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!

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

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

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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! 

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

The world is changing

photo credit: dreamstime.com

The world is changing!

Jesus said, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:8 in the last days...

"For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." Luke 21:22

He gave us many clues.

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Matthew 24:10,12

Did you know 'iniquity' means immoral or grossly unfair behavior? Have you noticed an increase in these things? 

Seems countless people are offended these days too over a variety of reasons, whether by rampant iniquity and the injustice that seems to parallel or because self is placed higher than others resulting in selfishness & hatred over genuine love and humility. 

No doubt the world is changing just as Jesus said it would. There are many other things happening that Jesus said would in Matthew 24 & Luke 21, I encourage you to prayerfully read each. 

Are we paying attention? Are we grounded in Christ Jesus so that His love supercedes and in seen in a generation that so desperately needs Him? Are we being His hands and feet as this world continues crumbling?

Reproof and Restoration or Rebellion?

Reproof is designed to bring repentance and repentance brings restoration.

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." Proverbs 15:32

According to the Strong's Concordance, Reproof by definition means - properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

The Word of God, through the Scriptures brings such corrections to our natural rebellion against the Almighty.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 3:16

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11-12

Those who embrace and heed are wise, and reap restoration to the Father, yet those who reject and remain in their rebellion refuse union or reunion with the Creator. Are you spending time in the Word of God? Are you allowing Him to deal with you? Do you embrace His chiding or do you think you know better than He?

I Will Be With Thee

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One..." Isaiah 43:2-3

As I read this chapter and reread this passage a few times today. I told the Lord, I don't want to be able to just quote these words but rather my life declare PROOF it's true. He gently whispered "It does because I am with you always."

Many times the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt within us in attempts to detour our focus onto self or the waters, storms and fires. Whatever the doubt seeds may be, whether our love for the Lord, our walk with the King or our service unto Him. The Father by His Holy Spirit supernaturally redirects us by adding to our faith and redirecting us to His Word. 

When He says, "I am with you." Do you trust and believe Him?

Tis the season to celebrate... Parallels!

A few interesting tidbits... Maybe even unnoticed connections!?! 

Winter solstice is where the sun is closest to us. It's also around Christmas time, when the Son of God, who came to earth in HUMAN form. 

"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 1:14

During this time, NOT at His birth, He was met by the wise men as a young child; who bowed down and worshipped the Messiah; also bringing Him gifts! (Matthew 2:10-11).  

Think about that! God's perfect gift given to us, His only begotten Son (John 3:16) Hanukkah or Chanukah is the Jewish holiday (One of Jehovah's Holy Days) or the Feast of Lights. Jesus IS the Light of the world!   

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4

"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 3:19

So, is it really any wonder paganism as well as materialism would be such great distractions!?! Satan loves to TWIST everything God given & perfect! I love lights, they remind me of Christ, being the Light & Life sent to seek & save the lost in this dark world. I also love giving! 

"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 What better reason to share the HOPE within us and continue to GIVE as the Father 1st gave to us as well as His Son!?! 

It's not about material things, they are fading. It's about eternity with the One who forgives and grants life everlasting to all who BELIEVE, repent, count the cost AND follow Christ! 

Some of us have a deeper reason for doing what we do; far more than what may seem seen on the surface. Whatever your cause to celebrate the season, may it be one that brings the Father in Heaven glory! 

My Sistas & Worldly Mistas

Y'all don't need them worldly mistas... No one deserves someone that'll dis ya. 

Forget that mess & leave that alone. Seek out a man that adores that Heavenly Throne. 

If you don't heed this advice, your world will be filled with heartache, chaos & strife. 

These fellas may seem to have it all, stability, self will & promises things that thrill, but in the end your heart will be left seeking & loveless still. 

Empty promises, deep pain & a longing for one who walks with the King will be your reward for choosing one who is spiritually bored. 

These mistas, my sistas, will leave your heart in blistas! Abound in the Life Christ has called you into, keep on the narrow road & remember all He's brought you through. 

Please heed this advice, think about it and think twice. 

There no perfect people, no not in this life, instead of seeking man's love, keep your eyes focused on Christ! 

His love is undending, perfect & true. After all, He gave His life for you! Accept these words of wisdom and be patient too. 

In the meantime, don't settle for less, it's Christ whose Love is the best! 

More open doors & more of You Lord

More open doors Lord, this world desperately needs Your precious Son.
More open doors Lord, with courage & strength to endure all pain, heartache, rejection & more.
More open doors Lord, Jesus declared He is the ONLY way.
More open doors Lord Your people need You now.
More open doors Lord with perseverance to the end.
More open doors Lord without compromising for false friends.
More open doors Lord, redeem the time that's lost.
More open doors Lord, have mercy there are countless souls to win.
More open doors Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon all flesh.
More open doors Lord, You are faithful and true.
More open doors Lord, we are desperate for YOU!
More open doors Lord and courage  to go through.
With boldness and Love Lord, draw these failing hearts to You.
More of You Lord, and less of this flesh.
More of You Lord, and all that is needed to finish this test.

Destined for Change

There have been mountains and valleys, desserts and tears.
How the Lord moves in me through out the years.
Gently removing the pain & the fears.
Now I am covered in His lovely humility,
By His blood so gracefully shed just for me.

Lost in my ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

He quickly came in, when I confessed all my sin,
That's when His Spirit slowly begin
Molding me into His perfect image.
Letting go of bondage, baggage with courage.

Lost in His ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

He's more than patient, to this mirey clay.
Once I was marred, but now I am changed.
Healing the brokenness, burried so deep.
Opening my eyes, its His love that I see.

Lost in His ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

Now with His strong arms, holding me dear,
He's shown me my weakness and His strength endures.
No longer walking through this world all alone.
I am His masterpiece, beauty defined.
Lord, move in me!

More than a symbol

More than a symbol, a necklace to place there.
So much more than a picture in a pretty frame for one to admire and stare.
A real face that took my place
And all the sin and weight of my shame
So much more than a scratch or a simple skin tare.
A beating badly taken in the most courageous way.
Yet so many carelessly walk by
And give little thought to His pierced side.
A crown of thorns, not from a prim rose but twisted and turned that He be mocked more.
Each cut, disgusting spit, a 7-ended whipping digs, all this to be my friend.
There is no other love.
No love so real and true;
As the day my Jesus gave His life for both me and you.
So much more than just a rugged tree.
More than just His pain galore.
A portrait of Heaven's open door.
His blood did flow
Under ground it did go.
It fell upon the mercy seat
And made a way for us to see,
His love upon a rugged tree.
Dare we wear a necklace without care for the sacrifice & joy that was not fair.
To see a pretty face with a blood drip or two
To think He endured more than we can comprehend
See, He was beaten unrecognizable my friend.
There is no portrait, no movie to see that can capture His grace that hearts can barely see.
If you have captured a mere glimpse now just think,
He was made to carry that tree on His back
So how arrogant are we to think life is simple and free?
After all, He said for us to do the same.
"Deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Me."
See, His life is real, much more than a symbol!
Beatings, bruises and pains that cut deep
Are you willing for a journey that the cost is quite steep?
Look at that portrait, that cross necklace too and quietly think
He did this for me!

The beauty of Feet

 Greetings to all in Christ! I want to share a life lesson with you all that I've experienced. I pray you are blessed and encouraged and take a look at feet in a whole new light! In Jesus name!

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Here is a link to the song "At Your Feet" by Casting Crowns. I encourage you to listen ...

Casting Crowns "At Your Feet"

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"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15

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 QUESTION: How can we preach if we are not willing to submit to the call?

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Learning about service, humility and Love...

A while ago, my husband was joking about washing his feet as he was taking his work boots off one night. At first I was reluctant and kidding him about how stinky his feet were, but I knew there would be something to it, so I prayerfully did it. I ran a little bath water and had him sit on the edge of the tub and began washing his feet. He had been talking with a preacher friend, so since they both know I believe the Word of God, Jimmy wanted to test me and see if I would do as I say. During this time, I felt close to him. I had his undivided attention and he had mine. Even though he towered over me sitting on the edge; this was a true picture of humility, love & service. This was one on one time! I looked him in the eyes as I was finished and I said, "see how much I love you, this is a humbling experience, I'm on my knees washing your stinky feet!" He smiled and we laughed. I was praying through it that God would open his eyes and show him true humbleness and His Love. While drying Jimmy's feet he said, "too bad that didn't count." I said, how do you figure, that is being submissive, you are my husband and you asked me to do this... well, his preacher friend told him that women do this to women and men do this to men in their church... I told him, it did count because he was my husband and I love him enough to do it. I'm not sure what point his friend was trying to make, but this opened the door for me to share the story of Mary and Martha, and Jimmy was quite attentive!

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"There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."  John 12:2-3 I explained to him that Mary was at Jesus feet, giving Him her all, completely undivided attention, she was showing her love for Him, while Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing the meal... she missed out on the face time!!!

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While trying to figure out what his friend was trying to tell him, I began prayerfully  searching the Word, and I was reminded of this...
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"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:3-17

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There is a lot to learn from this ... Jesus is our example of LOVE, Humility & Service... These cannot be done with a pure heart apart from HIM. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."John 15:4-5 If we are in Christ, His attributes will be clearly seen. (This is His fruit) We will WANT to please Him, reach out to others and serve Him with all our being. If you don't have this desire, it's time for self examination...

What does your attitude reveal about you?

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"Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." Proverbs 16:19-20