed me,

and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about:

the snares of death prevented me.

6 In my distress

I called upon the LORD,

and cried unto my God:

he heard my voice out of his temple,

and my cry came before him,

even into his ears.”  Psalm 18:1-6. Amen!!!

Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

26 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Building up or Tearing down?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Forgiveness, He was born to die for our sin, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, The Word, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Turn to God's Word

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Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

We talked last time about being still and knowing that God IS God, and in this crazy, troubled, uncertain world it’s often hard to be still; yet we need to remember our childhood lesson to “stop, look, and listen”, stop running from God and turn around running to Him, looking up to seek His grace, mercy and wisdom, and listening to His direction for our lives…oh, what a difference we would see and know!  Take some time today to stop for a few, look up to Jesus, and listen for His voice; He is ever ready to meet you where you are—and He already knows where you are and what you really need!

“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

Jesus calls us to Himself!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus calling you?  Are you already His, but you’re confused, tired, frustrated—let go and listen to your shepherd—Jesus!!!

“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 Lord—He is my shepherd—He IS God—and He IS coming back soon!  Are you ready!  Live today with Him, for Him and by His power, grace and truth (dig into His Word!!!)!  Who do you belong to?  Jesus?  The world?  Your fleshly desires and lusts?  Your greed?  Your goals?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12 

Get out of that dark cellar and look to the “light of the world” and follow Him. Again remember that childhood song we all sang about letting our “little light shine” and the refrain that taught us to not “let Satan blow it out”!  The enemy is ever after us, but we have victory in Jesus when we but stop, look and listen!  (that might make a great song…)!  And if you don’t know Jesus, don’t miss His voice calling you—the wrong way will always look appealing, but it leads the wrong way and only brings destruction and death.  Let’s examine Jesus’ call to all!  A call to His own to shine as a reflection of the true light of the world; if you don’t know Him, He calls you to choose the straight/narrow way and walk with Him.  The journey isn’t easy, but He is ever faithful to walk with us!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus’ great warning of the difference between the two roads; the two choice that we each face; it’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test (and a consequence—you are free to choose but the choice carries its own consequence.)!  Jesus knows your heart!  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time; you can fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool God!” Remember, the majority isn’t always right!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?

“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.”  Matthew 7:13-14

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

God is ever faithful to care for His own.  Jesus has never failed me, and HE won’t fail you either.  Jesus knows His own and He always cares—delivering right on time; and His Word is the standard not the opinions of the world—regardless of how popular they seem to be!  Trust Him today if you haven’t!

“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

May the grace and love of Jesus overflow your soul today!

Amen and Amen!!!