Monthly Archives: October 2021

HIS Peace IS Real Peace!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #761

29 Friday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Knows, God of all comfort!, God's love, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy To The World?, Peace, Peace Of The Rock

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #761     HIS Peace IS Real Peace!!!

 

I have a brief word to share with you this morning, yet it is a word that so many of us need to be reminded of—especially in these uncertain times!  As I’ve said many times recently, we can count on the truth of God’s Sovereign rule!

“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

And because “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” we can truly live our lives with God’s peace within, reflecting this truth and HIS glory to the crazy world around us!  And we can rely upon HIS perfect provision in every situation; even when we see the unacceptable or inappropriate behavior of others; when the rules are disregarded, and those who speak up are ridiculed or discounted!  How do we keep pressing on?  We remember that God is absolutely in charge and even when we are minimalized, disregarded, or even ridiculed, we run into the safe arms of our Lord!

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Even Jesus assured His disciples as He was about to give HIS life for ours, He reminded them, and us, that He was imparting something to us that the world can’t take away—for they didn’t give it to us!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall

teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Did you get that?  Let’s break that down just a little bit.

“Peace

I leave

with you,

my peace

I give

unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I

unto you.

Let not your heart

be troubled,

neither let it

be afraid”

Oh, what a Savior we follow!  Don’t’ let the enemy of your soul rob your JOY and PEACE—for as Jesus said (in Blanches paraphrase), if the world didn’t give it—then the world certainly can’t take it away!  So, as Jesus said earlier in this same chapter….”Let not your heart be troubled”!  And an amazing word of instruction and hope from the Apostle Paul, is one of my favorites—one helpful to commit to memory!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me, do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

May God’s peace speak comfort to your heart today, and may His blessings be evident before you—and don’t forget to be looking for them.  Don’t let the blinders of Satan rob you of HIS peace!  I pray for you right now!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Struggle Is Real??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 01

25 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, The Struggle IS Real?, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Troubles, Trust God, Trusting God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 01   The Struggle Is Real???

 

There are times when things “roll on” with little or no difficulties; and then there are those times which come, and often stay way longer than we expected, yet our God still reigns. So, regardless of the trials, difficulties, choices, and uncertainty that I/we may face, our God always has the answer; if we will but hear, heed, and follow HIM.

“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

We have but to “fix our eyes” on Jesus and learn to “wait” on HIM—oh, that is so easy to write, but not so easy to do all the time.

“And thine ears shall hear

a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn

to the right hand,

and when ye turn

to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

And of course, the wonderful passage reminding us of God’s perfect provision that is always there when we are weak.  Paul wrestled with this dilemma just like we do, yet God gave him the same assurance that we have today; for God’s grace is always my/our strength when we find ourselves feeling weak, desperate, or confused about which way to go.

“And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient

for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Even as Paul told the Philippian believers:

“I can do

all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

Paul also told the believers at Ephesus that the battle is real, but we have all we need from God—put on that armor of GOD!

“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

We can count on God’s Word, for that very reason!  What reason, you might ask?  Because it IS GOD’S WORD—and it was, is and ever shall be the standard against which all things will be measured!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

It is GOD “with whom we have to do”!  As I often say, “Choose wisely, there is a test!”  It will be God’s test, according to The Word of God, regardless of what you have done with it in this life.  And a closing word from the Apostle Peter to those who were suffering for their faith.  May we be found faithful in all we say and do!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us

unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you. 

11 To him be glory

and dominion

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

Remember, “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!

“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

“Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth

for you”

Waiting isn’t our favorite, but it is what God often calls us to!

 “But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings

as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Amen and Amen!!!

Not All Idols Are Statuary!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #760

21 Thursday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Fickle or Faithful, Idolatry, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Influence

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #760     Not All Idols Are Statuary!!!

 

I’m sure this seems like an odd title and subject and it probably is, but I think it worthy of our time to consider.  God had a powerful word to Ezekiel about this subject.

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

3 Son of man,

these men have set up their idols

in their heart,

and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity

before their face:

should I be enquired of at all

by them?

4 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them,

Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Every man of the house of Israel

that setteth up his idols in his heart,                                    and putteth the stumblingblock

of his iniquity

before his face,

and cometh to the prophet;

I the LORD will answer him that cometh

according to the multitude of his idols;

5 That I may take the house of Israel

in their own heart,

because they are all estranged from me

through their idols.

6 Therefore say unto the house of Israel,

Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Repent,

and turn yourselves

from your idols;

and turn away your faces

from all your abominations.”   Ezekiel 14:2-6

Idols don’t have to be made of stone, wood, or precious metals and jewels; the most harmful and destructive are the idols we erect in our hearts.   This is what God told Ezekiel!  And when we erect idols in our heart, they can not only destroy our lives but the lives of those we influence—and we all influence someone, there are little eyes and ears that are watching us, as well as the eyes and ears of people who are our peers!  What are we teaching by our life choices—are our idols subtilty affecting others?  Are we causing others to take the road to hell instead of the way of the cross?  Small choices can make a big difference in our life and the life of those around us.  Do our actions lead us closer to the cross?  Do they lead others to the cross of Jesus, or the wide road of destruction?  Jesus made it clear that there are two roads and only one of them leads to God and His salvation through Jesus, the other to hell.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

Our eternal destiny and the destiny of those around us are often dependent on our choices, and when we fill our heart with the pleasures and glitter of the world it will affect our life!   Jesus also told us that the evil comes from our own heart, not statues—but our own heart full of evil that we allow to affect us!  What are we allowing into our hearts and minds?  How are you and I being affected by the choice we make in our daily activities, our daily pleasures, our daily media control, or our entertainment influences, and we could go on, but the point is we need to guard what goes into our eyes, our ears, our heart, and our mind—to keep our focus on Jesus, His Word and His way!  We can find some great advice from the Proverbs; will we heed it?

“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee

a froward mouth,

and perverse lips

put far from thee.

25 Let thine eyes

look right on,

and let thine eyelids

look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet,

and let all thy ways be established.

27 Turn not to the right hand

nor to the left:

remove thy foot

from evil.”  Proverbs 4:23-27

And Jesus own advice:

“But those things

which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man…”. Matthew 15:18-20a

There is one passage of scripture which is most convicting, and I think maybe we all need the conviction of The Word and The Spirit of God. (And if you don’t know a word—look it up, you might be surprised!)

“Mortify therefore your members

which are upon the earth;

fornication,

uncleanness,

inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence,

and covetousness,

which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake

the wrath of God cometh

on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked

some time,

when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also

put off all these;

anger,

wrath,

malice,

blasphemy,

filthy communication

out of your mouth.”   Colossians 3:5-8

In closing I want to share God’s Word rather than my own, may we heed it and pursue truth, righteousness, and cleanse our hearts of the idols we have allowed to affect us, which in turn affects those around us.  Let’s be faithful witnesses of Jesus saving grace at Calvary rather than the lies of the world!

“And what agreement

hath the temple of God

with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said,

I will dwell in them,

and walk in them;

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate,

saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be my sons

and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”    2 Corinthians 6:16-18

“A good man

out of the good treasure

of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”   Matthew 12:35

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

“For a good tree

bringeth not forth

corrupt fruit;

neither doth a corrupt tree

bring forth

good fruit.

44 For every tree

is known by his own fruit.

For of thorns

men do not gather figs,

nor of a bramble bush

gather they grapes.

45 A good man

out of the good treasure

of his heart

bringeth forth that which is good;

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

of his heart

bringeth forth that which is evil:

for of the abundance of the heart

his mouth speaketh.”   Luke3 6:43-45

Where are your idols? What are your idols?  They’re not just statuary—but much more likely, wickedness in our hearts, which we often delude ourselves into thinking it’s acceptable.  So, choose wisely, there is a test; and remember, others are following your steps (even when you don’t know they are there!)—where are my/your steps leading?

Amen and Amen!!!

Living In My Season??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 26

18 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Living In My Season, Running in my lane, Seasonal or Steadfast?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 26   Living In My Season???

 

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

I am a ‘senior’ citizen, and while I can’t do, or go or produce like I once did, there are so many things that I can still do, and what I’d like to share today is that regardless of our season of life, we are called to “rejoice and be glad in it”!  But are we?  There are times when we can all be distracted by the “what if’s” and allow the enemy to steal our joy, by getting our attention onto the other person’s lane.  You remember the old saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!”  And those of us who live in cattle country, whether we raise cattle or not, see those cows stretching their necks through the fence to get that “other” grass regardless of the grass that is in their own pasture.  The author of Hebrews deals with this very issue, let’s consider his counsel.

“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 love this passage, yet it is so often misunderstood as our being ‘cheered on in a great stadium’, when, in reality, it is a conclusion of chapter 11—the great ‘Hall of Faith’ chapter—which paints the amazing picture of faith through the ages.  A passage revealing those in prosperous circumstances as well as those who endured distress, torture, and even death for their faith.  Yet they kept on keeping on regardless of the circumstances or season they were called to endure.

We can learn so much from this brief passage about the seasons of life, and how we are to respond; I would like to simply share some insight from this great passage. Firstly, we are called to consider and learn from the faith of those who have gone before us, both those in near proximity as well as those long gone, as Hebrews 11 pictures.  To do that we must delve into the Word of God to know our God and those who have left us great examples of faith, strength, and courage; those who set examples of how to “lay aside” the sins, weights of life, and challenges which confront each of us daily—sometimes moment by moment!  God reminds us that we don’t have to be “beset” or thrown off track by these things; and while sin is almost always an issue, we can overcome it by “Looking unto Jesus”!  And no matter our season of life, Jesus is ever sufficient to lead, guide and provide for us, for HE has “been to Calvary” for us; and because HE endured every attack of Satan, sin, and life—yet without sin!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

“Without sin”!  As the Southern Gospel song proclaims, “Oh, What A Savior” (written by Marvin P Dalton), I am so glad that He “endured the cross” for you and me—and because of HIS sacrifice we can run “the race that is set before us” with confidence no matter the time, season, trial, or temptation!  He accomplished our victory at Calvary!  Oh, how grateful I am, that my past is under the blood—forgiven–, my present is perfectly in HIS hands, regardless of the season of life I am in, and my future is secure in HIS victory of salvation accomplished at Calvary!

As Paul described it so beautifully, the sacrifice of Jesus, for you and me (If you would, the Gospel in a nutshell, and combined with John 3:16-19, all we need to know about what Jesus did, does and will do for us!) is DONE:

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you

the gospel which I preached

unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed

in vain.

3 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 15:1-5

His blood has bought and paid for my sin, and because I have come to HIM in repentance and faith, I can run this “race that is set before” me.  For you see, it is the race that Jesus has set before “ME”, and that HE has set before “YOU”—and while they are not in the same lane or course, the sufficiency isn’t yours or mine, but in the blood bought victory of Jesus Christ our Lord!  The Apostle John recorded it beautifully in the Revelation.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,       

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him

that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood,”  Revelation 1:5

Oh, praise HIS dear name—He did it all for you and me!  And HIS work isn’t seasonal—it is full time–permanent, regardless of time, age, season, troubles, or successes!  He has bought and paid for the victory!  I’m so glad that Jesus knew, knows, and will always know what I need—what you need—and where my lane and yours is going.  Just think of it, Samuel was called as a young child, Daniel as a teenager (and both of these young people served God into their 80’s/90’s)!  Then there’s Moses who didn’t really get started with His greatest work until he was 80!  And Jesus our Lord’s work was finished (by God’s design) at some 33 years!

So, my friends, it doesn’t matter our “season” of life, or ministry, or work, or leisure, or any other limitations that we may think are on our life and service, God has set our race, and HE simply calls us to run it with grace, power, faith, and dependence upon HIS all-sufficient power, to just keep running!  He doesn’t call us to be as speedy as our neighbor or friend, HE simply calls us to be faithful with what HE has given to us to be and do!  My race isn’t yours, nor yours mine!  We are called to keep our eyes “looking unto Jesus” not anyone else’s lane!

“Moreover

it is required in stewards,

that a man be found faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2

And as faithful stewards we are given access to our Lord for every need.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore

come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

And if I may simply add that no matter what you are facing, no matter the season of life, trial, struggle, success, power, or weakness you are “running” with, remember that God has you, HE has your race, HE is in that lane with you.  Look up my friend, run to that “throne of grace”, and press on!  WE WIN!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

Validated Not Void!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #759

15 Friday Oct 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Salvation, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #759     Validated Not Void!!!

 

Jesus IS the only way to God, eternal life, and abundant life in this world.  Yet, we so often slough Him off and go our own way.  I would like to share a few thoughts with you about The One who has bought our salvation, provided The Way to restoration with God, and our complete validation as a child of God—not just the creation of God, but a child born again by The Spirit of God.

“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 1:11-13

This is truly the amazing grace of God who loves you and me!  But we must come while God is working in us, while HIS voice is calling us to Himself.  As God said in Genesis 6, “my spirit shall not always strive with man”!  Don’t pass by and ignore the voice of God who gave HIS “only begotten Son” to die in your place and mine; for all who will believe/trust, in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN will receive new life in JESUS.  SIN is the problem—we all have it, we can’t fix it, but Jesus can and will fix it for you if you will but humble yourself, repent of your sin and receive HIS gift of eternal life.  Isaiah says it beautifully.

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 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 55:6-11

And if I may make a bit of a tie in, God’s Word, that came forth from HIM IS Jesus!

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth

and came from

God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.”  John 8:42

Jesus IS God, came from God, and is One with The Father, and Is The WORD that comes “forth out of my mouth”, as the Apostle John records for us.

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was

in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

       “I and my Father are one.”  John 10:30

The question is, will you choose to receive the ‘light’ and walk in it, or will you continue to walk in the dark and refuse to “comprehend” HIS light!  Jesus Himself, made it the clearest of all.  May you heed HIS Words?

“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.”  John 3:16-19

The choice is yours.  Darkness and hell, or the Light of Jesus, and heaven!  Choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!