Tag Archives: Romans 12:1-2

Re-Newing Or Just Re-viewing??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #778

16 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Cleansed from all sin, Let This Mind Be In You, Let You Light So Shine, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Renewing or Reviewing, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #778  Re-Newing Or Just Re-Viewing???

 

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

I want to share a word of encouragement, warning and hope this morning; one I pray will help us “be” all that God is calling HIS own to “be” and will help us to consider what God is asking of us.  Not just what we “do”—which is important—but even more importantly–what we are to “be”!  For unless we have been changed by the power of the cross and the blood of Jesus, we aren’t HIS own nor can we “do” what God has called HIS own to “be” and “do”!  For ‘being’ must always precede the ‘doing’!  It may be the cause of much of our spiritual frustration.  (See Colossians 1:14)

“But now

in Christ Jesus

ye who sometimes were far off

are made nigh

by the blood of Christ.”   Ephesians 2:13

The author of Hebrews paints an amazing picture of what the “blood of Jesus” has done, will do and wants to ‘do’ in us as we draw near to the throne of God through the “blood of Jesus”!  And yes, the “blood” is what saves us, no matter how much it has been and is being discounted by many.

“Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest

by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way,

which he hath consecrated for us,

through the veil,

that is to say,

his flesh;

21 And having an high priest

over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near

with a true heart

in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled

from an evil conscience,

and our bodies washed

with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another

 to provoke unto love

and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together,

as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another:

and so much the more,

as ye see the day approaching.”   Hebrews 10:19-25

We can only enter that “holy place”—God’s presence—by Jesus’ blood, which was shed for us—for your sin and mine, and one of my favorite reminders from the book of The Revelation says it so clearly.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood.”  Revelation 1:5

John reiterates this same truth 1 John.

“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

WOW!  OUCH!  Sin is the issue for both the unbeliever who needs forgiveness unto salvation, and the believer who is to walk in obedience and holiness—being “in the light”!

And in closing, a most amazing passage that we ought to consider regularly to see if we are allowing God to “renew” our hearts and minds through His Word or are we just “reviewing” our own past wins and losses?  Whose mind is working in you and me?  Is my knee bowed before HIM, or is my nick “bowed” against Him? Renewing?  Reviewing?

“Let this mind

be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form

of a servant,

and was made in the likeness

of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:5-11

Amen and Amen!!!

The ONE Who Never Fails??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 12

14 Monday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Discernment, Don't believe the Lies, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Gospel, Jesus Never Fails, True Gospel

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 12   The ONE Who Never Fails???

 

As I sit here writing this evening, I am using some notes I made earlier, for my heart is heavy with the disregard that we, as a nation, a culture, often even the church, seem to have for God, His Word, and the pursuit of holiness.  Holiness is an oft-neglected term in regard to the biblical principle, I’m referring to the nature of biblical “holiness”, not the denomination; for “holiness” is not just for those who belong to “Pentecostal” or “charismatic” churches, but rather it is the call to all who belong to Jesus!  And it breaks my heart that we are so neglectful of it.

“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 1:13-16

Peter reiterated this principle in his second letter, talking about the coming of The Lord and the judgment that HE will bring.

“But the day of the Lord

will come

as a thief in the night;

in the which

the heavens shall pass away with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,

the earth also

and the works that are therein

shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then

that all these things shall be dissolved,

what manner of persons ought ye to be

in all holy conversation

and godliness,”  2 Peter 3:10-11

We hear a lot about the coming of Jesus for HIS own, but we seldom hear about the judgment that HE will exercise when HE comes! While believers will give an account of their deeds—not for salvation but in regard to rewards or lack thereof—the lost will have no recourse or second chance as they face Jesus as their judge (the redeemer they rejected) with no opportunity for grace, mercy, or salvation.  For as Paul made very clear in his letter to the Philippians, “every knee shall bow”!  For the question isn’t “will you bow”; no matter the disregard, despite, and disrespect that is shown to The Lord that we love and follow, every person “will bow” before Jesus—the ONE who has been appointed by God to save “whosoever will” come to the cross in repentance and faith in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for our SIN, and judge those who reject HIM!!  For sin IS the issue, and your choice matters.  (See 1 Corinthians 3:10-18, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23)

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Jesus came to save us “from” our sins, in contrast to the ever-popular gospel of today, which claims that Jesus will save us “IN” our sin!  Jesus Himself made clear the truth!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

….5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3 & 5

And if we look at Paul’s declaration of truth to the Philippian believers we find the cost of our sin—Jesus’ death on the cross:

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath

highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:8-11

Oh, how my heart grieves for those who are buying into a gospel of ease, convenience, and popularity, instead of the gospel that Jesus calls us to:

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

Those who follow Jesus are called to share in HIS suffering—oh NO!  Not suffering?  Yes, Jesus warned us that if we are truly following HIM there will be rejection, suffering and/or ridicule. Holiness and the “crucified life” are inseparable.

“Yea,

and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And Jesus own warning which is so often overlooked.

“Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.”  John 15:20

Salvation is expressed in “denying self”, “taking up our cross” and “following Jesus”—meeting Jesus at the cross—the place where HE died for your sin and mine!  But we are believing a lie when we hear and see a message that says that we can have Jesus and sin without recourse—Jesus says something different.

“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

Yet, ‘many’ are tolerating a new gospel that says we can do what we want and still belong to Jesus.  Jesus said even more about this dichotomy of the “new” gospel of our day—there is only ONE way to God, and HIS name is Jesus—the ‘narrow way’!  Kind of gives you a different take on being “narrow minded”!

“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

We seem to be overrun by the “many” culture—if it’s popular with the “many” it must be right—it must be ok.  Yet, Jesus says that the wide and broad way “leadeth to destruction” and it is chosen by the “many…. which go in thereat”!  How it grieves my heart that so many whom I love have bought into the lie.  They claim the name of Jesus yet go the “broad way” with no compunction for the holy things of God.  It’s popular to go with the crowd rather than the “narrow” way which is often a lonely road—but remember that Jesus walked up Calvary’s Hill alone for you and me!  Which way are you going?  I know I am considered “old fashioned”, but I truly believe that God hasn’t changed, and HIS Word still stands as the standard.  Neither politics, social media, or the corrupt entertainment industry set the standard—God has declared truth for HE IS truth, and The Word will be the standard of HIS judgment (Both the written & living Word).

“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.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

This Word of God has been, IS and ever will be the standard of judgment—always–whether you/I have accepted it today or not—and the judge’s name is JESUS—and HE IS the only way to God, and the One to whom every person shall answer!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is The ONE who never fails.  Ever!  For HE IS TRUTH!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

And HIS truth is still true whether you believe it, accept it, follow it, or not! Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus, the religious leader seeking truth, that He has the truth, but even more, HE IS the truth, and those who reject HIM will pay the consequence.  And you’ll pay that consequence–death, and hell–in spite of the fact that God loves you so much that HE gave Jesus to die in your place–if you fail to believe HIM and receive HIM into your heart.  (See Revelation 3:20)

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”    John 3:16-21

Jesus never fails—HE has paid the price for our sin; and for those who have chosen to believe and receive HIS gift of salvation, HE will never leave us or forsake us.  What are we willing to do, to be for HIM?  What are we willing to sacrifice for HIM?  Will we be found Holy or Unholy?  Which will you/I choose?

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

His promise to you and me is incomparable, and worthy of all our praise, devotion, and obedience.  But to obey, we must know what HE says, what HE asks, and know the power of HIS Holy Spirit who will provide all that we need for life and godliness.

“Grace and peace

be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4

Will you/I live in the light of HIS promises or are we falling to the lusts of the world?  You and I may fail, but Jesus never will, and HE promises to walk with His own!  Who is your God?  Your King?  Which road are you taking?  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“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!!!

 

I Wish I’d Known The Cost??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11

29 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Darkness or Light?, Let You Light So Shine, Lies

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11 I Wish I’d Known The Cost???

 

I would like to share some things that have been on my heart and mind lately.  As most of you know (those who follow my blog) it’s coming up on a year since my daughter was murdered, and while I miss her terribly, my thoughts have gone in a different direction recently, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.  I pray that my insights will bring hope, help and healing to some besides myself.

I was raised in a Christian home, and was blessed to have parents who loved me, taught me and had expectations for my life.  I was a young woman in the 60’s and 70’s and I bought into many of the lies of the enemy—the “me” lies—that my wants and desires were the most important thing in life.  I made some poor—no sinful—choices that followed that mindset; and while I chose to follow my “heart” in a fleshly sense, at the same time I defied the principles of God.  Sadly, many of the people I listened to (even faithful believers and pastors) counseled me unbiblically that “God” wanted me to be “happy”, and if a divorce would make me “happy”, then I should “go for it”.  I chose to pursue my selfish, fleshly lusts and desires dragging my children along for the ride—to their detriment and mine.

Without going into all the gory details, suffice it to say that God’s Word proved true when the counsel that I chose to follow didn’t!  Just like God’s Word said!

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin

will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

Much like the prodigal son (or daughter), I learned the hard way that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also pure and holy, and we must face our sin, repent and come to Jesus, as the song says, “Just As I Am”!  But praise God, HE never leaves us “As” we were!  But there are consequences to our sin; and while we have quoted this verse again and again, it is ever true and apropos in our culture today.

“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.” Galatians 6:7-8

My choices caused my children harm that I can’t forget, but by God’s grace I have tried to face them with truthfulness and hope for the future.  But one of the choices I made led to an abuse of my daughter, the effects of which followed her and me into her adulthood and ultimately led to some poor choices that ended in her death.  I can’t describe how I have wrestled with these issues of my past; and maybe you’ve had issues from your past that haunt you as well.  I’m here to tell you that God forgives, heals and restores as we yield to HIM, giving God the opportunity to transform us into the image of our Lord Jesus.  There is a verse in Joel that has brought me such comfort and courage on this journey of life, because as God promised Israel a time of restoration, HE gave that same assurance to me many years ago.  Many have asked through the years, how I can go on serving God so faithfully with a past that was so checkered, and I always reply, “It’s God’s grace!”, and I can go on because of God’s righteousness, power and grace as HE enables me to be and do all that HE saved me to be/do.  I can walk in the light of HIS forgiveness and cleansing, knowing that He forgives and cleanses as I keep the lines open between HIM and me!

“And I will restore to you the years

that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD

your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”  Joel 2:25

I have a relationship with Jesus based on His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin—and HE has imparted to me HIS righteousness, and called and equipped me to walk in it—in confidence of HIS adequacy not my own!

“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 5:21

Do you know Jesus?  Have you made a mess of your past? Is your present questionable?  Well, my friend, when you belong to Jesus, HE is ever working to make you a vessel of honor in HIS kingdom!

“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

If you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today.

“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

When we belong to Jesus, we are called to march to the “Jesus” drumbeat and not the world’s.  So, my friends where ever you are in life—look up—walk forward—and press on for, with and through Jesus.  He has won the battle for our LIFE, and in HIM—we WIN!

“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.”   Romans 12:1-2

In closing, a mighty word from the Apostle Paul!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—yes, I wish I’d known—but God did, and HE has picked me up, dusted me off (by the blood of Jesus) and sent me forth in HIS service.  But the price of choosing poorly can be high.  I wish I’d known, yet I know that HE is still waiting for you, and HE is a forgiving, life-changing God!

I simply remind us all to please choose wisely, so that you won’t have to live with regrets of the past.  If you listen to God today instead of the enemy of your soul, the regrets will be few, and the blessings abundant (and even if you’ve already made those poor choices—God is here to lift you up, restore you to usefulness, and glorify HIMSELF in YOU!). Jesus still saves and changes lives today—

HE is ready to transform your life today—

Because of His sacrifice on the cross!

Open that door—HE will come in!   Amen and Amen!!!

If Not The CROSS, What??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #755

29 Wednesday Sep 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Cross, Crucified With Christ

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #755  If Not The CROSS, What???

 

I am burdened greatly that we seem to have mindlessly set aside the CROSS in our zeal, compassion, and sometimes a simple desire to “help” people.  Yet, like Paul I truly believe we must, yes, we must, get back to the cross; for no matter how much kindness, love, compassion, and benevolence we bestow on those in need—be it spiritual, physical, emotional, or any other apparent need—when we put meeting their material or emotional needs over, or in place of, the need to bring them to see that they need the cross, we have missed the mark.

Paul had a lot to say about the preeminence of the cross and the Gospel of the cross of Christ Jesus.  Let’s peruse a few.

“For I will not dare to speak

of any of those things which Christ

hath not wrought by me,

to make the Gentiles obedient,

by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders,

by the power of the Spirit of God;

so that from Jerusalem,

and round about unto Illyricum,

I have fully preached

the gospel of Christ.”    Romans 15:18-19

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you

according to my gospel,

and the preaching of Jesus Christ,

according to the revelation

of the mystery,

which was kept secret

since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest,

and by the scriptures of the prophets,

according to the commandment

of the everlasting God,

made known to all nations

for the obedience of faith:

27 To God only wise,

be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.

Amen. ……”     Romans 16:24-27a

And one of the most powerful and foundational calls for us to be faithful to preach Christ and HIS CROSS:

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”    1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Nothing but JESUS–and the call for us to live unto Christ through the new life that HE gives to each one who comes to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for MY sin and yours! And by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, we can die to self and LIVE UNTO JESUS in all we are, and all we do!

“I am crucified

with Christ:

nevertheless

I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

Jesus Himself, makes it clear that it’s all about HIM, and only 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…

… 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…

… 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.”   Portions of John 3:4-16

The Apostle John clarified this “birth” in chapter 1 of His Gospel:

“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

And as Jesus declared before His death:

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men

unto me.

33 This he said,

signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

He died for YOU and ME—HIS life for mine!  What is your life preaching?  What “Gospel” are you spreading?  Jesus or some other message?  As the Apostle Paul reminds us again and again, our hope isn’t in “doing” good but it’s in “being” Christ’s and “having” HIS Spirit within us: “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!  Oh, if we could just return to and pursue devotion to “Jesus Christ, and him crucified”!  That’s the only hope that is real HOPE, and may we be lifting up Jesus and not man’s philosophies, plans or programs!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid

from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is

Christ in you,

the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach,

warning every man,

and teaching every man

in all wisdom;

that we may present every man

perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour,

striving according to his working,

which worketh in me mightily”.   Colossians 1:25-29

In closing for today (for we will come back to this theme again!) may we ever take Romans 12:1-2 as our battle plan, remembering that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15)!  Yet, we have a part—may we pursue God in every step—HIS way not ours!  And if I may add, ‘God’s will’ will never contradict or compromise HIS Word!

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

All by HIS power—not mine!!!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Amen and Amen!!!