Category Archives: Lord

Rehearsal Is A Good Thing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #58

04 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Lord, The Little Things., The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Love of God, The Only Way

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Rehearsal Is A Good Thing???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #58

As we begin a new year, I thought it prudent to rehearse some of the things we need to remember about our God as we press on in this year of 2023.  I pray that our walk will be closer, our trust will be more complete, and our growth an honor to our Lord, and a blessing to the world and those around us!  I hope these reminders will be an encouragement to each of us today and each day through the coming year!

“Will the LORD be pleased

with thousands of rams,

or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

shall I give my firstborn

for my transgression,

the fruit of my body

for the sin of my soul?

8 He hath shewed thee,

O man,

what is good;

and what doth the LORD require of thee,

but to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly

with thy God?”  Micah 6:7-8

Simply put, “to walk humbly with thy God”, is to continually remember, walk and act like I know that there is only ONE GOD, and I’m not HIM!  That I know that just like Jesus made it clear, there is only One Way, and JESUS is HIS name:

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Job made a bold statement of faith which brings me great comfort and assurance, and I pray that it will minister to you today (and note ‘maintain mine own ways’ is not an indication of going our own way, but walking in HIS ways, no matter the circumstances–or what others may think!!)!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

This reminds me of the old hymn, “Trust and Obey” (written by John Sammis), while it’s such a simple statement, it is a challenging life to walk consistently!  So how do we do it?  By following the shepherd!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:” John 10:27

Are you following Jesus or stealing the lead?  It’s a question that we each must face daily, and I’m so glad that the Psalmist David left us one of the greatest passages to remind us not only how to follow, but why!  Because “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”!  Is HE yours!

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth

my soul:

he leadeth me

in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table

before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest

my head with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

for ever.” Psalm 23:1-6

May we commit to walking near to our shepherd each day in this new year.  He has promised to “never leave thee nor forsake thee” (See Hebrews 13:5-6)…but like the old joke about the married couple riding in the car, the wife asks, “Why don’t you sit close to me anymore?” and the husband driving down the road replies, “I haven’t moved!”!  How’s your ‘closeness to God’ quotient?  Have you moved?  God hasn’t!  Let’s determine to abide with “The Great Shepherd”, and follow HIS lead no matter the cost, joining with Job in knowing that HE is trustworthy!  Completely!!  Always!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Love My Neighbor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #40

30 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Am I willing to go?, Apart from ME you can do nothing, Good Neighbor, Good Samaritan?, Lord, Love, Love Is Action, Neighbors

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Love My Neighbor??? A Word from THE WORD!!!  #40

I heard a song this morning that brought my attention to my desperate lack of love on many occasions; for Jesus said if we love HIM, we are to love others—our brothers and sisters (in the flesh and in the body of Christ), our loved ones, and our ‘neighbors’!  So, I would simply like to share Jesus’ message on ‘neighbors’! May you and I take heart and truly measure as Jesus did/does!  I want to be found faithful to my Lord and King!

“And he turned him unto his disciples,

and said privately,

Blessed are the eyes

which see the things that ye see:

24 For I tell you,

that many prophets and kings

have desired to see those things

which ye see,

and have not seen them;

and to hear those things

which ye hear,

and have not heard them.

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up,

and tempted him, saying,

Master, what shall I do

to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him,

What is written in the law?

how readest thou?

27 And he answering said,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy strength,

and with all thy mind;

and thy neighbour

as thyself.

28 And he said unto him,

Thou hast answered right:

this do,

and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself,

said unto Jesus,

And who is my neighbour?”  Luke 10:23-29

Just as this man, we so often are attempting to “justify” ourselves rather than admit that without Jesus, we can’t even understand selfless, godly love!  So, Jesus’ most convicting story is still applicable, and pierces my heart, reminding me that “saying so doesn’t make it so” (I need to be a better child of Jesus/God and leave off the snarky remarks, the gossip, the lack of compassion, the real tendency to be so consumed with self, that others aren’t even on my radar!)  May our hearts hear and respond to the convicting voice of The Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and yours; may we truly love as Jesus loves, and by HIS Spirit and power do better at being “good neighbors”!

“And Jesus answering said,

A certain man went down from Jerusalem

to Jericho,

and fell among thieves,

which stripped him of his raiment,

and wounded him,

and departed,

leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down

a certain priest that way:

and when he saw him,

he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite,

when he was at the place,

came and looked on him,

and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan,

as he journeyed,

came where he was:

and when he saw him,

he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him,

and bound up his wounds,

pouring in oil and wine,

and set him on his own beast,

and brought him to an inn,

and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed,

he took out two pence,

and gave them to the host,

and said unto him,

Take care of him;

and whatsoever thou spendest more,

when I come again,

I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three,

thinkest thou,

was neighbour

unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said,

He that shewed mercy on him.

Then said Jesus unto him,

 Go, and do thou likewise.” Luke 10:30-37

May we be that “good neighbor”!  And just FYI, remember that in that culture, the Jews didn’t even believe there could be a “GOOD SAMARITAN”!  Without Jesus we can’t be good/righteous:

       “…There is none righteous, no, not one:”  Romans 3:10b

“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

May we walk with Jesus and truly go “about doing good”—HIS good!

Amen and Amen!!!

God Knows YOU??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #8 Bible Ballistics

18 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, Lord, Obedient or NOT?, One Foundation, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Possession or Pretense?, Power of The Cross

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God Knows YOU???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #8                                                   Bible Ballistics

Just a brief word this morning that I hope will remind us that God IS just that—GOD Almighty, the sender of HIS “Only Begotten Son” to restore us to relationship and fellowship with Him!  Only One Way—Jesus.  You are either HIS or NOT HIS!  ‘Nuff said!

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 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 1:5-7

And Paul’s clear truth of God’s knowledge of HIS own:

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Also, Jesus’ own declaration of truth about our life reflecting the truth of whose we are—whether we have chosen the “narrow road” or the “broad way”—the consequence for each has been set by The God Who KNOWS! (See Matthew 7:13-28)

“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 7:20-23

The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test!  And the “examiner” is on HIS way!  I pray that you will call upon HIM while you have opportunity!

“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!!!

The Truest Blessing!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #774

21 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Encouragement, HOPE, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Saves, Lord, Love Is Action, Never Alone, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #774      The Truest Blessing!!!

 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

 in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,

I am with you

alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Matthew 28:18-20

As I sit here listening to “Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem” (written by R. Fisher Boyce in a milk barn, of all things), and yes, I know it’s past Christmas season, but my Jesus is ever in my heart and I’m so glad HE came and took on flesh; and yes, I’m one of those who thinks that we ought to sing those songs all year long, yet as you can tell by the passage above, I want to talk about our Lord’s departure—but a departure that isn’t final!  Jesus IS coming again!  But that isn’t even the thing I want to share!

So, what is it that I want to share with you this morning?  I want to remind us all, that while we are to take the message of the cross everywhere we go, there’s something just as sweet to my heart from this passage—in fact it’s one of the most important parts of this “Great Commission”, that we sometimes overlook, and even disregard in our zeal to “GO”!

What is it?  It is the simple yet profound truth:

“I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world”!

Oh, my friends, if I could just find the words to tell you the joy and delight, the strength and power, the comfort and courage, the reassurance and confidence, the absolute ability to press on that this simple yet profound statement brings to my heart, mind, and soul.  I often respond to people’s question, “How are you?”, with a true statement, “I’m blessed beyond measure!”  And this simple verse is part of the reason—in fact one of the greatest reasons–that I do consider myself blessed, and blessed so far beyond any human measure, all because I AM NOT ALONE!  Can you understand what that means?  I think some of you can, especially those of us who have had times in our lives that we felt like we were the most “alone” person in the world!  Yet, the truth of the presence of my LORD, has always come to reassure me that HE was, is and ever shall be with me!  I am never alone—

not in the fiercest storm,

not in the raging battle,

not in the stress of uncertain circumstances,

not even in the face of death—

be it our own impending death,

or that of a dear loved one!

JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE/HERE with me!

His presence is almost touchable it’s so real. I know HE is with me, partly just because HE said HE would be, partly because I have felt HIM so near sometimes, it is beyond my ability to convey to you the “realness” of it.  And I can have that confidence, comfort, and power because I choose to walk with HIM, even as the old hymn says, “HE walks with me, and HE talks with me, and HE tells me I am HIS own”!  (from In The Garden, by Charles Austin Miles).

The author of Hebrews says it succinctly—with another word of reassurance and instruction, “be content”!

“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

I pray that you will receive this word of encouragement and hope, a word of truth that will never fail—not ever—if we are willing to receive it, rest in it, and follow our shepherd.

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.”  John 10:27-28

Are you HIS?  If you are, then stop fretting and rest in your shepherd.  If you’re not HIS, won’t you bow in repentance of your sin, and trust in Jesus’ payment for your sin and mine.  He’s calling today, as Jesus declares in Revelation 3:20!

“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.”

Amen And Amen!!!

Enter IN Or Depart??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #743

16 Friday Jul 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Lord, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #743  Enter IN Or Depart???

 

These are the only two options for all eternity, and your choice in this life will decide which of these responses from Jesus you will hear.  I would like to simply leave you with the words of our Lord and pray that you will ask God to search your heart and let you see where you really are in relation to eternity!

“His lord said unto him,

Well done,

thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful over a few things,

I will make thee ruler over many things:

enter thou

into the joy of thy lord.”  Matthew 25:21

Jesus came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly”!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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 7:21-23

The choice is truly yours, and the choice is simple, but not easy; will you entrust your life to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS death on the cross for your sin, making your foundation the ROCK of salvation, JESUS!  If you know HIM, then “stand fast” and if you don’t call on HIM today.

“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

You must be willing to hear that still small voice convicting of sin and respond in faith and trust in Jesus—He came for you and me.  Don’t wait for a better day, there isn’t one!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”   John 14:6

May God speak to your heart and may you draw near to HIM today.

“For it is written,

As I live, saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.

12 So then every one of us

shall give account of himself

to God.”   Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!