Tag Archives: Romans 12:1-3

Like Jesus Or The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #177

21 Sunday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's Judgment, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Good News, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Teach The Children

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Like Jesus Or The World???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #177

I was asked about the last post, if I wrote it or had someone else write it; the person said it was more concise than I usually write.  It was a laugh for both of us, as I know I am prone to write more than that, but I try to write whatever I feel led to write.  For today, I don’t know where that will lead, but I just want to challenge each of us to examine ourselves in light of God’s Word.

“For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”  1 Corinthians 11:31-32

As believers we are called to judge ourselves and to examine ourselves to confirm our relationship with The Lord.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”  2 Corinthians 13:5

Paul also gives us the way to prove ourselves to be in the faith, and contrary to popular tactics, it’s not to put a nail in a board, or a piece of gum on a tree, or even nail it down with a date, or a profession of faith; it is biblically to examine ourselves to see if The Holy Spirit dwelleth in us, and if our life aligns with The Word of God, and HIS Spirit is known and seen in our lives.

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his…

…. 13 For if ye live after the flesh,

ye shall die:

but if ye through the Spirit

do mortify the deeds of the body,

ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.”                                   Portions of Romans 8:8-18

I don’t usually stay in only Paul’s writings, but they seem to be fit to our consideration of what God has called us to.  When we come to Jesus, HE transforms us from unforgiven to forgiven, from sinner to saint, from of little use to God to capable of doing “all things through Christ who strengthens me….”!  And Paul makes it clear in Romans 8:9, that if we have not The Spirit, we are not Jesus Christ’s!  God’s Word—not mine!

Paul goes on in chapter 12 to challenge us to be a living sacrifice, what we refer to in Galatians 2:20, as the “crucified life”!  It’s what empowers us to live not only the life described in Galatians but also to be the “living sacrifice” that Paul calls us to in Romans 12.  He also challenges us to reject compromise by not being “conformed to this world”!  In contrast he calls us to let the transforming life of Jesus to have reign in our lives, our witness, and our work in this world.  We are to be “in it” but not “of it”!

“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

My life is to be evidence to the world, that I belong to Jesus.  How can we claim to be His and yet reject HIS ways, HIS Word, and the power of His Holy Spirit to live victorious, sacrificial, crucified lives?  It saddens me to see the Holy Ghost, Heaven sent, blood-bought salvation dragged through the mud by the very people who claim to have been saved by it.

James says it more concisely that I could, so let’s consider this passage from his letter to the saints, and may we spend time this week, examining our own hearts, lives, speech, actions, and most of all if the love of God is pervading our lives or something else?  It’s your choice but choose wisely (and biblically) for there is a test; and it’s probably going to be a “pop quiz”!

“But the tongue can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation (lifestyle)

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

Amen!!!

What does your lifestyle say about your relationship with Jesus?

YOU Can Make A Difference??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Encouragement, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

YOU Can Make A Difference???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

“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

With all the strife, chaos, deceptions, and uncertainty around us, I just want us to take a look at what we can do right where we are, by the power of the cross—the power of Jesus’ blood and HIS saving power.  Let’s consider some of God’s truths today that I pray will encourage your heart and move each of us to do that which God has saved us to do.  One of my favorite verses which I often recite to myself, says that we are to live “peaceably” with all men, yet Paul made one of the greatest caveats in all of scripture; it is one that has brought great encouragement and wisdom to my heart in many places and circumstances, “as much as lieth in you…”, reminds us that we aren’t always in control and there are people with whom you can’t have peace—simply because they don’t desire peace, for they are disrupters.  There are those people who don’t want peace but stir the pot intentionally for the seeming pleasure they find in creating turmoil.  We don’t have to interact with them; I’ve often taught and shared with others that there are those that we just need to avoid having encounters with as much as possible.  It’s ok, no, it’s way more than ok, it’s often the best choice for real peace—just walk away graciously but walk away.  Consider this when those ‘irritants’ come your way, don’t get mad and engage, rather, get ‘moving’—with grace and dignity, but move on!

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire

on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:18-21

Let’s also consider Jesus’ own advice!  Oh, that I can learn (and practice) to do this better.

“Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you…

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”                       Matthew 5:9-12 & 16

I don’t think that Jesus is talking simply about political peace in our circumstances, although there are great people who do that, but there’s also a different kind of “peace” maker.  Paul shows us that our job is more importantly, to help people find the “Prince of Peace”, so they can truly know, have, and share “Peace” as‘the children of God’!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access by faith into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died

for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:1-6

I pray that these passages will bring you encouragement to go “about doing good” by the power of The Lord Jesus; and whether you are in the work force encountering people daily, face-to-face or at home full time, you can share peace, love, and joy as you converse, or send out cards, or prayer texts, or calls to those around you, or praying for those God brings to your heart and mind—let’s just share The Truth, JESUS, who gives peace, real peace!  May we share HIM at every opportunity, in whatever ways God may open before us.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters

according to the flesh,

with fear and trembling,

in singleness of your heart,

as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;

but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service,

as to the Lord,

and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing

any man doeth,

the same shall he receive of the Lord,

whether he be bond or free.”  Ephesians 6:5-8

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. Galatians 6:7

Amen & Amen!!!

From An Enemy To A Son??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #172

03 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Christ IN YOU, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Now is the time...., Obedience, One Day Too Late?, Only One Way, SIN, Sin IS the issue, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

From An Enemy To A Son???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #172

 

With wars raging all around the world, and the political crises all around us here at home, I just want to start this new year off with a reminder for us all, that when we belong to Jesus, when we have been born again by the “blood of the Lamb” who died that we might have life—eternal life—abundant life.  Yet not just life, for we are made sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

Sin IS the issue, and while it’s not a very popular topic today, it is still the truth, and Paul states it so concisely (which I seldom can 😊) that I want us to see how amazing God’s love, mercy, and grace are toward us, to extend this gift to us, pursuing us while most of us were clearly running from HIM!  I’m so glad that I finally “ran” right into HIS arms when HE spoke so clearly to my heart that day so long ago, but as fresh as yesterday!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3

And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 5:1-11

How grateful I am for Paul’s calling and gifts, for he left us so much truth, and it is such a powerful truth here, to remind us that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”!!! Praise God—Praise God—Praise God–“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”! (2 Corinthians 9:15).  Have you thanked God for saving you?  If you know HIM, how could you not continually thank HIM?  If you don’t know JESUS you can; it’s why HE came—to save, to redeem, to transform sinners into saints!  He will transform your life if you’ll but let HIM!  And we who are already HIS need to remember this too!

“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;” Romans 12:1-3

How, might you ask?  It’s pretty simple—not easy—but simple, I’ll let the Apostle Peter’s words speak.

“Likewise,

ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:5-7.

And the Apostle John has some great wisdom for us today, even as he wrote to the church so long ago.

“Behold,

what manner of love the Father hath bestowed

upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God:

therefore the world knoweth us not,

because it knew him not.

2 Beloved,

now are we the sons of God,

and it doth not yet appear

what we shall be:

but we know that,

when he shall appear,

we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself,

even as he is pure.”  1 John 3:1-3

My friends, in this beginning of a new year, won’t you invite Jesus to search your heart, and receive Him either as your Lord and Savior, or hear His voice of conviction and restore HIM to the throne of your heart and life.  May God’s insight, truth, and blessings rest upon your choices!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

And a final word from James, to remind us of the difficulty of the battle—but IN JESUS, we win!  But we are in enemy territory and the battle is real.

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”   James 4:5-8

Amen and Amen!!!

Grace IS Based On Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

11 Monday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Restoration, Righteousness, Salvation, The Word, Transformation, Transformed life, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grace IS Based On Truth???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

 

We live in a world where many, even in the church, have changed the gospel into an ‘easy-believe-ism’–just say this prayer, do this thing, join this group and you will ‘go to heaven’.  But I join Paul in his statement of faith!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed

from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth

in unrighteousness;”  Romans 1:15-18

Paul makes some things very clear as he proclaims his confidence in “the gospel of Christ”–and he makes it clear that the gospel is about “the righteousness of God”!  And it’s all about having the “the righteousness of God”–it’s not about a “get out of hell free” card; it’s about bowing before the cross and turning from our sin to JESUS!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Paul wanted the Corinthian believers (and us!) to understand that it’s not just “sayin’ so” but it’s receiving Jesus’ sacrifice and having HIS righteousness applied to us–which means, as he said here in chapter 5, that “IF” “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”!  Our nature is changed to a work-in-progress, being “conformed to the image of HIS SON”!  In other words, being in communion with Jesus, as HE describes in Revelation:

“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

 John also deals with this in the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

“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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:11-14

Jesus said a lot about this and while we won’t look at all He said, we will consider several passages–it’s not about what you “say”, or even what you “do”, it’s about who YOU have bowed down to; Jesus or the enemy!  Jesus’ answer to the religious leaders about the “sinners/sick” needing a physician rather than those who thought they were well; but we’ll preface Jesus’ response with Paul’s declaration of “who” needs Jesus!

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:” Romans 3:23-24

“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

You can have life and freedom from sin, or you can have death; and while the consequences don’t always show up immediately, sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more that you wanted to PAY; and the payment will usually come when you least expect it.  But, back to what Jesus said about who needs salvation.

“And it came to pass,

as Jesus sat at meat in the house,

behold, many publicans and sinners came

and sat down with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it,

they said unto his disciples,

Why eateth your Master

with publicans and sinners?

12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,

They that be whole need not a physician,

but they that are sick.

13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth,

I will have mercy,

and not sacrifice:

for I am not come to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance.”  Matthew 9:10-13

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance–how sad to me, that we have virtually eliminated the message of ‘repentance of our sin’ from the Gospel, but Jesus spoke clearly of the need for repentance.  For unless we see our own sin, which is what the Holy Spirit works to convict us of, we have no need of a Savior.  This is exactly what Jesus was telling the religious leaders–those who “thought” they had no sin, hence no need of a Savior, Jesus! (You can read this same statement from Jesus in Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31).  The Apostle John also makes this clear in his first epistle/letter.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

 and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10

Why am I belaboring this point, because so many are ignoring the need for repentance and transformation in sharing the Gospel.  Jesus came to save us FROM our sin, not IN IT!

“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 made it clear that HE IS The only way, and we must come to Him in repentance of our sin, and faith/trust in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!

“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

Is your life a testament to God’s saving, transforming work, or are you making God a liar by your refusal to face your own sin.  I am convinced that only desperate people come to Jesus, for only when we recognize the desperation of our lostness without Jesus will we bow before King Jesus: even those of us who for years counted on our ‘religious activity’ and ‘churchianity’!  Only Jesus can save–and HE doesn’t do shoddy work!  Have you been transformed by the grace of God, knowing the truth of what that means.  Paul paints the picture better than anything that I can say–just don’t forget what verse 10 says (for we often quote verses 8-9 without verse 10, which is incomplete understanding!)

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

Paul also conveyed this idea to the Roman believers, that we have a calling to righteousness, for God’s glory, our good, and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ–the true gospel, not an ‘easy’ grace that produces no change and costs nothing but a few empty words!

“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

Peter also reminds all believers to trust our God, live in humility, and a co-dependence upon one another that we may reflect the love and grace of Jesus in truth and power.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:5-11

In a wrap up of our study, a final word from Jesus’ encounter with a religious man who was looking for answers.  Jesus gave him answers that are still true today.  Will you receive them in grace and truth, through the saving power of the Lamb of God who ‘taketh away the sin of the world’?  I’m praying for you!

“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.”   John 3:16-19

I pray that you know Jesus and have been born again!  If you don’t know HIM, you can call upon HIM in repentance and faith today, just like He says above!  If you already know Him, He will enable you to live IN HIM.  Be blessed and walk each day IN JESUS. Crucified with JESUS!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

28 Friday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

“Give ear,

O my people,

to my law:

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable:

I will utter dark sayings of old:

3 Which we have heard and known,

and our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

shewing to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD,

and his strength,

and his wonderful works

that he hath done.

5 For he established a testimony in Jacob,

and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers,

that they should make them known

to their children:

6 That the generation to come

might know them,

even the children which should be born;

who should arise and declare them

to their children:

7 That they might set their hope in God,

and not forget the works of God,

but keep his commandments:” Psalm 78:1-7

God wants us to lead our children to HIM, and yet if our lives don’t match our ‘words’ or the mask we wear at church or in other public places, those little eyes and ears will know what’s real and what’s fake.  It seems that we are often more concerned with impressing people who don’t care, rather than impressing our own children.  When was the last time you shared your story with your children?  Have you been open and honest about your failures–even when we need to apologize to our children!  Yes, I said there are times when we need to apologize to our children for our failures, misunderstandings, and negligence–after all they usually already know and know we’re just covering up!  Truth is not only a powerful tool, but even more importantly HE is the very person of Jesus Christ!

“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

Do you believe this?  Have you told your children that you believe it?  Have you helped them come to HIM personally?  There is nothing more important than helping our children to be prepared to hear HIS call, to recognize HIS voice, to desire to know HIM because they see HIM IN US?  Are you living out the never changing character that Jesus desires for us to possess?

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“We love him,

because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:18

Paul paints a great picture of what we are to be before the world; and who more importantly than our own children?  Renewing our minds in Jesus and helping our children to know HIS ways through not only The Bible, but according to what they see in us!  And what they see in us has way more impact than we think!

“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

And in closing, as we try to do right with the “measure of faith” that has been given to us by God’s grace, love, and the power of the cross, may we pursue one of my favorite passages on parenting; not that I’ve always lived up to it, but my desire is to pursue it diligently.  May HIS Word and way pervade our life?

“Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign

upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts

of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

And God goes on to tell us that there will come a day–when we will have the opportunity to share what God has done and IS doing in our lives; and I believe if we’re living what we profess, it will bear fruit!!!

“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:”   Deuteronomy 6:20-21

Will our testimony match what our children see?  There are little eyes and ears watching and listening to you and me!  Every Day! TODAY!!!!

Amen and Amen!!!