Category Archives: Holy Living

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!!!

Gift/Fruit–Gifts/Fruits??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

18 Sunday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Fruit of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit., Good Citizens, Good Neighbor, Good Samaritan?, Good Stewards, Holy Living, How much goodness is enough?, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Springs of Living Water, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Love of God, The Name of Jesus?, The Only Name That Matters

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Gift/Fruit—Gifts/Fruits???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

You may have noticed that I haven’t been writing much of late, but it has been a bit crazy in our circle with family issues, illness and the issues of just living life.  But hopefully we’re on the road back to normal—whatever that is!!  I’m sure you understand that; so I thought I’d look at something that we all need to be reminded of, and that is God’s gift to us and His gifts to us, and there is a difference.  I want to spend a little time today considering the difference and where you and I stand in regard to the gift and the gifts.  What have you done with each!  Let’s begin with the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well.

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water.”  John 4:10

If you recall much about biblical history, the Samaritans weren’t very well-liked, in fact most Jewish people would go far out of their way to avoid Samaria at all costs; in fact there’s an often-unnoticed misnomer in one of Jesus’ parables, the one we call the “Good” Samaritan; but no one listening to Jesus’ teach would have applied the term “good” to any Samaritan!  Yet, here is Jesus talking face to face to not only a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman, an immoral woman at that!  But Jesus already knew her need, and He found her worthy of being the first one recorded to whom He revealed His true nature!  He identifies Himself as “the gift of God”, the one who could give “living water” which He went on in verse 14 to declare to her that, “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”!  This woman of ill repute and of Samaritan heritage found Jesus to be whom He professed to be, and not only believed what He spoke to her, but then proclaimed that truth to those in her village.  And just as Jesus was the gift to this woman and the others who came to believe in Him before the cross, He is still ready to save and give eternal life to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary atoning sacrifice!  Paul reminds us over and over of this truth of the “gift of God”!

“But not as the offence,

so also is the free gift.

For if through the offence of one

many be dead,

much more the grace of God,

and the gift by grace,

which is by one man,

Jesus Christ,

hath abounded unto many.”  Romans 5:15

And some of the most familiar verses that I use continually:

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

 In other words, there is nothing we can do to be worthy to come into God’s presence—but God, through Jesus, made a way!

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

And another of those familiar passages reminds us that salvation is God’s gift to all who will come to Him in faith and repentance.  Have you come?  God’s grace gift is still Jesus!

“That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:7-10

Jesus is the gift of God to us for salvation and eternal life with God; and not only is Jesus “the gift”, but when He saves us, He imparts individual, particular spiritual gifts to each one by The Holy Spirit which Jesus imparts to His own; and these gifts are in God’s purpose for us to minister to those in God’s family and be a witness to those who need Jesus.  What are you doing with your gift/gifts?

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:

that God in all things may be glorified

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

God gifts us for His work, His service and His glory; what are you doing with your gifts?  Won’t you seek Jesus’ face and pursue the work that He has gifted you to do.  You’ll never regret doing that which God has called you to!  Remember that God doesn’t call the “equipped”, rather He “equips” the called.  If you are called, be true to your calling, and Him who called you!

“But unto every one of us is given grace

according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith,

When he ascended up on high,

he led captivity captive,

and gave gifts unto men…

… 11 And he gave

some, apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind

of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself in love.”                   Portions of Ephesians 4:7-16

And on a last note in closing, there is also the “fruit of the Spirit”—and note, that is “fruit” (singular) not “fruitS” (plural).  This is God’s work of conforming us into the “image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29) as God’s Spirit transforms us day by day in each of these areas of life!

“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.”  Galatians 5:22-25

When we walk in The Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord, we will reflect His nature, character and righteousness—our behavior reveals what is in our heart.  Yes, we all have moments of weakness or failure, but it is not to be our continual way!  Jesus places His Holy Spirit within us to work in us the glory of God.  Paul gives us a challenge to this kind of living, so in closing I share one of my favorite passages.

“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 you know the “gift of God” Jesus, as your Lord and Savior, and may you then recognize His touch of grace in your life and exercise the spiritual “gifts” that He will bestow upon you! And because of this, we can boldly come to our Lord when we are in need!

“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 4:14-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Fight Like Jesus??? Really!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #339

13 Sunday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Abundant Life In Jesus, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Let This Mind Be In You, Let You Light So Shine, Lifting up Jesus, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, Spread the GOOD news!

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Fight Like Jesus???  Really!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #339

What do I mean “fight” like Jesus?  I mean that like Paul shared in Ephesians 6, we “wrestle not against flesh and blood” but we do have an enemy and we must—must—must be ready to “stand fast” and “withstand in the evil day”!  And oh my friends, we are surely in the evil day.  So how do we fight the battles? With a pure heart, and confidence in our Lord and King.

“A good man

out of the good treasure of his heart

bringeth forth that which is good;

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure of his heart

bringeth forth that which is evil:

for of the abundance of the heart

his mouth speaketh.

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,

and do not the things which I say?”  Luke 6:45-46

We must keep watch over our heart; for out of the treasure of our hearts our testimony and our life will be able to make a difference in the world of influence that God brings us to.

“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

We must recognize that our life is a mixture of not only our heart choices toward God, but our words, our associates and our choices for righteousness over evil, can and will make a difference!  So what are we to do?  Follow the example of our Lord, who when encountering the devil himself, He fought with the best weapon we can use—Scripture!

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights,

he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word

that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge

concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8 Again, the devil taketh him up

into an exceeding high mountain,

and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world,

and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him,

All these things will I give thee,

if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him,

Get thee hence, Satan:

for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him,

and, behold,

angels came and ministered unto him.”   Matthew 4:2-11

Jesus went toe-to-toe with the devil by refuting Satan’s misuse of scripture with accurate exposition and quoting it contextually!  How about you and me?  Do we know scripture well enough to use it wisely and beneficially?  Or do we simply quote random quotes that we think are scripture, without benefit of contextual integrity or familiarity with The Word of God.  Just because we carry a Bible doesn’t mean that we know its content!  Oh, that we can learn to trust Jesus enough, and love Him enough to dig into HIS WORD to know Him, His truth and His ways, as well as how to share truth with others with grace, seasoned with salt.  Paul said it best.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And as we think about “fighting the good fight”, may we remember Paul’s challenge to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, to be found faithful!

“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 6:12

Oh, to be found as a faithful soldier of my King, by doing as Jesus said and “abiding” in HIM!

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:1-5

Note in verses 4 and 5, that Jesus says that it’s the one who “abideth” in Him and HE in them, who bears fruit.  We can claim to be “in” Jesus but if HE isn’t “in” us we better check out what we think saves us!  Paul made it very clear to the Roman believers; no Holy Spirit within—no salvation!

“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.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

Oh, to remember what Jesus did for us at the cross, and what He is doing for us through the completed work of the cross by the impartation of His precious Holy Spirit.  Have you bowed the knee before the King of Kings and Lord of lords, Jesus?  I pray that you know Him and are fighting that “good fight of faith”!  And part of that is pursuing the “mind of Christ” as Paul tells us in Philippians chapter 2, as we yield our will to our Lord’s—simple but not easy!  It is the battle field of the mind—the mind of Christ or the “mind of me”!  And just a few verses from this great passage of Philippians 2:5-11!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:…

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name which is above

every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.” Portions of Philippians 2:5-11

Amen and Amen!!!

Will you bow before Jesus and learn to fight the battles of this life like He did?  We can be overcomers as we yield our life to King Jesus.  How about you?  Today?  If not now, when?

Is Holiness Out Of Style??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

21 Friday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Light In The Dark, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Making a difference, Redefining Christianity?, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory, Sayers or Doers, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Sharing What God Has Given

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Is Holiness Out Of Style???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

“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.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

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:”  1 Peter 1:13-19

Peter called the scattered believers (due to persecution) to live according to the grace and holiness of God, not as they walked before they were saved.  I think it is a message that we need today!  We need to remember that Jesus shed His precious blood to save, transform and deliver us from sin—not to leave us in the same old life.  Are you and I measuring our words, our actions, our attitudes by The Word of God and the directing of The Holy Spirit? Or are we justifying our spiritual laxity with the old excuse, well “Everyone is doing it!”?  Have we allowed the TV, the movies, the music, the actions of others rub off on us?  Have we forgotten that we are to pursue God’s holiness?  Are you living Jesus in front of your world, or are you allowing the world around you to compromise your faith, your commitment to Jesus and your holiness?  How can we claim to be changed and yet live so worldly that no one really sees Jesus in me or you?  Paul told us we are to walk according to the change that Jesus brought!  What do people see you in?  In me?  Is the righteousness of Jesus showing in us, or are we so caught up with the world that others see more reflections of popular culture than of Jesus?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Is the righteousness of Jesus seen in me?  In you?  Do you claim Jesus with your lips but live a life that may shame or dishonor Him?  Do we brag on the things we watch or listen to, when the contents are vile, corrupt and the language that which we wouldn’t use before our King?  Guess what—your King and mine is ever present and sees and knows.  Do my decisions honor the blood stained cross or shame my Lord and the blood that HE shed for me.  Is my attire modest?  Or do I long for the praise of the world more than the pleasure of my Lord?   I know these aren’t popular things to talk about, but someone must.  And our speech is so often appalling.  Paul addressed that too—not just filthy words, but words that harm, degrade, or hurt others directly or with tacky remarks. (And I understand the struggle, for Jesus has dealt repeatedly with my own tendencies to be a smart alec!  And may I say, that is NOT a spiritual gift, no matter how much we try to excuse it!)

“Charge them that are rich in this world,

that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches,

but in the living God,

who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good,

that they be rich in good works,

ready to distribute,

willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store

for themselves a good foundation

against the time to come,

that they may lay hold

on eternal life.

20 O Timothy,

keep that which is committed to thy trust,

avoiding profane and vain babblings,

and oppositions of science

falsely so called:” 1 Timothy 6:17-20

And then again in his second letter to Timothy Paul mentions some of the same things as a reminder, with a challenge that we need to heed as well to “keep that which is committed to thy trust”!  May we receive the reminder and walk holy before our God—style or no style—living real holy lives as a reflection of the glory of our Lord—in all things.

“Of these things put them in remembrance,

charging them before the Lord

that they strive not about words to no profit,

but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 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.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker…:”  2 Timothy 2:14-17a

Don’t let spiritual cancer destroy your witness.  Let’s pursue holiness—not a denomination, but a lifestyle—a transformed lifestyle!!!  And watch those words, as I’ve often said, “Watch your words and keep them sweet—you never know which ones you’ll have to eat!!”

Amen and Amen!!!

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

16 Sunday Mar 2025

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

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

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity

of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.”  James 1:21-26

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

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

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

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

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

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

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.”  John 10:14-15

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:26-30

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

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

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

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

 and from henceforth ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

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

Amen and Amen!!!