Moonlight Walk??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #274

18 Friday Oct 2024

Posted by in Moonlight walk, Sunshine Or Rain

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Moonlight Walk???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #274

When I took my walk this morning, I smiled all the way, for I experienced a most wondrous thing; I took a moonlight walk in the daylight.  It was a lovely and meaningful thing to me, for the moon was setting as the sun was rising behind me… I smiled with delight as beautiful thoughts ran through my mind.  I couldn’t help but remember something I wrote long ago; we are the moon, and Jesus is the Sun (SON); both shine upon our earth, and sometimes we see an eclipse (and we’ve had quite a few in recent years) which is either the moon coming over the sun, or the earth shadowing between the sun and moon.  I was reminded again this morning that life is like that for believers—we can remember what the Apostle John wrote, and “walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”!  As we walk in that light, we, like the moon, can be a reflection of our Lord to a world in need of the light of Jesus’ saving grace; or we can allow the world to come between us and The Son, and reflect nothing.

So, I simply want to share one of my favorite passages in scripture as a reminder that our greatest pursuit is to “let this mind be in you…”, to be a true and honorable picture to the world of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let’s keep shining, that our Lord may find us faithful when He comes—and I can’t help but believe that His return is closer than we may think!

“If there be therefore any consolation

in Christ,

if any comfort

of love,

if any fellowship

of the Spirit,

if any

bowels

and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy,

that ye be likeminded,

having the same love,

being of one accord,

of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other

better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things,

but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 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 2:1-11

Amen!!!

All will bow!  Either now, before Jesus asking for salvation, or then before Judge Jesus, with no option of grace.  Choose wisely, there is a test, and it may be sooner than you expect!

How Much Time Is Enough??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #273

16 Wednesday Oct 2024

Posted by in Now is the time...., Only Jesus, Only One Way, Open The Door to JESUS, Salvation, Satan's lies., Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin, Time, Time Is Grace!, Times and Seasons, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Too Late To Call?, Trampling The Blood of Jesus?, Trendy Or Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

How Much Time Is Enough???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #273

“And almost all things are by the law

purged with blood;

and without shedding of blood

is no remission.

23 It was therefore necessary

that the patterns of things in the heavens

should be purified with these;

but the heavenly things themselves

with better sacrifices than these.

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places

made with hands,

which are the figures of the true;

but into heaven itself,

now to appear in the presence of God

for us:

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often,

as the high priest entereth into the holy place

every year

with blood of others;

26 For then must he often have suffered

since the foundation of the world:

but now once

in the end of the world

hath he appeared to put away sin

by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered

to bear the sins of many;

and unto them that look for him

shall he appear the second time

without sin

unto salvation.”  Hebrews 9:22-28

Jesus paid the price for our sin, and it cost His precious blood to pay that price.  Scripture is replete with references to our sin and Jesus’ payment for it; so my purpose today is to call us to pay attention to our soul!  Saying I’ve joined a church, or been baptized, or been confirmed, or studied the Bible, or done good deeds isn’t what saves—it’s the blood of Jesus Christ the Lord that cleanses a repentant heart from sin.

“And these things write we unto you,

that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:4-10

If you don’t belong to Jesus (and remember that Jesus IS truth), my friend, then you need to consider that Jesus’ blood, and being born again are the only hope that we have.  Heaven isn’t a myth, nor is hell, and your earthly choice will determine your eternal destiny.  How much time have you wasted?  Are you born again?  Have you given your heart and life to Jesus or are you just living life your way with a little religion tacked on to make God happy!  The time is fleeting—what will you do with your time; for sin is the issue and we will each give an account before God—in time—whether through death or when Jesus returns to planet earth!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.  And part of the way you can know if you belong to Jesus is the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit; have you heard His voice?  Have you repented and trusted in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours?  Paul makes this principle clear.

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

Jesus also makes it clear that only by His Spirit can we come to Him, when Jesus knocks on the door of your heart through the power of His Holy Spirit, you can answer or neglect.  But remember you don’t know how much time you may have!

“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.”  John 6:43-45

“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

Today is all we have—please don’t miss Jesus by one day!  As the old song says, please don’t come ‘one day too late’ (a song written by Lannie Wolf, look it up, the words are powerful)!

“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…

… 15 While it is said, To day

if ye will hear his voice,

harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation…

… 18 And to whom sware he

that they should not enter into his rest,

but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in

because of unbelief.”  Portions of Hebrews 3:7-19

Don’t put Jesus off for another day, we never know what’s coming!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

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

Paul also encouraged us to not delay.  Satan is ever busy keeping us distracted, but please don’t let those distractions keep you from Jesus!  Don’t count on your wisdom, goodness or effort—only Jesus can save!

“We then, as workers together with him,

beseech you also

that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now

is the accepted time;

behold, now

is the day of salvation.)”  2 Corinthians 6:1-2

For sure, God knows your heart!   As Paul told his son in the ministry, Timothy—God knows, and His accounts are accurate!

“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 Timothy 2:19

God knows!  Won’t you come to Him and be saved today!  If you’re His already, won’t you ask God to help you draw near to Him that He may reflect His glory to a lost and dying world!

“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

In closing a reminder from Paul, we are all lost and alienated from God by sin; but Jesus paid our sin debt at Calvary.  It’s time to look to Him!  Today!

“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.”  Romans 5:8-11

Amen and Amen!!!

Which Team Are You On??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #272

13 Sunday Oct 2024

Posted by in Blood of Jesus cleanses us, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Salvation, SIN, Sin IS the issue

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Which Team Are You On???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #272

We enjoy football at our house, and sometimes our teams win and sometimes they lose.  Sometimes it’s a well-played game and other times it’s just sad to watch; this weekend was one of those times, and as I sat down to write today, I couldn’t help but think of how many of us live the Christian life oft-times like a poorly played sports game.  We don’t do what we do for great fame, or for giant salaries, for popularity or worldly success—we are serving the King of kings and Lord of lords, and the thing that we live for is in light of the price that purchased our salvation on Calvary’s cross.  Jesus’ own blood!  So, I’d like to spend some time today reminding us of the cost of our salvation—a cost that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—chose to pay deliberately, willingly and determinately.  Peter proclaimed this boldly on the day of Pentecost.

“And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call

on the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

22 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 2:21-24

God willingly, determinately, lovingly sent Jesus to pay for our sin debt that we might have life—eternal life and not eternity in hell.  For you see, sin is the issue!  Paul makes this clear in his message to the church at Corinth, where he gives us the Gospel in a nutshell, so to speak.

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died

for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Jesus himself, also made this salvation plan of God clear to the religious leader, Nicodemus.  There is only one way—and Jesus is His name; have you come to Him?  Have you made the decision to hear the voice of God and respond in repentance of your sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that He fore told to Nicodemus!  I pray that you have made the choice to hear the call of Jesus and respond in faith to be born again and become a child of God!  And John began his gospel with this very picture of the new birth.

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

Jesus makes this even more clear.  I pray that you will hear these verses with a heart ready to receive a word from Jesus.  I pray that we will always hear, receive and obey the words that God has given us in scripture.  They are God’s love letter to us, please hear, heed and receive them to your heart.

“There was a man of the Pharisees,

named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him,

Rabbi, we know

that thou art a teacher come from God:

for no man can do these miracles

that thou doest,

except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb, and be born?

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.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

… 12 If I have told you earthly things,

and ye believe not,

how shall ye believe,

if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven,

but he that came down from heaven,

even the Son of man

which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he

that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”                         Portions of John 3:1-21

I urge and encourage each of us to examine our own heart and life and see if we have chosen this “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”; and if we are choosing to pursue the holiness and righteousness which the Holy Spirit can produce in those who belong to Jesus.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time.  But you can’t fool God!”  And I’d like to share a few passages that remind us that Jesus was always God’s plan—there was no plan “A” that failed so God came us with plan “B”!  Jesus was, is and ever shall be “the way, the truth and the life” and no person can come to God apart from Jesus substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, which He gave of His own will.

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

 He did it for you and me!!!

“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:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”  1 Peter 1:18-21

“And all that dwell upon the earth

shall worship him,

whose names are not written

in the book of life

of the Lamb slain

from the foundation of the world.”              Revelation 13:8

God knew before creation that we would fail, yet He created us anyway having already provided for our salvation—Jesus’ death for our sin on the cross!  Will you look to Him for salvation?  Will you depend upon His Holy Spirit for direction in living for Him?  Will we be found faithful when He comes or when He calls us to Himself?

Paul wrote one of the greatest words of encouragement that has ministered to me, as well as being a reminder of how we are to make sure we are walking on the right team continually; living the crucified life means dependence upon Jesus not myself!  I pray that it will speak to you as well.

“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!!!

Gratitude Isn’t Seasonal??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #271

11 Friday Oct 2024

Posted by in Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Smile if you love Jesus!, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!, Smiling is contagious, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Gratitude Isn’t Seasonal???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #271

“In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Paul’s instruction to give “thanks” wasn’t a suggestion but an instruction to be a thankful people in all things.  Corrie Ten Boom told many accounts of being thankful in the midst of a hell on earth, and the platform that God gave her when she came out of that situation is immeasurable, and still bears fruit!  God always knows where we are and what is going on beyond our comprehension of His working in our lives, through our trials, by our faithful perseverance with a grateful and obedient heart!

The Psalms are replete with expressions of gratitude—which is often difficult to maintain in the materialistic and selfish world we live in (not to count the evil that seems to be multiplying exponentially)!  May we take some time today to remind ourselves that a grateful heart is an honor to our God, and a blessing to those around us.  Gratitude is contagious!  Spread a little around today.

“It is a good thing to give thanks

unto the LORD,

and to sing praises

unto thy name, O most High:

2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness

in the morning,

and thy faithfulness

every night,” Psalm 92:1-2

“Rejoice in the LORD,

ye righteous;

and give thanks

at the remembrance of his holiness.”  Psalm 97:12

What a wonderful God we serve, and I pray that you will find hope, encouragement, delight and a renewed heart full of gratitude in our time together today.  Let’s peruse a few more reminders from the scriptures to encourage our hearts together.  Watch the repeated directions from the Psalms.

“Praise ye the LORD.

O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good:

for his mercy endureth for ever.”  Psalm 107:1

“O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good:

because his mercy

endureth for ever.”  Psalm 118:1

“Thou art my God,

and I will praise thee:

thou art my God,

I will exalt thee.

29 O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good:

for his mercy endureth for ever.”  Psalm 118:28-29

And one of my favorite passages from Paul, it encourages my heart often and I encourage you to memorize it for it is a great word to help us press on to victory!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!

Pray Without Ceasing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #270

09 Wednesday Oct 2024

Posted by in PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Press ON!, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, What's In Your Heart?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Pray Without Ceasing???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #270

“Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

I would like to take a few minutes this morning to consider our call to pray!  Not just a passing thought to ask God to bless our day or forgive us….; but a mindset of seeking God’s will in all things, a mindset of intercession, a mindset of humble petition on behalf of others!  Jesus gave us our direction for prayer—and it has to start with looking upward not around.

“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…”. Matthew 6:9-12

While this is just a portion of the model prayer, I want us to consider a few things that stand out and hopefully will spark us onward and upward in our commitment to “Pray without ceasing”.  First and foremost is the call to lift our prayers upward to “Our Father”; notice Jesus didn’t say “my” but “our” father!  I am never to pray as a spoiled child—thinking that I am the only one that matters!  We are called to pray in consideration of the family of God’s children—all those who are born again by the “blood of the Lamb”!  Notice the pronouns used here—our, us, our, us, we, our; Jesus is reminding us that we aren’t the lone ranger, but He is reminding us that we are part of His sheep!

This first consideration of looking upward is to remind us that we are praying not only to “our” father, but He is our Heavenly Father, and His name is to be revered, honored, and bowed before as we pray pursuing Him:

“Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven”!

Our pursuits in prayer are to ever be focused on our God—His kingdom—His will here on earth (and while I won’t dig into it today, if you want to see what God’s will looks like in heaven, take some time and read and consider Revelation 4 & 5!). This mindset of God being our heavenly slot machine, put in your prayer quarter and pull the handle of God’s/Jesus’ name and the jackpot will fall, is a total misunderstanding of God and prayer.  Prayer is communion with God; seeking to know Him better, to pursue His will not mine; seeking to lead others in His ways not mine; seeking to bring Him glory as we bring others to see the truth of God’s Word and His blood bought salvation through Jesus!

It’s so easy to get distracted by all the needs around us and think it’s impossible to pray well; but when we listen to the precious Holy Spirit directing us, we will find power, hope and reassurance to press on in the right direction with Jesus.

“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

We have the precious gift from Jesus of His indwelling Holy Spirit who will lead us when we learn to seek God’s face and dig into His Word.  Jesus promised to provide all we need—most of all by the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and guide us into all truth.  Are you pursuing Jesus?  His truth?

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”  John 14:16-18

“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 15:26-27

“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…

….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.”  John 16:7-15

 The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Will you be found faithfully praying for God’s kingdom and God’s will?  Will you be found faithfully praying “without ceasing”!  Not going around with your head bowed and your eyes closed all the time; but with a heart set on Jesus and listening for His direction as you go about being salt and light in this world of darkness.  There are so many needs in so many places and crises all around us, and we can make a difference as we heed the call and direction of our Lord and Master, Jesus!  May you find the power of that continual spirit of prayer ever working in your heart, life and ministry!  And as you pray while you drive, please don’t close your eyes!!!

Amen and Amen!!!