Tag Archives: 2 Corinthians 5:21

Dry Bones Or Life??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #485

21 Monday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Life, Life or Death?, Lifting up Jesus, Light In The Dark, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, My Grace Is Sufficient, My Help Cometh from THE LORD

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Dry Bones Or Life??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #485

Let’s talk about life—real life—the life which Jesus promised that HE IS—was and ever shall be.  Let’s take a look at Ezekiel’s experience and see what we can learn from it.

“The hand of the LORD was upon me,

and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD,

and set me down in the midst of the valley

which was full of bones,

2 And caused me to pass by them round about:

and, behold, there were very many

in the open valley;

and, lo, they were very dry.

3 And he said unto me,

Son of man,

can these bones live?

And I answered,

O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me,

Prophesy upon these bones,

and say unto them,

O ye dry bones,

hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones;

Behold,

I will cause breath to enter into you,

and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you,

and will bring up flesh upon you,

and cover you with skin,

and put breath in you,

and ye shall live;

and ye shall know

that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded:

and as I prophesied,

there was a noise,

and behold a shaking,

and the bones came together,

bone to his bone.

8 And when I beheld, lo,

the sinews and the flesh came up upon them,

and the skin covered them above:

but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said he unto me,

Prophesy unto the wind,

prophesy, son of man,

and say to the wind,

Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Come from the four winds,

O breath,

and breathe upon

these slain,

that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me,

and the breath came into them,

and they lived,

and stood up upon their feet,

an exceeding great army.”  Ezekiel 37:1-10

This is one of my favorite Bible accounts, and I even like the old gospel song that describes this episode.  The thing that I want us to consider is the likeness to our situations so often in our walk through this life.  How often do we feel like “dry bones”, and much like Israel we complain about our circumstances, our trials or our expectations?  Yet what God teaches us through Ezekiel (and understand this was a picture that God painted through Ezekiel to try to make the the people of Israel see, that only HE, God, could give them new life and He wanted to!) is that God knows how dry we are, and He is ready and willing to give us new life!  It’s why Jesus came!  So, where does the life come from?

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

Paul makes it clear for us that spiritually we are dead without Jesus, and just fyi, “quickened” means to make alive.

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)”                   Ephesians 1:1-5

(I encourage you to read Ephesians 2:8-10, even better read all of Ephesians 2!)

When we receive Jesus by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, we receive new, eternal life and forgiveness, as Paul told the Colossians, Jesus is our life!

“And you,

being dead in your sins

and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him,

having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting

of ordinances that was against us,

which was contrary to us,

and took it out of the way,

nailing it to his cross;”    Colossians 2:13-14

Paul also shares one of my favorite verses of confidence and hope and I pray that it will encourage you even in that valley of dry bones that may be surrounding you; and just as God told Ezekiel to prophecy to the dry bones, I believe that Paul is reminding us that Jesus is our hope, and it is HIS power that created life, and can also give us new life by the new birth given by faith in the sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary (life for the dry bones!).

“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

Are you living in Jesus’ power?  I pray that this post will remind you that the only way to life IS JESUS!!!  Have you received the new birth?  If not, you can call on Jesus today.  If you are born again, remember that you belong to the creator of all, The One who died for your sin and mine, and gives us real life , eternal life in exchange!!!  It’s Jesus’ power that enables is to have real life in HIM!  Paul makes this abundantly clear.

“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 5:21

Dry bones or life?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“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

 Amen and Amen!!!

Our God Is Ever Faithful!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #484

18 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness

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Our God Is Ever Faithful!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #484

I want to take a bit of time today to remind us of the faithfulness of our God—Father God, Jesus Christ The Son, and The Holy Spirit—even when we face trials, challenges, questions or things we just don’t understand, our God is still faithful—even when we don’t understand what’s going on around us, remember HE always knows!

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God,

he is God,

the faithful God,

which keepeth covenant

and mercy

with them that love him

and keep his commandments

to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7:9

“O LORD,

thou art my God;

I will exalt thee,

I will praise thy name;

for thou hast done wonderful things;

thy counsels of old

are faithfulness

and truth.”  Isaiah 25:1

While we often wrestle with life and the things that happen in our lives and around us, God is ever faithful and always provides for His own;

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth

take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you

to be tempted above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”                                      1 Corinthians 10:12-13

May we stand fast in this evil day, for our confidence ought to be in our God!  Peter tells us that Jesus is our example.  I hope these precious words will encourage you today.

“For what glory is it,

 if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:20-25

I take such great comfort from this message of God; it gives us direction, hope and confidence in this faithful God and our precious Saviour Jesus, who

“when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree”!  

May you find hope and help from these truths.

And how do we do this?  God gives us the answer through Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers.

“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 Corinthains 5:21

Amen and Amen!!!

What Armor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #464

05 Sunday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Armor of God, Ask God For Wisdom, Assurance IN GOD!, Power of The Cross, Purity, Pursuing Excellence?, Readiness, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Weariness, Well Done Thou good and faithful servant!

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What Armor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #464

“God that made the world

and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not

in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood

all nations of men

for to dwell on all the face of the earth,

and hath determined

the times before appointed,

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord,

if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far

from every one of us:

28 For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”  Acts 17:24-28

God is creator of all things, including us; a fact that most of the world continually denies.  I want us to consider today how we are to live according to God’s Word, and in particular one passage that is my daily go to!  I pray that this will be an encouragement to you and that you will make it a habit to put on your armor first thing each day.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication

for all saints;

19 And for me,

that utterance may be given unto me,

that I may open my mouth boldly,

to make known the mystery of the gospel…”.  Ephesians 6:10-19

As we consider this amazing practice that Paul has given us through the power of The Holy Spirit, I want to share some things that I consider most helpful to me as I put on this armor each day.

Whose power: “These words spake Jesus,

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;

glorify thy Son,

that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh,

that he should give eternal life

to as many as thou hast given him.”   John 17:1-2

And the verses I recall as I put on the armor of God each morning may help you have confidence in all that we have in Jesus!

Truth: “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

Righteousness: “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 5:21

Peace: “Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”  Romans 5:1

Shield of Faith: “1 Now faith is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Helmet of Salvation: “Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:”  Philippians 2:5

Sword of The Spirit: “For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

I pray that God will encourage you in these words from God’s Word!

Amen and Amen!!!

Behold, Now Is The Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #337

06 Sunday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Changed Lives, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Transformation, Transformed life, Transgression, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Behold, Now Is The Day???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #337

“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 5:21

Jesus died to save us from our sin; for sin IS the issue.  What have you done about your sin?

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,

saying, 23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to save men, women, boys and girls, “from their sins”!  We seem to have removed sin from the equation, and just made salvation an option of the mind, rather than a response to the convicting power of God which comes to hearts to reveal our sinful condition to our heart.  Not one will ever truly be saved until they see their sin and state of lostness without Jesus.  Paul makes it clear that sin must be dealt with, and only by JESUS!

“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 3:23-26

Just as Matthew recorded for us in his gospel, Jesus came to die for our sin, and without the recognition of sin, we will never understand the value of salvation apart from the knowledge and recognition of sin. We seem to have made anything and everything ok, so no one is a sinner; even those who claim the name of Jesus seem to have written a new “code of ethics” for believers which says anything goes—it’s all covered by grace.  I can’t find that in scripture, in fact, when we go back to Paul’s message to the believers at Corinth, he makes it clear that we are to see a ‘Jesus’ difference in people’s lives.  Not a list of rules and dos and don’ts; but rather a life changing difference.

“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 Jesus saves us from our sin, He gives us new life within—His life.  Again Paul paints one of the most amazing pictures in scripture of our new life in Jesus—ready when He comes?

“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

We have peace with God because of what Jesus did at Calvary—died for my sin and yours, redeemed those who would come to Him in faith, receiving God’s grace, and being reconciled to God, no longer His enemy, through the atonement (the payment) which Jesus purchased with His death, burial and resurrection! And receiving all of this grace and transforming power, our lives should reflect the love, character and grace of our Lord.  But does my life measure up?  Not always, but my deep desire and goal is to please my Lord, and while I fall short so often, His faithful love and by The Holy Spirit’s work of transformation, I draw closer to Him more and more, even when I have to cling to His hand because I need help to get up when I have failed miserably.

One of the passages that helps me, may bring you hope, truth and encouragement as well.

“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

Paul reminds us that our focus is to live through the power of our Lord—a life of sacrifice to HIS will, HIS work, HIS way—not conforming to the world but allowing Jesus to transform us by “renewing of your mind”!  As we dig into God’s Word we will learn more and more about walking in God’s ways; we can only walk in the ways of God when we know what His ways are— knowing His Word more helps us know Him more!  Paul gives us more in this 12th chapter of Romans.  So I’d like to simply post this passage for us to consider; it contains lots of practical information that we can apply to our daily walk.  Will we?

“For as we have many members in one body,

and all members have not the same office:

5 So we,

being many,

are one body in Christ,

and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing

according to the grace that is given to us,

whether prophecy, let us prophesy

according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry,

let us wait on our ministering:

or he that teacheth,

on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth,

on exhortation:

he that giveth,

let him do it with simplicity;

he that ruleth,

with diligence;

he that sheweth mercy,

with cheerfulness.

 9 Let love

be without dissimulation.

Abhor that which is evil;

cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned

one to another with brotherly love;

in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business;

fervent in spirit;

serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope;

patient in tribulation;

continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints;

given to hospitality.

14 Bless them

which persecute you:

bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice,

and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another.

Mind not high things,

but condescend to men of low estate.

Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil.

Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved,

avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written, Vengeance is mine;

I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him;

if he thirst, give him drink:

for in so doing

thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:4-21

Oh, to be what God wants me to be—today!  What day will you choose to yield your body, mind and will to God?  Because I claim to belong to Jesus; I want to be found faithful to His Word.  Does my life line up with God’s Word or the world’s; in my speech, in my actions, in my attitudes, in my attire, in my leisure time—what I watch, what I listen to, how I treat others–in my willingness to put God first and be available for HIS work?  All done by the grace and provision of our Lord, for Jesus said it all!

“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.”  John 15:5

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #303

17 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Prince of Peace

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #303

Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger—which is much better, just a bit cumbersome to type with.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #124 Prince of PEACE!!!

“For unto us

a child is born,

unto us

a son is given:

and the government shall be upon              his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6

As we continue, we’ll look at the last of the four names of Jesus we’ve looked at in Isaiah.  “The Prince of PEACE”.  The Son of the Monarch!!!  Our God Almighty’s SON, and His name is ‘THE Prince of Peace”.  What kind of peace?  ALL peace, but most importantly, ‘Peace with GOD’!!!

Romans 5:1-2,

“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.”

Jesus brings us reconciling peace with God, so much so that:

“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.”  Romans 5:8-9

Jesus’ substitutionary death at Calvary makes us right with God; at PEACE with God; just before God.  Not because of my righteousness but HIS!!

Titus 3:4-6,

“But after that the kindness and love

of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

It’s all God!!!  Our sin, our lostness, our need—JESUS’ cross!!!

Romans 5:10,

“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.”

Why?  How?

2 Corinthians 5:21,

“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.”

Jesus gives us peace with God through His death for our sin.  He credits us with HIS righteousness and because of His power and His Spirit, which He places within us, He empowers us to live in HIS righteousness.

May God grant you eyes to see His truth, and conviction in your hearts to come to Jesus, if you don’t know Him?  May God also grant those of us who belong to Him eyes to see and dig into His Word—HIS truth—and HE will:

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133.

How?  Hebrews 12:1-2 tell us how:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,”

HOW?    

“2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.”

How, you ask; by ‘looking unto Jesus’, by keeping my eyes on the prize—Jesus is the goal and the prize!!!  He is all we need and if we’ll but keep ‘fixing our eyes’ on Jesus—He will ‘direct our paths’.  (See Proverbs 3:5-6)   Because–

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the Lord:

and he delighteth

in his way.”  Psalm 37:23.

May God grant you to receive HIS PEACE—Jesus—now and in the coming New Year and may you allow HIM to order your steps in HIS Word.  He is so faithful and He’s waiting for YOU!!!

Amen and Amen!!!