Category Archives: Following Jesus

Check The Mirror??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

16 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Be ye doers of the Word, Be ye DOERS of the word NOT hearers only, Be ye HOLY, Be YE Steadfast, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Forgetting or Remembering?, Hearing God, Help Thou My Unbelief, Here am I send me!, Holy Living, Looking up Or around?, Memory

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Check The Mirror???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

“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.”  James 1:21-26

James tells us that there is a difference between “doers of the word” and those who are “hearers only”; may we take this message to heart and ask God’s help to truly be those who order our steps aright—God’s way, not as forgetful hearers!

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

God’s Word reminds us that we are accountable for our actions, and only as we align our lives with God’s Word will we walk in holiness and honor, as a testimony of God’s grace before man!

It grieves me that so many have apparently disconnected a holy life from the claim of being a Christian, a believer in Jesus, and a true and faithful child of God.  Jesus calls us His sheep, let’s peruse the record of Jesus’ description of His own sheep.  Have you looked into that mirror to see truth and follow it, or are you a “forgetful” hearer who claims Jesus’ name while going your own way?

“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.”  John 10:14-15

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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 10:26-30

Jesus gave His life that we might have life, yet so many claim to know Him and walk in their own way.  They want life from Jesus without death to self.  Are you His sheep?  Are you ready to follow The Shepherd or keep going your own way?  Jesus calls us to follow HIM.  Paul states this principle simply yet profoundly.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

It’s your choice so choose wisely, there is a test; the Lord’s return is eminent!  Are you ready for Jesus–the only way–on His way.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

 and from henceforth ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

Do you know the shepherd?  Have you been transformed by Jesus’ saving blood and grace?  He died for you—check your mirror, what do you see?  Whom do you see? Looking unto Jesus!

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!!!

 

When Do You Need Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #290

20 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, HOPE, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Relying on self or Jesus?, Seeing Truth, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, The Word

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When Do You Need Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #290

Life happens, time flies, and the world around us seems to suck us in sometimes but are we who claim the name of Jesus depending on Him or our own devices—the amazement of the techno-world gadgets, our own wisdom, intelligence or are we walking with our Lord, as the old song says, moment by moment!  There are days that I know that I am conscious of depending upon my Lord second by second.  I’d like to share some scripture that may help us to keep our eyes on Jesus—for one of Satan’s ploys is to keep us going on the toddler’s cry, “I can do it myself!”  How about you?  Are you leaning on the promises and truths that God’s Word provides, or something else.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them

to observe all things whatsoever

I have commanded you:

and, lo,

I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world. Amen.”                Matthew 28:18-20

Acts also records Jesus’ instructions as He was about to ascend to heaven, and they are words on which we must depend and keep in mind, for our strength is small, but as Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”!  And Jesus made it clear that, “without me you can do nothing…”!

“And he said unto them,

It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,

which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But

ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses

unto me both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  Acts 1:7-8

When we are born again, we receive the gift of Jesus’ Holy Spirit to go with us; we could take a whole session to discuss the things which Jesus said The Spirit would work in and through us but suffice it to say we have all we need in Jesus by The Spirit’s work!  It’s one of the reasons that Paul warned the believers at Thessalonica to “quench not the Spirit”!  Stop the maverick lifestyle!  If you don’t have The Spirit, you don’t have Jesus.

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:8-9

How can we do this?  You hit the nail on the head; “I” can’t but with The Holy Spirit’s work “we” can!  Remember what Jesus said, “without me you can do nothing…”; how much “nothing” are you spending in your own resources?  Let’s check out some great advice from scripture.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall                                        

not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16

“If we live in the Spirit,

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

Paul also gave some great advice to young Timothy.

“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

Isaiah also shared an amazingly helpful word that I rely upon continually.

“And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity,

and the water of affliction,

yet shall not thy teachers be removed

into a corner any more,

but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way, walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:20-21

So my question for us today is, “Are you walking with Jesus?  Do you need Him, or are you the ‘solo flight’ of the year?”  I close with a passage that is probably familiar to most, yet I want to explain the context.  Jesus is calling to the church at Laodicea who claimed His name, yet Jesus described their attitude as “needing nothing”!  They had become self-sufficient, and Jesus called them to come to Him.  I find it most interesting that Jesus is outside knocking on the door to get in!  Are you walking in your own self-sufficiency or have you opened the door to Jesus and learned to depend upon HIM continually?

“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 & Amen!!!

What’s The Verdict??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #288

15 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Eyes that SEE HIM, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Living Waters

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What’s The Verdict???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #288

There’s a proverb that’s been around for a while, and I think it worth our consideration, especially in the day in which we are living; “If you were put on trial for being a Christian (a believer in and a follower of Jesus), would there be enough evidence to convict you?”  With our culture of “offence”, it is often easy to let our silence be construed as approval.  Now, I don’t think we need to go everywhere with “guns a blazin’ ” as the saying goes, but we are to speak the truth in love.  Oh, how needy our world is of real love—not lust, but real God centered, helping people centered, love of God.

“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:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying

of itself in love.”   Ephesians 4:14-16

Is our light shining for Jesus, reflecting His work in us, or are we letting the enemy have his way in our daily walk; what does my walk—my talk—my actions—my compassion and grace say to people about my Lord Jesus.  Would my life bring a verdict of guilty of belonging to Jesus?  Would there be a hung jury, for the compromise that prevails too often?  Would there be so little evidence that I would be set free for lack of evidence?  Am I more concerned with blending in than shining for Jesus.  Yes, it may have a cost, but nothing like the price that Jesus paid to save me!

Let’s look at what Jesus said our lives ought to look like.

“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

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!!!