Tag Archives: Are you ready for His return?

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!!!

Ready Or Not??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #360

25 Wednesday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you ready?, Are you training your children, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, Born Again, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Deceit or Discernment?, Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., Not Of This World, Someone is following you!, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spread the GOOD news!

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Ready Or Not???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #360

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart,

My lord delayeth his coming;

49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants,

and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day

when he looketh not for him,

and in an hour

that he is not aware of,

51 And shall cut him asunder,

and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites:

there shall be weeping

and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 24:48-51

We are living in a day when truth is exchanged for a lie, often because it’s more convenient to accept the excuses of the world for bad behavior, bad language, worldly dress, deceiving and corrupting entertainment—the philosophy of “If it feels good, do it—who can it hurt?”  Well, my friends, it can hurt you, and can be even more harmful to those young eyes, ears and minds which are following your lead.  Jesus said more than once, in my own paraphrase, “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!”  Are you just using the name of Jesus, the church, the Bible for your own justification without ever bowing the knee before The Lord who died for sin—and yes, my friends, sin IS the issue.  What have you done with yours?  Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7 also, that “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!”

“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

This is the same thing that Jesus was making clear to Nicodemus, the religious leader in John 3.  What we must understand is that it’s not about playing church, or being religious, or even doing good deeds; the people that Jesus describes in Matthew 7 did good deeds and they equated what they had done, to be enough to get them into heaven—into God’s kingdom.  Yet Jesus tells these same people, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”!  There is only one way to God, and His name is Jesus Christ The Lord, and we must be “born again” into His kingdom by the Spirit of God—not our own works!  What are you doing to get to heaven?  Let’s look at some scripture and then see what Jesus has to say!   I pray that these passages will speak to your heart and bring you to the cross, or if you already have been born again, I pray that it will encourage you to draw near to Jesus and lead others to the truth of the Gospel rather than the easy-believe-ism that so many purport as truth. May we stand with Paul!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed

from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise,

they became fools,

23 And changed the glory

of the uncorruptible God

into an image made like

to corruptible man,

and to birds, and fourfooted beasts,

and creeping things.”  Romans 1:15-23

What did Jesus say about being ready, let’s see.

“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.”  John 3:3

“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.”  John 3:5-7

“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

And continuing Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus:

“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.”  John 3:14-21

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test—and Jesus IS coming soon.  I pray that you are ready in Jesus’ eyes—don’t depend on the eyes of men!!!

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!!!

As White As Snow??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #316

22 Wednesday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Serving God or Using God?, Sharing the blessings, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Though your sins be as scarlet-they shall be white as snow., Thy Kingdom Come, Time Is Grace!, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Who Am I?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's Listening Anyway?, Whom are you trusting?, Whose Side Are You On?

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As White As Snow???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #316

“And when ye spread forth your hands,

I will hide mine eyes from you:

yea, when ye make many prayers,

I will not hear:

your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash you,

make you clean;

put away the evil of your doings

from before mine eyes;

cease to do evil;

17 Learn to do well;

seek judgment,

relieve the oppressed,

judge the fatherless,

plead for the widow.

18 Come now,

and let us reason together,

saith the LORD:

though your sins be as scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson,

they shall be as wool.”  Isaiah 1:15-18

God’s call to Israel through the prophet Isaiah, was a difficult word to hear, and just as in our day, most didn’t want to hear it.  God was calling the people to see their own sin, and to turn to Him, not in vain words, empty sacrifices, or feigned worship, but in hearts of repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness, grace and restoration.  So we, in our country—in our world—are blind to the truth in favor of Satan’s lies which sound so much more palatable to our proud and arrogant self-sufficiency and self-righteousness.

But God’s message through Isaiah reminds us that only His grace can cleanse and forgive our sin.  Paul shared a similar message, and I want to call us to consider God’s call.  Where are you?  Has your sin been forgiven.  Do you have any sin?  Until we see our own sin and need for salvation, we will never come to Jesus.  In Paul’s message to the believers at Rome, he makes the case for sin—all sin.  In chapter one, he describes and calls the blatant sinners to repent; in chapter two he calls the self-righteous to repent; and in chapter three he plainly and clearly calls the “none righteous…no not one” to come to Jesus!  We can never be good enough to eradicate our own sin.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.”  Romans 3:10-12

Paul goes on to declare:

“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

We can then proceed on to chapter 6:

“What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things

is death.

22 But now

being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:21-23

Yet how do we go from sinful, self-righteous, none-righteous to a child of The King?  Paul shares the answer to that question, and I pray that no matter your station or situation in life you will look to Jesus and receive the free gift of His salvation by repentance of your sin, and trusting in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for payment of our sin!  I know this is a lengthy passage but one that we need to hear and heed.

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is, the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe in thine heart

that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart

man believeth unto righteousness;

and with the mouth confession is made

unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him

in whom they have not believed?

and how shall they believe in him

of whom they have not heard?

and how shall they hear

without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach,

except they be sent?

as it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of them

that preach the gospel of peace,

and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing,

and hearing by the word of God.”  Romans 10:8-17

I plead with you to hear The Word?  Don’t miss the master’s gift of salvation.  He’s coming soon, will you be ready?  I pray that if you are not ready—if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior–you will call upon HIM today, for then:

“though your sins be as scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson,

they shall be as wool”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

10 Monday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Word

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Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

“Come, ye children,

hearken unto me:

I will teach you

the fear of the LORD.”  Psalm 34:11

I’ve been a bit negligent in writing this past week, we have had some family things going on, as well as some travel, so I have a few things to share this morning, and it’s good to be back with you.  As you know, we all have things that confront us and sometimes we just aren’t sure what to do with them, how to deal with them, which way to go, or how to respond.  So, this morning, I want to share a few thoughts with you about seeking God for the answers, but even more importantly, listening to God when He answers; sometimes it’s a challenge to discern the voice of our Lord—for we do have an enemy who is ever throwing suggestions our way trying to trip us up (and believe me, I’ve done my share, and then some, of falling [literally] for his lies”!)

We must remember that we live in a fallen world, affected by a real enemy, “the great dragon … that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”!  He is alive and well and on our trail. We must pay attention; we must dig into God’s Word so that we will recognize his lies.  We must know truth, so we won’t be a prey, subject to fall for his lies.

“Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:7-9

 Satan wants to isolate you, so we must be sure to stay in The Word, in fellowship with God’s people, in order that we may “withstand in the evil day”, and my friends, that day is here!  That makes it imperative that we hear the voice of our Lord via the work, power and directing of His Holy Spirit!  God is leading, it is up to us to consciously, diligently, and faithfully follow the voice of our King, remembering that we are not alone!  Solomon left us some good advice!

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

 is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“O give thanks unto the LORD;

call upon his name:

make known his deeds among the people.

2 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him:

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

3 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

4 Seek the LORD,

and his strength:

seek his face evermore.”  Psalm 105:1-4

Are you facing trials, disappointment (and these days we could almost say, who’s not disappointed) but remember when the enemy flaunts “dis”appointment” in your face, that God is in charge, and HE is working “His”appointment” for you!  Only in Jesus are we made righteous/good (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

 While this is a relatively brief word this morning, I think it important for us to remember that our God reigns! He will lead us through our uncertainty, if we will but heed His Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. We can rely upon The Word, wise counsel, and our circumstances, and respond biblically!

I’d like to share one of my go-to passages that speaks wonders to my heart whenever I am in need, when I am confused, discouraged, or even totally exhausted from life—our God reigns.  Remember friends, that we who belong to Jesus are the bride/wife, we must listen and heed to be  ready?  The bride groom cometh!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

 the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come,

and his wife hath made herself ready.”  Revelation 19:5-7

Are you ready?  Are your wedding garments pure?  Look up, our redemption is near!  Remember by friend, we win!  Note that when we “Delight thyself also in the LORD”, we will desire the right things, and HE will provide!  Here’s the Psalm:

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth in his way,

because of the man who bringeth

wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”  Psalm 37:3-8

May God comfort, guide and lead you into all truth!  He will if we will but heed His voice!

Amen and Amen!!!