Author Archives: Blanche

The Life Is In The Blood??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #696

10 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Confessing Sin, Father's Way!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only Jesus, Only One Way, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #696  The Life Is In The Blood???

 

We hear a lot of talk these days about blood—blood types, blood anti-bodies for fighting Covid, blood clots—and yet so many today don’t want to hear about the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship

one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”   1 John 1:7

There are two things that our world doesn’t want to talk about—the blood of Jesus and sin!  Why?  Because Sin is the issue—it’s why Jesus came, and it’s what HE can and will save us from.  From the penalty of sin—death; from the power of sin, in the lives of believers; and ultimately from the very presence of sin, when we live with HIM in eternity—not pie-in-the-sky, but truth and reality IN JESUS!  Let’s consider what God says in His Word, for regardless of what people may say—Jesus is the only way—and His way (like it or not) is through the cross and HIS shed blood for sin.

“And almost all things

are by the law

purged with blood;

and without shedding of blood

is no remission.”  Hebrews 9:22

Jesus makes it clear that HE is the only way—for it cost His life to save us from our sins, and to give us not only eternal life (with Him in heaven) but abundant, peace-filled, holy life right now.

“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 10:9-11

And as Jesus made it so clear—HE IS THE WAY—the only way!

“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

No man—rich or poor—famous or unknown—powerful or common—loved or hated (by men)—comes to God except through The Son, Jesus Christ The Lord!  And when we come to Him in repentance and faith, we find His arms open wide.  Won’t you come to Him today?  Or, if you already know Him, and are known by Him, won’t you draw near to HIM instead of the bright lights of the world?  He has a work for each of us to do—but we can only “do” out of the “being” born again to “become” the sons of God!

“All that the Father giveth me

shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him

that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will

which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:37-40

If you hear His voice calling, won’t you open the door to HIM today?  Won’t you draw near to the “redeemer” of your heart, soul and life?

“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

All this bought by the blood of the Son of God—who loved us and “gave Himself” for our redemption!

“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 5:8-11

Are you trusting to “the blood” or your own devices?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12

06 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Encouragement, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12 Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU???

 

I have a very brief and simple word for today—God’s is trustworthy, and we don’t have to fear what HE is doing.

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not

fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

Even when we are facing uncertain days, as we are now on every hand, we can count on God to direct our steps.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement for you and me!  While things in the world may alarm or distress us, it’s just natural to experience fear or alarm; when our health is less than stellar, or the people that we love are plagued by uncertain futures, our God is still in charge.

“For God hath not given us

the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Paul assured Timothy that God gives us what we need to be successful in His kingdom, and we don’t have to let fear rule our hearts, minds or our lives!  Fear is an emotion, not a sin, but when we let sin take control of us, it can lead us to sin.  That is why we must remember where we are grounded, and that is in Jesus Christ and Him alone; keeping our eyes on Him, and our hearts and minds steeped in HIS Word!

“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

Even the author of Hebrews assures us that wherever we go, or whatever we do, we are never alone, and we can walk in confidence with our God.  It’s been a little uncertain and precarious at our house lately, and maybe you are having uncertain things encircle you and yours; but I am here to remind you that we need not fear, but just keep our eyes on our Jesus for HE is always there.  And no matter the need HE knows—and HE cares.  You can trust to HIS care and come into HIS presence with confidence!

“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

“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

Chapter 13 of Hebrews continues with a powerful message of assurance!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

So, friends, my word to you (and me) is that we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that HE never fails, and we can trust that HE is working all things for our good and to His glory.  I trust HIM!!!  Do you???  Remember—He IS coming back—He wins, and so do we!  So, let’s serve Him fearlessly and faithfully in all we do, no matter the trials or difficulties that we encounter; remember don’t let fear rule your decisions and your life!  Instead, let Jesus rule—HE will always lead you rightly—without fear!

“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

As God told Isaiah:

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

That kind of says it all….God’s got you and whatever your “it” is!  God’s got “it”—and “YOU”!!!  Trust HIM—HE never fails!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

My Weakness–His Canvas??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #695

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Comfort, Encouragement, Job, Strength-vs-weakness, Strong Tower

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #695  My Weakness—His Canvas???

 

“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 12:8-10

Paul had an amazing testimony of God’s sufficiency to not only meet our needs, but to bless us and use our weakness as a canvas of HIS grace, strength and provision.  We often don’t see God’s plans at a particular time, but when we KNOW HIM, we learn that we can trust to HIS faithful care.

The author of Hebrews told us that those who walk in faith, even when they don’t see what’s really going on, or understand the ways of their Lord, keep trusting HIM.  That my friends, is real faith, not getting your own way all the time, or dictating to God! (For a real blessing of faith, read all of Hebrews 11).

“Who through faith

subdued kingdoms,

wrought righteousness,

obtained promises…

…out of weakness were made strong,

waxed valiant in fight,

turned to flight the armies of the aliens…

… 36 And others had trial

of cruel mockings

and scourgings,

yea, moreover

of bonds

and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all,

having obtained a good report

through faith,

received not the promise:.” (Yet!)                              Portions of Hebrews 11:33-39

I love what Job said and quote it frequently—and you can trust in it too! So, let’s look at two of Job’s mighty declarations of faith—beyond what his eyes saw at the time!  Now, remember that Job was sharing this testimony with his “so-called” friends, in defense of their accusations of his supposed ‘wrong-doing’’, trust God’s opinion, not men’s!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite shall not come before him.”   Job 13:15-16

Job knew that, God was not only faithful, but that Messiah would come, and his faith would end in sight—regardless of his own physical death!  His canvas revealed God’s work even when the world didn’t recognize it!  Ours can too!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19: 25-27

I simply share these truths with you that we can all take heart in difficult days, knowing that our God reigns—and JESUS is coming again soon!  Take heart my friends and look up!  God’s canvas in your life can make a difference—trust HIM!

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption

draweth nigh.”  Luke 21:28

Ready or NOT?  Here He comes!   Amen and Amen!!!

I Wish I’d Known The Cost??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11

29 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Darkness or Light?, Let You Light So Shine, Lies

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11 I Wish I’d Known The Cost???

 

I would like to share some things that have been on my heart and mind lately.  As most of you know (those who follow my blog) it’s coming up on a year since my daughter was murdered, and while I miss her terribly, my thoughts have gone in a different direction recently, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.  I pray that my insights will bring hope, help and healing to some besides myself.

I was raised in a Christian home, and was blessed to have parents who loved me, taught me and had expectations for my life.  I was a young woman in the 60’s and 70’s and I bought into many of the lies of the enemy—the “me” lies—that my wants and desires were the most important thing in life.  I made some poor—no sinful—choices that followed that mindset; and while I chose to follow my “heart” in a fleshly sense, at the same time I defied the principles of God.  Sadly, many of the people I listened to (even faithful believers and pastors) counseled me unbiblically that “God” wanted me to be “happy”, and if a divorce would make me “happy”, then I should “go for it”.  I chose to pursue my selfish, fleshly lusts and desires dragging my children along for the ride—to their detriment and mine.

Without going into all the gory details, suffice it to say that God’s Word proved true when the counsel that I chose to follow didn’t!  Just like God’s Word said!

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin

will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

Much like the prodigal son (or daughter), I learned the hard way that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also pure and holy, and we must face our sin, repent and come to Jesus, as the song says, “Just As I Am”!  But praise God, HE never leaves us “As” we were!  But there are consequences to our sin; and while we have quoted this verse again and again, it is ever true and apropos in our culture today.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

My choices caused my children harm that I can’t forget, but by God’s grace I have tried to face them with truthfulness and hope for the future.  But one of the choices I made led to an abuse of my daughter, the effects of which followed her and me into her adulthood and ultimately led to some poor choices that ended in her death.  I can’t describe how I have wrestled with these issues of my past; and maybe you’ve had issues from your past that haunt you as well.  I’m here to tell you that God forgives, heals and restores as we yield to HIM, giving God the opportunity to transform us into the image of our Lord Jesus.  There is a verse in Joel that has brought me such comfort and courage on this journey of life, because as God promised Israel a time of restoration, HE gave that same assurance to me many years ago.  Many have asked through the years, how I can go on serving God so faithfully with a past that was so checkered, and I always reply, “It’s God’s grace!”, and I can go on because of God’s righteousness, power and grace as HE enables me to be and do all that HE saved me to be/do.  I can walk in the light of HIS forgiveness and cleansing, knowing that He forgives and cleanses as I keep the lines open between HIM and me!

“And I will restore to you the years

that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD

your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”  Joel 2:25

I have a relationship with Jesus based on His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin—and HE has imparted to me HIS righteousness, and called and equipped me to walk in it—in confidence of HIS adequacy not my own!

“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 5:21

Do you know Jesus?  Have you made a mess of your past? Is your present questionable?  Well, my friend, when you belong to Jesus, HE is ever working to make you a vessel of honor in HIS kingdom!

“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?”  Romans 8:28-31

If you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today.

“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

When we belong to Jesus, we are called to march to the “Jesus” drumbeat and not the world’s.  So, my friends where ever you are in life—look up—walk forward—and press on for, with and through Jesus.  He has won the battle for our LIFE, and in HIM—we WIN!

“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.”   Romans 12:1-2

In closing, a mighty word from the Apostle Paul!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—yes, I wish I’d known—but God did, and HE has picked me up, dusted me off (by the blood of Jesus) and sent me forth in HIS service.  But the price of choosing poorly can be high.  I wish I’d known, yet I know that HE is still waiting for you, and HE is a forgiving, life-changing God!

I simply remind us all to please choose wisely, so that you won’t have to live with regrets of the past.  If you listen to God today instead of the enemy of your soul, the regrets will be few, and the blessings abundant (and even if you’ve already made those poor choices—God is here to lift you up, restore you to usefulness, and glorify HIMSELF in YOU!). Jesus still saves and changes lives today—

HE is ready to transform your life today—

Because of His sacrifice on the cross!

Open that door—HE will come in!   Amen and Amen!!!

But I Don’t FEEL Like It??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #694

27 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #694  But I Don’t FEEL Like It???

 

As we celebrate our attitude of “gratitude”, reality is ever present with us—we will invariably encounter those people who push our buttons, who are unkind, who say and do hurtful things—what then?  Well, I want you to know, I have those same people in my life and if we’re going to be real here, there are times I just don’t “FEEL” like being nice.  But God calls us to a higher plane, and I just want to remind each of us (especially me) that our feelings are to be kept under control by our heart and mind by the Holy Spirit!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.

9 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 6:7-10

Paul reminds us so clearly, and even as I sit here typing this post, God is reminding me that I have the freedom, and privilege to choose how I will respond to others—even to those who hurt my feelings, wound my heart, or just irritate me seemingly at every turn.  Do you have any of those people in your life?  Well, God gives us the truth that we are called to live by—regardless of how others choose to behave!  We are called to remember—

the principle of sowing and reaping—

the constant conflict of the flesh-vs-the spirit—

the reality of ‘weariness’—

the encouragement to press on—to faint not—

we are called to “do good unto all men”

       –as God gives us opportunity—

       –especially to the family of faith!

So, as we consider these things, God will help us to function in HIS Spirit and not our flesh.  But it is a constant battle, yet a battle that we can prevail in with The Holy Spirit of God within us!  Oh, how I praise His name that we don’t have to do it on our own.

“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 4:15-16

We have a God who cares!  We have a redeemer who walked where we walk, and yet HE overcame sin and bought our salvation!  HE overcame not only death, but the power of sin in our lives; yet we must avail ourselves of the truths of HIS Word that we might fight the good fight of faith.  We can only do that when we walk in the power of The Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus/God The Father and feast on The Word!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth

against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot

do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16-18 & 25-26=

We must choose continually whether we will be filled with The Holy Spirit or the spirit of the world!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely; remember what we learned above, “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”!  What are you sowing?  Will you join me in committing to seek God’s ways, by HIS Spirit and remember, with me, a verse that I used to have my children quote when they were at odds with their siblings—it was good for them—and it is good for you and me. (Check out Galatians 5:19-24 too)

“And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:32

Amen!!!