Category Archives: Faithful

Trusting Or Worrying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #454

27 Wednesday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Faithful, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Peace of God, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Wonderful Counselor!, Worldliness

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Trusting Or Worrying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #454

I saw a post on something earlier this week, and I had to laugh but at the same time feel very sad at the truth of what I saw.  The writer had intended to write “prayer warriors”, but what was printed for all to see was sadly funny, it said “prayer worriers”!  Oh how true that often is of us as we pray!  We go to God but have little faith in The One to whom we are lifting our prayers!  I just want to share a bit today about real faith and trust in the God we claim to serve.

I’ll start with several verses from one of my favorite Psalms —and apropos to the world we live in; a world of faithlessness, compromise and self-will all around us, even in the church that claims the name of Jesus Christ ‘The Lord’ freely!

“1 Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity…

…7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Portions of Psalm 37:1-9

I find it interesting that in the last portion refers to those who “wait upon the LORD”, we most often think of that waiting, as referring to time; but I think it can also refer to those who ‘wait’, as in serving the King of Kings, rather than only seeking Him when we want to be served!  Food for thought —which are you/I?  But the main thought I want to consider is that our God does provide for us and has told us to call upon Him.  We are to trust to His care rather than fretting or getting angry!  Both things which are a frequent battle for me; how about you!  But there is a better way.

“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

We can have hope and joy knowing that our Lord Jesus has paid the price for our sin, and He was able to do that because He was the sinless Lamb of God who takes our sin away!  We just have to quit taking it up again.  John the baptizer recognized Him and proclaimed His person and His purpose.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man which is

preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

Very similar to the message that Joseph received before Jesus’ birth.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”   Matthew 1:21

You see, sin was, is and ever shall be the issue—we can pray in faith to The One who saves from sin, or go our own way being a “prayer worrier”.  Or we can come to Jesus in recognition of our sin, repenting of it and believing/trusting in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  It’s all because of the blood HE shed for me and you!  And when we come to Him, we are His and He keeps us in His care.  Paul gives us such a powerful call to trust and know Jesus’ care. We can have this confidence that Paul refers to in Jesus, and we can grow in trust and faith, by following the amazing instructions he gives us—one of my favorite reminders of how we are to order our steps!

“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.”   Philippians 4:4-8

And in closing a reminder that I come back to again and again; it’s about our God and His Son Jesus, not about me!

“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.”   Matthew 6:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

Shelter In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #438

23 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor

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Shelter In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #438

I would like to share a bit of encouragement this morning as we in SW Oklahoma are hunkering down for a severe winter storm.  I thought a bit of a reminder that God is our ever-present help no matter the storm.  So whether you’re facing bad ‘weather’ or a storm of a different kind, I hope you will look up, knowing that help is always there-our Father God Almighty, Jesus Christ the Son, and the precious abiding Holy Spirit (to all those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—yours and mine!). So, I leave a word of God with you for today—and each and every day to know that Jesus never fails, no matter the storm.

“Hear my cry, O God;

attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth

will I cry unto thee,

when my heart is overwhelmed:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been a shelter

for me,

and a strong tower

from the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle

for ever:

I will trust in the covert

of thy wings. Selah.”  Psalm 61:1-4

I pray for our safety and yours in whatever storm you may be facing today!  God is ever faithful to be our high rock, a shelter, a strong tower, and a tabernacle over our heads, and the everlasting and covering wings!  Blessings on your day!

Amen and Amen!!!

Seeking God’s Will??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #364

13 Sunday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, The Word, Wisdom, Wise As Serpents, Witness, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

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Seeking God’s Will???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #364

Walking with Jesus can be as simple as saying “Thank You, Lord”; or it can be as difficult as trying to discern your next step, choice, decision about when, where, or how to serve The Lord.  It’s a matter of listening and obeying—two of the hard parts–and keeping our eyes on Jesus, as the author of Hebrews gives us some good advice in this direction.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

This is one of my favorite passages, yet so many seem to me, to interpret verse one as a stadium crowd cheering us on, but I don’t think that fits the context of chapter 11’s roll of faith.  The author of Hebrews is reminding us that when we look at those who have gone on before us, we can consider their race of faith, and how their perseverance, faith in God, and obedience to God’s directions and commands led them to victory—even those who paid with their lives.  But notice that we are called to “lay aside” somethings as we “run…the race that is set before us…”!  We are to run the race which Jesus places before us—in our vernacular, stay in your lane!  For some of us who are a bit ‘driven’ you might say, often see how everyone else’s race ought to be run, neglecting or just plain missing the road signs on our race!

Sometimes we have to just take time, effort and diligence to seek God’s face, when we just can’t seem to discern the right direction or choice that is before us.  We must solve these things on our knees (figuratively, as some of aren’t able to get down on them anymore, but we are to pursue God with diligence and wisdom)!  Where do we find God’s will? Our main focus is to dig into God’s Word, pray and seek godly counsel as we are led; and let me just add, I am speaking of godly counsel for those who have lived a life of godly wisdom, not taking a poll of those we know will say the things we want to hear.

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 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.

10 For as the rain cometh down,

and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth

out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish

that which I please,

and it shall prosper

in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 For ye shall go out with joy,

and be led forth with peace:

the mountains and the hills

shall break forth before you into singing,

and all the trees of the field

shall clap their hands.”  Isaiah 55:6-12

When we are in tune with God, we will have that peace beyond measure.  James puts it another way!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:6-7

We must “withstand in the evil day”, by the power of the cross and Jesus’ blood and righteousness!  Paul called Timohty to stand fast, and we must take heed to that message as well.

“For the love of money

is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God,

flee these things;

and follow after

righteousness,

godliness,

faith,

love,

patience,

meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith,

lay hold on eternal life,

whereunto thou art also called,

and hast professed a good profession

before many witnesses.”  1 Timothy 6:10-12

Where do you go when you are looking for God’s way?  Are you listening to God, through the voice of The Holy Spirit; or are you trying your own reasoning?  We must seek God’s way and not our own—even when the cost is great, or the time is seemingly long!

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

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

May we seek The Lord’s way and not that of the world; not of Hellywood, not of popular culture, music or media.  I pray that each of us, will seek the right way!  May the Lord be glorified in our lives, our choices and our influence.  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test!  Let’s pray for one another!

Amen and Amen!!!

But We’ve Always Done It??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

01 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Deniable Truth? Really?, Dignity, Discernment, Distractions, Do all things decently, Do You See What God Sees?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, Modesty

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But We’ve Always Done It???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly,

seeketh not her own,

is not easily provoked,

thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 From the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s great treatise about love/charity, where we see not only the attributes of God’s love, but how God’s love is to be reflected in our lives.  Yet the thing I want us to consider today is the message that real love, God’s love, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”!  We are to stand for truth in all our ways, yet living and speaking it with love, compassion, and integrity.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:14-15

We must share truth, whether or not it is well received; our task is to preach, teach and live Jesus before a lost and dying world, even when we aren’t applauded or sometimes not even liked.  But we are to recognize that rejection isn’t necessarily failure, and there are those from whom we are to walk away when they don’t receive the message.  Jesus’ words not just mine.

“Give not that which is holy

unto the dogs,

neither cast ye your pearls

before swine,

lest they trample them under their feet,

and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6

“Behold,

I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

Jesus never sugar-coated following Him, but He called us to be wise—to be aware that not everyone is nice—to be discreet and discerning in all of our dealings, for we live in a lost world where we are to be a light in the darkness, and Jesus even told us about the darkness, as we live in a day of darkness and evil on every hand; a day in which even those who claim to be believers in Jesus, think it’s okay to behave, dress, act, and entertain ourselves like the world does.  We have forgotten the admonitions to “be ye holy, for I am holy”! (See 1 Peter 1:16)

“I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.

9 In like manner also,

that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,

with shamefacedness and sobriety;

not with broided hair,

or gold,

or pearls,

or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness)

with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul instructed Timothy to teach men and women to live what they profess, with prayer, holiness, and free from anger and doubts, that even our apparel should not be a distraction to others or from Jesus’ truth!  This seems to be a message that we have missed today, for there was a time when people knew the difference between modest and immodest—between tastefully modest and total exposure.  We are to be known for our good works and godly life not our skin show!  Just because it’s “fashionable” doesn’t mean it reflects godliness. Our speech is to reflect the God we serve not the gutter of this world.

“I have written unto you, fathers,

because ye have known him

that is from the beginning.

I have written unto you, young men,

because ye are strong,

and the word of God abideth in you,

and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

 abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:14-17

James also had much to say about the world and its effect upon our lives, may we take heed to his warnings.  Just because everyone else is doing it (even those who claim the name of Jesus) I must know God’s Word and what it calls me to be, to do, in being a faithful witness of my Lord!

“Let no man say when he is tempted,

I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil,

neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted,

when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived,

it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished,

bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us

with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits

of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man

be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.”  James 1:13-20

James chapter 4 is where the rubber meets the road (as we would say!). May The Word do its work to lead us to be conformed into the image of Jesus instead of the world.

“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.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”   James 4:4-8

In closing one of my favorite passages of direction, may it speak to you today as The Word does its work!

“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

Let’s be sure that we are being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and The Word, and not conformed to the world!

Amen and Amen!!!

Not Ashamed Of The Gospel??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #338

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Believing God's Words, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., Repentance, Responding to God's call to share the Good news., Responding to the call!, Resting Or Wrestling?, Resurrection, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, The Cross or the world?, The Crucified Life, The foolishness of preaching, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Resurrection Life!

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Not Ashamed Of The Gospel???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #338

I just want to take a few minutes this morning to remind us that all the hype, bunnies, chocolate, or colored eggs aren’t to be our focus during this season but the resurrection of our Lord; the sole act that sealed our redemption.  So, I want to share just a couple of passages to direct our hearts and minds to Jesus and the Gospel; for the gospel is simple but demanding, even as Jesus said in John chapter 3:

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

 4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

It’s not our works, or where we were born, or even if or where we attend church—it is all about the death, burial and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ to pay for our sin.  I join with Paul and declare that I am not ashamed to proclaim that there is only one way to God—to heaven—to eternal life instead of eternal death in hell, and that is through Jesus Christ my Lord; by repentance of my sin, and faith/belief/trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary, and the fact that He didn’t stay dead but HE AROSE!!!

“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.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.” Romans 1:16-19

God is revealing Himself every day in everything around us, and we can heed His call upon our hearts and minds, or we can choose to reject it!  But remember this new birth comes by faith in Jesus, not religion, not acts of kindness or even good works—it is “through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast”!  (See Ephesians 2:8-10). So the question is all about Jesus—what have you done with His sacrifice for you!  People may laugh, and scoff; they may call me a fanatic, but I will stand upon the truth as long as Jesus gives me breath!  How about you?  Do you know Him personally?  Have you bowed the knee before Him at the call of His voice upon your heart?  Are you playing games with God, trying to do things your own way?  Are you full of pride in your own “religious” activities; regardless of what you have chosen to believe, I want to leave you/us with the clear truth of what the gospel is.  Paul put it in a nutshell, so to speak, and I leave you with it, that you may ponder how you think you are going to get to heaven!  Please come with me to the cross and on to glory with Jesus Christ my King and Lord!

“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:

6 After that, he was seen

of above five hundred brethren at once;

of whom the greater part remain

unto this present,

but some are fallen asleep.

7 After that, he was seen of James;

then of all the apostles.

8 And last of all he was seen of me also,

as of one born out of due time.”   1 Corinthians 15:3-8

I pray that you will heed the voice of God’s Spirit speaking to your heart and come to Jesus!  Meet Him at the cross—there is always room for one more!!!

Amen and Amen!!!