Category Archives: Redeemed By HIS Blood

The Way To Celebrate??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #163

08 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Before the foundation of the world, Behold the Lamb of God, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Follow Jesus, Follow The Star?, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Remember, Repentance, Running The Race!, Salvation, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Broad or Narrow Way?

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The Way To Celebrate??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #163

“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

I know it’s not very popular today to stand by the truth that Jesus IS the only way to God—to heaven—to have eternal life!  It’s why Jesus came, and the story was ‘the story’ from “before the foundation of the world”!  The question is, “What will you do with this baby born in a barn, laid in a manger, the One who walked this earth with sinful men, yet remained sinless and walked to Calvary to pay for your sin and mine!”  What will you do with Him?  Leave Him in the manger?  Or bow before Him as your Lord and Savior?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Father, I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”   John 17:24

Angels proclaimed the truth to Zacharias, to Mary, to Joseph, to shepherds—the good news that The Savior has come.

“And, behold,

thou shalt conceive in thy womb,

and bring forth a son,

and shalt call his name JESUS.

 32 He shall be great,

and shall be called the Son of the Highest:

and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne

of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;

and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”   Luke 1:31-33

“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 the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11

Great news for all people, yet Jesus reminded us that there is even a greater part of that good news—when we come to HIM for this salvation, HE will not only “save his people from their sins...” but even the angels rejoice at the redemption promised to Adam and Eve, and to us.  All because this tiny baby was headed to Calvary to pay for our sin and restore us to HIS kingdom.  All this planned before “the foundation of the world”!

God knew we would fail, yet He had already provided for our restoration and salvation from the promised penalty of sin—death—a Savior was on the way!

“Father, I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”   John 17:24

“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

Peter also reminds us that our hope isn’t in a manger, or stars, or miraculous events, but in the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  It’s HIS way or no way!

“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 1:17-21

So, I pray that you know HIM, and will “walk worthy” of His grace, His love, and the blood that HE spilled ‘on purpose’ for you and me.  I pray that you will truly remember to celebrate JESUS!  If angels rejoice, we have even more cause!

“Likewise, I say unto you,

there is joy in the presence of the angels of God

over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke15:10

While the angels do rejoice when a sinner repents, remember, Jesus warned us that repentance is necessary for all.  May we take heed to the truths of God’s Word and repent, receive and believe in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that the ‘babe in the manger’ came to be!  May you draw near to Jesus and celebrate His blessings of love, grace, and salvation!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:5

“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.”  Matthew 16:24

May this lost world see us following JESUS!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Revival Or Recycle??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #124

20 Sunday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Born Again, Looking Unto Jesus, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Remember, Renewing or Reviewing, REvival, Revival or Recycle?, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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Revival Or Recycle??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #124

I have what will probably be a short post for today as we’ve been out several times today in the heat and it is treacherous!  I’m hot and tired, but I have a few things I’d like to share this evening for your consideration.  A word that I hope will challenge and encourage each of us to ‘examine’ ourselves before God and be sure that we know whose we are, and what we’ve been called to be and do (if we’ve answered God’s call to salvation)!

As the title implies, I want us to consider the difference between ‘recycling’ and ‘Revival’!  I like to recycle and yet it is often hard to find places to recycle items that need recycling. We often try to apply ‘recycling’ principles to our spiritual life; we want to ‘try over’, ‘try harder’, as a once popular quote implied, putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t’ change the pig!  We often apply these kinds of ideas to life–we don’t want to face God the way we are, yet we don’t really want to live HIS way.  We don’t want to face our sin, we just want to justify it, clean it up, call it something else, or convince ourselves that “everyone else is doing it” so that makes it OK!  God has a different perspective–and revival and recycling are two very different things.  When we sing “Revive Us Again”, we need to understand that revival can only come to people who have ‘come to life’ IN Jesus.

Paul paints an amazing (yet often offensive) truth about sin and life.  I’d like us to consider this truth today.

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved😉

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 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 2:1-10

To begin with, “quickened” means to make alive, and the only way for us to have spiritual life is to be “born again” so that we have Jesus’ life IN us (being “born again” is referring to “life” from Jesus, in Jesus, and through HIS blood sacrifice).

“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 1:12-13

And as John went on to record the very words of our Lord, I’d like to simply compile some truths from various portions of scripture.

“….Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3

“…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”. John 3:5

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10-11

One of Jesus’ most profound statements of “truth” is that “life” is found only in HIM, and from ‘the beginning’, all life came from God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

“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

“All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.    

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.”  John 1:3-4

 So, let’s consider what we have observed; Paul makes it clear to the Ephesian believers that their “new” life came from Jesus, because we were all “dead in sins” until God, through Jesus “when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;”.  We were “dead” in sin, and only Jesus can and will give “new life”!  According to John 1, we see that we can’t work up this “new life”–we can’t inherit it by DNA–we can’t work it up by our “will”–and we can’t receive it because someone else “worked it up” for us!  Only Jesus can give LIFE!  And only those who have life can be ‘revived’!

“Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people may rejoice in thee?”  Psalm 85:6

Jesus gives us new life, for the merciful God of the universe “gave HIS only begotten Son” that by HIS sacrifice we could have “Life” –real life, abundant life, eternal life!  And HE will revive us when we stumble, because He is ever working to conform us into the image of Jesus!  Oh, what a delight to know that The God of the universe is ever working in/on me.  He’s not recycling sin–but making us into the “image of HIS SON”!

“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.”  Romans 8:28-30

Are you settling for ‘recycling’ or are you pursuing God’s purposes and revival so that we can experience a move of God among HIS own, and then to see the lost affected by the work of God in HIS own! We can see lives changed and transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood and the work of The Word of God!  Not “BY” works, but unto good works, that Jesus might be seen IN US!  Remember we are in a battle, and we must “suit up” to be prepared!

“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.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand.”   Ephesians 6:11-13

Suit up my friends, we need revival not just recycling!  May Jesus Christ be praised by our living for HIM–revived, renewed and equipped for the battle.  Remember, we win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! $42

14 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Forgiveness, Holiness, Holy Living, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Readiness, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Seeing Truth

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Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #42

Maybe not today or tomorrow but you will reap what you sow, God makes that clear; and while we tend to think we can “slide” into heaven on another’s coattail, we must be born again by the blood of Jesus, and when Jesus saves us, HE transforms our lives.  No, we’re not made perfect and mature in an instant, but we do become the redeemed children of God, and grow IN JESUS!

“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:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

Has your sin been forgiven?  Paul reminded the Philippian believers that God is the ONE who is working in and through us to bring us to Himself—to glorify Jesus and His Father God through us, when we are saved!!  Who and what are you and I glorifying?  Are we yielding to the work of God in our heart and life—every day? Any day?

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

So, let’s consider today, and every day, what are we sowing?  What do we expect to reap?  Will it be to God’s glory or our shame.  And yes, we all sin and fail our Lord, but is our heart set on pleasing Jesus or self?  When we fail, do we run quicky to HIS feet for forgiveness and restoration?  Or do we fall to the lies of the enemy and run in the opposite direction?  It’s a question that we each must answer.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

Have you been born again, or are you just “playing church”, trying to convince yourself and others that you are “ok”? (See John 1:11-13 & John 3:16-21) Are you counting on your own good works or the blood of Jesus to save and redeem you by HIS substitutionary (in our place), atoning (paying the price for our sin—mine and yours) sacrifice (the cost of my sin and yours—the very blood of the Son of God, who came to shed HIS blood and “take away the sin of the world”!)?  I pray that God will speak to your heart today, as HE is speaking to me.  May we draw near to our God that we may “withstand in the evil day”, for it is here.  If you’re not aware, the “perilous times” have arrived.

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Is our behavior in this list of wickedness that identifies the world or are we exercising and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

“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 5:22-25

Examine the two lists, and ask God to reveal to your heart and mine where we are really aligned—with our Lord or the enemy of the souls of men?  James had a most harsh and yet apropos word to close on today.  What will your answer be?

“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 4:4-8

I pray that God will help each of us to “withstand in the evil day” and be found faithful when HE calls us to Himself; and I can’t help but think that day is nearer than we expect (or are prepared for!).  And just one final reminder that when we fail, we have “an advocate with The Father”!

“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 1:6-10

Amen and Amen!!!

Are You Re-Deemed??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 06

03 Sunday Jul 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are you ready?, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption Through HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 06. Are You Re-Deemed???

Redeemed: to buy or payoff….to buy back, as from a pawn shop… to recover by payment or other satisfaction….to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom… Theologically:  to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the “sinner”. 

Deemed:  a set value, assumed or judged of value… 

Have you received the payment for sin that Jesus came to be, and IS?  We were ‘deemed’ valuable by God when He created us, we chose sin, but GOD “re-deemed” us through the blood of Jesus—HE bought us back!  All because HE deemed YOU/ME valuable enough to HIM to send Jesus to RE-deem all who will come to HIM through faith!!!

“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

God created us (read Genesis 1-3), we chose to sin, and all died spiritually losing our intimacy with God.  We died, just as God told Adam he/we would (See Genesis 2:17), and while it was immediate ‘spiritual death’ the physical death was not immediate, but certain (See Hebrews 9:27).  Yet, praise God in His mercy and grace He had already provided a way of redemption—Jesus, His “only begotten Son”, who would pay for our sin—buy us back from the slavery of sin and death we had sold ourselves into.

It’s like we ‘sold the farm’ to Satan, and he holds the mortgage—Jesus paid that mortgage in full at Calvary for those who will come to Him in repentance from our sin and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN!  He’s paid off the mortgage, he has just not taken (or re-taken) possession of HIS world YET!  But HE’s on the way!  Has your debt been paid or are you still planning on paying your own debt?

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;”  Romans 3:23-25

And the amazing picture Paul painted as he continued his letter to the Romans:

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

I love this picture—the picture of sinners falling prostrate before The Holy God–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost–for the mercy that can forgive sin—pay the debt we owed–receiving HIS grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our sin; and receiving the “righteousness” which only God can impart, to every repentant, believing sinner.  It is what the word “propitiation” means—meeting God at the “mercy seat” with a proper sacrifice!  And Jesus, my friend, IS the proper, appointed, and perfect sacrifice which will save, deliver, and REDEEM you and me from our sin.

“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

And just when did God come up with this plan?  Scripture tells us!

“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

Before He created us, God knew we’d blow it—yet HE created us any way, knowing it would cost Jesus HIS life’s blood for all who would believe and receive HIS RE-deeming grace, even as John records in his gospel:

“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 1:12-14

Just in case you’re still not sure about being “re-deemed”, bought back from the brink of death by the “buying back” of our soul by the Savior; then let us consider the picture that Paul paints of the most profound transaction, if you would, of grace and love in all of scripture!  I pray that it will reach to the depths of your/my soul and draw us nearer to the Savior in gratitude and love—either in restoration if you have drawn away from your Redeemer, in a deeper intimacy with HIM, or in salvation if you don’t know Jesus.  I invite you to join me and ponder this message of the beauty and truth of this REDEEMER who gave Himself for all who will believe and receive Jesus!

“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.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

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.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And if you you don’t know the One who made “the atonement” for you, who loves you more than anyone else ever could, please know that He is waiting for you now!

“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!!!

How BIG Is Your Box??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #12

10 Friday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, How Big is Your Box???, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory, Sharing the blessings

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How BIG Is Your Box???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #12  Bible Ballistics

As I sit here writing today, this verse came to my mind; yet being the strange thinker that I am, I couldn’t help but think of the question that entitles this post!  How BIG is my/your box?  We often settle for less than God has for us, because we won’t listen to Him, or we refuse to obey, or we just can’t “believe” that God is asking/telling me/you to “do THAT”!

I sit here listening to my favorite southern gospel music on a music service and one of the songs talked about needing another Noah—a faithful servant who preached that a flood was coming as God’s judgment on the sin and rejection by men of God Himself.  Yet, something we often overlook, is that while Noah was a faithful servant, and he preached for some one hundred years, he took only his family onto the ark!  Think about that call!  He was faithful but had no converts.  God gave several of His servants/prophets a similar warning in their calls.

It seems that as modern believers, many have swapped the truth of God’s Word for the idea that God measures our work by “popular acceptance”!  That is a totally unbiblical idea.  Paul stated it best in his message to his young protégé, Timothy!  We need to take note of it today!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.”  2 Timothy 3:12-13

It seems to me that we often miss God’s best by settling for the world’s message rather than God’s.  Our box is filled with other things than God.  While Malachi’s message was contextually in regard to “giving/tithing” the message is one that applies to every area of our lives.  I find it amazing that many people who claim the name of Jesus want to talk about blessings, but they don’t have/make time for obedience.  When I keep my eyes on Jesus, knowing that I am HIS and HE is mine, and that HE has promised to care for me, money isn’t even an issue!  Money is simply one of the tools that God has entrusted to me to meet the needs of others as well as myself.  (I would encourage you to read Malachi—it’s only 4 chapters long. And it has great insights that we surely need today!)!

“Ye are cursed with a curse:

for ye have robbed me,

even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,

that there may be meat in mine house,

and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,

if I will not open you the windows of heaven,

and pour you out a blessing,

that there shall not be room enough

to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer

for your sakes,

and he shall not destroy the fruits

of your ground;

neither shall your vine

cast her fruit before the time in the field,

saith the LORD of hosts.

12 And all nations

shall call you blessed:

for ye shall be a delightsome land,

saith the LORD of hosts.”  Malachi 3:9-12

Paul’s message to the Ephesian believers, on his final departure from them was a commission to serve and share (truth and blessings):

“Yea, ye yourselves know,

that these hands have ministered

unto my necessities,

and to them that were with me.

35 I have shewed you all things,

how that so labouring

ye ought to support the weak,

and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,

how he said,

It is more blessed to give

than to receive.”  Acts 20:34-35

Are we seeking the blessing to “keep it” or to to pass it on?  We are truly blessed to be a blessing, but if our box is so full of the world how can we have enough of GOD’s blessing to share?  WE can’t!  Blessings are to share not to hoard!  Get the world out of that “box” and receive from God that which you can pass on for God’s glory, and the good of others as well as yourself!

“Let him that stole steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.”  Ephesians 4:28

Oh, we are so rich!  May we be found to be faithful stewards of all that God entrusts to each of us—it’s not the quantity of our resources, but what are we doing with what GOD has given to us!  Is my/your box filled with blessings from God that we may reflect the glory and gracious heart of our Lord; emptying our box of the control and lure of worldly things and allowing God to “pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”!

And one last thing that blessed me years ago, and I hope it will bless you as it did, and still does, me!  We aren’t to be glasses that fill and empty, fill and empty; rather we are to be a glass without top or bottom that is continually allowing the love, grace, and power of our God to flow “through us” continually.  In closing I’d like to share an old hymn that always makes me smile and remember that my hope isn’t in this world—but it IS IN JESUS!

God Leads His Dear Children Along                                                             By C.A. Young

In shady, green pastures so rich and so sweet
God leads His dear children along
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet
God leads His dear children along

Refrain

Some through the water, some through the flood
Some through the fire, but all through the blood
Some through great sorrow, but God gives the song
In the night season and all the day long

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright
God leads His dear children along
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night
God leads His dear children along

Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose
God leads His dear children along
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes
God leads His dear children along

Some through the waters, some through the flood
Some through the fire, but all through the blood
Some through great sorrow, but God gives the song
In the night season and all the day long

To read a most touching story about the author of this song go to the link:

https://popularhymns.com/god-leads-his-dear-children-along

Blessings on your day my friends—each one filled with HIS blessing, and opportunities to share that which the world may not value, but GOD does!

Amen and Amen!!!