But One Thing…??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #432

09 Friday Jan 2026

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But One Thing…????  A Word from THE WORD!!! #432

As we continue into this new year, I’d like us to check our perspective; I want to be in tune with Jesus and His Word.  That is such a difficult thing to do consistently, but it is doable, yet I think we often miss the target because we are so easily distracted by this world.  Jesus confronted a young man in his ministry.

“And Jesus said unto him,

Why callest thou me good?

there is none good but one,

that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments,

Do not commit adultery,

Do not kill,

Do not steal,

Do not bear false witness,

Defraud not,

Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him,

Master, all these have I observed

from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him,

and said unto him,

One thing thou lackest:

go thy way,

sell whatsoever thou hast,

and give to the poor,

and thou shalt have treasure

in heaven:

and come,

take up the cross,

and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying,

and went away grieved:

for he had great possessions.”  Mark 10:18-22

Here a seeking young man wasn’t able to comprehend the truth (at least at this time…we don’t know about his future, and some think a young man who later came to Jesus…), and I think this is a story from which we can learn a lot; but we must realize that “One thing thou lackest…”. What are you and I lacking?  Faith? Trust? Obedience? Prioritizing Jesus, His Word and His direction for our lives?  It is so easy to forget that following Jesus is what He has called those who believe to do—taking up my cross doesn’t mean just living with the aches and pains of life—it means dying to self and living for, with and unto Jesus each day.

“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

Paul told the Colossians believers what it meant to belong to Jesus, and it’s one of my favorite, and most concise definitions of our relationship to Jesus—in redemption and forgiveness of sins!!!

“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

And as Paul spoke to the Galatians, we must consider ourselves as dead to self and alive to Christ Jesus!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And in all simplicity, how do you have a relationship with Jesus?  Only one way; by being born again into God’s kingdom through the blood of The Son of God, Jesus Christ The Lord.

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God…

… 5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God…

…. 16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”                     John 3:3-5, 16-19

What do you lack?  Are you ready to follow Jesus?  Here are His demands.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself, and

take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

I pray that if you already belong to Jesus, you will join me in a renewed commitment to draw nearer to Jesus and follow Him more closely and undistractedly!  If you don’t know Jesus, I pray that you will call on Him today in repentance of your sin and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!  His arms are waiting for you!

Amen and Amen!!!

Mouth, Words, Meditation? A Word from THE WORD? #431

07 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in Out of the heart, Words Can Help or Harm?, Words Matter

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Mouth, Words, Meditation?  A Word from THE WORD!!! #431

Just a brief (maybe) word of encouragement and a reminder to keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus and HIS Word!

“Who can understand his errors?

cleanse thou me from secret faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also

from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me:

then shall I be upright,

and I shall be innocent

from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:12-14

Jesus made it plain that words matter!

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”  Matthew 12:34-35

And Jesus said again in Matthew 15.

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

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

And in closing, again we’ll go to the Psalms, and I encourage you to set this as a passage that you will pray each day!  As we pray and seek God’s face, HE will be found, and you CAN overcome your failures and find restoration in Jesus.  And the bottom line is, HE knows anyway even when we are in denial.

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

Amen and Amen!!!

Counterfeit Or Genuine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #430

05 Monday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Who Sees, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Good Stewards, Gospel, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' standard?, Lies That Defeat Us, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Mindset on Jesus!, My Help Cometh from THE LORD, My sheep hear my voice..., The Word

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Counterfeit Or Genuine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #430

There is so much going on around us that claims to be of God, yet how can we know what is genuine—whether in our own lives or the lives of those we encounter (particularly on the media—of any kind).  So how are we to know what’s counterfeit and what’s not?  Simply put, there is only one way and that’s to dig into The Word of God!  First and foremost because it’s what God calls us to do, secondly it is the only way to discern truth from error, and there is a lot of error going around dressed up as ‘truth’!

One of the questions that I want us to consider today, is “If you belong to Jesus, why is your lifestyle denying Him, by denying what His Word says?”  If we have genuinely been born again to new life in Jesus, why are we so often, in essence, slandering The One that we call LORD?

“Study

to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

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 2:15-19

We are called to study—to dig in to God’s Word with diligence—that we might “shew thyself”—to display, live honorably and openly to the world as a true follower of Jesus—not bringing shame upon our Lord.  Are we able to “shew thyself approved unto God”?  Or are we not truly His, but faking it, living a lie, trying to go along to get along!  I pray not!  Whose approval are you seeking?  Does your speech betray Jesus?  Do your morals betray what His Word teaches?  Are your choices based on the worldly rather than the “way, the truth and the life” of Jesus! (See John 14:6).  Who are you following? People say pretty things, they sound good to the ear, but we are to try “the spirits” and not just go along to get along.  Paul warns us of those pretty sounding words.

“Preach the word;

be instant in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timohty 4:2-4

I truly believe that what Paul warns us of is surely upon us.  Check out this list.

“This know also,

that in the last days perilous times

shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

In Blanche’s paraphrase, men will adorn themselves with religion without any relationship to Jesus!  They’ll use His name and claim His power but is will simply be a “form” not reality—biblical reality!  As we noted above in 2 Timohty 2:19, God knows His own, and while you can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time—you can’t fool GOD.  Jesus had something pretty severe to say to this, let’s look.

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:20-23

God knows!  And the day will reveal it—sometimes before then, the truth will be revealed!  God’s timing is always perfect!  And in a closing passage, one that is not very popular today, but it’s God’s Word and we need to know that truth is still truth whether people receive and believe it or not!  But let me preface this passage by saying that the key is Paul’s declaration of his confidence in the Corinthian believers, who “were” once participating in these behaviors, but he makes it clear that when Jesus saves us, there is a change!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators, nor idolaters,

nor adulterers, nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous,

nor drunkards, nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Some of the greatest words in all of scripture, “such were some of you: but…”!!!!  Amen and thank you Jesus—such was I–but I have been saved, born again by the Spirit of God; I’ve been washed, sanctified, and justified by the work of Jesus!  His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin!!!

How about you?  I pray that you will come to Jesus if you haven’t, and if you have been born again by the power of the blood, that you will make this a year of new beginnings in your devotion to our Lord and Savior—Master of all creation, including me!  Praise His holy name and thank you Jesus for saving me.  Look to the cross my friend, HE went there for you too!!!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

Amen and Amen!!!

Hidden Dangers??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #429

02 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Religion isn't enough?, Relying on self or Jesus?, This is the Way, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, What are you doing with your TIME?, What are you listening to?, What does worldliness look like?, What's coming out of YOUR mouth?, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?, Where are you leading those following you?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's Listening?, Whom are you trusting?, Words Matter

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Hidden Dangers???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #429

As we step into this new year of 2026, I’d like to share a couple of thoughts about being aware of the truths of this world and the enemy who is ever ready to trip us up.  We do have an adversary that we need to be aware of.  We must keep our focus of God and His Word, while realizing that Satan is an ever-present enemy, ever ready to deceive us and we must determine to know truth so that we can make good, realistic and informed (from God’s Word) decisions in all our ways.

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me

from the oppression of man:

so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant;

 and teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:133-135

And while this verse asks for God to “teach me”, He will teach us, but HE will not open your skull and pour in His ways, but He will help us to know Him through His Word, when we open the Bible and hide His word in our own heart and mind.

“With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”  Psalm 119:10-12

Peter draws us an amazing picture of the battle that we are in; yet we must ever remember that we “we wrestle not again flesh and blood“ (See Ephesians 6:10-18), for “the battle is not yours, but God’s…” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15)!

“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

Our diligent effort will be rewarded at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when our King will take His rightful place upon The Throne of this world!  Will you be found faithful?  It’s up to you—it’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-15

May the joy and peace of The Lord go with you into this new year; and may you grow in grace, truth and power each day!

“Now the God of hope

fill you with all joy

and peace

in believing,

that ye may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13

And Paul’s word of encouragement to the Philippians believers!

“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.”  Philippians 4:7-8

Amen and Amen!!!

A New Years Prayer??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #428

31 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Be not conformed to this world, Holiness, Holy Living, Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., Not Of This World, Now is the time...., Obedient or NOT?

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A New Years Prayer???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #428

I would just like to share a few personal thoughts with you today as we are going into a new year.  Not really thinking about resolutions, but about “being resolute” in our devotion and obedience to The Lord Jesus Christ, and I truly believe the best way—perhaps the only way—to do that is to spend time with Him in prayer and in HIS Word!

“Through thy precepts

I get understanding:

therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word

is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

106 I have sworn,

and I will perform it,

that I will keep

thy righteous judgments.”   Psalm 119:104-106

I love these verses for they remind me again and again that God’s Word is my staple for living a holy life!  No matter what pathway you have been on, God’s pathway is the best way!  I am so grateful for the light that He brings into my life.  No I have not attained yet, but I’m closer today than I was before, yet not as close as I long to be.  How about you? Let’s resolve to cling to Jesus’ cross and delve into His Word continually.

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Let’s make it about Jesus this year—pleasing Him, walking with Him in close devotion, hearing, heeding and obeying Him in sweet fellowship.  How?  One word answers that, priority!  We must make Jesus a priority; a priority in our time, in our choices, in our walk, in the places we frequent, in the words we use, in the things that we have allowed to run our live—to make holiness a priority instead of popularity, fashion, trends, social media of all sorts, media in general!  Let’s truly cling to the One who loved us and gave Himself to die that we might have eternal life, and also the ability to live a truly holy life in this world.  We can make a difference in this world.

But it comes at a price; a price of time, energy, limits, convictions, and most of all a knowledge of God’s Word. We must make the choice to draw nearer to our Lord, or we will be drawn closer to the world.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a a test.  Remember, Jesus paid the price for our salvation with His own blood, and we will all give an account before God either at the judgment seat of Christ (see Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10) for believers, or the Great White Throne (See Revelation 20:11-14) for the lost!!

“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

In closing I’d like to share what I consider to be one of Paul’s greatest challenges and words of encouragement from the letter to the believers at Rome, it’s also one my favorite passages, for its great instruction and encouragement in how to have a successful life of faithful and holy living in this world in need of a Savior—Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let’s be light in the dark—in all our ways—shining Jesus’ light to dispel the darkness!

“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

May God bless you as you go into the New Year of 2026!  I pray that we will each draw closer to Jesus in this brand-new year!!!  Today!  And today!  And today for 365 days!

Amen and Amen!!!