Category Archives: God’s Wisdom

It Must Be Right To God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

22 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Is In Charge, God Still Reigns, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, King David?, Kneeling Prevents Stumbling!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Knowing Or Going?, Knowing Truth, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, That They May Know, The Broad or Narrow Way?, The Father of Lies!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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It Must Be Right To God???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

As I often write, we must seek God’s face in all our ways, and there are things that are acceptable to God, and others are not.  Even though we live in a culture that denies absolute truth—God hasn’t changed the rules, and I’d like to share an Old Testament picture of this very thing; but first of all a few scriptures to prepare our hearts and minds for truth.

“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…”.  Hebrews 13:8-9a

And the verse that ever stands in my heart.

“There is a way

which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

       (Also see Matthew 7:13-14, Proverbs 16:25)

David, one whom God called, “a man after God’s own heart”, made a fatal mistake shortly after he was proclaimed to be King over all of Israel.  I simply want to recount this story and call us to pray that we are so immersed in God’s Word that we can recognize and discern truth from error.  David didn’t obey God’s plan at the first incident, but between then and the second part of the story, he had come to know that God had a right way to do things, and he then could rejoice in his God.  He got over his “pouting” spell and rejoiced.  What are you “pouting” over today?  Will you accept God’s truth or fall for the devil’s lies?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test.  David failed at first, as he got angry, yet when he recognized that God was always right—he got right with God and man.  But don’t miss the account of Michal’s anger over David’s joy in The Lord and remember not everyone will like it when you are walking right with God, for oft times we ‘rain on sin’s parade’!  May we ever walk God’s way regardless of the cost!

“And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,

If it seem good unto you,

and that it be of the LORD our God,

let us send abroad unto our brethren

every where,

that are left in all the land of Israel,

and with them also to the priests and Levites

which are in their cities and suburbs,

that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us:

for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul….

…6 And David went up, and all Israel,

to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim,

which belonged to Judah,

to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD,

that dwelleth between the cherubims,

whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart

out of the house of Abinadab:

and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God

with all their might,

and with singing,

and with harps,

and with psalteries,

and with timbrels,

and with cymbals,

and with trumpets.

9 And when they came

unto the threshingfloor of Chidon,

Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark;

for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled

against Uzza,

and he smote him,

because he put his hand to the ark:

and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased,

because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza:

wherefore that place

is called Perezuzza to this day.”                                 Portions of 1 Chronicles 13:2-11

David had a good heart, a good intention, and in his mind a good plan.  They wanted to bring the Ark of The Covenant/of God to Jerusalem, the capital city of the nation; a good idea, and it seems that God approved as they worshipped, praised and sang unto Him as they brought The Ark on “a new cart”—seemed like a good idea at the time!  But wait!  God, in the law, had established the mode of transport for the ark, and David missed it.  He was deciding with his own wisdom and apparently without checking with the Levites!  (See Deuteronomy 10:8 & 31:9, 25-26)

But, praise God, David had an attitude adjustment (I believe from God), for after all, he was a man after God’s own heart, but he was a man—a human just like you and me, who made a wrong decision, then got mad when God did not respond as he expected…”but God” brought him to a place of truth and he obeyed. Let’s see what happens as we take note and determine to be found faithful to God’s Word and His way!

“And David made him houses in the city of David,

and prepared a place for the ark of God,

and pitched for it a tent.

2 Then David said,

None ought to carry the ark of God

but the Levites:

for them hath the LORD chosen

to carry the ark of God,

and to minister unto him for ever.

3 And David gathered all Israel together

to Jerusalem,

to bring up the ark of the LORD

unto his place,

which he had prepared for it.

4 And David assembled

the children of Aaron, and the Levites…

…. 12 And said unto them,

Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites:

sanctify yourselves,

both ye and your brethren,

that ye may bring up

the ark

of the LORD God of Israel

unto the place

that I have prepared for it.

13 For because ye did it not at the first,

the LORD our God made a breach

upon us,

for that we sought him not

after the due order.

14 So the priests and the Levites

sanctified themselves

to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15 And the children of the Levites

bare the ark of God upon their shoulders

with the staves thereon,

as Moses commanded

according

to the word of the LORD…

… 25 So David, and the elders of Israel,

and the captains over thousands,

went to bring up the ark

of the covenant of the LORD

out of the house of Obededom with joy.

26 And it came to pass,

when God helped the Levites

that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD,

that they offered seven bullocks

and seven rams..

… 29 And it came to pass,

as the ark of the covenant of the LORD

came to the city of David,

that Michal the daughter of Saul

looking out at a window

saw king David dancing and playing:

and she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God,

and set it in the midst of the tent

that David had pitched for it:

and they offered burnt sacrifices

and peace offerings

before God.

2 And when David had made an end

of offering the burnt offerings

and the peace offerings,

he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.”                         Portions of 1 Chronicles 15:13-16:2

May we pursue God, His Son, His Word and His ways, that we might honor our God and bless those around us.  May we ever be a blessing and not a cause of “a breach”!  Are we willing to seek God’s face through His Word and walk in the truth that He helps us to see and understand.  Blessings on you as we pursue our Lord and His will together!!!

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!!!

Counting Time God’s Way??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #322

13 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom

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Counting Time God’s Way???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #322

“Open to me the gates of righteousness:

I will go into them,

and I will praise the LORD:

20 This gate of the LORD,

into which the righteous shall enter.

 21 I will praise thee:

for thou hast heard me,

and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused

is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the LORD’S doing;

it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:19-24

While we often quote this verse in gratitude for our God and creator, Father, Son And Holy Spirit, I think we miss a valid point in this passage; I think we miss the connection of the contextual reference to Jesus, our Corner Stone; “This is the day which the LORD hath made”, is not only a reference to God creating every day, but it’s a specific promise of the coming of Jesus; and that He would come to be the sacrifice for our sin, so we can rejoice  having seen HIS day, as Jesus said repeatedly.

“Jesus answered,

If I honour myself,

my honour is nothing:

it is my Father that honoureth me;

of whom ye say, that he is your God:

55 Yet ye have not known him;

but I know him:

and if I should say, I know him not,

I shall be a liar like unto you:

but I know him,

and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham

rejoiced to see my day:

and he saw it,

and was glad.”  John 8:54-56

Abraham saw it in faith of the promise from God Almighty, and he also rejoiced when Jesus came in fulfillment of that promise!  We can rejoice for we know that He came to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin—so we can truly say:

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”

Jesus also talked about the “gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter”, and warned us to choose wisely.

“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

So what is the conclusion of the Psalmists proclamation?  I think Jesus says it best, we all have a choice; but choose wisely, there is a test, you can stay on that “broad way” and end up at the destination of destruction, or you can heed Jesus’ warning and enter through the “straight gate” and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ our King!  While it is a one point in time choice, we are enabled to choose Jesus each and every day and walk in His Spirit as we die to self and walk in Jesus’ will and way! Giving our life up for Jesus!  Paul puts it better than I could.

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness,

as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh,

this is the fruit of my labour:

yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two,

having a desire to depart,

and to be with Christ;

which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh

is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence,

I know that I shall abide and continue

with you all for your furtherance

and joy

of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant

in Jesus Christ for me

by my coming to you again.”   Philippians 1:20-26

Don’t miss what Paul really said here, for many misquote Paul, for he didn’t say, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain…”; he said, “to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”!  Paul was reminding us that being with Jesus is the greatest, but it was more needful for him to remain and minister to the Philippian believers as well as others.  His time did come to leave this world, but he was saying, ‘not yet’!  Much like Jesus said of himself, and was so often said of Him, “his hour had not come”!  While Paul didn’t know in the same way that Jesus did, he wanted to see His Lord, but he also knew he had a calling, and he would fulfill it until that time. He also shared this with Timothy.

“But

watch thou in all things,

endure afflictions,

do the work of an evangelist,

make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered,

and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight,

   I have finished my course,

   I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me

a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day:

and not to me only,

but unto all them also

that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8

Am I counting my days as useful to The Lord?  Am I rejoicing in HIS day?  Am I ready to die to self and live to Jesus?  I’ll simply close with Paul’s great call and instruction to we who belong to Jesus.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!  This Day? Will you count time God’s way?

A.I.??? Yes? Or No? A Word from THE WORD!!! #315

20 Monday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, God Bless America, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's Faithfulness, God's Glory, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's Wisdom, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God

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A.I.???  Yes?  Or No?      A Word from THE WORD!!! #315

I was going to take off on something the pastor said yesterday at church about not neglecting our relationship with Jesus; his point being, we don’t take vacation from our Lord, His Word and our intimate relationship with him.  As I was preparing to write this post, I got the repeated request to “OK” the AI on my laptop, and of course I intentionally ignored it; I like my own thoughts, thank you. Then as I open up my office app, it’s offering their version of AI!  I’m not averse to help, but I don’t think I’m ready for their next step yet (whoever ‘they’ are?).  How about you.

Yet in thinking about all the hype about AI, I’d like to point out some similarities to our personal spiritual life and this AI craze.

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict

I have for you,

and for them at Laodicea,

and for as many as have not seen my face

in the flesh;

2 That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together in love,

and unto all riches of the full assurance

of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures of wisdom

and knowledge.

4 And this I say,

lest any man should beguile you

with enticing words.

5 For though I be absent in the flesh,

yet am I with you in the spirit,

joying and beholding your order,

and the stedfastness of your faith

in Christ.

6 As ye have therefore received

Christ Jesus the Lord,

so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him,

and stablished in the faith,

as ye have been taught,

abounding therein

with thanksgiving.”   Colossians 2:1-7

Paul was writing this letter to believers whom he had not met personally, but he had heard about their faith in Jesus and wanted to encourage them in their faith and a continued walk in Jesus!  Take note that Paul warned them about being beguiled with “enticing words”!  Paul wanted us to know as well as them, that we must stand fast in this “evil day”!  What does that mean for you and me?  It means what the old folks used to say when I was younger, “every pot has to sit on its own bottom”—interpretation—you need to keep your relationship with Jesus real, and only you can do that as you study God’s Word, spending time in prayer and pursuit of God, His Word, His ways; and amazingly He has promised to provide all that we need when we walk in fellowship with our Lord Jesus!

As we examine more of Paul’s teaching, take note of the context for some familiar verses, it may help us to understand them more accurately.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,

both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done,

that ye did communicate with my affliction…

…16 For even in Thessalonica

ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift:

but I desire fruit that may abound

to your account.

18 But I have all,

and abound:

I am full,

having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you,

an odour of a sweet smell,

a sacrifice acceptable,

wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.” Portions of Philippians 4:12-19

Are we doing our ‘due diligence’, so to speak, to be found faithful, or are we leaning more on others to keep us afloat?  I knew of a preacher who told his congregation that they didn’t need to bring a Bible to church, for he would tell them everything they needed to know!!!! NOT!  We are impelled to draw near to our God through His Word ourselves!!!  If we haven’t studied God’s Word and you’re not following along with your Pastor, how will you be able to discern truth from false?

One of Paul’s imperatives to Timothy and to us is to study for ourselves!  Without our own personal intimacy with God’s Word we can easily become one of those whom Paul warns us about, “lest any man should beguile you with enticing words”; we can become the beguiled!  Just as Eve believed the lies of the enemy of our souls; Satan is still at work deceiving, misleading, troubling and confusing God’s own—and he does it well and continually (but remember if we “resist devil…he will flee!”).  God’s Word is our defense, as it is the lifeline to our Redeemer.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”   2 Timothy 2:15-16

I know we talked about this recently, yet I feel compelled to remind us again to get into God’s Word, and don’t leave it behind on “vacation”, or times of rest—keep it near you, with you, and most importantly, “In You”!   What we commit to memory, no one can steal!   Also remember that as we learn to be “rightly dividing the word of truth”, it is implied here that the word can be “wrongly” divided—and there are a plethora of false teachers on every hand!  Beware my friends, by getting into God’s Word for yourself, and teach it to you children and grandchildren—reinforce the truth not the lies!

“And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 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 3:15-17

Where’s your Bible?  Does it need dusting off?  As an old adage says, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”  May we heed the wisdom of Solomon, as individuals in our daily walk, as parents/grandparents, leading our children to the cross (rather than to hell); as we sow and reap, may we be faithful stewards of God’s truth not the lies of the devil, what we sow will produce a crop—are you ready for your harvest?  May we all allow The Word to do its Work in us! If you don’t read it, you’ll never know what it says!  God says what He means, and He means what He says—but praise His name He is gracious, merciful and longsuffering toward our weaknesses and failures!  May God’s blessing abound upon your life.

“The way of the wicked is as darkness:

they know not at what they stumble.

20 My son,

attend to my words;

incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;

keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them,

and health to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life.”   Proverbs 4:19-23

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!!!