Category Archives: Godliness will be opposed

What Is God’s Kingdom??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #370

30 Wednesday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's measure isn't ours, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Good Neighbor, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Knowing Truth, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, Today and Forever, Today is the day of Salvation, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's following you?, Who's in your heart?, Who's Listening?, Who's Your Father?, Whom are you trusting?, Whose Sheep are You?, Whose Side Are You On?, Wise As Serpents

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What Is God’s Kingdom???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #370

This seems like a reasonable question, but we must keep our “reason” based on scripture.  Jesus calls us to keep our focus on spiritual things God’s way not our own.  Let’s consider some principles from scripture and then decide what “kingdom” we are living in.

“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

Jesus calls us to pray to “Our Father”!  Who has this privilege?  Those who are born again and made children of God!

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born “of God” by being “born again”!   Only those who have been born again have the right and the privilege to call God Father; and when we call God father, we ought to behave like His children, and our prayer is to be made in pursuit of His Kingdom to “come”, and His will to be “done”!  To put it simply, whose kingdom are you pursuing, which “king” are you bowing before; kingdom, simply put, means the domain of a “king”!  Who is your king; yourself, the world, the enemy of your soul?  You are serving someone, be sure that it is The King of all, the almighty, sovereign, ruler, creator and Lord over all!  And that means just what it says—He is ruler over all; and you can trust in Him to save, keep and deliver.  Paul said it better than I can.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Jesus began it and He will finish His work in we who come to Him in repentance of our sin and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary—the sacrifice that sealed the new covenant for all who will believe in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“Then said he,

Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.

He taketh away the first,

that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

once for all.”  Hebrews 10:9-10

Our assurance and confidence are in the completed work of salvation that Jesus accomplished as the sacrificial “Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world…”; and because of the great victory that Jesus accomplished and imparts to all who believe, we can have the victory!  You and me!  We who will recognize God as the King and choose to receive salvation in Jesus and joining His Kingdom!  That’s where victory is found, for those who respond to the call of God and build their house upon “The Rock”—Jesus!  Sing Rock of Ages to Him today!

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is not of God:

and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard

that it should come;

and even now already

is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:14

Where is your kingdom?  Who is your King?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Jesus made it plain.

“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.

Amen and Amen!!!

Do We See What God Sees??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #365

16 Wednesday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Ears that hear not, Enabler or Transformer?, Eternal Consequences, Evil and Adulterous Generation?, Examine Myself?, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, God Is In Charge, God Knows His Own, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Gospel, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Growing in Jesus!, Have you not heard, Have you not seen?

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Do We See What God Sees???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #365

“Blessed be the LORD,

that hath given rest unto his people Israel,

according to all that he promised:

there hath not failed one word

of all his good promise,

which he promised

by the hand of Moses his servant.

57 The LORD our God be with us,

as he was with our fathers:

let him not leave us,

nor forsake us:

58 That he may incline our hearts unto him,

to walk in all his ways,

and to keep his commandments,

and his statutes,

and his judgments,

which he commanded our fathers.

59 And let these my words,

wherewith I have made supplication

before the LORD,

be nigh unto the LORD our God

day and night,

that he maintain the cause of his servant,

and the cause of his people Israel

at all times,

as the matter shall require:

60 That all the people of the earth may know

that the LORD is God,

and that there is none else.

61 Let your heart therefore be perfect

with the LORD our God,

to walk in his statutes,

and to keep his commandments,

as at this day.”  1 Kings 8:56-61

As Solomon and the people of Israel celebrated the completion and dedication of the temple that Solomon had been called to build in his father’s place (See 1 Chronicles 28:3); all had gathered to offer sacrifices and offerings as they rejoiced at the presence of God in their midst.  Solomon praised God and prayed for His continued blessings on the people—sadly many failed to continue in God’s ways, including Solomon (See 1 Kings 11:3), because they chose to go their own way and disregard the law and commands of the God they were praising ‘today’!  How about us?  What are we doing today—both inside and outside of the ‘house of The Lord’!

What does our life say to the world? Why did Solomon proclaim all of these things?  Why was he challenging his people to be found faithful to God?  I think verse 60 says it all.

“That all the people of the earth may know

that the LORD is God,

and that there is none else”

What is my life telling the world about my God?  Is God seeing a true reflection of Himself and Jesus in me?  Jesus said something similar Himself as He prayed for us in John 17, just before going to the cross for us.

“That they all may be one;

as thou, Father,

art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us:

that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me

I have given them;

that they may be one,

even as we are one:

23 I in them,

and thou in me,

that they may be made perfect in one;

and that the world may know

that thou hast sent me,

and hast loved them,

as thou hast loved me.”   John 17:21-23

Again, what does the world see in me?  Do they see Jesus or a carbon copy of the world with a “Jesus t-shirt” on?  What does God see in me?  Is He saying of me the same thing He spoke to Jeremiah?

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes,

and see not;

which have ears,

and hear not:” Jeremiah 5:20-21

God is talking to this same people who praised His name at the dedication of the temple, yet now they have defiled it with idolatry, immorality and wicked hearts. What are we doing to/in the physical house of The Lord?  What are we doing in, with and to our bodies which, if we are genuinely born again, are the Temple of God (See 1 Corinthians 6:19)?  Have we ignored God’s call to holiness and said of our wicked life choices, “…but I’m under grace…”!  James had something to say to those who claim His name but live under their own power; James says it so much better than I can, I’ll let God’s Word speak for me; God sees the heart inside of every choice we make, be they for Him or against Him—even when we profusely claim “grace” over our sin! I’m not talking about genuine repentant hearts, but presumption on God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. Ask Jesus to search your heart—I can’t, but HE can and will.

“From whence come wars and fightings among you?

come they not hence, even of your lusts

that war in your members?

2 Ye lust,

and have not:

ye kill,

and desire to have,

and cannot obtain:

ye fight and war,

yet ye have not,

because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not,

because ye ask amiss,

that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4 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.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter

be turned to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:1-10

Are you drawing near to God or the world?  Are you judging yourself with God’s judgment or the “everyone is doing it” line?  As I often say, “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!”, it isn’t simply claiming the name of Jesus, and living our own way, but being transformed by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin…”!  Have you been washed in the blood or are you trying to work your way to heaven—won’t work!  Here’s what Jesus has to say, it’s what God sees that counts—for He sees the heart not just the words!

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 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 7:20-23.                (Be sure and read 24-27 as well)

The Apostle John gives us some wonderful insight, and if we will heed his call to walk in the light, we will not wander around in the dark.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10

What is God seeing in you and me?  The reflection of His Son or the world?  Please read through this passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans slowly and prayerfully. God will speak, if we but listen.

“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

May God guide your heart to Himself.

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!!!

A Friday Word from Jesus!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #195

08 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Believe God?, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Blessed by God, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Forgetting or Remembering?, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Instruction, Godly Wisdom, Good News, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all

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A Friday Word from Jesus!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #195

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:19-24

I have one simple thing to say today, please go over this passage and list the things that Jesus instructs us to do or not; then list the contrasts that He makes.  Then finally pray over what you see and ask God to search your heart and respond accordingly.

“Every word of God is pure:

he is a shield

unto them that put their trust in him.”  Prov. 30:5

Amen!!!

Like Jesus Or The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #177

21 Sunday Jan 2024

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?, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's Judgment, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Good News, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Teach The Children

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Like Jesus Or The World???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #177

I was asked about the last post, if I wrote it or had someone else write it; the person said it was more concise than I usually write.  It was a laugh for both of us, as I know I am prone to write more than that, but I try to write whatever I feel led to write.  For today, I don’t know where that will lead, but I just want to challenge each of us to examine ourselves in light of God’s Word.

“For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”  1 Corinthians 11:31-32

As believers we are called to judge ourselves and to examine ourselves to confirm our relationship with The Lord.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”  2 Corinthians 13:5

Paul also gives us the way to prove ourselves to be in the faith, and contrary to popular tactics, it’s not to put a nail in a board, or a piece of gum on a tree, or even nail it down with a date, or a profession of faith; it is biblically to examine ourselves to see if The Holy Spirit dwelleth in us, and if our life aligns with The Word of God, and HIS Spirit is known and seen in our lives.

“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…

…. 13 For if ye live after the flesh,

ye shall die:

but if ye through the Spirit

do mortify the deeds of the body,

ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.”                                   Portions of Romans 8:8-18

I don’t usually stay in only Paul’s writings, but they seem to be fit to our consideration of what God has called us to.  When we come to Jesus, HE transforms us from unforgiven to forgiven, from sinner to saint, from of little use to God to capable of doing “all things through Christ who strengthens me….”!  And Paul makes it clear in Romans 8:9, that if we have not The Spirit, we are not Jesus Christ’s!  God’s Word—not mine!

Paul goes on in chapter 12 to challenge us to be a living sacrifice, what we refer to in Galatians 2:20, as the “crucified life”!  It’s what empowers us to live not only the life described in Galatians but also to be the “living sacrifice” that Paul calls us to in Romans 12.  He also challenges us to reject compromise by not being “conformed to this world”!  In contrast he calls us to let the transforming life of Jesus to have reign in our lives, our witness, and our work in this world.  We are to be “in it” but not “of it”!

“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

My life is to be evidence to the world, that I belong to Jesus.  How can we claim to be His and yet reject HIS ways, HIS Word, and the power of His Holy Spirit to live victorious, sacrificial, crucified lives?  It saddens me to see the Holy Ghost, Heaven sent, blood-bought salvation dragged through the mud by the very people who claim to have been saved by it.

James says it more concisely that I could, so let’s consider this passage from his letter to the saints, and may we spend time this week, examining our own hearts, lives, speech, actions, and most of all if the love of God is pervading our lives or something else?  It’s your choice but choose wisely (and biblically) for there is a test; and it’s probably going to be a “pop quiz”!

“But the tongue can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation (lifestyle)

his works with meekness of wisdom.”   James 3:8-13

Amen!!!

What does your lifestyle say about your relationship with Jesus?