Category Archives: Jesus IN You!

Does My Life Match The Word? A Word from THE WORD!!! #371

03 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Mindset on Jesus!, Modesty, My Grace Is Sufficient, My Help Cometh from THE LORD, My sheep hear my voice..., Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS a Test!, Though HE slay me--still will I trust HIM, Though your sins be as scarlet-they shall be white as snow., Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trusting Jesus?, Try yourselves, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Does My Life Match The Word?  A Word from THE WORD!!! #371

“Beloved,

now are we the sons of God,

and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:

but we know that,

when he shall appear,

we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself,

even as he is pure.”  1 John 3:2-3

John is joined by Peter, who also calls us unto this purity—a purity that is 180 degrees opposite of our culture which says, whatever the market will carry!  We’re told that we need to look like the world, talk like the world, dress like the world, adopt the world’s culture, copy their philosophy, and include worldly philosophy as an ‘add-on’ to Jesus.  Don’t bother with prayer and obedience to Jesus, but get on board with the new age philosophies, the attitude that says do whatever it takes to make the sale, close the deal or be popular and accepted!  Success becomes our ‘god’ rather than Jesus, God The Father or the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

“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:

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.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls

in obeying the truth

 through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love of the brethren,

see that ye love one another

with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth and abideth

for ever.”  1 Peter 1:13-23

The question that we must answer is “are we purifying ourselves..as He is pure”; or have we bought into the lies of the enemy and aligned our lives with ‘Hellywood’ and the culture of the world, be it TV, social media, politics, the world’s fashions, or financial priorities; or are we delving into The Word of God, recognizing that we are to be set apart unto Jesus, His Word and His holiness?  Oh to be found faithful before God, to be living according to His Word and His ways rather than the world’s! (and just FYI, “conversation” in verse 15 is a reference to lifestyle not just our words.)

“There is a way which seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12 

Jesus clearly makes this clear to us in Matthew chapter 7, but we still seem to miss it, especially in today’s culture; even within the church, if not especially in the church.  Do our hemlines and our necklines (male and female) reflect the world’s fashion or modesty.

“Likewise, ye wives,

be in subjection to your own husbands;

that, if any obey not the word,

they also may without the word

be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation

coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be

that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair,

and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart,

in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament

of a meek and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God

of great price.

5 For after this manner

 in the old time

the holy women also,

who trusted in God,

adorned themselves,

being in subjection

 unto their own husbands:”                 1 Peter 3:1-5

And Paul calls us in similar fashion to live modestly before the world.

“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 Timohty 2:8-10

And back to what Jesus reveals to us in Matthew chapter 7, one of the most significant chapters in all of scripture.

“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…

…21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.” Portions of Matthew 7:13-23

Are you working iniquity with the world?  Or are you doing “the will of my Father which is in heaven”?  God knows which path you are walking on; you may fool others, but you can’t fool God!  As my mother told me more than once, “You can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all of the people some of the time; but you can’t fool God!”

Lord may we be found faithful before you, living, speaking, dressing, using our words in the ways that you have called holy!  Help me to reflect your glory and not that of the world, to bear fruit of The Spirit and not that of the flesh.  And in closing a bit of a lengthy passage, as Paul makes the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of The Holy Spirit.

“16 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…

…19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,

lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft,

hatred, variance,emulations,

wrath, strife, seditions,

heresies, 21 Envyings, murders,

drunkenness, revellings, and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, 23 Meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

Where are you walking?  Do my choices reflect Jesus or the lies of the enemy?  Am I walking the “broad way” or the “narrow way”?  My life will reveal the road I’m on!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Your Religion Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

16 Friday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Cleansed from all sin, Come to Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, My Grace Is Sufficient, My Help Cometh from THE LORD, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, Not Of This World, Religion isn't enough?, Relying on self or Jesus?, Salvation, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is Your Religion Enough???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

What is religion?  Is it enough to get you to heaven?  This is an important question; in fact it’s a matter of life and death—of heaven and hell, so I want us to consider what scripture says about it.  It’s the most important opinion!

“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.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless and widows

in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:21-27

Notice that James doesn’t begin by saying “be religious”, rather he says that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls”!  Religion doesn’t save, but when we are saved, we are to become “doers of the word”!  Actions come out of what we become in Jesus, when we are born again by grace through faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. Let’s see some scripture on that very thing.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But

as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

There is also what I call Paul’s ‘gospel in a nutshell’!  Don’t miss heaven by the deception of religious activity, of the world or of Satan’s influence and lies.

“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

(I’d encourage you to read all of chapter 15, it’s long but powerful in revealing the power of the resurrection!)

Then there is the powerful testimony of Peter after the day of Pentecost.  Have you “been with Jesus”?  Have you been to the cross where HE paid for your sin and mine

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.   

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived

that they were unlearned and ignorant men,

they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:10-13

 As Jesus himself said to the apostles just before His death.

“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.

6 If a man abide not in me,

he is cast forth as a branch,

and is withered;

and men gather them,

and cast them into the fire,

and they are burned.”  John 15:5-6

And the book of Proverbs reminds us that our actions speak more than our feeble words when they reveal no proof in our living.  Jesus’ counsel to Nicodemus is still the only way to know God and see heaven; you “must be born again”!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God…

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

 and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth,

and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh,

and whither it goeth:

so is every one that is born of the Spirit…

14 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  Portions of John 3:3-20

I know I talk about this a lot, but my friends, it is the only thing that will matter when we face Jesus, and we will all face Him!  (See Philippians 2:5-11)Are you counting on ‘religion’ (any religion, for no religious entity or practice can get you to heaven—only Jesus’ blood can save and forgive sin!), or have you been “born again” by God’s power in the resurrected Jesus Christ The Lord?  Even as Peter said,

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”!

I pray that you will find the sufficiency of Jesus’ saving grace.  I’ve walked with Him for many years, and He is ever faithful to bring His own to glory—you and me, I pray that you’ll join me!

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Is Your Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

30 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who Is Your Jesus???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

The Apostle Peter shortly after Pentecost, and the healing of a lame man, was called to give an account (so to speak), and he delivered the ultimate message unto the people there; and I think it’s a message that we have leaned away from in these days.  It seems to me that we have thought of everything under the sun to “reach” people (so called) and in order to gain crowds, money, popularity, and acceptance in a world that is lost and dying except the simple, pure and true message of Jesus.  Peter proclaimed to those who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”!  It’s not saying a prayer (although we can call upon Jesus in prayer), it’s not walking an aisle (although we can walk an aisle and find counsel to repent and be saved), it’s not living a good life, doing deeds, saying verses—it’s coming to Jesus.  And how does that take place?  I don’t think it is found in the big, the loud, the flashy, the giveaways, but scripture makes it clear that God calls for it to be done His way!

“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.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-25

When our plans seem smarter than God’s, we better back up and take a look at what we are settling for to look good before the world—even the ‘church’!  God chose the “the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”; what makes us think we can come up with a better plan.  When we preach (and preaching is sharing God’s truth from HIS Word!) it is up to people to choose whether they will “believe” or not!   It is by repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin that we are saved—nothing more –nothing less!  God chose the preaching of the Gospel to save the lost—how sad that we think our plans are better; how sad that so often today, preaching is frowned upon and we replace it with light-hearted entertainment, music that sounds like the world, players that look like the world; and it seems our favorite pastime is to laud the famous and popular ‘stars’ and lift them up as examples regardless of what God has said in His Word.  Our Pastor mentioned one of these passages this morning and I thought how apropos!

“Woe unto you,

when all men shall speak well of you!

for so did their fathers

to the false prophets.”  Luke 6:26

There is nothing wrong with being recognized or praised for a job well done; but Jesus is talking here about those who appease the world to be praised or advanced along the ladder of worldly success—even within ‘church’.  What happened to Jesus?  We have emasculated Him and made Him some namby-pamby, soft-soap sharer of love and peace.  Read the Gospels and you’ll find a man of power, boldness to speak God’s truth—so much so that they put Him to death for what He said and did!  Yes, He loved us so much that He went to Calvary—but He puts a call upon those who will come to Him.  He saves and transforms, He doesn’t just condone sin and send us on our way.  He calls us to HIS way! We are to be a reflection of His glory and righteousness before a world that is becoming more and more hostile toward Jesus, His truth and His followers.  The question is who are you following?  It’s a part of the gospel that we seldom hear.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

And as He also said in Matthew 7!

“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

There are two roads—two destinations, and only Jesus can save us and lead us on that narrow road.  Jesus’ own warning to His disciples that following Him would come at a high cost—did you notice the contrast between the “many” and “the few”?  Where is Jesus in your gospel?  Is He the name it and claim it heavenly slot machine in your life?  Or have you picked up that cross, denying self and clinging to The One who died for our salvation.  Which road will you choose?  Will you be among the “many” or “the few”?  it’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Will you come to the real Jesus or be deceived by the wolves in sheep’s clothing? (again see Matthew 7:15-28)

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

In closing I simply want to call us to pick up God’s Word and discover the real Jesus for yourself.  Bow before His cross in humble repentance of your sin (if you haven’t already), and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you and me!  Then take up that cross and follow your KING, declaring with Paul that “I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”!!!

“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!!!

It’s Warming Up? Are We??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

26 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Firecrackers of Regret!, Following Jesus or the World?, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Light In The Dark, Salvation, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Little Things., The Love of God, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s Warming Up? Are We???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me

is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you

with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

 and he will thoroughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

John the Baptizer was telling the people that the “One” (Jesus) who would come after him would baptize with The Holy Ghost and with fire.  While fire is a purifying element, it is also an element of judgment for those who reject Jesus!  Jesus promised his disciples (and us) that He would send the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to dwell within His own, and we would be empowered to do His work in His Spirit not our own.  It seems to me that Satan is busy putting out the fires of God’s Spirit in His own, with weariness, distractions of every sort, and we have allowed the coals to cool the fire that came down at Pentecost.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord

in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues

like as of fire,

and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Acts 2:1-4

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His disciples, and we get so distracted with the issue of “tongues” that we miss the point that they did what The Spirit gave to them, and they went forth with the Gospel and people were saved.  Let’s not let Satan stir us to focus on our disagreements and differences of insight into scripture, but to let the fire of The Holy Ghost fill us and work at HIS direction.  We must focus on the promises of our Lord.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you…

… 25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”                             Portions of John 14:16-26

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

 if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me…

…26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  Portions of John 15:17-27

Jesus went on to give us more about our precious “Comforter”—the One who would come along side to guide our steps—if we will but “stop—look—and listen”!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”  John 16:7-15

Jesus has given us of His own Spirit to lead us, guide us, help us to understand His written Word as well as the promptings of The Spirit.  Oh, there is so much more that I want to share with you, but I think this is enough for today; my prayer is that you will let the fire of The Holy Spirit warm your heart, light a fire in your soul and lead you and me to spread the warmth and saving power of the Fire of Jesus’ saving grace!  We can either receive the warming gift of salvation or experience the fire of His judgment when He comes, or when you face Him in death.  Oh, my dear ones, I truly believe that Jesus’ return is eminent, and we are sorely unprepared and less than busy about “my Father’s business”!  Oh that the fire of repentance, revival and renewal shine in our hearts, and before a lost and dying world that needs Jesus.  May we be a faithful light!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

To God be the glory!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do I Value??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

10 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Victorious Living, Walking With Jesus, Walking Worthy, What are you doing with your TIME?, Worldliness, Worship Him!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Do I Value???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

Value is temporal, fleeting and transient; so what are we to value?  While it sometimes seems trite and tenuous, value is what makes us what we are.  For what I value, I will pursue.  What I pursue, I will conform to!  What I conform to will determine my life style, my activities and my eternal destiny.  Joshua said it best as he was at the end of his life, having led Israel into the “Promised Land”, he called them to “choose you this day”!  And while there are very few Joshua’s in our day, God is calling us to choose; will I heed to His voice, His Word and His Son, our only way to Salvation?  It’s your choice!  Will you choose Jesus and receive eternal life—real life, or will you yield to the world’s lies and follow them to hell?

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

Joshua had made his choice long before this, he remained strong in his devotion to Jehovah God and His promises; so he called all Israel to follow God—but he made it clear that it was their choice, and you have the same choice today.  You can choose Jesus or reject Him, it is your choice, but remember you have the God-given right to choose, but when you choose the consequences of your choice will follow—and you can’t pick you own consequences!

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

Do you value the Word of God?  Have you heeded the call of Jesus upon your life, or disregarded His love, and sacrifice for you. Are going headlong down the wrong road.  His sacrifice for sin is available to you, if you’ll see your sin and turn to The Cross!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

It’s not religion, or regulations, or even doing good things, You must be “born…of God”, even as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter three, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Until we come to God in humble repentance of our own sin, and accept the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for all who will come to HIM, we will not have real life.  Jesus made it perfectly clear that HE is God, and He came to die for my sin and yours, so HE is the only way to God—to eternal life—to a home in heaven.  Contrary to popular belief, not everyone goes to heaven!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

So, my friends, who are you following?  What path have you valued to the exclusion of Jesus, His Word and His way?  The world says we can have it all, just add Jesus to your list and you’ll be ok.  Even churches are failing to preach repentance and a life of holiness and conformity to Jesus!  How sad it makes me, yet I must proclaim the truth that God has called me to, whether you love it—hate it–accept it—or reject it!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.  And even now we are called to pay a price for following the biblical Jesus!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

… 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.”    Portions of 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

What do you value?  Paul gives us an amazing picture of what ought to be our values, our pursuits, and devotion.  Does your life line up to Jesus’ standard?

“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

If you claim the name of Jesus, are you walking His way or your own way?  Do those around you see Jesus or the same worldliness that they see all around them?  Do you shine for Jesus or just the glitter and bling of the world?  There is a difference.  But we must understand, that when we choose to follow godliness, holiness (not a denomination, but a way of life that conforms to God’s Word) and truth, the world won’t like it, and we will pay a price for living God’s way!  Are you willing?

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 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 3:12-17

“Follow peace with all men,

and holiness,

without which no man shall see the Lord:”  Hebrews 12:14

And in closing, Peter calls us to remember our Lord, the price that He paid for our salvation, and what HE calls us to “be” not just “do”.  Being must precede doing, we must be holy (in Jesus!) before we can (do) behave holily!

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

 ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

 that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:19-25

Will you choose Jesus?  Will you join me in pursuing holiness before our Lord?  And just FYI, I know a lot of people claim verse 24 as a promise of all healing, but if you check its context, it is a reference to our healing from the death sentence of sin.  Read Isaiah 53, particularly verse 5 which is what Peter is quoting; you will find that it is a reference to the price that Jesus would pay for our salvation, not our perpetual healing.  It’s a reference to His blood which cleanses us from all sin!  Will you walk with Him today?  Will you forsake the things of the world that are continually calling us away from Jesus (when the world uses Jesus’ name to condone that which God condemns—check it out in His Word don’t trust to your own wisdom.)

“Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you seemeth to be wise

in this world,

let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.”  1 Corinthians 3:18-19a

Amen and Amen!!!