Category Archives: Holiness

Christmas Forthnight Day 9 A Word from THE WORD! #421

20 Saturday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Holiness, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Power of The Cross, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!, Time, Time Is Grace!, Times and Seasons, To Me To Live Is?, TODAY

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Christmas Fortnight Day 9   A Word from THE WORD! #421

Ornaments, lights, a manger and even trees—we’ve looked at all of these during this Christmas “Time”.  We are a culture of “Time”.  Clocks, watches, alarms, appointments, deadlines, punctuality!!!   All things related to time, so let’s take a ‘minute’ to talk about “Time”.  We mention Christmas ‘time’ as a special ‘time’ to reflect on the incarnation of our Messiah, our Savior, our Lord, yet is this not something that we should reflect on, celebrate and share all the ‘time’?

Philippians 2:7-8 says of Jesus,

“But

made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.” 

Jesus stepped into “Time”,

He took on Himself the ‘likeness of men’.

He ‘humbled himself’,

took on servant hood

and walked to the cross for me and you.

Born to die!!!  It all goes together.  We should celebrate Jesus’ incarnation every day, for He came to “save His people from their sins”.  Jesus, God in the flesh, who (Father, Son and Spirit) exists irrespective of ‘time’. After all, He created ‘time’.

Time is set as a tool not a dictator.  Are we so hung up on ‘times’ and ‘seasons’ that we forget to use our ‘time’ celebrating and sharing the love of God each and every day. Christmas and Resurrection go together.  Jesus is LORD of all ‘Time’.

The Apostle Paul tells us how to celebrate Jesus in this same section of his letter to the Philippians believers.

 “…work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God, without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked

and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life;…”                Philippians 2:12b-16a

 JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! “Christ in you, the hope of glory..”

May we ever remember that in time, on time, every time is our LORD Jesus!  We need to remember to “abide” in HIM!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

So?  As someone said, ‘Just do it’…  Let’s celebrate Jesus all the “Time”—everyday, everyway ALL days!!!  In time, on time, every time!  He is worthy of our praise, always!

“I will bless the LORD

at all times:

his praise shall

continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Amen and Amen!!!

Christmas Fortnight Day 7 A Word from THE WORD! #419

18 Thursday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Christ IN YOU, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, His Mercies Are New Every Morning, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, HOPE, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

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Christmas Fortnight Day 7  A Word from THE WORD! #419

As we continue looking at Jesus and His birth, let’s think about the ‘manger’.  A cattle trough, a feeding container for cattle, horses and other livestock.  What is the import of the “manger”?

Luke speaks of the manger 3 times. Why 3 times? Let’s look.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,

and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room

for them

in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

Luke goes on with even more insight for us, as he recounts the testimony of the shepherds.

 “And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:12

“And they came with haste,

and found Mary, and Joseph,

and the babe

lying in a manger.” Luke 2:16

First, we see that Mary, “laid him in a manger”.  This precious young mother, chosen by God, had nowhere to lay her newborn baby but in a trough.  Her humility and faithfulness are overwhelming to me.  Nothing is recorded of Mary complaining, whining or being dissatisfied with her lot.

Philippians 2 says that Jesus also chose to humble himself, how about you and me?

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself, and

became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:8

This King of kings accepted a manger for HIS bed.  What about us—what are we unwilling to accept from God’s hand?

Then we see the angels, giving the shepherds instructions to look for a babe ‘lying in a manger’.  Christ’s first ‘cradle’ wasn’t a surprise to God.  He KNOWS where You are as well.

Lastly, we see that the shepherds found Him in that very ‘manger’.  They didn’t scoff at this strange tale, nor hesitate to obey.  How about you and me?  Do we respond to God in similar manner? Or do we hesitate at what may seem to us the “strange ways” of God?

Remember His ways aren’t our ways, nor are our ways His.  Thoughts to ponder in this Christmas season.  Think about ‘CHRIST’mas, and let’s make sure our focus is on Jesus The Christ, not just the trappings of this ‘holiday’ –let’s keep it a Holy Day!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Beauty Of Holiness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #369

27 Sunday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Be ye HOLY, Be YE Steadfast, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Glory To God, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Jesus--our all in all, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Only Jesus, Testify

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The Beauty Of Holiness???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #369

What is holiness?  Technically, the word means to be set apart, but I want us to look at what God calls us, those of us who claim to be Christians, believers, followers of Jesus, to be, different!  Not oddball, but different from the world—which will make us look like ‘oddballs’ to the world.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy…

….18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.” Portions of 1 Peter 1:13-21

Peter reminds us that we have been redeemed, bought back from the penalty of our own sin.  Sin is the issue, but when we are born again, we are transformed, changed from the old man to the new person of God’s transforming grace.  Paul describes this to the Colossian believers.  (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

We have been changed, and God hath put His Spirit, The Holy Spirit, within us as He promised, and His Spirit empowers us to live holy lives.  My flesh ever fails, but by God’s Spirit, power, and direction, we are enabled to walk victorious lives before a lost and dying world.  But when we join in the world’s flesh-driven desires, it will never lead us up, but rather it will drag us down and ruin our lives, our witness and our testimony before the world!  It’s not what we are called to do.  Paul told the Colossians believers that God has, “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”!  It’s all about the transforming, regenerating power of Jesus’ blood, by His death, burial and resurrection that gives us power to overcome!  We can live victoriously—yes, we will stumble and fall, for we are human, but as we walk “in the light, as He is in the light” we will find spiritual victory and success by His grace—translated into HIS kingdom….

While there are many voices who claim to speak for Jesus, we are to measure what we hear by the Word of God, not our own will, words and ways.  God makes it clear that we are not our own ‘god’; but many sure do spend a lot of energy thinking they are.

“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.”  Isaiah 55:6-9

My question for us today is, are we measuring our life by God’s standard or the world’s?  Are we holy?  Jesus said what comes out of our mouth is a reflection of what is in our heart.  What is our speech revealing to the world; are we just mimicking what we hear around us or are we reflecting the holiness of the Lord that we claim to serve and follow.

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.”  Matthew 12:34-36

Jesus reminds us that our words do matter.  What is coming out of your mouth?  Mine?  Are they from a transformed heart, or a corrupt one?  I must admit that I am sorely grieved at the language that I hear all around me—people using words that are vulgar, hurtful, vile and often using and taking The Lord’s name in vain.  What comes out of our mouth reveals our heart, even when we don’t want it to.  It takes a lot of prayer, commitment and devotion to stay on track, the Psalmist says it better than I can.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not

eat of their dainties.”  Psalm 141:3-4

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.”   Psalm 139:23-24

“The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according to his ways,

and according to the fruit of his doings.”                Jeremiah 17:9-10

In closing this evening, I share Paul’s great admonition to we who belong to Jesus, to be living sacrifices to our Lord Jesus!  May we renew our minds continually to bring glory to our Lord and lift him up in honor before the darkness around us.

“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 

May we truly “be not conformed” but live holy lives.  How do we do that?  Paul answers for us, we are to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”!  Not just cleaning up our act but displaying a life transformed by Jesus and His Word!

“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.”  1 John 1:6-7

Amen & Amen!!!

Without Excuse?? What’s Yours? A Word from THE WORD!!! #357

18 Wednesday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, Without a Word?, Witness

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Without Excuse?? What’s Yours? A Word from THE WORD!!! #357

As we look around us today, we find chaos, confusion, catastrophes in weather, wind, ocean and skies, but what are thinking about “these things”, much less doing?  Is there anything we can do?  I think so, but mostly we don’t want to change “me”, my outlook or my lifestyle (not only how I view the world but am I influencing the world around me for Jesus or just sliding by like everyone around me?).

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?…

…35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.”   Portions of Romans 8:31-37

Notice that Paul didn’t say these things wouldn’t come, but he clearly reminds us that “in all these things“ we can be “more than conquerors”, but notice we don’t conquer in our flesh but “through him that loved us” enough to die in our place! Paul’s great message of Romans chapter 8 reminds us that our hope, victory and power come from the saving grace of Jesus, His resurrection power, and the indwelling Holy Spirit (God’s confirming and conforming work to remind us that we are His, and that HE is working in all things to conform us into the “image of Jesus”! See verses 28-29) which Jesus imparts to all who are born again!  So, are you walking in victory or have you allowed the enemy to distract you, discourage you, and displace you?  Just get your eyes realigned on the prize—JESUS—not the world!  Are you His?  Are you living by His power or your own?  Do you rely on the Holy Spirit or your own wisdom and the twisted ideas of the world?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember there is a test!  Do you have “the Spirit of Christ”?

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

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

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

We must continue to walk in The Spirit to truly be all that God desires for us to be—not just “do” but to be walking in The Spirit not the flesh.  And oh, my friends, that is a continual battle and even as Jesus did, we can only succeed consistently as we bathe ourselves in His Word!  Look at Matthew chapter 4 and see how Jesus responded to the provocation of the enemy—with The Word!  It’s our only assurance of victory.  Remember we are to think thoughts of truth!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

What’s your excuse?  Do you have one?  God is ever, has always, and will continue to speak to mankind, but will we heed?  God says we are without excuse.  Are you pleading an empty cause or are you running to the cross—to the throne of grace?

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood by the things

that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.”  Romans 1:18-21

Will you stand before God as one of those who are “without excuse”, or one who has received “the Spirit of Christ”, by repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice?  I stand with Paul and proclaim the verses just preceding this somber warning—Jesus died for me, and you!  Will you heed the call?  Justified by the blood of the Lamb of God, not human effort, no excuses, but Jesus’ blood which cleanses “from all sin”!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

Amen and Amen!!!

But We’ve Always Done It??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

01 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Deniable Truth? Really?, Dignity, Discernment, Distractions, Do all things decently, Do You See What God Sees?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, Modesty

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But We’ve Always Done It???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly,

seeketh not her own,

is not easily provoked,

thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 From the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s great treatise about love/charity, where we see not only the attributes of God’s love, but how God’s love is to be reflected in our lives.  Yet the thing I want us to consider today is the message that real love, God’s love, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”!  We are to stand for truth in all our ways, yet living and speaking it with love, compassion, and integrity.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:14-15

We must share truth, whether or not it is well received; our task is to preach, teach and live Jesus before a lost and dying world, even when we aren’t applauded or sometimes not even liked.  But we are to recognize that rejection isn’t necessarily failure, and there are those from whom we are to walk away when they don’t receive the message.  Jesus’ words not just mine.

“Give not that which is holy

unto the dogs,

neither cast ye your pearls

before swine,

lest they trample them under their feet,

and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6

“Behold,

I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

Jesus never sugar-coated following Him, but He called us to be wise—to be aware that not everyone is nice—to be discreet and discerning in all of our dealings, for we live in a lost world where we are to be a light in the darkness, and Jesus even told us about the darkness, as we live in a day of darkness and evil on every hand; a day in which even those who claim to be believers in Jesus, think it’s okay to behave, dress, act, and entertain ourselves like the world does.  We have forgotten the admonitions to “be ye holy, for I am holy”! (See 1 Peter 1:16)

“I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.

9 In like manner also,

that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,

with shamefacedness and sobriety;

not with broided hair,

or gold,

or pearls,

or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness)

with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul instructed Timothy to teach men and women to live what they profess, with prayer, holiness, and free from anger and doubts, that even our apparel should not be a distraction to others or from Jesus’ truth!  This seems to be a message that we have missed today, for there was a time when people knew the difference between modest and immodest—between tastefully modest and total exposure.  We are to be known for our good works and godly life not our skin show!  Just because it’s “fashionable” doesn’t mean it reflects godliness. Our speech is to reflect the God we serve not the gutter of this world.

“I have written unto you, fathers,

because ye have known him

that is from the beginning.

I have written unto you, young men,

because ye are strong,

and the word of God abideth in you,

and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

 abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:14-17

James also had much to say about the world and its effect upon our lives, may we take heed to his warnings.  Just because everyone else is doing it (even those who claim the name of Jesus) I must know God’s Word and what it calls me to be, to do, in being a faithful witness of my Lord!

“Let no man say when he is tempted,

I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil,

neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted,

when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived,

it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished,

bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us

with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits

of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man

be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.”  James 1:13-20

James chapter 4 is where the rubber meets the road (as we would say!). May The Word do its work to lead us to be conformed into the image of Jesus instead of the world.

“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.”   James 4:4-8

In closing one of my favorite passages of direction, may it speak to you today as The Word does its work!

“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

Let’s be sure that we are being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and The Word, and not conformed to the world!

Amen and Amen!!!