Bible Ballistics: BBs #207       Do YOU Have Enough???

Do YOU have enough? You might ask “Enough what?” and that would be a good question. What is it that you have enough of or maybe not quite enough of? We live in a “gimme” culture—give me food; give me money; give me indulgent privileges that I haven’t earned (Nor do I know what to do with them). But mostly I want us to think about what we’re doing with what we have, especially those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter gives us a wake-up call:

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 2 Peter 3:11

We are reminded that all that is around us is “temporal”, (meaning “relating to earthly things in contrast to spiritual or eternal things”), and knowing that “all these things shall be dissolved” should affect our living as the children of God. Why will we grub, and fight and push to get more forgetting that we will leave it all behind when we die, or when Jesus comes for us; and Peter reminds us that ultimately it will all burn up. Jesus himself warned us about having a correct mindset toward earthly things –and that should be a heavenly mindset, with eternal goals!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Where is your heart? Your treasure? Is Jesus saying, “Don’t work, or provide, or save?” Of course not, scripture teaches us that we were created for productive work, but our work isn’t to be approached with a heart of greed, nor a seeking for power, but rather a heart set on God. A heart set on God, which seeks to do that which pleases HIM, as we live and operate in this broken world around us. And when our focus is on “heavenly” treasure, it won’t be consumed with greed, or an inordinate hunger for power or prominence, but rather an earnest desire to use the resources that we have received, to minister God’s grace and goodness to others.

“Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 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.” Ephesians 4:27-29

We are called to forsake selfishness and evil and work to provide for our own and others, knowing that we receive to provide sustenance for our families, and ourselves and also to share with those in need. Sometimes we are the ones in need, and God sends those willing to share to meet our needs, but by the same token, when circumstances turn around, we are to share our resources with others in need. Scripture also says that laziness is not to be encouraged or tolerated in the community of faith.

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8

So what is our responsibility? What are we to do? When do we have enough? Are we good stewards of our resources?

“For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall

into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction and perdition.”  1 Timothy 6:7-9

In a ‘nutshell’:

we started with nothing—

we’ll carry nothing out!!!

So be diligent to work—

with integrity—

with honor, “as unto the Lord”—

with dependence on God—

with generosity—

with a heavenly mindset!!!

While wealth isn’t a sin, it must be seen as a gift from God and used as an honorable stewardship. Wealth isn’t to be our single-minded goal in life, for as Paul told Timothy

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:10-11

And remember it’s the LOVE of money, not the money itself, so “Do YOU have enough?” Ask God and He’ll tell YOU!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #206 Good Is Good But Not Easy!!!

What does “good-ness” cost? We live in a wicked world that is becoming more and more hostile to people who hold to Biblical faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. While it is easy to throw rocks at those who seem to be against us; at those who outright oppose the things that we believe in and cling to; at those who malign and ridicule the Bible and what it teaches; at those leaders who are abandoning the community of faith—especially those who hold to a Biblical view of the world and cling to the Cross, the Bible and The Creator God Almighty, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. But scripture calls us to a higher standard.

While Jesus called us to “turn the other cheek” and that is challenging enough, I’d like to take a different focus today. A bit of a positive slant to the challenge to live godly in a world gone crazy. We are also called to keep on keeping on even when it is inconvenient; even when it is hard; even when it may cost us our “lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor”. We have a higher call and Jesus, through the power of His Holy Spirit, empowers us to live above the wickedness and evil reactions of the world.

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21

We are to overcome evil with good. Now that doesn’t mean that we are to compromise truth, or approve of wickedness or evil. It also doesn’t mean that we will necessarily change the wicked ones to become “good”, but it does mean God has called us to be channels of blessing and truth before a wicked and hostile world. We are to hold forth the same truth and sacrifice that our Lord brought into this world, and lived out at the cross. God “so loved the world that HE gave”. We are to strive for that same compassionate heart for the world—a lost and dying world. A world that needs Jesus! A world that needs to not only hear the truth of the Word of God but which needs to see it lived out in and through our lives consistently. We can throw rocks and cause some ripples, yes indeed. But we can also yield ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and let HIS love be seen in us. As the old adage says, “You can catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar”. Now we are not after flies—but we are to be a magnet for the “love of God” and the “peace of God……which passes all understanding”. But it’s NOT easy!! We get tired, and that’s the challenge for today:

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

You’re tired, so am I!!! But we are to press on to glory. A glory that is so far beyond any suffering we may endure for a moment, that we can’t even fathom how wonderful being with God in eternity will be. So think on it today and strive to be that lighthouse that in the darkness shines the light of hope and deliverance to those who are in danger of drowning and perishing. We can make a difference!!

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

So press on in goodness!!! Don’t let “tired” or “weariness” stop your “good” and “godly” witness before a world that needs it!!! Even it they don’t know that they need it!!!

Bible Ballistics: What Day Of The Week Is It??? Vol. 6#23

We continue our look at Daniel chapter 9 this week. If you remember, we saw Daniel in the latter years of his life in service to the Medo-Persian Empire and deeply grieved for the unrepentant condition of his people. We considered his prayer of compassion for his own people as he studied the writings of Jeremiah, referencing the return of Judah to their land at the end of 70 years. Daniel’s deep grief was for a people who weren’t ready to walk right with God, yet He has called on God for forgiveness and restoration. A prayer that should always be on our hearts and lips—for we live among an unrepentant people, who also have no desire to walk after our God or His Son Jesus Christ. Let’s dig in to see what else Daniel has to say, and what God’s response is to this precious man of faith and prayer.

“19 O Lord,

hear;

O Lord,

forgive;

O Lord,

hearken

and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake,

O my God:

for thy city and thy people

are called by thy name.

20 And whiles I was speaking,

and praying,

and confessing

my sin

and the sin of my people Israel,

and presenting my supplication

before the Lord my God

for the holy mountain of my God;

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer,

even the man Gabriel,   

whom I had seen in the vision

at the beginning,

being caused to fly swiftly,

touched me

about the time of the evening oblation.

22 And he informed me,

and talked with me,

and said,

O Daniel,

I am now come forth

to give thee skill

and understanding.  

23 At the beginning of thy supplications

the commandment came forth,

and I am come to shew thee;

for thou art greatly beloved:

therefore understand the matter,

and consider the vision.”     Daniel 9:19-23

Daniel has been praying and fasting because of the things he read in the Word of God by Jeremiah the prophet:

“And I set my face unto the Lord God,

to seek by prayer

and supplications,

with fasting,

and sackcloth, and ashes:” Daniel 9:3

When we get down to the business of real prayer, when we get real and open with God, when we commit to time and energy to give ourselves to God in prayer—then we will see amazing things and hear from God—regardless of what His answer is. And this is just what happened with Daniel. He sought his God and He heard from him, and did he hear from God–in such a powerful way.

Daniel was given his answer via the angel Gabriel. And while it isn’t the first time he has seen this messenger (See Daniel 8:16), it is still an awesome experience, and the message timeless and imperative in God’s plan of the ages. Daniel’s prayer has brought a first-hand message right from the throne of God. I also find it interesting that the answer was on the way from the moment that Daniel began to seek God’s face in prayers and fasting, but God allowed him to finish this prayer before Gabriel made himself known to Daniel. Gabriel has come to give Daniel “skill and understanding”—this man who has devoted his whole life to serving God in all he does—in personal commitment, with full integrity in public service, and friendship and communion with those of like mind. This man of God receives his commendations from God rather than man. Who’s approval are we seeking? Oh, to hear God say, “thou art greatly beloved”!!! I can think of nothing equal to that declaration—may it be so of me in all my ways. I want to please God and serve others through devotion to God and the proclamation of HIS Word! But Gabriel doesn’t stop there; he has a most powerful message for this man of God. We’ll lay it out with our usual analytical format:

“Seventy weeks are determined

upon thy people

and upon thy holy city,  

to finish the transgression,

and to make an end of sins,

and to make reconciliation for iniquity,

and to bring in everlasting righteousness,

and to seal up the vision and prophecy,

and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore

and understand,

that from the going forth

of the commandment

to restore

and to build Jerusalem

unto the Messiah

the Prince

shall be seven weeks,

and threescore and two weeks:

the street shall be built again,

and the wall,

even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks

shall Messiah be cut off,

but not for himself:

and the people of the prince

that shall come

shall destroy the city

and the sanctuary;

and the end thereof shall be with a flood,  

and unto the end of the war

desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant

with many

for one week:

and in the midst of the week

he shall cause

the sacrifice and the oblation

to cease,

and for the overspreading of abominations

he shall make it desolate,

even until the consummation,

and that determined

shall be poured

upon the desolate.”     Daniel 9:24-27

Wow! What a revelation to Daniel. While our purpose today is not to cover the entirety of the end times, we will look at what this unparalleled revelation tells us about the purpose, sequence, and outcome of the ‘end-of-times’ are set to accomplish. So let’s get started—remember, “How do you eat an elephant?” “One bite at a time”! And that’s how we’ll lay this passage out—we will let scripture say, what scripture says!

First let’s look at the facts—the who, what when, where, why and how of this passage!

What?—70 weeks are determined —

Who?— By God–

For the people of Israel—

For the city of Jerusalem—

Why?—To:

finish the transgression–

make an end of sins–

make reconciliation for iniquity–

bring in everlasting righteousness–

seal up the vision and prophecy–

anoint the most Holy—

So the subject is 70 weeks. This is 70 ‘prophetic’ weeks that God has declared to accomplish His purposes in and among mankind, and particularly Israel—the apple of His eye. So 70 weeks means what? Without going into too much detail, we can simply let the reason of scripture and observation of it, determine that only one of the six things listed as the purposes, has been accomplished. So it must not be literal 7-day weeks, which would have already passed. It cannot be weeks of weeks, as that also has already passed. It cannot be weeks of months for the same reason. So we lay it out as weeks of years and reasonably find a fit in scripture and history of time already past. 70 weeks of years that will accomplish all of God’s plan of the ages to redeem His creation, and His own. Let’s continue to see what we can determine from the rest of the message.

When?—From a decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem-

 Until Messiah is cut off—

 Will equal 62+7 weeks, or 69 weeks—

 70 weeks of years equals 490 years—

69 weeks is equal to 483 years—

 From a decree to rebuild Jerusalem–

 Until Messiah-Jesus is 483 years—

  (69 of the 70 weeks)

  Messiah Cut off is the death of Jesus—

 Not for Himself, but for our salvation—

 70 AD Jerusalem is destroyed by—

 The Romans= the people–

 Of the ‘prince to come’–

(another prince NOT the Messiah)

Who will be the “beast”-

Of Daniel 7

Of Revelation 13—

1 Week (the remaining 7 years)—

Will begin with a covenant–

With this other “prince”–

For 7 years-

 Will be broken in the middle-

Two periods of 3 ½ years-

The first with the “prince”-

The second with the “beast”-

(When his true nature is seen).

Will be ended with the

 “determined consummation”

God said it –that settles it. God is never surprised!!! While we could go into great detail here, my objective is to help you see scripture for yourself. The prophecy given to Daniel unfolds the plan of the ages. While this skeleton gives us all the essentials, other scriptures fill in the body of details. We’ll simply consider a few to help to get a grasp on truth. Let’s begin with the end. What will bring this “prince/beast” to an end? Paul clearly defines this for us in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9:

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”

This one who comes with all the power and deception of Satan, will meet his destruction when Jesus Christ returns to this earth to establish His earthly kingdom. This one, along with his “False Prophet”, will be the first residents in the lake of fire.

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19:20

We also see in the gospel of Matthew, that Jesus Himself, confirmed the prophecies of Daniel and particularly this one in chapter 9:

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15-16

This one who will make a covenant of some kind with Israel (perhaps a “peace” treaty) will break that covenant and stand in God’s place in the Temple (a temple will be rebuilt!). He will claim to be “God” and demand ‘worship’!

“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4

So what have we seen thus far? We see that God declared to Daniel, via the angel Gabriel, that Messiah would come (and when) and die for the sins of the people, and then, “be cut off”—die, be buried, resurrected and ascend back to heaven for a time. But God clearly declares, that He would return to destroy the one who would set himself up to destroy the people of God and God Himself—the chief imitator, the ‘Anti-Christ’. And praise our Lord God Almighty we know who wins, and God has always known, and is accomplishing HIS purpose even NOW!

We could spend weeks building on this prophecy but we simply want to lay out God’s truth and let it speak with the “whole counsel” of God—His Word. Our focus is simply Daniel 9 and the gist of this prophetic picture of God’s plan for the ages. Scripture will interpret Scripture most of the time (for some things we just don’t understand yet), if we will but apply ourselves diligently and with integrity to search out the truth and let His Holy Spirit lead and direct our study through prayer and devotion to hear and understand. We must remember that God has called us to know Him through His Word.

“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

And what are we to study to be “approved unto God”? Of course the Word of that very God we strive to please.

“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, (Mature not sinless)

thoroughly furnished

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

So the choice is yours. Dig into the Word, and please the one who gave His life for yours. Or not! The choice is yours, completely yours. But remember every choice will bring it’s own consequences. Which consequences would you prefer? Oh, dear ones, the prayer of my heart is that I will be found faithful, and that you too would seek HIS face and HIS favor.

I hope this has helped you to get at least a handle on this important passage of scripture. If you have any particular questions please feel free to ask, and I’ll answer, as I am able to from scripture.

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #205 “Be Not Afraid…I AM With Thee”!!!

Ever have “one of those days”? Ever have “one of those weeks”, one of those seven-Monday weeks? We all have those times when things overwhelm us—

Crises come—

Our body attacks us—

Love turns on us—

Financial reverses catch us unprepared!

What do we do? Sometimes we just want to throw something, or scream at someone, or kick rocks! But those who belong to Jesus, have hope and help. Whatever things we may need—our God IS! The Psalmist reminds us of God’s faithfulness:

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains be carried

into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof

roar and be troubled,

though the mountains shake

with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river,

the streams whereof

shall make glad the city of God,

the holy place of the tabernacles

of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be moved:

God shall help her,

and that right early.” Psalm 46:1-5

Regardless of the sorrow, grief or pain that we experience, our God reigns.

He hasn’t forgotten—

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:16

He hasn’t left—

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

He has a plan for YOU–

“Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee in the belly

I knew thee;

and before thou camest forth out of the womb

I sanctified thee,

and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.  

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God!

behold, I cannot speak:

for I am a child.  

7 But the Lord said unto me,

Say not, I am a child:

for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee,

and whatsoever I command thee

thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid of their faces:

for I am with thee

to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

9 Then the Lord put forth his hand,

and touched my mouth.

And the Lord said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words

in thy mouth.” Jeremiah 1:5-9

YOU can go forward knowing that God is working in, for, and through YOU!

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee,

O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

 thou art mine.

2 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.

3 For I am the Lord thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,” Isaiah 43:1-3

So, let’s walk forward in confidence, knowing that our God reigns!!! You can trust HIM. He has never failed!!! And HE never will!

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

Bible Ballistics: BBs #204 God’s Way Or Mine???

Let’s take just a few minutes this morning to see what God’s Word has to say about our ways; to see how we can be sure we’re walking God’s way and not our own. Let’s begin with a passage from the Psalms. The Psalmist directs our hearts and minds with some questions and answers.

Q-    “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

A-           by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Result-    10 With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

Reason-   11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

Result-           that I might not sin against thee.  

Response-      12 Blessed art thou, O Lord:

Request-                teach me thy statutes.”   Psalm 119:9-12

The question still resounds, “HOW” shall anyone “cleanse” his way? The answer points us to The Word of God! But how can we understand The Word? Only by knowing the author! Anyone can peruse the Bible, but only those who belong to Jesus have the empowerment of spiritual understanding. Why? Because the Bible is a spiritual book that reveals the God Almighty of the universe and His plan of salvation that was, is, and ever will be, His Son Jesus Christ by His atoning, substitutionary death for us at Calvary. Only one way—Jesus! Only one book—God’s Word, the Bible! Only one revealer—the Holy Spirit!

“For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit which is of God;

that we might know

the things that are freely given to us of God. 

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not

the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual

judgeth all things,

yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,

that he may instruct him?

but we have the mind of Christ.”   1 Corinthians 2:11-16

So, the only way to walk God’s way consistently is to have “the mind of Christ”—to belong to Jesus and have HIS Spirit within and yield to Him (See Ro. 8:9)! Whose spirit is ruling and directing your steps? We must pay attention, and know God’s Word that we might walk in His ways. All ways aren’t right—but we can know the difference?

“Beloved, believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1