• About
  • Are You Overboard??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #188
  • Letting Go Of____??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #66

Bible Ballistics

~ A WordPress.com site

Bible Ballistics

Monthly Archives: July 2023

Grace Is For Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #115

30 Sunday Jul 2023

Posted by Blanche in A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Forgiveness, Grace, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Guard Your Heart, Look UP, Love

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 JOHN 4:10-11, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Acts 20:32, God of all grace, God's Amazing Grace, God's love and grace, Grace abounds., Jesus sacrifice for sin by Grace, Jesus Saves!, John 3:16, keeps and delivers, Romans 3:24-26, Romans 5:1-11, Romans 8:38-29, Romans 8:9

Grace Is For Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #115

“And now, brethren,

I commend you to God,

and to the word of his grace,

which is able to build you up,

and to give you an inheritance

among all them

which are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32

“Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”                     Romans 3:24-26

God is the great giver of grace, and Peter reminds us of this in HIS letter to scattered believers.

“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

One of my favorite passages is Paul’s amazing truths taught in Romans chapter 5–not simply about a grace that is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”, but the beauty of God’s gift of salvation through Jesus–the Lamb of God who died for me and you– is that by HIS love and grace we can have an amazing relationship with God IN Jesus Christ our Lord!(not just a religion but a relationship)  As my Pastor friend, Bro. Scott says, “Glory, Glory, Glory”!!

“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.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 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.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

God’s grace is so much IN Jesus, not only His sacrifice for our eternal life in heaven, but HIS provision for us on a daily basis.  I’m so glad that God/Jesus knows what we need in sunshine or rain, in sorrow or joy, in victory or seeming defeat, in confidence or doubt, in frustration or patience, in tears or rejoicing, in the trials and the glory!  And praise God from whom all blessings flow–we know that Jesus IS our glory, not just later in heaven but right now; and He sends the sweetest and most timely blessings when we least expect them!  And another one of Paul’s assurances for us to ponder today! (And yes, it seems that we’re camped out in Romans today–but that’s ok, it’s a great place to camp!!!)!  While this is a lengthy passage, I think it worthy of our time and consideration.  God’s grace abounds and I’m so grateful that it is continually showering around us even when we’re not looking!  But keep looking, for it is such a sweet blessing to see God’s hand at work around us in the daily and the seemingly mundane!

“9 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…

…. 28 And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing

to the charge of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                    Romans 8:9, 28-39

May you spend some time this week relishing and glorying in the wonderful, amazing grace of God! He loves you and me so much, and we can rejoice in the grace that, while underserved, abounds at every hand!

“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.”  John 3:16

“Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us,

we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:10-11

Rehearse the wonders of God’s amazing grace all around you!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Like Loading...

Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

28 Friday Jul 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 4:18, Be not conformed to this world, Deuteronomy 6:20-21, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Follow Jesus--Leading others, Hebrews 13:8, John 14:6, Psalm 78:1-7, Romans 12:1-3, Teach The Children, What are our children seeing IN us?, Which way are you going?, Who is following YOU?, Who's watching YOU?

Who’s Watching Right Now??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #114

“Give ear,

O my people,

to my law:

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable:

I will utter dark sayings of old:

3 Which we have heard and known,

and our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

shewing to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD,

and his strength,

and his wonderful works

that he hath done.

5 For he established a testimony in Jacob,

and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers,

that they should make them known

to their children:

6 That the generation to come

might know them,

even the children which should be born;

who should arise and declare them

to their children:

7 That they might set their hope in God,

and not forget the works of God,

but keep his commandments:” Psalm 78:1-7

God wants us to lead our children to HIM, and yet if our lives don’t match our ‘words’ or the mask we wear at church or in other public places, those little eyes and ears will know what’s real and what’s fake.  It seems that we are often more concerned with impressing people who don’t care, rather than impressing our own children.  When was the last time you shared your story with your children?  Have you been open and honest about your failures–even when we need to apologize to our children!  Yes, I said there are times when we need to apologize to our children for our failures, misunderstandings, and negligence–after all they usually already know and know we’re just covering up!  Truth is not only a powerful tool, but even more importantly HE is the very person of Jesus Christ!

“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

Do you believe this?  Have you told your children that you believe it?  Have you helped them come to HIM personally?  There is nothing more important than helping our children to be prepared to hear HIS call, to recognize HIS voice, to desire to know HIM because they see HIM IN US?  Are you living out the never changing character that Jesus desires for us to possess?

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“We love him,

because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:18

Paul paints a great picture of what we are to be before the world; and who more importantly than our own children?  Renewing our minds in Jesus and helping our children to know HIS ways through not only The Bible, but according to what they see in us!  And what they see in us has way more impact than we think!

“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

And in closing, as we try to do right with the “measure of faith” that has been given to us by God’s grace, love, and the power of the cross, may we pursue one of my favorite passages on parenting; not that I’ve always lived up to it, but my desire is to pursue it diligently.  May HIS Word and way pervade our life?

“Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign

upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts

of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

And God goes on to tell us that there will come a day–when we will have the opportunity to share what God has done and IS doing in our lives; and I believe if we’re living what we profess, it will bear fruit!!!

“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:”   Deuteronomy 6:20-21

Will our testimony match what our children see?  There are little eyes and ears watching and listening to you and me!  Every Day! TODAY!!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Like Loading...

The Hirelings??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #113

26 Wednesday Jul 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Faithful Pastor's, Hirelings, Pretend Shepherds, Showers Of Blessing, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Good Shepherd, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, Wolves in sheep's clothing!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Corinthians 5:21, All things for our good, Don't miss God in the small things, Ezekiel 34:1-11, False teachers, God is at work in His own, God's 'ordinary' miracles, Jeremiah 17:14-16, Jeremiah 23:1-6, John 10:7-18, John 15:19-21, Keep your eyes on Jesus, Matthew 7:15, Measure others by God's Word not theirs, preachers & shepherds, Revelation 1:1-3, Romans 8:27-29, Who are you believing?

The Hirelings??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #113

I want to start this article that I had already planned to write with a story from life; but first one of my favorite scripture passages; and I’m sitting here writing and listening to an “old” Cathedrals song, “I Know My Savior IS There”!  How great is our God!!!  And I’m smiling.

“And he that searcheth the hearts

 knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

 to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

 that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.” Romans 8:27-29

This verse came to me as I smiled in the midst of total chaos!  I was about to take a walk before the heat made that imprudent, but I heard the sound of water (not any usual sound) and realized that the drain hose on the running washing machine had popped out (again) but this time I was a bit slow getting it stopped and it not only ran over in the laundry room (which is tile) but it ran into the hall which is wood plank flooring!  So I got the hose back in and started grabbing towels and got the water out of the hall, then kind of kept scooping it back into the laundry room, picking up the soaked towels and getting dry ones!  Well, I got it mostly cleaned up and just kept smiling to myself and thinking about how good our God is!  He knew I didn’t need to take that walk at that particular moment, and because HE was watching over me, I was home to stop the flow and clean up the mess!  How often, I think, we are so busy looking for a great “miracle” that we miss the work of God in our every step!  Yes, I believe in great miracles, but I also have observed that some people are so busy running around looking for “miracles” that they miss the daily, everyday miracles of God’s sweet, timely and growth producing work in the lives of His own (and just FYI, God doesn’t need Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat to do HIS work–in fact I think we often miss HIS work with our obsession over social media of all kinds).  And that is what I want us to consider today–God’s own, and God’s own work in HIS own–as well as the ‘hirelings’ who appear to tend the flock but run at the first sign of danger.  Jesus talked about this!

“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.

12 But he that is an hireling,

and not the shepherd,

whose own the sheep are not,

seeth the wolf coming,

and leaveth the sheep,

and fleeth:

and the wolf catcheth them,

and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth,

because he is an hireling,

and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life

for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me,

 because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father.”  John 10:7-18

Jesus wants us to understand that HE IS the “good shepherd” who cares for the sheep–doing always what is best for them; yet there is a ‘hireling’ who will only want to take advantage of the flock!  So much so, that when he sees the “wolf” coming he runs away, leaving the sheep defenseless, because he didn’t care for them!  Oh how much we see this today, hirelings who aren’t real ‘under-shepherds’ of The Lord Jesus Christ, just those who want to live on the sheep, not care for them.  Jesus was The One who would lay down HIS life for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His Substitutionary, Atoning Sacrifice!  The ultimate love for HIS own sheep, those who will hear His voice and heed to HIS call, HIS care, and HIS glory!

The Old Testament prophets said a good bit about this same scenario of “the hireling”, so I’d like us to peruse a couple of these passages and take them to heart!  May we examine our own heart and soul and be sure that we are one of HIS sheep, and that we are walking close enough to Jesus so that we know HIS voice and learn to run from the “wolves”!  Jesus warned us of these:

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”  Matthew 7:15

Ezekiel received a message from The Lord which succinctly describes the “hirelings”!  I know this is a bit lengthy, but I think we need to hear it, and ponder what God says about these ‘hirelings’!

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

2 Son of man,

prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,

prophesy, and say unto them,

Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds;

Woe be to the shepherds of Israel

 that do feed themselves!

should not the shepherds

feed the flocks?

3 Ye eat the fat,

and ye clothe you with the wool,

ye kill them that are fed:

but ye feed not the flock.

4 The diseased

have ye not strengthened,

neither have ye healed

that which was sick,

neither have ye bound up

that which was broken,

neither have ye brought again

that which was driven away,

neither have ye sought

that which was lost;

but with force and with cruelty

have ye ruled them.

5 And they were scattered,

because there is no shepherd:

and they became meat

to all the beasts of the field,

when they were scattered.

6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains,

and upon every high hill:

yea, my flock was scattered

upon all the face of the earth,

and none did search or seek after them.

7 Therefore, ye shepherds,

hear the word of the LORD;

8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD,

surely because my flock became a prey,

and my flock became meat to every beast

of the field,

because there was no shepherd,

neither did my shepherds

search for my flock,

but the shepherds

fed themselves,

and fed not my flock;

9 Therefore, O ye shepherds,

hear the word of the LORD;

10 Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Behold, I am against the shepherds;

and I will require my flock at their hand,

and cause them to cease from feeding the flock;

neither shall the shepherds

feed themselves any more;

for I will deliver my flock

from their mouth,

that they may not be meat for them.

11 For thus saith the Lord GOD;

Behold, I,

even I,

will both search my sheep,

and seek them out.” Ezekiel 34:1-11

And just a few words in this same regard from the ‘weeping Prophet’, Jeremiah; one who heeded the word and work of The Lord but was NOT heeded by his people!

“Heal me, O LORD,

and I shall be healed;

save me,

and I shall be saved:

for thou art my praise.

15 Behold, they say unto me,

Where is the word of the LORD?

let it come now.

16 As for me,

I have not hastened from being a pastor

 to follow thee:

neither have I desired the woeful day;

thou knowest:

that which came out of my lips

was right before thee.”  Jeremiah 17:14-16

And another warning from God through Jeremiah to the “pastors” who were ‘hirelings’, oh that we might heed this reminder that in this world “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  But when God speaks, we better. Heed The Word, and go right back to what Jesus said in John 10–sound familiar!  The Word will interpret The Word if we will but read it, study it, and be willing to heed it in our own lives each day!

“Woe be unto the pastors

that destroy

and scatter the sheep

of my pasture! saith the LORD.

2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel

against the pastors that feed my people;

Ye have scattered my flock,

and driven them away,

and have not visited them:

behold, I will visit upon you

the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock

out of all countries

whither I have driven them,

and will bring them again to their folds;

and they shall be fruitful and increase.

4 And I will set up shepherds over them

which shall feed them:

and they shall fear no more,

nor be dismayed,

neither shall they be lacking,

saith the LORD.

5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,

that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch,

and a King shall reign and prosper,

and shall execute judgment

and justice in the earth.

6 In his days Judah shall be saved,

and Israel shall dwell safely:

and this is his name whereby he shall be called,

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:1-6                         (See 2 Corinthians 5:21)

And Jesus’ message to the church.  May we consider our ways!  Our King is coming soon–will HE find me faithful?

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ,

which God gave unto him,

to shew unto his servants

things which must shortly come to pass;

and he sent and signified it

by his angel

unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record

of the word of God,

and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,

and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth,

and they that hear the words

of this prophecy,

and keep those things which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”  Revelation 1:1-3

Yet remember Jesus’ own words–we won’t always be popular when we speak truth.  If people are applauding you, watch out!

“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 15:19-21

Are you listening to Jesus, your shepherd, or the ‘hirelings’?  Open up the true standard–The Bible–and heed what it says to you; then speak the truth “in love”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Like Loading...

This Is The Day!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #

25 Tuesday Jul 2023

Posted by Blanche in Encouragement

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Encouragement, Psalm 118:24, This IS The Day

This Is The Day!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #112

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad

in it.”  Psalms 118:24

Just a word to cheer your day!  Blessings on your day!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Like Loading...

What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

23 Sunday Jul 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Form of godliness?, Come out of her, Come to Jesus, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Be ye holy as HE is holy, Come out from among her, James 3:11-13, Matthew 12:34-37, Matthew 15:14-18, Matthew 5:37, Philippians 4;13, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 37:1-8, Pursuing holiness., Revelation 18:4, Watch Your Words, What do YOU SAY?, What do your words say?, Who/What do my words reflect?

What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

 

I hope we can take a few minutes together today to consider our ‘words’, how we use them, which ones we use, how they come out, and most importantly what are they doing to, for, or against those around us.  Do our words reflect the Lord Jesus that we Christian’s claim to follow, or have we allowed our words to reflect the oft-inappropriate language of the world around us.  Jesus had some strong things to say to the religious leaders of His day, may they speak to our heart and call us to the holiness that we ought to pursue.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 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.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

There is a call in the book of The Revelation, that I think is pertinent to us today–whether you and I heed it or not is our call.  But choose wisely, there is a test coming!

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her,

my people,

that ye be not partakers

of her sins,

and that ye receive not

of her plagues.”  Revelation 18:4

Paul also gives us a warning to watch the life that we live, the companions we choose, and the words that come out of our mouths–which Jesus said come out of our heart.  What’s in your heart?

From Jesus:

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 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 15:14-18

“But let your communication be,

Yea, yea;

Nay, nay:

for whatsoever is more than these

cometh of evil.”  Matthew 5:37

From Paul:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light

with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ

with Belial?

or what part hath he that believeth

with an infidel?

16 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 6:14-18

We are called to be holy in all our ways, and that includes our speech; are we willing to hear the voice of our Lord and order our steps (and our words, and some of us go around with ‘my foot in my mouth’ instead of on God’s path.) in HIS ways?

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

James is a bit stronger in his call to us:

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth

blessing

and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:11-13

Paul gives us a great word of encouragement, telling us that we can be what God wants us to be; yet we must do our part, seeking Jesus in all our ways, through prayer, His Word, and the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit!

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

And in closing, a word from one of my favorite Psalms which will remind each of us of the focus that we are to pursue, and God’s work, words and love will be seen in us.

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”  Psalm 37:1-8

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Let’s go forward trusting Jesus, delighting in HIM, committing everything to Him, and resting in HIM (and that doesn’t mean quitting, but running in HIS strength not our own)by relying on HIS sufficiency–even to control our tongue!  Blessings on your week.  I’ll see you at Bible Ballistics locations from now on!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 571 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • Resolutions Or Resolve??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #427
  • (no title)
  • Christmas Fortnight Day 13 A Word from THE WORD! #425
  • Christmas Fortnight Day 12 A Word from THE WORD! #424
  • Christmas Fortnight Day 11 A Word from THE WORD! #423

Categories

Blogroll

  • Bible Ballistics on FaceBook
  • Get Polling
  • WordPress.com News

Christian Resources

  • Bible Gateway

Ministries

  • Hell's Best Kept Secret
  • Living Waters Publications
  • Precept Ministries
  • Pregnancy Resource Center of SW Oklahoma
  • Ship to Shore Ministries

Translate

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Join 190 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
%d