Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No.11 It’s Not A Game, We’re At War!!!

 

We in the American church have, for a great part, bought into what I believe to be the lies of the enemy. We have often let the world dictate how we operate and function. We have changed from what the church (as a whole) used to look like, behave like as well as what it preached from the pulpit. There was a time when the Word of God was the standard for our goals, means and methods, as well as the content and substance of our faith. What is it now?

Faith is NOT looking for ‘pie in the sky’, or “hoping for something that is non-existent”, or even saying that “everything will work out”! The Christian faith is “all about Jesus”—His death, burial and resurrection “FOR SIN” is the crux of the Gospel! Practicing something else doesn’t make it so!

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

When will we wake up and realize that we must stand on the Word of God? When will we stop trying to entertain people into heaven? When will we stop trying to entertain our children into the kingdom? We can’t do the world’s job as well as the world can, but then, we were never called to do the world’s work, but God’s work. That which is of the world will produce worldly results—that which is of God (from HIS Word, according to HIS Word, led by HIS SPIRIT and relying upon HIS results!) will produce godly results, miraculous heart-changing and world-changing results. We in the American church (as a whole—I’m not attacking any one) have set by and allowed the enemy to rob us of the power that God gave to us. We have settled for being popular over being the proclaimers of the truth of the Word of God, and possessor’s of the Holy Spirit—we stopped preaching the truth about sin, death and hell, and hopped on the bandwagon of pleasure and entertainment. God NEVER called us to ease, but to take up our CROSS and follow HIM! And HE went to the cross to die—the “cross” isn’t a cute ornament that we wear about our necks in lovely silver and gold, or place beautifully carved and crystallized on our walls and furniture—we must remember that in taking up “our cross” it is an instrument of death!!! It should mean I have given my life to Jesus to do with as HE pleases; that I desire to proclaim HIS truth regardless of the consequences. It means that I don’t compromise what Jesus said, what the Lord God Almighty said, or what the Bible says to please people and draw crowds of admirers. I am to proclaim the truth even (if not especially) when people don’t like it, and don’t want to hear it. I am not the first and I know I won’t be the last, because God chose His method and we should adhere to it if we are dead to ourselves and alive to Jesus.

“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

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

If I have died to myself, then I am to be “living” unto Jesus Christ and all that He has called, equipped and prepared me to be, to do and to accomplish. I am so guilty of betraying my Lord with “selfish” neglect of Him more often than I would want to admit, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a matter for which I often have to repent and get up and march forward in HIS strength time and time again. All because it IS His life that I want to live, even in my weak and often-failed efforts, my heart’s desire is to “LIVE” by “the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”! And I personally, don’t believe this is what we are teaching and living in many of our churches.

We are failing our children and young people by offering them a glitzy, song and dance time instead of calling them to be “Soldiers of the Cross”. We have settled for a ‘fun’ time instead of seeking genuine “faith” growing time. We expect to raise the present and next generation of believers and followers of Jesus by pampering, entertainment and letting them perceive that following Jesus is a fun-filled skip along life. I am sorry but I personally believe that this is why we are loosing our young people, when they leave the nest. We have deceived them and lied to them by our gross neglect to call them to, and teach them that following Jesus will cost them something—it will cost their whole lives. But the reward is incomparable to anything that the world can, or ever will give them.

Why do we not recognize that the very terrorists that we are afraid of, are calling children, and training them with hate, and yet they go because every person wants to be useful and valuable to something bigger than themselves. They promise lies, but we have the truth, yet we don’t call our children and youth to give their whole lives to Jesus, and trust Him to equip, use and reach the world through them. It’s not being done in many homes, and it certainly isn’t being done in most churches. I don’t mean to rant, but this is truly “LIFE” and “DEATH” to these children, to our churches and to our world. Are we raising faithful warriors or imitation Christians? Are we leading young people to the life-changing new birth—or more often to an imitation singing and dancing marathon entertainment session which teaches them that Jesus is just “another” option to call upon when they are in trouble; but He doesn’t really demand anything from you.

“Saying,

The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected of the elders

and chief priests and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come

in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:22-26

Jesus Himself tells us that we must “take up his cross daily, and follow me”—it is a matter of eternal life or eternal death, and we must choose! But there are those today who don’t demand anything of those who inquire about Jesus. They offer a mere mental ascent that Jesus was a real person and sufficient to salvation, the come as you are and stay-as-you-are gospel. But scripture tells us that we must believe and receive the new birth as the only means of having “eternal life”—life-changing salvation!!!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:10-13

As Christians, as parents and grandparents we must realize the urgency of the hour, and stop compromising the lives and futures of our children. We must speak the truth to them, even a child can choose to do right or wrong (See Proverbs 20:11). But we are watering down the truth in an effort to attract them, not realizing that we are selling them short by not calling them to sacrifice.

Deuteronomy 6 is one of the greatest chapters for families in all of scripture, and it tells us clearly that we must first know God ourselves, and then we are to instruct our children in all our ways—taking those teachable moments to call them to a better way—the only way. And when we will commit to the higher call, there will come a day that they will ask “WHY” are we doing things this way? And our response is to share with them what God has done and is doing in our lives. We are to share with them the truths of God’s faithfulness and that HE has called us to this higher way. Instead, in many instances today, we are simply taking parts of God’s Word ad painting it up like the world so it will be palatable to the young. What it will do is fail them! We must stand fast—we MUST!!! Let’s observe some portions of Deuteronomy 6:

“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……….

18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good

in the sight of the Lord:

that it may be well with thee,

and that thou mayest go in

and possess the good land

which the Lord sware unto thy fathers.

19 To cast out all thine enemies from

before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.

20 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:

22 And the Lord shewed

signs and wonders,

great and sore,

upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land

which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the Lord commanded us

to do all these statutes,

to fear the Lord our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do all these

commandments

before the Lord our God,

as he hath commanded us.”    Deuteronomy 6:1-9 & 18-25

God told the Israelites that loving Him would be contagious if they would obey Him and share it continually with their young. His Word should be in their mouth, in their hearts and visible by their outward obedience to His commands. Why would we think we could succeed any other way? Because we have bought the lies of the devil—the enemy of our souls—and let the world come in and dictate to us what reaches men, women, boys and girls. God says here that genuine faith, lived out in what our hands find to do and what our eyes allow in (verse 8,), and where our feet take us; we are to live out our faith in God and His Word when we are walking around in our home our out and about, when we are taking it easy in our chair, when we lay down for the night and when we rise up in the morning! Our lives are to reflect the light of The Lord in all that we do—especially before our families. It is what God has established the family to do. And the church should be supporting this not trying to hinder or replace the family (although we are to be family to the widows and fatherless, see James 1:27).

When we have real life in Jesus, it will be seen in what we do, where we go and how we behave in all of our encounters in life. But when all we can do is “talk” about it, there will definitely be “a failure to communicate”! We will be revealing to the world what Peter speaks about in 2 Peter 2, and his discourse about false leaders and teachers. Are we calling our young people to just clean up the pig, or become soldiers of the cross?

“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:22

“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” Proverbs 26:11

In other words, you can clean up a pig and tie a pretty bow around it’s neck, but it’s still a pig and when you let it go, it will return to “being” what it really is. Only God can regenerate a soul and change a “sinner” into a “saint”. And the other example needs no explanation; I will leave that to your imagination!!!   So what are we doing for our world when we dress up like the world, use the world’s methods, music and mass appeal, instead of proclaiming and teaching the Word of God in all its power and truth, and relying upon God to do HIS work in the hearts and lives of men, women, boys and girls? We are, in my humble opinion, muddying the waters and compromising the truths of the Gospel. We are lying to our children and young people when we lead them to think that serving God is just like serving the world, you just add the name of Jesus to the mix, and quote a few Bible verses and you’ll be ok! NOT!!!

Jesus calls us to separation, not compromise.

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said,

I will dwell in them,

and walk in them;

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate,

saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

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

If we are to “come out from among them”, why would we want to imitate what they do, and bring it into the house of God? That is what Israel of old did, and they were judged for doing it—I do believe the time of our judgment is near America. We must “stand fast in the evil day”!

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

Will we hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant”? Or will we hear something else as we stand before our God? God please revive us, your people? May we see YOU?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend

of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 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 4:4-10

May God bring our hearts to see what we are doing as measured by HIS plumb line, and may our hearts grieve and turn from our sin and selfishness and seek His face in earnest repentance and sorrow—and then march forth in truth!!!

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

May we sorrow unto repentance and be found faithful to His Word and His ways when He calls us, or returns for us, that we will not be deceived in our ways, or even worse not belong to Jesus at all!

 “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

And how do we know we are doing the will of the Father? Only one way, and that’s to belong to Jesus and to be abiding in Him and not the world.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”   John 15:4-5

So my question for you today is, “Are you abiding”? Or are you doing “nothing” because you’re doing things the world’s way, or your way but not God’s way? I simply ask you to take it to Jesus and let HIM be the judge. He will reveal truth and wisdom to us if we but ask.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8

Abiding in Jesus will help prevent being double minded!!! And time in HIS Word will keep us from sin and error.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

Bible Ballistics: BBs #291    Faith In What???

 

“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 5:19-21

God has called us to be “reconcilers”, because Jesus has reconciled us to God, by faith in HIS accomplished work on Calvary—a cross where He was put to death for my sin and yours. A place where God paid the price for sin—one perfect Lamb in sacrifice for a lost and dying world, for lost and dying individuals like us!!!

“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 5:6-11

We have been reconciled to GOD by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. We “have now received the atonement” because God made Jesus to be “sin for us” when we will believe in Him, so that we could not only know the “righteousness of God” but receive what His blood enabled—that we could “be made the righteousness of God”! But that is only possible ONE WAY—“in him”. Not only putting our faith and trust in HIM, but having His Spirit imparted to us, indwelling us, and becoming the “Sons of God”!!!

THAT is faith in “what”! Faith in what Jesus did at Calvary. I owed a debt I could only pay with my own death for my own sin, but Jesus stepped into this world and lived a perfect human life in order to pay for MY sin. And all I have to do is repent, believe and accept HIS atoning (paying for something), substitutionary (doing something in someone else’s place), sacrificial (giving something at great cost) death as payment for my sin. That is what my faith is in. As Paul put it simply:

“For I delivered unto you

first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Jesus was crucified, buried and raised alive the third day—according to Biblical prophecy—for our sin! And we can receive and know HIM by faith alone.

“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

So my friend, if you’ve been born again of the Spirit of God, you have the world before you! A world that needs reconciling, and that’s what we’re called to do. So where is your faith today? In yourself? In material possessions? In power? In politics? In social standing? None of those things will give you life—perhaps a temporary euphoria, but not life! Only Jesus can give you life, and He will, if you will but believe in Him, repent of your sin and receive His gift of eternal life.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

So what’s your choice today? Jesus or something else? Faith or cold, hard facts that you have chosen instead of Jesus? You might want to check your facts, for only faith in Jesus Christ and His reconciling work will do. And if you know Him, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the light; don’t “hide it under a bushel”!!!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen………

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them

that diligently seek him.”    Hebrews 11:1 & 6

I believe! Do you? If so are you being a reconciler? Let’s not fail to share the news that changes hearts and lives. Our Lord Jesus is coming soon!! “Soon And Very Soon”!

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18 (Real faith isn’t by works but works come from real faith.)

Bible Ballistics: BBs #290    A Very Present Help!!!

 

Our God reigns!!! No matter what today is bringing your way—God hasn’t been caught off guard, though you may have been. Just as God knew what HE was doing in Job’s life, He is working His work in us. And His goal is to make His own children into the image of The SON, Jesus Christ.

“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.”

And what is that purpose? It’s not random or erratic, but God’s purpose is for all of His own to be made like Jesus!

“29 For (because)

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

Our God is working to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ; to bring us to glory, that God will be glorified in us, so that the world may see and know that HE is real and working in this world to bring people to the cross!!! We’re the vessels of HIS message to the world; the message is:

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.”     John 3:16-18

God loves us so much that “HE GAVE” His Son to die for a world lost and dying in sin! But we must believe in Him—there is no other way to God—and when we believe in Him and experience the new birth that Jesus mentioned in the first portion of this chapter, then that new birth brings us into an eternal relationship of “life” with The Living God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ. And when we belong to Jesus we have access into His presence continually to find the help we need to live life victoriously each and every day.

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains be carried

into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar

and be troubled,

though the mountains shake

with the swelling thereof. Seals.”     Psalm 46:1-3

Loving and serving the creator of this world/earth, we can be confident in His sovereign authority. And because Jesus has come and accomplished redemption for those who will come to Him, we have an advocate with the Father who never leaves us alone. NEVER!!!

“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

And serving The “Living” God, we can trust to His perpetual care for us—always working to conform us into HIS image.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

So take heart, look up, and trust in The One who cares for you, and remember dear ones—HE KNOWS where you are!!!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 10 What’s That In Your Hand???

 

There’s an old song that I love because its message is such a beautiful reminder to trust in Jesus not only for our salvation, but also for our living, serving and ministry opportunities. It paints such a clear picture of using what we have for Jesus, and following “HIM” rather than seeking recognition, popularity or worldly success. God is The One who calls, who equips and who sends us as HE sees fit for His glory, our good and the increase of HIS Kingdom.

Jesus referred to this when the disciples wanted Him to rebuke those who were working in “HIS” name, but weren’t part of their “group”. Jesus answered them succinctly:

“But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:39-42

Jesus reminds us even now that our goal is to follow Him and to not be distracted by what others are doing for Him, or anyone else. And He also warns us that those who speak in His name, and on His behalf better beware of offending the innocent ones. Jesus isn’t saying that we aren’t to speak the truth clearly to all, but that we are to do His work with genuine compassion and sensitivity to those we are sharing with. We are to speak according to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of our own gift/gifts we are to walk in the Spirit NOT the flesh (See Galatians 5:15 & 25). Claiming to belong to Jesus doesn’t excuse meanness and unkindness. We are told how to speak.

“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” Matthew 10:19-20

We are to speak wisely, truthfully and with the love of Jesus as the Spirit directs on any particular given opportunity (but this doesn’t mean we don’t study and prepare our hearts and minds with His Word).

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:5-6

As someone once said, “God’s Word will keep us from sin, or sin will keep us from God’s Word”—the choice is ours.

And that’s the point I’d like to share today, we are to be “redeeming the time” and living filled by and with grace as we testify and answer the world of “the hope that is in you” (See 1 Peter 3:15). Another thing the Word tells us is that we are to do what “WE” can do through Jesus. God hasn’t called me to be a world famous teacher or speaker, but He has gifted me and given me various opportunities to share His word in many different venues. We are each to do what we are called and equipped to do, where God places us. God gifts each believer and we are to use our gifts for Him. And old adage says, “God doesn’t called the equipped, He equips the called”, and I believe that is a Biblical view. God wants us to use what we have received from HIM when we are saved (See 1 Corinthians 12:7). Moses had an encounter with God about that very thing. “What is that in thine hand?”

“And the Lord said unto him,

What is that in thine hand?

And he said,

A rod.

3 And he said,

Cast it on the ground.

And he cast it on the ground,

and it became a serpent;

and Moses fled from before it.

4 And the Lord said unto Moses,

Put forth thine hand,

and take it by the tail.

And he put forth his hand,

and caught it,

and it became a rod in his hand:

5 That they may believe

that the Lord God of their fathers,

the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac,

and the God of Jacob,

hath appeared unto thee.”    Exodus 4:2-5

God asked Moses what he had in his hand, not because God didn’t know, but because He wanted Moses to KNOW! And Moses replied, simply a rod. God isn’t asking you to do anyone else’s job—He is asking you “What is that in thine hand?” If we’ve been born again, God has gifted and equipped each one for His service, what are we (YOU) doing with our (YOUR) gift/gifts? Are we following Jesus or others? Are we so concerned about what God is doing in the lives of others that we miss what He is asking us to do? Jesus rebuked the Apostle Peter in this very regard after His resurrection in an encounter with several of the disciples. In this incident, Jesus had restored Peter after his failure during the crucifixion, but when Jesus had told Him that he would die for His Lord, Peter is distracted and asks Jesus a question:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

When thou wast young,

thou girdest thyself,

and walkedst whither thou wouldest:

but when thou shalt be old,

thou shalt stretch forth thy hands,

and another shall gird thee,

and carry thee

whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” John 21:18-19

Do you see that, even when Jesus told Peter how he would die a martyrs death, He called Peter to do one thing, the same thing that He calls us to do— “Follow me”? Jesus called this giant of a man, this big fisherman, this impetuous man who often had to pull his foot out of his mouth, this man– Jesus called him to “Follow me”!!! Take what I have put in your hand, and follow me!!! And the call hasn’t changed today, but then neither has human nature! Peter and these other disciples who had been with Jesus for some 3-3 ½ years still had a lot to learn. And just like many of us today, Peter immediately missed the lesson, and tried to get out of the hot seat by changing the subject.

“20 Then Peter,

turning about,

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following;

which also leaned on his breast at supper,

and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus,

Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him,

If I will

that he tarry

till I come,

what is that to thee?

follow thou me.”     John 21:20-22

WOW!!! Just like we so often do, Peter wanted to know about John! Yet Jesus refused to answer that question, and reminded Peter that his only job was to “follow thou me”! And that is His call to us, “follow thou me”! Follow our Lord with what He has put in our hand. But we see even more about human nature—here in the very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in His resurrected body, these faithful men missed the point, and apparently helped start a “rumor” that was not based in fact. We must be careful to share truth and not rumor. We must know what Jesus has said and share that truth with the world that He places in our path. Don’t be spreading rumors and causing jealousy and attention to be distracted from the Lord Jesus. Just speak the truth in love (See Ephesians 4:15).

“23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” John 21:20-23

So how are we to behave with our gifts? Peter, much later in his life than the event with Jesus and John, wrote to believers that we are to handle our gifts with integrity, humility and submission to God, and the power of His Spirit.

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability

which God giveth:

that God in all things

may be glorified through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise

and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”   1 Peter 4:10-11

We are to minister as servants of God and His Son Jesus Christ. We are to use the gifts that God gives, to please our Lord, to follow His indwelling Holy Spirit, to bring Glory to God, and to increase the Kingdom. So the question that we need to answer is, “What is that in thine hand?” What has God gifted YOU to be and do? Are YOU being faithful with the gifts that He has blessed you with? Are you a child of God’s? Because if you aren’t you won’t understand what I’m talking about. You need to come to Jesus in recognition of your own sin, and your inability to do anything about your sin, and trust in the sacrifice that Jesus made for you on the cross, where HE paid for your sins, if you will but believe and follow Him.

And those of us, who belong to Jesus, are called to be faithful with that which has been entrusted to us. Are we being faithful with “what’s in our hand”, or are we waiting for some “great” thing to do? Jesus addressed that!

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10

The emphasis is on faithfulness not the size of the gift. While Moses was told to pick up a serpent by the tail—and we all know you don’t pick up a snake, and even if you did want to you wouldn’t pick it up by the tail!!! The important lesson is that He obeyed God. The serpent/snake had been a rod/staff in his hand, but God had transformed it into a serpent/snake, so Moses knew that the God who changed the rod could and would protect him from harm, even if he picked it up by the tail, as GOD told him to. This wasn’t a lesson in “snake handling”, but rather a lesson in trust and obedience. Now, I have to add that God hasn’t told me to pick up any snakes, and I surely am glad, but the issue isn’t “WHAT” is in your hand, but will you faithfully give it to God to do as HE pleases with it and YOU? Are we willing to follow Jesus regardless of where HE leads us? Yet we must be sure we are listening to the voice of Jesus and not the other voices calling for our attention, and bombarding us on every hand.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

So how do we “try” the spirits/voices that we hear? We must be grounded in the Word of God, and walk closely with His Spirit moment by moment. One hour a week in a church service won’t suffice. You must apply yourself to know God through HIS Word continually, day by day, moment by moment!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:15

While we are called to “rightly” divide (use and understand) the Bible. Implied also is the danger of those who will “wrongly” divide the Word! If you don’t know truth for yourself, you are subject to fall for the lies. We are also called to depend on the reliability of the Word and its supernatural inspiration through the Spirit of God, in its authorship as well as the Spirit led understanding of it.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

But the catch is, you have to open the book and study it, to benefit from it, after all it is God’s love letter to us. He sent it to YOU and me. May we avail ourselves of it to be sure that we are truly “following” Jesus!!!

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20-21

So, ‘what’s that in your hand’? Have you been wasting God’s time and yours, or are you being faithful in that which is least? If we will be faithful in what HE has given us, then He will be glorified and honored and we will “grow thereby” (see 1 Peter 2:2)…. Won’t you follow Jesus with me, if you are HIS sheep? We don’t have any time to waste!!!

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27

And here’s the song I mentioned at the beginning, may it bless your heart today as it has blessed mine through the years……. 

FOLLOW ME

By Ira Stamphill

“I traveled down a lonely road and no one seemed to care,

The burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair,

I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me,

And then I heard Him so so tenderly,

“My feet were also weary upon the Calv’ry road,

The cross became so heavy I fell beneath the load,

Be faithful weary pilgrim, the morning I can see,

Just lift your cross and follow close to me.”

 

“I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,

“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,

I gave up fame and fortune; I’m worth a lot to thee,”

And then I heard Him gently say to me,

“I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,

My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,

But now we’ll make the journey with your hand safe in mine,

So lift your cross and follow close to me.”

 

Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday

‘Twould be no more than love demands, no less could I repay,

“No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,”

These are the words he gently spoke to me,

“If just a cup of water I place within your hand

Then just a cup of water is all that I demand,”

But if by death to living they can thy glory see,

I’ll take my cross and follow close to thee.”

May we each “take my cross and follow close to thee”!!! Today, with whatever God has placed in your heart, your mind and your hand press on and follow JESUS! Let’s go!

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #289    His Strength In My Weakness???

 

As many of you know, I’ve been slowed down for a while after having knee surgery. What I have discovered is that being down is disturbing to our state of mind. When we’ve been accustomed to going, doing and accomplishing certain things, we don’t take it very well when that ability is thwarted by anything, and especially when it’s thwarted by things outside of our control. I have found myself identifying with those who are in this state on a long-term or permanent basis—it has made me much more aware of the difficulties of “limitations” or as scripture puts it our human ‘frailties’ and ‘weaknesses’.

What do we do when we find ourselves there? Or when someone close to us is in this position? The right answer is found only in God and His Word. The Psalms are replete with cries of failure, weakness, confusion and desperation—yet the answer is always found in the Lord God Almighty and the recognition of His total sovereignty and reliability. Our God is totally trustworthy even if He is bringing us into a place of “dependence” (and for most people that is an ugly word, for we are determined to be “Independent” or else!) even when it is a place where we don’t want to be. Yet it is a place that God often uses to reveal Himself and His power to us more intimately, for often we fail to “depend” on God as long as we seem to have things under “control”! But God wants us to learn to walk in total, continual devotion and dependence upon Him!! Not an easy thing to do, but one worth the effort it takes to walk there! But how?

“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

God wants to walk with us in all our ways, and so often He is waiting for us to simply reach out to HIM and follow His lead! Yet so often we are so consumed with “life” and “living” our own way, that we miss the joy of walking with our Lord. HE has been reminding me lately of the way that I have allowed “noise” and “worldly distractions” to crowd out the times of intimacy that I used to spend with HIM; and that I need to diligently strive to eliminate anything from my life that interferes with an intimate and “dependent” relationship and fellowship with Jesus!!! It goes right to the heart of the commandment:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”     Exodus 20:3

Anything that stands between us and intimacy with Our Lord is a “god” that ought not be there. And God does not accept second place as “OK”! He will work through the Holy Spirit to convict and draw us to a place of repentance and restoration. Even David found this restoration upon his repentance of the incident of Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. David found the pure delight of God’s forgiveness, cleansing and restoration to fellowship with His God! (Although we must remember that there were consequences to his sin, but that’s a lesson for a different day.)

“Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”   Psalm 51:9-13

And in closing, Paul learned and shared a valuable lesson in this regard. It’s one of my favorite passages, for Paul—the great Apostle of The Lord—with all his gifts, missionary zeal and compassion for the lost, was compelled to endure an ongoing weakness (although we don’t know what it was, it was something he had asked God to remove from him). Let’s look at Paul own account of this experience.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength

is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So will you choose to accept the weaknesses that come to us, and stand fast in God’s strength; and trust Him “with all thine heart”? Or will you balk, and pout and complain, “I don’t deserve this”? It’s your choice! Choose well.