Tag Archives: Galatians 6:7-10

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

14 Friday Aug 2026

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

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

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

“Therefore we ought to give

the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard,

lest at any time

we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast,

and every transgression

and disobedience

received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape,

if we neglect so great salvation;

which at the first

began to be spoken by the Lord,

and was confirmed unto us

by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness,

both with signs and wonders,

and with divers miracles,

and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

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

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

“For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

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

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

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

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

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

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

“For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command and exhort

by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness

they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

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

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

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in

damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord

that bought them,

and bring upon themselves

swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom the way of truth

shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

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

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

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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

Amen and Amen!!!

Choices Matter??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #448

07 Thursday May 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Choices And Consequences, Choose Gratitude and show it!, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Choices Matter???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #448

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

While verse 7 is familiar to most people, we often miss the context that follows; there is a marked connection between the flesh and its consequences, as well as between the Spirit and our life everlasting in Jesus.  When our life is marked by a continual sowing to and feeding of the flesh, we ought not be surprised when our consequences lead, as Jesus said on numerous occasions, to destruction (of one sort or another).

By the same token, a life lived in “the Spirit” will lead us to blessings beyond measure, a life of blessedness in the Spirit!  Paul doesn’t stop there; he goes on to remind us that this life of living in the Spirit will call for a perseverance in our  daily walk with Jesus.  It’s not a walk in the park, but it will be a walk of success when we “faint not”!   It doesn’t stop there, we are to exercise goodness toward “all men”, especially to them of the “household of faith”!  Our lives are to be marked by compassion and selflessness; unlike the world around us so focused on greed and self!

Paul talked to the Corinthian believers about generosity, and I want us to consider what marks our lives; greed or generosity?

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth

in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace

abound toward you;

that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written,

He hath dispersed abroad;

he hath given to the poor:

his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower

both minister bread for your food,

 and multiply your seed sown,

and increase the fruits

of your righteousness😉

11 Being enriched in every thing

to all bountifulness,

which causeth through us

thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Generosity doesn’t mean just giving randomly, it does mean having a heart willing to share as we have opportunity to help others.  It means when we see a need that we can legitimately meet, we are to ask God if that is a place for us to render service. As Paul says above, we are to remember that “having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…”!  We are to have a heart attuned to God and He will direct our steps and our actions; we are to cause others to have cause to give glory to God—never for our own glory or credit.  And that can be difficult in this “attention focused” culture; it seems everyone wants recognition for every little thing—the I deserve a trophy mentality!  I simply want to please my Lord, and for me, that means, as often as possible, doing things anonymously!

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men,

to be seen of them:

otherwise ye have no reward

of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms,

do not sound a trumpet before thee,

as the hypocrites do

in the synagogues

and in the streets,

that they may have glory of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms,

let not thy left hand

know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret:

and thy Father

which seeth in secret himself

shall reward thee openly.”  Matthew 6:1-4

Jesus calls us to live differently than the world (even the world within the church—for just saying so doesn’t make it so), especially when we talk about giving!  Our choices do matter—whether it’s our morals, our compassion, or our resources; we are called to put others before ourselves; and Paul has a lot to say about this, so I want us to consider a couple of passages from Paul which remind us  that our lives are to be evidence of the transforming power of Jesus Christ through His sacrifice for our salvation, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of every genuine believer!

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger,

and clamour, and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

    hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other

better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things,

but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:”   Philippians 2:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. May Jesus be seen in our lives, our work, and our care for others!

His coming is near!!!

Perfect Peace Or Panic??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #260

16 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by in Daniel's choices, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faith, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Peace, Peace of God, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Perseverance, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Tuned In To Jesus, Weariness

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Perfect Peace Or Panic???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #260

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

 whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD

for ever:

for in the LORD JEHOVAH

is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace can be an elusive commodity—but it is ever found in Jesus and Father God when we determine to set our eyes on God!  To have this peace requires some effort—first of all we must know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and then to commit ourselves to making Jesus a priority.  That is so much easier to sit here and type into this post, than it is to flesh it out in everyday living.  I am committed to this discipline, but when life interferes—like from the moment my feet hit the floor!  Although my goal is to put Jesus first in all things, I get into the kitchen and instead of making my tea and getting to prayer time, I see dishes that need to be loaded into the dishwasher, or crumbs that need to be swept up, clothes that need to be put away, the trash needs to be taken out before the trash man comes, or a thousand other things of less import.  But being human, these things so easily drag me away, and my time is not used where I intended to use it–to be with my Lord.  Now, let me say that even when I’m taking out the trash or watering, or walking I walk with Jesus, but there is a commitment that we must make to see that our “mind is stayed on thee”!

Let’s use scripture to hopefully help us do a better job of keeping our mind stayed, fixed and tuned to Jesus!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us

not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

As we walk with Jesus and keep ourselves immersed in His Word, we can draw closer to our Lord than most people will understand; for many in our culture want Jesus to stamp their ticket to heaven but they have no desire to serve or follow Him in their life.  How about you?  Are you counting on a punched-ticket, or a personal relationship with the Lord of the universe?  If we know Him Paul reminds us that we can be faithful and successful in all the things that God leads us to.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:12-13

I can because Jesus Christ my Lord paid the price at Calvary and purchased my soul, heart and life—what less could I do but keep my heart and mind set on Him! No!  I don’t get it right all the time, but I do get up when I fall, repent and seek His forgiveness, cleansing and hope for now and forward, because His Word tells me I can do that!  (I encourage you to read all of 1 John, it’s only a few chapters yet they are powerful and life changing when we heed what John reveals Jesus more and more!)

“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.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

In bringing these thoughts to a close for today, I want us to consider how we stay in that “perfect peace”; and the author of Hebrews gives us some solid advice, if we will but heed it (and Hebrews 12 is another chapter that I’d encourage you to read in its entirety!)

“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

And just FYI, this great cloud of witnesses is not referring to a great arena in the sky applauding loudly to cheer us on, rather (in my opinion) it is a reference back to chapter 11 which many refer to as the chapter of faith, recounting the faithfulness of God to His own, regardless of their circumstances—check it out!

As I want us to get back into the book of Daniel, we see that Daniel, and his friends, are excellent examples of having that perfect peace and how to keep it, in spite of their circumstances or the choices of their peers!  How about you and me?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself…

…. 17 As for these four children,

God gave them

knowledge

and skill in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:8 & 17

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. Peace is an amazing place to dwell; so let’s be Daniel’s in a world of lions (and we’ll get to that as we go, Lord willing.)  What an amazing life of faith, peace and power Daniel and his friends lived—even though their circumstances were less than what we would call ideal.  Remember God is faithful to His Word in every single circumstance!  May you pursue the God of peace, keeping your eyes on the prize—Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!

Today Is Important??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #251

18 Sunday Aug 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Word, TODAY, Today And Tomorrow, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Tomorrow, Too Late To Call?

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Today Is Important???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #251

“Now therefore

fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

We all fall into the habit of thinking and saying, “I can do that tomorrow! Right?” Well, maybe we can and maybe we can’t; as Joshua told the people of Israel, we are to “choose you this day” what we will do, whom we will follow, whom we will serve—God or ourselves (and remember whatever you put before God is your choice!)!  We can only live in the todays; for only God knows what tomorrow holds—and you can trust Him!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

We must remember that the choices we make today, will affect tomorrow, and sometimes many tomorrows; that is why it is important to choose wisely today. I want to share a few things that may help us make wise choices.  The Psalmist shares great principles of living godly, it’s one of my favorites.

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law

doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

Consider the contrast that the Psalmist makes between the one who chooses to delight in God and His ways, and the ungodly who go their own way—and don’t forget that God keeps accurate accounts, and there is a consequence to every choice.  You and I are free to choose our actions but not the consequences.  And remember we will always reap what we sow, later than we sowed it, and more than we sowed!

Notice the principle here, the blessed man, chooses to cling to godly things and avoid the harmful things that will draw us away from God; yet when we choose the things of God, we will be able to stand like a tree “planted by the rivers of water”; fruitful, unwithered, and successful in following God’s path.

The ungodly “are not so”!  Remember that!  Make wise choices.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light

with darkness?”  2 Corinthians 6:14

Be wise in your choice of companions and activities.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications   (or companions)

corrupt good manners.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

The go-to reminder of scripture is from Paul’s letter to the Galatian believers.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

 if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

Remember that tomorrow will bring and reveal the consequences of what we choose today.  Choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Have You Checked Your Crop??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #136

27 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, SIN, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Watch Your Words, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter

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Have You Checked Your Crop??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #136

 

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

For those of you who may not know, I am married to a farmer (a retired one, but still a farmer at heart, for ‘Once a farmer, always a farmer!”), and that is an amazing adventure, in and of itself, but farmers know about sowing and reaping. You’ll never reap what you don’t sow at all—You won’t reap different than you sowed (other than the weeds that we all fight, physically and spiritually, for remember, we “wrestle not again flesh and blood, but principalities…..”), if you sow good, clean seed, you’ll reap the same—You won’t sow what you don’t have, without seed there is no crop!  Yet, you’ll always reap more than you sowed (example 1 kernel of corn produces an ear of approximately 1100 kernels!!!), the kind that you sowed, and later than you sowed (it takes time for a crop to sprout, grow, and produce a harvest!)!  But what you sow you will reap—sooner or later!  God says so!

I find it amazing that people talk about God and heaven, especially when there’s been a death near them, like they are something ‘good’!  Yet, they have no regard for God, His Word or His Son, Jesus Christ The Lord, in their living—they speak what they want, regardless of the vulgarity, profanity, or lewdness, and they act how they like.  James has a most profound word about that.

“But the tongue can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth

at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:8-13

James is reminding us that if we claim to belong to Jesus our lives—especially our tongues—out to reflect Jesus, not the vileness of the world, by the power of The Holy Spirit who dwells within those who are born again by HIS power. Jesus imparts HIS Spirit, love, and power to those who genuinely call upon Him in repentance and faith/trust/belief in HIS substitutionary (in my place), atoning (satisfaction for a wrong/debt due) sacrifice (Jesus died in my place for my sin— “for God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son…”)!  All this because He loves us—you and me—sinners in need of a Savior!

“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 1:12-13

As Jesus told Nicodemus, the religious leader who came to Him by night to know what he could ‘do’; and Jesus told HIM!

“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.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 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 3:3-7

This “new birth” is what Paul was referring to when he described the children of God in 2 Corinthians 5:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

…. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-& 21

God put our sin upon Jesus (who knew no sin—see Hebrews 4:15) that we who come to Him and receive this new birth, also receive the very “righteousness of God in him”!  It’s relational, it’s not about my works but the work of Salvation that Jesus completed at Calvary, for all who will come to HIM in that repentance and faith that scripture teaches again and again.  If Jesus is in you, can anyone see it?  If not, won’t you come to HIM today, HE is ready to give you that new heart full of HIMSELF!  If you claim the name of Jesus, what’s coming out of your mouth—HIM or YOU, ‘the you’ that has allowed the world to invade your heart and push Jesus to the side?  Only you can answer that question; here’s what Jesus said about the mouth; and note in this context, that Jesus is speaking to “religious leaders”, I say again, “sayin’ so doesn’t make it so”, only the new birth can!

“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

  In other words, you can wash your hands multiple times a day, you can claim your ‘religion’, your ‘works’, your ‘family’, but if your heart is unchanged by Jesus, your mouth will betray what is really in your heart!  Your choices will come back to haunt you! Paul said above that we are in reality mocking God, and HE knows the truth!  Do YOU?  Jesus came to die for sinners just like me!  Just like you!  I’ll share with you today a rather lengthy passage from Paul that paints a glorious picture of what we receive in Jesus; we are to be a reflection of the Savior within, a mirror of HIS love, HIS Spirit, HIS work, HIS grace to a lost and dying world.  Are you reflecting Jesus?  Or has your mirror gotten dirty?  Do you need Jesus to forgive, restore and cleanse you?  HE will!  The Apostle John gives great truth and hope for all who will receive it.

“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.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:6-10

Please don’t mock God, but come to HIS throne of grace for forgiveness in Jesus, your harvest is at hand; what will it yield?

“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.”  Romans 5:1-8

How about your harvest?  Are you mocking God, or do you love HIM and walk in HIS ways.  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  I’m praying for you!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.”

Amen and Amen!!!