Author Archives: Blanche

What’s A Remnant??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23

16 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Born Again, Consider Your ways, Salvation, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23 What’s A Remnant???

 

I’ve heard a lot lately about a “remnant”, and I think I’d like to share a few things about a/the remnant that we may not have considered.  The first thing I want us to consider is the English meaning of remnant.

Remnant:  “a small remaining, usually small part, quantity, number or the like;  a fragment or scrap; a trace; vestige .…”

For our purposes today we could even refer to ‘remnant’ as the “remainder” in the Greek language used in the New Testament; in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, it is defined also as remainder or residue (something that remains after a part is removed).  So, the issue is the remainder (in general) of something, but we must let the context determine what the scripture is saying about ‘a’/’the’ remnant.  And just in general, the remnant, as mentioned in the Old Testament is almost always referring to the nation and/or the people of Israel, except where it is used in a simple general way of anything or anyone that “remains” of something (sometimes specific, sometimes just a general, unspecific people or thing).

Why is this important?  Because we must base our conclusions, teachings and our doctrines on the whole counsel of God, not a bit here or a bit there without continuity.  We must let The Word of God speak truth to our hearts.  God has made promises, that is sure and certain, but all of the promises are not for everyone—there are specific promises, that were made to specific people/s, times, events and/or nations and we must remember that “Context Is King”!  So, let’s consider some scriptures and see what conclusions we can make; letting scripture interpret scripture.

Paul spent all of Romans 9-11 explaining to us the promises and future of Israel in regard to the Gospel; we’ll just consider part of chapter 9 and hear what God has to say!  The context begins with Paul relating the words of Elijah—a prophet of God who had his ups and downs just like we do.  (See James 5:16)

“God hath not cast away his people

which he foreknew.

Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?

how he maketh intercession to God

against Israel, saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets,

and digged down thine altars;

and I am left alone,

and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him?

I have reserved to myself

seven thousand men,

who have not bowed the knee

to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then

at this present time also

there is a remnant

according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace,

then is it no more of works:

otherwise grace is no more grace.

But if it be of works,

then is it no more grace:

otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then?

Israel hath not obtained

that which he seeketh for;

 but the election hath obtained it,

and the rest were blinded

8 (According as it is written,

God hath given them

the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;)

unto this day…..

11 I say then,

Have they stumbled that they should fall?

God forbid:

but rather through their fall

salvation is come unto the Gentiles,

for to provoke them

to jealousy…

…20 Well; because of unbelief

they were broken off,

and thou standest

by faith.

Be not highminded, but fear:…

… 25 For I would not, brethren,

that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,

lest ye should be wise

in your own conceits;

that blindness in part

is happened to Israel,

until the fulness of the Gentiles

be come in.

26 And so all Israel

shall be saved:

as it is written,

There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer,

and shall turn away ungodliness

from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them,

when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel,

they are enemies for your sakes:

but as touching the election,

they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

29 For the gifts

and calling

of God

are without repentance…

…33 O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Portions of Romans 11:2-36

While Paul is talking about Israel coming to faith in Jesus, that time has not yet come when Israel (as a nation) will come to Jesus, but it will!  Paul refers to individual Jews who have believed, but as a nation there is a time coming when Israel will repent and believe in the Crucified Lamb!  And only a diligent study of scripture will give us true insight into the times and seasons; so, we have to be careful of our conclusions and be sure that they line up with The Word!  Let’s consider some passages and I’d like to simply give my opinion/conclusion of the immediate context/subject being mentioned as a/the ‘remnant’!  We are living in a time of deceit and disregard of God, His Word and HIS SON!

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”    2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

While ‘remnant’ isn’t used here, Paul makes it clear that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  There are those who claim the name of Jesus, but have not made a true commitment to Jesus, in repentance and faith—there are those (I know them and so do you) who are familiar with scripture, who have been in church their whole lives, but put off committing their lives to Jesus in saving faith.  They know enough about scripture to claim that when the ‘anit-christ’ comes they will choose to follow Jesus; Paul says that won’t happen; for if they have chosen to reject (and putting off salvation is rejecting) Jesus until some other time, then God says that HE has a different plan, “for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”!  They will fall for the lie because they “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”!  God said it, not me—I’m simply one of the messengers!  We who are God’s must look up and press on, knowing that the times are speeding upon us!

“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

And while the time is late, you can still respond to God’s convicting call on your heart; but remember, that time will not go on forever. As God also told Noah:

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh:”  Genesis 6:3a

It is only God’s grace that has given us the time that we have.

“The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing

that any should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:9

God is ever working to bring men and women, boys and girls to Himself, but we must understand and recognize that the enemy of men’s souls is ever at work to ‘steal..kill…and destroy’, and He uses lies and deceit to fool and blind the eyes of mankind and keep them from the cross.  So, we must be careful what we believe and always measure our beliefs by God’s Word!  In other words, let The Word of God be your plumbline.  God will lead us into truth if we will but “study to shew thyself approved unto God”!  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:15-16). Satan is ever at work sabotaging truth—God’s truth; but his time is short!

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself is transformed

into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also

be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be

according to their works.”   2 Corinthians 11:13-15

The apostle John addresses an issue, reminding us that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Are you following the world, or Jesus?  Do you just have ‘words’ or do you have the Savior?

“For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.

18 Little children,

it is the last time:

and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,

even now are there many antichrists;

whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us,

but they were not of us;

for if they had been of us,

they would no doubt have continued with us:

but they went out,

that they might be made manifest

that they were not all of us.

20 But ye have an unction

from the Holy One,

and ye know all things.”  1 John 2:16-20

Even as Jesus said in Matthew 7:

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?                                      and in thy name have cast out devils?                                     and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”    Matthew 7:20-23

I love what the author of Hebrews challenges us to pursue, the life of focus—focus on Jesus not the world.  And our lives can be encouraged by the testimony of those who have gone before us—and our lives ore to be an encouragement to those who are following in our footsteps.  Where are your footsteps leading those around you?  If there is a remnant of the faithful, are you part of it?  Or are you failing to lead down the narrow way?  Will you run YOUR race or God’s?

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”   Hebrews 12:1-3

We can endure!  We can lead others to the cross where Jesus still saves, and changes lives today!  Today is the day of salvation!  Will you come to HIM?  If you are already HIS, won’t you live for HIM— by HIS power today.  There is a lost and dying world that needs to see Jesus in you and me!

“We then,

as workers together with him,

beseech you also that ye receive not

the grace of God

in vain.

2 (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 6:1-2

It is by HIS Power we are saved; and it is by HIS power that we are kept in HIS ways, and whatever God may say about a remnant, we can walk close with HIM by HIS power, and for HIS glory!  Don’t be one of those who walks away to be made manifest “that they were not all of us”!  For God knows, no matter what others may think!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that

nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:9

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

“Now unto him that is able

to keep you from falling,

and to present you

faultless before the presence of his glory

with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory

and majesty,

dominion

and power,

both now

and ever. Amen.”   Jude 1:24-25

And just for reference sake, here are some New Testament passages on ‘remnant’ for you to consider.  Let’s base our conclusions on God’s Word/words and “stand fast in the evil day” so that “having done all” we may stand and be found faithful!!!  If you are interested, you can find others with the aid of a concordance.  Most of the Old Testament references are either specific to Israel or used in general reference and conversation of persons or things other than Israel.

Romans 11:5– (a remainder) of Israel

Romans. 9:27—of Israel

Matthew 22:6–(Remaining ones) parable—in general

Romans 9:27–of Israel

Revelation 11:3.–Of Israel & General

Revelation 12:17—of Israel @ tribulation

Revelation 19:21—of the ‘beasts’ army” & general

I hope this will bless you and encourage you to consider studying God’s Word regularly, always keeping context in mind for “Context IS King”!

Amen and Amen!

What’s Your Water Source??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #676

14 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Cups of cold water!, Have You Heard?, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #676     What’s Your Water Source???

 

As many of you know, we live in Oklahoma; it’s summer, and it’s HOT, really hot, triple digit hot!  A cool drink of water is welcome to quench the thirst and keep a body hydrated in extreme heat, yet there is a heat beyond imagination for those who refuse to drink of Jesus’ offer of “living water”!  The woman of Samaria—an outcast, a woman of ill-repute, a loner, a woman despised by ‘decent’ women—simply came to get her water for the day (remember she had no “faucet” to turn on!) but she came at noon!  Most of the women would draw water early in the morning or in the late evening, the cooler parts of the day; yet this woman, the outcast, came at noon and who did she find but Jesus—a Jew!  And Jesus added amazement to her day by simply asking for a drink of water; but then HE led her to see that HE could give her “living water”! (It would be good to take some time today and read the entire chapter for yourself.)

“There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:

Jesus saith unto her,

Give me to drink…

…9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him,

How is it that thou, being a Jew,

askest drink of me,

which am a woman of Samaria?

for the Jews have no dealings

with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

 thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

 living water.

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob,

 which gave us the well,

and drank thereof himself,

and his children,

and his cattle?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.”   Portions of John 4:7-15

Later, at a feast in Jerusalem, Jesus called men, women, boys and girls to Himself, the very source of God’s “living water”—water that can quench the thirst of your soul and mine!!!  I’m so grateful that Jesus came to me, not in person like the Samaritan woman, but in just as desperate a condition, and Jesus revealed my black heart, so that I could see what HE saw, then HE called me to repent and trust HIM to save me, rather than my own self-generated, good works done to impress others and convince them that I was a ‘good’ person.  Oh, praise HIS name, Jesus knew about me, and He knows about you!  Won’t you take of His water? You’ll find His grace and peace unequaled; I came to Him over 40 years ago, and HE has never failed me—ever!  Especially in this last few months of dealing with the grief over the loss of my only daughter, HE has carried me, comforted me, dried my tears, and reminded me over and over again to come to HIS cross for more of HIS life-sustaining water!  Oh, what a wonderful Savior!  Pour it on Lord, pour it on?

“In the last day, that great day of the feast,

Jesus stood and cried, saying,

If any man thirst,

 let him come unto me,

and drink.

38 He that believeth on me,

as the scripture hath said,

out of his belly shall flow

rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit,

which they that believe on him

should receive:

for the Holy Ghost was not yet given;

because that Jesus was not yet

glorified.)”. John 7:37-39

Jesus came to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours; He not only can and will save you, but He will fill your soul with peace, joy and rest!  His water has never run dry when I come to Him in the sweltering heat of life, even knowing the many times that I fail Him—HE never fails me!  His water is an ever-flowing artesian well of life, restoration, and refreshing to my soul!  I invite you to take of HIS water and forsake that muddy puddle that you’ve been drinking from.  Jeremiah recorded God’s judgment concerning the choice of “drinking water”!

“Hath a nation changed their gods,

which are yet no gods?

 but my people have changed their glory

for that which doth not profit.

12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:11-13

There is a time coming for those who will choose to follow Jesus in repentance and faith, when we will lay down our burdens, rest in His presence, drink of those fountains eternally without restraint, and have our tears wiped away!  Oh, glorious day!  Hallelujah!  May we be found faithful when HE calls, and I can’t believe it’s long till that trumpet sounds!  Are you ready!

“They shall hunger no more,

neither thirst any more;

neither shall the sun light on them,

nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb

which is in the midst of the throne

shall feed them,

 and shall lead them

unto living fountains of waters:

and God shall wipe away all tears

from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:16-17

May you have a blessed day and be filled with Jesus’ “water of life” today!!!

Amen and Amen!

Erasure Or Experience??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #675

12 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in Encouragement, Erasing The Past?, Past-Present-Future, Pursuing Excellence?, TODAY, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #675       Erasure Or Experience???

 

I want us to consider some things today in the way of not only current issues in our nation and our world; bur eternal issues that are the ones worth considering.  There are voices demanding that we erase our history, but our history is what has contributed to not only our past, but our present and if we disregard the things of the past, our future will be doomed to repeat the worst of history.  But if we will take the time to look at our cumulative past and measure it by the truths of The Word of God, it can help us discern some precepts of truth that are lacking in our culture today and make good progress to affect change in our world!

“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

The issue is our sin; yours and mine, and without the redemption of Jesus we all walk in our own view of things, rather than God’s.  While our history in America (or any country in the world) is checkered with good choices as well as bad ones, we must look forward, with the past in mind, and pursue righteousness rather than more wrong choices, evil or chaos.  We are to seek God’s face rather than the lies of the enemy of men’s souls, learning to know truth and recognize the lies of the devil.  But by the same token, we must recognize the sinful nature of man—our own included.  We are all sinners, and if we choose to live in our flesh, we will see more and more wrong choices prevail; rather than the fruit of the spirit of God, which is the only thing that can, or will minster change in our world. (See Galatians 5:18-24)

Jeremiah shared God’s opinion of the difference—and there is a vast difference.  I so long to see the fruits of righteousness begin to shine through God’s people; and revival break out in churches all across this nation and the world, that the truth would be recognized, appreciated and lauded as “truth”! May we receive God’s truth as such and act accordingly—biblically!  And to act biblically, we must know what The Bible says!

“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.

 9 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 17:7-10

For you see, it’s not just about me—it’s about “choices”—to try and erase—or to pursue excellence by considering the past, and choosing to do right, to do better than before—to choose wisely between good and not good (evil)!  For you see if it’s not good or of God, it is evil—for sin is sin, and God will reveal truth in HIS time.  So, we can try to erase the past, or we can grow from it, pursuing God’s excellence to do better today, and the next “today”, to make a difference in my/your circle of influence.  I can’t change the world, but I can yield to God’s work in me and change what “I” can, leaving the rest to The GOD who reigns!!!  By HIS redeeming grace and for HIS glory—all because of Jesus substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!

“And that ye put on the new man,

which after God

is created in righteousness

and true holiness.”  Ephesians 4:24

Put up your eraser and put on your thinking cap, and be a reflection of God’s truth, glory and grace to a lost and desperate world!!!

Amen and Amen.

GOD Needs A__Good__??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22

09 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Be not conformed to this world, Building on The Rock or The Sand?, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, He Died That We Could Live, IN Jesus!, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Broad or Narrow Way?, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22 GOD Needs A ___Good___???

 

Most of us have heard the slogan, “_____needs a few good men…”!  But I’d like us to talk about our God, and while God doesn’t “need” anything, there are some things that God says about what HE desires for His own, for all mankind.

“The Lord knoweth how

to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve

the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:”  2 Peter 2:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come

to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

God truly desires for all to “come to repentance”, for His desire is that none “should perish” but come to Jesus for salvation.  Yet the thing we need to remember is that God isn’t looking for a “few”, nor is He looking for “good” men, He is calling to all who will hear and heed His message of salvation IN JESUS; recognizing that Jesus came to save sinners, not “good” men, those who think they can save themselves.

Paul talked about this ability to recognize our need of a Savior; and as long as we are “good” enough on our own, why would we need a Savior?  But when we see our sin, and understand that we can’t save ourselves, then we can see our need and come to know the One who can remedy our sin problem.

“And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.”  1 Timothy 1:14-15

Paul talked of this to the Roman believers to remind them of this very thing.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one…

…. 22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:10-12 & 22-24

God doesn’t need us, but we need Jesus; and just as Jesus said in Matthew 7, we must choose wisely for there is only one way—Jesus—and while the broad way may be appealing, it is deceptive.  So, we must consider God’s truth and receive His forgiveness for our sin, by choosing HIS path–JESUS!

“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…

…. 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that

doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:13-14 & 21-23

Forgiveness is found only in Jesus, yet just as the song says, the truth IS “Jesus Saves” still! (Written by Priscilla Jane Owens).

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

Truly we only find that forgiveness when we humble ourselves before God, seeking His forgiveness in Jesus death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned

to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”   James 4:6-10

And as God wants us to know, and choose wisely, He is ever seeking those who will come to HIM!  Remember, as my former pastor says, “Jesus died for our sin, so we don’t have to die IN our sin!”

“The eyes of the LORD

are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.”  Proverbs 15:3

So then, who is the “good” one?  No one!  But when Jesus saves and transforms our lives, we are changed into the image of The Son; we are changed from lost sinners to saved saints (and saints aren’t perfect, just forgiven, redeemed and being transformed—see Romans 8:28-29!)!  One of my favorite passages, helps us understand this principle—Jesus saves us “from” our sin, so we won’t have to die “IN” our sin! (See Matthew 1:21)

“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

It’s because of God’s saving work that we can understand with the Psalmist, that the “good” man mentioned by the Psalmist is only “good” by God’s saving grace! (Remember Romans 3!)

“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

So, my question for us today is simply this, “Are you one of those who will respond to God’s call?”  Will you recognize your true condition and come to the Savior in repentance and faith?  Will you allow God to save, redeem and transform you?  Or will you go your own way, choosing to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

By HIS salvation we can know the power of a truly transformed life, having a renewed heart and mind by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and His Holy Spirit.

“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

I pray that you will find peace, joy and rest in this transforming power of salvation in Jesus.  For Jesus isn’t just seeking a “few good men/women”, but all who will see their sin and know that HE is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”!

Won’t you come to this loving Savior who died for you?  And if you already know Him, won’t you share this truth with those around you who don’t?  May God raise us up—the army of The Lord–remembering that:

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”    2 Chronicles 20:15

Blessings on you and yours.  I pray that you will be one of the “few there be that find it”!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

My Sufficient GOD!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #674

07 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, Sovereignty, That They May Know, TODAY, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Walking With Jesus, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #674       My Sufficient GOD!!!

 

I want to talk about pronouns today!  There is a conflict between the “me” culture and the “we” culture, one of which is wrecking our world.  But in contrast our relationship with God is determined by the “ME” issue.  “I” must have a relationship with God—for it’s “my” God or no God!  You can’t choose “my” God, any more than I can choose “Your” God.  Yet, let me make it clear, when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith and are born again, we enter the “we” of the family of God, but the ‘we’ only comes when we belong to Jesus.  For example, if you’ll consider the model prayer of Matthew chapter 6, look at the pronouns:

“Our Father who art in heaven….

 Give us this day…

 Our daily bread…

 Forgive us….

 Our debts….

 As we forgive…

 Lead us…

 Deliver us…”   Portions of Matthew 6:9-13

Remember that only Jesus can change a “me” (selfish) heart into a transformed “we” heart!  Then our prayers can be focused on a ‘we’ heart, concerned with Jesus and how we can shine His light before those HE sends our way!  But if there is no relationship between “me” and God, there will be no substantial “we”.  That’s the reason that I titled this post “My” sufficient God—for because of what God has done, is doing and has promised to do, I can have confidence in His total sufficiency; on the other hand if you’ve not been willing to hear, heed and grow in The Word of God, you’ll lack sorely in confidence of HIS sufficiency.  That’s why we so often fail in our own devices and ways.  I/we must lean on HIM.

Consider the familiar Psalm 23 of David and ask yourself if you can say this about “your” God?  We can never lead others to know and love a God that we haven’t come to trust and follow faithfully ‘myself’—the GOD of “my” salvation!

“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.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

for ever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

While this Psalm is praising God, David is identifying with The God on whom HE has come to depend.  He trusts Him, because he has walked with Him.  David knows his God personally—the “me” that he is speaking of is secondary to the “HE” that he trusts.  What are we trusting to today?  A government check?  A job?  A friend or spouse?  Financial success (as the world defines success?)?  Yet when we walk with God, that brings a success beyond measure! And while the world may not consider me a success, that’s ok; because my desire and goal is to to be successful before ‘my’ God and hear HIM say “well done thou good and faithful servant”!  What about you?

May we join with Thomas and declare whom we will believe, love and serve. While I’ve never physically seen the nail prints in His hands (I know they are there because HE loved me enough to die for my sin, so I could live with HIM), I have seen His hand in my life continually, especially in recent months!

“And after eight days again his disciples were within,

and Thomas with them:

then came Jesus,

the doors being shut,

and stood in the midst, and said,

Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas,

Reach hither thy finger,

and behold my hands;

and reach hither thy hand,

and thrust it into my side:

and be not faithless,

but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him,

My Lord

and my God.”  John 20:26-28

Let’s consider the Apostle Peter after the resurrection and his failure, Jesus didn’t ask him if “they” (all the other disciples there) loved HIM but do “YOU” love me.  I believe HE is asking us that same question today, what would my/your answer be?  What answer does “my” life and “yours” give every day?  May you/I faithfully live in the confidence of HIS total, sovereign, sufficiency, and be His salt and light before a world in desperate need of The Savior?  (See Matthew 5:13-16)

“So when they had dined,

Jesus saith to Simon Peter,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me more than these?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

Peter was grieved

because he said unto him the third time,

Lovest thou me?

And he said unto him,

Lord, thou knowest all things;

thou knowest that I love thee.

Jesus saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

Is your/my life good food for the sheep, or are we so caught up in the “pronouns” of the world that we only have ‘leftovers’ and ‘junk food’ to share with the sheep and lambs of Jesus’ flock?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  And the master is coming soon!

Amen and Amen!!!