Monthly Archives: June 2018

He IS Coming!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #473

29 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Follow Jesus, Jesus Is Coming!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #473  He IS Coming!!!

 

Sometimes we grow weary and tired, but remember that our confidence is in the One who IS our strength, for HE keeps His Word—both spoken and written–and we can have confidence in His love, grace and care!!!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place

for you.

3 And if I go

and prepare a place

for you,

I will come again,

and receive you

unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord,

we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:1-6

We can overcome in every situation when our trust and confidence are in our God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Jesus has overcome and in HIM so can we.

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me

ye might have peace.

In the world

ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So no matter where you are today—

In joy or in sorrow—

In abundance or want—

In success or failure (in the world’s eyes)—

In knowledge or confusion—

We can overcome IN Jesus!!!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh

the world:

and this is the victory that overcometh the world,

even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world,

but he that believeth that Jesus

is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

We can have confidence in the work that God does in His own, for He is faithful “who has promised”:

“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

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2

He has come—and HE is coming again! Are you ready???

Ever Faithful??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #472

27 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #472 Ever Faithful???

 

Our God is truly faithful and I would like for us to consider what that means to those who belong to Jesus. While God’s faithfulness is evident all around—whether people are paying attention to it or not—a testimony drawing people to The God Almighty who loves them, sometimes we become so distracted that we forget that God’s principles never change regardless of what is going on in the society around us. Paul wrote some simple imperatives (what we’re called to do!) for us to consider today.

“See that none render evil for evil

unto any man;

but ever follow

that which is good,

both among yourselves,

and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming

of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15-24

As we’ve talked about a lot lately—we can only have spiritual maturity and success as we learn to lean continually on our Lord—it’s all about His faithful provision and not our fleshly efforts. It’s “fixing your eyes on Jesus” and walking in the power of HIS precious Holy Spirit’s guiding in our lives.

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Yet as we learn to ‘walk in the Spirit’, we will see God’s hand at work all around us, and make a difference in the world around us for HIS kingdom, as we reflect HIS love and grace to those He places in our path. How?

“I can

do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”    Philippians 4:13

And “I can” because God IS faithful to accomplish His purpose in HIS own!!!

“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

And because of His love, grace and continual work in our lives, we can be confident in Him and His faithfulness! Always. I simply join Paul, and hope to encourage each of us to keep looking up and pressing on with, for and by the power of our King! Let’s feast on the depths of this truth!

“But

my God

shall supply

all

your need

according to

his riches

in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto

God and our Father

be glory

for ever

and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

May God speak His love and truth to your heart to day, reminding you of how much you are loved and cared for by Him—and me! I am praying that each of us will draw near to Him today and let HIS light shine through us. And if you don’t know Him you can, by simply repenting of your sin and calling on Jesus to save you today. (“…if any man….open the door….I will come in….” Revelation 3:20)

“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.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Amen and Amen!!!

What Are You Passing On??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 20

24 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Crucified With Christ, Follow Jesus, Gospel, Heaven or Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Let You Light So Shine, Salvation, Sanctified To Serve!, Testify, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 20 What Are You Passing On???

 

“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

Joshua knew that his life was nearing the end, so he called the people together to call them to remember the goodness of God, and to serve Him from a heart of love, gratitude and devotion. He reminded them of all that God had done, challenging them to choose wisely, and declaring his choice before all, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”! Joshua made the choice consistent with his life—he had followed God with Moses, and then God called him to step into Moses place as the leader of Israel. Now at the end of his life, he is still calling people to follow God. And that always requires a personal choice and commitment.

Jesus called people to choose Him recognizing the cost is more than many people expect.

“Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected

of the elders

and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?” Luke 9:22-25

To follow Jesus we must recognize our own inability to deal with our sin, and come to HIM in repentance and faith. We must “deny” (abandon our self-reliance) self, “take up” our “cross daily” (identify with the sacrifice of Jesus), and “follow” Jesus. Paul gives us a clear picture of following:

“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

We are to live unto Jesus, yielding ourselves to the work of the precious Holy Spirit of Jesus, which He imparts to all who come to Him. When we will walk with Him, in the power of His Spirit, God will work in and through us to make a difference in this world.

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”    Romans 1:15-17

Jesus is the Gospel! And knowing Jesus through the power of His blood, we are saved and transformed into His servants, being enabled as His witness to a lost and dying world. We can pass on the ‘good news’ and lead others to Jesus, or we can live our own way and lead others to the same “hell” that all will face without Jesus. Even as Jesus shared with Nicodemus:

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom

of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth

where it listeth,

and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh,

and whither it goeth:

so is every one that is born

of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

When we are ‘born again’, we are able to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, living a life devoted to God according to the faith, gifts and abilities that He gives to His own.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”    Romans 12:1-3

Those who come to Jesus receive all we need to serve Him faithfully and lead others to the cross—to pass on life, not death; all by Him and His Holy Spirit at work within us.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus

our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

that hath called us

to glory

and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4 

HE gives us “all things” that we need to serve Him—Jesus and His indwelling Holy Spirit. We are born of The Spirit who then dwells within us and is the manifestation of the genuineness of our salvation.

“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 1:12-13

Born of God so that we can live by HIS power!!!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”   Romans 8:9

Only The Spirit of Jesus within makes us usable in God’s kingdom! We can choose to walk in The Spirit or the flesh—but there are consequences to each choice. We can pass on the truth and freedom of the Gospel or we can cause others to miss heaven by missing Jesus! What am I passing on? What about you?

“For, brethren,

ye have been called unto liberty;

only use not liberty

for an occasion to the flesh,

but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word,

even in this;

Thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another,

take heed

that ye be not consumed

one of another.

16 This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh………

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk

in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:13-16 & 24-25

Are you alive in God’s Spirit? Have you been born again? Do you have peace with God? As Paul said so clearly, we can only “pass on” what we have received—the Gospel of Jesus!

“For I delivered unto you

first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

What are you ‘passing on’?

“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.” Romans 5:1-2

Amen & Amen!!!

Carrots For Sale??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #471

22 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Carrots For Sale, Follow Jesus, Seeing Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #471 Carrots For Sale???

 

I simply want to share a few scriptures this morning that we might ponder God’s perspective for our lives. As I see all the political hoopla going on around us, I am reminded of a picture in a reading book from my childhood; it was of a man driving a cart with a horse and as he drove he had a long stick with a carrot tied on the end of it to dangle in front of the horse that it would go when he wanted it to go. I can’t help but think that a lot of what is going on in our world politically is like that “driver” holding carrots out in front of people to drive them where ‘they’ want them to go. A lot of button pushing, volatile pictures taken out of context, judgments made with half-truths as their source–just plain impure motives hidden behind glamour and glitz. So here are some things for you to think about today as you attempt to discern truth from fiction in our world of illusions. What carrots have you bought?

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which

are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling

of God

in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing

ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this unto you.”   Philippians 3:13-15

We are to press on toward Jesus not the world.

“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.”    Galatians 6:7-8

What are you sowing? Are you sure of the seeds you are sowing? Be careful, sometimes what you think you see isn’t what really is!

“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.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour

of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about

with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield

of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench

all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword

of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”    Ephesians 6:12-18 

And all those unseen forces are at work to hamper, delay, destroy and oppose the people of God—so we must be prepared to recognize the true from the false (“Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt. 7:20)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.”    Galatians 5:19-23

If you don’t know what some of these mean, then look them up—you might be surprised! And lastly, a reminder of “who” is in charge.

“Let every soul be subject

unto the higher powers.

For there is no power

but of God:

the powers that be

are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God:

and they that resist shall receive

to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror

to good works,

but to the evil.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

do that which is good,

and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God

to thee

for good.

But if thou do that which is evil,

be afraid;

for he beareth not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of God,

a revenger to execute wrath

upon him that doeth evil……

13 Let us walk honestly,

as in the day;

not in rioting

and drunkenness,

not in chambering

and wantonness,

not in strife

and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provision for the flesh,

to fulfil the lusts thereof.”    Romans 13:1-4 & 13-14

Remember the words of Jesus:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.” John 10:10

Simply put—‘nuff said’! Amen and Amen!!!

Let It Rain??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #470

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Knowing God's Word, Showers Of Blessing, The Only Way, Trust God, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #470 Let It Rain???

 

You may have noticed that I write a lot about rain; living in Oklahoma will do that to you, for we often experience the lack of rain, a difficult thing to experience. So as it is raining this morning I can’t help but think of the parallel between the physical rain and “spiritual” rain for our heart and soul. God wants us to walk with Him and know Him more intimately, and He provides all we need to grow as we commit ourselves to seek His face continually!

“And it shall come to pass,

if ye shall hearken diligently

unto my commandments

which I command you this day,

to love the LORD your God,

and to serve him

with all your heart

and with all your soul,

14 That I will give you the rain of your land

in his due season,

the first rain

and the latter rain,

that thou mayest gather in thy corn,

and thy wine,

and thine oil.

15 And I will send grass in thy fields

for thy cattle,

that thou mayest eat and be full.

16 Take heed to yourselves,

that your heart be not deceived,

and ye turn aside,

and serve other gods,

and worship them;

17 And then the LORD’S wrath

be kindled against you……. ”     Deuteronomy 11:13-17a

When we acknowledge God as our total source, we will find power and grace for each day, no matter whether it’s “raining on our parade” or the sun is shinning brightly on our way, God is ever at work on our behalf, is we will just open our eyes!

“Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Our responsibility is to keep our focus on Jesus rather than our circumstances or difficulties.

“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

It is easy in our world of techno-everything, to think that we are self-sufficient and don’t need anything or anyone, yet living with that mindset is a danger to a ‘fruitful’ life for God. We can choose to focus on the world or we can heed The Word of God and live a life focused on HIM, seeing HIS hand in all things around us.

“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

Jesus went to the cross that we might “have life”, and have it “more abundantly”, yet we must keep “Looking unto Jesus”—our Lord, our Redeemer, our Friend and our soon-coming KING!!! When we take our eyes off of HIM we can be so easily misled, for the enemy of our soul is ever ready to pounce! We must be diligent, staying in tune with The Holy Spirit’s leading in our every step, remembering that we are NOT alone!!!

“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.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

Amen!!!