Category Archives: The Word

God’s Witness??? Really??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

08 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Be not conformed to this world, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

God’s Witness??? Really???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #152

I realize that we talked about “witnesses” last time, but I wanted to go, if you would, a step farther, and consider that our witness is before God—good, bad, or indifferent!  Yet God also is a witness!  I can’t help but think that most around us are totally indifferent, without any cognizance or regard for God, His Word, or His ways, much less the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith—may we shine JESUS in all we do!

No matter what the world may say, (even some churches now days), JESUS IS the only way to God—to heaven.  And I can’t help but think, “Why would you want to go to heaven and be with God when you have no time or regard for Him here and now?”  Just asking?  So, let’s just take a few minutes and consider what God has said in His Word, about THE WORD, Jesus—The Living Word who gave Himself for our salvation, the breath of life who imparted the ’words’ written in The Word of God, The Bible!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 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.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

John goes on a bit later in his gospel to share Jesus’ own words in regard to who HE is, may we consider them today, in all our ways!

“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…

…. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

…. 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.”  Portions of John 3:3-19

When we are HIS, we have not only eternal life with God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit, but we have an abundant life with Jesus right here—right now, by the power of HIS Holy Spirit with His own!  Yet, it’s our choice as to where we will walk, and with Whom we will have fellowship–with the God Man, Son of God who gives this abundant life or the prince of this world, the father of lies, he who comes to “steal…kill…and destroy”?  Choose wisely, there is a test, and the ‘father of lies’ will never lead you ‘up’, he’ll on drag you down—and who is following YOU?

“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

Jesus IS God and HE has promised to make us HIS own!  He has never failed me yet, and HE never will, because HE has already paid the price to redeem me from my sin—and my friends, I had a boatload of it, still fail Him so often, but HE is ever faithful to correct, teach and grow me into a child that pleases his Father!  Do you know HIM?

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Paul gives us the Gospel in a nutshell, and I’ll share it with you again, for it is truth and Jesus, The Truth, is the only way to have abundant life here, and eternal life with God when we leave this life—and we’re all leaving sooner or later!  Are you ready if Jesus came today for HIS own?   If He came for YOU?

“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

God’s witness IS Jesus, and HE will also be the judge, but for we who belong to HIM, HE is our ever-present help walking by our side!  You can believe HIS testimony—and an even greater blessing, we can BE His witness as we go along each day, walking with HIM.  HE is ever ready to hear and answer our cry, our prayers, our heartfelt longings to know HIM more and more.  Won’t you come to this great Throne of Grace!  It’s open 24/7 just for YOU and me!  God keeps HIS Word!  He’s waiting for you to come! (He has caller ID but never call blocker!)

“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

Come to HIM and then spread the WORD!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Blessing From Psalms??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

27 Friday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Blessed by God, Blessings from the Psalms, Encouragement, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS (Still) A Fountain, Worship?, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

A Blessing From Psalms???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

Just a brief blessing for us today from the Psalms, always a treasure no matter what we may be facing.  I pray that you will find a special word in this varied passages!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:1-3

Oh, that we could get our focus off of “prosperity” in this world and long for and pursue God’s blessings to “prosper” in what we do for Him, for others and to be found faithful before Him!  The only way we can do that is to heed the words of the Psalmist here and walk in the right way—the right places—and in right standing before The Lord Jesus Christ, and Father God by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit!

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps,

his way have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”  Job 23:10-12

I love the book of Job, and I remember the first time I saw this verse—I asked God to help me truly desire “the words of his mouth more than my necessary food”—and for me that’s quite an accomplishment to pursue, for I love food—how about you?  To pursue God’s Words as much as I do food would be an awesome goal, it’s one of mine; and while I don’t always succeed, I do try continually.  And to walk in God’s way is also my heart’s desire.

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

One of my continual prayers is to be found of God in HIS ways rather than my own!  Remember Jesus said there was “none righteous/good”, the only righteousness that we can have must be imparted to us by the Redeemer’s blood bought salvation!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

May you find encouragement and hope in The Word of God—He’s ever at work in His own, and you can trust to HIS care.  He has promised it to HIS own:

“… 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 13:5b-6.

Amen & Amen!!!

Grace IS Based On Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

11 Monday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Restoration, Righteousness, Salvation, The Word, Transformation, Transformed life, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grace IS Based On Truth???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

 

We live in a world where many, even in the church, have changed the gospel into an ‘easy-believe-ism’–just say this prayer, do this thing, join this group and you will ‘go to heaven’.  But I join Paul in his statement of faith!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 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;”  Romans 1:15-18

Paul makes some things very clear as he proclaims his confidence in “the gospel of Christ”–and he makes it clear that the gospel is about “the righteousness of God”!  And it’s all about having the “the righteousness of God”–it’s not about a “get out of hell free” card; it’s about bowing before the cross and turning from our sin to JESUS!

“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;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 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 5:17-21

Paul wanted the Corinthian believers (and us!) to understand that it’s not just “sayin’ so” but it’s receiving Jesus’ sacrifice and having HIS righteousness applied to us–which means, as he said here in chapter 5, that “IF” “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”!  Our nature is changed to a work-in-progress, being “conformed to the image of HIS SON”!  In other words, being in communion with Jesus, as HE describes in Revelation:

“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

 John also deals with this in the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

“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 1:11-14

Jesus said a lot about this and while we won’t look at all He said, we will consider several passages–it’s not about what you “say”, or even what you “do”, it’s about who YOU have bowed down to; Jesus or the enemy!  Jesus’ answer to the religious leaders about the “sinners/sick” needing a physician rather than those who thought they were well; but we’ll preface Jesus’ response with Paul’s declaration of “who” needs Jesus!

“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

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

You can have life and freedom from sin, or you can have death; and while the consequences don’t always show up immediately, sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more that you wanted to PAY; and the payment will usually come when you least expect it.  But, back to what Jesus said about who needs salvation.

“And it came to pass,

as Jesus sat at meat in the house,

behold, many publicans and sinners came

and sat down with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it,

they said unto his disciples,

Why eateth your Master

with publicans and sinners?

12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,

They that be whole need not a physician,

but they that are sick.

13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth,

I will have mercy,

and not sacrifice:

for I am not come to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance.”  Matthew 9:10-13

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance–how sad to me, that we have virtually eliminated the message of ‘repentance of our sin’ from the Gospel, but Jesus spoke clearly of the need for repentance.  For unless we see our own sin, which is what the Holy Spirit works to convict us of, we have no need of a Savior.  This is exactly what Jesus was telling the religious leaders–those who “thought” they had no sin, hence no need of a Savior, Jesus! (You can read this same statement from Jesus in Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31).  The Apostle John also makes this clear in his first epistle/letter.

“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

Why am I belaboring this point, because so many are ignoring the need for repentance and transformation in sharing the Gospel.  Jesus came to save us FROM our sin, not IN IT!

“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

Jesus made it clear that HE IS The only way, and we must come to Him in repentance of our sin, and faith/trust in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!

“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

Is your life a testament to God’s saving, transforming work, or are you making God a liar by your refusal to face your own sin.  I am convinced that only desperate people come to Jesus, for only when we recognize the desperation of our lostness without Jesus will we bow before King Jesus: even those of us who for years counted on our ‘religious activity’ and ‘churchianity’!  Only Jesus can save–and HE doesn’t do shoddy work!  Have you been transformed by the grace of God, knowing the truth of what that means.  Paul paints the picture better than anything that I can say–just don’t forget what verse 10 says (for we often quote verses 8-9 without verse 10, which is incomplete understanding!)

“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

Paul also conveyed this idea to the Roman believers, that we have a calling to righteousness, for God’s glory, our good, and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ–the true gospel, not an ‘easy’ grace that produces no change and costs nothing but a few empty words!

“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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man the measure of faith.”               Romans 12:1-3

Peter also reminds all believers to trust our God, live in humility, and a co-dependence upon one another that we may reflect the love and grace of Jesus in truth and power.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:5-11

In a wrap up of our study, a final word from Jesus’ encounter with a religious man who was looking for answers.  Jesus gave him answers that are still true today.  Will you receive them in grace and truth, through the saving power of the Lamb of God who ‘taketh away the sin of the world’?  I’m praying for you!

“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.”   John 3:16-19

I pray that you know Jesus and have been born again!  If you don’t know HIM, you can call upon HIM in repentance and faith today, just like He says above!  If you already know Him, He will enable you to live IN HIM.  Be blessed and walk each day IN JESUS. Crucified with JESUS!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

07 Monday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Delight of my heart, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Phone or Bible?, Tech?, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

Sounds like a conversation that I have with my son on occasion, especially when I go to his church while we are visiting; when the pastor gives the scripture and opens his Bible, I open mine–my son, on the other hand opens up his phone and we have this oft repeated conversation about “that is not a Bible”, and he just smiles, and goes on finding the scripture in his Bible App!  Well, I want to play off of that just a bit this morning, for we live in a “techy” culture, and for an old grandma, I’m pretty ‘techy’ myself–I do love the ‘techy’ stuff and while it often challenges me, I mostly enjoy the intrigue of new apps, downloads and ‘tips’!  I do have a Bible app that I use for quick answers if I’m out and about, but I am totally ‘old-school’ when it comes to Bible reading and Bible study!  I like the feel of pages turning, and I can mark my Bible and it sticks with me better, and yes, I do mark in my Bible, not only notes and cross-references (I’ve been doing my own cross-references for about 30 years and it’s a great learning tool.  When I am reading or studying and read a verse or a passage that seems to go with something else I’ve studied, I go to that passage and cross-reference each to the other.  You’d be surprised at how that helps you remember things that go together!) but observations and insights that come as I’m reading or studying a passage!  I take my notes on paper and write my teaching outlines on paper; I know how much of a page I can fill to teach for an hour.  It’s how I roll, as they say!

But my point for this post is that we need to be careful (especially people like me who are a bit over the top on things!) of our focus.  I have recently removed myself from social media, except for the Bible Ballistics’ postings, for it was consuming too much of my time and energy and I was just too prone to aggravation over so much of what I saw and/or read, even from people I know and love!  You might call it ‘intake overload’!  So, my challenge for each of us today is to consider ‘where does my time go’?  How much time do I spend with Jesus, in the Bible, in personal intercession for others, in pursuing God and a holy lifestyle?  How much time do I spend (for me it was a matter of ‘wasting’ time!) with social media, television, movies, books other than God’s Word, frivolous activities that can mislead or cause others to stumble or fall?  How much time am I devoting to godly pursuits?  When was the last time you “called” someone instead of sending a ‘text’ or an email?  Human voice and touch are still superior to technology!  Let’s see what God says.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.

34 Awake to righteousness,

and sin not;

for some have not the knowledge of God:

I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Paul is warning believers that we must guard our hearts, our minds, and our associations; the things we spend time with will affect our behavior.  I learned this years ago in a real and ‘in-your-face’ kind of way.  I was young and away from home and I love mystery books, movies and shows so I was reading Perry Mason mysteries and I found another series by Erle Stanley Gardner about a detective and his lady boss, who had a filthy mouth.  Well, my parents didn’t use bad language and we didn’t associate with many people who did, but this lady detective had a vulgar mouth, and while I didn’t curse then, still don’t, I found myself thinking of those words and phrases when something would go wrong!  Finally, I realized that I was putting those ‘words into’ my heart and mind, and they were trying to come ‘out’!  So, I made the choice to put those books away, and haven’t read them again.  Why, might you ask; if you enjoyed them?  Because just as Paul warned the Corinthian believers, I was allowing “bad company” to “corrupt my good morals”!

This lesson came crashing back into my heart and mind after finding so much foul language and vulgar talk on social media.  I hate seeing “those words” and it is becoming more and more prevalent, even from the mouths (or typing) of people of normally good morals.  If it was wrong “then” it’s still wrong “now”!  It seems some don’t even realize they are speaking like the world, it’s time to consider a change!  God calls us to holiness and not worldly vulgarity, or lewdness–but it is all around us!

“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.”  1 Peter 1:13-16

God calls us to live holy lives “in all manner of conversation”, referring to our lifestyle not just our speech!  How sad it makes me when I hear people using vulgar expressions, much less the plain, outright ‘down and dirty’ language.  Our language is to reflect our love of and devotion to God, His Word, and HIS ways!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

In bringing all this together, I pray that we will recognize that technology, social media, television, radio…whatever the device… can be used for good, where possible, and avoided when it is using you to promote and pass along evil!  Are you using the technology, or is it using you?  Are you setting priorities that are godly and for your good as well as the good of those around you?  Is your influence pointing others to Jesus or hell?  Have we made God’s Word a priority? Prayer?  Intercession?  Church attendance (in a Bible believing, Bible preaching church–and they are becoming harder to find, as Satan’s influence is pervading even the church) and not just attendance but participation.  Are your priorities leading others to the cross or to hell?  And regardless of how we justify it or excuse our behavior, language, or actions, there are little feet, eyes and ears coming along behind us; and may we all remember that they are paying attention to what we “do” more than what we “say” we believe!

Jesus/God has given us the call to follow HIM in all our ways, and the best “way” to do that is to be filled with HIS Spirit and HIS Word!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…. 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.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 24-26

 Finally Paul’s great call to his son-in-the-ministry, as well as a call to each of us–to set God’s Word as a priority!  Are you using your phone more than God’s Word?  Check it out! Are you “vainly babbling” or standing “unashamed” before your Lord?

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun

Profane

and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

“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.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise unto salvation

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 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,

throughly furnished unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:12-17.

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do You Remember??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #107

12 Wednesday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

What Do You Remember??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #107

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life

for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd…

25 Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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.”  Portions of John 10:14-30

Are you one of HIS sheep?  Do you remember the call of HIS voice upon your heart?  Have you met Jesus face to face?  I remember the day as if it were yesterday–HE came knocking at the door of my heart and opened my eyes to see my own sin, and I fell before HIM that day in tears of repentance, and asked HIM to save me, for I couldn’t save myself.  He heard, He answered, and HE saved me that day, right in my own living room floor; and I got up a new person–not a perfect person, but one that heard the ’Shepherd’s voice’ and have tried to follow HIM.  I haven’t always succeeded or always responded in obedient faith, but HE has never left me, and I know HE never will.  What do you remember?  Have you had an encounter with Jesus?  Not just walked an aisle?  Not just “prayed this prayer”?  Not just had the experience of baptism?  Not just signed a card or shook a preacher’s hand?  But have you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart–calling you to face your sin and come to HIM.  He still calls, and HE will keep HIS own sheep!

“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

Jesus is speaking; will you hear HIS call and open the door?

“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

Blessed Assurance (By Fanny Crosby)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I pray that you know Jesus and remember that blessed and glorious assurance of HIS presence, mercy, and forgiveness.  HE died to save you!  HE loves you!  HE wants you to share blessed remembrances with HIM.  I can’t tell you all that HE means to me; or even find the words to convince you that HE loves you and the life that HE gives is all you/I need.

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 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.”  John 10:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!