Category Archives: If I be lifted up—

May I Be Like_____??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

14 Sunday Sep 2025

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May I Be Like______??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

May I be yielded to my Lord, allowing Him to work in me to make me more like Him.  God has promised to work in us, to conform us, to shape us and equip us to the work that HE has called us to. We are called to yield to and desire His work to be done in us as we cling to and abide in our vine—Jesus! (See John 15:1-5)

“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

This must be the prayer of our heart, and it will be reflected in the way that we choose to live each day!  As Jesus said in His sermon on the mount (as we call it, yet He taught these things continually).

“No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, 

and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, 

and despise the other. 

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

As Paul reminded us, we must not let the things of this world consume, control and direct our lives; and while that sounds easy to say, I understand that it is a daily battle, and I fight it just like you do!  But the thing I want us to understand is that it is a winnable battle!  The things of this world will continually try to distract, disable and disarm our testimony for Jesus!  We are called to stand fast “in the evil day”!  And believe me my friends, the “evil day” is here!  What will you do?  Serve God or the world?

Jesus gave the Apostles instructions about the work that would be ahead of them when He talked with them after the resurrection.  What He said to them is basic but absolutely essential to our comprehension of and adherence to the Gospel and, as Paul said, not being “ashamed of the gospel”!  We are called by Jesus to stick to the biblical gospel—not water it down to reach a people who don’t want to hear the truth.  Only Jesus saves—ever has—ever will!

“And he said unto them, 

These are the words which I spake unto you, 

while I was yet with you, 

that all things must be fulfilled, 

which were written in the law of Moses, 

and in the prophets, and in the psalms, 

concerning me. 

45 Then opened he their understanding, 

that they might understand the scriptures, 

46 And said unto them, 

Thus it is written, 

and thus it behoved Christ 

to suffer, 

and to rise from the dead the third day: 

47 And that repentance 

    and remission of sins 

should be preached in his name 

among all nations, 

beginning at Jerusalem. 

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.”  Luke 24:44-48

We have been called to share “repentance and remission of sins” to all nations!  Don’t miss what Jesus is saying, salvation can’t come when we are not willing to see sin as sin, repent of our own sin (not anyone else’s), and seek the forgiveness that only Jesus can give to remit our sins to the blood that HE has already shed for sin!  Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 15.  Let’s look at it.  (See Colossians 1:12-14)

“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 15:3-5

Until we see our sin and understand that only Jesus can save, we have no hope.  Only God can save us, and when He sends the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin, we are being drawn to The Lord who saves, through His blood, don’t miss His voice!

“No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him:

and I will raise him up 

at the last day.”  John 6:44

And:

“All that the Father giveth me 

shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me 

I will in no wise cast out. 

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me. 

39 And this is the Father’s will 

which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.”  John 6:37-39

This is what Jesus came to do, even as the angel revealed to Joseph at the beginning announcements of the birth of our Savior.

“And she shall bring forth a son, 

and thou shalt call his name JESUS: 

for he shall save his people 

from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And in closing, who or what are you seeking to be like?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test.  But aside from the test, the blessings that we have IN JESUS are immeasurable!  The blessings of God are beyond measure.  Are you pursuing His blessings, grace and provision, or are you doing your best to be like this hell-bent world.  Please choose wisely, I’m praying for you!  (And please take time to read all of Romans chapter 8—it can bless your soul!) May you join me in praying, Lord, I want to be like you?

“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? 

32 He that spared not his own Son, 

but delivered him up for us all, 

how shall he not with him also 

freely give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32

To God be the glory—great things HE has done—He is doing—He will do!  Jesus is coming again soon, my prayer is that you will be ready.

Amen and Amen

The IF Of Revival??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #244

28 Sunday Jul 2024

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, If I be lifted up---, If not now? When?, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Persecution, Perseverance, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preaching truth about SIN, REvival, Revival or Recycle?, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word

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The IF Of Revival???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #244

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts

to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence

among my people;

14 If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:12-14

God is calling us to Himself just as He answered Solomon’s prayer for His hand to move upon the people when they sinned and turned away from God (not if but when); and when they would see their sin, repent and turn back to God, His Word and His ways, Solomon asked for God’s touch to restore them, even bringing them back from captivity.  And while we don’t have the Temple, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit of God/Jesus, and when we stumble, turn away from the light, or fall for the lies of the Devil, we can call upon God to restore us to fellowship and intimacy with Him. But we must be willing to hear the voice of our Lord, turn from our sin, and follow the instructions that God laid out to Solomon:

first and foremost the preface=IF!

A conditional term, referring to our willingness to hear and yield to the work of God in our lives.

       — humble themselves

              Recognize our own sin as sin:

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:9-10

“Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”

       — pray

              Know that God is our first source and provision in all:

“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   

  “Pray without ceasing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17

“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 4:15-16

       — seek my face

              Turn to God for salvation, restoration, and deliverance:

“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

       — turn from their wicked ways

              Repentance is the IF:

“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

Jesus makes it clear that repentance is necessary for us to be born again, as well as to keep our intimate relationship with our God growing and productive.  It’s the same message that God gave to Solomon at the dedication of the temple.  Are we dedicated to keeping short accounts of sin between us and our God?  Are we committed to knowing our Lord through His Word and growing in grace by our obedience.  James gives us some other instructions about living holy and not yielding to the world’s way!

“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…

…3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father

hath bestowed upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God:

therefore the world knoweth us not,

because it knew him not.”  1 John 2:15-17 and 3:1

Jeremiah, much like what Jesus told us to expect, may give you a perspective that you haven’t considered.  Jeremiah spoke the truth and wept over the hardness of his people; yet few believed his message, even to the point of persecuting and trying to harm him, we should expect no less.  Jesus told us the same thing.

“Be not afraid of their faces:

for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand,

and touched my mouth.

And the LORD said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day set thee

over the nations

and over the kingdoms,

to root out,

and to pull down,

and to destroy,

and to throw down,

to build,

and to plant…

… 17 Thou therefore

gird up thy loins,

and arise,

and speak unto them

all that I command thee:

be not dismayed at their faces,

lest I confound thee before them.

18 For, behold,

I have made thee this day

a defenced city,

and an iron pillar,

and brasen walls

against the whole land,

against the kings of Judah,

against the princes thereof,

against the priests thereof,

and against the people of the land. 

19 And they shall fight against thee;

but they shall not prevail against thee;

for I am with thee,

saith the LORD,

to deliver thee.”  Portions of Jeremiah 1:8-19

So I’ll close with our Lord’s own words, and you decide if you will heed the “IF” or ignore the voice of our Lord speaking to your heart and mine?

“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 16:18-21

Don’t expect God’s provision and blessing when we are not willing to consider the “IF”!  May we bring glory to God and make a difference wherever God has placed us!  Remember:

“If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”

May we be humble, praying, God-seeking, repenting children of God, that He may hear, forgive and heal our land….  Even so Lord Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Missed Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Almost But Lost, Believe IN Jesus, Don't Wait, Fruit of the Spirit, Glory of God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, HE who began it will complete it!, He's Alive, Hell, Hell's Hot, Holiness, Holy Living, If I be lifted up---, IN Jesus!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Gospel, the hope of glory!, This is the Way, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Walk in the Spirit, Watch Your Words, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Who Missed Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

I am writing this in the semi-light of the dawn, as our power is out, yet fortunately my laptop was charged up!!!  Today my heart was thinking about missed opportunities to share Jesus, but even more significantly those who have missed Jesus because of my failures to walk in The Spirit (Holy Spirit) rather than the flesh!!!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….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 5:16 & 25

Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers gives us a great tool to use in our daily struggles.  When ugly, ungodly thoughts, desires or passions come knocking at the door of your mind—just Philippians 4:8 them!  Here’s how:

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 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.

9 Those things, which ye

have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

Stop the temptation at the door by memorizing Phil 4:8 and if the temptation can’t pass the test of ‘true…honest…” then tell the enemy to ‘buzz off’! For when temptation comes, if you’re anything like me, it seems like the struggle is continual—well, my friends, IT IS!  Even as Paul challenges us to walk “in The Spirit”, he is calling us to be a reflection of Jesus not ‘ourselves’; for I find that my flesh and yours can be really ‘ugly’ sometimes—for our flesh still loves the things of this world!  That is why it was so imperative to heed Paul’s call to walk in the power, strength, and direction of The Holy Spirit, in God’s love which HE has planted in our hearts (See Romans 5:1-11) and not our flesh!  Yet sometimes we let old habits rule our behavior, we let old grudges color our outlook, we let unforgiveness rule our hearts and minds and spill over with unkind words and deeds, we let old corrupt words come out of our mouths, we let the enemy have way in our lives rather than The Holy Spirit—it’s why in Paul’s instructions about ‘the armor of God’ he reminds us that we ‘wrestle’ with unseen enemies in this world!!!  Peter also warned us about the very real danger of the “roaring lion” who is out to ruin your testimony and influence just as he is mine.  Peter reminds us of this fact, and the only solution that works!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We are in a battle my friends, a battle for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys, and girls!  What are you and I doing about it?  I pray that we will heed the call and the warnings of scripture and ask God to daily “order my steps in thy word…” (See Psalm 119:133)!  It grieves my soul to see so much of the world making its way into the church!  Instead of calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus, we call them to just bring the world into our midst.  We will never win the world by competing with their modes and means!  Jesus made it clear in many passages as did the Apostles and other writers of scripture. My challenge for us today is to examine my life, as you examine yours against Scripture—what do others see in me?  A reflection of the world—in my speech, my actions, my attire, my habits, my choices of entertainment, music, and venues?  I could make a list but if you’ll simply get into the “WORD” instead of so much of the “world”, you can learn to listen to the precious Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.”                   John 12:32-33

Jesus knew HE would be lifted up, crucified for our sin, buried, and raised the third day, all according to the scriptures—all for our salvation; for all who would heed His call, repent, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN; the choice is yours, for HE is calling today!  Whom will you choose—the Christ of glory or the enemy who wants to take you ‘to hell’ with him?  There is no other message, and regardless of all the attractions of the world, I will stand with Paul and proclaim Jesus.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit and of power:” 1 Corinthians 2:1-4

 This man took the One Way-Jesus Gospel in God’s power, not man’s wisdom, plans, or programs!  He preached Jesus! Will we?

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

It’s all about Jesus—because: “it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

Oh, that we who believe might return to the message of the cross.  My heart longs for a heaven-sent revival, but I fear that we have come to a place to see the judgment of God upon His own.

Jesus’ and The Cross are not about pantheistic health crazes upon which we try to put “Jesus’ name”, or unholy celebrations to match the world’s evil days, or accepting sin by simply changing its name, I could go on, but I’ve probably said enough.  I remember a time when the church wanted to call people out of the world of sin to the cross and the crucified life, but now it seems more popular to just invite people to bring your sin on into the church, we won’t mind.  There is no need for me to add some “disclaimer” about who or what I’m talking about—take it to Jesus—take it to The Word of God—take it to GOD in prayer, but I think we might have to change some things in our lives!  God is watching and HE will judge His own.

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”1 Peter 4:17-19

What’s going on in your church?  Do you compromise truth for a crowd?  Do you stand up for Jesus, crucified, buried, risen, and coming again, The Gospel of HIS life-changing salvation or something less?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember, there is a test!  And I think the “final exam” is closer than we think!

So, my friends, my question is, “Is my/your life drawing people to Jesus or driving them away?”  Does your/my life reflect a love of Jesus or do the words of our mouth, our life-choices and actions turn them away into hell.  Remember there are only two destinies—heaven or hell?  May we be drawing people to the CROSS, not driving them the other way, or justifying sin to please the crowds we want on our pews?  Only One Way—and HE is the crucified, risen and coming again Savior, JESUS!  I pray that this will touch hearts and change lives.  May we cling to The Cross of Jesus!  I’m not claiming to be perfect, just a simple servant of Jesus who pursues HIM and HIS WORD for my life’s journey!  He does save!  He does give new life!  He is coming soon!!!  I pray that you know Him and will join me in following Jesus not anyone or anything else.

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Amen and Amen!!!

Lifting Up Jesus Or ‘Me’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #77

17 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Born Again, Cross, Crucified With Christ, If I be lifted up---, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Lifting up Jesus, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!

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Lifting Up Jesus Or ‘Me’???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #77

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”   John 3:14-16

Jesus told Nicodemus that HE would be lifted up “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness”, and later HE told His disciples the same thing; and I believe HE is calling us to understand the very same thing today.  Even as Paul declared, may we make the same commitment in our hearts, our lives, and our words today.  Who are you and I “lifting up”?  Jesus and the cross upon which HE paid for my sin and yours, or our own agenda, our own opinion, our glory, our advancement, our notoriety?  I stand with Paul and hope to always be lifting up Jesus Christ–and HIM alone!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ, and him crucified…

…. 4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith

should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2 & 4-5

Jesus was born to die!  To die for your sin and mine–intentionally, on purpose, that we might have eternal life.  It wasn’t by accident, it wasn’t by the power of the Jewish leaders, or the Romans, but by God’s intentional purposes for the salvation of all who will believe, and come to HIM in repentance, and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Just as Peter preached after the ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

Even as Jesus told His followers before His death; a death they weren’t expecting, but which Jesus wanted them to understand would save all who would believe their message of the cross! (For He also told them that His death would not be the end but that HE would RISE AGAIN! –and HE DID!!!)

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said,

signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

So, my friends, will we choose to lift up Jesus or something else?  The choice is yours, but remember there is a test, and I can’t help but believe that The Master is not very long from coming for His own!  Remember HE died for YOU!  May we who belong to Jesus lift HIM up today–He’ll do the rest!

Amen and Amen!!!