Bible Ballistics: BBs #340   No Time??? No Peril???

 

We live in a culture of busy-ness, yet limited productivity. People are in a hurry and yet many seem to get nowhere! What’s the problem? I think one of the problems is that professing Christian’s lives have no similarity to Biblical devotion and commitment to following Jesus. Churches are empty and lives are unchanged because many who claim to ‘know’ Jesus, have no time for the things of God.

Many who claim to be ‘God’s children’ (See John 1:12-13) have no time for God, and yet they think that’s ok. Are we not aware of the peril that we are in?

“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.

6 For of this sort are they

which creep into houses,

and lead captive silly women

laden with sins,

led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning,

and never able

to come

to the knowledge of the truth.”   2 Timothy 3:1-7

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that “perilous times” would come, and he describes that peril. Those “perilous times” that “shall come”, my friends, are there, they’re here — now! And it saddens my heart that those around us see “No Peril”! People are so consumed with being “lovers of their own selves”, that they make “No Time” for God. Time for work (I find it ironic that we have the extremes of those who are ‘work-a-holics’ in contrast to those who seem to be ‘allergic’ to work!), time for leisure, time for partying, time for sports, time for entertainment, time for lust, sin, and death, but NO TIME for God or the things of God. Time and license to live immoral lives (Oh but God loves everyone, so my sin is ok, right?); time for pursuit of things that are wicked, if not outright blasphemous; time for loose and crude behavior, but no time for God, His church, His Word or His purposes.

Yet what also saddens me is that many churches today are attempting to recreate the ‘church’ into a social club or a ‘Christian Bar’! The Word of God calls us to live by faith and obedience not by compromise and worldliness. Many are living like those that Paul warned about, people fallen prey to the lust, sin and death that the enemy promotes and calls people to: “……..captive….silly ….. laden with sins…. led away with divers lusts….Ever learning….. never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

How sad that so many who are intimately acquainted with ‘church’ are more closely identified with sin and worldliness, than genuine, faithful, biblical, godly behavior! Many around us are held captive by sin, delusion, and lust, always looking for something, but never able to “come to the knowledge of the truth”! And Jesus IS “truth”! Much like ancient Israel, people simply don’t believe God, and they are in a ‘Peril’ that they don’t even see. But the danger of “unbelief” is real, and the peril is imminent and eternal.

“Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3:10-12

In other words, it’s not what you ‘claim” but what you possess (Jesus) and that will be evident by what you “do”!

“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 7:20-23

So my question for you today, is “Are you one of the few, or one of the many?” Will you be one of those claiming to ‘know’ Jesus, but have lived that which was not of HIM? Are you trying to pass your “iniquity” and “sin” off as being ok with God? It never is! God knows, and time will reveal the truth, because Jesus is truth and His light and truth will expose the dark lies regardless of how well we’ve covered them up. Oh my friends, we must examine our hearts today and be sure that we are on the right road, with the right ‘Lord’? There is only One way to God—His name is Jesus (See John 14:6).

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Are you one of the few? Are you one of the many? Are you in peril? There is hope—In Jesus. Do you have a part in God’s Kingdom through Jesus? If you do, it should be seen in your living—in fact, it will be seen in your living!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but ye are washed,

but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”   1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Hope is real, and it is found in Jesus alone. If you are caught in the deception, silliness, ‘un’learning, sin and lusts, then take heart, Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for sin can and will deliver (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5). Just as Paul reminds us here—“such were” some of you. Sinners become saints at the cross of Jesus. His blood can “cleanse you from all sin” (See 1 John 1:7-9), that’s what brings the “new creation” of being “born again”, and that’s why Paul could contrast what these people “were” with what they now “are”! Has your “were” become HIS “are”?

“but ye are washed,

but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

So what are you doing with your ‘time’? Are you in ‘peril’? Are there people around you in ‘peril’ whom you can help? May we be willing to seek truth, believe truth, and live truth, for Jesus IS “The Way…The Truth…The Life..” and HE died for you! If there’s ‘no time’, it’s at your own ‘peril’.

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 9 No.10 By Faith Or By Sight???

 

While many today are rejoicing in the political turn in America, we need to remember that even though some progress may have been made in bringing America back to God, we must be sure to keep our focus on our Lord Jesus and God Almighty. We must keep our lives yielded to the voice and directing of the Holy Spirit, because it is so easy to be distracted in this world, and find our selves walking by ‘sight’ rather than by ‘faith’ in The Lord Jesus Christ.

While we are surrounded by distractions on every side, we must make a concerted effort to keep our focus on Jesus. At the end of Hebrews 11, that great chapter of the “Heroes of the Faith”, we find a call to diligence in chapter 12.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race that is set

before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne

of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction

of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

While I’ve heard many describe these witnesses, mentioned in verse 1, as a great stadium filled with those saints who have gone before us cheering us on, I really don’t think this is an accurate or truly biblical perspective. This isn’t referring to a giant ‘pep rally’ in the sky, but rather it’s an encouragement to stand in the same faith that they stood in. The accounts revealed in Hebrews 11 are reminding us that the faith walk isn’t always what it seems to be. It’s not dependent on what others are doing or even what they think; it’s not an issue up for popular vote, but a choice of the will of each individual to trust and believe what God has said or to trust in something/anything else.

These verses in Hebrews 12 call us to remember the faith of those before us, the faith of the patriarchs, and of those who did wonders for God, by His power. I find it interesting that many who cling to the “name-it-and-claim-it” philosophy talk about the first part of chapter 11, and all the miracles and provisions of God, but they don’t have much to say about the last portion, which talks about those who suffered for their faith—oh my, I wonder why?

“And others

had trial of cruel mockings

and scourgings,

yea, moreover of bonds

and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about

in sheepskins

and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all,

having obtained a good report

through faith,

received not the promise:

40 God having provided

some better thing for us,

that they

without us

should not be made perfect.”    Hebrews 11:36-40

These who suffered were described as “having obtained a good report through faith”! Today there is much teaching that says we only suffer when we “lack” faith; but here God tells us that these were faithful servants who were called to suffer for their faith. Then we are lead right into chapter 12, where we are called to stand in our faith, and know that we are totally sustained by God regardless of whether He chooses to lead us into “prosperity” or into “suffering” as we stand fast striving against sin.

“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Verse 4

While we live in this world we must continually be “striving against sin”, and that is exactly what Ephesians 6 is talking about as we are called to “stand against the wiles of the devil” and also to “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”. We are in a battle, and we have an enemy who doesn’t take it well when we resist and stand fast against him! It’s exactly what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 6:12; that we aren’t at war with people but with the spiritual and unseen forces of the enemy–Satan, the Devil, the Serpent.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,

which deceiveth the whole world: ……”       Revelation 12:9a

The enemy is ever against us and we must be diligent in our pursuit of victory-always through faith-rejecting the evil and clinging to our God and His Word—always through faith.

“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 5:8-11

We must recognize the enemy of our souls, and his tricks to distract us from our purpose. While God allows suffering and trials to come into our lives we can stand with Job in declaring (in faith):

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 16 He also shall be my salvation: …..” Job 13:15-16a

Job understood that while he couldn’t see why he was suffering, and he had no known sin that had brought in the discipline of God, he could trust His God and he did. We can also join him in choosing to “trust in him”; and to maintain our integrity, knowing that “He also shall be my salvation”!!! Our hope is in God, not our circumstances or our surroundings. Like Paul we can say:

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:12-13

We can trust the God who holds us in His hand, and while neither Job nor Paul knew how their trial would come out, God did! God initiated it, God set Satan’s limits through it, and God knew that His servants would be victorious by FAITH!!!

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

Our God is trustworthy, and just like Job, He has you and me in His hand, and he has and always will filter everything that comes into our life through His fingers of love. And just like Job, if God has trusted us to endure hardness or trial, HE will bring us through it all. We just need to keep on trusting the God who rules, controls and sets the boundaries! (See Isaiah 14:26-27)

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.” Job 1:7-12

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” Job 2:3-6

Both of these encounters were initiated by God—God knew what He was working in Job’s life, and trial. God was not only working in Job’s life but also giving us a record, an assurance of the faith walk in Him. And Paul reiterates this same principle in his letter to the Romans.

“And we know

that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”     Romans 8:28-29

So, friends, my challenge to each of us today is to keep “Looking unto Jesus” for confidence and direction. May we truly learn to practice a walk of faith by God’s Spirit and not trusting simply in our physical eyes:

“…for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”! (Rev. 19:6)

“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

Bible Ballistics: BBs #339   Have A Taste!!!

 

“O taste and see that the Lord is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”   Psalm 34:8

As I sit here this morning writing this BBs, I’m a bit late, partly because I took time out for a nice breakfast with my husband. I made his favorite waffles (which are usually reserved for Saturdays) and we took some time to visit and just be together. I know that he loves waffles, but they are a special treat for both of us—me because it takes more time to make them than cereal or eggs, and Zane because he loves to eat them, but due to diabetes we don’t’ have them often. As I was cleaning up the dishes, this verse began to flow through my heart and mind—Zane (and my children when they are home) loves my homemade waffles, and he not only wants to taste them, but to feast on them whenever I’m willing to make them. I guarantee you, it I cook them—He will be there tasting and feasting on them gladly, and gratefully. Maybe the Psalmist had waffles for breakfast before reminding us of God’s great provision?

The Psalmist calls us to “taste and see that the Lord is good”! And then he reveals the resultant confidence that God will bring to the hearts and lives of those who will come to HIS table. Blessings will flow when we belong to Jesus—not necessarily material “prosperity”, but a spiritual feast that will never run dry, even in the time of drought! But we must make the choice to taste, and then recognize the call to salvation and respond in faith and surety He will save and provide for the one who “trusteth in him”!

When we come to Jesus we have the privilege of sitting at the table with Him, the honor of sharing in His very person, The Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell within the saved. He not only satisfies our “taste”, but also grants us the abundance of His presence in ways beyond measure; just as the Psalmist goes on to tell us in verses 18-19.

“The Lord is nigh unto them

that are of a broken heart;

and saveth such

as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous:

but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

So my invitation to you today is to, “taste and see that the Lord is good”. And to not only “taste” but to feast on His love, grace and mercy that is been extended to all who will believer and receive Him in repentance and faith. Open the door of your heart and let Him in! And if you already have, then sit down with Him and feast at HIS table today. He has an abundant feast prepared for YOU!!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.…….

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear

what the Spirit saith ……….”     Revelation 3:20 & 22

The table is spread; don’t miss the opportunity to dine with Jesus! Are you hungry today? Then I simply close with some of the words from one of my favorite Gospel songs.

“Come and dine, the Master calleth,

         Come and dine.

         You may feast at Jesus’ table, all the time.

         He who fed the multitude….to the hungry calleth now

         Come and dine!”  By Charles B. Widmeyer

Bible Ballistics: BBs #338   Who Is Worshipping???

 

I read something not long ago that really piqued my interest. The question was asked, “Are you worshipping your ‘worship’?” And I would like to take just a few minutes this morning to challenge us all to examine our hearts before The One we claim to ‘worship’. Let’s examine what scripture has to say.

“Give unto the Lord the glory

due unto his name:

bring an offering,

and come before him:

worship the Lord

in the beauty of holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29

This was the Psalm of David when he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He was full of joy and gratitude, especially after the tragedy of his first attempt to bring it there (Read 2 Samuel 6.). David reminds us that glory is what we are to give unto God, not just with our words, but with our resources as well. He also reminds us that we are coming “before him” to offer our worship, and we are to worship HIM “in the beauty of holiness”! But what does that mean? Well it doesn’t mean only those who belong to a “holiness” church can worship God, but it does tell us that worship is more than simply coming to church. It is more than just taking sides in the “worship wars” of our culture. It is more than a genre’ of music. O.K., so what is it? It is a state of being “set apart” by, for, and to God.

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

Here we have the same words, which David wrote unto God, recorded not only in the historical accounts of the Kings of Israel, but also recorded in the “Songbook” of Israel, the Psalms. It must be important enough that God wants us to take note of it because  it is repeated. But that’s not all.

“Give unto the Lord the glory

due unto his name:

bring an offering,

and come into his courts.

9 O worship the Lord

in the beauty of holiness:

fear before him,

all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen

that the Lord reigneth:

the world also shall be established

that it shall not be moved:

he shall judge the people

righteously.” Psalm 96:8-10

Here in the 96^th Psalm we see this instruction in worship repeated yet again, and this time it also calls us to spread the Good News. The Good News that God is the sovereign God who rules all—and He will “establish” His Kingdom, in His time, and He will judge all things through The Son; and His judgment will be perfect in righteousness. And just as important, we followers of Jesus are called to walk (live, converse, and worship) before our God in holiness—not just on the days that we corporately worship, but each day and every where. It’s not ok to raise your hands up to God on Sunday (or whatever day you worship on) and then live like the world all week. Worship isn’t restricted to a day, or a time, or a season, or a place—real worship is a state of mind and a reflection of “whose” we are! It’s not a ‘musical’ issue but a heart issue. Are we worshipping God or individual preference?

“But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

“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

Holiness is to be the mark of our lives when we belong to Jesus. We are called to live yielded to The Holy Spirit, that His ‘holiness’ will be seen in us.

Real ‘holiness’ isn’t:

A denomination—

A particular church, or any ‘church’.

But real ‘holiness’ is the expression and manifestation of—

A heart and life saved by the blood of The Lamb—

A mind set on Jesus—

A heart yielded to God—

A life lived in pursuit of the pleasure of God–

A life lived in pursuit of the approval of God—

A life lived in humble devotion to The Lord!

The “beauty of holiness” is the testimony to a lost and dying world, that The Holy God of the universe can take a sinner and birth them into His Kingdom, by the blood of The Lamb, making that sinner God’s saint. It is undeniable evidence of the transformed lives that God produces when we become “a new creature” ‘in’ Jesus Christ The Lord!

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

So, are you living the “beauty of holiness” in worship of God each day? Or are you worshipping something else? Is your heart as excited about “The Word” as “The Music”?