Bible Ballistics: BBs #253 Who Turned Off The Light???

Sometimes it’s easy to get a bit discouraged when we look around us at all the darkness and corruption. But we who follow Jesus, are called to be light in the darkness—

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15

We can observe that when light shines, darkness must flee and that is why darkness hates the light. We also observe in this passage that a light that is hidden “under a bushel” isn’t doing what it is intended to do. A light is to dispel the darkness by “shining”, so it “giveth light unto all that are in the house”!!! Where light shines, the darkness cannot abide. But we also must remember that we are not the “source” of the light, but our Lord Jesus is, and we are simply to reflect His light and glory.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15

Our job is to “shine” the light of Jesus on a dark, lost and dying world. Jesus is “the light” and the only hope of real “abundant life”!!! Yet the world hates Him, because He is who He said He is, and ever shall be, and “SIN” is the issue!. Only Jesus can deliver us from the penalty and power of sin, and He alone will deliver us from the very presence of sin when HE returns. But, He hasn’t come yet, and we are to “Occupy till I come” (See Luke 19:13). Occupy can mean, dwell, possess, fill, or take up. And it most certainly doesn’t mean, “give up”!!! We are called to hold fast:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23

And we must not only “hold fast”, but we must hold fast with the knowledge and understanding that things aren’t going to get better, but will get progressively worse and worse. Jesus also told us they would treat us in the same way that they treated Him. If we are following Him, we can expect the same treatment that He received—and they “loved” Him to “death”. What are we prepared to endure for our Lord? We must recognize the dark, and “shine”!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

And in all reality, if we proclaim the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will turn away from us, and even on occasion turn against us, at the very least, considering our devotion and holiness strange, to the point of ridicule.

“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” 1 Peter 4:4

As we observe all that is going on around us, it’s almost as if Paul wrote this list yesterday, in light of events going on around us; but he was simply revealing what God said would come– A time when men would go so far from God that they not only seek and embrace wickedness, but delight in it, accept it, promote it, and support those that join in these wicked and ungodly behaviors.

So what can we do? Simply put, just follow Jesus and shine, reflecting His light!!! Don’t hide under a bushel!

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8

“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.” 1 John 1:7

Bible Ballistics: BBs #252   What Time Is It???

With all that is going on around us, politically, socially, morally and economically, we can often become afraid. But we can trust in our Lord Jesus, we don’t have to worry or fret, in fact, scripture continually tells us to “fret not”. Even though many of us are very good at it—we do it so well, because we’ve done it for so long—God tells us, “fret not”! He is able, capable and totally in control, and we can trust to HIS unfailing grace and will. We don’t have to “fret”, instead we can safely trust in Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up:

for they be many that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”    Psalm 56:1-3

So, regardless of who or what you are facing today, you can put your trust in God Almighty, and the Son Jesus Christ in all things. While we may not be able to count on politicians, the weather forecasters, the government or economics—we can trust in our God.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

Our confidence can rest in the power of our God. He is the Almighty God, the Sovereign King and Creator of all, and He also loves us and promises to care for His own, and accomplish His purpose in your life and mine. You can trust HIM! You are never alone.

“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

Is something causing you to fear today? The culture? The economy? Your finances? Your health or the health of someone you love? A family crises? Your safety or security? Whatever is plaguing your mind today, remember that God knows exactly where you are and HE is waiting for you to hear His voice, and trust yourself to HIS care and provision. God isn’t caught by surprise by your crises—He is able to meet your needs, if you will but trust HIM with your cares. He cares about you.

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:  

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

To sum it up, Peter calls us to take action:

Humble yourself before God—

Cast all your cares on God—

Be sober (be alert)—

Be vigilant (watch carefully)—

Resist the devil—

Endure suffering—

We can do all these things by knowing that God is working in and through our lives to:

Make us perfect (mature)—

Establish our faith—

Strengthen us—

Settle us (give us peace that supersedes the storm)—

Have a blessed week, and remember God cares for YOU!!! Right now!!! TODAY!!!