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Bible Ballistics

Monthly Archives: May 2021

Cross Only By The Cross!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07

31 Monday May 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, It's Your Choice, Light In The Dark, Listening To God, One Day Too Late?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns

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1 Peter 1:13-16, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Acts :4-12, Cross By The Cross, Galatians 6:14, Jesus Alone!, Jesus-The Only Way!, John 10:27-30, John 10:7-11, John 14:6, John 1:10-13, John 3:3-20, Revelation 3:20, Salvation Is In Jesus, The Cross, The Only Way, Trust in JESUS

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07 Cross Only By The Cross!!!

 

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

While many around us today proclaim a gospel of “self-righteousness” and multiple ways to God, the scriptures proclaim the exclusiveness of the CROSS—only One way that was provided by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ The Lord!  We will all cross over that ‘vale of death’ and not to be trite, but as the realtors are known to say—it’s “location, location, location”!  Where will YOU spend eternity?  You can come by the cross and have life or you can refuse the cross and face the fires of hell.  My only confidence is in the Cross of Jesus!

“But God forbid

that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.”  Galatians 6:14

Like Paul, we are to cling to the cross—we are to call others to the “only way” to God—not seek, find or claim that there are many “ways” to God!  Jesus said there is only “one way” to The Father!

“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

And this “one way” who is Jesus, is GOD!  And yes, HE claimed to be GOD!  We must make a choice and either believe in Jesus and who HE claimed to be or deny Who HE IS and go our own way, or someone else’s way!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 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 10:27-30

Are you HIS sheep?  Have you heard HIS voice—HIS knock at your heart’s door, calling you to repent and believe in HIS sacrifice for your sin?  He has come to give life to those who will follow HIM, yet there will be judgment on those who reject HIM!

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:7-11

Life or death, even as Moses called those whom he led, to choose God and life, or reject him and, in essence, choose death.  It’s your choice, just as it was theirs—what will you choose.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus, who came to Him seeking to know truth—Jesus gave it to him, and the message is the same to us today.  What will you do with The Truth—Jesus IS Truth!  Will you seek and know HIM, or will you default to condemnation?

“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…

….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…

…..14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”                           Portions of John 3:3-20

What have you done with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?  Are you depending on ‘religion’ or ‘relationship’?  Jesus longs to have a relationship with YOU!  He died to prove it!

“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.”  Revelation 3:20

 Only the cross will bring “life”—but God has given each of us the choice. What will you do with Him when HE comes knocking at your heart’s door?  I pray that you will hear HIS voice and come and let God bring you new birth?

“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 come to Jesus just as we are, in humble repentance and faith, He makes us a new creature, and gives us new life “in Christ”!  What is the world seeing in you?  To whom have you chosen to align yourself?  I pray that it’s Jesus—it’s your choice!  But choose wisely, there is a test.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 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 5:17-21

He took our sin and imparts to us HIS righteousness!  Are you letting HIM shine through you?  May we ever bring glory to our Lord—bearing HIS holiness before a lost and dying world of darkness.  Amen and Amen!!!

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves according

to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 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 1:13-16

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Blow Up Or Bow Down??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #731

26 Wednesday May 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Suffering With Jesus, Today is the day of Salvation, Trials, Troubles, True Knowledge, Trust, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 Samuel 13:14-15:23, 2 Corinthians 6;2, 2 Samuel 12:13, Blow Up or Bow Down, Bow down before God, Isaiah 55:7-11, James 1:2-4, James 1:5-6, James 4:10, Receive God's forgiveness, Repentance Or Rejection?, Trusting God

Bible Ballistics: BBs #731 Blow Up Or Bow Down???

 

Whether we like it or not, crises come into our lives, usually when we least expect them; but our God is faithful, and HE never says “oops”!  I’m so glad—yet I want to talk about our responses to crises, for we have options, and two of those are to “blow up” and pitch a “hissy fit” (southern for a real fit!), or to “bow” before our Lord and seek HIS face for the wisdom, grace and strength to “stand fast in the evil day”!

“Beloved,

think it not strange concerning the fiery trial

which is to try you,

as though some strange thing

happened unto you:

13 But rejoice,

 inasmuch as ye are partakers

of Christ’s sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed,

ye may be glad also

with exceeding joy.”  1 Peter 4:12-13

James also encourages us to realize that trials are a part of life—especially the life of God’s children!

“My brethren,

count it all joy

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this,

that the trying of your faith

worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect and entire,

wanting nothing.”  James 1:2-4

James goes on to advise us as to what we ought to do when we don’t understand, leading us to achieve the maturity that he mentions (perfect –is referring to spiritual maturity, not sinless ‘perfection’!).

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:5-6

Are we blowing up—being tossed and driven by the winds of life?  Or are we seeking God’s face for strength and wisdom to persevere?

So many are preaching an “easy life” gospel which falsely tells people that “if you have enough faith”, “if you name it and claim it” it will happen, but God’s Word tells us that “the servant is not greater than his Lord”; and our Lord suffered for “Being” right as well as “Doing” right and He told us that we should expect the same!  Ouch!  Not a popular perspective or message, but it is truth!

James gives us another principle for dealing with our trials, and trouble—not a very popular answer in our culture—yet it is God’s answer; to recognize that GOD is still GOD and I “am not”!

“Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:10

When we recognize that God is God, and we are not, we can bow ourselves before HIM, knowing that HE is ever working for HIS glory and our good; even when we don’t see it or understand it!

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways,

 and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow

from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

 it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that

which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing

whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:7-11

Blow up or bow down?  The choice is yours, but if you will see and acknowledge that GOD is GOD and seek His face, “he will have mercy”!  God’s mercy is here for you and me, but we must seek HIM while HE may be found.  Today is what we have—what will you do with it?

“(For he saith, I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now is the accepted time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.)”.  2 Corinthians 6:2

Consider the contrast between David and Saul, who each received rebuke from The Lord, yet had two different responses.  Saul was busy “doubting, pouting and dropping outing”, while David humbled himself before God and accepted the discipline of God in his life.  Which one will you emulate (copy)?

“And David said unto Nathan,

I have sinned against the LORD.

And Nathan said unto David,

The LORD also hath put away thy sin;

thou shalt not die.”  2 Samuel: 12:13

Saul in contrast:

“But now thy kingdom shall not continue:

the LORD hath sought him a man

after his own heart,

and the LORD hath commanded him

to be captain over his people,

because thou hast not kept that

which the LORD commanded thee…

… 11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul

to be king:

for he is turned back

from following me,

and hath not performed my

commandments.

And it grieved Samuel;

and he cried unto the LORD all night…

.19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey

the voice of the LORD,

 but didst fly upon the spoil,

and didst evil

in the sight of the LORD?

20 And Saul said unto Samuel,

Yea, I have obeyed

the voice of the LORD…

…. 22 And Samuel said,

Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying

the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey

is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken

than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because thou hast rejected

the word of the LORD,

he hath also rejected thee

from being king.”   1 Samuel 13:14 & 15:11 & 19-23

The choice is yours; will you offer “sacrifices” unto God and refuse to obey (I encourage you to read the full account of Saul and Samuel in chapters 12-16)?  Or will you confess, repent and receive God’s forgiveness, cleansing and restoration?  Choose wisely, there is a test.

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

May we hear HIS voice today and respond? Amen!!!

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Come And I Will…??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 06

23 Sunday May 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Are You Ready, Armor of God, Ask God For Wisdom, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Clothed In His Righteousness, Compromise, Conviction, Crucified With Christ, Dare To Be Different!, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Father of lies, Fighting With God's Weapons, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, God Knows His Own, God's Judgment, God's love, Good News, Holy Living, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Knowing God's Word, Lies That Defeat Us, Listening To God, Not Of This World, Only One Way, Persecution, Redeemed By HIS Blood

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1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Acts 2:42, Acts 2:47, Acts 4:10-12, Ephesians 6:10-13, Following Jesus not man, God's way NOT man's, Hebrews 13:8, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Jesus' Sacrifice, John 15:17-21, Matthew 11:27-30, Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 28:18-20, Obeying God, Only One Way, Persecution, Proverbs 16:25, Proverbs 3:5-7, Psalm 119:89-90, Psalm 1:1-3

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 06 Come And I Will……???

 

I’ve been disturbed lately with so much of what I hear and see around me these days—even things from believers in Jesus.  Things that are so biblically unsound and yet believers jump on the bandwagon because things “sound” good and seems to make sense in our culture gone askew.  Things like “I don’t have to put up with____”, “get rid of _______ kind of people in your life”, “follow your heart”, and I could go on; but the point is believers in, and followers of Jesus are called to walk to the beat of a different drum, not the human heart or human wisdom and ideas.  You can choose to go your own way, but the consequence won’t please you.

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD

search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according

to his ways,

and according

to the fruit of his doings.”  Jeremiah 17:9-10

Paul makes it clear to the Galatian believers as well as to us, that we have the freedom to choose, but there is a consequence to every choice; and while we are free to choose our own way, we are not free to set the consequences of our choices.  God has made HIS way clear in His Word, and if we will but seek HIS face through HIS WORD, we will find the wisdom to live godly and discerning lives.  Let’s see what Jeremiah has to say.

“Blessed is the man

that trusteth in the LORD,

and whose hope

the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree

planted by the waters,

and that spreadeth out

her roots by the river,

and shall not see

when heat cometh,

but her leaf

shall be green;

and shall not be careful

in the year of drought,

neither shall cease

from yielding fruit.”   Jeremiah 17:7-8

Living in Oklahoma, this passage is so picturesque—for we see droughts and heat and, what I call ‘brown outs’ when the vegetation all turns brown from the heat and lack of water.  God had Jeremiah remind us that when we walk in God’s ways, and trust to HIS care and HIS ways, we will be like that “tree planted by the waters”!  Being originally from Alabama, where trees are abundant and droughts rare, I learned pretty quickly that if you see trees in southwest Oklahoma, you can know there is water nearby.  Even the Psalmist used this same example of the godly.  Will you be one that spreads out and grows in grace and truth and ceases not “from yielding fruit”, or will you cave to the pressures of the evil day around us?

“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.”  Psalm 1:1-3

We have the freedom to choose, but we must decide whom we want to please and be aligned with?  Do we want to dwell in the presence of The Lord Jesus and our Father God (by the power of His Holy Spirit), or will we settle for the lies of the enemy and live in the “pig pen”?  Jesus is so often misrepresented today, He is passed off as a “genie” who will grant all your ‘wishes’ and make your life a ‘garden party’; rather than as The Redeemer of men, women, boys and girls who will receive HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice by repentance and faith.  Jesus came to die for my sin—how could I repay Him with any less than total devotion and allegiance to Him and His Word!

“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

We must stop measuring things by what the world thinks is good, and measure instead by God’s Word. (Period!). Satan has always been a master of deceit and we need to be aware of this truth—it is so serious that Paul mentions it twice in just a few verses of Ephesians 6.

“Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil..

…. 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.”  Ephesians 6:10 & 13

And with all my heart, I believe we are in “the evil day” and we must prepare to stand!  Jesus also warned us that we would face what HE faced—opposition, ridicule, spite and rejection; what will you do when righteousness brings the despite of others?

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

The question is simple (but not easy), do you want to please Jesus and be in HIS Kingdom, or would you rather join the world and “know not him that sent me”?  And those of us who belong to Jesus need to remember that we are called to do things God’s way—not men’s!  And in my heart and mind I truly believe that Jesus has made that plain!

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God…

… 20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

 hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe…

…. 23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  Portions of 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo,

I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:18-20

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

Consider these things and what we learn from them:

God chose the “foolishness of preaching”—

To save souls and change lives—

Not plans—

Not programs—

Not marketing strategies—

Not worldly entertainment–

Not circuses—

Not parades—

Not activity—

Nor ease—or excuses—or compromise–

Jesus said, “All power is given unto me” —

And because of HIS power, He told us to:

GO—or literally “as you go”—

TEACH—share HIS truth from HIS truth—

 Who—all nations–

BAPTIZE—bring others to identify with HIM—

 TEACH— (the second mention)—instruct—

What—to observe HIS commands—

HIS WORD—

IN HIS POWER—

For HE would be “with you always”!

The Psalmist reminds us, and may we let it resound over and over again in our hearts, that there is a way that “seemeth right unto a man” but it will never end well!  We must decide if we want to go God’s way, our own way, or the way of the world; the Proverbs say it best, in one of my favorite passages.

“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.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.”  Proverbs 3:5-7

There’s that “evil” again—oh how much we have been misled and often outright deceived into using the plans of man to operate the church as a business or organization, rather than an organism—The body of Christ!  I believe God makes it clear that HIS Word settles it all—not popular vote!

“For ever, O LORD,

thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness

is unto all generations:

thou hast established the earth,

and it abideth.”  Psalm 119:89-90

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Even when Peter and John were brought before the religious leaders of Israel, they proclaimed the truth of the Gospel of Jesus—no more, no less. Only Jesus—He saves, He secures, He sends, He supplies, He sustains!  He anoints, He adds, He orders the steps of HIS own! But it must be HIS way not our own!

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

“Praising God,

and having favour with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily

such as should be saved.”  Acts 2:47

As we bring these thoughts to a close, I share another message of Jesus’—we must each decide if we will hear, heed and obey.

“All things are delivered unto me

of my Father:

and no man knoweth the Son,

but the Father;

neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son,

and he to whomsoever

the Son will reveal him.

28 Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:27-30

Even as Jesus said earlier, we are to “Come unto me”, but to come to Jesus we must let go of self and receive HIS rest—not our own sufficiency; for it’s all about Jesus—not man’s ways, man’s philosophy, nor man’s programs but God’s gospel—God’s way—for God’s glory and the transformation of lives today!  I pray that you hear my heart for Jesus!  He is coming soon, and I pray that you are ready!  Jesus still saves and changes lives today—by HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary!  May we be found faithfully proclaiming HIS truth—HIS way!

“And they continued

stedfastly

in the apostles’ doctrine

and fellowship,

and in breaking of bread,

and in prayers.”  Acts 2:42

May we be found faithful!

Amen and Amen!!!

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Godliness Will Be Opposed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #730

20 Thursday May 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Conviction, Courage, Fear, Fight or Faith?, God Knows, Godliness will be opposed, He IS Alive!, Help Thou My Unbelief, Holy Living, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, IN Jesus!, Opposition

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1 Kings 18:36-39, 1 Kings 19:1-8, 1 Kings 19:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Elijah, Galatians 6:9-10, Opposition to Godliness, Proverbs 3:5-8, Psalm 119:133, Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 46:10-11, Put My Trust In Thee, Rest In The Lord!, Rest is OK, Still I will trust HIM, Trust, Trusting to HIS care, Weary not in well doing

Bible Ballistics: BBs #730 Godliness Will Be Opposed???

 

Elijah was one of the most powerful and amazing prophets of God, yet we find that even in great victory there is opposition– to God’s people and God’s ways; so, we shouldn’t be alarmed or discouraged when we face opposition for speaking God’s truth or doing God’s will in our lives and ministries.  Yet God knows our hearts and even Elijah was plagued by discouragement (what some call depression) and ran from the death-threats of Jezebel.  What kind of Jezebel are you facing today?  A spiritual one?  A physical or health-scare one?  A Jezebel of grief or sorrow?  Or one of fear over financial issues, the future, or family issues?  God was still God when Elijah encountered the abominable evil of Ahab and Jezebel—and my friends, God is still God in the midst of your greatest fears, uncertainties, and confusion of how to deal with your weariness and burdens over the things surrounding you!

“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice,

that Elijah the prophet came near, and said,

LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel,

let it be known this day

that thou art God in Israel,

and that I am thy servant,

 and that I have done all these things

at thy word.

37 Hear me, O LORD,

hear me,

that this people may know

that thou art the LORD God,

 and that thou hast turned their

heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell,

and consumed the burnt sacrifice,

and the wood, and the stones,

and the dust,

and licked up the water

that was in the trench.

 39 And when all the people saw it,

they fell on their faces:

and they said,

The LORD, he is the God;

the LORD, he is the God.”  1 Kings 18:36-39.

(Take some time and read chapters 18 & 19 for even more insight into Elijah and his God!)

Here we have a mighty man of God in what many consider to be his greatest victory over the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.  God proved Himself mighty to save and bring the people to proclaim their allegiance to God (though it often proved to be a short-lived devotion) and much like people today, words come easy, but faithfulness comes with much drudgery and, as Oswald Chambers calls it, the mundane.  It’s why I believe that Paul gave us great advice for such situations—advice that I often have to remind myself of by quoting these verses to myself; for I need reminding as much as the Galatian and the Thessalonian believers did.

“And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”           Galatians 6:9-10

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”                             2 Thessalonians 3:13

Don’t stop serving God, even when you need to take a rest—even Jesus called His disciples to come aside and rest (See Mark 6:31)!  And just FYI, I haven’t written since last week for that very reason, we took some time away to rest and recoup from a very trying season of our lives.  I hope you know that I pray for you, that God will use my words always to glorify HIMSELF and be an encouraging word to you!  If I can depend upon HIM for what HE has called me to be and do—SO. CAN. YOU!  But back to Elijah—great victory is no assurance of ease!  Quite the contrary, when we find great victory in Jesus, there is usually a trial lurking just around the corner, but when we are informed (by God’s Word) and prepared (by The Holy Spirit), we learn to rely upon God’s faithful provision; especially in the midst of trail, or when we need rest from the weariness of our body and soul.  God knows, God cares, and GOD will always provide, when I’m ready to be still and listen and obey!  Elijah faced just such a trial!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

 So let the gods do to me, and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there…

…But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die; and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

 5 And as he lay and slept

under a juniper tree,

behold, then an angel touched him,

and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

 7 And the angel of the LORD came again

the second time,

and touched him, and said,

Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

 8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

And as we go on, we find that Elijah learned that God doesn’t always speak in the “loud” miracles, but quietly.  I want you to also note that God didn’t reprimand Elijah for being weary, instead GOD provided sleep, his meat and drink for a long journey ahead—my friend, know that GOD knows where you are and HE will supply, if you will but hear and heed HIS voice.  God took Elijah to a special place for a special word of encouragement!  How about you?

“And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount

before the LORD.

And, behold,

the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind

rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks

before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.”  1 Kings 19:11-12

That still small voice that is ever present with me/you in good days and in difficult ones (for all my days are blessed, even the ‘so-called’ bad days!) is a constant strength, and life-giving hope to press on with my LORD!  The Psalmist also knew this voice, and that sometimes we just need to (as we used to teach the schoolchildren) “stop”, “look”, and “listen”!

“Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:10-11

MY God is faithful to the load—the task—the trial—the fear—the difficulties of life that are unspeakable to others—HE IS MY GOD!  How about you?  Have you found HIM faithful?  Have you learned to trust HIM with your burden?  I’m learning every day that HE is ever faithful, not just when I am weary, but especially when I am weary, tired, sorrowful, or just overloaded in my own mind!  How about you?  Will you learn to lean on HIM?

“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.

 7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

And a couple of encouraging words to close this post for today—and I must tell you, this is not the article I sat down to write, but I believe it is the article God desired from me.  I pray that it will be used by HIM to help YOU today!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

 and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion

 over me.”  Psalm 119:133

Amen and Amen!

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Who Are You Traveling With??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #729

14 Friday May 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Armor of God, Believe IN Jesus, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Dependence, Discernment, Encouragement, Father's Way!, Fighting With God's Weapons, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Light In The Dark, Listening To God, Living Right, Living TODAY!

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Acts 17:24-28, Ephesians 6:10-12, Following Jesus, John 10:9, Journeying With God, Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 23:1-3, Romans 11:36, Who are you traveling with.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #729  Who Are You Traveling With???

 

Traveling is great fun for me, of course I learned to enjoy it as a child when my father was in the Navy; because we were often away from family and friends, we traveled on our vacation times to see those family members and other friends!  I loved it, except for the challenges of three children in the back seat—me being among them—and all the creative ways our parents used to try and keep us occupied! One of my favorite things to watch for as we drove the roads of America were the “Burma Shave” signs—if you’re too young to know what those are just “google it”, as they say—and life is kind of like that!  On our journey through life, we must watch for the ‘signs’ and if we are believers in Jesus, HE will grant us all we need to follow HIM.

What I want us to consider today is the daily journey of life; we travel along in this life often oblivious to the real things going on around us!  There are spiritual battles going on all around us and we can miss what’s really going on; but God calls us to walk with HIM through this life and be available for HIS service in unexpected and unique encounters that we will miss if we aren’t tuned to to our Father God, and Lord Jesus via HIS Holy Spirit working within us.  I belong to JESUS and ought to live like it, for I have been blood-bought and redeemed!  What less could I do than give my all to Jesus?  Here are some portions of what Paul shared with the people of Greece when he visited there–paying attention.

“God that made the world

and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not in temples

made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped

with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life,

and breath,

and all things…

…. and hath determined the times

before appointed,

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord,

 if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…..”  Acts 17:28

Paul was telling the spiritually blind Grecians that “in him we live, and move, and have our being”, how can we who claim to belong to Jesus not realize our calling to order our steps and our lives in light of this truth—all the truth in HIS WORD!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

God also reminds us that we battle unseen forces all around us and we must put on HIS armor every day to be prepared.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong

 in the Lord,

 and in the power

of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

12 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 6:10-12

On this journey we can choose with whom we will walk.  Are you choosing God, His Word and His way, or the world’s destructive lies?  It’s your choice—here’s some guiding scripture that I hope will speak to our hearts and lead our steps!

“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

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths

of righteousness

for his name’s sake.”  Psalm 23:1-3

And in closing:

“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.”  Psalm 1:1-3

And that kind of sums it up.  So, to repeat our title, “Who are YOU traveling with?”!  Won’t you join me in committing to seek HIS face and walk in HIS ways—and find rest and peace and truth!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.”  John 10:9

 

Amen and Amen!!!

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