One thing Jesus said was, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.†John 8:12 NIV
I say that I understand one thing this means is that if I want His fellowship I must be obedient to Him.
Thanks, Deborah! I love light, flashlights, lamps, pole lights, lady bug lights and star light. There is a Light and Lamp for my feet and path! They never burn out unless I stomp it out with my selfish ways. Selfishness puts a dimer on the lighted path because The Light wants any and all to walk this lighted path.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV). In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
I say: Sara, get out of the way so the Light shines brighter!
Jesus said, ” I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” (Jn. 14:6)
I say….that if I want to see the Father God when this earth is over for me, the way to get there is through salvation through the precious blood of Jesus Christ His Son.
Then I have to acknowledge the Truth of this revelation that Jesus Christ IS HIS SON.
And then, as I am obedient to this Truth and walk in His path ….I receive eternal LIFE
If anyone comes by another path he/she neither has the Father nor the Son. Whoever has the Son, has the Father. Whoever does NOT have the Son neither has he/she the Father.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?'” (Matthew 16: 24-26)
I say: following Christ has responsibilities and commitments that should take precedence over our schedules and lives. Worldly gain means nothing, where one’s soul spends eternity is everything.
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV
I say: As Needles has stated; “following Christ has responsibilities and commitments…”read her full statement above…and part of this responsibility is to understand and provide Christian training and disciplining with fellowship in a church gathering on a steady basis for our children.
Jesus said, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know Who I am? Anyone who has seen ME has seen the Father!
I say….that Jesus and the Father God are ONE (including the Holy Spirit)
Whoever says he believes in God but excludes Jesus Christ the 2nd Person of the Trinity….has neither the Father God , the Son, Jesus Christ nor the Holy Spirit. Those who speak of “God” but deny Jesus Christ, are deceived and idolators.
You know, Sara, that lovely, glorious Jesus…nonplussed by Philip’s awkward question, went on to explain and teach in His gracious and merciful manner:
“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
And I say…..I shall come and bow down at Your feet Lord Jesus. In Your presence is fullness of joy. There is none like You and You are Lord and God and Savior and Deliverer and Prince of Peace and Bridegroom. And I say I believe in You, Lord Jesus and I believe You and Father God are ONE.
Jesus said in John 10:27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
I say: eternal life is a result of a relationship with Jesus where we understand our submission and obedience to Him in order to qualify for this life, otherwise we will not have it.
“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ No, not seven times’, Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'”
I say: This is a verse I need to read over and over again, and continue to practice. I sure want forgiveness, from the Lord, and if I do, then I must forgive.
And Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I say….I believe (from different Bible translations and godly teachers) that “poor in spirit” denotes humility and a humbling of oneself before the Lord God and deferring to our brothers and sisters, preferring others before ourselves. If we are pushing our own agenda; if we are allowing ourselves to be offended; if we are always defending our position (whether wrong or right) or making excuses or explanations for our behavior or our attitude or our point of view (WHETHER IT BE WRONG OR RIGHT) then humility of spirit is not in us. We are still prideful and egotistical and pushy.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the humble, the meek…for the Kingdom of Heaven shall be theirs.”
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, worries and anxieties and I will give you rest.” (Mat.11:28)
I say…..Why do I groan and moan and complain and rehearse over and over, pains and problems and political perplexities? Jesus said I can come to Him at any time of the day/night, and Peter tells me in no uncertain terms, “Give all my worries and cares to The Lord Jesus Christ, for He cares about me.”(1Pet. 5:7)
What more could I ask for than Someone I can trust with my very life…whatever the problems?
Matthew 20: 24-28 says: “When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” (see Matthew 20: 20 – 23 to find out what their request was) “But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”
I say: Jesus makes it clear what our position should be, don’t you think??
Yes, Needles. I totally agree because…… Jesus said, “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. In the same way, the last will be first, and the first will be last, because many are called, but few are chosen.” (Mat. 20:16)
I say…Seek the Kingdom of God first, and the face of the Lord first,
and all these things will be added unto us. I think that means we will come in FIRST….like the First Fruits. But if we seek the “things” first, because we need them and that pre-empts our devotion and insatiable pursuit of Christ making us luke-warm in our God-oriented endeavors, then it looks like we might come in “last”.
I LOVE THIS BLOG!!! IT IS ADDICTIVE and spurs one on to look more and more into the Word and as to not only what Jesus Said, but what does what HE said mean to me in the now and present. YAY!
Needles, I agree with you on our responsibility for forgiveness and for servanthood. Jesus sure gets the limelight of of us and onto others and Himself and that sure is a joyful place to be.
In Matthew 24: 36 – 44, Jesus said, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. ‘Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.'”
I say: Lord, help us to keep our focus on You.
Yes,’ Lord, Help us to focus on you!’ There are so many distractions that we allow into our lives that keeps our focus unfocused. As I think on the word ‘focus’ my mind takes me to decorating a room or designing a classic outfit to wear. One usually looks for, finds and designs their creative idea of color, texture, and purpose around their focal point. We do the same in our faith. Needles has introduced us to our focal point where we are to keep our eyes if we want the overflow of blessings on a daily basis and eternally.
The Psalmist sings in Psalm 66 and verse 12, “Lord, you brought us to a place of abundance†We are to keep believing and keep expecting, the return of our Lord, and it will be just a matter of time until He turns things around in our favor!
Dosen’t the Word of God also say that we will receive a special crown if we look for His return. Maybe I found it, II Timothy 4:8 NIV “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Looking for His return sure can maintain a focus for we wouldn’t want to be preoccupied with other things and miss Him. Focus also says to me that our eyes see clearly and are not dimmed by darkness… our vision is not blurred or distorted. In Luke 11:34 Jesus speaks about having unclouded vision …”Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is unclouded, your whole body is full of light. But when your eye is evil, your body is full of darkness.” (God’s Word)
I like how the message puts it:
“Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.”
Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
I say….unlike Thomas, we DO know the way to the place where Jesus is. For the way to Heaven is Jesus Christ HIMSELF…the Way the Truth and the Life. If I want to go to Heaven then I must go through obedience to Jesus Christ Who through His word gives me Truth and Life Eternal.
As I take time to read and reflect on our postings I am finding out Jesus has a lot of BIG things to say. And, certainly not boring. TV, movies and sports has more than imagination to keep up with this.
Lot of very mysterious things to figure out? Wonder what it takes to find the mystery of these highly secretive thoughts, words and promises Jesus gave us.
Sara, you ask what it might take to find the mystery of Jesus’ promises. Well,
Joshua says, :”Do not let this Book of the Law (God’s WORD) depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL”
This would be a very valuable clue to help solve the mystery.
So that means that I must read the Word and then live it NIGHT AND DAY; do what it says…if I expect to receive the precious promises of Jesus Christ’s.
Here’s another clue to the mystery..”Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked and ungodly, or hang out with sinners, or join in with mockers.”
What that says to me is that sometimes we get “thrown in” with sinners who might be our relatives, old friends, co-workers, etc. Now, it is one thing to be a witness and intercessor for them but I do not have to throw in my lot with them even if they are related to me. That’s a tough one but look at the reward that Jesus promises those who give up fathers and mothers and children (and ungodly spouses) for the Gospel’s sake.
Another…..”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”
A preacher from India told us….. “check up on yourself”. If I want to see the Kingdom of God and inherit the promises
“Wonder what it takes to find the mystery of these highly secretive thoughts, words and promises Jesus gave us.”
Perhaps one answer I see is from Mark 4:10-11 where Jesus tells those who are close around Him and His disciples that it’s been given to them to know the mysteries and to everybody else He has to speak in parables.
I am thinking we can know and quote scriptures like the Pharisees and Saducees but still stay at a distance from Jesus…don’t get too involved in putting into practice what He just told us or follow Him where He goes. Those that are close listen and watch and then stick close to Him. If He makes a sharp right turn, follow..or a sudden stop, stop…or a full force go now…go. And then the mysteries make sense as He reveals them.
Debi, look what Mark 4: 9 says, along with the footnotes. “Then he said, ‘Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.’ (footnotes) “The hearing Jesus wants from us is not the kind we use when we listen to background music or when someone starts to recount a long story we’ve already heard. To truly ‘hear’ Jesus’ words is to believe them, to use them immediately in decisions and attitudes, and to base life on them–your recreation and work, family plans and money matters, praying and singing. To hear Jesus’ words is to make Jesus your true Lord. What is Jesus saying to you?”
Guess I need to do as the preacher from India told MG….”check up on yourself” (myself) Am I listening to Jesus as I would be listening to background music or when someone starts to recount a long story I’ve already heard?
That’s a good explanation on your footnotes Needles and a good final question you ask. I say: head knowledge does me and no one any good if I can’t apply it.
Luke 23: 39-43 “One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.’ But the other criminal stopped him and said, ‘You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
I say: who can reject such a loving Jesus….even in His unbelievable ANGUISH, He forgave a repentant sinner?
Jesus says, For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus says to Peter, “Not seven times but seven time seventy you must forgive your brother.
I say, I must look for every opportunity to forgive anyone who has done anything or said anything against me because Jesus said to. So I must find it in my heart to forgive and I can only do that with the help of the Holy Spirit Who trains me to see others through the eyes of the Spirit and with the eyes of Jesus Christ.
Jesus says, 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5: 13)
I say: “Pick up your bible and study the word, pray, and walk by faith in Jesus Christ and others will know your seasoned with Jesus as you have filled up with HIM so your mouth will speak spilling over into others to season with Jesus.”
Mouth? Doesn’t the mouth words come from the heart? Salt? Isn’t salt the truth, integrity and kindness that pumps from the heart? Therefore, when the mouth spews out useless words they have no use except to be trampled underfoot it leaves the spewer in pretty bad conditions, doesn’t it?
Yes it does…very bad condition. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Sarah Hornsby writes in her book, AT THE NAME OF JESUS, (and I quote her and paraphrase), “Jesus says, ‘I am the righteous Judge and I am your Lover. I see your every thought and deed. DON’T THINK I TAKE LIGHTLY the wrong in you. I took it in blood poured out for you. Hate the evil in yourself enough to allow My blood to free you…” (sarah hornsby AT THE NAME OF JESUS (c) 1983)
I say, Dearest Jesus, I want to hate the evil in me. I don’t want to cling to old, ungodly habits, ways of thinking and doing. I want my heart to be filled with insatiable love for you I don’t want to “shrink away in shame from Him at His coming.” (1Jn.1:28)
I plead the precious blood over my sins and ask for forgiveness and I pray for all those I love and cover them with Your precious blood, in Jesus’ precious and forgiving Name…amen
thedailylily.com 
One thing Jesus said was, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.†John 8:12 NIV
I say that I understand one thing this means is that if I want His fellowship I must be obedient to Him.
Thanks, Deborah! I love light, flashlights, lamps, pole lights, lady bug lights and star light. There is a Light and Lamp for my feet and path! They never burn out unless I stomp it out with my selfish ways. Selfishness puts a dimer on the lighted path because The Light wants any and all to walk this lighted path.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV). In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
I say: Sara, get out of the way so the Light shines brighter!
Jesus said, ” I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” (Jn. 14:6)
I say….that if I want to see the Father God when this earth is over for me, the way to get there is through salvation through the precious blood of Jesus Christ His Son.
Then I have to acknowledge the Truth of this revelation that Jesus Christ IS HIS SON.
And then, as I am obedient to this Truth and walk in His path ….I receive eternal LIFE
If anyone comes by another path he/she neither has the Father nor the Son. Whoever has the Son, has the Father. Whoever does NOT have the Son neither has he/she the Father.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?'” (Matthew 16: 24-26)
I say: following Christ has responsibilities and commitments that should take precedence over our schedules and lives. Worldly gain means nothing, where one’s soul spends eternity is everything.
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV
I say: As Needles has stated; “following Christ has responsibilities and commitments…”read her full statement above…and part of this responsibility is to understand and provide Christian training and disciplining with fellowship in a church gathering on a steady basis for our children.
Jesus said, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know Who I am? Anyone who has seen ME has seen the Father!
I say….that Jesus and the Father God are ONE (including the Holy Spirit)
Whoever says he believes in God but excludes Jesus Christ the 2nd Person of the Trinity….has neither the Father God , the Son, Jesus Christ nor the Holy Spirit. Those who speak of “God” but deny Jesus Christ, are deceived and idolators.
WHOA, MG, That was a rather pointed question Jesus asked? Did Philip answer Jesus?
Jesus sure made His point very clear and precise. No room for misunderstanding.
You know, Sara, that lovely, glorious Jesus…nonplussed by Philip’s awkward question, went on to explain and teach in His gracious and merciful manner:
“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
And I say…..I shall come and bow down at Your feet Lord Jesus. In Your presence is fullness of joy. There is none like You and You are Lord and God and Savior and Deliverer and Prince of Peace and Bridegroom. And I say I believe in You, Lord Jesus and I believe You and Father God are ONE.
Jesus said in John 10:27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
I say: eternal life is a result of a relationship with Jesus where we understand our submission and obedience to Him in order to qualify for this life, otherwise we will not have it.
“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ No, not seven times’, Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'”
I say: This is a verse I need to read over and over again, and continue to practice. I sure want forgiveness, from the Lord, and if I do, then I must forgive.
And Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I say….I believe (from different Bible translations and godly teachers) that “poor in spirit” denotes humility and a humbling of oneself before the Lord God and deferring to our brothers and sisters, preferring others before ourselves. If we are pushing our own agenda; if we are allowing ourselves to be offended; if we are always defending our position (whether wrong or right) or making excuses or explanations for our behavior or our attitude or our point of view (WHETHER IT BE WRONG OR RIGHT) then humility of spirit is not in us. We are still prideful and egotistical and pushy.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the humble, the meek…for the Kingdom of Heaven shall be theirs.”
So sorry, the above scripture I quoted was found in Matthew chapter 18, verses 21-22.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, worries and anxieties and I will give you rest.” (Mat.11:28)
I say…..Why do I groan and moan and complain and rehearse over and over, pains and problems and political perplexities? Jesus said I can come to Him at any time of the day/night, and Peter tells me in no uncertain terms, “Give all my worries and cares to The Lord Jesus Christ, for He cares about me.”(1Pet. 5:7)
What more could I ask for than Someone I can trust with my very life…whatever the problems?
Matthew 20: 24-28 says: “When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.” (see Matthew 20: 20 – 23 to find out what their request was) “But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”
I say: Jesus makes it clear what our position should be, don’t you think??
Yes, Needles. I totally agree because…… Jesus said, “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. In the same way, the last will be first, and the first will be last, because many are called, but few are chosen.” (Mat. 20:16)
I say…Seek the Kingdom of God first, and the face of the Lord first,
and all these things will be added unto us. I think that means we will come in FIRST….like the First Fruits. But if we seek the “things” first, because we need them and that pre-empts our devotion and insatiable pursuit of Christ making us luke-warm in our God-oriented endeavors, then it looks like we might come in “last”.
I LOVE THIS BLOG!!! IT IS ADDICTIVE and spurs one on to look more and more into the Word and as to not only what Jesus Said, but what does what HE said mean to me in the now and present. YAY!
I agree, MG….this blog is addictive. Love reading all the scriptures and the “I say” comments from everyone.
Needles, I agree with you on our responsibility for forgiveness and for servanthood. Jesus sure gets the limelight of of us and onto others and Himself and that sure is a joyful place to be.
In Matthew 24: 36 – 44, Jesus said, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. ‘Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.'”
I say: Lord, help us to keep our focus on You.
Yes,’ Lord, Help us to focus on you!’ There are so many distractions that we allow into our lives that keeps our focus unfocused. As I think on the word ‘focus’ my mind takes me to decorating a room or designing a classic outfit to wear. One usually looks for, finds and designs their creative idea of color, texture, and purpose around their focal point. We do the same in our faith. Needles has introduced us to our focal point where we are to keep our eyes if we want the overflow of blessings on a daily basis and eternally.
The Psalmist sings in Psalm 66 and verse 12, “Lord, you brought us to a place of abundance†We are to keep believing and keep expecting, the return of our Lord, and it will be just a matter of time until He turns things around in our favor!
Dosen’t the Word of God also say that we will receive a special crown if we look for His return. Maybe I found it, II Timothy 4:8 NIV “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Looking for His return sure can maintain a focus for we wouldn’t want to be preoccupied with other things and miss Him. Focus also says to me that our eyes see clearly and are not dimmed by darkness… our vision is not blurred or distorted. In Luke 11:34 Jesus speaks about having unclouded vision …”Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is unclouded, your whole body is full of light. But when your eye is evil, your body is full of darkness.” (God’s Word)
I like how the message puts it:
“Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.”
Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
I say….unlike Thomas, we DO know the way to the place where Jesus is. For the way to Heaven is Jesus Christ HIMSELF…the Way the Truth and the Life. If I want to go to Heaven then I must go through obedience to Jesus Christ Who through His word gives me Truth and Life Eternal.
As I take time to read and reflect on our postings I am finding out Jesus has a lot of BIG things to say. And, certainly not boring. TV, movies and sports has more than imagination to keep up with this.
Lot of very mysterious things to figure out? Wonder what it takes to find the mystery of these highly secretive thoughts, words and promises Jesus gave us.
Sara, you ask what it might take to find the mystery of Jesus’ promises. Well,
Joshua says, :”Do not let this Book of the Law (God’s WORD) depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL”
This would be a very valuable clue to help solve the mystery.
So that means that I must read the Word and then live it NIGHT AND DAY; do what it says…if I expect to receive the precious promises of Jesus Christ’s.
Here’s another clue to the mystery..”Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked and ungodly, or hang out with sinners, or join in with mockers.”
What that says to me is that sometimes we get “thrown in” with sinners who might be our relatives, old friends, co-workers, etc. Now, it is one thing to be a witness and intercessor for them but I do not have to throw in my lot with them even if they are related to me. That’s a tough one but look at the reward that Jesus promises those who give up fathers and mothers and children (and ungodly spouses) for the Gospel’s sake.
Another…..”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”
A preacher from India told us….. “check up on yourself”. If I want to see the Kingdom of God and inherit the promises
“Wonder what it takes to find the mystery of these highly secretive thoughts, words and promises Jesus gave us.”
Perhaps one answer I see is from Mark 4:10-11 where Jesus tells those who are close around Him and His disciples that it’s been given to them to know the mysteries and to everybody else He has to speak in parables.
I am thinking we can know and quote scriptures like the Pharisees and Saducees but still stay at a distance from Jesus…don’t get too involved in putting into practice what He just told us or follow Him where He goes. Those that are close listen and watch and then stick close to Him. If He makes a sharp right turn, follow..or a sudden stop, stop…or a full force go now…go. And then the mysteries make sense as He reveals them.
Debi, look what Mark 4: 9 says, along with the footnotes. “Then he said, ‘Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.’ (footnotes) “The hearing Jesus wants from us is not the kind we use when we listen to background music or when someone starts to recount a long story we’ve already heard. To truly ‘hear’ Jesus’ words is to believe them, to use them immediately in decisions and attitudes, and to base life on them–your recreation and work, family plans and money matters, praying and singing. To hear Jesus’ words is to make Jesus your true Lord. What is Jesus saying to you?”
Guess I need to do as the preacher from India told MG….”check up on yourself” (myself) Am I listening to Jesus as I would be listening to background music or when someone starts to recount a long story I’ve already heard?
That’s a good explanation on your footnotes Needles and a good final question you ask. I say: head knowledge does me and no one any good if I can’t apply it.
Luke 23: 39-43 “One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.’ But the other criminal stopped him and said, ‘You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
I say: who can reject such a loving Jesus….even in His unbelievable ANGUISH, He forgave a repentant sinner?
Jesus says, For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus says to Peter, “Not seven times but seven time seventy you must forgive your brother.
I say, I must look for every opportunity to forgive anyone who has done anything or said anything against me because Jesus said to. So I must find it in my heart to forgive and I can only do that with the help of the Holy Spirit Who trains me to see others through the eyes of the Spirit and with the eyes of Jesus Christ.
Jesus says, 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5: 13)
I say: “Pick up your bible and study the word, pray, and walk by faith in Jesus Christ and others will know your seasoned with Jesus as you have filled up with HIM so your mouth will speak spilling over into others to season with Jesus.”
So important that our mouths are filled with words beneficial to the hearer and praiseworthy to the Lord.
Mouth? Doesn’t the mouth words come from the heart? Salt? Isn’t salt the truth, integrity and kindness that pumps from the heart? Therefore, when the mouth spews out useless words they have no use except to be trampled underfoot it leaves the spewer in pretty bad conditions, doesn’t it?
Yes it does…very bad condition. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
“Don’t allow yourself to be upset and disturbed. Hold your peace because without it you have no power!” –Joyce Meyer
Thank you for such timely and wise words.
Sarah Hornsby writes in her book, AT THE NAME OF JESUS, (and I quote her and paraphrase), “Jesus says, ‘I am the righteous Judge and I am your Lover. I see your every thought and deed. DON’T THINK I TAKE LIGHTLY the wrong in you. I took it in blood poured out for you. Hate the evil in yourself enough to allow My blood to free you…” (sarah hornsby AT THE NAME OF JESUS (c) 1983)
I say, Dearest Jesus, I want to hate the evil in me. I don’t want to cling to old, ungodly habits, ways of thinking and doing. I want my heart to be filled with insatiable love for you I don’t want to “shrink away in shame from Him at His coming.” (1Jn.1:28)
I plead the precious blood over my sins and ask for forgiveness and I pray for all those I love and cover them with Your precious blood, in Jesus’ precious and forgiving Name…amen