Tag Archives: Be ye holy as HE is holy

Hidden Dangers??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #429

02 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Religion isn't enough?, Relying on self or Jesus?, This is the Way, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, What are you doing with your TIME?, What are you listening to?, What does worldliness look like?, What's coming out of YOUR mouth?, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?, Where are you leading those following you?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's Listening?, Whom are you trusting?, Words Matter

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Hidden Dangers???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #429

As we step into this new year of 2026, I’d like to share a couple of thoughts about being aware of the truths of this world and the enemy who is ever ready to trip us up.  We do have an adversary that we need to be aware of.  We must keep our focus of God and His Word, while realizing that Satan is an ever-present enemy, ever ready to deceive us and we must determine to know truth so that we can make good, realistic and informed (from God’s Word) decisions in all our ways.

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me

from the oppression of man:

so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant;

 and teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:133-135

And while this verse asks for God to “teach me”, He will teach us, but HE will not open your skull and pour in His ways, but He will help us to know Him through His Word, when we open the Bible and hide His word in our own heart and mind.

“With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”  Psalm 119:10-12

Peter draws us an amazing picture of the battle that we are in; yet we must ever remember that we “we wrestle not again flesh and blood“ (See Ephesians 6:10-18), for “the battle is not yours, but God’s…” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15)!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 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.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

Our diligent effort will be rewarded at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when our King will take His rightful place upon The Throne of this world!  Will you be found faithful?  It’s up to you—it’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-15

May the joy and peace of The Lord go with you into this new year; and may you grow in grace, truth and power each day!

“Now the God of hope

fill you with all joy

and peace

in believing,

that ye may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13

And Paul’s word of encouragement to the Philippians believers!

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:7-8

Amen and Amen!!!

A New Years Prayer??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #428

31 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Be not conformed to this world, Holiness, Holy Living, Not Ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ., Not Of This World, Now is the time...., Obedient or NOT?

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A New Years Prayer???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #428

I would just like to share a few personal thoughts with you today as we are going into a new year.  Not really thinking about resolutions, but about “being resolute” in our devotion and obedience to The Lord Jesus Christ, and I truly believe the best way—perhaps the only way—to do that is to spend time with Him in prayer and in HIS Word!

“Through thy precepts

I get understanding:

therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word

is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

106 I have sworn,

and I will perform it,

that I will keep

thy righteous judgments.”   Psalm 119:104-106

I love these verses for they remind me again and again that God’s Word is my staple for living a holy life!  No matter what pathway you have been on, God’s pathway is the best way!  I am so grateful for the light that He brings into my life.  No I have not attained yet, but I’m closer today than I was before, yet not as close as I long to be.  How about you? Let’s resolve to cling to Jesus’ cross and delve into His Word continually.

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Let’s make it about Jesus this year—pleasing Him, walking with Him in close devotion, hearing, heeding and obeying Him in sweet fellowship.  How?  One word answers that, priority!  We must make Jesus a priority; a priority in our time, in our choices, in our walk, in the places we frequent, in the words we use, in the things that we have allowed to run our live—to make holiness a priority instead of popularity, fashion, trends, social media of all sorts, media in general!  Let’s truly cling to the One who loved us and gave Himself to die that we might have eternal life, and also the ability to live a truly holy life in this world.  We can make a difference in this world.

But it comes at a price; a price of time, energy, limits, convictions, and most of all a knowledge of God’s Word. We must make the choice to draw nearer to our Lord, or we will be drawn closer to the world.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a a test.  Remember, Jesus paid the price for our salvation with His own blood, and we will all give an account before God either at the judgment seat of Christ (see Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10) for believers, or the Great White Throne (See Revelation 20:11-14) for the lost!!

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober, and

hope to the end

for the grace

that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood

of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:”  1 Peter 1:13-19

In closing I’d like to share what I consider to be one of Paul’s greatest challenges and words of encouragement from the letter to the believers at Rome, it’s also one my favorite passages, for its great instruction and encouragement in how to have a successful life of faithful and holy living in this world in need of a Savior—Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let’s be light in the dark—in all our ways—shining Jesus’ light to dispel the darkness!

“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

May God bless you as you go into the New Year of 2026!  I pray that we will each draw closer to Jesus in this brand-new year!!!  Today!  And today!  And today for 365 days!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Beauty Of Holiness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #369

27 Sunday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Be ye HOLY, Be YE Steadfast, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Glory To God, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Jesus--our all in all, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Only Jesus, Testify

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The Beauty Of Holiness???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #369

What is holiness?  Technically, the word means to be set apart, but I want us to look at what God calls us, those of us who claim to be Christians, believers, followers of Jesus, to be, different!  Not oddball, but different from the world—which will make us look like ‘oddballs’ to the world.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy…

….18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.” Portions of 1 Peter 1:13-21

Peter reminds us that we have been redeemed, bought back from the penalty of our own sin.  Sin is the issue, but when we are born again, we are transformed, changed from the old man to the new person of God’s transforming grace.  Paul describes this to the Colossian believers.  (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

We have been changed, and God hath put His Spirit, The Holy Spirit, within us as He promised, and His Spirit empowers us to live holy lives.  My flesh ever fails, but by God’s Spirit, power, and direction, we are enabled to walk victorious lives before a lost and dying world.  But when we join in the world’s flesh-driven desires, it will never lead us up, but rather it will drag us down and ruin our lives, our witness and our testimony before the world!  It’s not what we are called to do.  Paul told the Colossians believers that God has, “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”!  It’s all about the transforming, regenerating power of Jesus’ blood, by His death, burial and resurrection that gives us power to overcome!  We can live victoriously—yes, we will stumble and fall, for we are human, but as we walk “in the light, as He is in the light” we will find spiritual victory and success by His grace—translated into HIS kingdom….

While there are many voices who claim to speak for Jesus, we are to measure what we hear by the Word of God, not our own will, words and ways.  God makes it clear that we are not our own ‘god’; but many sure do spend a lot of energy thinking they are.

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:6-9

My question for us today is, are we measuring our life by God’s standard or the world’s?  Are we holy?  Jesus said what comes out of our mouth is a reflection of what is in our heart.  What is our speech revealing to the world; are we just mimicking what we hear around us or are we reflecting the holiness of the Lord that we claim to serve and follow.

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.”  Matthew 12:34-36

Jesus reminds us that our words do matter.  What is coming out of your mouth?  Mine?  Are they from a transformed heart, or a corrupt one?  I must admit that I am sorely grieved at the language that I hear all around me—people using words that are vulgar, hurtful, vile and often using and taking The Lord’s name in vain.  What comes out of our mouth reveals our heart, even when we don’t want it to.  It takes a lot of prayer, commitment and devotion to stay on track, the Psalmist says it better than I can.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not

eat of their dainties.”  Psalm 141:3-4

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.”   Psalm 139:23-24

“The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according to his ways,

and according to the fruit of his doings.”                Jeremiah 17:9-10

In closing this evening, I share Paul’s great admonition to we who belong to Jesus, to be living sacrifices to our Lord Jesus!  May we renew our minds continually to bring glory to our Lord and lift him up in honor before the darkness around us.

“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 

May we truly “be not conformed” but live holy lives.  How do we do that?  Paul answers for us, we are to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”!  Not just cleaning up our act but displaying a life transformed by Jesus and His Word!

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:6-7

Amen & Amen!!!

But We’ve Always Done It??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

01 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Deniable Truth? Really?, Dignity, Discernment, Distractions, Do all things decently, Do You See What God Sees?, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithfulness, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, Modesty

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But We’ve Always Done It???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #353

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly,

seeketh not her own,

is not easily provoked,

thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 From the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s great treatise about love/charity, where we see not only the attributes of God’s love, but how God’s love is to be reflected in our lives.  Yet the thing I want us to consider today is the message that real love, God’s love, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”!  We are to stand for truth in all our ways, yet living and speaking it with love, compassion, and integrity.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:14-15

We must share truth, whether or not it is well received; our task is to preach, teach and live Jesus before a lost and dying world, even when we aren’t applauded or sometimes not even liked.  But we are to recognize that rejection isn’t necessarily failure, and there are those from whom we are to walk away when they don’t receive the message.  Jesus’ words not just mine.

“Give not that which is holy

unto the dogs,

neither cast ye your pearls

before swine,

lest they trample them under their feet,

and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6

“Behold,

I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

Jesus never sugar-coated following Him, but He called us to be wise—to be aware that not everyone is nice—to be discreet and discerning in all of our dealings, for we live in a lost world where we are to be a light in the darkness, and Jesus even told us about the darkness, as we live in a day of darkness and evil on every hand; a day in which even those who claim to be believers in Jesus, think it’s okay to behave, dress, act, and entertain ourselves like the world does.  We have forgotten the admonitions to “be ye holy, for I am holy”! (See 1 Peter 1:16)

“I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.

9 In like manner also,

that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,

with shamefacedness and sobriety;

not with broided hair,

or gold,

or pearls,

or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness)

with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul instructed Timothy to teach men and women to live what they profess, with prayer, holiness, and free from anger and doubts, that even our apparel should not be a distraction to others or from Jesus’ truth!  This seems to be a message that we have missed today, for there was a time when people knew the difference between modest and immodest—between tastefully modest and total exposure.  We are to be known for our good works and godly life not our skin show!  Just because it’s “fashionable” doesn’t mean it reflects godliness. Our speech is to reflect the God we serve not the gutter of this world.

“I have written unto you, fathers,

because ye have known him

that is from the beginning.

I have written unto you, young men,

because ye are strong,

and the word of God abideth in you,

and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

 abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:14-17

James also had much to say about the world and its effect upon our lives, may we take heed to his warnings.  Just because everyone else is doing it (even those who claim the name of Jesus) I must know God’s Word and what it calls me to be, to do, in being a faithful witness of my Lord!

“Let no man say when he is tempted,

I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil,

neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted,

when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived,

it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished,

bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us

with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits

of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man

be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.”  James 1:13-20

James chapter 4 is where the rubber meets the road (as we would say!). May The Word do its work to lead us to be conformed into the image of Jesus instead of the world.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”   James 4:4-8

In closing one of my favorite passages of direction, may it speak to you today as The Word does its work!

“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

Let’s be sure that we are being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and The Word, and not conformed to the world!

Amen and Amen!!!

If God Were Watching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #123

18 Friday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Cross, Crucified With Christ, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living In My Season, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Take Up YOUR Cross, Teach The Children, Testing and Trials?

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If God Were Watching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #123

OH! Wait! HE is!  How easy it is to forget that our amazing Lord and King is watching this world as it spins on the axis that HE set in place.  Jesus, The Son of God, Father God Almighty, and the precious Holy Spirit that has been given to those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for MY sin and YOURS!  Yet, even when we come to Jesus for salvation, forgiveness, and the new birth (yes, being born again by the blood of The Lamb who “taketh away the sin of the world” See John 1:29), we still have to walk around in this body of flesh, and it doesn’t usually want to cooperate!!

So, what are we doing with, in and for not only “this” body that God has given us, but the entire body of Christ–the church?  The church was established by Jesus, and we are called to join together with other believers of like faith and practice to spread the Gospel and The Kingdom of God–even when it’s difficult! And it is often difficult and trying for those who are committed to seeing God’s will accomplished, for there is a price to pay!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

Are we living up to the call of Jesus upon our life as HIS sheep; or have we yielded to the compromise of the world’s cry that we must appeal to the ‘entertainment need’ of the lost?  I’d simply like to share a few scriptures to encourage us to press on in truth and godliness.  You choose what/whom you will listen to and serve?

“And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Paul made his declaration as clear as Joshua’s!  Are you ashamed to live for Jesus?  You know–and God does too, no matter what others think they see!  Let’s truly pursue Jesus and HIS way!

“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;”                 Romans 1:15-18

And I stand with Paul in his declaration that the Gospel of JESUS is our call, not making it an ‘easy-believism’ that deceives people and gives them a false sense of security.  Again, God is watching!

“For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

I pray that we will see that Jesus’ call upon the lives of HIS own is real and we must take heed to it if we want to make a difference in the lives of people who are watching our lives–not just what we say, or where we go to church (if and when we go), they are watching our lives–in the good times, and especially in the bad/hard times!  If Jesus isn’t real every day–then HE’s not real at all.  We are called to reflect God’s character in new-birth, regenerated lives that shine the holiness of Jesus to a world lost and dying in the dark right now.

“As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:14-19

While this is a lengthy passage, I encourage you to read the entire chapter–in fact–the entire book would be a great investment of your time.  And in closing the words of Jesus which describe a different picture than many preach today of just say a prayer, join a church, use Jesus’ name as a magic talisman to get your way!  Jesus paints a different way!  Have you been to the cross?  The cross is an instrument of death–death to self, and alive IN JESUS!! If you have, are you taking up “your cross” and walking with Jesus every step of the way?  May it ever be so for each of us–it ain’t easy–but by HIS grace, power, love and being “strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might” …we can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me”!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

 or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

May we ever bear the cross with gratitude and devotion, following our King where ever HE may lead and direct our steps.  Blessings on you and yours.  Our soon coming King DOES see me/you today!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!