The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by Blanche in 'Come unto me, Building up or Tearing down?, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Inspiring Others, Intercessors, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, Is Small Insignificant?, It's Your Choice, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, The Word

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The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

I had a lovely day out with a friend yesterday, and as I sat down this morning to write, I couldn’t help but feel led to share just a few thoughts on friendship. As my friend and I were talking over our lunch, I shared some things about my past, before I was saved and how unkind I could be—a smart alec by nature and environment–but God brought conviction to my heart many years ago, that my heart needed to be controlled more by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit than the smart alec that my fleshly habit inclines to. Not to say that I don’t try to make a comical or timely remark when given the chance, but I try to keep it kind and friendly not snarky (as they say now—who knew that was a word?). We talked about things that I used to do and be before I was saved and she couldn’t believe that was me, and I had to reassure her that Jesus had made the difference, and what grieves me the most was the influence that I was in the negative rather than the positive. Oh, what a difference Jesus makes in my life! How about you? Has Jesus made a difference in you? Do others see Jesus or your flesh most often?

“He that handleth a matter wisely

shall find good:

and whoso trusteth in the LORD,

happy is he.

21 The wise in heart

shall be called prudent:

and the sweetness of the lips

increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life

unto him that hath it:

but the instruction of fools

is folly.

23 The heart of the wise

teacheth his mouth,

and addeth learning

to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,

sweet to the soul,

and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:20-25

As I was looking up verse 25 above, I was reading and this is one of those places in the Proverbs what has a lengthy flow of thought, and I just had to share this passage instead of just verse 25; for wisdom and kindness are linked hand in hand, and friendship can come out of kindness and compassion. I have found new friends through the years, just by sharing Jesus, or wisdom from God’s Word, or just a smile and a word of positive encouragement. Don’t miss acquiring a new friend by being more concerned about winning, rushing or ignoring others than by taking time to share a smile, or a wave, or a word of positive encouragement to a stranger! It’s much better to share a positive word than always to be thinking of yourself and hurting an innocent recipient out of our unconcern. How hard is to say kind things to a clerk, a cashier, an attendant, a co-worker whom you may not know well, a new neighbor, a child playing outside as you walk?

“A froward man

soweth strife:

and a whisperer

separateth chief friends.” Proverbs 16:28

“He that covereth a transgression

seeketh love;

but he that repeateth a matter

separateth very friends.” Proverbs 17:9

“A friend loveth

at all times,

and a brother

is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

A friend is a treasure rare; and I have been abundantly blessed with dear friends through the years, and while many have gone before me into Jesus’ presence, I am still encouraged by the things God blessed us to share—mostly time, and Jesus, and being family!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh

closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

“Open rebuke

is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:

so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend

by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

Friends are not only an opportunity to bless others, but to receive blessing, grace, wisdom and a point of view outside of our own; and that is so often of immeasurable importance. It’s one of the things that we can share as friends, helping each other see another side of what God wants us to know. Even teachers learn from their students—I surely have; and I thank God for that! The Proverb says it better than I can!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Yet, while all of these things are of great import, there is one thing better, and to me, that is to be called the “Friend of God”! May it ever be so—thank YOU JESUS!

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called

the Friend of God.” James 2:23

Yet there is a danger in friendship—choosing to be the wrong friend to the wrong people, which James also warns us about.

“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.” James 4:4

So, my friends choose wisely, while the choice is yours to make, remember there is a consequence. And it may be coming very soon. Will you choose to be a “Friend of God” in Jesus, or will you be found to be “the enemy of God”? As I said, the choice is yours but choose wisely for there is a test! Have you heard the voice of Jesus? He’s calling to you! Is He knocking at your door? It’s your call!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus Knows, Always Did, Still Does??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #222

22 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by Blanche in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Search me O God?, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Seeing Truth, Sovereignty, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Try yourselves

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Jesus Knows, Always Did, Still Does??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #222

I’m sorry I’ve been so remiss in writing but there have just been lots of distractions and activity at our house, so I have a brief, but I pray, an important word for us today. So often we all get distracted and forget our true north—yet God is ever present to hear, and to guide, if we will but heed to His guiding hand. I remember an old gospel song that I love, “The Unseen Hand” by A.J. Simms, and it just spills over into my heart with the reminder that Jesus’ hand is ever with me—and He’ll be with you if you but stop, look and listen to His voice speaking to your heart!

I have only one main passage to share with you today, and for many, if not most, it is at least, in part, a familiar Psalm. Yet so often we skim over the familiar things and miss the important principles that God wants us to take in. I simply ask you to rehearse it through and take it into your heart. May God remind us of His eternal care for His own—in fact for all, but so many just pass His care off as coincidence, or chance, or just ignore it. I implore you to take it in, and if you don’t know Jesus, call to Him and He will respond.

“But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them

that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“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 4:7-8

And the Psalmist David gives us an amazing reminder that God made us, and He keeps His own, and HE knows where you are! He knows where you have been, and He’s always been just a prayer away—and He still is!

“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,

thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down,

and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue,

but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before,

and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit?

or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven,

thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth as the day:

the darkness and the light

are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

when I was made in secret,

and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance,

yet being unperfect;

and in thy book

all my members were written,

which in continuance were fashioned,

when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

O God!

how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them,

they are more in number than the sand:

when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:

depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly,

and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee?

and am not I grieved with those

that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred:

I count them mine enemies.

23 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 139:1-24

Be sure to not miss those last two verses, they are one of my continual prayers.

Amen and Amen!!!

Only Jesus Can Save??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #218

09 Thursday May 2024

Posted by Blanche in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Be ye HOLY, Come to Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience, Faith, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Sharing Our Faith!, Sharing What God Has Given

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Only Jesus Can Save??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #218

Only one life, twill soon be past

Only what’s done for Christ, will last!

This is the refrain from a hymn written by C.T. Studd, a British missionary who served with Hudson Taylor. I’ll post the entirety at the end of this message, and I pray that it will encourage and challenge you today. For that is the subject I want to share with you today—it’s all about Jesus; Jesus our Lord who gave His all for you and me, and yet so many who claim His name have no time to spend with Him, no time for serving Him in His church, no time to share the Gospel with others, for we’re often so unfamiliar with God’s Word that we’re not sure what “The Gospel” is, so that’s our subject today! May this help you to stand!

“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

Only One name, only One way:

“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

John’s gospel is replete with the truths of the saving grace of Jesus alone, and we must be born of God not of ourselves. We can never clean up our act, so to speak, enough to be able to stand before God; it doesn’t matter how much money, or power, or fame, or status you have before the world, only Jesus can bring you into a relationship with God, by the power and conviction of sin that His precious Holy Spirit brings—and if you never see your sin, you’ll never see your need for Jesus. You’ll still have the need, but you won’t see it.

“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

Have you experienced the new birth? Have you come unto Jesus saving grace, bought, and paid for at Calvary? Jesus told a religious man named Nicodemus that no matter how religious he was, that wasn’t how you get to God. Yes, we are to be holy and righteous in our living when Jesus saves us, but our good works are the product of our salvation not the producer of it! We do good works because Jesus forgives, saves, transforms us by the power of His blood.

“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 2:8-10

And Jesus own words:

“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…

….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.” Portions of John 3:3-19

“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

Will you choose life or perish? Paul’s great “gospel in a nutshell” passage, makes it clear what it is that we are to believe as we repent of our sin—it’s all about Jesus, and only Jesus!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Have you heard the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart about your sin? I heard that dreaded voice of conviction years ago, and while it wasn’t what I wanted to hear, it was truth and when I fell on my face in repentance of my hard heart of sin, Jesus touched me, and I got up a new person—not perfect but redeemed and He has never left me through all my trials, failures, and mistakes! He is the God who saves, redeems, forgives, and cleanses us from sin. Trust Him today if you don’t know Him; and if you do already know Him, won’t you decide to live for HIM today?

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 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 1:7-10

It’s a heart issue; what’s in your heart, Jesus, or the enemy of your soul?

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” Matthew 15:17-19

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;