Category Archives: Trusting Jesus

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!

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 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!!!

Increase My Faith??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #109

17 Monday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Are you ready?, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Increase my faith?, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Increase My Faith??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #109

Are you ready to meet Jesus?  That’s the most important question of life; are you/I prepared to meet God The Father, Jesus The Son who died for our sin (if you have come to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice; if not then you will be found guilty of your own sin, without any payment except your own life in hell, all because you have trampled underfoot the blood that Jesus shed for YOU!).  What does all this have to do with faith?

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Amazing! “Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please” God!  Who are you pleasing?  Do you believe?

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Praise God, He’s still in the soul-saving business and if you will but trust HIM today and bow before the King of Kings for salvation now, you won’t have to face HIM later as your judge (with no option for grace or salvation!)!

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

 that Jesus Christ is Lord,

 to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

So, you see, my friends, the question isn’t will you bow; rather, the question is when will you bow?  Will you bow before Jesus now in repentance and faith in His shed blood to save you and forgive your sin; or will you stand before HIM as your judge and join the devil in Hell/The Lake of Fire?  (See Revelation 20)

But what does all of this have to do with ‘increasing my faith’?  Well, it’s pretty simple, if you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior–the Redeemer of your soul–then you have no faith to increase; yet even those who know Jesus often misunderstand what it means to “increase my faith”?  Let me begin by telling you what it’s not:  it’s not ‘name it claim it’; it’s not believing enough to get what you want from God; it’s not trying to twist God and bargain to gain what you want!  Faith is shrouded in prayer–communication with God–not a sugar daddy that I beg favors from–not a heavenly slot machine, where I drop in my coin of ‘faith’, pull the handle of ‘faith-so called’, and expect God to send my ‘jackpot’; not trying to twist God’s arm (so to speak) to get my own way!  IT IS seeking God’s face, God’s will, and God’s ways.  Remember what Jesus told us about prayer?

“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

Jesus does go on to instruct us to ask God for our physical and material needs, but greed isn’t included in this kind of praying.  One of the things I do when I rehearse this prayer is like this: “Thy kingdom come” …IN me!  “Thy will be done” …IN me! Today!  Whose will are you pursuing today?

So, what does it mean to “increase my faith”?  I can only share with you that which I have learned, and I encourage you to delve into the scriptures and verify these things, it’s amazing what we can learn when we read and study God’s Word. I believe that this “increase” doesn’t mean ‘give me more stuff’; or make me ‘healthy’, ‘wealthy’ and ‘smart’…I didn’t say ‘wise’ for when we pursue God in faith, love and committed obedience we will find wisdom and God will give it to those who ask and truly want to receive it in faith not in vain, or for selfish gain!  This increase is to grow in the expanse of what I KNOW to be TRUE about God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for they are ONE!  Jesus made that perfectly clear to His attackers.

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

You and I need to pursue God/Jesus, to know HIM and to grow in our understanding of HIS character!  Job reveals much of this kind of “faith” to us–trust NOT presumption!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite

shall not come before him.”  Job 13:15-16

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body,

yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed within me.”  Job 19:25-27

In the midst of some of the most severe suffering ever recorded, Job declared HIS faith and trust in HIS God!  When his wife told him to “curse God and die”, Job rebuked her; and when his friends (so called in my opinion) came to console him, all they could do was call him to confess his sin–for he had to have some ‘sin’ in his life, or all these bad things wouldn’t be happening to him.  We have a lot of that kind of teaching going on today, but it won’t hold ‘water’, the ‘water’ of The Word, that is!  God calls us to walk in faithful obedience seeking His face when we don’t understand and wait on HIM (See Isaiah 40:31)!  For He is often working where we can’t see!  Let’s peruse some examples of God’s work, and what increased faith looks like!

“If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:17-18

These precious young men, servants of God, as well as King Nebuchadnezzar, took their stand and refused to bow before the King’s idol.  You can go back and see in Daniel1:8 that they had committed to not “defile themselves”, and by God’s grace their faith was “increased” to be able to stand against the fire!  And while God did deliver them, they trusted HIM whether HE did or not.  In fact, what they said (in Blanche’s paraphrase) was that “our God can, but even if He doesn’t deliver us from the fire, we will be delivered into God’s presence–and out of yours, oh King”!

And the father of a demon-possessed child, asked Jesus to “help thou my unbelief”!  We need to see our need and not presume by our ‘activity’ that we can work-up our faith increase.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out,

and said with tears,

Lord, I believe;

help thou mine unbelief.”  Mark 9:24

There were two thieves on the cross who railed on Jesus as they were all three being crucified, the two for their own sin, and Jesus for the forgiveness of sin to those who would believe.  One changed his mind, and called on Jesus in faith, not the other one.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged

railed on him, saying,

If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward

of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord, remember me

when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

Small faith, greatly rewarded with salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life with Jesus!  What kind of faith do you have?   Do you need to come to Jesus as this thief and see HIM as the King of Kings, asking for HIS forgiveness and salvation?  Are you a believer who is having trouble “believing”?  Are you wrestling with issues that you can’t understand, that you don’t deserve, that you have no control over?  Jesus is the answer to all the questions that we have!  I have trusted in HIS care for close to 50 years and while I can’t say I’ve always understood, I can say that HE has never failed, and my faith is in HIM, as HE has helped my faith to increase as I know more of HIM through His Word and watching HIS work all around me.  My circumstances can’t change who HE is–they didn’t change Job’s trust, or Daniel’s, or the three young men who faced the fire, or the Apostles as they stood for truth and in many cases faced death for it.

What are you facing today?  Jesus can handle it, and you can draw closer to HIM.  Paul gives us one of the greatest passages of instruction and encouragement if you and willing to heed God’s Word.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there IS a test.  How does your faith “measure” out?

“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

If your faith needs increasing, just ask The Master, HE will provide, if you will but ask and receive, in humble dependence on HIM.

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man

think that he shall receive any thing

of the Lord.

8 A double minded man

is unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8

 I pray that you hear HIS voice today, and let Jesus increase your faith!  HE IS The faithful provider!

Amen and Amen!!!

Time Is Short??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #108

14 Friday Jul 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Safe Place, Salvation, Time, Time Is Grace!, TODAY, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Victory IN Jesus!

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Time Is Short??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #108

Just a brief reminder today that Jesus IS coming again, and I believe it could be any day now.  Are you ready?

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands have crucified

and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.” Acts 2:22-24

And Peter made it clear that it’s only Jesus that can and will give forgiveness of sin and eternal life with HIM!

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand

here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12

Will you set Jesus “at nought” or will you come to The One who loves you so much that HE died for YOU!  Call on HIM today–answer the door if He’s knocking today; for HE won’t always be knocking at the door.

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 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.

45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned of the Father,

cometh unto me.

46 Not that any man hath seen the Father,

save he which is of God,

he hath seen the Father.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that believeth on me

hath everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life.”  John 6:43-48

If HE is knocking, please open that door!  Only YOU can–but remember Jesus alone can save you!  I pray that you will hear HIS voice today.  I’m praying for you to hear and see with the eyes of your heart, the God/Man/Savior who came that you might have life through HIS substitutionary (in your place), atoning (paying your debt), sacrifice (HE died for your sin and mine, a debt he didn’t owe, and a debt we could only pay for in Hell!).  Choose wisely, there is a test.

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!

Truth Or _______??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #101

26 Monday Jun 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Let You Light So Shine, Liars, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True

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Truth Or ________???        A Word from THE WORD!!! #101

All around us we see and hear things that sound so nice but are just a bubble off of plumb.  Yet a half-truth is still a lie, and when it comes to God’s Word, we need to stand in truth for JESUS IS TRUTH; and HE never minced words or backed down from truth.  How about us?

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me

and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:23-26

To make it even more clear, Jesus was very ‘to the point’!

“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

When I see things that are questionable, I must, I repeat, ‘I must’, go back to scripture.  I am beyond grieved to see so many professing believers in Jesus being led astray, falling for half-truths, lies, and accepting blatant deceit because they “saw it on social media”; all because they want instant biblical maturity but no accountability or investment of themselves!  They somehow have missed the idea of dependence upon God, and the spiritual disciplines, of prayer, Bible study, and assembling together with other Bible believing followers of Jesus.  Jesus said clearly that each of us MUST be willing to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”!

The question seems to be the old, but never changing question that Pilate asked of Jesus, “What is truth?”  The answer is the same yesterday, today and forever!

“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

 Without trying to be redundant, Paul gave his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, some great words that we should all heed (and one way to heed them is to memorize them!)!

“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

And just FYI, I consider much of social media to be “profane and vain babblings”!  Also of note, if you can “rightly divide”, it is implied that you can “wrongly” divide God’s Word! You must decide for yourself!  But choose wisely, there is a test!  And a second message to Timothy gives us the plan.

“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,

thoroughly furnished

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

So, what will you believe and adhere to; “truth” or “consequences”? (And just FYI, perfect here means mature…” unto all good works”)  For God has the final word!!!

“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.”  Galatians 6:7-9

I pray that we will be found busy in “well doing” not just talking about it!  May God grow us in all truth as we pursue HIM and holiness.

Amen and Amen!!!

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Am I willing to go?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Finishing Well, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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May Mary’s Heart Be Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

I have an unusual word for today, for myself more than anyone else.  It is often so difficult to keep my heart and mind focused on the things of my Lord; I get distracted by the smallest things, and I spend a lot of time going into rooms and forgetting what I went in there for!!!  Maybe you don’t suffer from this plague, but if you live long enough you will–ha ha ha!!!  But really, it is a constant battle to keep my mind, heart, and feet on the right track.  I pray that you will join me in praying to have a heart like Mary’s heart of submission and obedience to whatever God asks of me!

“And Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me

according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary arose in those days,

and went into the hill country with haste,

into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias,

and saluted Elisabeth…

….46 And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold,

from henceforth all generations

shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy

is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich he hath

sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham,

and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.” Luke 1:38-40 & 46-56

I love the simplicity of this account, Mary received a visit from an angel, heard the news of her impending pregnancy, and her only question was, “How…?”, I think wondering if she was to be with Joseph, or what; to which the angel replied that God’s Spirit would overshadow her, and she would become a mother by the hand of God not a “man”!  Her simple reply revealed a wisdom and faith beyond her years (probably about 15 or 16) as she replied to the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”! This young woman of faith and obedience would bear the Messiah!  Our soon-coming King!  I can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through her mind; but I think she went to see Elizabeth for a confirmation that she had really heard the angel’s message correctly (for who else would be likely to believe her account?  Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant and God did it.  Really???  Even Joseph didn’t believe it until an angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story, see Matthew 1:21)

We’re not told whether she went to her parents, and obviously not to Joseph until she returned some three months later, after her encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth.  I can’t even imagine the questions in her heart and mind, but I know she obviously had a faith in her God beyond earthly measure, and I desire to have a growing faith like that!  How about you?  Will we “settle for” getting by–keeping up–doing the ‘churchy’ thing–impressing people?  Or will we desire the approval and pleasure of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, as we yield ourselves to the work of The Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and lives?  Help me yield to You Lord in all my ways!!!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…. 14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:1-2

In closing, may this verse I repeat to myself often, touch your heart and mind today, as we ponder the things of holiness, righteousness, and love.  May others truly see Jesus in me/you?

“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!!!