Why Holiness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #72

03 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, HOPE, IN Jesus!

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Why Holiness???     A Word from THE WORD!!! #72

Just a few thoughts this morning to help us examine our hearts and lives.  Jesus said our heart is the source of our behavior.

“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:” Matthew 15:18-19

The Psalmist has great advice in this regard.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing…”. Psalm 141:3-4a

We are called by God to live “holy” lives, so we must keep a diligent watch over our heart, our mind, and our mouth, to preserve our testimony before the world.

“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 1:13-16

We are to pursue holiness as a lover of, and follower of Jesus!  Yet we can only do it because God has laid our sin on Jesus and imparted to us the “righteousness of God”!

“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

….. 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

 Because of God’s grace and love, Jesus became sin (he did no sin, but God made HIM be sin for us) so that we could receive the “righteousness of God in him”!  Oh, praise God HE has done a work of grace that we might live holy lives! May the world see Jesus in us–in our speech, in our behavior, in our responses, and in our love toward them; not by our own strength but as Paul reminds us:

“I can do

all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

 Will join me today in striving to be Jesus before a lost and dying world–someone’s eternal destiny may depend on you or me!

Amen and Amen!!!

Whose Side??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #71

01 Wednesday Mar 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Be not conformed to this world, Be YE Steadfast, Come to Jesus, God's Judgment, God's love, His Mercies Are New Every Morning, Holiness, Judgment, Just Jesus!

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Whose Side???        A Word from THE WORD!!! #71

I have a simple but hard word to share this morning.  I am so grieved over the things I see around us–especially what I see and hear coming from the “churches”!  Much like Jeremiah, I grieve over the corruption, greed, lust, and just plain old SIN that is being accepted, promoted, and justified!  God hasn’t changed nor has HIS Word; but it seems that we have.

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

We have presumed upon God’s mercy and grace and tried to make our sin a non-issue; but my friend SIN is the issue and no matter what the popular voices may say being born again makes us a new creation IN JESUS; it’s not a ‘get out of jail free’ card!

“The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see,

and see not;

they have ears to hear,

and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 12:1-2

It seems that America (our whole world) has rebelled and denied the God who has been the One we have claimed to trust.  It appears to me that God has become not only a “byword”, but just a token that we name when we are in need, or tragedy or crises… we talk about God and prayer, but our lives reveal a total disregard for HIS ways, HIS Word and HIS SON, JESUS!  But there is a day of testing, and judgment coming–which side will you be on?  Paul gives us a warning that many neglect, but it is true, no matter what the movies, books and false prophets say!

“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

And if I might add a note from Jeremiah (which I hope to dig into next week, as The Lord leads) who was grieved over the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of his own people, because they rejected his word for some 40 years (and God’s for longer). While God is merciful and I pray for His continued grace and mercy toward us, His judgment is coming.  Will you be on HIS side?

“It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good

unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good

that a man should both hope and quietly wait

for the salvation of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:22-26

While God is merciful, judgment is coming, will you be among the deceived who reject HIS mercy, grace, and salvation in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN, or will you believe and be saved?

“(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 6:2

I pray that you will heed the voice of the Lord if HE is speaking to your heart and calling you unto Himself; that you won’t wait and try to come one day too late!

“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!!!

Whose Power??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #70

27 Monday Feb 2023

Posted by in God's Glory, God's glory NOT mine!, God's provision, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, the hope of glory!, The New Covenant, Whose POWER?

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Whose Power???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #70

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel,

saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”  Zechariah 4:6

This is one of my very favorite verses in all of scripture, and I rehearse it to myself again and again, especially in those times when I feel overwhelmed by the issues and trials of life!  I am reminded so ‘powerfully’ that it isn’t about me–it isn’t about issues–it isn’t about trials–it isn’t about being strong, or being smart, or being in charge, or knowing the best way to go–it IS about God and HIS Holy Spirit at work within me.  Paul reminds us of the uniqueness of Jesus, and the truth that HE not only saves us from our sin but imparts to us HIS own Spirit to lead, direct, strengthen, and encourage in those difficult times when we have fallen, failed, or just feel like we can’t face the battle one more step.  It’s not just me–it’s my LORD and REDEEMER at work in me if I will but yield to HIS Spirit’s leading!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me

for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:25-27

Paul also reminded the believers at Rome of the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to HIS own, those who will come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  And yes, SIN is the issue!

“And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:5-6

We have been given the gift of God’s precious Holy Spirit, the new covenant which God promised and was revealed to/through Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for sin for you and me, providing the gift of The Holy Spirit of God to dwell within HIS own; which was fulfilled at the Day of Pentecost after Jesus’ ascension to The Father. (And while I won’t delve into that in this post, you can find the prophecies in Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:25-27, and the fulfillment in Acts 1:8, and Acts 2:1-4). And I hope to start a series from the book of Lamentations soon, a message that grieves my heart like it did Jeremiah’s–a message that I believe is for America today.  A message I pray that God will grant me the grace to deliver with love, grace, by HIS power, not mine!  May God bless you this week?  Remember John 15:5

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Amen and Amen!!!

Rejoice IN THE LORD??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #69

24 Friday Feb 2023

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Rejoice IN The Lord, Remember

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Rejoice IN THE LORD???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #69

Just a brief word of encouragement for this Friday, and I pray that you have a blessed day IN Jesus today!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

And another passage from Paul that always lifts, reminds, and encourages my heart in the truth, power, and grace of God’s Word, I pray that it may it speak to you today!

“Rejoice in the Lord

alway:

and again I say,

Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 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 4:4-9

“Think on these things” …and may the glorious “peace of God, which passeth all understanding…keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Amen and Amen!!!

Hear Ye HIM??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #68

22 Wednesday Feb 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Doers or intenders?, Forgetting or Remembering?, Hear ye HIM!, Hearing God, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Just DO it!

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Hear Ye HIM???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #68

“While he yet spake,

behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:

and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said,

This is my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased;

hear ye him.

6 And when the disciples heard it,

they fell on their face,

and were sore afraid.

7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said,

Arise, and be not afraid.

8 And when they had lifted up their eyes,

they saw no man,

save Jesus only.”  Matthew 17:5-8

Have you heard the voice of Jesus?  No, not audibly with your ears, but with your heart and mind?  Jesus speaks in unique ways, at unique times, and usually with a unique calling.  The problem is we don’t always hear for the clatter of the world.  Or sometimes we tempt/test God by saying, “God, if you don’t want me to do this/or that, then stop me!”  Well, I can tell you, I have said that more than once, and on more than one occasion, God has sent events, circumstances, or people to “stop” me, and on more than one occasion I just ran full throttle ahead into a fray that cost me dearly.  Scripture warns us over and over again, that we must cultivate a heart that is open to the voice of God, and that when we don’t there are consequences to pay.

Paul had a lot to say about how to avoid unpleasant consequences.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16

“If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:25

Jesus closed each of the seven letters to the seven churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3 with a phrase that should resound in our hearts as well as our “ears”!  Do you have an “ear to hear”?

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear

what the Spirit saith…”.  Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 23

If Jesus repeated this call to the seven churches–to those who claimed HIS name, it would seem to merit our attention to what HE is saying to us–to you and me–today, from HIS WORD as well as HIS Holy Spirit’s voice to our hearts.

James described it in another way, as he reminded us of our ability to “forget”. And believe me, at my age, I certainly know that fact well!  But will we heed James’ call and stay in The Word, or will we continue to live lives ruled by our culture rather than our LORD?

“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.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless

and widows

in their affliction,

and TO KEEP HIMSELF UNSPOTTED

FROM THE WORLD.”  James 1:22-27.                          (Added emphasis is mine.)

So, my friends, will you “hear ye HIM”, or will you continue to be a “FORGETFUL HEARER” and go your own way?  As Jesus warned us in Matthew 7, the broad way (our way) “leadeth to destruction”!

“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!!!