Category Archives: Godly Character

God Hasn’t Changed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #463

03 Friday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Changed Lives, Check Your Knees???, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, God Bless America, God's Faithfulness, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Character, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' standard?

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God Hasn’t Changed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #463

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.

9 Be not carried about

with divers

and strange doctrines.

For it is a good thing that the heart be established

with grace;

not with meats,

which have not profited them

that have been occupied

therein.”  Hebrews 13:8-9

Jesus hasn’t changed (nor has The Father or The Holy Spirit) yet we seem to attempt to change His Word and His words continually!  If it’s not according to The Word, we have an issue, not God.  We are to stand on the unchangeableness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; but when we don’t know what God has said (in His Word), we will have a really difficult time ordering our steps in it!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

We need to heed the connection between the first part of this verse and the second part; there is an irrefutable connection between our devotion to the truths of God’s Word and our ability to not yield to the dominion of sin!  What are you devoted to?  God’s Word or the dominion of the world; and without The Word of God we have little defense to resist the “wiles of the devil” (See Ephesians 6:10-19)!  We need to understand that no matter what the world says, the rules haven’t changed!  God’s Word stands ever true and faithful; we must understand that, or we will be floundering all the time.

James has an amazing message about how important our devotion to God and His Word is.

“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?”  James 4:1-5

And if we go back to things that James said earlier, we will see that it is more than “saying so”!  It’s about a real life-changing faith that lives Jesus before the world around us.

“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 1:22-27

God is ever at work to conform us into the image of Jesus; the problem is that we have our own plans. Just remember God hasn’t changed and neither has His Word; as James said above, we will be blessed in our “deed” not our claims; or if you will, a genuine, born-again believer, not just imitation!!! (See Matthew 7:15-23)

“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 8:28-31

Not every word is true—there are those who speak God’s truth and then there are always those who claim to but lie!  Choose wisely, there is a test; and always remember when you belong to Jesus, “If God be for us, who can be against us”!  Jesus makes it quite plain that there is truth and there is a “liar”, Satan, for Jesus said, “he is a liar, and the father of it”! Consider Jesus’ conversation with the religious leaders of His day!

“They answered and said unto him,

Abraham is our father.

Jesus saith unto them,

If ye were Abraham’s children,

ye would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now ye seek to kill me,

a man that hath told you the truth,

which I have heard of God:

this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 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 8:39-45

What’s changing in your world?  Remember—

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”!!!

Choose wisely who and what you believe; there is a test—and remember WHO IS TRUTH— “…I am the way, the truth, and the life…”  (See John 14:6)

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s In The Mirror??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #434

14 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Character, Good Stewards, Have you not seen?, He Died That We Could Live, Only One Way, Open The Door to JESUS, Opposition, Opposition to Godliness, Order my steps, Perseverance, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Victory IN Jesus!, Wait upon the Lord, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus

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What’s In The Mirror??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #434

“But who may abide the day of his coming?

and who shall stand when he appeareth?

for he is like a refiner’s fire,

and like fullers’ soap:

3 And he shall sit

as a refiner

and purifier

of silver:

and he shall purify the sons of Levi,

and purge

them as gold and silver,

that they may offer unto the LORD

an offering in righteousness.”  Malachi 3:2-3

“And I will bring the third part through the fire,

and will refine them as silver is refined,

and will try them as gold is tried:

they shall call on my name,

and I will hear them:

I will say,

It is my people:

and they shall say,

The LORD is my God.”  Zechariah 13:9

The refiner is said to have put the metal into the pot—the refining pot—and as it melted, he would skim off the dross (the impurities), and heat it again, then repeat until he could see his reflection in the melted metal.  Oh, that Jesus would see His reflection in me!  So often we/I want to be used of God, but we aren’t willing to stay in the refining pot and let God remove the impurities in my life!  Even as Jeremiah teaches us and wants us to hear what God is saying to you and me today!

“The word which came to Jeremiah

from the LORD, saying,

2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house,

and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter’s house,

and, behold,

he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay

was marred in the hand of the potter:

so he made it again another vessel,

as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

6 O house of Israel,

cannot I do with you as this potter?

saith the LORD.

Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand,

so are ye in mine hand,

O house of Israel.”  Jeremiah 18:1-6

God wants to work in my life and yours if we are willing to yield ourselves to His care, His work and His design to conform us into the image of our Lord; but Jesus made it clear that the refining process is painful, and when we follow Him, we will encounter the same kinds of things that HE faced!  Are you encountering opposition?  Know that Jesus faced it also, unto death!  He went to Calvary for you and me!

“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 15:17-21

When we consider Paul’s words to the Roman believers it becomes quite clear that living for Jesus isn’t the snap that many try to make.  It’s not just doing things, being in the right ‘crowd’, or even doing ‘godly works’; rather it means trusting Jesus with all that He is teaching me day by day, through thick and thin, through the simple and the most difficult, when I understand and even more when I don’t!  God’s Word is true in all things; we must take the time to dig into it and study it so that we come to know our God through it!  Let’s consider a portion of Romans chapter 8, and while these are lengthy passages, I think they say what we need to hear.  I hope you will find this helpful!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

hath made me free from the law

of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law

might be fulfilled in us,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1-4

“But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 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 8:25-31

God is faithful even when we don’t understand.  Joseph is one of my favorite Old Testament examples of this amazing principle.  God gave Joseph prophetic dreams, and upon sharing them in excitement over God’s revelation, his brothers hated him.  Without getting into the debate over Joseph’s attitude, I see Joseph as a young man of character, and after all of his trials, he remained faithful to God and trusted to God’s care!  After bringing his family to Egypt and burying his father, his brother’s feared that he would take revenge upon them for their actions in his youth, and they pled for his grace.  He shared one of the greatest passages on our trust in the sovereign control of God.  I love it and try to remember Joseph’s example every day.  I pray that it will speak to you today!

“And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead,

they said,

Joseph will peradventure hate us,

and will certainly requite us

all the evil which we did unto him.

16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying,

Thy father did command before he died,

saying,

17 So shall ye say unto Joseph,

Forgive, I pray thee now,

the trespass of thy brethren,

and their sin;

for they did unto thee evil:

and now, we pray thee,

forgive the trespass of the servants

of the God of thy father.

And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

18 And his brethren also went

and fell down before his face;

and they said,

Behold, we be thy servants.

19 And Joseph said unto them,

Fear not:

for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you,

ye thought evil against me;

but God meant it unto good,

to bring to pass,

as it is this day,

to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not:

I will nourish you,

and your little ones.

And he comforted them,

and spake kindly unto them.”  Genesis 50:15-21

What do you see in the mirror?  God’s workings and the trust that you can rest in, or are you still trying to work it out yourself?  May God speak to your heart today, and I pray that you will find the confidence to rest in God’s faithful provision—He is the great refiner, if we will but rest to His faithful provision.

Amen and Amen!!!

Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

17 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Assurance IN GOD!, Assurance or Arrogance, Attitude of Gratitude, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Dare To Be Different!, Darkness or Light?, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's measure isn't ours, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

I know that sounds a little strange for this season, but I want us to consider all that we learn from one of Daniel’s prayers!  I want us to be confident in the knowledge of not only what our God does, but who He is in character, nature and sovereign control. He is trustworthy and worthy of our praise and gratitude.

The context of this passage is Daniel’s first encounter with Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams; a dream which the King had that disturbed him, and when none of the wise men of Babylon could interpret it, for he couldn’t even remember what the dream was about, and when they couldn’t tell him what the dream was much less what it meant, he called for them all to be put to death—including Daniel and his friends (read all of chapter 2 for the whole picture, but for our purposes we’re only going to look at Daniel and his friends response to the impending death threat…).

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish

with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 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 2:17-23

May we think on these things, and be like Daniel, who was devoted to his God even in the midst of great trials in being taken captive to Babylon!  Oh, how we fail to praise God so often because of our trials, our difficulties, our challenges, our often-confused minds; seemingly because we live in a world gone crazy!  We live in a culture that is rejecting God at almost every turn; may we be like Daniel and set our hearts and minds to stand pure before our God; as these four young men committed to be faithful to God regardless of what others did!  I see so many claim Jesus’ name in their doings, but it is so often steeped in the bragging on what they have seen, or done, or claiming and/or blaming God for any and every kind of issue.  Here we have four devoted young men—devoted to not defile themselves with the worldly attachments around them!  What are you attached to?  When you claim Jesus’ name whether in blame or credit, is your life aligned with God’s Word?  How can it be if you don’t know what He has said or called us to?

Are we humble or proud?  Are we modest or flamboyantly worldly in our dress, speech, and self-aggrandizement?  It’s your call but remember there is a test—and it’s a test that will be by God’s Word not popular vote or opinion.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”  Daniel 1:8

Here we find a young man whose heart was set on pleasing his God—and then behaving in a manner of humility, respect and submission to God’s will for him.  Such a contrast to much of what we hear in Christendom today—the ability to make demands on God and man, for profit, popularity, or arrogance is not knowing what Jesus tells us is the mindset that we ought to have.

“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

How it grieves my heart to hear people pronouncing God’s name over their own earthly plans to suit themselves; forget that Jesus clearly tells us we are to pray and seek “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…” in all our ways!  If He promotes me, fine.  If He keeps me in humbles circumstances, so be it!  I want His will, over mine with God’s Word being the judge in all things.

“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

When you’re not sure, dig into The Word!  Scripture tells us right here that we will find help when we need it, when we come to that “throne of grace”, remembering that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword”!  It is a sword that will guide us to truth—God’s truth, not man’s!  We can fool others, even ourselves—but God knows our heart!   I encourage you to dig into HIS Word and then adjust your life to HIS Word as needed—not the other way around!  Let’s be Daniels in a world full of Nebuchadnezzars!  I’m grateful—how about you!  Put on that attitude of gratitude!

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!!!

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!!!