Category Archives: Jesus Saves!

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!!!

Speak UP, Please??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #132

17 Sunday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Judgment, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Words Can Help or Harm?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Speak UP, Please???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #132

Words are an important tool in our lives; while many think words are empty and meaningless, I would disagree!  Our words will reveal what is in our hearts, and unlike the children’s rhyme says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”  It’s NOT SO!  Words can break a heart, crush a spirit, leave indelible imprints on a life for years; God says we will give an account of our words to HIM and HIS SON, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Jesus makes this clear.  Will you heed His words or disregard them and face them in a day when there is no opportunity for repentance or salvation.

“Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known

by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”  Matthew 12:33-37

And what is the difference?  I think it can be laid out pretty simply.  YES, LORD, I believe!  Or, NO, I don’t believe.  We see one of the most profound pictures of this simple but life-changing choice and its consequences at the cross, let’s consider it.

“And the soldiers also mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.

38 And a superscription also was written over him

in letters of Greek,

and Latin,

and Hebrew,

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 And one of the malefactors

which were hanged railed on him, saying,

If thou be Christ,

save thyself

and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward

of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord,

remember me

when thou comest into thy kingdom. 

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

To day shalt thou be with me

in paradise.”  Luke 23:36-43

The one thief ridiculed Jesus and wanted to deny Jesus with the same word many use today, “IF”!  If you are God!  If you do this or that for me!  If you make this or that happen for me, if you do this trick or miracle for me…. you fill in the _________!

The other man/thief recognized that Jesus was not only innocent, but worthy of being called “LORD” and that HE was “KING”, that Jesus was The ONE who could grant him entrance into THE KINGDOM of God.  That is the simple test!  Will you turn to Jesus, the ONLY way to God, or reject HIS authority, love, and sacrifice for YOU?  Even as Peter proclaimed to the religious leaders in Jerusalem after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus; he minced no words but proclaimed the total truth—JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

“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

And just to pull it all together, there is an accounting coming!  The Judgment of God is at hand, and the only defense for your sin, is to be born again—to believe in Jesus, to have your name written down in the Lamb’s book of life—as John the Baptizer said of Jesus– “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and been born again, then you will have to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test—and JESUS is HIS name, what will your words reveal?  Jesus’ own words will be what will judge YOU!

“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.”  John 3:16-19

And in closing, some food for thought for your week—for your choice of ‘words’!  For God’s WORD will be the standard, not yours or mine!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

“For all have sinned,

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

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Will the name of Jesus be your hope, your spoken salvation, and your words unto eternal life?  Or will you face God to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice but choose wisely—words matter!!!!

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”                       Revelation 20:11-15

As Jesus said above:

But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned…”

May God reveal Himself to you and may you see what HE sees!  Your words matter!  Yes? No? Jesus? No Jesus?

“…he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life

for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Mark 8:34-37

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithful GOD??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #131

14 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, False Lives, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

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Faithful GOD???        A Word from THE WORD!!! #131

Sometimes we allow ourselves to be ‘dis-couraged’ instead of looking up to our Lord—our God—our Savior—our JESUS—for a word of ‘en-couragement’; so I’d like to take a few minutes today to share some encouragement from God’s Word, and may I add that to truly know the faithfulness of God we have to know HIM in the ”new birth” and know HIS WORD!  For if we don’t know what God has said, how can we be confident in it?  We can’t!  It’s part of the reason (aside from the fact that God called me to it!) that I’ve spent the last 34+ years teaching people how to study God’s Word for themselves.   So let’s dig in to that very Word and see what we can find out about our GOD Almighty—Father, Son-Jesus, and The Holy Spirit.

“And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Our God is faithful not because we want Him to be, but because HE IS a faithful GOD!  The Psalms are replete with words of truth about our God, I encourage you to read them (if you read 5 Psalms a day, and 1 chapter of Proverbs a day you will go through both books in a month!  And repeatedly is a plus!).

“Thy mercy, O LORD,

is in the heavens;

and thy faithfulness

reacheth unto the clouds.

6 Thy righteousness

is like the great mountains;

thy judgments

are a great deep:

O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!

therefore the children of men

put their trust

under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 36:5-7

My question is, do you know this Faithful God, and HIS Son, Jesus?  I can’t express the faithfulness that I have experienced in my walk with HIM, and He is there for you if you will but recognize your need.  See your sin as sin, repent and turn to the cross in faith/belief in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine!  Oh, praise God HE forgives, saves, and cleanses us from our sin!  (See Matthew 1:21—it’s why HE came!)

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness

of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14

And the Apostle John put it amply well, for both the believer who needs forgiveness and restoration, or the lost who needs a Savior!  And remember JESUS IS “the truth” and “The Word” (See John 14:6 and John 1:1-5)!

“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 1:8-10

This faithful God made provision IN Jesus for our sin to be exchanged for HIS righteousness; Paul put it in a nutshell, so to speak, for us!

“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

Jesus Himself, paints a picture of this transformation by the “indwelling” presence of the Savior within HIS own!  Is HE in you?  Are you in HIM?

“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

Paul spoke another word of encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica—will you receive it?  Have you received Jesus?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test; and Jesus won’t ask what ‘words’ you said, or what aisle you walked, or where you were baptized; HE will ask if you have been “born again”, “let HIM IN”, “followed HIM”, or did you do it your way?  HE knows!

“But the Lord is faithful,

who shall stablish you,

and keep you from evil.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3

In closing I want to share the words of our Lord—our faithful Lord—who calls us to be faithful too!

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?”  Luke 9:23-25

Take up your cross, for the cross is an instrument of death.  Paul defines it spiritually.  I pray that you will repent, die to self, and live to, for, with and by the power of Jesus Christ The Lord—the faithful GOD…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who “loves” us!!!

“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

Only Jesus!

“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

Praying that you are trusting to this faithful REDEEMER!G

Amen and Amen!!!

Noah’s Day??? Your Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #129

08 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Choices And Consequences, Following Jesus or the World?, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Lot's Day?, Noah's Day?, Your Day?

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Noah’s Day??? Your Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #129

I would like to talk about the “days of Noah/Noe” and our ‘days’; not only the ‘days’ but the effect of sin which Jesus paints so clearly for us, that we might be ready for His return–whether the rapture or what shall follow upon the earth.  Regardless of what you believe about the timing of the events of Jesus’ return, we can all agree that HE IS coming, and while the sequence of events is subject to debate, the things that we can learn from what Jesus taught is worthy of our consideration.  Let the word say what it says, and may we base our opinions on God’s Word not simply the opinions of others!  Let’s make our choices based upon The Word of God, not the popularity of people, places, and personalities.  Let’s dig into some passages of Jesus’ teaching on His way to the cross–before He left this world.

“And as it was in the days of Noe,

so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27 They did eat,

they drank,

they married wives,

they were given in marriage,

until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

and the flood came,

and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot;

they did eat,

they drank,

they bought,

they sold,

they planted,

they builded;

29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom

it rained fire and brimstone from heaven,

and destroyed them all.

30 Even thus shall it be

in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”  Luke 17:26-30

Luke records this account of Jesus’ warning to the people that they might take heed and understand that evil times are just that–evil, and that judgment will come! (See Galatians 6:7 about “reaping what we sow…”)!  It is important that we don’t miss the significance of what Jesus is saying, as we too live in an evil day.  (Don’t miss Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 6:10-18 about having our armor on!). So what is Jesus telling us?  I think the exact thing that Peter proclaimed to the scattered believers–evil will not always prevail, sin will be judged, as it has been in the past, for God IS sovereign!

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah

the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

upon the world of the ungodly;

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha

 into ashes

condemned them with an overthrow,

making them an ensample

unto those that after should live ungodly;

7 And delivered just Lot,

vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

8 (For that righteous man

dwelling among them,

in seeing and hearing,

vexed his righteous soul from day to day

with their unlawful deeds😉

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:” 2 Peter 2:4-9

Peter reiterated the truths that Jesus spoke and warned the people to stand fast knowing that God will take care of the evil –in HIS time!  But are we standing fast, are we living ‘righteous’ lives before this sinful world?  Noah preached righteousness and I’m sure endured the ridicule of the people around him; and we will encounter the same response from some around us; or we can be like Lot and be righteous before our God but have said so little that when the warning came of the coming judgment, his own family laughed at him and received the judgment of God, his wife was turned to a pillar of salt for looking back (in regret for having to leave Sodom), and his two daughters who did leave committed acts of incest in their perverted world view!  (See what Jesus said about persecution!  John 15:19-21)

Well, if you haven’t noticed, we live in a world that is going head-long down the “broad way” that leads to ‘destruction’ in pursuit of the wickedness of Sodom. But don’t miss what else Jesus is pointing out, not just their sexual sin, but their heedlessness to any coming judgment. Notice that Jesus doesn’t list their sins (like we would have), instead He emphasizes their heedlessness to what was going on, what might be coming, and the fact that there is a God who sees, and only the Cross can deliver!  They were living their lives like there was “no tomorrow” –where are you?  Where are those you love?  Do they have any confidence in your faith, or do they see a life that has said nothing about Jesus–heaven–sin–death–hell–God’s coming judgment?  It’s real! It’s important! It’s urgent! It’s essential to their future!  We must care enough to speak!  Jesus said that the last days would be just like the past, only worse, for His return and judgment is eminent!  What are you doing about it?  Are you ready?  Do your loved ones ignore your efforts to reach them?  We must faithfully share truth with those around us, even when they won’t receive it–that’s God’s job!  Our job, and privilege is to be continually “speaking the truth in love” as we have opportunity.  Let’s check out Matthew’s account, and I’ll make a brief commentary on what he says.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away,

but my words shall not pass away.

36 But of that day and hour

knoweth no man,

no, not the angels of heaven,

but my Father only.

37 But as the days of Noe were,

so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood.

they were eating and drinking,

marrying

and giving in marriage,

until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not

until the flood came,

and took them all away;

so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

40 Then

shall two be in the field;

the one shall be taken,

and the other left.

41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill;

the one shall be taken,

and the other left.

42 Watch therefore:

for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”                      Matthew 24:35-42

We’ll do this a bit backwards, for verse 42 is the key: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”!  Jesus IS coming, and while we don’t know the day or the hour, we are to be ready at every turn!  And while the message about the flood is the same, there is a piece of information that just jumps out at us if we will but take heed, for if we neglect the truth there is a consequence, and the people of Noah’s day refused the truth:

“knew not

until the flood came,

and took them all away”!

There will be a dividing between the just and the unjust; and only those who are in Jesus have HIS righteousness and can be declared just.  (See Romans 5:1-11, read the entire chapter)

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

Paul gives us another message that is hard to hear, and for many hard to accept, but there is a time coming that those who are ingenuous, false, and heretical will receive their just dues.  If we reject the opportunity to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior in repentance and faith, there will come a time when there will be no more opportunity!  Not what many want to hear, but truth none the less.  (I encourage you to read all of 2 Thessalonians!)

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming

is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”                              2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

So, my question for you is simple, do you belong to Jesus? Where are you living in “your day”; in and with the evil around us, or standing in righteousness, vexed but separate from the sin that abounds?  Have you taken a stand for righteousness or are you entrenched in the destructive clutches of the sin that abounds in our world?  Are you grieved over the sin around you, or totally complacent and comfortable with it?  Will your loved ones laugh when you try to share truth with them because you’ve been keeping it hidden?  Are you trying to fit in, or stand up and out for Jesus?  Only you can answer these questions!  Jesus is coming, sooner that we may think, are you ready?  Are you praying for and reaching out to those who don’t know HIM with HIS truth, as you have opportunity?  Let’s lift JESUS up today in your/my world, regardless of the cost! Jesus paid the price for me with HIS own blood.  How about your world?  How about YOU?  Praying for you all!

“My little children,

let us not love in word,

neither in tongue;

but in deed

and in truth.”  1 John 3:18

Amen and Amen!!!

My Days Are IN HIS HAND!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #120

11 Friday Aug 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Encouragement, Eternal Consequences, Examine Myself?, Failure Isn't Fatal, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Open The Door to JESUS

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My Days Are IN HIS HAND!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #120

Just some encouragement and thought-provoking challenges from God’s Word.  While the days are long and hot where we live, God is ever faithful and HE stands faithful and true in hot or cold, in the ups and downs, in prosperity or poverty, in sorrow or in joy, JESUS IS all we need.

As some of you already know several of my children went through Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast of MS., and some lost everything, yet they survived to press on.  The storm was in early September, and we went down in March of the next hear to visit; when we went to church with my eldest son it was an amazing experience for me, as we went to this small church where over ten of the families (it was a smallish church) lost everything in the ‘surge’ which meant their insurance didn’t pay anything!  Yet, when we sat in the service there was a spirit of hope, confidence, and joy of The Lord.  When I sang in one of the services, I shared a word with our friends there and told them what I saw; this church who had lost so much (their sanctuary had around ten feet of water in it) and so many had lost basically all they had, yet what I saw was a spirit of joy and generosity that warmed and encouraged my heart beyond measure–all because they had found out that when JESUS is all you have, JESUS IS ENOUGH!  As my friend Bro. Scott says, Glory, Glory, Glory!

“If a man die,

shall he live again?

all the days of my appointed time will I wait,

till my change come.”  Job 14:14

“For I know

that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:” Job 19:25

You see my friends–JESUS IS enough!  And I praise HIM for HIS presence, power and purposes working in my life; and while yes, I have failed in big ways, my GOD is a great God, who paid for my sin, failures, and incompetence at Calvary, and HE IS IN me—oh yes, Glory, Glory, Glory!!!  His precious Holy Spirit walks with HIS OWN all the way, each and every day!!!

So, my friend, wherever you are today, God hasn’t moved–HE is there, here, and everywhere in between, and HIS outstretched arms are open wide for you. He hasn’t moved, but perhaps you have!  Look up, walk forward, and trust The ONE who loves you.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Even if you don’t know JESUS, HE loves you, and HE is calling you to Himself today!  Won’t you answer HIS call and run into the arms that bear the nail prints from my sin and yours!  HE loves YOU!  And if you know HIM and have stumbled, those same arms are outstretched for you!!!  May a blessed day be yours!

“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!!!