Category Archives: Responding to the call!

Where’s The IF??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #390

24 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Brighten Your Corner!, Broken Hearts, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus prayed, Jesus Saves!, Renewing or Reviewing, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Responding to God's call to share the Good news., Responding to the call!, Resting Or Wrestling?, Restoration

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Where’s The IF??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #390

I have seen a lot of things going around on social media and people referring to 2 Chronicles 7:14, but not quoting it, just making a loose paraphrase of it, and then asking people to pray “this prayer”, yet in seeming to be scripture they ask God to “banish what isn’t of Him”!  Excuse me!  There is a day coming when God will certainly banish all that isn’t of Him, but that is the judgment—not now.  Now God has truly called us to be salt and light, not to cling to our own pet sins (mine are ok, yours are not-mentality).  But that isn’t what God says!  So I will simply let scripture say what scripture says in context; you be the judge.

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:12-14

This was God’s message to Solomon at the dedication of the first temple, and God let Solomon know that the people would go into sin, and when they did, HE would discipline them; yet God told Solomon that the turnaround was up to them!  And when we read the scripture, we see that again and again the people sinned grossly—just like us!  So God told Solomon there was a cure, but it came with a great big IF! God’s people—not the world—must be ready to repent!

The IF that most don’t want to talk about!  But clearly God calls us, those called by His name, the people of GOD Almighty, for those called by the name of HIS SON, Jesus Christ The Lord—Christians!  And may I add that just saying so, doesn’t make it so. As Jesus himself said, “ye must be born again”! And if we are of the “born again” congregation, God is calling us also to fall on our faces and,

“shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways “!

And I must say, with all the hoopla going around about revival, I think God is waiting for us to humble ourselves before Him, pray in earnest, seeking HIS face, and being willing to turn from our “wicked ways”!  Where are the tears of conviction?  Where are the hearts broken over sin?  Where are the fires of holy living igniting?  I’m longing to see it—especially in me—but also in those who claim the name of my Lord Jesus!  As I wrote last time, as James said, “sweet water and salt water don’t’ flow out of the same fountain”!  May we truly seek God’s face to revive ‘ME’! And you!  And all of His own!  As Paul said, I cling to the cross, I pray that you will meet me there in earnest desire for God to move among His own—and God knows those who are His!

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

save Jesus Christ, and him crucified…

…5 That your faith should not stand

in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:2 & 5

And just so you’ll know what the Gospel is, I’ll simply close with Paul’s great “gospel in a nut shell” passage.  Please look up and not around!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 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 15:1-5

Oh, precious Jesus, touch our hearts, speak your truth to us that we may live for you according to your Word.  May we truly come to you in repentance (anew for those of us who are already saved) and faith in your substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  Thank you for hearing our prayer!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 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 4:14-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Not Ashamed Of The Gospel??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #338

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Believing God's Words, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., Repentance, Responding to God's call to share the Good news., Responding to the call!, Resting Or Wrestling?, Resurrection, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, The Cross or the world?, The Crucified Life, The foolishness of preaching, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Resurrection Life!

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Not Ashamed Of The Gospel???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #338

I just want to take a few minutes this morning to remind us that all the hype, bunnies, chocolate, or colored eggs aren’t to be our focus during this season but the resurrection of our Lord; the sole act that sealed our redemption.  So, I want to share just a couple of passages to direct our hearts and minds to Jesus and the Gospel; for the gospel is simple but demanding, even as Jesus said in John chapter 3:

“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.

 4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

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.”  John 3:3-7

It’s not our works, or where we were born, or even if or where we attend church—it is all about the death, burial and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ to pay for our sin.  I join with Paul and declare that I am not ashamed to proclaim that there is only one way to God—to heaven—to eternal life instead of eternal death in hell, and that is through Jesus Christ my Lord; by repentance of my sin, and faith/belief/trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary, and the fact that He didn’t stay dead but HE AROSE!!!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.” Romans 1:16-19

God is revealing Himself every day in everything around us, and we can heed His call upon our hearts and minds, or we can choose to reject it!  But remember this new birth comes by faith in Jesus, not religion, not acts of kindness or even good works—it is “through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast”!  (See Ephesians 2:8-10). So the question is all about Jesus—what have you done with His sacrifice for you!  People may laugh, and scoff; they may call me a fanatic, but I will stand upon the truth as long as Jesus gives me breath!  How about you?  Do you know Him personally?  Have you bowed the knee before Him at the call of His voice upon your heart?  Are you playing games with God, trying to do things your own way?  Are you full of pride in your own “religious” activities; regardless of what you have chosen to believe, I want to leave you/us with the clear truth of what the gospel is.  Paul put it in a nutshell, so to speak, and I leave you with it, that you may ponder how you think you are going to get to heaven!  Please come with me to the cross and on to glory with Jesus Christ my King and Lord!

“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:

6 After that, he was seen

of above five hundred brethren at once;

of whom the greater part remain

unto this present,

but some are fallen asleep.

7 After that, he was seen of James;

then of all the apostles.

8 And last of all he was seen of me also,

as of one born out of due time.”   1 Corinthians 15:3-8

I pray that you will heed the voice of God’s Spirit speaking to your heart and come to Jesus!  Meet Him at the cross—there is always room for one more!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Not A Permanent Goodbye??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #333

26 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Come to Jesus, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Darkness or Light?, Death, Good News, Rejoice IN The Lord, Repentance, Responding to the call!

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Not A Permanent Goodbye???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #333

“Then when Jesus came,

he found that he had lain in the grave

four days already.

18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem,

about fifteen furlongs off:

19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary,

to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Then Martha,

as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming,

went and met him:

but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus,

Lord, if thou hadst been here,

my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now,

whatsoever thou wilt ask of God,

God will give it thee.

23 Jesus saith unto her,

Thy brother shall rise again.

24 Martha saith unto him,

I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection

at the last day.

25 Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection, and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.” John 11:17-27

As I write this article this morning, I am getting ready to attend the funeral of a very dear friend.  I don’t really want to go, because I know how much I miss her already, but I need to be there to remind others that we have hope in Jesus!  Yes, my friend is gone—but we will embrace again; but I sure will miss the phone calls that we shared, the cups of tea that we shared, the love and laughter that our families shared, the beautiful love, care and concern that my dear friend showed to everyone!

Yes, death is painful, not only for the one going through it, but for those of us left behind; but my friends even as Jesus told Martha (and later Mary too) He is life itself!  Jesus has promised that if we will trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, repenting of our sin and calling on Him to forgive us, save us, and give us eternal life in HIMSELF!  Oh, my friends I pray that you know Him.  Don’t leave your family and loved ones to wonder, but trust Jesus for salvation, make it public, and live a life filled with His Spirit and grace.

If you’re the one grieving, then keep your eyes on the prize—Jesus; remembering that He has promised eternal life to those who come to Him; He’s promised that He has gone to prepare us a place—and a life of eternal joy, peace and fellowship with He and the Father, and all the other saints.  Are you ready to meet Him?  Are you willing to trust Him to comfort your heart.  I have suffered multiple times of grief and while some heal quickly, others linger and flare up at what seems like the most inopportune times!  But I know that Jesus said HE would walk with me, He will direct my steps and strengthen me for whatever trial may come.  I pray that you will find comfort in the message that He gave to Martha!  HE IS our hope!  HE IS our God!  HE IS our Redeemer—our soon-coming King. I pray that you will take your burdens to the cross, where you’ll find the cleansing blood of Jesus is still the perfect balm of Gilead!

And in closing, a few passages to share His comfort with you no matter what your situation.

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:1-6

As Jesus said in John 3, we “must be born again”!  If you know Jesus in the new birth, I pray that you will draw nearer to Him, and you will never be alone!  If you don’t know Him, I pray that you will bow before Him and ask for His forgiveness and salvation in repentance of your sin trusting to His sacrifice that He made on Calvary for you and me.  Then we can understand what Paul meant in his letter to the Philippian believers.  And remember when we come to those times to say “good-bye”, when we are believers and our dear ones as well, it is truly NOT a permanent “good-bye”!  May our lives be an open book inviting people to our King Jesus—our Lord and Savior!  May our lives truly reflect Jesus rather than a hopeless world!

“For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh,

this is the fruit of my labour:

yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two,

having a desire to depart,

and to be with Christ;

which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh

is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence,

I know that I shall abide

and continue with you all

for your furtherance and joy of faith;”  Philippians 1:21-25

As David said so confidently. (Read the whole account for a world of encouragement and to see that God forgives, heals and restores!  Just not all things at the same time!)

“And he said,

While the child was yet alive,

I fasted and wept:

 for I said, Who can tell

whether GOD will be gracious to me,

that the child may live?

23 But now he is dead,

wherefore should I fast?

can I bring him back again?

I shall go to him,

but he shall not return to me.”   2 Samuel 12:22-23

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Forthnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #299

13 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Responding to God's call to share the Good news., Responding to the call!

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #299

Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #120 A Christmas Fortnight-Response?

We’ve talked about angelic messengers and their message; let’s take time today to think about our response.  What should our attitude be toward God’s gift to us—to all?  Of course our first answer should be ‘gratitude’, but let’s take a cue from the angels who brought the message to the shepherds.

While these great messengers can’t comprehend the love and grace that Jesus came to bring to us, they willingly delivered the messages they were assigned. Let’s look at the message given to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-14,

“And there were in the same country shepherds

abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

 and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

10 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.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.”

Let’s take it apart—backwards if you will:

Jesus came because of His ‘good will toward men’

“… God so loved… HE gave His…Son” (Jn. 3:16)

Jesus brought real peace because He is

              “The Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6)

His arrival was and IS worthy of our praise:

              “Glory to God in the Highest”

                      “Praising God…”

                             For “a Savior” …

                                    For “all people” ….

So???  Spread the “good news”

The “tidings of great joy” …

We have glorious reason to rejoice and celebrate.  And what’s the best way to celebrate?  By spreading this glorious, good news of the “Savior which is CHRIST THE LORD”.  Are you celebrating Jesus?  Don’t let the tinsel of the world distract from our LORD Jesus—He is the Savior—He came for you and me!!! And HE’s coming again!!!

Amen and Amen!!!