Category Archives: Looking up Or around?

A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Encouragement, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Longsuffering, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time Is Grace!, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?

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A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

Just a few scriptures to hopefully brighten your day and perhaps lift your load for a bit.  Here in Oklahoma we’ve been inundated with rain and abundant and often deadly and destructive storms and tornados; please pray for those around us who have lost so much, some everything (and if you’re not aware look up Sulpher, OK on the internet and see the devastation—a whole town wiped out overnight, and they’re one of several towns in such dire straits.). So, I thought it might be a good time to just rehearse the goodness and faithful blessings of our Lord!  And on more fronts that one, we know that our God has and will take care of His own, including the land of Israel, even if the world disagrees!

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:1-6

A lost and dying world is watching to see if Christians really live what they talk about!  We will either shine for Jesus or lose the opportunity to bring glory to our God!

“A merry heart doeth good

like a medicine:

but a broken spirit

drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Let’s spread some smiles around—not fakey pretend that you’re glad for difficult circumstances, but the joy of the Lord that brings joy from the inside out!  Let’s share both our resources and our godly spirit of joy as we go about each day—rain or shine.  Even as Nehemiah encouraged the people of Israel as they rebuilt during trying circumstances, let’s keep our eyes on the prize not the price!  After all Jesus gave the ultimate price for our salvation, His life’s blood!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

 for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Satan can rain on my parade, or cast rocks at my windows, he can even rob me of earthly possessions—but he can never steal my “joy of the LORD” when I keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!

“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.”  1 John 1:7

Let us walk in the light of our Lord Jesus, The Light of the world!  When we stay focused on Jesus no one or no thing can rob us of our joy and peace—that which comes from God for He has placed it in our heart (See Romans 5:1-11). So let’s determine to keep that smile which comes out of that very “joy of the LORD”!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And in closing one of my favorite reminders!

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Smile and press on my friends, for in Jesus we win!!!  Remember:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!

How’s Your Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #196

11 Monday Mar 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Judgment Is Coming, Listening To God, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living TODAY!, Look UP, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time, Time Is Grace!, TODAY, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, What are you doing with your TIME?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's Listening Anyway?, Who's Listening?, Who's Your Father?, Whom are you trusting?

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How’s Your Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #196

I have a few simple questions for us to ponder this evening, and I pray that we will give due consideration to the voice of The Savior.  How often do we make wrong choices because we aren’t tuned in to Jesus through His precious Holy Spirit that He has given to us.  I just pray that we will give heed to what He speaks to our heart as we consider this message.

What if Jesus had no more time for me than I have for Him from day to day?

What if God paid by the hour; what would my spiritual paycheck look like?

What if you’re too busy, when Jesus calls, to hear His voice?  Is His Holy Spirit dwelling within you?

Those are the questions, now I want to simply cover some passages of scripture that I pray will help each of us to examine ourselves with integrity and honesty, asking God to open our eyes to see what He sees, for it is seeking God, not ourselves that conforms us into the “image of His Son”!  (See Romans 8:28-29, Galatians 5:16 & 25, and Hebrews 12:1-3))

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

Peter reminds us that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation—beyond that, He didn’t have to die—He didn’t even have to take on flesh, but He did; He took on flesh to pay for my sin and yours at Calvary and rose to give us life. What are you/I doing for Him?  So often not even heeding His voice or obeying His direction.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls

in obeying the truth

through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love of the brethren,

see that ye love one another

with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth and abideth for ever…

…2:20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins in his own body on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”  Portions of 1 Peter 1:18-2:25

Jesus not only gave His life for us, but He gave us His precious Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth; not only The Truth of His Word, but I believe the ability to discern and understand what He would have us do in all our ways.  (Like a fulfillment of Proverbs 3:5-8!)

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

Whose wisdom are you walking in?  Whose path are you following?  Whom are you trusting?  God or your/my own flesh?  It’s so easy to get caught up in the world’s ideas of right and wrong, and miss the truths that Jesus calls us to, when we trust in our own wisdom and understanding-or the latest ideas and books.

But the big issue is missing Jesus completely because we missed the voice of His Spirit speaking to our hearts.  And if you or I miss Jesus completely, we will suffer the consequence, which Paul warned the Thessalonian church about.  A day of judgment is coming—what will be your answer when you face Jesus?  That you refused His grace, or that you have been born again by the “blood of the Lamb that cleanseth us from all sin”?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. (See Phil. 2:5-11)

“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you,

I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth

that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:

only he who now letteth

will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 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.

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God

for you,

brethren beloved of the Lord,

because God hath from the beginning

chosen you to salvation

through sanctification of the Spirit

and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel,

to the obtaining of the glory

of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 2:5-14

So, what’s your decision?  Will you respond to Jesus in salvation, trust, and obedience?  Like I said, it’s your choice, but choose wisely; as Paul says, there is a test coming! Don’t fall for the lies.

Amen and Amen!!!

Worldliness Looks Like___??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #193

03 Sunday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Love, What does worldliness look like?, Worldliness

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Worldliness Looks Like___??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #193

What does worldliness look like?  It can be hard to define sometimes because we have made the lines often hard to define; yet, as believers we have one specific instruction to order our steps by, and while it’s a lengthy passage, I think it one that we must consider if we want to walk pleasing to our Lord, and not after the things of this world (a world that will pass away)!

“But if ye bite and devour one another,

take heed that ye be not consumed

one of another.

16 This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:15-25

To “live in the Spirit” starts with “the Spirit”, The Holy Spirit, living in me; as well as knowing God’s Word–His standard, and Paul’s description of the contrast between the “works of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit” is a concrete list of the difference.  The “fruit of the Spirit “ is one of the evidences that we belong to Jesus (and notice there is no “s” in “fruit”!).

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:8-9

Our life is a testament of our spiritual heritage, either we belong to Jesus, or we don’t; and the new covenant of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the evidence of the “new birth” into the family of God, by the power of The Holy Spirit.

“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 1:11-13

It’s the new birth that Jesus told Nicodemus about in John chapter 3.  Just as Jesus told Nicodemus, if we are not “born again” we can neither see the Kingdom, nor enter it!  And if we are “born again” it will be evidenced by the presence and work of The Holy Spirit, a work that should be a witness to the world we are to be separate from.  As I see the problem, we have been led to go astray from our true north—both our Lord Jesus and His Word.  Like the old adage says, “The Word of God will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from The Word of God!”, which have you chosen.  Have you been born again?  Are you walking in The Spirit or the flesh?  The Apostle John has something to say about that.

“Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:15-17

James is even more clear in his assessment of our choices in our behavior.  Will we heed his message?

“From whence come wars and fightings among you?

come they not hence,

even of your lusts that war in your members?

2 Ye lust,

and have not:

ye kill,

and desire to have,

and cannot obtain:

ye fight and war,

yet ye have not,

because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask,

and receive not,

because ye ask amiss,

that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4 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.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 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 4:1-8

Jesus makes the ultimate statement for what it means to become His follower and claim Him as our Lord and Savior; it’s not just “saying so”—it’s having a life transformed by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Have you been cleansed from sin?  Have you come to the fountain “filled with blood”?  Have you faced your own sin, denied yourself, taken up the cross of Jesus and followed The Lord and Savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith/belief in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

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

And the final thing I want us to consider is Jesus’ own words declaring that “saying so doesn’t make it so”; and there is a day coming when the masks will come off and “every knee shall bow”!

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:19-23

And in closing, one of my favorite stories that Jesus painted, yet we so often write it off to an insignificant children’s song, rather than a picture of absolute truth.  Is your house built on The Rock?  I pray that you will walk in Jesus’ Holy Spirit and not the world and the flesh.  And notice it’s implied that the houses looked like, but when the storms came—and they will come—the foundation made the difference.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus saves—have you come to Him for salvation and forgiveness of sin?  He’s still in the life-changing business!

Amen and Amen!!!

Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

25 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Weariness

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Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race that is

set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

I want us to consider a different turn on this passage today!  This passage follows the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, and what we find if we go back and look at that chapter, is a list of those who were faithful to hear, heed and believe the things that God said to them, both what He has said in His Word, and even to some, a personal message.  We have the written Word as well as The Living Word, Jesus, and what they were looking forward to, we have seen through the testimony of Jesus’ Apostles and followers in The Word of God as well as history!

One of the things I think we often miss, is that while there is to be an action to our faith, we are to “lay aside” sin, and “run with patience” (or endurance) the race that Jesus sets before us—my race, assigned by The Master, not anyone else’s race.  Yet we are not called to run on our own, but the key is to keep “Looking unto Jesus”, our Lord and Savior, King of Kings, who is also “the author and finisher of our faith”!  We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not the particulars of our individual race, but to follow HIM where ever HE leads, knowing that if we keep our eyes on HIM, He will not lead us astray, into exhaustion, or confusion!  While we may often find ourselves feeling exhausted or confused, we must remember to refocus and get our eyes fixed on Jesus, not our surroundings, the people around us, or the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.

Jesus had a word for His disciples after they had been sent out to do ministry.  We need to heed His words and know that we must also make time for rest.

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we have to stop, look, and listen—not for the train, but for the signs of running on our own, not The Master’s strength.  I say this because sometimes we just have to stop and ask God to speak to our heart about where we are; for sometimes we let our feelings, our tiredness (be it real or imagined) and our personal expectations to drive us to doubt, pout and think about dropping out!  I experienced this recently, and I just had to take a walk and ask God to help me realign my focus back onto my Savior, not my feelings—even the ones that some would call justified—but I’d rather be right with Jesus than to justify myself in the eyes of people.

We must also remember that we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and God has given us lots of instruction in His Word to know how we can deal with these spiritual battles.  Let’s consider a few today—and I pray that they will help you in whatever battle you are facing; for as I’ve heard it said, “We are either about to face a battle, coming out of a battle, or in the red-hot midst of one!”  So, remember always:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

When we belong to Jesus; when Jesus is within us; we are overcomers because HE lives within us.  It’s the essential!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

And to use another of Paul’s admonitions to us, we need to suit up in our armor—every day!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:10-12

Don’t miss this grand calling, to not only be strong, but to be strong “in the Lord” and “in the power of HIS might”!  I pray that you will consider these encouraging instructions to walk in victory with Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness

to revenge all disobedience,

when your obedience is fulfilled.”                           2 Corinthians 10:3-6

And one of my favorite passages from Paul, I encourage you to memorize at least verse 8 and check your thoughts at the door, and if the thoughts don’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, slam the door in the devil’s face!

“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

May you find courage to walk in victory with your Lord, regardless of the fleshly battles.  Remember, with Jesus, We Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Righteousness Exalts A Nation??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20

11 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Look UP, Looking up Or around?, Righteousness, Righteousness exalts a nation, Unrighteous will not inherit, Unrighteousness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20   Righteousness Exalts A Nation???

“Righteousness

exalteth a nation:

but sin

is a reproach to any people.”   Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness: 1. the quality or state of being righteous…2.  righteous conduct……3. the quality of state of being just or rightful…

Scripture gives us the most profound and insightful thoughts on the subject, let’s look and consider God’s Word!

“Thy throne,

O God,

is for ever and ever:

the sceptre

of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

7 Thou lovest righteousness,

and hatest wickedness:

therefore God,

thy God,

hath anointed thee

with the oil of gladness

above thy fellows.”  Psalm 45:6-7

A reference to not only God’s righteousness, but the righteousness of the Lord Jesus who would be exalted for the sacrifice HE made for our sin at Calvary.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:8-11

“And the heavens shall declare

his righteousness:

for God is judge himself.

Selah.”  Psalm 50:6

Jesus made a most profound and yet simple declaration about “righteousness”, and it is up to each of us how we will respond.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or,

Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

Will we pursue the “first” of God’s kingdom, or our own?  Will we be recipients of God’s “righteous” provision in Jesus, whose death, burial, and resurrection for victory over sin is our only hope; or will we choose our own unrighteousness, refusing God’s offer of love, forgiveness, and salvation? It’s your choice!

Even as Paul told believers to put on the “breastplate of righteousness” –Christ’s righteousness–imparted to us by God’s grace, and our response of faith to the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for SIN!  When individual sin spreads through the land unchecked, it erupts into a state of national “UN”-righteousness.  What will be the result?  Just look around us!   We can disregard the gift of God and reap the consequences or accept Jesus, spreading the good news everywhere we go!

“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 5:21

We can choose to be a part of sharing God’s truth of redemption through Jesus, or we can be a part of acerbating the problem of “UN”-righteousness!  And just a few more scriptures regarding those who choose unrighteousness.

“Woe

unto them that decree

unrighteous decrees,

and that write grievousness

which they have prescribed;

2 To turn aside the needy

from judgment,

and to take away the right

from the poor of my people,

that widows may be their prey,

and that they may rob the fatherless!”   Isaiah 10:1-2

Will you choose God, while HE may be found!  May we pray and live a life that promotes righteousness, affecting real change in our world!

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return

unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher

than the earth,

so are my ways higher

than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down,

and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing

whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:6-11

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test coming, and it may be soon.  Even as Paul encouraged us:

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!