Category Archives: This is the Way

Are You Washed In His Blood??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #192

01 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, One Day Too Late?, One Foundation, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Open The Door to JESUS, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Right Jesus!, There IS (Still) A Fountain, This is the Way, Thy Will Be Done, Today is the day of Salvation, Too Late To Call?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Are You Washed In His Blood??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #192

Just a brief word this morning to remind us all, that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin; and sin, my friends IS the issue!  But Jesus has paid the price for sin, for all who come to Him in repentance of our sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on that cross at Calvary!  I just want to share some scripture to remind of us what we have in Jesus; and if you don’t know Him, you can come to Him today, before it is “one day” too late.  You may not have another opportunity.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

Jesus Himself reminds us that we can’t just come when we want, but only as The Holy Spirit draws us!  If you hear His voice, don’t delay, He may not call again.

“While it is said,

To day if ye will hear his voice,

harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation.”  Hebrews 3:15

And Jesus own words:

“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 

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

The Book of The Revelation reminds of that there is an accounting coming before God.  Ready or not here He comes.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

 and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests

unto God and his Father;

to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds;

and every eye shall see him,

and they also which pierced him:

and all kindreds of the earth

shall wail because of him.

Even so, Amen.”  Revelation 1:5-7

“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,

What are these which are arrayed in white robes?

and whence came they?

14 And I said unto him,

Sir, thou knowest.

And he said to me,

These are they

which came out of great tribulation,

and have washed their robes,

and made them white

in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God,

and serve him day and night in his temple:

and he that sitteth on the throne

shall dwell among them.”  Revelation 7:13-15

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

Now is come

salvation,

and strength,

and the kingdom of our God,

and the power of his Christ:

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,

which accused them before our God

day and night.

11 And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:10-11

May you run to His cross where you will find forgiveness, hope and restoration for your soul!  If you belong to Jesus, live like it; if you don’t, I beg you to run to this faithful Savior even right now!  He died for YOU!

“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

I want to see you in glory!!!  Let’s be ready!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Keep On Praying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

25 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Confident Or Cocky?, Consider Your ways, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, They that sow in tears...., This is the Way, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Keep On Praying???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

I simply want to share some encouragement this morning for those of us (yes, me included—especially me!) who sometimes get a bit weary of waiting for the answers to our prayers; but I want us each to remember that we are encouraged to press on, for God hears and answers prayer.  Just don’t let popular twisting of scripture cause presumption in our hearts, minds, and theology to think we are able to “dictate” to God.  He is not a “heavenly slot machine”—where we just drop in our quarter of prayer, pull the handle and God is obligated to supply our “jackpot”; and I don’t mean to be crass, but so many today have believed a lie, that we can demand things from God and get them if we just have “enough faith”.  Well my friends we are called in scripture to pray, but nowhere are we promised that we will have things “our way”!  God IS GOD and we are not!  Jesus made it perfectly clear when HE told His disciples how to pray (not what to pray, but how to order our praying).

“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.”  Matthew 6:9-10

We are called, instructed by our Lord Jesus to seek God’s will, God’s kingdom, God’s name—not our own, not our own fleshly desires, but God’s will to the increase of HIS Kingdom, grow us in grace, and to the benefit of others.  It’s so easy to lose sight of the truth that we are the servant and Jesus and God The Father are the Master, King, and LORD in all things, yet we so often lose sight of the truth that “prayer” is a two-way conversation, but one where we usually do all the talking and often little or no listening or reading The Word to know His way!  God is speaking, but we are often not listening.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn

to the right hand,

and when ye turn

to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Let’s consider what God has said to us in His Word, and pursue righteousness, peace, hope and truth in all our ways, not the greed of the world.  And remember when things are found in multiple places in scripture it indicates that it is important and worthy of our due attention.

“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 6:8-10

Scripture is so honest, and the arrows often prick my heart and soul, for, as we all do, I fall far short; Paul hits a big target on this instruction to the church at Thessalonica.

“For even when we were with you,

this we commanded you,

that if any would not work,

neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command

and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

How do we maintain a consistent walk with Jesus?  By continual communication through prayer and walking in “The Spirit” instead of the flesh; which we can only do by being in The Word regularly.  If we don’t know what God has said, then we won’t know how we are to act, behave, respond, and care!  If you would, faith brings us into relationship with God and prayer keeps the line open—especially in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who Jesus imparts to us at salvation (See Romans 5:1-11). May we ever pray as God leads our heart.

For those in desperate circumstances:

“And when he had apprehended him,

he put him in prison,

and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers

to keep him;

intending after Easter to bring him forth

to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison:

but prayer was made without ceasing

of the church unto God for him…

… 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord

came upon him,

and a light shined in the prison:

and he smote Peter on the side,

and raised him up, saying,

Arise up quickly.

And his chains fell off from his hands…

… 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said,

Now I know of a surety,

that the Lord hath sent his angel,

and hath delivered me

out of the hand of Herod,

and from all the expectation

of the people of the Jews.”    Portions of Acts 12:4-11

For one another, that we’d know God’s will in our lives:

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing I make mention of you

always in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”  Romans 1:8-10

For those whom we love and have invested in:

“I thank God,

whom I serve from my forefathers

with pure conscience,

that without ceasing

I have remembrance of thee in my prayers

night and day;

4 Greatly desiring to see thee,

being mindful of thy tears,

that I may be filled with joy;

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith

that is in thee,

which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois,

and thy mother Eunice;

and I am persuaded that in thee also.”  2 Timothy 1:3-5

Knowing that God values our prayers:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee, (pray!)

then shall mine enemies turn back:

this I know;

for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word:

in the LORD will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust:

I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:8-11

Our prayers are never wasted, even when the answer is no or wait:

“And another angel came and stood at the altar,

having a golden censer;

and there was given unto him much incense,

that he should offer it

with the prayers of all saints

upon the golden altar

which was before the throne.

4 And the smoke of the incense,

which came with the prayers of the saints,

ascended up before God

out of the angel’s hand.”   Revelation 8:3-4

“And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue, and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.”   Revelation 5:8-10

So, my friends, let’s press on faithfully in love and prayer, looking for our soon coming King.

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Amen and Amen!!!

We Can Know Truth!!! Do You? A Word from THE WORD!!! #165

13 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, the Lamb of God, The Love of God, The New Covenant, They that sow in tears...., This is the Way, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Wait upon the Lord

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

We Can Know Truth!!!  Do You? A Word from THE WORD!!! #165

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said,

 signifying what death he should die.”   John 12:32-33

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again—the babe in the manger was born to die for our sin.  I pray that you know HIM; and if you know HIM, if you have been “born … of God” then you have received The indwelling Holy Spirit of God/Christ Jesus!  He was promised to those who belong to Jesus, to lead us into truth, to direct us, to help us know which way to go!  HE is the conduit of the New Covenant.  Isaiah alluded to it, and Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied of the coming of this New Covenant, God IN us!

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make

with the house of Israel;

After those days, saith the LORD,

I will put my law in their inward parts,

and write it in their hearts;

and will be their God,

and they shall be my people.”  Jeremiah 31:33

Ezekiel received the same message from God and presented it a bit differently, partly because Jeremiah’s message was before the Babylonian captivity of Israel, and Ezekiel’s was after/during the captivity.  In fact Ezekiel wrote from Babylon.

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you,

and ye shall be clean:

from all your filthiness,

and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also

will I give you,

and a new spirit

will I put within you:

and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh,

and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you,

 and cause you to walk in my statutes,

and ye shall keep my judgments,

and do them.”  Ezekiel 36:25-27

Jesus’ birth, life among men, His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of sinful man brought this New Covenant into reality! He promised His disciples this very thing before His death before He was “lifted up from the earth”!  Let’s consider the promises of Jesus and ponder them as we focus on His coming—without forgetting the goal of His coming was to pay for sin!  Jesus also promised HE would return to complete HIS work!  Jesus knew what was coming, and at the end He told His disciples some important things so that when He fulfilled them, they would remember what He said, and know WHO and WHAT HE was/is/ever shall be—the Son of God, The Redeemer of all who will come to HIM, for He truly was, as John the Baptizer said, “The Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world”!  Have you let Him ‘take away’ your sin?

“I speak not of you all:

I know whom I have chosen:

but that the scripture may be fulfilled,

He that eateth bread with me

hath lifted up his heel against me.

19 Now I tell you before it come,

that, when it is come to pass,

ye may believe that I am he.

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that receiveth whomsoever I send

receiveth me;

and he that receiveth me

receiveth him that sent me.”  John 13:18-20

Jesus went on in this last short time before He faced the cross, that His followers might understand what awaited them—yes, suffering, persecution, toil, and grief, but also “the joy of The Lord” in a new way, as they would have the gift of The Holy Spirit within, to teach, to guide and to help them remember what HE had said and done!

“But this cometh to pass,

that the word might be fulfilled

that is written in their law,

They hated me without a cause.

26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  John 15:25-27

While Jesus had given them the facts, The Holy Spirit would empower and enable them to share them with perfect assurance and confidence in The Lamb—their Lord—their King—their Redeemer—Jesus, The King of the Jews (and of all who come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for that sin!)!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you…

…. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

That ye shall weep and lament,

but the world shall rejoice:

and ye shall be sorrowful,

but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow,

because her hour is come:

but as soon as she is delivered of the child,

she remembereth no more the anguish,

for joy that a man is born into the world.

22 And ye now therefore have sorrow:

but I will see you again,

and your heart shall rejoice,

and your joy no man taketh from you.

23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing.

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father

in my name,

he will give it you.”  Portions of John 16:8-23

So, my friends, do YOU know truth?  JESUS IS truth; and will impart HIS Spirit to those who are His own! And in closing, a few words from Paul to the believers at Rome, reminding them whose they are and how they got there!

“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…

…. 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.”  Portions of Romans 5:1-11

(I encourage you to read all of this amazing chapter –all of this amazing book-for it is full of truth!)

So, will you take time during this celebration of The Redeemer and be sure you know HIM; and if you don’t you can by faith in HIS atoning death for you.  If you do know HIM, don’t miss the joy of knowing HIS truth through the work of HIS Holy Spirit leading you into HIS WORD!!!  It’s why we’re here!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Gap Standers Needed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #144

16 Monday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Stand by ME!, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Teachers, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Love of God, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, There IS a Test!, This IS The Day, This is the Way, Time Is Grace!, Touch them while you can?, Trendy Or Truth, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking With Jesus, What are you listening to?, What's coming out of YOUR mouth?, What's in your book?, Whose Sheep are You?, Witness, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Gap Standers Needed???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #144

God is faithful at every turn, and HIS WORD has never changed, nor will it!  We are living in a world full of those who claim the name of Jesus and lead people away from The Word of God; but we’re not the first and if Jesus tarries, we won’t be the last!  Ezekiel has a word from The Lord in this regard, and I’d like us to consider it today, for we have these same “lying prophets” in our culture today!

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

prophesy against the prophets of Israel

that prophesy,

and say thou unto them that prophesy

out of their own hearts,

Hear ye the word of the LORD;

3 Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Woe unto the foolish prophets,

that follow their own spirit,

and have seen nothing!

4 O Israel, thy prophets

are like the foxes in the deserts.

5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps,

neither made up the hedge

for the house of Israel to stand

in the battle in the day of the LORD.

6 They have seen vanity and lying divination,

saying, The LORD saith:

and the LORD hath not sent them:

and they have made others to hope

that they would confirm the word.”    Ezekiel 13:1-6

And Ezekiel received another similar message from God for this foolish and deceived people.  May we hear The Word of The Lord!

“The people of the land have used oppression,

and exercised robbery,

and have vexed the poor and needy:

yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.

30 And

I sought for a man among them,

that should make up the hedge,

and stand in the gap before me

 for the land,

that I should not destroy it:

 but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation

upon them;

I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath:

their own way have I recompensed

upon their heads,

saith the Lord GOD.”  Ezekiel 22:29-31

Do you see the parallel to America?  I do!  Israel had listened to lying prophets, and rejected the true prophets of God, who warned them of God’s coming judgment through Babylon!  We have prophets (preachers & teachers) today who claim the name of Jesus, and yet preach a word that is not biblically sound.  But how do we know?  We MUST be IN it for ourselves, for it IS the standard of truth, right, God’s ways, times, and righteousness.  Paul told His precious son-in-the-ministry to cling to the truths of God’s Word!  What are we clinging to?  God’s Word or the foolish things of the world—the lies of the enemy (See John 8:44)?

“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

The main things which Paul points out here I’d like to simply repeat for our consideration, that we might examine our own lives in light of these principles:

We are to STUDY GOD’S WORD to know truth—

We are to seek GOD’S approval over man’s—

We are to Be A faithful WORKMAN, living without shame—

We are to “RIGHTLY DIVIDE” GOD’S WORD—                                           (not putting our own ‘spin’ on it but doing honest, diligent study, keeping the whole counsel of God in sight, with the immediate context and larger context always in mind.)

We are to shun that which is profane and senseless.                               (Jesus said, “Cast not your pearls before swine.”)

Paul went on in this letter to the young “Preacher Man” to call him to know that  THE WORD of GOD is what we are to study, not just for information’s sake, but for the increase of our faith, maturity, wisdom, grace, and righteous service to others before a lost and dying world.  We must remember that these instructions aren’t just for the preachers and teachers, but for every child of God; for we are saved to serve God and be full of good works and righteous living!

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine, (truth, information)

for reproof,   (showing what’s wrong)

for correction, (making the wrong right)

for instruction in righteousness: (prevention)

17 That the man of God

may be perfect, (mature)

throughly furnished (fully equipped)

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

These ‘good works’ are to be an integral part of who we are “IN CHRIST JESUS”, for we have received life, peace, and new life through the power of The Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within each believer!  (See Romans 5:1-11+). God’s work of grace in us is to be a true and effective reflection of Jesus in all we are & all we do!  We must “be HIS” before we can “do HIS” work!

“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.                 (I would encourage you to read all of this precious chapter.)

We must choose to live like it, if we are truly “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” that Jesus may be seen IN us, for HE IS IN us!  What does my life and yours say to this lost and dying world around us?  Are we being faithful witnesses, by knowing what God has said; or will we waste our time with fruitless “profane and vain babblings” (and if you consider ‘profane’ and ‘babbling’ they are both synonyms of ‘fruitless’!).  May we be found faithful students of God’s Word so that we can truly reflect the “TRUTH” of God—who IS JESUS!  Let’s stand in that gap for our Lord, by HIS power and grace!!!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Missed Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Almost But Lost, Believe IN Jesus, Don't Wait, Fruit of the Spirit, Glory of God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, HE who began it will complete it!, He's Alive, Hell, Hell's Hot, Holiness, Holy Living, If I be lifted up---, IN Jesus!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Gospel, the hope of glory!, This is the Way, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Walk in the Spirit, Watch Your Words, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

 Who Missed Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

I am writing this in the semi-light of the dawn, as our power is out, yet fortunately my laptop was charged up!!!  Today my heart was thinking about missed opportunities to share Jesus, but even more significantly those who have missed Jesus because of my failures to walk in The Spirit (Holy Spirit) rather than the flesh!!!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….22 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.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers gives us a great tool to use in our daily struggles.  When ugly, ungodly thoughts, desires or passions come knocking at the door of your mind—just Philippians 4:8 them!  Here’s how:

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye

have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

Stop the temptation at the door by memorizing Phil 4:8 and if the temptation can’t pass the test of ‘true…honest…” then tell the enemy to ‘buzz off’! For when temptation comes, if you’re anything like me, it seems like the struggle is continual—well, my friends, IT IS!  Even as Paul challenges us to walk “in The Spirit”, he is calling us to be a reflection of Jesus not ‘ourselves’; for I find that my flesh and yours can be really ‘ugly’ sometimes—for our flesh still loves the things of this world!  That is why it was so imperative to heed Paul’s call to walk in the power, strength, and direction of The Holy Spirit, in God’s love which HE has planted in our hearts (See Romans 5:1-11) and not our flesh!  Yet sometimes we let old habits rule our behavior, we let old grudges color our outlook, we let unforgiveness rule our hearts and minds and spill over with unkind words and deeds, we let old corrupt words come out of our mouths, we let the enemy have way in our lives rather than The Holy Spirit—it’s why in Paul’s instructions about ‘the armor of God’ he reminds us that we ‘wrestle’ with unseen enemies in this world!!!  Peter also warned us about the very real danger of the “roaring lion” who is out to ruin your testimony and influence just as he is mine.  Peter reminds us of this fact, and the only solution that works!

“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 5:6-11

We are in a battle my friends, a battle for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys, and girls!  What are you and I doing about it?  I pray that we will heed the call and the warnings of scripture and ask God to daily “order my steps in thy word…” (See Psalm 119:133)!  It grieves my soul to see so much of the world making its way into the church!  Instead of calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus, we call them to just bring the world into our midst.  We will never win the world by competing with their modes and means!  Jesus made it clear in many passages as did the Apostles and other writers of scripture. My challenge for us today is to examine my life, as you examine yours against Scripture—what do others see in me?  A reflection of the world—in my speech, my actions, my attire, my habits, my choices of entertainment, music, and venues?  I could make a list but if you’ll simply get into the “WORD” instead of so much of the “world”, you can learn to listen to the precious Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.”                   John 12:32-33

Jesus knew HE would be lifted up, crucified for our sin, buried, and raised the third day, all according to the scriptures—all for our salvation; for all who would heed His call, repent, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN; the choice is yours, for HE is calling today!  Whom will you choose—the Christ of glory or the enemy who wants to take you ‘to hell’ with him?  There is no other message, and regardless of all the attractions of the world, I will stand with Paul and proclaim Jesus.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

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

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit and of power:” 1 Corinthians 2:1-4

 This man took the One Way-Jesus Gospel in God’s power, not man’s wisdom, plans, or programs!  He preached Jesus! Will we?

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

It’s all about Jesus—because: “it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

Oh, that we who believe might return to the message of the cross.  My heart longs for a heaven-sent revival, but I fear that we have come to a place to see the judgment of God upon His own.

Jesus’ and The Cross are not about pantheistic health crazes upon which we try to put “Jesus’ name”, or unholy celebrations to match the world’s evil days, or accepting sin by simply changing its name, I could go on, but I’ve probably said enough.  I remember a time when the church wanted to call people out of the world of sin to the cross and the crucified life, but now it seems more popular to just invite people to bring your sin on into the church, we won’t mind.  There is no need for me to add some “disclaimer” about who or what I’m talking about—take it to Jesus—take it to The Word of God—take it to GOD in prayer, but I think we might have to change some things in our lives!  God is watching and HE will judge His own.

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”1 Peter 4:17-19

What’s going on in your church?  Do you compromise truth for a crowd?  Do you stand up for Jesus, crucified, buried, risen, and coming again, The Gospel of HIS life-changing salvation or something less?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember, there is a test!  And I think the “final exam” is closer than we think!

So, my friends, my question is, “Is my/your life drawing people to Jesus or driving them away?”  Does your/my life reflect a love of Jesus or do the words of our mouth, our life-choices and actions turn them away into hell.  Remember there are only two destinies—heaven or hell?  May we be drawing people to the CROSS, not driving them the other way, or justifying sin to please the crowds we want on our pews?  Only One Way—and HE is the crucified, risen and coming again Savior, JESUS!  I pray that this will touch hearts and change lives.  May we cling to The Cross of Jesus!  I’m not claiming to be perfect, just a simple servant of Jesus who pursues HIM and HIS WORD for my life’s journey!  He does save!  He does give new life!  He is coming soon!!!  I pray that you know Him and will join me in following Jesus not anyone or anything else.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!