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Counterfeit Or Genuine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #430

05 Monday Jan 2026

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Counterfeit Or Genuine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #430

There is so much going on around us that claims to be of God, yet how can we know what is genuine—whether in our own lives or the lives of those we encounter (particularly on the media—of any kind).  So how are we to know what’s counterfeit and what’s not?  Simply put, there is only one way and that’s to dig into The Word of God!  First and foremost because it’s what God calls us to do, secondly it is the only way to discern truth from error, and there is a lot of error going around dressed up as ‘truth’!

One of the questions that I want us to consider today, is “If you belong to Jesus, why is your lifestyle denying Him, by denying what His Word says?”  If we have genuinely been born again to new life in Jesus, why are we so often, in essence, slandering The One that we call LORD?

“Study

to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker:

of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred,

saying that the resurrection is past

already;

and overthrow the faith of some.

19 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.”  2 Timohty 2:15-19

We are called to study—to dig in to God’s Word with diligence—that we might “shew thyself”—to display, live honorably and openly to the world as a true follower of Jesus—not bringing shame upon our Lord.  Are we able to “shew thyself approved unto God”?  Or are we not truly His, but faking it, living a lie, trying to go along to get along!  I pray not!  Whose approval are you seeking?  Does your speech betray Jesus?  Do your morals betray what His Word teaches?  Are your choices based on the worldly rather than the “way, the truth and the life” of Jesus! (See John 14:6).  Who are you following? People say pretty things, they sound good to the ear, but we are to try “the spirits” and not just go along to get along.  Paul warns us of those pretty sounding words.

“Preach the word;

be instant in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timohty 4:2-4

I truly believe that what Paul warns us of is surely upon us.  Check out this list.

“This know also,

that in the last days perilous times

shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

In Blanche’s paraphrase, men will adorn themselves with religion without any relationship to Jesus!  They’ll use His name and claim His power but is will simply be a “form” not reality—biblical reality!  As we noted above in 2 Timohty 2:19, God knows His own, and while you can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time—you can’t fool GOD.  Jesus had something pretty severe to say to this, let’s look.

“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 7:20-23

God knows!  And the day will reveal it—sometimes before then, the truth will be revealed!  God’s timing is always perfect!  And in a closing passage, one that is not very popular today, but it’s God’s Word and we need to know that truth is still truth whether people receive and believe it or not!  But let me preface this passage by saying that the key is Paul’s declaration of his confidence in the Corinthian believers, who “were” once participating in these behaviors, but he makes it clear that when Jesus saves us, there is a change!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators, nor idolaters,

nor adulterers, nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous,

nor drunkards, nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Some of the greatest words in all of scripture, “such were some of you: but…”!!!!  Amen and thank you Jesus—such was I–but I have been saved, born again by the Spirit of God; I’ve been washed, sanctified, and justified by the work of Jesus!  His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin!!!

How about you?  I pray that you will come to Jesus if you haven’t, and if you have been born again by the power of the blood, that you will make this a year of new beginnings in your devotion to our Lord and Savior—Master of all creation, including me!  Praise His holy name and thank you Jesus for saving me.  Look to the cross my friend, HE went there for you too!!!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

Amen and Amen!!!

Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

26 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Building up or Tearing down?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Forgiveness, He was born to die for our sin, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, The Word, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Turn to God's Word

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Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

We talked last time about being still and knowing that God IS God, and in this crazy, troubled, uncertain world it’s often hard to be still; yet we need to remember our childhood lesson to “stop, look, and listen”, stop running from God and turn around running to Him, looking up to seek His grace, mercy and wisdom, and listening to His direction for our lives…oh, what a difference we would see and know!  Take some time today to stop for a few, look up to Jesus, and listen for His voice; He is ever ready to meet you where you are—and He already knows where you are and what you really need!

“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

Jesus calls us to Himself!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus calling you?  Are you already His, but you’re confused, tired, frustrated—let go and listen to your shepherd—Jesus!!!

“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 is Lord—He is my shepherd—He IS God—and He IS coming back soon!  Are you ready!  Live today with Him, for Him and by His power, grace and truth (dig into His Word!!!)!  Who do you belong to?  Jesus?  The world?  Your fleshly desires and lusts?  Your greed?  Your goals?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12 

Get out of that dark cellar and look to the “light of the world” and follow Him. Again remember that childhood song we all sang about letting our “little light shine” and the refrain that taught us to not “let Satan blow it out”!  The enemy is ever after us, but we have victory in Jesus when we but stop, look and listen!  (that might make a great song…)!  And if you don’t know Jesus, don’t miss His voice calling you—the wrong way will always look appealing, but it leads the wrong way and only brings destruction and death.  Let’s examine Jesus’ call to all!  A call to His own to shine as a reflection of the true light of the world; if you don’t know Him, He calls you to choose the straight/narrow way and walk with Him.  The journey isn’t easy, but He is ever faithful to walk with us!

“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 5:14-16

Jesus’ great warning of the difference between the two roads; the two choice that we each face; it’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test (and a consequence—you are free to choose but the choice carries its own consequence.)!  Jesus knows your heart!  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time; you can fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool God!” Remember, the majority isn’t always right!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?

“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

“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 7:21-23

God is ever faithful to care for His own.  Jesus has never failed me, and HE won’t fail you either.  Jesus knows His own and He always cares—delivering right on time; and His Word is the standard not the opinions of the world—regardless of how popular they seem to be!  Trust Him today if you haven’t!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

 but all things are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 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 4:12-16

May the grace and love of Jesus overflow your soul today!

Amen and Amen!!!

How About MY Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 NO. 13

28 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Be ye doers of the Word, Clothed In His Righteousness, Sayers or Doers

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 13   How About MY Heart???

It seems that we are living in a world gone amuck with power, money, and disregard of The Lord God Almighty, HIS Word, and HIS SON!  But the real question is, “What about “MY” heart?”  I think Jesus’ words make it clear what we need to consider—and notice that Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders in this first passage.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”   Matthew 12:34-37

And as Jesus said in another place:

“And Jesus said,

Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 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 15:16-20

The Psalmist reminds us that what comes out of our mouth is under our control, and as we avoid the evil, we are to appreciate and desire the correction of the righteous—to both receive it, and to be that “iron sharpening iron” to others!

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not

eat of their dainties.

5 Let the righteous smite me;

it shall be a kindness:

and let him reprove me;

it shall be an excellent oil,

which shall not break my head…”   Psalm 141:3-5a

So, what is in my heart?  In yours?  Only God knows all about me, but what comes out of my mouth, according to Jesus’ words, will reveal what is truly in my heart.  I’m not talking about a stray word when someone bangs his thumb, but I am talking about the evil, vile words of hatred, spite, and cruelty that spew from many who claim the name of Jesus.  And there is a difference between what the Psalmist is describing as the reproof and accountability of the righteous toward one another.  James contrasts it as real faith and vain faith—that which is confirmed by a righteous, holy lifestyle, in contrast to a lifestyle of nothing but words!  Jesus talked about this in Matthew 7, (And just let me clarify, I don’t think Paul and James disagreed on faith and grace—James isn’t denying faith, but simply distinguishing the difference between “just saying so”, and “being so”!)

“What doth it profit, my brethren,

though a man say he hath faith,

and have not works?

can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding

ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead,

being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe,

and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works

 is dead?”  James 2:14-20

And as James also said (in the same vein):

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.”  James 1:22

Jesus makes the delineation clear:

“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…

…. 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 7:13-14, 20-23

We are impowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live in The Spirit and not the flesh if we will but yield to HIS work and obey!

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered

for us

in the flesh,

arm yourselves likewise

with the same mind:

for he that hath suffered

in the flesh

hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time

in the flesh

to the lusts of men,

but to the will of God.”  1 Peter 4:1-2

Paul gives us a key to walking in victory over our heart and mind, which leads us to victory over our tongue.  Are you and I heeding The Holy Spirit as we should?  Or going our own way?  As I’ve said before, it’s your choice (and mine), but remember there is a test!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…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 & 25

And in closing, Paul’s amazing reminder of what The Spirit’s work looks like in us!  I encourage you to spend some time and memorize these verses (at least 22-23) for your good and God’s glory!

“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.”  Galatians 5:22-24

So, the question we all must answer is, “How about my heart?”!  It’s what Jesus calls us to, and scripture is replete with the call to us is to be “salt…and light…” to a world lost in sin and darkness!  What will you do with your “light”?

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:16

Amen and Amen!!!