Category Archives: Faithfulness

Jesus, The Add On??? Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #343

24 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Compromise, Confessing Sin, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed or Transformed?, Conformed to HIS image, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Deceit or Discernment?, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, SIN, Sin IS the issue

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Jesus, The Add On???  Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #343

 

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12 

Jesus is the only way of salvation—the only way to heaven—the only way to be God’s child—the only way to have new life, hope, joy and peace “that passeth all understanding”!  But we are living in a culture where even the church seems to be ready to abandon the truth of the Gospel, and keep adding things, activities, exercises that are attempting to fill the void in mankind; when only Jesus can and will fill that void.  As it’s often been said, we have a “God-sized hole/void”, and only God can fill that void!  But it seems that we are surely trying to fill it with anything that makes no call of repentance and faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for sin—His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. The angel told Joseph that the issue was sin; not diet, exercise, meditation, or even fellowship and “love”!  Oh, the things that we are excusing and even promoting that violate God’s Word, but we call it “love” and press on, instead of seeking God’s “approval”!

“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

It’s God’s plan not man’s, yet we keep on trying to make it more palatable, that which even Jesus said would repel people.  Why do we think they killed Him and most of the prophets and preachers throughout scripture.

“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 15:18-21

It’s part of the message that Jesus gave to Nicodemus, but we conveniently leave off part of “God so loved”!  And God does love, but Father God and Jesus Christ the Son are “the same yesterday, and to day and forever…”! (See Hebrews 13:8). Will we preach Jesus—the only way?  What are we tacking on to Jesus!  Yes, Jesus loves me and you, yet He also makes it clear over and over again that you must choose between the straight road or the broad one—God’s way or the world’s, and the consequences will follow your choice.  (see Matthew 7:13-28)

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

So, how do we choose right?  We must seek Jesus and His cross!  Dying to self and giving our life to Jesus, and seeking His will, His way, His truth, and reflecting His life before a lost and dying world by speaking “the truth in love”!  But never change His truth to try and attract a crowd!  It will never work, because it isn’t what He called us to do or to share.  We must share His truth His way.  Paul gives us great advise as He shared with his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy—dig into God’s Word not the world’s!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”   2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:15-16

May we be found faithful to God’s Word!  May we learn to measure by HIS WORD not popular opinion, trends, fads, or what is the top thing on social media!  It’s so easy to buy into the cutesy, tear-jerking stories and form opinions that are 180 degrees away from what God has said.  But so many go on feeling rather than the facts and truth of The Word of God!  I know I harp on that, but oh, my friends, we must wake up, repent, and turn from our own wisdom to pursue God’s!  I’d like to close with an amazing passage from Daniel—a young man probably still in his teens, but a young man who knew his God—one who had made up his mind to serve God not man!  This passage is Daniel’s prayer of praise to God for answered prayer.  Who is your God? (See Daniel 1:8)

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

I would encourage you to read through the book of Daniel, even just the first 6 chapters and you’ll find a young man, and his friends, who were committed to their God, to His ways and they always stood firm and never took credit for what God did; even to such a degree that others saw in them the character of God.  But don’t miss the lesson that we must, I say must, learn, and that is when we go God’s way, we will face opposition, hatred, jealousy and we must be like Daniel and his friends and press on faithfully.  Paul reminds us of just that, and I’ll leave you with these thoughts to ponder.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forthunto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Amen and Amen!!!

Gain Or Loss??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #317

24 Friday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Every Knee Shall Bow, Evil and Adulterous Generation?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, Good Citizens, Good News

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Gain Or Loss???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #317

I have a hard word to share this morning, as we look at this winter Friday, after snows (or as they say in Louisiana “sneaux”—as in “geaux Tigers”), storms, inaugurations, governmental changes and a country that is almost gridlocked with a seeming inability to work together, I thought a brief word of simple advice from scripture might redirect our Friday thoughts.  We can deal with life differently, but there are some biblical principles that I pray will encourage your heart today.

The context of this passage is Paul’s message to his son-in-the-ministry, reminding us that life can be hard, but God’s ways ought to be our ways, not falling into the snares of worldly lies.

“And they that have believing masters,

let them not despise them,

because they are brethren;

but rather do them service,

because they are faithful and beloved,

partakers of the benefit.

These things teach and exhort.

3 If any man teach otherwise,

and consent not to wholesome words,

even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and to the doctrine

which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud,

knowing nothing,

but doting about questions and strifes of words,

whereof cometh envy,

strife,

railings,

evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings

of men of corrupt minds,

and destitute of the truth,

supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.    (ouch!)

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation

and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men

in destruction

and perdition.

10 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.” 2 Timothy 6:2-12

Paul called Timothy to be wise and discerning about those things which are needful—they don’t consist of silver and gold, but rather they consist of the things that Paul has called Timothy and us to follow:

and follow after

righteousness,

godliness,

faith,

love,

patience,

meekness…. now, today, and each day!

And just a reminder of another contrast that Paul gave us in his letter to the Galatian believers; a very clear and concise contrast between the fruit/works of the flesh and the fruit/works of The Spirit. (and just FYI, there is no ‘s’ in the “fruit” of the Spirit.)

“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.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another, envying one another.”   Galatians 5:19-26

Are we willing to examine our hearts and ask God to help us be those filled with His Spirit and walking in the power of His Spirit, exhibiting the fruit of The Spirit and not our flesh.  Ouch!  I am praying even as I sit here writing this, that God will help me truly “practice what I preach”!  It’s seldom easy, but it is worth our effort and commitment to be all that God has saved us to be before a lost and dying world; before a world spinning like a top, right into hell.  Will you join me in recommitting to being salt and light in this world of darkness—it’s our calling, even when it’s not welcomed, wanted or accepted—our call is to “withstand in the evil day”!  May we be found standing on God’s Word!!!

“Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 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 5:11-16

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!!!

 

Which Mirror Are You Using??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #286

10 Sunday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, All Sufficient God!, Faithfulness, Perseverance, SIN, Sin IS the issue

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Which Mirror Are You Using???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #286

We all like to check our appearance in the mirror, making sure everything is straight, and nothing out of place.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but when our attention is on the glass mirror, we may be forgetting to check the spiritual mirror to be sure we are walking with God, for God and in the way God wants us to go. We are living in a culture that wants to camp out on God’s “love” without taking into consideration that God has a standard, and it hasn’t changed.  In fact so often people will ask, “Where does it say that in the Bible?” (that I can’t do such-and-such) as an excuse for their inappropriate behavior.  Well, it does say this in the Bible:

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

God has never changed, and He never will, nor will The Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and usually the things that people don’t think are in the Bible, are simply undiscovered by them, because they want no accountability to God.  But we will all give an account, either to The Lord Jesus before the Judgment Seat of Christ to answer for our deeds done or undone for Jesus, or we will stand before the Great White Throne judgment, where the lost will bow before the God they have rejected and receive their fate with no opportunity of grace.

James gives us a good picture of this.

“Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers

of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled

before God

and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless

and widows in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”   James 1:21-27

How do we stay “unspotted from the world”. It ain’t easy, but it is doable.  But only God’s way!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…. 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.”  Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

It takes commitment, devotion and a reliance upon Jesus to keep walking in The Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit imparted to all who are born again); and we are to be a doer of the word, not just a hearer—as my mom used to say, “in one ear, and out of the other…” or will we live what we claim to believe?!  Scripture talks about presumption, so let’s consider our lives in that mirror of God’s truth.

“Who can understand his errors?

cleanse thou me from secret faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also

from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me:

then shall I be upright,

and I shall be innocent

from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:12-14

Being “acceptable in thy sight” is the key—pleasing to our Lord!  Looking in His mirror of The Word!  Peter writes about presumption.

“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh

in the lust of uncleanness,

and despise government.

Presumptuous are they,

selfwilled,

they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”    2 Peter 2:10

In closing, just a couple of questions.  If we were to be judged solely by our speech, would people know that we love Jesus and are born again?  Does our speech draw people to our Redeemer or do they wonder why we speak and behave in the way we do.  Are we being true testimonies of Jesus or presumptuous imitators?  Food for thought for our week.

“Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

Amen and Amen!!!

Faith In Spite Of Sight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #227

03 Monday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abraham's Test, Are you ready?, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Wisdom, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Seeing Truth, Serving God or Using God?, Sin IS the issue, Speaking The Truth In Love, Still Will I Trust HIM, The Word

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Faith In Spite Of Sight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #227

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand

that the worlds were framed by the word of God,

so that things which are seen

were not made of things which do appear…

….6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder of them

 that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:1-3, 6

We hear lots of talk about faith today—in this or that, even the faith regarding Jesus.  But what is your faith really in?  A myth?  A story? A legend? People? Promises?  The significant thing we must remember is that it is absolutely important what we believe about Jesus.  Many believe he was a good man, or even a good teacher or prophet, but Jesus claimed to be The Son of God—to be God (See John 10:30)!  Paul says that salvation only comes when we believe the Gospel and tells us exactly what that is!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you

the gospel which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed

in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Jesus also reminded us that we can only come to Him when we are willing to repent of our own sin and trust in His blood to save us; as Paul says, His death, burial and resurrection “for our sin”!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

….5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3, 5

So the question comes, what do you believe or what have you placed your faith in?  Money, power, influence, family, politics, fame…the list could go on, but the question remains.  Have you trusted in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice to pay for your sin?  If you have, are you also trusting to God’s faithful provision even when you can’t see the way?  I want to share a simple story with you this morning, and I ask that you ponder the amazing truth of it.

“By faith Abraham,

when he was called to go out into a place

which he should after receive for an inheritance,

obeyed;

and he went out,

not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,

as in a strange country,

dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob,

the heirs with him

of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city

which hath foundations,

whose builder and maker is God…

….13 These all died in faith,

not having received the promises,

but having seen them afar off,

and were persuaded of them,

and embraced them,

and confessed that they were strangers

and pilgrims on the earth…

…17 By faith Abraham,

when he was tried,

offered up Isaac:

and he that had received the promises

offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said,

That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able

to raise him up,

even from the dead;

from whence also he received him

in a figure.”  Portions of Hebrews 11:8-19

Abraham believed God’s promises which He gave Him for a seed, a land and a nation when he was childless at 75 years of age!  That was a promise which Abraham clung to even when God asked him to offer Isaac on the altar.  This was faith over sight! And when you study this encounter, you will find that God took Abraham and Isaac to Mount Moriah (the place where Jesus was offered) and Abraham’s answer to Isaac’s question, “where is the sacrifice”, was, I believe, from a faith-vs-sight beyond his own wisdom as we see in Genesis 22; and I truly believe God let Abraham see that HE would provide “Himself” as The Lamb in His time.  Check it out.  John the Baptizer understood: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world…”. Have you looked to Jesus, The Lamb to take away your sin?  Are you looking with eyes of faith or being swayed by worldly distractions.

“And he believed in the LORD;

and he counted it to him for righteousness.

7 And he said unto him,

I am the LORD that brought thee out

of Ur of the Chaldees,

to give thee this land

to inherit it.”  Genesis 15:6-7

Don’t let the world distract your faith by leading your eyes in a different direction—for it will never lead you closer to your Lord. Jesus gave His all for me and you, what will we give for/to Him?

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment

have I received of my Father.”  John 10:14-18

He died for sin—but rose the victor over it!!

Amen and Amen!!!