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Bible Ballistics

Monthly Archives: April 2018

Tidbits From Daniel #2!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 13

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Blanche in Amazing Grace, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Faith, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Spirit, Knowing God's Word, My Grace Is Sufficient, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Transformed life, Trust God, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 13 Tidbits From Daniel #2!!!

 

Today I’d like us to consider more of the book of Daniel, and looking at chapter 3 (yes we’ll come back to chapter 2 later) and delve into the importance of our confidence in God and our willingness to pursue His will knowing that HE is our hope, assurance and strength in all things.

I recently heard an interview with a Christian business owner who was talking about finding and fulfilling God’s purpose in their work/business, and I couldn’t help but think, as I listened to the owners, that they were fulfilling God’s purpose, as they set out to serve others with a godly environment and a pleasant place for people to spend time, and encourage each other daily. I think God’s purpose is fulfilled when we strive to live out what God calls all of His children to do; and we can learn much from the scriptures as we consider the pictures it paints of God’s purposes being fulfilled through His servants.

When asked by His disciples about prayer, Jesus gave us a beautiful and practical approach to communication with our Father God; and yes prayer is communicating with God—not just a dictatorial session where we submit our list of wants and complaints to God! Prayer is intended to be a time of sharing our heart with God, and seeking His face and heart in order to know Him more, learning to discern His voice and follow the leadership of His Spirit (who dwells within His own) and reflect His way to a lost and dying world!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 

We are blessed beyond measure, whether we are paying attention or not, yet God has called us to walk in His ways—even in our prayer life. I think our ultimate purpose can be found in the elements of this ‘Model Prayer” which Jesus shared with us. With 0ur heart, mind and soul we are to love God, and be seeking HIS kingdom

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:32

Seeking God’s kingdom in our lives—the pattern that Jesus gives to us:

Our Father who art in heaven—God is God and not us—

Hallowed be thy name—HOLY and to be revered—

Thy kingdom come—IN me, prevailing in all—

Thy will be done—IN me—not mine—

On earth as it is in heaven—not earthly ways dressed

up to fool God and/or man!

When we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, we are “born again” by the Holy Spirit of God; and when God’s Spirit comes to dwell within us, He makes all things new—a newness that will be reflected in our everyday living!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:10-13

We are born of God’s Holy Spirit:

“Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God

Born of God, to seek HIS will, HIS purposes, HIS ways in all that we do—because we are made new creations in HIM!

“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

God’s kingdom purposes are to be lived out in us where ever and whatever God leads us to! We don’t have to be a “professional” Christian to have a purpose before God! God’s kingdom come “in me”, is ‘me’ being God’s child where ever I am: at the coffee shop, delivering mail, serving others in a bank, a grocery store, a dollar store, maintaining a home and family, or being a professional or executive—whatever my ‘job’ may be– my calling is to serve God and live out “Thy kingdom come” in all my ways! Even if we’re digging ditches or scrubbing floors, we are to do “all” to His glory and for the increase of HIS kingdom.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“All” to God’s glory—His “kingdom” coming in, me—that the world may see God by my life and actions. His purposes seen in me, no matter when, where, what or how! That means God’s servant is to serve HIM 24/7—not just on Sunday, or whatever day of the week that you worship! Real worship isn’t just singing, or praising, or being fed by the Word of God—real worship is a life lived in obedience to the Spirit of God who dwells within the children of God, not by our own power but by His power within us!

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”     Romans 11:36

“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.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:5-6

Jesus died for the “ungodly”—that’s all of us before we are born again!!! Yet Jesus loves us so much that He died for “the world” and when we know Him, our life should be a reflection of HIS love and glory to the world!

So how do we practically pursue this kind of life? It’s simple but not easy—we must seek Him to know His servant heart, and then trust HIM to direct our steps—ALL of our steps!!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6

Just as God commands us to “have no other gods before me”, we can’t serve God and anything else! And our example from Daniel reveals the heart of three men who knew what it meant to be totally devoted to God—no matter the cost–men who stood firm even in the face of death.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God

whom we serve

is able

to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:

therefore he spake,

and commanded that they should heat

the furnace one seven times more

than it was wont to be heated.”    Daniel 3:16-19

Three young men with a choice to bow and please the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, or to stand and face what seemed to be certain death. Yet these three servants of God stood firm, and faced the ire of King Nebuchadnezzar, and a fire that he commanded to be seven times hotter than normal. And while we know that God delivered them, they simply stood on the surety that God could deliver them, yet even if He didn’t choose to deliver them, they knew they would still serve only HIM no matter what. How about you? Me? How can we stand and follow God’s calling and purposes in our life? There is a good way revealed by the Apostle Paul as he instructs us to put on the armor of God—enabling us to face the “principalities….powers…rulers of darkness…and spiritual wickedness” by putting on the armor of God, and walking in the power of it. Who are you depending on to fight your battles? Are the armor, power and provision of God, your strength? Or are you depending on your own flesh and wisdom? As we close for today, I want to share a few thoughts regarding the armor of God, and trust that you will spend some time rehearsing and taking to heart the message of Ephesians 6:10-18. With God’s armor on, we can “withstand in the evil day….and having done all to stand…”, knowing that “the battle is not yours, but God’s”!

Put on the armor of God—

His truth—JESUS is the truth–

His right—His righteousness applied to my heart–

His gospel of Peace—in our every step—

with a mindset of servanthood—

not pride and arrogance–

Faith in HIM, HIS will, HIS provision—not ourselves—

HIS Word— as our only offensive weapon—

(Jesus Himself–

THE Word-both spoken and written!)

The battle is the Lord’s—when we walk with HIM in faith, pursuing HIS purposes, and trusting to HIS sufficiency!

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Amen and Amen!!!

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What’s Got Your Eye??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #457

27 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Not Of This World, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #457       What’s Got Your Eye???

 

“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.”    Hebrews 12:1-2

I saw something recently that impressed me, and while I don’t remember where I saw it, the gist of it was: “If you teach your child to ‘keep his/her eye on the ball’, but fail to teach them to ‘keep their eyes on Jesus’—to what end have you taught?” Our children and grandchildren are so precious and we ought to treasure each moment, yet we who are believers in Jesus, must commit to continually “Looking unto Jesus” ourselves, and not being distracted by the call of the world. For the truth is, if we lead our children to great success in sports, education, finances, and in human relationships and fail to lead them to Jesus—what have we achieved? What have we really done for them?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange

for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 

Notice, Jesus calls us to follow Him, and lays out the cost:

“let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me”

This same principle is most aptly stated by Paul, and as we close with it, may we assess our lives, check our ‘vision’, and be sure that we are leading those who are following us (And there are those who are following us-even when we don’t realize it!) to the cross and not the world. Remember we are ‘in’ the world, but we are not to be ‘of’ the world—“My kingdom is not of this world”!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

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Our God Still Reigns!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #456

25 Wednesday Apr 2018

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faith, God of all comfort!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Will Never Leave You, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Look UP, My Grace Is Sufficient, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, The Word, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #456    Our God Still Reigns!!!
 

Just a midweek reminder that YOU are not alone! No matter the stress or strain, the difficulty or joy—God is still on His throne, and He hasn’t forgotten where you and I are! I may not know what’s going on with you, but I know as scripture reminds us, it has happened before and it will happen again, for there truly is ‘nothing new under the sun’! Yet our sovereign Lord has not left us alone—HE is with us—Now!

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing under the sun.”    Ecclesiastes 1:9

Even more important than the recurring and cyclic nature of life, is the sure and certain truth that God is still in charge! And we can find great comfort and assurance in the immutability (unchangeableness) of The God Almighty whom we serve!

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

“My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father

are one.” John 10:30-31

All because Jesus IS God, the same attributes that are true of God The Father, are true of Jesus The Son!

What an awesome assurance from our Lord Jesus that we can live victorious lives with the same confidence in Him and His faithfulness. God wants you to know that no matter what you are facing, no matter the trial or difficulty, or the joy or delight, or what worry or concern is looming over your head and your heart—“Our God Reigns”!!! May you take comfort from HIS powerful truth!

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him that bringeth

good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that bringeth good tidings

of good,

that publisheth salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 52:7

What a glorious triumph awaits us, when our precious Lord Jesus returns—and I believe it is imminent–and that’s a sure and certain confidence you can “stand fast” in today!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

I can hear the beauty of Handel’s wondrous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ ringing in my ears and in my heart. Have a blessed day my friend, and remember—look up, walk forward and press on with Jesus. We win! The “Lord God omnipotent reigneth”—“Yesterday and today and forever”! Amen!

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Tidbits From Daniel #1 ??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Holiness, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Perseverance, The Only Way, Trials, Trust God, Walking With Jesus, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12 Tidbits From Daniel #1???

 

I just concluded teaching a two-part course on the book of Daniel, and thought I would like to spend the next few weeks considering some of the jewels that can be found in this amazing part of God’s Word. Many people avoid studying the book of Daniel because of the prophecies that it contains, yet there is so much practical information that we miss when we neglect this precious and practical portion of The Word of God, which shows us how to live a blessed and wholly holy life before God and man.

The account of Daniel begins at the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, and most believe that Daniel was a mid-teen, or thereabout; and with that in mind, it becomes even more impressive that this young man and his three friends had the impact on Babylon that they did.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand……..

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,

that he should bring certain

of the children of Israel,

and of the king’s seed,

and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish,

but well favoured,

and skilful in all wisdom,

and cunning in knowledge,

and understanding science,

and such as had ability in them

to stand in the king’s palace,

and whom they might teach

the learning

and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”   Portions of Daniel 1:1-4

Here we find Daniel and his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—taken captive by the Babylonians, not for imprisonment, but rather to be trained for service to King Nebuchadnezzar (we’d call it brain-washing). While Israel had rebelled against God, and were receiving the judgment that God had warned them of, particularly by the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel and his friends were found to be faithful servants of God Almighty, caught up in the judgment of their nation. So what did these four young men do in this situation? Well, this my friends, is an amazing account worth spending the next few Sundays considering.

While we in our culture, would expect them to be angry, bitter and uncooperative toward their captors, the picture that God gives us of these young men ought to be inspiring and call us to examine our own walk with God. What are we willing to endure for the sake of ‘faithfulness’ to our God? What circumstances do we ‘use’ to ‘excuse’ our bad responses to God and others—those who are watching us to see if we will really live what we say we believe Let’s continue looking at the recorded account—it speaks very clearly.

Remember that according to the parameters set by the king, these were outstanding young men—

skillfull in all wisdom—

cunning in knowledge—

understanding science—

having ability to serve the king—

teachable!

And on top of all of that, they were young men with—“no blemish….well favoured”! Some say there were dozens of them taken, and some accounts say it could have been a hundred, but regardless of how many there were, we do know that the record tells us that there were only four who stood fast before their God! These Jewish young men were taken to Babylon, offered the finest of the King’s food and drink, given the ‘royal’ treatment—but much of what was expected of them would have violate the Law of God.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank:

so nourishing them three years,

that at the end thereof

they might stand before the king.”    Daniel 1:5

It wasn’t simply the food that they were given, they were also given new names, to reflect Babylonian culture, in an effort to erase and replace their Jewish heritage. And this was especially note-worthy in light of these four faithful young men.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah,

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs

gave names:

for he gave unto Daniel

the name of Belteshazzar;

and to Hananiah,

of Shadrach;

and to Mishael,

of Meshach;

and to Azariah,

of Abednego.” Daniel 1:6-7

Daniel meant, “Judge of God”; Hananiah, “God has favored”; Mishael, “Who is what God is”; and Azariah, “God has helped”; so the Babylonians changed each of their names to a name that referenced a ‘Babylon god’ rather than Jehovah God of Israel! These young men had been transported hundreds of miles from their homes, their families and their Temple (which would later be destroyed by these same Babylonians); they are suffering the judgment caused by the disobedience of others, so what do you think they did? Well friends, we don’t have to guess! God tells us clearly what they did, not only Daniel, but his friends as well (How do we know? By their behavior and unity with Daniel, that’s how!)!

“But Daniel

purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion

of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile

himself.” Daniel 1:8

One of the greatest words in the Bible—“but”—reveals exactly what kind of young man Daniel was, as well as his three friends. Daniel in the same situation as all the other captives, made a decision—a determined decision—that he would “not defile himself”! Daniel’s heart was set on God—and he decided to trust to God’s grace and provision rather than the King of Babylon’s desires. But don’t miss what Daniel decided, “that he would not defile himself”; it is so important that we understand that Daniel had determined that while he was ‘ceremonially’ defiled already (because he had been castrated, the ultimate defilement for a Jewish male) he would do nothing, that was within his power to control, to defile himself! Daniel was determined to be right before God, and he sets an example that many of us need to learn from today. Notice what Daniel did with his decision, “therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. Daniel respected the authority of those over him. He didn’t jump and scream, he didn’t call for a demonstration, he didn’t throw down his marbles and try to leave—instead Daniel exhibited the godliness of a man totally dependent upon God! Daniel “requested” permission to do things differently than the rules called for, in order to be “undefiled” before his God! Daniel exhibits the character of a godly follower of God/Jesus, who walked in righteousness in the easy or the difficult. Why do we so often excuse our choices with our circumstances? Daniel shows us that when we put God and His ways first, He will meet us where we are—standing for HIM!

“Now God had brought Daniel

into favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel,

I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink:

for why should he see your faces

worse liking than the children which are of your sort?

then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar,

whom the prince of the eunuchs

had set over

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

12 Prove thy servants,

I beseech thee,

ten days;

and let them give us pulse to eat,

and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances be looked upon

before thee,

and the countenance of the children

that eat of the portion of the king’s meat:

and as thou seest,

deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.” Daniel 1:9-14

Here we have the hierarchy of politics, a leader who really liked Daniel, but he was afraid of the fallout of making a decision that might go sour! Yet Daniel and his friends continued on in their pursuit of the right way before their God, and asked the next servant in line, Melzar, to “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days”! These young men were willing to trust themselves to God’s total provision, and asked this servant to put them to “test” for 10 days, and that they would be willing to accept whatever decision he made, based on what ‘he’ saw in their appearance! No anger, no pouting, no demands, no bargaining with God—Daniel knew where he was situated; yet his faith was still in his GOD! He never wavered in his faith, because his faith was in GOD and not himself. And that is where we often go wrong—we continually try to be “self-sufficient”, and that is always temporary! Even as Jesus said, “without me you can do nothing”, Daniel understood that only God could deliver them out of their present dilemma, and that He would bring glory to Himself, and accomplish their ultimate good through His purposes for them in Babylon. Oh, what adventures they had in store! How about you and I—what are we missing out on?

“So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.

15 And at the end of ten days

their countenances appeared fairer

and fatter in flesh

than all the children

which did eat the portion

of the king’s meat.

16 Thus Melzar took away the portion

of their meat,

and the wine that they should drink;

and gave them pulse.

17 As for these four children,

God gave them knowledge

and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions
and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all was found none like

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians

and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”     Daniel 1:14-20

There is so much that is overlooked in this passage, because we often pass right over the beauty of what God was doing for four young men of faith, who exercised their faith, and saw God display His glory to them and through them in an amazing way!

“As for these four children, 

God gave them knowledge 

and skill 

in all learning 

and wisdom: 

and Daniel had understanding 

in all visions

and dreams.“

Did you get it? “God gave them”……these who stood for God in faith, and God stood by them and made His glory to shine in them! And not only did God bless them to excel in this time of training and instruction, but they came out and stood before the King, who found them:

“ten times better

than all …..”!

Did you get it again? Not only were they better than their peers, they were “ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm”! Ten times better—than all of the “magicians and astrologers” in service to the King! God had a plan for these young men, and the King of Babylon saw in them the extraordinary (the hand of God). Imagine that !!! God at work on behalf of His own! God at work in the midst of difficult circumstances! And that same God is at work for you and me, why would we choose to trust anything other than God The Father, and The Lord Jesus Christ? Glory!

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

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Reward Offered??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #455

20 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Payday Isn't Today!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #455    Reward Offered???

 

“And, behold,

I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning

and the end,

the first

and the last.” Revelation 22:12-13

As Jesus finished the “Revelation” which He gave to John, He reminds us all that there are rewards. Throughout scripture we see that all will “give an account” before The God of God’s, and Lord of Lord’s—our soon coming King of King’s, Jesus!

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh

a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16

Our wonderful Lord Jesus is coming again, and makes it clear that “my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. We need to heed His words, and our ways, even as God reminds us through the Prophet Haggai:

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;

Consider your ways.

6 Ye have sown much,

and bring in little;

ye eat,

but ye have not enough;

ye drink,

but ye are not filled with drink;

ye clothe you,

but there is none warm;

and he that earneth wages

earneth wages

to put it into a bag with holes.

7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts;

Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5-7

God reminded those who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the Temple, to “consider” why they were encountering such difficulty! And told them that they had done “their work” and left “His work” undone, therefore He was causing their wheels to spin (Blanche’s paraphrase!). God called them, as He still calls us, to “consider” our ways and see if they align with HIS way! Who are we serving? Are we serving God or self? Whom we choose to serve will be reflect our affections. Do we love God, and others before ourselves? Or are we primarily focused on meeting our own needs first? The answer matters, and God knows the true answer, even if you’ve been lying to yourself.

When we belong to Jesus, our lives are to be a reflection of His glory, and be a ministry of His grace and truth to a lost and dying world. Are we working for and in Him or something else? Are we following the example and leadership of our Lord and His indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us? Are we doing HIS work? And before you answer quickly, remember that His work, is Spirit led, Spirit filled, and Spirit directed—only done by keeping our eyes on Jesus, and following His lead (See Heb. 12:1-3+)!

“In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat

that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him

that sent me,

and to finish his work.

35 Say not ye,

There are yet four months,

and then cometh harvest?

behold, I say unto you,

Lift up your eyes,

and look on the fields;

for they are white already

to harvest.

36 And he that reapeth

receiveth wages,

and gathereth fruit

unto life eternal:

that both he that soweth

and he that reapeth

may rejoice together.” John 4:31-36

God’s work IS the work that we are called to do, “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (See Hebrews 11:1-6), and our motivation comes from whose we are—for Jesus makes it clear, “without me you can do nothing” (See John 15:1-5)

And in closing, Paul reminds us that our works come out of our relationship to God, and the work of HIS Spirit; our own “works” will never bring us into relationship with God!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:8-10

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