Category Archives: Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?

Rehearsing Or Regretting??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #455

29 Friday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Blessed by God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Born Again, Bow Before our God, GET READY, Gifts of the Spirit., Give Us This Day, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Saved FROM Sin, Seeing Truth, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Sharing Our Faith!, Sharing the blessings, Sharing What God Has Given, Shine as lights in the world, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!, Smiling is contagious, Someone is following you!, Sorrow

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Rehearsing Or Regretting?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #455

As I’ve been thinking about the truth that we have freedom to choose—not only in this country we live in, but more importantly before our God.  We can choose to be born again, or we can reject Jesus and His gift of salvation.  We can choose whether we will serve Him in faithfulness or serve ourselves, extending into so many areas of life.

Having lost my husband recently, I can look back knowing that we chose to live our lives with few regrets.  We served our Lord, and we faithfully served each other, and others whom we had the opportunity to serve when there was a need.  One of the things I loved about my husband was his heart to help others, and he was generous to a fault, it’s one of the things I learned to love and appreciate in him.  And I can truthfully say that we tried to live so as to have few regrets, and by God’s grace, direction and help we were, I think, rather successful at it.

In my grief and loss, my hope and intent is to follow Jesus in this same manner of life.  We don’t have to have unlimited resources, but we do need an unlimited heart of compassion and openness to whatever God directs us to be and do!  It’s so much better to rejoice in what we have shared with others—not just family but with any God brings across our path.  God’s Word says it better than I can.  And I pray that you will share your life with those around you (yourself not just your possessions), before it’s too late and they are gone.  We can never get back those missed opportunities—of our time shared, our resources used to honor God and help others, or our love to others, especially those who need to see Jesus in us (for remember people are watching whether you notice it or not!)!

Paul’s example sets the bar high!

“I have coveted no man’s

silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 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 20:33-35

We are to have a heart attitude of giving not just getting. Yes, we are to work to provide for our needs and to share what we have.  I’m reminded of one of my husband’s favorite sayings about what we’re not to be or do: “Get all you can, can what you get, and sit on the can!”  Food for thought.

“6 But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men

in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money

is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.”  1 Timothy 6:6-10

It’s not money that is evil, but Paul reminds us that it is the “love of money” that is the pitfall of many.

Jesus put it this way to those around Him.

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

       if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:34-36

All of our choices matter, and when it comes to relationships, Jesus is the defining choice!  If we are following Jesus, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on HIM and when we take up our cross, that isn’t our daily trials or troubles—it means I die to self and live to and for Jesus, treating others, as Jesus said, as I’d like to be treated; and no one wants to be neglected or forgotten!  Remember that, so your tomorrows won’t be filled with regret for words not spoken, visits not made, or relationships not attended to.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And just a few scriptures that I hope you’ll find encouraging and helpful today!  Work on those relationship skills!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”Nehimiah 8:10-(reading this whole chapter will bless you!)

And a couple of passages with advice and encouragement from the Apostle Paul.

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth

in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound

toward you;

that ye, always

having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Let him that is taught in the word

communicate unto him that teacheth

in all good things.

7 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

Let’s live each day rehearsing God’s Word and the grace that HE has bestowed upon us, rather than living only for self, leading to a boat load of regret one day.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. (And perhaps coming very soon!)

Amen and Amen!!!

Eye Exam Recommended??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #440

28 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Seeing Truth, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Seeking Jesus, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Serving God or Using God?

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Eye Exam Recommended?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #440

I started to title this article, “Clear Vision”, but changed my mind to redirect us to the need not to focus on our need, not our self-satisfaction with the status-quo; for so often we become self-satisfied and we, like most of the culture around us, tend to measure ourselves by a standard that we have set, or allowed other outside sources to skew reality.  We decide that we can see fine, even if we need glasses, we see all that we need to see.  I think God may have a different perspective and I want God’s true perspective.

“Seeing many things,

but thou observest not;

opening the ears,

but he heareth not.”  Isaiah 42:20

“They have not known nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

“And he said,

Go,

and tell this people,

Hear ye indeed,

but understand not;

and see ye indeed,

but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;

lest they see with their eyes,

and hear with their ears,

and understand with their heart,

and convert,

and be healed.”  Isaiah 6:9-10

We can be of those people who desire to know God, and will give heed to His voice, or we can join those who close their eyes and ears to God’s message.  We have a God-given right to choose—but choose wisely, there is a test!  The Lord will honor those who seek Him, with eyes that see and ears that hear and hearts that understand.

“And the eyes of them that see

shall not be dim,

and the ears of them that hear

shall hearken.

4 The heart also of the rash

shall understand knowledge,

and the tongue of the stammerers

shall be ready to speak plainly.”  Isaiah 32:3-4

There is a true understanding that leads us to God, or we can close our eyes to truth and fall for the lies of the enemy; an enemy who dresses up like the real deal, but he is a liar.  Let’s consider what Jesus said, and Paul gives us even more insight into what scripture calls, “the wiles of the devil”!  Who are you listening to?  What are you following?  What are you believing?

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:42-45

And Paul’s warning was to be aware of our enemy, and let me just add, if you don’t know God’s Word, you will have a most difficult time discerning between truth and lie.

“For such are false apostles,

 deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself

is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be according to their works.”                             2 Corinthians 11:13-15

And please note that they are “transforming themselves” not being transformed by the power of the cross. (See Romans 12:1-3 & Matthew 7:20-24). Only Jesus can save, redeem and change lives for eternity—Satan always lies!  Even his half-truths are based in lies not truth! Yet, Jesus clearly reminds us that it’s a heart issue, and while we can fool some of the people all of the time and we can fool all of the people some of the time—but we can’t ever fool GOD!  And it’s God to whom we will give an account!

“Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

    they shall give account thereof

    in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:33-36

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

Do we understand this truth!  The Proverbs give us an amazing word of caution.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee

a froward mouth,

and perverse lips

put far from thee.

25 Let thine eyes look right on,

and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet,

and let all thy ways be established.”   Proverbs 4:23

One of my favorite and most apropos passages is from the Psalms.  I hope it will speak to you as well.

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalms 19:14

And as we close, how do we receive that which we need to please God.  Paul said it best; we have to become renewed by the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin (See 1 John 1:7), by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;”  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Are you a new creature?  Have your eyes received sight from Jesus?  I pray that you will see Him in saving faith by grace, that you may see and hear God’s truth!

Amen and Amen!!!

Through Every Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #439

25 Sunday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Serve The Lord with gladness., Service, Still Will I Trust HIM, Storms, Strong Tower, Subtle Dependence

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Through Every Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #439

We talked about literal storms the other day, but today I want to take that a step farther; reminding us that no matter the storm, whether physical, mental, spiritual, or some other attack on our peace, God has it!  Our God is the master of every storm, no matter it’s origin or it’s intended harm (from the enemy), God is faithful and sovereign over each and every storm.

“Then they cry unto the LORD

in their trouble,

and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm,

so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad

because they be quiet;

so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the LORD

for his goodness,

and for his wonderful works

to the children of men!”  Psalm 107:28-31

I want to share a word of encouragement to you who are facing trials, disappointments, discouragement, wonder, confusion or any other storm real or imagined!  May we each remember that our God is sovereign over all!  Isaiah shares a most amazing truth about our place of safety—Jesus, Father God and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will ever reassure our hearts regardless of our circumstances.  What is plaguing you today?  Don’t let the enemy rob you of your confidence in The Lord of all!

“O LORD,

thou art my God;

I will exalt thee,

I will praise thy name;

for thou hast done wonderful things;

thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth…

…. 4 For thou hast been

a strength to the poor,

a strength to the needy in his distress,

a refuge from the storm,

a shadow from the heat,

when the blast of the terrible ones

is as a storm against the wall.”  Isaiah 25:1 & 4

When Jesus is your Lord and Savior, my friends, you have a confidence that those who don’t know God will never understand; but that’s ok!  We are called to be His witnesses, allowing God to use our testimony as HE sees fit! All because God is ever at work to accomplish His purposes; even as Isaiah declares, God’s counsels are….” faithfulness and truth”!  Is our life a testament of God’s faithful truth?  As we overcome each and every storm, God is using that testimony in ways that we most often never see; and whether we see or not—God is still faithful to accomplish His purpose in and through our life!

So my question is, “Are you being a faithful, useable vessel for God’s glory, and your good?”; and very often the good of others as well, those who need to see Jesus in you and me!

We also find a word from the Apostle Peter, reminding us that we are the blood bought, redeemed; are you living like it.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 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:” 1 Peter 1:13-19

I pray that we may we be found faithful before God and man—ever being a testament of the grace which we have received from God through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Are you living the new, redeemed and transformed life, trusting to God’s faithful provision?  It’s our calling!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

Remember, we win; so let’s lead others to our precious Lord that they may enter heaven with us!

Amen and Amen!!!

Evidence Or Cost?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #436

19 Monday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Come To Worship HIM, Satan's lies., Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Seek ye first The Kingdom of God, Seeking Jesus, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Work, Worldliness

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Evidence Or Cost?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #436

As I think of the matter of our salvation, I would like to share a few thoughts with you.  Basically put, are our works the price of our salvation or the result of God’s saving grace?  Seemingly a simple question, but one of such import that I think it worthy of our attention, and the search of what scripture says!  And scripture is the authority, not my opinion or yours.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit, and

of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and

intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

God’s Word is the authority upon which we must stand, all else is lacking power, authority and usually comes from the enemy of our souls.  Jesus made this clear as He talked with the religious leaders of His day.  Who are you listening to?  The Word of God or sources that come from the ‘father of lies’?

“Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.     

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.  

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer

from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

 ye believe me not.”  John 8:41-45

Jesus makes it clear that we have the choice to hear, heed and believe His testimony or reject it and cling to the lies of the enemy of your soul (and mine)!  There is a repeated phrase in scripture that we need to consider! (Also Rev. 2:7; 11; 17;29; 3:6; 13; 22.)

“He that hath ears to hear,

let him hear.”  Matthew 11:15

Jeremiah and Ezekiel also got the message from The Lord long before Jesus made His appearance on planet earth.

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes, and see not; which have ears,

and hear not:”   Jeremiah 5:20-21

“The word of the LORD also came unto me,

saying,

2 Son of man,

thou dwellest in the midst

of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see,

and see not;

they have ears to hear,

and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.”  Ezekiel 12:1-2

So, what can we conclude from these things?  That much like Israel who had the facts and missed the message from God of the salvation that He offered by grace through faith in God and His promised Messiah; we are in much the same state!  We live in the midst of a perverse culture, and yet, it’s no surprise to God—even Paul gave us instructions for our behavior in the midst of such.

“Do all things

without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life…”.                               Philippians 2:14-16

What does this have to do with the ‘evidence’ or the ‘cost’?  Much, as Paul lays it out so clearly in his letter to the Ephesian believers.  Not my works, but the work of Jesus Christ on Calvary—the blood of The Lamb of God, who came to save us “from their sin”—notice “from” not in!

“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 2:8-10

And just as I couldn’t do anything to pay for my sin, I can’t do anything to add to Christ’s payment for my sin at the cross!  It’s by grace that I’m saved and just as works couldn’t purchase it, neither can they keep it, even as Jesus proclaimed publicly (in fact if you read on to verse 31, you’ll see that this declaration made the religious leaders angry enough to stone Him to death.)

“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.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

In closing, my question for us today is, what have you/I done with Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—yours and mine?  Can you pay for your sin apart from Hell?  No!  Neither can I, so I’ll close with Paul’s great truths from the Roman treatise!  (And you can see the angel’s message to Joseph before Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:21!)

“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:”            Romans 3:23-24

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

So have you worked your way to God, by your own works?  Or are you saved by grace, and bringing forth works that God has set before His own purchased possession to accomplish as an expression of our salvation, not the price of it!  May God speak to each of us that we will be found in Jesus, receiving His payment for our sin—not trying to work our way to heaven!  As Jesus said in John 14:6 HE is “the way”!

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!!!