Is Holiness Out Of Style??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

21 Friday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Light In The Dark, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Making a difference, Redefining Christianity?, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory, Sayers or Doers, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Sharing What God Has Given

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Is Holiness Out Of Style???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”  1 Peter 1:13-19

Peter called the scattered believers (due to persecution) to live according to the grace and holiness of God, not as they walked before they were saved.  I think it is a message that we need today!  We need to remember that Jesus shed His precious blood to save, transform and deliver us from sin—not to leave us in the same old life.  Are you and I measuring our words, our actions, our attitudes by The Word of God and the directing of The Holy Spirit? Or are we justifying our spiritual laxity with the old excuse, well “Everyone is doing it!”?  Have we allowed the TV, the movies, the music, the actions of others rub off on us?  Have we forgotten that we are to pursue God’s holiness?  Are you living Jesus in front of your world, or are you allowing the world around you to compromise your faith, your commitment to Jesus and your holiness?  How can we claim to be changed and yet live so worldly that no one really sees Jesus in me or you?  Paul told us we are to walk according to the change that Jesus brought!  What do people see you in?  In me?  Is the righteousness of Jesus showing in us, or are we so caught up with the world that others see more reflections of popular culture than of 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

Is the righteousness of Jesus seen in me?  In you?  Do you claim Jesus with your lips but live a life that may shame or dishonor Him?  Do we brag on the things we watch or listen to, when the contents are vile, corrupt and the language that which we wouldn’t use before our King?  Guess what—your King and mine is ever present and sees and knows.  Do my decisions honor the blood stained cross or shame my Lord and the blood that HE shed for me.  Is my attire modest?  Or do I long for the praise of the world more than the pleasure of my Lord?   I know these aren’t popular things to talk about, but someone must.  And our speech is so often appalling.  Paul addressed that too—not just filthy words, but words that harm, degrade, or hurt others directly or with tacky remarks. (And I understand the struggle, for Jesus has dealt repeatedly with my own tendencies to be a smart alec!  And may I say, that is NOT a spiritual gift, no matter how much we try to excuse it!)

“Charge them that are rich in this world,

that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches,

but in the living God,

who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good,

that they be rich in good works,

ready to distribute,

willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store

for themselves a good foundation

against the time to come,

that they may lay hold

on eternal life.

20 O Timothy,

keep that which is committed to thy trust,

avoiding profane and vain babblings,

and oppositions of science

falsely so called:” 1 Timothy 6:17-20

And then again in his second letter to Timothy Paul mentions some of the same things as a reminder, with a challenge that we need to heed as well to “keep that which is committed to thy trust”!  May we receive the reminder and walk holy before our God—style or no style—living real holy lives as a reflection of the glory of our Lord—in all things.

“Of these things put them in remembrance,

charging them before the Lord

that they strive not about words to no profit,

but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 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.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker…:”  2 Timothy 2:14-17a

Don’t let spiritual cancer destroy your witness.  Let’s pursue holiness—not a denomination, but a lifestyle—a transformed lifestyle!!!  And watch those words, as I’ve often said, “Watch your words and keep them sweet—you never know which ones you’ll have to eat!!”

Amen and Amen!!!

Are You Recognizing Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #330

19 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, All About Jesus!, Come to Jesus, God Knows, God Knows His Own, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Too Late To Call?, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True, What does worldliness look like?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Are You Recognizing Truth???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #330

Contrary to popular belief and opinion—truth must be true or it’s not “truth”; and the ultimate standard of truth is the God-man, Jesus Christ The Lord and His Word.

“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

We must know Jesus personally to come to “the Father”!  Without Jesus we can never truly know truth!  Truth isn’t just an idea or an ideal; truth is The person of Jesus Christ come in the flesh to “be” truth and lead men unto truth, grace and the salvation that HE bought and paid for at Calvary with HIS own blood.  If that’s not your truth, you may want to examine what you believe to be true!  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time; you can fool some of the people all of the time; but you can’t fool God—ever!”  He knows those who are His own—those sheep that Jesus has blood bought, redeemed and is transforming into HIS image.  Paul’s message to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, verifies this ‘truth’!

“But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker:

of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred,

saying that the resurrection

is past already;

and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timohty 2:16-19

Are you departing from iniquity or reveling in it?  It seems to be the pastime of many who claim the name of Jesus!  If we aren’t walking in His truth, where do you think that puts us?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember there is a test!

You can turn away!  You can reject the truth!  You can feign faith!  You can fool those around you, but God knows the truth for HE is truth!  Paul also talks about the deceit of the last days, and my friends, I think this passage is so important to consider, as there are those around us ‘preaching’ a different message.  What message are you following?  Have you compared it to scripture?

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:

only he who now letteth will let,

until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming

is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them

strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

If you reject Jesus now, you may not have another opportunity to come to Him.  No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and for those who continue to believe the lies of Satan, there is a judgment day coming!  What are you believing?  Have you truly been born again?  Does your life give testimony to Jesus’ truth—or are you going your own way?  Verse 10 above makes it very clear; you can miss your opportunity to be saved!  Don’t sin away your day of grace, or the voice of The Holy Spirit calling you to repentance!  Please come to Jesus today if you haven’t!  God gave us warning all the way back in Genesis!  Please heed the call, if you hear His voice today.

“While it is said,

To day if ye will hear his voice,

harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation.”  Hebrews 3:15

And as it has been said, we can go “back to Genesis” to know God’s truth!  There may not be another opportunity if you miss it today.

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

 for that he also is flesh…”. Genesis 6:3a

And as the author of Hebrews goes on to say…

“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith,

To day if ye will hear his voice,

8 Harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation,

in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

9 When your fathers tempted me,

proved me,

and saw my works forty years.

10 Wherefore I was grieved

with that generation, and said,

They do alway err in their heart;

and they have not known my ways.

11 So I sware in my wrath,

They shall not enter into my rest.)”.   Hebrews 4:7-11

And in closing this truth from Jesus—The Truth!!  What will you do with it?  Don’t miss The Master—The Redeemer—but be saved by the blood of Jesus, which “cleanseth us from all sin”!

“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.”  John 6:43-44

If you have heard the voice of conviction, please don’t turn away; come unto The One who loves you more than you can even imagine.  Receive The Truth—The Redeemer—The Savior of all who will come to Him—the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin to all who will come to Him in repentance of sin and faith in His finished work of salvation.

Amen and Amen!!!

Check The Mirror??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

16 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Be ye doers of the Word, Be ye DOERS of the word NOT hearers only, Be ye HOLY, Be YE Steadfast, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Forgetting or Remembering?, Hearing God, Help Thou My Unbelief, Here am I send me!, Holy Living, Looking up Or around?, Memory

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Check The Mirror???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity

of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.”  James 1:21-26

James tells us that there is a difference between “doers of the word” and those who are “hearers only”; may we take this message to heart and ask God’s help to truly be those who order our steps aright—God’s way, not as forgetful hearers!

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

“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

God’s Word reminds us that we are accountable for our actions, and only as we align our lives with God’s Word will we walk in holiness and honor, as a testimony of God’s grace before man!

It grieves me that so many have apparently disconnected a holy life from the claim of being a Christian, a believer in Jesus, and a true and faithful child of God.  Jesus calls us His sheep, let’s peruse the record of Jesus’ description of His own sheep.  Have you looked into that mirror to see truth and follow it, or are you a “forgetful” hearer who claims Jesus’ name while going your own way?

“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.”  John 10:14-15

“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.”  John 10:26-30

Jesus gave His life that we might have life, yet so many claim to know Him and walk in their own way.  They want life from Jesus without death to self.  Are you His sheep?  Are you ready to follow The Shepherd or keep going your own way?  Jesus calls us to follow HIM.  Paul states this principle simply yet profoundly.

“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

It’s your choice so choose wisely, there is a test; the Lord’s return is eminent!  Are you ready for Jesus–the only way–on His way.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

 and from henceforth ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

Do you know the shepherd?  Have you been transformed by Jesus’ saving blood and grace?  He died for you—check your mirror, what do you see?  Whom do you see? Looking unto Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!

Is It True??? Jesus IS Truth!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #328

07 Friday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True, Try yourselves, Victorious Living, Victory IN Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Is It True??? Jesus IS Truth!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #328

I want to share a couple of passages that I consider to be significant with you today.  I pray that we will heed their truth as we examine our own hearts today. Jesus never minced words, nor did He condone sin!  Dig into His Word—all of it—and you will find treasures rare and wonderful.  Are you following Jesus or pursuing other things?  Salvation is free for the asking, but the journey will cost you everything.  Not a very popular message but one I think worthy of our consideration.

“Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:20-21

Now, the main passage we need to think on, asking God to help our hearts see truth, is from chapter 8.  (See Psalm 139:23-24)

“But now ye seek to kill me,

a man that hath told you the truth,

which I have heard of God:

this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.   

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:40-45

Whose truth are you believing?  Jesus, Lord of all, creator of all things or the father of lies? He lied to Eve and he’s still lying to people, you and me, today.  Be sure who and what you are believing and accepting as truth.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  For Jesus spoke absolute truth!  Many say He never claimed to be God, but He did, and the people who heard Him knew what He was claiming and tried to kill Him, but it wasn’t His time yet!

“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.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.”  Matthew 10:27-31

Truth!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Fighting? You Or Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #327

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Be Still and Know, Be ye DOERS of the word NOT hearers only, Believe God?, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Boldness without arrogance., Bow Before our God, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Proverbs 14:12, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, The Battle IS The Lord's, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Who’s Fighting? You Or Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #327

“And he said, Hearken ye,

all Judah,

and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.

16 To morrow go ye down against them:

behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz;

and ye shall find them at the end of the brook,

before the wilderness of Jeruel.

17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle:

set yourselves,

stand ye still,

and see the salvation of the LORD with you,

O Judah and Jerusalem:

fear not,

nor be dismayed;

to morrow go out against them:

for the LORD will be with you.

18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head

with his face to the ground:

and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem

fell before the LORD,

worshipping the LORD.”  2 Chronicles 15-18

While we live in wicked and difficult days, we must remember “Who” is in charge!  It’s not the government, the political powers, the weather forecasters, or even the leaders amongst us—”the battle is not yours, but God’s”!  What battle or battles are you fretting over?  So many are looking for love, happiness, the perfect job, the perfect mate, children—yet all these things fit in that category of “the battle is not yours, but God’s”!  When will we realize that is the message that Jesus Himself was giving us in the model prayer when He spoke such truth!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is

the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

Oh, how we get so frustrated trying to “fix it” in every area of our lives and for those around us!  God calls us to remember that HE is sovereign and in control—He is still on the throne, and it IS HIS battle, our job is to stop—look—and listen to the directing work of His Holy Spirit within us!  We must stop trying to “run” the show!  And believe me, I’m as guilty as anyone, and I so often have to confess, repent and seek God’s work of restoration to be the truly humble servant of The King that I desire to be.  How about you?

We are so like Israel when they were caught between the Red Sea and Pharoah’s army!  And just like us, they saw no way out, BUT GOD! “Thy kingdom come…. Thy will be done”!

“And Moses said unto the people,

Fear ye not,

stand still,

and see the salvation of the LORD,

which he will shew to you to day:

for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day,

ye shall see them again no more forever.

14 The LORD shall fight for you,

and ye shall hold your peace.”  Exodus 14:13-14

Maybe one of the hardest things in my life is to truly obey God and “hold your peace”!  But God, I have the answer; I have the solution; I have a way; I know more than anyone else!  Ouch!  Do you wrestle with the same things that I do?  Oh, to bow before our God and King, and learn to stand still and hold my peace. You know that “peace” (piece) of advice you have to share; that wisdom that you have that no one else has; that brilliant plan that everyone needs to consider!  NOT!  Oh, to learn to walk in humble faith in my God and King—my redeemer—who gave Himself for me!

One of my husband’s and my favorite verses says it all.

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:10-11

May we truly learn to stop fighting the battles alone—may we “Be still”!  Oh such a simple thing, but so hard to do in a world that is constantly calling us to act, buy, pursue, walk, run—to the worldly solutions.  In closing the thing we need to remind ourselves of often—the world lies!  God never does.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!