Tag Archives: Jesus saves and transforms live TODAY!!!

Any Evidence??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #456

02 Tuesday Jun 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Don't let regrets rule your today, Enabler or Transformer?, Encouragement, Examine Myself?, Except The Lord build the house..., Giving or Getting, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?

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Any Evidence?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #456

Just a brief (hopefully) word this morning, as I would like us to consider our lives; are we living for the Jesus we claim to know!  Yet, just claiming to know Jesus isn’t what it’s all about!  It is about being born again by the Spirit of God through repentance of our sin (yes, my own sin) and believing/trusting in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, yours and mine; all of it—big or small, open or hidden, acceptable by man or not, anything that comes short of the glory of God is sin!  Scripture is replete with reminders of that truth!

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

John’s gospel reminds us that it’s a work of God not man!  No man can save you except the God/Man/Savior Jesus Christ The Lord, through the work of conviction of sin from the Holy Spirit, and receiving the blood of Jesus as payment for, and cover of our sin!

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

It’s all about Jesus and what He came to do for all who will believe and receive the completed work of HIS payment for sin at Calvary!  My point is that when we receive Jesus’ salvation for sin, it ought to be visible to the world.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-15

May our lives be an honor to our Lord Jesus and a testimony to the world of His transforming grace.  Paul says it better than I could. (And just FYI, conversation above refers to lifestyle not just our speech!)

“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

So, in closing, let’s determine to be the evidence to a lost and dying world that Jesus can and does save, deliver and transform lives.  He saves us “from “sin not “in” it!  Let’s stand up for Jesus today, and each day that God gives us.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus

the Lord,

so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him,

and stablished in the faith,

as ye have been taught,

abounding therein

with thanksgiving.”  Colossians 2:6-7 

Amen and Amen!!!

Take Heart??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #349

23 Friday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Jesus is able, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Take Up YOUR Cross, Teaching Always, We NEED an altar!

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Take Heart???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #349

Just a word of encouragement for this Friday, for The One who gave HIS all—for our salvation; and not only for our earthly life to have peace, hope and joy, but to remember that even when the trials seem to overwhelm our way, that our Lord, Saviour and King walked this same life and said this was the norm for those who choose to follow Him.  But take heart, as I’m often heard to say, remember, We Win!

“Behold,

the hour cometh,

yea, is now come,

that ye shall be scattered,

every man to his own,

and shall leave me alone:

and yet I am not alone,

because the Father is with me.

33 These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:32-33

One of the best ways to walk in victory is to know The Victor (Jesus) better and better through reading and studying HIS Word!  It saddens my heart that we are so easily distracted from the things of our God, for we can so easily be led astray by that which is trying to replace God, His Word, and the love of His Son!  (and that can be other than ‘bad’ things but can be ‘good’ things that are trying to replace Jesus and His Word.)  We must determine to be wise, discerning and committed to measure all things in this life by God’s Word, not man’s opinions!  And that is almost impossible without knowing God’s Word well, and following its directives, even (if not especially) when the cost is suffering or persecution.  May we follow our Lord rather than the world!  Peter gives us an amazing word of encouragement—may we heed it and press on!

“Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.

 

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear;

not only to the good and gentle,

but also to the froward.

19 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 2:17-25

Jesus has delivered those who come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for that (and all) sin.  And not to stir it up, but when Peter says that we are healed by Jesus’ stripes, he is referring to our healing from our disease of sin (see Isaiah 53 and see the picture of this statement), as he goes on to refer to our returning to our creator!

I pray that you will find hope and encouragement to follow the love and example that our Lord Jesus gave to us when He walked that awful road to Calvary for you and me!  May we walk the road He places before us in faith, truth and righteousness!  Remember it is His sacrifice that saves and keeps us!  May you be blessed as you pursue Jesus, His Word and His way before a lost and dying world in need of a Savior—may we be faithful examples of His truth, power and love.

“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.”  1 John 1:6-9

Amen and Amen!!!

What Are You Thankful For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

25 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Salvation, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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What Are You Thankful For???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

Today’s post is a simple reminder that I have shared before; we need to count not only our blessings of “things”, but even more importantly, our blessings of the people that God has placed within our lives.  So I just want to set the example.

First and foremost, I am grateful that Jesus still saves and changes lives, and that He spoke to my heart those many years ago (some 50 years I’ve walked with The Lord Jesus), and I fell on my knees and asked for His forgiveness and salvation.  Oh, what a difference a moment can make!  Thank you, Jesus for dying for me.

I am also thankful for godly parents who loved my siblings and me and taught us the virtues of loving, caring, sharing and thinking of others, and while they are now with our Lord, their impact remains a constant reminder of the power we are given to help or harm other’s lives.  I’m thankful for a brother and sister who love me and are still serving Jesus also, my brother a pastor, my sister, a pastor’s wife! We were so blessed with an extended family who loved us and lived lives worthy of following.  We didn’t have a grandmother (as both of our grandmothers had died before we were born, and a grandfather), while we had one grandfather still living, we didn’t get to see him very often, but we were able to make up a little lost time when he came to live with us for the last months of his life.  What a treat to hear his stories (true or not—who knows) and share his life for a while.

I am more than blessed with friends, my Miss Diane who has been my friend since we were preteens; and many friends who have come and gone, as I’ve heard: some come to stay a while, some for a brief time, some for a lifetime, but each one brings new insights—some joyful, some sorrowful.  There are those friends who have left us behind and joined our Lord in glory.  Oh how I miss them, but how I treasure the times we spent together—the coffee/tea we shared—the stories we rehearsed-the joy we shared.  Even thinking of those stories, I sit here smiling as I write this.

Then there are those who have tired us!  There are those whom we have tried and had to apologize to!  Praise God for forgiveness and restoration, it is such a blessing to enjoy restored relationships.  Yet for some of us sadness burdens our hearts for lost relationships, as we pray for them!

I’ve been blessed to live in many places (I was a Navy brat!) and find friends and people who loved me and impacted my life in countless ways.  There are names I can’t recall now but have glimpses of memories that linger still.

So, why do I share all of this?  Hopefully to spur us to action.  Is there someone that you need to call or go visit to thank for their influence, help, love or just being there?  Make that phone call.  Write that note, or text or email.  Send that gift that would make someone’s day!   And don’t forget to thank God for His gift of Jesus and all His mercies upon us.  Don’t forget sunshine and rain, cold and heat, tears and smiles, a baby’s laugh, a dandelion flower from a three-year-old, God’s love and provision, open arms of grace, and our hope in Jesus’ return.

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him,

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength,

seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works

that he hath done,

his wonders,

and the judgments of his mouth;”   1 Chronicles 16:8-12

And in closing a reminder of the grace of our Lord.

“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 14:14-16

If you know Jesus, rejoice in His love, grace and provision for us!  If you don’t know Him, you can!  He is calling today, if you will but hear and heed His call to repent of your sin and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  Amen!!!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice, and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

 “For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!

He Lives Within My Heart??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #287

13 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, He lives in my heart., Jesus is able, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Saves!, My sheep hear my voice..., Who's in your heart?

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He Lives Within My Heart???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #287

I grew up singing the old song “He Lives” written by Alfred Ackley, and I encourage you to look him up on the internet and read the story behind this song.  The last line of the chorus is what I want us to think about today, “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart…!”!  Amen to that—it’s how I know. How about you?

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write;

These things saith he

that hath the seven Spirits of God,

and the seven stars;

I know thy works,

that thou hast a name that thou livest,

and art dead.”  Revelation 3:1

Jesus’ words to a church, a group of professing believers who claimed to know Him, yet He goes on to call them to repent!  I encourage you to read the seven letters this week and ask Jesus to reveal what is in your heart; who is in your heart.

I want to share God’s Word today and ask you to peruse the passages and let God examine your heart.  Stop, look and listen!

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

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

and lead me

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

Jesus also makes it clear in the Sermon on the Mount.

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

 and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

If I might make an observation; we often relegate “mammon” to money, and it does include money, but the deeper meaning is anything that we allow to stand between us and God; be that money, fame, popularity, power, success, social standing, ladder climbing, you name it!  We are called to submit to Jesus as Lord and King of our life, not to put him in some back closet until we have a prayer request, or an illness or some other crisis.  There’s an old saying, while not out of scripture, it does lend itself to consideration, “If Jesus isn’t Lord of all, He isn’t Lord at all!”  You decide.  We can all be deceived, I was for many years—but Jesus is the only way, and if we are His, He is ours and the difference should show.  Let’s consider another part of this ‘sermon’, we’ll consider Jesus’ own words and call it a day!  Remember, saying so doesn’t make it so, and Satan is the “father of lies” and he does his job well.  Don’t believe everything you hear or even see—liars will go a long way to convince people of their stories!  Beware and listen to Jesus—and dig into The Word for yourself.  (If you want to see a most specific and truthful picture of false teachers/preachers/prophets read 2 Peter 2—the whole chapter!)

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

 ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:15-23

May we heed the words of Jesus!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Calling wrong right doesn’t make it so.  Be sure you’re standing on God’s Word not man’s!  Please?

“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

Amen & Amen!!!

Standing In Confidence??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #250

16 Friday Aug 2024

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Word

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Standing In Confidence??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #250

 

I have a few things to share with you this morning, and I pray that they will encourage your heart on this hot summer day (at least here in Oklahoma it’s scorching hot–), but no matter your location, our God is faithful in all things, and we can prevail over the evil around us!

Paul’s great chapter on the confidence that we can have in the resurrection and the return of our Lord concludes with an amazing passage of encouragement.  No matter your situation—God knows your grief, your sorrow, your fears, your uncertainty in the future, your confusion over the world situations—take heart for the Apostle John made it clear in The Revelation!

“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

So, let’s consider Paul’s words of encouragement—We win!!!

“O death,

where is thy sting?

O grave,

where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death

is sin;

and the strength of sin

is the law.

57 But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

 be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

 in the work of the Lord,

 forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:55-58

So, my friends, take heart, God has not stepped down from His throne, nor has He relinquished His omnipotent control of all things!  You can trust to His care, for He keeps His Word!  Always!  We can know truth because Jesus IS truth, and the only way to God and heaven.  So if you know Him, you can “withstand in the evil day” (See Ephesians 6:10-18); and if you don’t know Jesus you can, by simply repenting of your sin, and believing that HE is the one who paid for your sin by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on the cross.

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:5-6

Jesus loves us, and offers us life and victory by His death, burial and resurrection for sin.  Keep your eyes on the prize—JESUS!!!  He is coming again and sooner than we may think!

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;”   Titus 1:2

Amen and Amen!!!