Tag Archives: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Attitudes Matter??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

14 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Attitude of Gratitude, Be not conformed to this world, Be Steadfast, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Tuned In To Jesus, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!

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Attitudes Matter???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

We live in a very trying world, everyone has an opinion, a reason, a cause, a message; yet what is our heart set on? Our attitude toward truth matters…and Jesus IS truth.  What can we learn from scripture today?  We need to have a Biblical view to have a proper attitude, let’s assess what we see in God’s Word!

“Therefore we ought to give

the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard,

lest at any time

we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast,

and every transgression

and disobedience

received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape,

if we neglect so great salvation;

which at the first

began to be spoken by the Lord,

and was confirmed unto us

by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness,

both with signs and wonders,

and with divers miracles,

and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4

What’s your answer to this question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”?  Over and over again scripture reminds us that we need to choose wisely; there is a test—one for believers in Jesus, and a different test for the unbelievers, the difference is what we each choose to do with this “so great salvation”!

“For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Those who are saved will stand at the “judgment seat of Christ” (see Romans 14:10) to give an account for our deeds done in the flesh, deeds we have done through the Spirit or neglected in our flesh—again it’s about that choose wisely, there is a test!  We who are born again, won’t stand in judgment for our sins which Jesus paid for at Calvary, but rather for what we’ve done for Jesus—have we exhibited the manifestation of the “fruit of the Spirit” or the “works of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:19-25)

Paul tells us in several places that our task to not let this world wear us down, but to “weary not”; let’s look at two of them.

“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.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

“For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command and exhort

by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness

they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Believers are to work and provide for their own, not be lazy and unprodouctiv(my words not Pauls). The Apostle Peter also wrote in his second letter, that we are not only called to avoid the evil, we are to follow the example of those righteous ones who went before us.  Let’s consider what he has to say, as he warns us about the false teachers and prophets who would continue to attempt to lead God’s own astray!  May we be wise and heed God’s Word with an attitude of gratitude, as well as an attitude of wisdom that comes from being in His Word diligently.

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in

damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord

that bought them,

and bring upon themselves

swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom the way of truth

shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

upon the world of the ungodly;”   2 Peter 2:1-5

Peter reminds us that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness”; consider that he preached for a hundred years or so, and when the flood came, only eight people escaped—Noah’s family alone.  Noone else believed and received the truth of Noah’s message, and we need to be prepared to live righteous lives no matter what the response of the world is—even of those within the church or close to us.  We are called to follow Jesus no matter the cost.  Our lives are to reflect the righteousness of Jesus no matter the response.  With that thought in mind I leave you with Paul’s reminder to us that we who are born again, have exchanged our sin for Jesus’ righteousness!  Food for thought—that we might be ready for the test!

“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

Ready or not, Jesus is coming again!  What attitude controls you?  Righteousness or worldliness?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

I Am Persuaded!! Are You? A Word from THE WORD!!! #474

09 Sunday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, By example, Change your attitude, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Judgment Is Coming, Perilous Times Are Here, Persecution, Perseverance, Pleasure in sin for a season, Polluted by the world?

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I Am Persuaded!! Are You? A Word from THE WORD!!! #474

One of my favorite songs is based on one of my favorite verses from Paul’s writing, and I’d like to share a few thoughts in regard to our confidence in Jesus Christ The Lord, which have brought me comfort and peace, and I hope it will do the same for you today. (And just so you’ll know, the song is titled, ‘I Know Whom I Have believed’, written by Major Daniel Webster Whittle in 1883).

“Be not thou therefore ashamed

of the testimony of our Lord,

nor of me his prisoner:

but be thou partaker of the afflictions

of the gospel

according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us,

and called us with an holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to his own purpose

and grace,

which was given us in Christ Jesus

before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest

by the appearing

of our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who hath abolished death,

and hath brought life

and immortality to light

through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause

I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded that he is able

to keep that which I have

committed unto him

against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 1:8-13

I encourage you to ponder these things which Paul so boldly and confidently shared with his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, and that you will find the courage to have this same confidence in our Lord Jesus; for my friends, trials and persecution are on the way!  Not to be doom and gloom, but the days are here when we who stand fast for Jesus will find ourselves and our devotion to God’s Word maligned and opposed.  Paul reminds us clearly that his confidence is in Jesus and that there is no shame in Him, or His ability to deliver and keep His Word to deliver our salvation, and to bring us unto Himself as He has promised.

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:1-6

Jesus told us (and his disciples on that day) clearly that He was about to depart, but He would return and that return is even closer today than it was then!  Do we really believe that?  If we do are we living like it?  Are we sharing Jesus with not only our words but with our lives; I know I have failed so often, but we serve a Lord of forgiveness and restoration—the Lord who committed no sin, but died in our place; the sinless Lamb of God who takes away “the sin of the world” for all who will believe and receive Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for that very sin.  The author of Hebrews makes this perfectly clear—do you believe it?  Will you stand in confidence no matter how or when the world comes against us and our Lord Jesus?

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

“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 9:25-28

And Paul put it a little differently, as he declared that we not only receive forgiveness of sin, but we receive the righteousness of Jesus applied to our account!  Jesus’ blood allows us to exchange our sin for His righteousness.

“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

So, we can walk in victory no matter the circumstances, when our name is written down in the Lamb’s book of Life!  How about you?  Are you ready to stand for Jesus knowing that the perils of the world’s powers can’t change my relationship with Jesus, nor interrupt my destiny—but there is surely coming a time, and now is in much of the world, when they will try vehemently!

“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.”   2 Timothy 3:12-13

And in closing a reminder that there is a test coming; and there’s only one right answer—have you been born again?  I encourage you to read all of John chapter 3 and ponder it as well as these passages which we have looked at today.  May God encourage you in His truth today.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-15

Just a word of clarification—we will be judged by our works, not because “works” save, but because whatever is in your heart will come out in your actions—your works!  What are your works and mine saying about us?  Jesus knows our heart, and it will be revealed one day—I think maybe sooner than we think!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, as you can see, there is a test; and as I have heard it said, “Life has many choices, but eternity has only two!”

Amen and Amen!!!

Sin Kills! Not Necessarily?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #451

17 Sunday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, JESUS, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The Word

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Sin Kills! Not Necessarily?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #451

What will you do with your sin?  I want us to ponder what that means; for God’s Word is clear—it’s a choice we all will make, either to receive God’s gift of salvation at the cross in the blood of Jesus who is the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin to all who will repenting of our own sin, and trust to His payment at Calvary—delivered at the resurrection—or not?

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

This is the message that God gave to the two-and-a-half tribes on the other side of Jordan, by Moses, as they had promised to go with the other tribes until they had possession of their own lands. They were warned that if they didn’t keep their word, it was sin and “sin will find you out”!  God’s Word hasn’t changed, no matter what the world says.  As an old adage says, “Sin will take you farther, than you thought you’d go, it will keep you longer that you wanted to stay, and it will cost you more—way more—than you thought you’d pay!”  What are you doing with your sin?

“But now

the righteousness of God

without the law

is manifested,

being witnessed

by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all

have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare,

I say,

at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”Romans 3:21-26

Sin IS the issue!  JESUS death, burial and resurrection is the payment for sin to all who “believeth in Jesus”!  Yes, sin is the issue, but Jesus has paid for your sin and mine, if we will but admit our sin problem, and come to God through Jesus’ blood and righteousness!  For when we come to Jesus, HE makes a change—He provides the “new birth” and gives us His Holy Spirit to dwell within, imparting to us HIS righteousness.

“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

When we are willing to repent of our sin, and come to Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice for our sin, we receive His righteousness in return—all worked by the power of The Holy Spirit.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

 And let me just say the choice is yours but choose wisely, and don’t put it off today when you don’t’ know how many tomorrows you’ll have; how many times the Holy Spirit will call you to that cross.  The peace of God is available if you will come; but let me add, just saying so doesn’t make it so!  When we are truly born again by God’s Spirit, grace and our faith in Jesus’ payment for “my” sin, there will be a change, even as Paul stated above; we become new creatures; born again isn’t just words!  Paul describes it clearly in writing to the believers at Rome; a lengthy passage but one we need to see; look for all we have in Jesus Christ when we are transformed by His blood and His grace!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 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.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 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 5:1-11

And in closing, just so you’ll understand that the wrath of God is real—and the time is drawing near.  Are you ready for Jesus’ return for His own, it’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test!

“And the devil that deceived them

was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,

where the beast and the false prophet are

and shall be tormented day and night

for ever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:10-15

The only way to be written in the book of life, is to have new life that only Jesus can give, when you are born again!  How about you?  What are you doing with your sin?  Paying for it yourself; or trusting it to Jesus?

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Your Truth True??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #447

02 Saturday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Almost But Lost, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Word, Though HE slay me--still will I trust HIM, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter, Worldliness

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Is Your Truth True???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #447

 

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:5-6

Thomas asked how to get to the place which Jesus declared that He was preparing.  Jesus answered with the most concise and enlightening declaration of truth in practically all of scripture.  I want to call each of us to examine what we are choosing to claim as truth.  We hear so much on every hand that truth is left up to each person’s creation!  That is just not true.  Jesus wrestled with the lack of understanding with the very people that God had chosen for His own; yet they had come up with their own version of truth—the main reason that they failed to recognize their Messiah, and that Jesus was that One and only “Way” to The Father, salvation and heaven!  What have you chosen, in fact what are you choosing this very day—in reality what you are choosing each and every day!  Jesus made even more declarations about truth.

“I have many things to say and to judge of you:

but he that sent me is true;

and I speak to the world those things

which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not

that he spake to them of the Father.

28 Then said Jesus unto them,

When ye have lifted up the Son of man,

then shall ye know that I am he,

and that I do nothing of myself;

but as my Father hath taught me,

I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me

is with me:

the Father hath not left me alone;

for I do always

those things that please him.

30 As he spake these words,

many believed on him.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews

which believed on him,

If ye continue in my word,

then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”   John 8:26-32

Jesus proclaimed Himself to be of The One who “sent” Him, and that He did all that pleased the Father.  Oh how replete with truth the Gospel of John is!  Jesus told the Pharisee Nicodemus the truth of the love of God—Jesus IS the love of God and His truth!  And before we look at that great passage in John 3, let’s look at some clear revelations of what God expects of us and Jesus (as The Son of God) as well.)

“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.”  John 8:42

Jesus came from God!  He is God!  And His Word IS truth!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him

was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

And Jesus proclamation of truth in John 3, He came to be lifted up—to die—that we might live by His sacrifice!

“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.”  John 3:14-19

Jesus IS God—the same God that was “In the beginning…” of Genesis 1!  The creator, the redeemer and savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith and trust in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  Jesus also made it clear that when we are born again into Him, we are to share the love that we have received from HIM!  And while it’s kind of popular today to talk about “love like Jesus”, I don’t see much love that is born again to the same kind of love that Jesus expressed—truth, even when it was not received; courage, doing what God has called us to, regardless of the response of the world; grace without perversion (especially perversion of God’s Word to accommodate the world around us—making Christianity palatable is totally not biblical…); holiness—letting the righteousness of God shine through us as Paul calls us to.

“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 and holiness of Jesus seen in you—or are you claiming the name of Jesus without ever receiving His holiness and righteousness as Paul describes above? Have you been made a new creature in Christ, or have you just tagged His name onto your lifestyle, goals and worldliness?  Jesus spoke truth to the crowds in Israel, and it still stands fast today; not a popular message but truth!!!  And Jesus IS truth.  What truth are you counting on?  Jesus and His Word, or your own version of truth—a supposed truth that makes whatever is popular ok—as it is said, “If it feels good, just do it.”  Let’s measure that against what Jesus actually said. (A lengthy passage but a necessary one.)

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth

not forth good fruit is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 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 7:13-23

What will Jesus say to you, enter in? Or depart from me? It’s your call but choose wisely there is a test! Jesus knows those who are His!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

23 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faith or Entertainment?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greed, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

“But I beseech you,

that I may not be bold

when I am present

with that confidence,

wherewith I think to be bold against some,

which think of us

as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

This is a passage where Paul is calling us to remember that we are to learn from God’s work in our lives, not only in the spiritual realm, but also understanding that God is ever at work through the physical circumstances that surround us to teach us, grow us, and most importantly to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, being an example of His grace in us to a lost and dying world!.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”  Romans 8:26-31

And while these two passages are a bit lengthy, I want us to get a grasp on the truth that we are blessed by a God who not only loves us but also has made perfect provision for us in every way. In thinking of that may we not become complacent or become like the world around us and fixate on expectations rather than gratitude!  We are called to be a grateful people, not only by scripture, but by the very truth that “…God so loved the world (ME) that He gave…”!  He gave His “only begotten Son…” for you and me!  He gave Him to die for my sin and yours.  And if there is one passage that pictures this amazing love, grace and provision that Jesus made for all who will come to Him, it is found in 2 Corinthians.

“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

John said it this way:

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

I am grateful that God loved me first!  I was lost in sin—as we all are—yet Jesus reached down and lifted me up to Himself.  I encourage you to examine your own heart and ask God to help you know where you stand with Him—and if you ask in faith, He will reveal your true state to you; if you are saved He will encourage you in The Word, and if not, He will bring you to the cross if you will but hear His voice and heed His call.  It isn’t by entitlement, but by grace!  How we ought to continually have an attitude of gratitude; Paul says it better than I can.

“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

I ask you to join me in thanking God always, in all things, remembering that in Jesus—we are victorious!  Remember, as I often say, We Win!  Keep that attitude of gratitude, not looking for what you think you are “entitled to”!  As the old song calls us to “count your blessings”!  I encourage you to spend some time this week rehearsing your blessings—count them, name them, and thank God for them!  And if He lays someone on your heart that you need to thank—do it!  Today!  Today! Today!

Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done for me!  Thank you for these precious friends who follow these posts each week!  Grow each of us in Your grace!!!

Amen and Amen!!!