Bible Ballistics: BBs #159   Lifting Up OR Tearing Down???

Just a brief word of encouragement and challenge to end this week: Are we lifting others up with our words? Or are we tearing others down with our words? Scripture is replete with examples of those who use their words to damage the hearts and minds of those around them. If you wrestle with this issue I encourage you to set a goal for this summer. Starting today (with todays day number) read a chapter of Proverbs a day for the next 4 months (there are 31 chapters, so you’ll read a chapter a day each day of the month). It will amaze you the things that begin to settle into your heart and mind, and the consciousness it will bring to your speech and actions.

But I want us to look at a passage from Ephesians today. It is a passage that I used when my children were young, to help them learn to get along.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers. 

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption. 

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice 

32 And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

 hath forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:29-32

Kind of speaks for itself doesn’t it? Why would Paul call Christians, believers in Jesus, to be aware of their speech and actions? Because even when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we still live this life in a body of flesh that is always trying to distract us from our Lord. We must consciously seek to remember:

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…….. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 & 25

Every day is a challenge to “walk in the Spirit”—but a challenge that we can meet with God’s help. Just try these few simple pointers from scripture:

“...run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Portions of Hebrews 12:1-2

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Bible Ballistics: BBs #158   Thanksgiving Every Day!!!

I just have to take this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ Lord God Almighty for the wonderful rain that you have sent to restore our parched land. How often do we ask, and God hears and answers, and then we just forget to say ‘Thank You Jesus’ for all your abundant blessings. And ‘Thank YOU’ specifically for ‘this’ answered prayer. May this serve to remind you and me to live a life of gratitude to our Heavenly Father and the Precious Lord Jesus for not just ‘all your blessings’ we have received, but for rain, for breath, for health or strength or whatever the case may be. May we learn to be aware of God’s presence in all of our ways?

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

Our dependence is to be on God—not ourselves, other men, the government, the weatherman, but completely on God!!! Why? HE IS the creator and sustainer of all. God the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ, who is not only our Lord and Savior but also HE:

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:14-17

Jesus is God (see John 1:1-5) and we are to thank HIM for all, we are to thank God the Father, and even His precious Holy Spirit—who indwells and puts up with our stubborn humanity (that is, our flesh); remembering that “by him all things consist”!!! Did you get that? All things are held together by our Lord Jesus Christ—one with His Father—who is holding the whole world in HIS hands!

And so, we should be grateful to God because it is “He who hath made us and not we ourselves”—not only in creation and our spiritual new birth but also our daily living. We are in His hands and we can trust Him, but we also need to ‘Thank’ Him!!! He does send the ‘rain on the just and the unjust’!

And as James reminds us:

“Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:16-17

And just a reminder, Jesus is the light of the world:

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:4-5

So??? Here’s our shot for today.

Let’s remember that Jesus is the light.

Let’s remember that His light is in us who are saved.

Let’s remember to keep that attitude of gratitude.

So??? Shine that ‘attitude of gratitude’ for Jesus:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Bible Ballistics: The Proof Is In? Or Is It Out? Vol. 5 #25

What does proof have to do with our Christian life? We are called throughout the scripture to live in a way that our faith is a testimony to the world. Jesus told us himself that those who are his will be evident by their ‘character’. Although he compares it to fruit, Jesus is talking about ‘character’ or ’nature’.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 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. 22 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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:15-23

A lengthy passage, but one well worth our attention. Let’s consider the message together:

Beware of “false prophets”—

Those who say “baa baa” but in truth are wolves—

They can be recognized by their fruit—

 A tree always produces based on it’s nature—

 There are ‘evil’ trees and ‘good’ trees—

 An evil tree is ‘evil’ by it’s ‘nature’

A good tree is good by ‘nature’—

Those who are Christ’s have a ‘new nature’:

“Therefore

if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:14-15

God saves us where we are but HE doesn’t leave us there! When we are ‘born again’ by God’s Spirit (see John 1:10-14), we receive the Holy Spirit of God–who then dwells within us—the New Covenant that Christ purchased at Calvary, consummated at His resurrection, and sent at Pentecost.

Back to Matthew 7, Jesus continues by telling us that there are many who ‘claim’ to know Him, serve Him and represent Him, yet Jesus warns us that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” really belongs to Him. He also tells us that some of them won’t be revealed until the judgment day. But we are to try the spirits and the people who claim to know Jesus and speak for and with HIS Spirit, as John tells us.

1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets are gone out

into the world.”

How are we to do that? By following Paul’s directions in 2 Timothy:

“Study

to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

                                           2 Timothy 2:15-16

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We must study God’s Word to know how to be what God wants us to be.   To ‘rightly’ divide the Word of God—in contrast to those who ‘wrongly’ divide God’s Word—the false teachers and preacher/prophets. We must study the Word to avoid being misled by the ‘false prophets’. There have always been false teachers, there still are and there will be until Jesus comes to rule and reign on this earth. Are you standing? Are you falling for the false? Are you able to recognize the false because you know the truth? The only way that we can recognize the false is to truly KNOW the real thing. We must yield ourselves to God and let him work HIS work in our hearts and lives—to let the proof of His presence be displayed to the world around us; whether in season or out of season.

“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

God desires all of me. He will conform each of us to His image, if and when we really present ourselves to Him continually, to do HIS work within and through us. Then our lives will “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” to the world!!! Then we can:

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

So, what is the proof? Is it in the “pudding”(originally, the proof of the pudding is in the eating)? Is proof out of style? NO!!! The proof is our reflection of the light within us. And if the light isn’t within, there will be no reflection. So, what will we do? I pray that you will commit with me to be faithful witnesses for our Lord. If you don’t know Him, call on Him. If you do know Him, then commit to be faithful and to take the charge that Paul gives to Timothy and to us:

“I charge thee therefore before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things,

endure afflictions,

do the work of an evangelist,

make full proof of thy ministry.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Speak God’s truth–whether they listen or not! Preach (share the Gospel) in season and out! We are to be the proof of God’s power at work in HIS own. What does your life prove to the world? To your family? To your other loved ones? God knows—and He’ll tell you if you’ll but ask Him. (See Mt. 7:7-8)

Bible Ballistics: BBs #157 It’s A New Day!!!

Just a little reminder on this Friday, that yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet, but today is all yours. As my dear preacher friend, Bro. Scott says, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours”! I can choose to look up, down or around!

I can look up to God and seek His direction:

“Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I can look down and around at the darkness and evil about me. I can be distracted, discouraged and depressed by all the distress, pressures and chaos that are going on around us. Jeremiah reminds us that even in the throes of judgment and chaos GOD is still at work and He wants to lift us up:

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him. 

25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good that a man should both hope

and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:22-26

So??? Here’s our shot for today.

 “Be still, and know that I am God..” Psalm 46:10a

God’s mercies are new every morning—TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!! Take time today to “Be still”.

God has given YOU a new opportunity to grow,

a new opportunity to do better,

a new opportunity to get it right,

a new opportunity to touch lives

and change YOUR world!!!

What will you do with TODAY?

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

So, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours”!!!

(Thanks Bro. Scott!!!)