Sin and the simplicity of the Gospel

Remember, it will not be the "act" of sin God will punish come final judgement. Rather, every soul that rejects His only begotten Son's perfect sacrifice & atonement will be cast away! 

Do we really realize the price Christ, the Messiah paid when He endured His Father's wrath? So many want to chalk it up to His physical sufferings. Its so much DEEPER THAN THIS! This was the 1st ever separation He had from His Father... Sin separates us from God. 

JESUS BORE OUR SIN! EVERY BIT OF IT! Everything you and I would ever do to break God's heart and His law. 

Even as much as I believe, my tiny human mind cannot fully comprehend that magnitude! People say, "religion is complicated. It's dull and boring." Christ didn't come to give you a bunch of hoops to jump through. He came to give you LIFE! HE CAME TO SET US FREE! He came to give us HOPE so that we CAN know the Father and His impeccable LOVE for us, His creation. 

Truth is, we sin. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." How dare we claim to be "good", when there is NONE GOOD BUT JEHOVAH! 

I know that's pretty abstruse but that's the simplicity of the Gospel Truth! We need not complicate the only thing that saves a soul from eternal damnation!

Ready to Answer

Matthew Henry once said, "If we would have God's Word ready in our mouths when we have occasion for it, we must keep it in our hearts at all times."

From the Old Testament all throughout the New, we are given the keys to a closer walk. It's easy to talk about things and people we know in proper light and truth when we KNOW them! 

"But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it." Deuteronomy 30:15

Therefore, this is a requirement if we desire to fulfill this instruction...

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15

Are we taking the necessary time to feat at the Lord's table? Are you ready to give answers to those who ask of the hope within you?

Used to the Good - a smidge of my testimony

This weekend is quite a somber reminder for me. 

20 years ago today, we were in an interstate roll over accident. We rolled 3/4 of a mile! Hit by a drunk illegal immigrant in a stolen vehicle, our lives completely changed. Matter of fact, the "old me" died that night.

This could go many directions as I could share thousands of things that the Lord has brought me through since then. Still, for times sake and our short attention spans, I'll share this...

We have everything to be thankful for. God has a purpose for you as He does for me. Apart from Christ, we make things much harder than we need to. No only in our lives, but for those around us. 

Christ requires surrender, genuine and whole hearted devotion to Him and Him alone. He literally rescued me from myself that night and though that was the beginning of a very long, hard and difficult journey; its one I wouldn't be able to do even to this day without Him. He's my constant, even through childhood to now in my middle ages, He remains the same. 

Knowing and walking with Him doesn't mean life is easy or perfect, quite opposite to be frank. It doesn't make one person "better" or "above" another. What it does do is grant a whole new lense in which we experience life, how we view love, mercy, compassion, grace, mercy, empathy and forgiveness. There's a deeper need for the One who knows all, sees all and cares the most. It's new desires that cannot compare to what was once cherished.

If you aren't walking with the King of kings and Lord of Lord's, Jesus Christ, I pray you don't have to endure a fraction of my journey before you stop to consider why you do what you do, like what you like and approve of that which you do. God has a way of getting our attention and revealing Himself far deeper than any religion could ever shed light on. 

As I reflect on the good and the bad of that terrible night, I know God has and still is using it to the good, for His good. I've been called to follow Jesus and it's by Him my identity is found, not by any other title such as author, business owner, no worldly attainment, company kept or any other positions life can hold. 

People will see what they want to see. My hope is that somewhere Jesus is seen in me. 

Are you a hypocrite?

"He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears." Job 13:16-17 

Many Christians are accused of being a hypocrite, myself included.

So what is a hypocrite? 

a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. ~ Dictionary.com

"Let me ask you, how many atheists are now in this house? Perhaps not a single one of you would accept the title, and yet, if you live from Monday morning to Saturday night in the same way as you would live if there were no God, you are practical atheists; and as actions speak more loudly than words, you are more atheists than those doctrinal unbelievers who disavow God with their mouths, and, after all, are secretly afraid of him."~ CH Spurgeon.

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8

Another term for this "athiest", "hypocrite" or "double-minded" person is LUKEWARM...

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16

This is a very dangerous place to be. God will not allow you into the Kingdom of Heaven without the mark of His Son's blood that covers a multitude of sin, and sealed by His Holy Spirit! Chose this day whom you will serve. You never know when your final breath will be drawn. If you talk the talk then walk the walk! You may be fooling others around you and possibly even yourself, but God judges the intents of the heart. He cannot be deceived!

There is nothing hidden from His sight. Are you truly living what you claim? Do words and actions match? Are you willing to prayerfully examine yourself in the light of Scripture?

Do you believe in God?

Have you ever been asked, "Do you believe in God"? Most of us have. What does this question mean to you? Is it His existence? 

IS HE REAL ENOUGH TO YOU TO OBEY HIM?

If you say you DO believe in God, is there PROOF in your life? Do you believe in Christ as you do in God? Is He seen in your lifestyle or do you look and act the same as those who don't? 

It's not enough to simply "believe" if there's NO evidence of our OBEDIENCE to Him.

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19

If demons believe and tremble (which is to shudder in fear) yet serve Satan, how are we as humans any different? Is not our lives proof as to whom we serve?

God’s Standard vs. Man's

That which is acceptable & deemed appropriate by man doesn't necessarily mean it's the same standard as the Living God. 

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:7-9

In fact this world has approved countless standards that completely go against the Almighty. His thoughts, goals, ways and standards are so high that we need Divine intervention to reach & attain them. 

Whose standards do you live by? God's or man's?

A snapshot of my testimony

A snapshot of my testimony  

by Michelle M. James

For many years I lived lukewarm. I had enough of Jesus to make me feel good but not enough to make a difference. I loved Him as Saviour but rejected Him as Lord. I indulged when it was convenient but neglected Him full time. I always knew to cry out in times of need but as soon as things were "right my way" I quickly parted from His feet.

I never really understood my surrender was required or how serious God sees sin as vile wretched and evil. I had head knowledge of Christ but my heart was hard as stone. There was nothing personal about my relationship with Him. Actually to say a relationship existed is blasphemous in itself!

Then one day He showed me I was no different from anyone else. I talked just like them, dressed just like them, acted no different, indulged in the same music, movies and entertainment that contradicts Him. So on and so on things were made clear.

Truth struck at my heart as lighting to a dead tree. I was Christian in name only as I really didn't know this King. I knew of Him, that much was true but in reality I created a god of convenience who looked no different than me and you.

His love hurts, then heals as He makes all things known. His character is real and without compromising Himself, He is true to His Word. His attributes are divine and His ways are so much different than mine.

If you say you know Him, are you sure it's the One who gave His life for you? Is there evidence of Him in your thoughts, life, behavior and in your love for Him and others? Is there a change that continues to be seen, felt and heard?

#SelfExamination #HeartCheck #SurrenderRequired

 #honestyispowerful #bringingtruthtodeceivedpeople

JOY IN THE BURDEN

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation." Jeremiah 15:16-17

Beautiful and filling are the Lord's words. There are times He separates us but not always for a wilderness journey. Sometimes it is so we are filled with His burden. It is a  necessary time in His presence. Here, Jeremiah was filled with indignation; which is fury, anger and rage. He was tasting God's displeasure for sin. 

How could this be "joy and rejoicing"? After all, so many focus only on the love of God. How can this be? Simple! Knowing we are His and Him sharing His heart is enough. Have you experienced the Lord’s heart through His Word? Did it fill you with joy and rejoicing?

If we are truly in Christ, we too will carry His burden, however He sees fit. Being called by His name is the root of all joy! Remember, "joy" is greater than a feeling and deeper than the surface. God's love is balanced and it carries great weight! 

Jesus is the Word! John 1:1 tells us, 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

Jesus' words should bring us great comfort as He directs us in His will. 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:29-30

Can we be connected to Christ and not be grateful, thankful and full of joy and rejoicing? Not for long! Our focus is Him and He is all we need. Are we feasting on Him, THE Word? Are we allowing God to have His way in the journey? Most importantly, are you embracing His presence as He helps to carry the burden?

You CAN know Christ personally!

Knowing Jesus Christ personally is NOT the same as have a "touch of religion"! Surrendering ourselves to Him and His call makes all the difference. 

Enjoy a short clip to share with those who need Jesus! I hope you are blessed today and every day! Love y'all!

https://youtube.com/shorts/2haSjAZU-sI?feature=share

For more great and TRUE content, be sure to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!

Remember, you can strengthen your walk with Christ by daily spending time in the Word of God. (Romans 12:2).

For additional support, prayerfully consider purchasing my devotional book... 'A Walk with the King' by Michelle M James 

You can find it online at 

Barnes and Noble 

Amazon

ChristianBook.com 

Awalkwiththeking.com 

Or email me directly for a signed copy!

Mrslovinmyjesus@gmail.com 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel 

https://youtube.com/@adevotedwalk

Like to donate to this ministry 

PayPal: Mrslovinmyjesus@gmail.com or mmjames30@gmail.com 

May God bless you more and more as you GROW IN HIM! 

Women's Day - Good vs Bad Women in the Bible

Ladies in leadership or wild women?

Since it's 'Women's Day', let's look at a few ladies &  women who made a difference...

To the good:

* Queen Esther was used to save her people from wicked Haman who desires to kill them all. 

* Jael who killed Sisera to save her people from his army

* Ruth whose humble heart was granted a new beginning with Boaz 

* Mary, mother of Jesus. 

* Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist

* Mary, friend of Jesus

* Those of virtue- Proverbs 31

To the bad... 

* Eve, fell for the serpent's lies and ate the forbidden fruit then gave it to Adam

* Delilah, seduced Sampson into revealing his secret of strength 

* Jezebel, Baal worshiper who slaughtered the prophets of God. 

Moral of these lives once lived is that WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY! 

Ladies, do you know who or which you are? 

Fellas, do you know which you truly prefer?

Are we living to please ourselves or the Living God? Are we serving Him by loving others?

A Recipe for keeps!

As I ponder what to make for dinner tonight, I chuckle to myself on the results of last night's dinner. See, I found a recipe but didn't "feel" up to all the ingredients. Lol, so, I modified it. Let's just say it was a flop! 

The Lord spoke greatly to my heart in this real life lesson. He showed me that in religion this is exactly what people do. They don't "like" or "feel up to" His requirements so the pick and choose; they add to and they take away! Just like my dinner that went south, so making these changes to His plan results in the same way! 

In essence it's fun to play around with recipes, especially when it comes out great! When dealing with God's ways, it's best to leave what He says as whole and complete. 

As my husband's words ring in my ears, "Don't change the recipe next time." I share this deeper advice for you too... 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

May we not play with eternity based on our likes, dislikes and/or emotions! What God dishes out is perfect, truly a recipe for keeps!

A prayer for those affected by Toxic Train derailments

Let us pray 🙏

Father God we lift up the farmers in and around these many sudden toxic train derailments all around the USA. Stay Your mighty hand upon them and protect these families including their livelihoods, their lands and their livestock as they are providing food for many; including the train conductors and those investing these scenes which seem to continue to happen. Please uplift the first responders who are providing aid to all of these people. 

Rebuke the famines attempting to overtake our lands and the evil reach its attempting to grab within the air quality and water streams as well. 

Be glorified Father God as so much destruction and dismay is all around us. Use what the enemy has intended for evil against Your people for Yours and our good. 

Encourage Your people and uplift the weary, worried and worn. Remind us all that time is short to get right with You for Your Son is poised at the door, awaiting Your command to gather His bride. Awaken Your people, Father God.

We know nothing escapes Your watchful eye and nothing is too difficult for you. Grant Your comfort, protection and peace, for Your namesake. 

We ask and surrender all, in Jesus Christ mighty name. Amen 🙏 

#TrustGod #believe #HeIsAble #heknows #jesuschrist #jesussaves #JesusIsLord #jesuslovesyou #faith #Jesus #love #miracles #trust #lovewhereyoulive #farmers #train #trainderailment #Jesusiscoming #foodie #supplychain #Repent #peace #peaceful #peaceofmind

At wits end?

At wits end? ... Pull out that Bible and start standing on God's promises for your life! 

When kids aren't listening or misbehaving... "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13. 

When the bills start piling up and work is minimal to none... "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22. 

When health is failing... "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me;..." Psalm 6:2. 

When the enemy starts to attack your mind... "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 

Faith in Christ + Trust & Total reliance upon His Word = peace in your life!

Every one of these verses pertains to something I'm personally dealing with! The Lord is faithful even when we are least deserving! He is seeing me through, my family, our business, our health, every aspect! The enemy loves to see chaos, panic, anxiety and enjoys playing tricks on our minds. 

If he can take our focus from Christ and put it on our situations, he knows we will not stand against Him with Truth, with the Word, in prayer and in praise! 

Ready for that "perfect peace", hit them knees and stand strong in the Word!

Known by Christ or a Grapevine Experience

I remember in my younger days a lot of people knew who I was, but not because then knew me personally; they knew me by association-- they knew others who did know me... that were close to me. 

Even still with business I encounter similar situations. Many know who I am but aren't close enough to know me personally. I'm not into popularity. No, I share this because as I pondered these things the Lord spoke to my heart. 

He brought this passage to mind: 

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23

Many know of Jesus yet very few know Him personally. Key question is: Does He know you?

He said, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:14

Knowing Him is personal, a genuine relationship. Religion leads one to believe it's collective or a grapevine experience. It is not by customs, traditions nor through any other coattail experience that we are forgiven, redeemed, and set free... Come to know Christ, turn to Him. Only He has the power to save. 

Will you be a stranger saying unto Him, "Lord, Lord..." only to hear those dreaded words, "I never knew you" and be eternally cast away? I pray you are not rejected by Him.

Rewards of Rebellion



Let's take a deep dive into rebellion according to the Word of God. What is it and how does God view it. Bottom line, is it worth rebelling against our creator?

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..."

1 Samuel 15:23

Let's look at a few simple words here. 

Rebellion 

bitter, most rebellion,

From marah; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious -- bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious).

see HEBREW marah

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Opposition to one in authority or dominance

Merriam Webster

We can see rebellion stems from bitterness and in this context, refuses God as the ultimate authority. Bitterness can result in a hard heart. It is also one of the hardest things to get rid of once its taken root in the heart. God compares it to witchcraft. 

Witchcraft 

pharmakeia: the use of medicine, drugs or spells

magic, sorcery, enchantment.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Does not witchcraft source its power from Satan himself, who is the utmost opposition to God? Following this, He compares stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry. Let's look at these words and their definitions as well.

Stubbornness 

Away, backsliding, rebellious, revolting, slide back, stubborn, withdrew

A primitive root; to turn away, i.e. (morally) be refractory -- X away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance 

Idolatry 

Aven: trouble, sorrow, wickedness

affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourner, naught,

From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol -- affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 'ayin.

see HEBREW 'ayin

Wow, what a combination there. Rebellion is quite a slap in the face to God! Who are we, as His creations, to usurp Him or His authority? It is quite an offense to Him, its deep! Is there any wonder why He detests such things?

If we claim to be his people, saved, redeemed and set free from sin by His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, how can we honestly refuse to honor, listen and obey? In all seriousness, this isn't a matter He takes lightly. As a matter of fact, the rest of the verse we're looking at reveals the deep consequences. 

"...Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." 1 Samuel 15:23-24

Saul placed his desire to please the people rather than obeying the Word of the Lord. It not only cost him his position in leadership and authority but also his relationship with God! Wow! His rewards for this rebellion resulted in ruin! 

Truth is there are many more accounts in Scripture of rebellion and its rewards. After all, it's a byproduct of our sin nature. May we carefully and prayerfully consider this incredibly important account in scripture as well as the thought provoking words of Tozer. Can you see the dangers in the rewards of rebellion both physically and spiritually?

Let God be God

One night my kids were antagonizing each other. Lol, yeap, they're normal! 

Anyway, my daughter kept coming to me with, "Mom, he's doing it again. Please make him stop!" The only problem is, each time she came and told me something as I would begin to say something, she would cut me off and attempt to correct her little brother herself. 

After several times, I stopped my daughter and said, "If you want me to correct him, let me be the Mom." After a bewildered stare I told her, "it doesn't do any good to come to me if you were going to keep trying to handle it on your own."

Bam! As I though about this a lil while ago, The Lord brought this scene to my memory again. Kinda like a condensed mental replay of last night. He gently whispered to me, "When you take things into your own hands, you are saying "I can do better than you" only to repeat and repeat. When you're ready to let Me step in, simply let go and trust Me."

Ok, how often are we all guilty of this SAME thing!?! Eventually my daughter let me be the Mom without her added two-cents and there was peace once again. If you've been acting like this, and taking things into your own hands, will you let God be God and the Loving Father He is by taking a step back and granting Him full control? 

He's able where we are not and sees not just one side but the whole situation. Will you let go and let God? 

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Incredible Love

An amazing love story...

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

"And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies." Hosea 2:19

"Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee." Song of Solomon 1:4

Isn't that beautiful!?

"We love him, because he first loved us."

1 John 4:19

Changes

Life is full of changes...

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Genesis 8:22

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Through all life's seasons, the Creator of it all remains the same! He is faithful and true in all He says and does. If you're going through a heap of change are you clinging to the One who never does?

Backsliding & Beyond Deliverance

Have you ever known anyone beyond the Lord's deliverance? Scary thought!

"O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee." (7) 

Here the prophet is pleading with the LORD for the backslidden state of the people. *Notice*, he included himself in this plea using "us", "we" and "our". He knew they were in desperate need of deliverance! He asked that the Lord do it for no other reason than for His own name's sake. Oh but here's the Lord's response... He was fed up! 

"Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good." Jeremiah 14:7,10-11

The Lord didn't even want to hear it. His people had stomped on His heart so long in backsliding rebellion that He told Jeremiah, "Pray not for this people..." 

That's serious stuff! Wow! Woe to those whom the Lord has turned over to their own ways and granted a reprobate mind! Indeed, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31 Has the Lord ever stopped you from praying for good for anyone?

Watered in the Word

Photo credit: picture captured from my garden

One day while standing outside with my husband and a friend, my husband noticed a plant in dire need of water. So, I went and grabbed the hose. 

Common sense right, Lol! Plants need water to not only grow but to survive. As I'm watering our plants in need, the Lord spoke immensely to my heart. 

He reminded me of those around us (born again believers). People notice when we are dry and parched too. Though they likely can't put a finger on why we are changing, they take note. Others around us are watching! 

If we aren't being watered daily, our hearts can become hardened which makes a prime breeding ground for weeds (i.e. bitterness, anger, resentment, etc.) to set in. Sounds crazy, but it's true. The Word is the Living waters we need daily! 

If we don't allow the Word to saturate us from the inside out, there's no way we can live what we believe is true about God, much less share those wonderful testimonies that belong to the Lord! Even if we tried sharing, who would believe a crabby, complaining & contentious Christian?

If we've allowed ourselves to become dry and dusty, it only takes a few moments to get back on track. Turn back to those living waters and allow the ground of your heart to heed His call!

"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Question is, are we willing to look at the state of our hearts conditions? Are we watered daily, regularly consuming the Word resulting in a reflection of Christ? Or, have we grown dry, dusty, crabby and contentious?