Tag Archives: Hebrews 13:5-6

The Question Of The Pearl??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #680

16 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Pearls, The Question of the Pearl?, Trust

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #680  The Question Of The Pearl???

 

“And the twelve gates

were twelve pearls;

every several gate was of one pearl:

and the street of the city was pure gold,

as it were transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple therein:

for the Lord God Almighty

and the Lamb

are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need

of the sun,

neither of the moon,

 to shine in it:

for the glory of God did lighten it,

and the Lamb is the light thereof.”  Revelation 21:21-23

I am going to do something that I seldom do, and that is take the liberty of offering some food for thought that is purely conjecture.  It is just a thought that I can’t get out of my mind.  As you’ve probably noticed I haven’t written as much as I normally do, but we took some time away to get some rest and refreshing; as most of you know it’s been a hard 9 months for us with the murder of my daughter, and seemingly just one crises after another, and the enemy so busy wreaking havoc and spiritual chaos on every hand.  Friends and loved ones going through great spiritual warfare, health issues, crises of faith, as the song says, “fightings within and fears without” (from Just As I Am, written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835—and as true today as it was then!)!  It is a busy time of spiritual warfare, but I don’t want to talk today about the warfare, but, in a sense, about the joys of victory!

In the passage above, we see the description of the New Jerusalem—the bride (see Revelation 21:9-11)—and its splendor, and as I was praying for a friend the other day, I was brought to this passage, and had the thoughts that I would like to share with you today (and I shared some of them with my friend already) concerning this reference to these gates of pearl.  We’re told that there are twelve gates, and each gate is a single pearl.  Now that is most mind-boggling in and of itself, but I want us to consider the pearl.  What is a pearl?

A pearl is an irritant.  I come from the Gulf Coast and love oysters—and a time or two I’ve gotten a surprise in my mouth, the beginning of a pearl!  When a grain of sand or some other irritant makes its way into the oyster and isn’t washed out, the oyster begins to deal with the irritant by secreting what God gave it, to begin to surround this unwelcome ‘irritator’ and layer upon layer is formed around this irritator until it eventually loses its ability to irritate due to the work of God’s design within the oyster, it becomes a smooth jewel that we call a pearl!  A priceless gem used to adorn the greatest of mankind.  This irritant has become a treasure rare, yet it cost the oyster time, effort and the ability to endure until the work was accomplished.

What does this have to do with me?  With you?  Well, I just happened to think about this process of earthly oysters and pearls, and I can’t help but think that the heavenly pictures that God gives us, have a purpose (which we often don’t understand this side of heaven); yet, I’d like to offer a premise for you to consider!  I’m not making a great theological foundation, but hopefully some food for thought about the great wonders of our God’s ways; and they are never fruitless or purposeless, so I was just thinking, could those pearls (those enormous pearls) be the picture of all of our trials, sufferings, and the “irritants” that God has allowed to come into our lives?  Could God be telling us that we will rejoice throughout all eternity for the things that HE used to conform us into the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus?

“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 8:28-31

Our God is working all, yes that’s “ALL”, things for our good.  He never says “OOPS”, and He never slips, or takes a nap when we find ourselves in the midst of horrible trials, sufferings and/or human disasters!  God is ever at work to make “you” and “me” who are HIS, into the image of the son!  Oh—glory, glory, praise be to our LORD!  This is that pearl of great price that Jesus talked about, and HE said that the one who found it, sold all that he had to purchase it!  What are you and I doing for HIM—with our “irritant”—with our present distress?  God wants us to give it all to HIM and watch HIM add to those amazing pearls an eternal reminder of HIS unseen purposes!  Can you see it?  We can if we will but stand fast in the truth of HIS sovereign grace, goodness and love for us!

“Again, the kingdom of heaven

 is like unto a merchant man,

 seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who,

when he had found one pearl

of great price,

went and sold all that he had,

and bought it.”  Matthew 13:45-46

So, what am I saying?  I’m simply asking you to consider the true value that God has placed on you!  HE gave Jesus to die for our sin, so that we could spend eternity with HIM; but He also saved us to be of value in this world to increase HIS kingdom.  What are you doing for Jesus?  Have you given up because the road is hard?  Have you thrown in the towel, and taken to yourself a ‘god’ of your own making?  And, no it doesn’t have to be a ‘little statue of gold or silver’, it can be your passions, your greed, your “acceptable” addiction, your bitterness, or unforgiveness, you name it, the list could go on and on, but suffice it to say, God is waiting for you/I to look up and stop looking at the lions but look up to Daniel’s God who delivers, for HE never fails.

“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.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords;

that the purpose might not be changed

concerning Daniel…

… 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?

21 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.”   Portions of Daniel 6:16-22

Are you standing confident in God, as Daniel did even when he was falsely accused, or (as my former Pastor Brad often says) are you “doubting, pouting, and dropping outing”?  You can choose to cave, or you can choose to determine to live in truth NOT the lies of the enemy of your soul, he who comes only to “steal…kill…and destroy”!  Please don’t let him steal what’s NOT his!  You belong to Jesus (and if you don’t yet, you can call on Him in repentance and faith to forgive your sin and save your soul, giving HIM your all), and HE IS working if you will but look up, stand fast on what you know, NOT what you “feel”.  God is there, you’re just not looking, not opening your eyes.  I implore you to consider the price!  Whatever you are mad about, hurt over or fed up with—tell God about it, HE CAN HANDLE IT (you and the problems!)!

“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

Let God work on your irritant—HE makes pearls out of them!

Amen and Amen!!!

Please Don’t Quit??? We Win! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Confidence, Consider Your ways, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25 Please Don’t Quit???  We Win!

 

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

This is for YOU my friend, for I know you are aching.  God knows, and I care!  I want you to know that you are loved by the creator of the universe—the ONE who died for YOU—no matter how many of Satan’s lies you have allowed to put you down—GOD LOVES YOU RIGHT NOW!  And so do I!

I know the pain of walking alone, of the disappointments of those around you who are supposed to love you.  I know the frustrations of being disappointed with yourself.  I know the pain of loss of the dearest things to your heart.  But my dear one, please know that you have those around you and those in heaven above who have led the way, who have left the example for us of faithfulness, and Job is just one, one of the most amazing ones, but there are so many, and the greatest of all is our Lord Jesus, who is standing right there, right now just waiting for you to run into HIS arms and find the healing, restoration, comfort and peace that will dispel the work of the enemy of your life and soul!  JESUS cares!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely

give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

But sometimes he is working, testing and pruning in our lives to do amazing things that we can’t understand!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in to the one who hates YOU and wants to destroy you and the the amazing things that God has in store.  He wants to destroy the work that you have poured out laboriously for so long.  Don’t give up—but look UP!  Look to The ONE who paid the price, who did all that HE did for you and me.  And don’t forget that I love you—that HE loves you—that there is one standing by you that LOVES you and is suffering to the core for, with and because of your pain.  Don’t give up—but look up.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:19-25

Please hear the cry of my heart, the tears that are flowing even right now—the tears of love, care and concern for you.  The tears that have cried over my own loss to the enemy of one so dear to me (just as you are), who lost the battle and was taken from me too soon.  My heart can’t bear the thought of watching you walk down a path of wrong choices as she did.  Even as I did, so many years ago; and still suffer from the scars, the sorrows and the consequences of those lies that I believed.  But praise God Almighty, HE rescued me before it was too late.  Please, my dear one, don’t give in to the enemy!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10: 9-11

And this good shepherd, my friend, is calling to you in that mountain of lostness that you are in right now!  Please stop what you’re doing and listen to that voice that is calling so gently to YOU!

“And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

 4 What man of you,

having an hundred sheep,

if he lose one of them,

doth not leave the ninety and nine

in the wilderness,

and go after that

which is lost,

 until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it,

he layeth it on his shoulders,

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home,

he calleth together his friends

and neighbours,

saying unto them,

 Rejoice with me;

for I have found my sheep

which was lost.”   Luke 15:3-6

All this because YOU are HIS!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

Even as Job knew, I know that you know truth—don’t let your pain hide that truth, don’t forget the goodness that God has poured out on you for so long, because of the troubles of recent days (long days, months and even years, yes, but not compared to the glory HE has for you!)!

“Then said his wife unto him,

Dost thou still retain thine integrity?

curse God, and die.

10 But he said unto her,

Thou speakest

as one of the foolish women speaketh.

What?

shall we receive good

at the hand of God,

and shall we not receive evil?

In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”  Job 2:9-10

Job knew—even in his pain, sorrow and confusion—he knew that his God never fails; that even when we can’t see what HE is doing, we can trust that HIS work is always for our good and HIS glory!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Just as Paul recorded for us, he asked for relief, yet God reminded HIM that HE ‘had this’; that HE is trustworthy—HE never fails—He never says “OOPS”!

“And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

You will never know how I long to carry this burden for you, and while I can help carry it with you, only you can decide to “stand fast in the evil day”!  Only you can decide to pursue the restoration of the JOY of HIS salvation—the salvation that HE has given you; not the salvation that we earn, or deserve, or work for, but the salvation that was paid for at Calvary with the precious blood of our Redeemer, King and Savior, Jesus!  And while HIS grace is sufficient, YOU must avail yourself of it, or keep on trying to reason things out in your own way.

Just remember that God knows your name, and so do I—and I keep it before HIS throne.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold

and of silver,

but also of wood

and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself

from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet

for the master’s use,

and prepared

unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:19-22

Please, my friend, don’t lose heart—but rather take heart in The One who LOVES YOU, and this one who loves you and prays for you even in this wee hour of the morning with tears, love and confidence in The ONE who hears and answers prayer.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore

come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

And I share just some final things that hold me fast and have held me for these many years.  May you and all to whom this reaches out, find hope, help and deliverance today!  My prayers rest on this message!

“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 Paul’s amazing declaration of our blessed hope!

“Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather,

that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”   Romans 8:24-29

With prayers and tears—you are loved.  We win!!!

“Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.”   Psalm 51:10-13

Amen and Amen!

Fear NOT!!! But How??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #668

15 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #668  Fear NOT!!! But How???

 

I know we are inundated with crises all around us, and many are engulfed in fear.  I’d like to share some encouragement today that will lift our hearts and our eyes heavenward!

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:3-4

The answer to fear is to either act or readjust what frightens you.  Some say that fear is sin, but I’ll have to disagree; fear is simply an emotion, like our other emotions, given to mankind by our creator.  The issue is who’s in control, the emotion or the person?  Fear can be of great benefit—if I see a snake, my fear causes me to ‘act’ and get away from the danger.  But when I let fear control me, I can do very unreasonable things, and let fear drive me rather than trusting God to lead me!  The Psalmist reminds us that when those baseless fears come (or even those that may be based in fact, but which we have allowed to haunt our heart and mind) we must simply remember to “trust in” my God who holds me in HIS hand.  And HE has promised not to let go!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able

to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

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

Jesus holds us in HIS hands, and we are safe in His care, so we need not fear, as the Psalmist reminds us, what ‘man’ can do to us!  Our God reigns, and is working all things for our good, even when we may not realize it!  We don’t have to fear but to have faith/trust in our God’s work all around us.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 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 8:26-31

Think on these things, and dwell in the presence of The One who gave Himself for you/me!  That’s why the author of Hebrews tells us clearly that we need not fear what “man” can do to us!

“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

May God’s blessing rest on you today, and may you find comfort and joy in His presence, His Word, and His sovereign rule!  You can trust Him in all things—without fear!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

HE Hears When We Call??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #655

27 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #655    HE Hears When We Call???

 

I simply want to share a bit of a reminder today, that we can be encouraged regardless of our circumstances.  Our God reigns in all—come rain or shine—come joy or sorrow—come conflict or peace!  God is ever at work to accomplish HIS purpose in all the earth.  I pray that his Psalm will help you to adjust your focus from the present crises to the security of the “God who reigns”!

“LORD,

how are they increased

that trouble me!

many are they

that rise up against me.

2 Many there be

which say of my soul,

There is no help for him

in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O LORD,

art a shield for me;

my glory,

and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the LORD

with my voice,

and he heard me

out of his holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid me down and slept;

I awaked;

for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid

of ten thousands of people,

that have set themselves against me

round about.

7 Arise, O LORD;

save me,

O my God:

for thou hast smitten

all mine enemies upon the cheek bone;

thou hast broken the teeth

of the ungodly.

8 Salvation

belongeth unto the LORD:

thy blessing

is upon thy people. Selah.”  Psalm 3:1-8

May you take comfort and encouragement in the faithfulness of our God.

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying, Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent

reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

No matter how often we stumble and fall, our God is an ever-present help in our successes and our failures—for HE never fails, and HE has promised to never leave us alone!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Only ONE Will Always Be There!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #643

15 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Darkness or Light?, Dependence, Discipline, Distractions, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Judgment, Just Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Perseverance, Righteousness, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #643   Only ONE Will Always Be There!!!

 

In these days of “quarantine” and being ‘home alone’ or for some “Not” alone, we are finding new ways to manage; whether it be cooking, or shopping in new ways, keeping our distance (without being distant!), meetings via the internet, learning to converse anew, being cut off from our loved ones, friends, neighbors and our church families; whatever the difficulty in your life right now, may we ever remember that our solution isn’t the weatherman or the government—even when they send out “checks”—for there is only ONE who has promised to always care for HIS own!  And the good, no the great news, is that you can come into His family, His fold!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30

But there is only one way to come to HIM, and that is in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—yours and mine–and HIS grace is extended to “whosoever will” come to Him.

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he  that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth me

shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will

which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

 at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:35-40

Jesus came to give His life that we might live, and HE is coming back again (and a lot sooner, I think, than we can imagine!) and take His own to Himself and set all things right on this earth!  Are you His?  Are you ready if He came today?  It truly is a matter of life and death!

I am so glad that I have Jesus as my Lord, my Master, My King; and I can trust Him to accomplish His purpose in me and use me as HE sees fit—no matter the cost, or the pain that comes my way.  I know, as the old song says, WHO holds not only “tomorrow” but The One Who holds today—be it sunny or gray!  He is trustworthy, and I choose to trust Him and obey His Word and His voice to my heart in the person of The Holy Spirit!  Thank you, Jesus!

We need to understand that Jesus loves the world, yet He not only loves His own but also disciplines them—that we may be “conformed to the image” of Himself!

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation

which speaketh unto you as unto children,

My son, despise not thou

the chastening of the Lord,

nor faint

when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.”  Hebrews 12:5-8

Pretty strong language with a message that so many ignore or reject today—but it is God’s Word!  If you can sin and have no discipline in your life, you better check out what you think saved you!  There are those who found Jesus’ own words too hard to accept, what about you?  The choice is yours but remember there is a test!

“Jesus said unto him,

If thou wilt be perfect,

go and sell that thou hast,

and give to the poor,

and thou shalt have treasure

in heaven:

and come

and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying,

he went away sorrowful:

for he had great possessions.”   Matthew 19:21-22

What are you clinging to instead of Jesus?  Don’t let your ‘idols’ keep you from the Master!  Won’t you let go of your fears, your greed, your dependency on substances (of whatever sort they are), your pride, or clinging to your own way, and take His “yoke upon you” and truly receive what HE promises and delivers, ”ye shall find rest unto your souls…”!  I pray that you will choose Jesus for HE loves you more than you know, and He promises to never leave you!

“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

I pray that you will hear the voice of this Jesus, THE ONE who loves you and wants to deliver you and give you “rest unto your souls…”!

Amen and Amen!