Bible Ballistics: BBs #257 Showers Of Blessing???

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

As I sit here this morning listening to the distant thunder, and hearing the rain refresh our ground, plants and water sources, I just wanted to take this time to thank God for His abundant grace and provision. Despite all the claims around us about the weather and the climate, one thing that escapes most of the political and scientific communities is that they are NOT in charge. While there are practices that claim to be able to create rain, there is not, nor has there ever been any guaranteed method to “create” rain or meet the need of the created order with rain, and nothing refreshes the ground like “rain”. Only the Lord GOD Almighty, who is in charge of all of creation can, and I praise Him for it. Will you join me this morning and just praise the Lord for His wondrous grace and provision as He continues to send HIS rain to us all, regardless of our deservedness to receive it with the bounty it supplies.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said,

Thou shalt love thy neighbour,

and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them that hate you,

and pray for them which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father

which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun to rise

on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45

Jesus reminds us that we are called to “love” differently than the world. We are called to “love” like God does, in that we are to reflect the nature and character of our “Father” when we belong to him! God causes “HIS” sun to shine on us, and He sends HIS rain to provide necessary nurture for the earth on which we live (Through HIS SON also!). He provides these necessities of life to ALL—to/for the just and the unjust—to/for the evil people and the good. Likewise, we are to extend grace, mercy and love not only to those who are easy to love, but also to the unlovely! In fact often it’s the “unlovely” who may be in need of love more than others; and God calls us to reflect His grace (undeserved favor) and mercy (help to the helpless, hope for the seemingly hopeless) to those around us.

I hear and see a lot said on every hand about avoiding those who are “negative”; those who are “unkind”; those who “take advantage”; those who “don’t return” our efforts in a way that pleases us. Whoa??? That doesn’t seem to match what God is calling us to be and do! We are called to not only receive God’s blessings gratefully, but to share them freely with others. Why? Because:

 

“……freely ye have received, freely give….”      Matthew 10:8

“And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

So, as we are blessed, so we are to bless others. We should rejoice in our Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ the Son, and the precious Holy Spirit, who has been given to dwell within us so that Christ may be seen in us!

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

May we ever be the blessing to the world that God has called us to be—salt and light affecting and changing our world, by seasoning it with God’s truth in love, which is the only thing that can preserve from corruption. Because only Jesus can and will bring a change of heart – true heart transformation for any person who will come to Him in repentance and faith. It’s your call. God has promised to restore things in His time, but He sends us showers of blessing in the meantime, until we are in His perfect presence.

Won’t you rejoice with me today and be glad in the Lord Jesus Christ and His abundant blessings in this life? The best is yet to come!!!

“ And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26

Bible Ballistics: BBs #256 A Friend Loveth, When???

As an old song once said “What the world needs now, is love….” And that is a relatively accurate statement, but it’s not “lust” that the world needs, but the love of God. For it is only God’s love, through His Son Jesus Christ that can change hearts and lives, and only changed hearts and lives will “CHANGE” anything, including America!

I received a blessing this week in the form of a precious note from a very dear friend. It reminded me how precious it is to have received God’s love, but God doesn’t stop there—He gives us friends, to share our lives and love with, and often those precious ones He sends into our lives become family in our hearts. Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for enabling me/us to know your love and to have the desire and capacity to share it with flesh and bone people.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

I praise God for those precious ones that He has sent to me—the ones who have been there through thick and thin; through pleasant and difficult circumstances; through rejoicing and grief; through the lovely experiences as well as the ‘ugly’ ones. Oh, what a blessing God has given us in friends, but there is one that is the greatest friend of all.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15: 13-15

Jesus is the greatest of friends, because He is not only God, but also the one who “lay down his life for his friends”!!!  What less can we do for our friends? I’m not talking necessarily about ‘dying’ for others, although there are some we would be willing to die for, but I’m talking about laying down our “living” for our friends; doing that which is best for them, helping them and calling them to a higher plane of life and love. Real love empowers greatness; it doesn’t enable wickedness and sin. There is a great difference. But that’s not where I want to focus today, but instead I’d like to call us to be that friend who is ‘always’ there.

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

To have friends, we must be a friendly. We can all act and behave in a ‘friendly’ manner, without being a friend to others. To be a friend requires time, commitment and selfless devotion. While we can’t force our friendship on those who don’t want it, we can be that kind of person who gives our heart and love to those God brings into our lives. Yet we need to be realistic and understand that in this fallen world there are those who will want our friendship for a short time only; there are those who will find our friendship valuable only while it is convenient or agreeable; there are those who will only want our friendship for what it can ‘do’ for them, and when they are disenchanted with us or our ability to ‘give’, they will walk away; there are those who will come into our lives and change us for good, but then be taken away; and those who will come and abide with us.

Regardless of how often we may give without receiving, a real friend is the one who knows our faults and stays by our side through the ‘ugliest’ of difficulties, and loves us anyway. We are called by our Lord to be that kind of friend, because HE is that kind of friend. He is working for our good at all times. He prays for us, without enabling our sin.

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34

We are ever on the heart of our greatest friend, and likewise we are to pray and intercede for our friends. Just as Jesus does what is best for us, we are to pray for and minister God’s best toward the recipient of our friendship. A true friend loves at the “all times”, even when it is inconvenient, in fact, especially when it is inconvenient. We are to reflect the love and care of our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12

“These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:17

Jesus loves us, and we are to love others, especially those special people He sends to us as “care” givers, or those in need of “care”!!! So my challenge to each of us, is that we would consider our ways, and not only be that kind of friend, but also be a grateful friend who appreciates those precious ones that God has given to us to share our lives and love with. Thank you Lord for giving me so many precious ones to share my life with, may I truly be a good steward of “friendship”!!! May YOUR love be seen in me? May I always provoke to love and not frustration—only by Your Spirit.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Hebrews 10:24

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 15 Who’s Comfort Helps You???

If you noticed, I didn’t post a Bible Ballistics last Sunday due to a slight physical problem, it was just one of those things that we all have to deal with from time to time. We all face difficulties and trials of various kinds, whether it’s physical infirmities, emotional issues, financial trials and crises, or just living life. And sometimes we wonder about those things that come to us, so I’d like us to spend just a little time today (Little for me!) considering what scripture reveals about our trials, regardless of what they are where you are.

Trials come to all of us, yet they are not just an inconvenience that we have to undergo, but rather a reality of living in a fallen and broken world, as well as a training ground for God’s work in the life of His children, making us more mature and useable in His kingdom and service. Trials can also help us to recognize and be more sensitive to the needs of others, and then by our experience, enabled by God to help others in their times of need–by His grace, wisdom and power. Paul addresses this issue:

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation

and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring

of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast,

knowing, that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7

Paul helps us to realize that our suffering isn’t abstract, vain, useless, or purposeless; rather it is all part of God’s work in, through and with us, that we ourselves can draw closer to Him, as well as being able to comfort and encourage others through the maturity and confidence we have gained in our God. Just as Paul told the Roman believers many years ago:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.”   Romans 5:1-5

And being born again by the blood of the Lamb, we receive the Holy Spirit of God, and are reconciled to God and restored to fellowship and communion with God Himself–we have “peace with God”!!! Not just the “peace” of God, but also a restored relationship with the Holy God of all creation.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:9-10

Sin made us all enemies of the Holy Creator, God Almighty, and by Jesus death, burial and resurrection we are brought back into favor with and reconciled to God by the blood that Jesus shed for us at Calvary. And as those who are reconciled, we become reconcilers. And part of what makes us good reconcilers is the sufferings and trials that we have walked through with God (Or more accurately, God has walked through with us). Everyone in the world deals with trials and difficulties of one sort or another, so it’s not just the experiencing of trials, but it’s the experience of walking through those trials with the overcoming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Learning that HE is working all things for our good and HIS glory. It’s Jesus that makes the difference in trials, not the trial itself or even the outcome—it is the Savior who walks through those trials with us, beside us and comforts, encourages and strengthens us to overcome.

“And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Believers are reconciled to God, to be reconcilers, bringing the world to the Savior, Redeemer and Reconciler of all who will believe. Because He was made sin for me—HE who knew no sin–that my sinful self could receive the ‘righteousness’ of God applied to my soul and become a new creature “in Christ Jesus” (See 2 Cor. 5:17)!!!

So dear friends, whatever you are going through today, it hasn’t caught GOD by surprise. He knows where you are and He’s standing close by if you’ll but reach out to Him in faith. And if you are in between those trials of life, then keep your eyes open for that special someone who may need to hear about Jesus’ comfort and courage that brought you through. How can we remain silent when so many are in need of our help? So if you’ve received God’s comfort, don’t keep it to yourself. Someone needs your testimony and help today—be listening to God’s Spirit leading YOU.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #255 A Blessing Or A Bother???

We’ve talked lately about ‘choices’, and today I’d like to talk about a popular ‘choice’ topic. Life—be it the unborn, the aged, the infirmed, or the inconvenient. People make ‘choices’ every day about these issues regarding giving life, continuing life, extending life and any other related issues of “life”. I’d like to share just a few scriptures as food for thought for your consideration.

“Except the Lord build the house,

they labour in vain that build it:

except the Lord keep the city,

the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

to sit up late,

to eat the bread of sorrows:

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full

of them: (CHILDREN)

they shall not be ashamed, (CHILDREN)

but they shall speak   (CHILDREN)

with the enemies in the gate.”   Psalm 127:1-5

I realize that this issue is very controversial, but I’d like to challenge us to examine whether the “biblical” view of life is our view of life? The Psalmist reminds us that only that which God is in, will prosper ultimately. Just as David in another Psalm was discouraged (for a time) when he saw the wicked prospering, but God answered his question by reminding him that often “what you see” isn’t all there is.

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm…….. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:

thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation,

as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors…….

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

and there is none upon earth that I desire

beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee

shall perish:

thou hast destroyed all them

that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God:

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

that I may declare all thy works.”   Portions of Psalm73

It’s easy to let the corruption of the world discourage us—it did David. But then he took his discouragement to the Lord, and God opened his eyes to see the same thing that God revealed through Paul.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

God will accomplish His purpose and righteous judgment in HIS time. But in the meantime we are to judge righteous judgment and see things not through “rose-colored” glasses but through eyes of “truth”. And that truth includes the sacredness of life. Life that “ONLY” God can and does give!!! We are to value children and not consider them an inconvenience or a bother, but know that God says they are a blessing and we are blessed to have them. We are also to value multiple children, if God so blesses us. Yet so often we hear mothers and fathers ridiculed because they have a large family—they are inundated with that hurtful (and unbiblical) question, “Don’t you know what causes that?” Or “Can’t you count?” Or in my mind the worst, “Don’t you know how to ‘stop’ having children?” If we value life and believe that all life comes from God, why have we bought into the philosophy of the world that says, “You can’t afford children”, or “You’re too young, or too old”! How do we say with one side of our mouth, “I’m ‘pro-life”, and then ridicule the very life that we “claim” to support with such a mindset and worldview? Where is our mind set? Our worldview?

We have a similar incongruity toward the elderly, the infirmed, and the handicapped, anyone that is unable to meet our “quality” of living. If life is from God then either all life is sacred—ALL LIFE—or God can make mistakes! Surely He couldn’t have intended for “them” to have life, to live among us? Right? I know these are hard questions; questions that most of us avoid dealing with as much as possible, but I think it’s time for us to think, especially those who claim the name of Jesus. If we claim to belong to God, then we ought to have a godly and biblical value system. And to have that we need to know what God says about it.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16

God knew you and me before we were even born, and He created us exactly the way that He intended for us to be created. It’s up to us what we will do with the gift of life He has given us, both our own life and the lives over which we have influence. Our confidence and hope are in God, for it is He alone that saves and delivers, and He keeps HIS word!!!

So what is the point to all of this? Well simply put, that we examine our thoughts and actions by God’s standard not man’s! That we who claim the name of Jesus seek God’s face and ask Him what is remiss in our lives, take action to rectify any thing that God calls us to change, repent where necessary and walk in HIS ways, not our own and surely not in the world’s ways. To heed the message of John:

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:5-9

It’s time for God’s people to do what God saved us to do, and that is to be salt and light in a world of corruption. We are to see life, children and ministry to all people as a blessing not a bother. It’s time!!!

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

Bible Ballistics: BBs #254 Watch Your Choices???

Choices are always confronting us—we meet them on every hand. What to wear, where to go, what’s for dinner, whom do I befriend? We make all those choices and countless others, but how are we to make those choices, and what criteria do we use? The Psalmist gives us a good starting place!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  

2 But his delight is

in the law of the Lord;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”    Psalm 1:1-6

The Psalmist gives us good advise regarding our choices, he tells us that there are two types of choices—those made by the righteous, and those made by the ungodly. Let’s examine the differences.

The “righteous man” chooses wisely to:

Walk NOT in with the ungodly in their ways—

Doesn’t get his advise from the world–

He stands NOT in the way of sinners—

He doesn’t join their crowd—

He sits NOT in the seat of the scornful—

He doesn’t get comfortable in their ways!

He develops a godly focus by:

Delighting in God’s ways—

Meditating on God’s Word day and night!

And his choices yield evident consequences:

He is like a tree deeply rooted—

He is rooted by rivers of water—

He bears fruit in proper season—

He has leaves that never wither—

He will prosper in all his ways—

Because his ways are God’s ways—

But then the Psalmist makes the contrast with those who don’t choose God’s way, but their own, wicked way. They experience different consequences:

They are NOT like the ‘righteous’—

But are like chaff that the wind blows away—

They will NOT stand before God in the judgment—

Meaning they will have no defense–

The sinners will NOT stand with the righteous—

Because they don’t have Jesus’ righteousness—

The Psalmist goes on to remind us that the one who will judge is God. He has given us the free will to choose our actions, but not to determine our own consequences—God will do the judging, and HE will judge rightly, and the consequences will be irrevocable to those who have not bowed before Him in repentance and faith, and received the gift of salvation that Jesus bought for us at Calvary!! It’s your choice to make, as God gives each one opportunity to be saved. But if that opportunity is neglected or rejected, there is no other way. Jesus Himself told us that there is only one way.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

We can choose Jesus and walk in His ways, or we can choose to be our own God and reap the consequences.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

I invite you to join me and boldly proclaim as Joshua did:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15