Tag Archives: Galatians 2:20

…But…God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #402

02 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, but He's still there., By Him We Live, By His Grace, Glory of God, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Presence Not Presents, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways

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…But…God???           A Word from THE WORD!!! #402

One of my favorite phrases in all of scripture is this small two words, “but God”!  Oh praise God for that intervention!  How often I have praised God for it, how about you?  One of my dearest ones comes in the New Testament book of Philippians, which doesn’t use the exact words “but God” yet it is a reference to Jesus—God in the flesh.

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

 and took upon him

the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8

I’m so glad that Jesus was willing to “but God” (God The Son) took on flesh to die for you and me; and we are called to “Let this mind be in you”—the mind of humility!  How opposite to the culture we live in!  A culture which calls us to focus on self, sustenance of self, and acquisition of gain for self, and applause for self!  When we come to Jesus, we are be focused on our Lord not self!  Paul says it better than I can.

“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

Paul also calls us to understand this in his message to the Roman believers (another one of my favorites also.)

“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

The Psalms are replete with passages that remind us of the “but God” instances in God’s work in drawing us to Himself, let’s consider some today. 

“But God will redeem my soul

from the power of the grave:

for he shall receive me. Selah.”  Psalm 49:15

“If I regard iniquity in my heart,

the Lord will not hear me:

19 But verily God hath heard me;

he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God,

which hath not turned away my prayer,

nor his mercy from me.”  Psalm 66:18-20

“He that is our God is the God of salvation;

and unto GOD the Lord

belong the issues from death.

21 But God

shall wound the head of his enemies,

and the hairy scalp of such an one

as goeth on still in his trespasses.”  Psalm 68:20-21

“Whom have I in heaven but thee?

and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion for ever.”  Psalm 73:25-26

“The grass withereth,

the flower fadeth:

but the word of our God

shall stand for ever.”  Isaiah 40:8

And changing gears a bit, there is a “but God” that we often don’t want to hear; those things that God has done and said that we don’t see, or understand it, or we have a hard time accepting and incorporating them into our lives; for we don’t always want to change!  Really?

“For ye see your calling, brethren,

how that not many wise men after the flesh,

not many mighty,

not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen

the foolish things of the world

to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen

the weak things of the world

to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world,

and things which are despised,

hath God chosen,

yea, and things which are not,

to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit which is of God;

that we might know the things

that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

And one thing that I think we need reminding of in this day and time; a reminder that it is “of God” not of man!

“Who then is Paul,

and who is Apollos,

but ministers by whom ye believed,

even as the Lord gave to every man?

6 I have planted,

Apollos watered;

but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing,

neither he that watereth;

but God that giveth the increase.

8 Now he that planteth

and he that watereth

are one:

and every man shall receive his own reward

according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.”  1 Corinthians 3:5-9

May we stand fast in this evil day and humble ourselves before our God…because our God is able; “but God” gives the increase not man!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

Amen and Amen!!!

Do You Have Any Lions??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #400

29 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Father of Lies!, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving Or Taking?, Liars, Lies That Defeat Us, Life, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Satan, Satan's lies.

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Do You Have Any Lions???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #400

It’s so amazing how time goes so quickly!  As I changed the number to 400 this morning, I couldn’t help but smile and thank God for the privilege of writing this blog.  And that’s only 400 since I changed the name again.  I’ve been doing this blog since 2012—oh my, that’s 13 years, and only God knows where they have gone.  I always pray that He takes them where they need to go.  I hope you are being blessed in these writings from God’s Word!  It’s why I believe God has called me to this ministry and I seek to continue to hear and heed His call to share His Word, not my opinions!

As I say that, I know that one of my lions seems to be trying to keep me from writing as regularly as I try to.  What are your lions?  As I was teaching on Daniel chapter 6 (the den of lions) last evening, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a few things with you today about those lions; and while most of us won’t face a den full of lions for our faith, the enemy is real, and we need to keep our armor on to overcome by God’s power, grace and wisdom!  So be sure and pray on that armor from Ephesians 6:10-19 every day!

As Daniel faced the trial of those who wanted to get rid of him, the king sees that he had been duped and even in the short time that he had known Daniel, he had come to recognize Daniel’s faith!  What do others see in us?  Read the whole chapter to see that Daniel’s specific crime was praying to his God—openly, regularly, and diligently!  What about our prayer life?  Oh, Lord help me to be more diligent and faithful to spend time with you!

“Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee.”  Daniel 6:16

But that isn’t the only thing we see about this king who just commanded that Daniel be cast into this den of lions; he was concerned for his own failure to see the devices of those who had appealed to his ego in signing the edict that no one could pray to anyone but him!  How big is your ego? Your pride?

“Then the king went to his palace,

and passed the night fasting:

neither were instruments of musick

brought before him:

and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den,

he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake and said to Daniel,

O Daniel,

servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee from the lions?”          Daniel 6:18-20

What anxiety this king must have felt as he called out to this man of faithfulness and integrity; while he recognized the uniqueness of “Daniel’s God”, he wasn’t’ quite sure that he could have power in a den of hungry lions!  Was he in for a pleasant and welcome surprise—and if you don’t know, Daniel was not a young teenager (as many of the pictures depict him) at this time, but he was a man in his eighties approaching ninety years old, who knew his God was able, and he also knew that he was guiltless.

“Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him innocency

was found in me;

and also before thee, O king,

have I done no hurt.”  Daniel 6:21-22

I want to share some scriptural reminders of the reality of our spiritual lions today, and also how we can stand-withstand-and overcome by God’s grace, power and truth, as we serve Him “continually” (not working for our salvation, but letting God work through our daily lives before a lost and dying world!). Now let me say, when we talk about continually serving God, that doesn’t mean that we stay at church all the time, or pass out tracks all the time, or preach or teach all the time!  What it does mean is that we remember that when we claim to have given our lives to Jesus Christ, we need to live the crucified life.

“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

And Jesus’ call to those who want to be His own!

“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?”  Matthew 16:24-26

So, what about those lions?  Let’s let scripture speak!

“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.”Ephesians 6:10-12

We can stand against the “wiles of the devil” by God’s strength and power—not on our own.  In fact Jesus made this really clear!

“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

Peter also helps us understand this analogy; I wish I’d have thought of this!  I didn’t but I sure can use God’s Word to help others see the dangers of the adversary of our souls!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

 While we may not be thrown into a den full of lions, we are ever plagued by this enemy of our souls!  But don’t lose heart—for in Jesus, remember—We Win!  But we must be humble before our God and Saviour Jesus Christ The Lord, knowing that He has us!  He knows, cares and is working for our good! He said He would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

And also from the author of the book of Hebrews, a reminder to keep our eyes on the prize not the enemy—for with Jesus we do Win!  And remember you are called to run ‘your’ race not anyone else’s—help them yes, encourage them yes, but stay in your lane! (And just FYI, the witnesses that he mentions are not a reference to a great stadium cheering us on, but rather a reference to the list of the faithful that was just shared in chapter 11, reminding us that we aren’t alone). Remember—others have gone before us in victory, even in horrific circumstances! (Read the biographies of the missionaries of earlier generations!)

“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,

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.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

So, my friends, don’t fear the lions, but walk in the victory that Jesus can and will provide for you when you keep your “eyes fixed on Jesus” (Blanche’s paraphrase!); remembering Paul’s words of encouragement (and Daniel’s faithful example)!

“11 Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content…  

…. 13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:11-13

We Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

More About Spelling??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #396

12 Sunday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Come And Worship?, Come to Jesus, Come To Worship HIM, Fruit of the Spirit, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Peace of God, Perilous Times Are Here, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Press ON!

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More About Spelling???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #396

We talked last time about being devoted to Jesus, not being a “misuser” of The Word (both the living Word, Jesus; and the breath of the written Word, Jesus—the real Jesus, who will always align with The Word of God, The Bible!).  I think James can help us understand the principle that it’s not what we say, either about Jesus or ourselves, but it is what we do with God’s Word.  We are to let the Word transform us into the image of our Lord by looking into that mirror of life—the Bible!

“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.

21 Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding

his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless and widows

in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:19-27

James isn’t saying that “religion” saves us, but that if we claim to belong to Jesus, our lives should be a reflection of godly character; if you would, “religion” in action before the world, not works to be saved, but as Paul tells the Ephesians, good works that draw people to our Lord Jesus!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.       Ephesians 2:8-10

We aren’t saved by any work that we can do, but we are saved by grace “unto good works”—not saved by works but saved to do good works before the world by the power of God, in Jesus our Lord.  Even Jesus talks about this, for when we belong to Him, when we are born again by the Spirit of God—our lives should be like the moon which reflects the light of the ‘sun’; we are to reflect the light of the ‘SON’!  Never of works that we do on our own, but the light of The Lord of glory who saves and transforms us!  Are we being salt and light, or have we changed the spelling of Lord of all, to “all for me” and become “good for nothing”?  I don’t know your heart, but God does!  You might need to check the spelling in your life (read my last post to get the picture of the spelling that I’m talking about.)

“Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light

so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father      

which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:13-16

How “so shine”s your light?  Are you reflecting the glory, truth and love of Jesus Christ our Lord, or are you so filled with the world’s darkness that you have no “shine” to show?  Are you walking in your own power or that of the precious Holy Spirit.  Paul makes a pretty powerful statement to the believers at Rome.  How does Paul spell “service” (and if you would, The Holy Spirit, gives spelling lessons!)

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

“And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?” Romans 8:27-30

Are you ready to walk in The Spirit, or keep on falling down in the flesh?  It’s your choice, but it will make all the difference in the world to your walk!  God has ordained “good works” that you and I might walk in them; we aren’t to continue to wallow in the flesh.

While the following is a lengthy passage, I think it is beneficial and clearer to grasp in its context, remembering what we saw above—” If God be for us, who can be against us…”, remembering that “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me…”!  You can—I can—we can—all because our Lord has not only paid the price but supplies our every need and ever lives to “make intercession” for His own! (See Hebrews 7:25). Also note that when it says things are “manifest”, it means to be visible, evident, and recognizable; telling us that our behavior will reflect what is in our heart!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16-26

So, my question is, are you misspelling?  Changing “Thy kingdom come…” to “my kingdom come”; and “Thy will be done…” to “my will be done”?  It’s your choice, but remember there is a test coming, and Jesus knows the truth.  Paul gives a great example—won’t you measure your heart by this truth?

“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!!!

Who Is Your Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

30 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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Who Is Your Jesus???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

The Apostle Peter shortly after Pentecost, and the healing of a lame man, was called to give an account (so to speak), and he delivered the ultimate message unto the people there; and I think it’s a message that we have leaned away from in these days.  It seems to me that we have thought of everything under the sun to “reach” people (so called) and in order to gain crowds, money, popularity, and acceptance in a world that is lost and dying except the simple, pure and true message of Jesus.  Peter proclaimed to those who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”!  It’s not saying a prayer (although we can call upon Jesus in prayer), it’s not walking an aisle (although we can walk an aisle and find counsel to repent and be saved), it’s not living a good life, doing deeds, saying verses—it’s coming to Jesus.  And how does that take place?  I don’t think it is found in the big, the loud, the flashy, the giveaways, but scripture makes it clear that God calls for it to be done His way!

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding

of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-25

When our plans seem smarter than God’s, we better back up and take a look at what we are settling for to look good before the world—even the ‘church’!  God chose the “the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”; what makes us think we can come up with a better plan.  When we preach (and preaching is sharing God’s truth from HIS Word!) it is up to people to choose whether they will “believe” or not!   It is by repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin that we are saved—nothing more –nothing less!  God chose the preaching of the Gospel to save the lost—how sad that we think our plans are better; how sad that so often today, preaching is frowned upon and we replace it with light-hearted entertainment, music that sounds like the world, players that look like the world; and it seems our favorite pastime is to laud the famous and popular ‘stars’ and lift them up as examples regardless of what God has said in His Word.  Our Pastor mentioned one of these passages this morning and I thought how apropos!

“Woe unto you,

when all men shall speak well of you!

for so did their fathers

to the false prophets.”  Luke 6:26

There is nothing wrong with being recognized or praised for a job well done; but Jesus is talking here about those who appease the world to be praised or advanced along the ladder of worldly success—even within ‘church’.  What happened to Jesus?  We have emasculated Him and made Him some namby-pamby, soft-soap sharer of love and peace.  Read the Gospels and you’ll find a man of power, boldness to speak God’s truth—so much so that they put Him to death for what He said and did!  Yes, He loved us so much that He went to Calvary—but He puts a call upon those who will come to Him.  He saves and transforms, He doesn’t just condone sin and send us on our way.  He calls us to HIS way! We are to be a reflection of His glory and righteousness before a world that is becoming more and more hostile toward Jesus, His truth and His followers.  The question is who are you following?  It’s a part of the gospel that we seldom hear.

“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?”  Matthew 16:24-26

And as He also said in Matthew 7!

“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.”   Matthew 7:13-14

There are two roads—two destinations, and only Jesus can save us and lead us on that narrow road.  Jesus’ own warning to His disciples that following Him would come at a high cost—did you notice the contrast between the “many” and “the few”?  Where is Jesus in your gospel?  Is He the name it and claim it heavenly slot machine in your life?  Or have you picked up that cross, denying self and clinging to The One who died for our salvation.  Which road will you choose?  Will you be among the “many” or “the few”?  it’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Will you come to the real Jesus or be deceived by the wolves in sheep’s clothing? (again see Matthew 7:15-28)

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

In closing I simply want to call us to pick up God’s Word and discover the real Jesus for yourself.  Bow before His cross in humble repentance of your sin (if you haven’t already), and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you and me!  Then take up that cross and follow your KING, declaring with Paul that “I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”!!!

“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!!!

Check The Mirror??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

16 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Be ye doers of the Word, Be ye DOERS of the word NOT hearers only, Be ye HOLY, Be YE Steadfast, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Forgetting or Remembering?, Hearing God, Help Thou My Unbelief, Here am I send me!, Holy Living, Looking up Or around?, Memory

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Check The Mirror???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #329

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity

of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.”  James 1:21-26

James tells us that there is a difference between “doers of the word” and those who are “hearers only”; may we take this message to heart and ask God’s help to truly be those who order our steps aright—God’s way, not as forgetful hearers!

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

“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

God’s Word reminds us that we are accountable for our actions, and only as we align our lives with God’s Word will we walk in holiness and honor, as a testimony of God’s grace before man!

It grieves me that so many have apparently disconnected a holy life from the claim of being a Christian, a believer in Jesus, and a true and faithful child of God.  Jesus calls us His sheep, let’s peruse the record of Jesus’ description of His own sheep.  Have you looked into that mirror to see truth and follow it, or are you a “forgetful” hearer who claims Jesus’ name while going your own way?

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.”  John 10:14-15

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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 10:26-30

Jesus gave His life that we might have life, yet so many claim to know Him and walk in their own way.  They want life from Jesus without death to self.  Are you His sheep?  Are you ready to follow The Shepherd or keep going your own way?  Jesus calls us to follow HIM.  Paul states this principle simply yet profoundly.

“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

It’s your choice so choose wisely, there is a test; the Lord’s return is eminent!  Are you ready for Jesus–the only way–on His way.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

 and from henceforth ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

Do you know the shepherd?  Have you been transformed by Jesus’ saving blood and grace?  He died for you—check your mirror, what do you see?  Whom do you see? Looking unto Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!