Category Archives: JESUS

Like Jesus Not Each Other??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #142

11 Wednesday Oct 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Following Jesus, Help from The Lord, Here am I send me!, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Not a competition

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Like Jesus Not Each Other???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #142

I’d like to share a word that The Lord brought to my mind and heart recently and maybe it will resonate with you as well.  We live in a hostile and divided world, a country where we are at odds with one another; it shouldn’t be so in the Body of Christ.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all

lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us

is given grace

according to the measure of the gift

of Christ…

….11 And he gave some,

apostles;

and some,

prophets;

and some,

evangelists;

and some,

pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

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

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:” Portions of Ephesians 4:1-15

We are called by God unto The Lord Jesus, who by the power and indwelling Holy Spirit, gifts, equips, and uses us when, where, how and as HE sees fit.  Yet so often we think that everyone else has to minister “like I do”!  Everyone has to understand what I do!  Everyone who is right with Jesus has to agree with “me”! Duh!  Not necessarily so!  In fact Paul was telling the believers in Ephesus (and us) that we are to work together by the power, gifting, and love of Jesus, which should produce “unity” NOT “uniformity”!  Sometimes we who live in America, forget that God calls us to ‘godly DEPENDENCE’ AND ‘godly interdependence’ NOT that “good ol’ American INDEPENDENCE”!  As the modern proverb is so often slung about, “It’s MY way or the highway!”  Jesus said something that I often have to be reminded of, because I forget it so often in my own zeal and ardor for The Word of God.  Just as Jesus sent out the ‘apostles’ to different places, to encounter unique and different people, with the truth of The Gospel—that Jesus, Himself, would be “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5)!  Upon that we stand, not all the little nuances and uniquenesses of our individuality.  As long as it matches The Word of God, we are to work within our own giftings and callings from JESUS Himself!

We aren’t to be clannish, or judge others who carry out God’s work differently than “I” do, according to the truths in The Word!  Jesus had to adjust the thinking of His own disciples—those who walked the closest with HIM.  How about you and me; don’t we often miss it also (Just remember that the ‘wisdom of this world isn’t God’s wisdom)?

“Then there arose a reasoning among them,

which of them should be greatest.

47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart,

took a child,

and set him by him,

48 And said unto them,

Whosoever shall receive this child

in my name

receiveth me:

and whosoever shall receive me

receiveth him that sent me:

for he that is least among you all,

the same shall be great.

49 And John answered and said,

Master,

we saw one casting out devils

in thy name;

 and we forbad him,

because he followeth not with us.

50 And Jesus said unto him,

Forbid him not:

for he that is not against us

is for us.”  Luke 9:46-50

Sounds like a lot of believers today, doesn’t it?  Oh, that Jesus could mold my heart to see what HE sees, to go where, when, and how HE is leading “me” and allow others to do the same, as long as it isn’t in conflict with The WORD of GOD!  GRACE is a big word, that we often use selectively, and often remove the “amazing” from it!

Paul addressed this same issue in Romans 14, and I’ll share it with you that you may ponder what he says, and you and I can, as they say, mull it over—take it before our LORD—and walk worthy of our calling!  While this is a lengthy passage, I think it worth our attention, and I encourage you (as well as myself—for I can be as harsh as anyone, when my flesh jumps ahead of The Holy Spirit who is working ‘in me’ and ‘in you’) to consider that there are others besides ‘us’ who belong to Jesus!

“Him that is weak in the faith

receive ye,

but not to doubtful disputations.

2 For one believeth that he may eat all things:

another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

3 Let not him that eateth

despise him that eateth not;

and let not him which eateth not

judge him that eateth:

for God hath received him.

4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?

to his own master he standeth or falleth.

Yea, he shall be holden up:

for God is able to make him stand.

5 One man esteemeth one day above another:

another esteemeth every day alike.

Let every man be fully persuaded

in his own mind.

6 He that regardeth the day,

regardeth it unto the Lord;

and he that regardeth not the day,

to the Lord he doth not regard it.

He that eateth,

eateth to the Lord,

for he giveth God thanks;

and he that eateth not,

to the Lord he eateth not,

and giveth God thanks.

7 For none of us liveth to himself,

and no man dieth to himself.

8 For whether we live,

we live unto the Lord;

and whether we die,

we die unto the Lord:

whether we live therefore,

or die,

we are the Lord’s.

9 For to this end

Christ both died,

and rose,

and revived,

that he might be Lord

both of the dead and living.

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother?

or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?

for we shall all stand

before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.”   Romans 14:1-11

May we each continually be “sharpeners” for God’s purposes and glory, and the good of all the brethren! (And remember that “the judgment seat of Christ” is for believers only!)

“Iron

sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.”  Proverbs 27:17

So, let’s get to sharpening!!!  Keeping our eyes on the PRIZE!!!

“Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard of my Father

I have made known unto you.”  John 15:13-15

“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.”  Matthew 16:24-25

May we join with Paul, in his proclamation of faithful service to our KING in Galatians 2:20

“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.”

Amen and Amen!!!

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

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

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

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

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

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

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

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye

have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

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

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

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

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

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

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

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

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

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

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

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

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

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

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

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

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

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

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

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

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

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

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

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

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Amen and Amen!!!

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!!!

What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

23 Sunday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Come out of her, Come to Jesus, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

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What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

 

I hope we can take a few minutes together today to consider our ‘words’, how we use them, which ones we use, how they come out, and most importantly what are they doing to, for, or against those around us.  Do our words reflect the Lord Jesus that we Christian’s claim to follow, or have we allowed our words to reflect the oft-inappropriate language of the world around us.  Jesus had some strong things to say to the religious leaders of His day, may they speak to our heart and call us to the holiness that we ought to pursue.

“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 12:34-37

There is a call in the book of The Revelation, that I think is pertinent to us today–whether you and I heed it or not is our call.  But choose wisely, there is a test coming!

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her,

my people,

that ye be not partakers

of her sins,

and that ye receive not

of her plagues.”  Revelation 18:4

Paul also gives us a warning to watch the life that we live, the companions we choose, and the words that come out of our mouths–which Jesus said come out of our heart.  What’s in your heart?

From Jesus:

“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:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:...”  Matthew 15:14-18

“But let your communication be,

Yea, yea;

Nay, nay:

for whatsoever is more than these

cometh of evil.”  Matthew 5:37

From Paul:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light

with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ

with Belial?

or what part hath he that believeth

with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God

with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said,

I will dwell in them,

and walk in them;

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be

my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

We are called to be holy in all our ways, and that includes our speech; are we willing to hear the voice of our Lord and order our steps (and our words, and some of us go around with ‘my foot in my mouth’ instead of on God’s path.) in HIS ways?

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

James is a bit stronger in his call to us:

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth

blessing

and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:11-13

Paul gives us a great word of encouragement, telling us that we can be what God wants us to be; yet we must do our part, seeking Jesus in all our ways, through prayer, His Word, and the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit!

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

And in closing, a word from one of my favorite Psalms which will remind each of us of the focus that we are to pursue, and God’s work, words and love will be seen in us.

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”  Psalm 37:1-8

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Let’s go forward trusting Jesus, delighting in HIM, committing everything to Him, and resting in HIM (and that doesn’t mean quitting, but running in HIS strength not our own)by relying on HIS sufficiency–even to control our tongue!  Blessings on your week.  I’ll see you at Bible Ballistics locations from now on!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Resurrected And Returning??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #82

03 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in JESUS, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Rejoice IN The Lord, Resurrection

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Resurrected And Returning???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #82

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place

for you.

3 And if I go

and prepare a place

for you,

I will come again,

and receive you

unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:1-6

As we approach the season of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection from the dead, even as Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 15, “for our sin”, I pray that we remember it wasn’t an accident, it wasn’t happenstance, it wasn’t just another political statement–it was the plan of God from before the beginning!  Who said?  God does, past, present and in the promise of HIS return for God’s own!  At Pentecost Peter, anointed by the power of the Holy Spirit proclaimed:

“And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified

and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.” Acts 2:21-24

Other scriptures verify this one, eternal purpose of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for SIN!  And yes, my friends, SIN IS the issue.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21. (The angel to Joseph)

“The next day John seeth Jesus

coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away

the sin of the world.”  John 1:29                          (John the Baptizer about Jesus)

“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.”  1 Peter 1:18-21                      (Peter near the end of his earthly life)

Paul also referred to this eternal nature of God’s amazing plan of saving grace through the blood of HIS “only begotten son”!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4

John records Jesus’ own words in much of The Book of the Revelation, and I’d like us to consider a few of these statements in closing, and I pray that your week will include time with Jesus, remembering the price that HE paid for our salvation.  If you belong to Jesus, I pray that you will find peace, hope, and encouragement this week, for we surely live in the “evil day” that scripture talks about, and our Lord Jesus’ return is most imminent in my opinion.  If you don’t know Jesus, I pray that you will hear His voice speaking to your heart and His knock at your heart’s door.

“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

Some thoughts for your consideration:

“Behold, he cometh with clouds;

and every eye shall see him,

and they also which pierced him:

and all kindreds of the earth shall wail

because of him.

Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning

and the ending,

saith the Lord,

which is,

and which was,

and which is to come,

the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:7-8

“Behold, I come quickly:

blessed is he that keepeth the sayings

of the prophecy of this book…

…..12 And, behold, I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last…

…20 He which testifieth these things saith,

Surely I come quickly.

Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all.

Amen.”  Portions of Revelation 22:7-21

I pray that you will see the need to be prepared for JESUS’ return–and you can only do that through repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for YOU at Calvary!!!

“Rejoice in the Lord

alway:

and again I say,

Rejoice.”  Philippians 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!