Category Archives: No man can serve two masters!

May I Be Like_____??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

14 Sunday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Behold the Lamb of God, Believing God's Words, Blessed by God, Born Again, Bow Before our God, By Him We Live, If I be lifted up---, If not now? When?, In Jesus name--means what?, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Sayers or Doers, Search me O God?

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May I Be Like______??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #387

May I be yielded to my Lord, allowing Him to work in me to make me more like Him.  God has promised to work in us, to conform us, to shape us and equip us to the work that HE has called us to. We are called to yield to and desire His work to be done in us as we cling to and abide in our vine—Jesus! (See John 15:1-5)

“Search me, O God, 

and know my heart: 

try me, 

and know my thoughts: 

24 And see if there be 

any wicked way in me, 

and lead me 

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

This must be the prayer of our heart, and it will be reflected in the way that we choose to live each day!  As Jesus said in His sermon on the mount (as we call it, yet He taught these things continually).

“No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, 

and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, 

and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

As Paul reminded us, we must not let the things of this world consume, control and direct our lives; and while that sounds easy to say, I understand that it is a daily battle, and I fight it just like you do!  But the thing I want us to understand is that it is a winnable battle!  The things of this world will continually try to distract, disable and disarm our testimony for Jesus!  We are called to stand fast “in the evil day”!  And believe me my friends, the “evil day” is here!  What will you do?  Serve God or the world?

Jesus gave the Apostles instructions about the work that would be ahead of them when He talked with them after the resurrection.  What He said to them is basic but absolutely essential to our comprehension of and adherence to the Gospel and, as Paul said, not being “ashamed of the gospel”!  We are called by Jesus to stick to the biblical gospel—not water it down to reach a people who don’t want to hear the truth.  Only Jesus saves—ever has—ever will!

“And he said unto them, 

These are the words which I spake unto you, 

while I was yet with you, 

that all things must be fulfilled, 

which were written in the law of Moses, 

and in the prophets, and in the psalms, 

concerning me. 

45 Then opened he their understanding, 

that they might understand the scriptures, 

46 And said unto them, 

Thus it is written, 

and thus it behoved Christ 

to suffer, 

and to rise from the dead the third day: 

47 And that repentance 

    and remission of sins 

should be preached in his name 

among all nations, 

beginning at Jerusalem. 

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.”  Luke 24:44-48

We have been called to share “repentance and remission of sins” to all nations!  Don’t miss what Jesus is saying, salvation can’t come when we are not willing to see sin as sin, repent of our own sin (not anyone else’s), and seek the forgiveness that only Jesus can give to remit our sins to the blood that HE has already shed for sin!  Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 15.  Let’s look at it.  (See Colossians 1:12-14)

“For I delivered unto you first of all 

that which I also received, 

how that Christ died for our sins 

according to the scriptures; 

4 And that he was buried, 

and that he rose again the third day 

according to the scriptures: 

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, 

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Until we see our sin and understand that only Jesus can save, we have no hope.  Only God can save us, and when He sends the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin, we are being drawn to The Lord who saves, through His blood, don’t miss His voice!

“No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him:

and I will raise him up 

at the last day.”  John 6:44

And:

“All that the Father giveth me 

shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me 

I will in no wise cast out. 

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me. 

39 And this is the Father’s will 

which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.”  John 6:37-39

This is what Jesus came to do, even as the angel revealed to Joseph at the beginning announcements of the birth of our Savior.

“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

And in closing, who or what are you seeking to be like?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test.  But aside from the test, the blessings that we have IN JESUS are immeasurable!  The blessings of God are beyond measure.  Are you pursuing His blessings, grace and provision, or are you doing your best to be like this hell-bent world.  Please choose wisely, I’m praying for you!  (And please take time to read all of Romans chapter 8—it can bless your soul!) May you join me in praying, Lord, I want to be like you?

“And we know that all things work together 

for good 

to them that love God, 

to them who are the called 

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, 

he also did predestinate 

to be conformed 

to the image of his Son, 

that he might be the firstborn 

among many brethren. 

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, 

them he also called: 

and whom he called, 

them he also justified: 

and whom he justified, 

them he also glorified. 

31 What shall we then say to these things? 

If God be for us, 

who can be against us? 

32 He that spared not his own Son, 

but delivered him up for us all, 

how shall he not with him also 

freely give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32

To God be the glory—great things HE has done—He is doing—He will do!  Jesus is coming again soon, my prayer is that you will be ready.

Amen and Amen

Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

07 Sunday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Calm or Clamor?, Change your attitude, Check Your Knees???, Never Alone, No man can serve two masters!, Paying attention, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Perseverance, Place of Safety, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Servanthood, Serve The Lord with gladness., Serving God or Using God?

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Clamor Or Calm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #383

 

I must be honest, I am weary of all the clamor going on around us; who we hate, who we don’t hate, who’s right, who’s wrong, what are we supposed to be pursuing?  I would simply like to share a few things that we find in God’s Word, that I pray will help us bring calm to our lives, our hearts and the effect that we have on others.  Jesus didn’t need politics, and we need Jesus instead of anything else!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Jesus has promised us HIS peace, via the Holy Spirit—The Spirit of God/Jesus which He promised would bring “all things to your remembrance”!  Notice (as I often teach in my classes) that Jesus said The Spirit would bring things to our “Re’membrance”; and if you go back in mind to your childhood grammar classes, hopefully you’ll remember that the small prefix “re” means to ‘do over’—meaning that we must, I repeat must, “member” it first.  We must put The Word in us and then the Holy Spirit will help us to remember things at the appropriate time. While I won’t put it here, if you’ll go back and read Matthew chapter 4 where Jesus encounters the tempter, Satan, He, Jesus, faced and overcame each temptation with scripture telling the enemy, “It Is Written”. Even when Satan used scripture, Jesus brought him back to the actual context of God’s Word!  That is such a good principle and practice for us to apply to our lives today!

I can’t tell you the peace that I have experienced in life by knowing God’s Word—in its context!  It is such a joy and delight to know Jesus through His Word, and to use Jesus’ own words, it is imperative; for we will either be serving ourselves, the enemy of our souls, or The Lord Jesus Christ!  Jesus said it much better than I can.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man

can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:19-24

We can choose to follow The Master who gives peace, grace, love and wisdom; or we can let the clamor of the world keep us in an upheaval, not knowing which way to turn or whom to believe.  When we know Jesus and what He has said in His Word, we will find an amazing peace that “passeth all understanding” (See Philippians 4:7.)

Let me just say, that scripture isn’t calling us to be negligent of our responsibilities, but He is calling us to have right priorities and be pursuing His kingdom priorities as we faithfully serve God and provide for our own families as He directs.  A couple of passages that direct us in putting God first will never direct us to neglect the physical needs of our family, but we will seek to do it God’s way!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread…”  Matthew 6:7-11a

Paul had somewhat to say about this also!

“…Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness,

and peace,

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ

is acceptable to God,

and approved of men.”  Romans 14:16b-18

I know I wrestle with these things on occasion, and I just plain forget to keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!  It is so easy to be distracted with all the clamor around us; with all the things seemingly demanding our time, our focus, and attention—things of the world and not of our Lord Jesus!  It’s one of the reasons we are to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”!  Isaiah reminded me of God’s faithful provision not long ago, may we ever remember that our God never fails, and HE has promised to never abandon us!  I encourage you to read the context of this passage from Isaiah.

“And the key of the house of David

will I lay upon his shoulder;

so he shall open,

and none shall shut;

and he shall shut,

and none shall open.

23 And I will fasten him

as a nail in a sure place;

and he shall be for a glorious throne

to his father’s house.”  Isaiah 22:22-23

It’s much like the assurance that God gives to us through the author of the book of Hebrews, knowing that even though God may discipline His own, He will never ever abandon us.

“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 as the author tells us that we have a great one to run to in our time of need—He never sleeps nor slumbers!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

So, as I bring this post to a close, I want us to consider the call that Peter gives to us to know how to walk right before God in this calm assurance; in the power of Jesus to not be overcome of the crazy clamor all around us, but to be the steadfast servants of our King Jesus—living hope, peace and joy that will lead others to the cross of Him who is The way—The truth—The life!  The only way to God, to heaven and to receive eternal life!  May others see His peace and calm in us—in contrast to the clamor of the world!  Let’s reflect Jesus today!!

“As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 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 1:14-21

I pray that God’s greatest blessings of peace will fall on you today!  If you need Jesus, please call on Him today— “for by grace ye are saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (See Ephesians 2:8-10!)

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Your Religion Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

16 Friday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Cleansed from all sin, Come to Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, My Grace Is Sufficient, My Help Cometh from THE LORD, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, Not Of This World, Religion isn't enough?, Relying on self or Jesus?, Salvation, The Word

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Is Your Religion Enough???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #346

What is religion?  Is it enough to get you to heaven?  This is an important question; in fact it’s a matter of life and death—of heaven and hell, so I want us to consider what scripture says about it.  It’s the most important opinion!

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity

of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless and widows

in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:21-27

Notice that James doesn’t begin by saying “be religious”, rather he says that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls”!  Religion doesn’t save, but when we are saved, we are to become “doers of the word”!  Actions come out of what we become in Jesus, when we are born again by grace through faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. Let’s see some scripture on that very thing.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But

as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

There is also what I call Paul’s ‘gospel in a nutshell’!  Don’t miss heaven by the deception of religious activity, of the world or of Satan’s influence and lies.

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

 according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

(I’d encourage you to read all of chapter 15, it’s long but powerful in revealing the power of the resurrection!)

Then there is the powerful testimony of Peter after the day of Pentecost.  Have you “been with Jesus”?  Have you been to the cross where HE paid for your sin and mine

“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.   

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived

that they were unlearned and ignorant men,

they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:10-13

 As Jesus himself said to the apostles just before His death.

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me,

he is cast forth as a branch,

and is withered;

and men gather them,

and cast them into the fire,

and they are burned.”  John 15:5-6

And the book of Proverbs reminds us that our actions speak more than our feeble words when they reveal no proof in our living.  Jesus’ counsel to Nicodemus is still the only way to know God and see heaven; you “must be born again”!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God…

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

 and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth,

and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh,

and whither it goeth:

so is every one that is born of the Spirit…

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  Portions of John 3:3-20

I know I talk about this a lot, but my friends, it is the only thing that will matter when we face Jesus, and we will all face Him!  (See Philippians 2:5-11)Are you counting on ‘religion’ (any religion, for no religious entity or practice can get you to heaven—only Jesus’ blood can save and forgive sin!), or have you been “born again” by God’s power in the resurrected Jesus Christ The Lord?  Even as Peter said,

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”!

I pray that you will find the sufficiency of Jesus’ saving grace.  I’ve walked with Him for many years, and He is ever faithful to bring His own to glory—you and me, I pray that you’ll join me!

“…Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved…”

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus, The Add On??? Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #343

24 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Compromise, Confessing Sin, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed or Transformed?, Conformed to HIS image, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Deceit or Discernment?, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, No man can serve two masters!, No Sin No Need?, SIN, Sin IS the issue

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Jesus, The Add On???  Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #343

 

“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 

Jesus is the only way of salvation—the only way to heaven—the only way to be God’s child—the only way to have new life, hope, joy and peace “that passeth all understanding”!  But we are living in a culture where even the church seems to be ready to abandon the truth of the Gospel, and keep adding things, activities, exercises that are attempting to fill the void in mankind; when only Jesus can and will fill that void.  As it’s often been said, we have a “God-sized hole/void”, and only God can fill that void!  But it seems that we are surely trying to fill it with anything that makes no call of repentance and faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for sin—His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. The angel told Joseph that the issue was sin; not diet, exercise, meditation, or even fellowship and “love”!  Oh, the things that we are excusing and even promoting that violate God’s Word, but we call it “love” and press on, instead of seeking God’s “approval”!

“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

It’s God’s plan not man’s, yet we keep on trying to make it more palatable, that which even Jesus said would repel people.  Why do we think they killed Him and most of the prophets and preachers throughout scripture.

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

 The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not

him that sent me.”  John 15:18-21

It’s part of the message that Jesus gave to Nicodemus, but we conveniently leave off part of “God so loved”!  And God does love, but Father God and Jesus Christ the Son are “the same yesterday, and to day and forever…”! (See Hebrews 13:8). Will we preach Jesus—the only way?  What are we tacking on to Jesus!  Yes, Jesus loves me and you, yet He also makes it clear over and over again that you must choose between the straight road or the broad one—God’s way or the world’s, and the consequences will follow your choice.  (see Matthew 7:13-28)

“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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

So, how do we choose right?  We must seek Jesus and His cross!  Dying to self and giving our life to Jesus, and seeking His will, His way, His truth, and reflecting His life before a lost and dying world by speaking “the truth in love”!  But never change His truth to try and attract a crowd!  It will never work, because it isn’t what He called us to do or to share.  We must share His truth His way.  Paul gives us great advise as He shared with his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy—dig into God’s Word not the world’s!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”   2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:15-16

May we be found faithful to God’s Word!  May we learn to measure by HIS WORD not popular opinion, trends, fads, or what is the top thing on social media!  It’s so easy to buy into the cutesy, tear-jerking stories and form opinions that are 180 degrees away from what God has said.  But so many go on feeling rather than the facts and truth of The Word of God!  I know I harp on that, but oh, my friends, we must wake up, repent, and turn from our own wisdom to pursue God’s!  I’d like to close with an amazing passage from Daniel—a young man probably still in his teens, but a young man who knew his God—one who had made up his mind to serve God not man!  This passage is Daniel’s prayer of praise to God for answered prayer.  Who is your God? (See Daniel 1:8)

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

I would encourage you to read through the book of Daniel, even just the first 6 chapters and you’ll find a young man, and his friends, who were committed to their God, to His ways and they always stood firm and never took credit for what God did; even to such a degree that others saw in them the character of God.  But don’t miss the lesson that we must, I say must, learn, and that is when we go God’s way, we will face opposition, hatred, jealousy and we must be like Daniel and his friends and press on faithfully.  Paul reminds us of just that, and I’ll leave you with these thoughts to ponder.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forthunto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Amen and Amen!!!

By Grace Through Faith??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #237

09 Tuesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Idolatry, Jesus Is The Only Way!, No man can serve two masters!, Obedient or NOT?, One Day Too Late?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns, Overcoming By His Blood, Salvation, The Word

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By Grace Through Faith???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #237

 

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”   Ephesians 2:8-10

How do you plan on getting to heaven?  Just as Jesus said in John 14:6, there is only one way—and HE IS the “way…the truth…and the life…”—the only way.  I know there is a lot being purported today as ways to heaven: be good, give to this preacher, do this thing, follow this leader, think positive, follow and accept pantheistic activities of all kinds (check out the origins of what you are participating in?)—such as many of the martial arts, yoga, meditation, Zen, and I could go on, I simply ask you to check out what you are following.  If its origin isn’t based in the Gospel, you might want to consider where it came from and what its ultimate goal is.  If it came out of idolatry, where do think it’s wanting to lead you?  If your chosen activities are not to draw you closer to Jesus, then you might want to reconsider.  And one thing that we are misled by most often is the worldly draw of media—movies, music, TV, apps, games….  If you watch much TV, you’d think that the romance movies invented Christmas; even when they throw in Jesus’ name every now and then, the idea is that you can succeed on your own with a bit of luck, fate, or chance, or Christmas magic.

As believers in and followers of Jesus, we need to keep our focus on His death, burial and resurrection for our sin!  When was the last time you heard that word mentioned by anyone on TV?  Well, my friends, sin IS the issue; and ready or not Jesus is coming for His own, and He also will judge those who have ignored Him, disregarded Him, or just plain rejected Him.  What have you done about Jesus’ claims to be the only way through repentance of our own sin, and trust/faith in His substitutionary (in your place), atoning (making restitution for my sin and yours), sacrifice (He became the payment for our sin—the only payment God will accept!)!  That is grace my friend, no cost except faith in what Jesus did at Calvary, the blood bought salvation of the Bible.

“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.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10

Paul makes it clear that it is all about Jesus, and without forgiveness of sin, we have no hope.

“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

We can praise God because of grace, for we merit nothing, but God has given all that we need in Jesus.  It is all about what He has done not what we have done or ever could do.  I pray that you will receive this word from my heart and God’s Holy Bible, and examine your heart, listening for the voice of The Holy Spirit speaking to you.  God has never failed me yet—and He won’t today!

“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…

…. 6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.”                       Portions of Romans 5:1-9

I’m praying for you!

Amen and Amen!!!