Author Archives: Blanche

Carrots For Sale??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #471

22 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Carrots For Sale, Follow Jesus, Seeing Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #471 Carrots For Sale???

 

I simply want to share a few scriptures this morning that we might ponder God’s perspective for our lives. As I see all the political hoopla going on around us, I am reminded of a picture in a reading book from my childhood; it was of a man driving a cart with a horse and as he drove he had a long stick with a carrot tied on the end of it to dangle in front of the horse that it would go when he wanted it to go. I can’t help but think that a lot of what is going on in our world politically is like that “driver” holding carrots out in front of people to drive them where ‘they’ want them to go. A lot of button pushing, volatile pictures taken out of context, judgments made with half-truths as their source–just plain impure motives hidden behind glamour and glitz. So here are some things for you to think about today as you attempt to discern truth from fiction in our world of illusions. What carrots have you bought?

“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.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing

ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this unto you.”   Philippians 3:13-15

We are to press on toward Jesus not the world.

“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

What are you sowing? Are you sure of the seeds you are sowing? Be careful, sometimes what you think you see isn’t what really is!

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour

of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about

with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield

of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench

all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword

of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”    Ephesians 6:12-18 

And all those unseen forces are at work to hamper, delay, destroy and oppose the people of God—so we must be prepared to recognize the true from the false (“Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt. 7:20)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.”    Galatians 5:19-23

If you don’t know what some of these mean, then look them up—you might be surprised! And lastly, a reminder of “who” is in charge.

“Let every soul be subject

unto the higher powers.

For there is no power

but of God:

the powers that be

are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God:

and they that resist shall receive

to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror

to good works,

but to the evil.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

do that which is good,

and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God

to thee

for good.

But if thou do that which is evil,

be afraid;

for he beareth not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of God,

a revenger to execute wrath

upon him that doeth evil……

13 Let us walk honestly,

as in the day;

not in rioting

and drunkenness,

not in chambering

and wantonness,

not in strife

and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provision for the flesh,

to fulfil the lusts thereof.”    Romans 13:1-4 & 13-14

Remember the words of Jesus:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.” John 10:10

Simply put—‘nuff said’! Amen and Amen!!!

Let It Rain??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #470

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Knowing God's Word, Showers Of Blessing, The Only Way, Trust God, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #470 Let It Rain???

 

You may have noticed that I write a lot about rain; living in Oklahoma will do that to you, for we often experience the lack of rain, a difficult thing to experience. So as it is raining this morning I can’t help but think of the parallel between the physical rain and “spiritual” rain for our heart and soul. God wants us to walk with Him and know Him more intimately, and He provides all we need to grow as we commit ourselves to seek His face continually!

“And it shall come to pass,

if ye shall hearken diligently

unto my commandments

which I command you this day,

to love the LORD your God,

and to serve him

with all your heart

and with all your soul,

14 That I will give you the rain of your land

in his due season,

the first rain

and the latter rain,

that thou mayest gather in thy corn,

and thy wine,

and thine oil.

15 And I will send grass in thy fields

for thy cattle,

that thou mayest eat and be full.

16 Take heed to yourselves,

that your heart be not deceived,

and ye turn aside,

and serve other gods,

and worship them;

17 And then the LORD’S wrath

be kindled against you……. ”     Deuteronomy 11:13-17a

When we acknowledge God as our total source, we will find power and grace for each day, no matter whether it’s “raining on our parade” or the sun is shinning brightly on our way, God is ever at work on our behalf, is we will just open our eyes!

“Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Our responsibility is to keep our focus on Jesus rather than our circumstances or difficulties.

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.”    Proverbs 3:5-6

It is easy in our world of techno-everything, to think that we are self-sufficient and don’t need anything or anyone, yet living with that mindset is a danger to a ‘fruitful’ life for God. We can choose to focus on the world or we can heed The Word of God and live a life focused on HIM, seeing HIS hand in all things around us.

“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

Jesus went to the cross that we might “have life”, and have it “more abundantly”, yet we must keep “Looking unto Jesus”—our Lord, our Redeemer, our Friend and our soon-coming KING!!! When we take our eyes off of HIM we can be so easily misled, for the enemy of our soul is ever ready to pounce! We must be diligent, staying in tune with The Holy Spirit’s leading in our every step, remembering that we are NOT alone!!!

“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.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

Amen!!!

A Father’s Love!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 19

17 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by in A Father's Love, Honor Your Father and Mother, The Love of God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 19 A Father’s Love!!!

(An Edited repost of Vol. 8 No. 3)

As we celebrate Father’s Day today, I can’t help but think of my own godly Father, and that makes me smile, even though he’s been gone for 27 years! Love doesn’t have an expiration date! My father was a quiet man, yet one who lived what he believed—he walked the walk; he didn’t just “talk” a talk! One of the biblical Greek words that is translated “love” is ‘agape’, which means benevolent love; it also means selfless love, which always acts or behaves in the best interest of the recipient of that love.

My father was one of the best examples of this God-like kind of love. But what does it look like? How does that kind of love act and respond?

“Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.”    John 15:13.                (Jesus even laid down His life for His enemies-See Romans 5:1-11)

As Jesus spoke these words, He was about to lay down His life for His disciples, for the world—for you and me! While we know that Jesus laid down His physical life, He shed His blood for our salvation, I’d like to talk about this concept from a different perspective. People can be willing to die for others; our military men and women pledge themselves to give “all” for the defense of our nation; local citizens make that same kind of commitment to local fire and law-enforcement departments. Yet there is something more. The question that I’d like us to consider is not just, “Are you willing to ‘die’ for someone/something?” but “Are you willing to give yourself to ‘live’ for others?” Are we willing to sacrifice our personal desires, comfort, and convenience for the benevolent good of others?

We often think of this in regard to true Christian living and martyrdom, but do we apply it to our ‘living’ relationships with others? I’ll have to admit, I don’t always make the grade in this area, but my father was an example of selflessness that took me many years to appreciate fully. While Jesus left us the greatest of all examples in giving His life’s blood for us: He also gave His ‘living’ in foregoing His own personal desires to meet the needs of those around Him—including you and me! He kept on going when He was tired, when He was ridiculed, when He was weary and perhaps even frustrated with the unbelief of those around Him. Jesus gave Himself for others, to serve and minister to them that they might see truth and come to salvation by faith in Him, and we are called to follow HIS example. What are we “giving”? How are we “behaving” toward others? Do people see Jesus IN us?

“Let nothing be done through strife

or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other

better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things,

but every man also

on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.”    Philippians 2:3-8

Jesus laid down His life for us, and we are called to lay down our “self” life, for a life of “selfless” service to Jesus and others; to give of ourselves that others may come to “life” in HIM. In following Jesus we are also called to follow His example of humility, servant-hood, obedience to our Father God (as well as our earthly father), as we die to our selfish desires and daily live for and unto God through the power of The Son and His Holy Spirit!

When I see the needs of others, my thoughts should go to God, asking ‘What can I do?’ Yet we are living in a culture that has been, and still is, teaching others to focus on “Who will meet my needs?” rather than “What can I do to help?” We are saved to live unto Jesus in faithful, biblical service to others, and we can only do that when we “die” to self!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”    Galatians 2:20

I watched my father live this out in his life with my mother, with us children, and with others. While he had very strict rules about lending and borrowing (he seldom did either); he wouldn’t loan you his tools, but he would come do whatever repair work you needed to have done. While he wouldn’t loan out his mower, he would come mow your lawn if you needed it. He also had strict rules about others driving his car, but if you needed a ride he would chauffer you wherever you needed to go. He gave of himself to meet the needs of others as he had opportunity.

In the case of my mother he almost always did what pleased her. Many saw him as a “hen-pecked’ husband, but what they didn’t realize was that my mothers happiness and pleasure meant more to him than anything else. He often gave up his desires to please her even when it cost him financially. My father served others because He loved serving Jesus in any way that he could and believed that serving others was one way to serve Jesus.

While my father was a man of few words, he was a man of selflessness and kindness in every way, and to everyone. What he taught me about self-sacrifice by his life and actions is a priceless heritage and I thank God for His blessing of a godly, honorable, honest and generous father. One who loved me ‘unconditionally’!

He lived out the “fruit of the Spirit” in his daily walk, and I thank God for the things I learned from him. One of the things that I learned is that you can do a lot of talking, but if your actions don’t match your words, you haven’t really said much worth listening to. I learned that “laying down your life”, doesn’t mean just “dying”, but in an even greater way, it means living a life of selfless love in action. It means living a life that gives of ‘self’ to secure the good of ‘others’ to the glory of God. And we can only do that when we have God’s love within us.

“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.”    Romans 5:1-5

When we come to Jesus by faith and repentance, we receive God’s love via the Holy Spirit—we receive the ability to share God’s love with others from within. We also receive the ability to grow in grace and truth by the Holy Spirit of Jesus. You might want to note that we don’t grow in the “fruits” of The Spirit, but in the “fruit of the Spirit”!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

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 5:22-26

Sometimes doing what is best may mean that we are misunderstood. Real love, godly, ‘agape’ love does what is best for the other person—not what indulges their sinful flesh, and that isn’t always welcome! I thank God that I have had a wonderful example of “God’s” love from my parents, especially my father, and I knew the security of truly “unconditional” love and forgiveness from one of the godliest men I ever knew. I am also married to another!

If you still have your parents (Especially your father on this Father’s Day) with you, take time and let them know what they mean to you. If not, then thank our heavenly Father for all that He is and all that He does in providing for us, especially for Jesus who actually gave HIS all for us; and for the blessing of godly parents. And may we strive to be godly parents/grandparents, and leave a heritage of godliness to those who come behind us!

Happy Father’s Day! May our lives bring honor to our Heavenly Father and to our earthly fathers and mothers.

“Honour thy father and thy mother:

that thy days may be long

upon the land

which the Lord thy God

giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12

We are all blessed beyond measure, may our lives reflect our gratitude in all we do and say. Bless someone today!!!

 

 

How Shall They Hear??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #469

15 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Confidence, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Salvation, Testify, The Only Way, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #469 How Shall They Hear???

 

As I sit here this Friday morning, I’ve been thinking about sharing the Good News—it what we all called to be and do.

“For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him

in whom they have not believed?

and how shall they believe

in him of whom they have not heard?

and how shall they hear

without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach,

except they be sent?

as it is written,

How beautiful are the feet

of them that preach

the gospel of peace,

and bring glad tidings

of good things!” Romans 10:13-15 

Many of us say, “Well, I’m not a preacher!” Well…….we may not be a ‘preacher’, but we are called to preach/tell what Jesus has done for us in word and deed. Spreading the “gospel of peace” is what we do—we are a witness whether we act like it or not—a ‘good’ witness or a ‘poor’ witness– we are ‘preaching’ by our lives! Jesus, the one who gives us ‘peace with God’ calls us to be a reflection of His truth and grace to a lost and dying world! As the old adage says, “You may be the only ‘Bible’ that some people read!” What are others reading in your life and mine?

“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.” Romans 5:1-2

Jesus gives us ‘peace with God’ because He paid the price of our sin, the sin that costs eternity in hell, so we have a story to share/preach. Jesus makes us right with God—He reconciles, redeems and restores us to ‘son-ship’ with God—and that is good news that we can ‘preach’ everywhere we go!

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:12-13

“Born…of God” by the work of His Holy Spirit, and made new—the good news that makes our lives a testimony to reflect JESUS to the world! Not with arrogance or a ‘holier than thou’ attitude, but with a humble love and devotion to Jesus. His life and love shining through us to a lost and dying world, so that they “hear/see” Him IN us!

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness and fear:”   1 Peter 3:15

Sunshine Or Rain??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #468

13 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, God of all comfort!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Made like Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, The Word, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #468 Sunshine Or Rain???

 

Several years ago we had a structural problem with our home, unknown to us, in some remodeling by a long-previous owner, a weight-bearing wall had been removed! Well, being raised in the deep south where most homes were built on piers when I was a child, and everyone knew about weight-bearing walls—and you don’t mess with them. Well, it had taken quite a few years before the problems manifested themselves, and we were forced to take care of the problems that it created.

When we finally found someone to do the work, he did a great job, but on the last day as he finished the repairs he came in and as we were talking, he remarked that he didn’t know how we hadn’t had the ceiling in our laps. I replied to him that I knew how—he looked startled– and I simply replied, “Jesus was taking care of us! That’s why the ceiling wasn’t in our lap!” I have learned to have total confidence in the “providential” care of God in our everyday lives. And that’s what I want to talk to you about today—God’s care—the continual, providential care of God Almighty in all!

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

2 My help

cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee

will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper:

the LORD is thy shade

upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee

by day,

nor the moon

by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee

from all evil:

he shall preserve

thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve

thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.” Psalm 121

May we rehearse this precious Psalm today, rejoicing in who our God is–God Most High, ruler of all:

Creator—

Keeper—

Protector—

Caregiver in the day and night—

The One who preserves—

From evil—

Our soul—

Our going out—

Our coming in—

ALWAYS!!!

So day or night, danger or ease, difficulty or confusion—our God reigns and cares for YOU and me!

“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 8:28-29