Bible Ballistics: BBs #288    Vile Or Precious???

I would like to share a testimony with you this morning, and I pray that it will be an encouragement and help to you. Quite a few years ago I was involved in a particular ministry and loved what I was doing for The Lord and for others, but some issues arose and because of ideological and motivational differences made it clear, after much prayer, that I needed to excuse myself from the situation. It caused a deep grief in my heart, because I loved the ministry and the work that I was doing, but I also knew that God was leading me to leave at that time.

I found it most difficult because while I knew that God had lead me to leave, He never removed the burden for the ministry from my heart. Several months later it appeared that perhaps I should go back, so I began to earnestly pray and seek God’s face about this circumstance. I even printed off my resume and set it on the desk and told God that whatever HE wanted me to do, I would do. Go back or refrain, I asked Jesus to make it clear to me what I was to do in response to this new dilemma of decision.

As I was praying and reading my Bible the next morning, The Lord brought me to a passage that literally felt like it jumped off of the page and answered so clearly the question that I had laid before my Lord Jesus. I’ll share the verse with you and then –the rest of the story!

“Therefore thus saith the Lord,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;
but return not thou unto them.”    Jeremiah 15:19

God made it so clear to me that the stand I had taken was pleasing to HIM, regardless of what others thought about it. He clearly showed me that I should not pursue this situation, but leave it to HIM. He also confirmed for me that in my calling as a believer, a Bible teacher and leader, I needed to continue to hold forth the truths of the Word of God as He called me to do. I wasn’t to be influenced by the arguments of others or the appeal of worldly means and compromises. We as a culture, especially the Christian element of this culture, have often sold out the Word of God for the appeals and programs of worldly means to supposedly do “God’s” work! Friends, there is that which is “precious” to God, but there is also that which is “vile” to Him. And it seems that American Christendom has lost sight of the difference. God made it clear for me that I needed to just stand fast, and sit tight until He moved.

The burden never left but about 12-14 months later I got a call asking me to return as manager of the ministry. I knew it was God and I went back and helped the ministry through a difficult transition and stayed for a time, until God had completed His intended purposes for me there. I knew I had waited on the Lord, and He had provided in such a real way. When I left the ministry after that, the Lord made the timing clear that it was time to go, and He lifted that heavy burden of ministry for that particular opportunity and time.

So how do we face times of uncertainty? We must devote ourselves to The Lord, His Word and time with Him in prayer. We must seek God’s face in spite of what other’s may think or say. The Psalmist has some great words of counsel for us.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

We must walk with our hearts open before God, asking His searching, convicting Holy Spirit to reveal our needs, sins and failures and direction. Then as He reveals, we are to submit, confess, repent and go appropriately for what He speaks to our hearts. But this morning I saw another side of this passage, which I rely on frequently to remind me of my own need. We are to “Search ……. God”! By that I mean we are to search out God, and we can only do that as we bask in His Word, and study it’s depths, earnestly pray and search out HIS face! We are called to know truth and to test the waters around us. The Word demands it:

“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

Even Jesus warned us that not everything that “looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, or waddles like a duck”, IS a duck!!! There are false teachers, imitators and deceitful leaders trying to lead us astray. We must abide in the “vine” and His Word to know truth, and then we can recognize the errors!

“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 15:5

And abiding with Him helps us recognize the wolves!

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Matthew 7:15-16

There is a lot of false information being disseminated around us in the name of “Christianity”, but take heart dear ones, get into the Word of God and learn the truth for yourself. Dig out the details by asking the “who, what, where, when, why and how’s” of every passage. Read the Bible through (I recommend reading it through once a year), and not just mindlessly, to mark off a list, but thoughtfully seeking how each portion you read fits with the rest of scripture. Be active in your local Bible preaching church. And as you do these things you will learn and grow and be able to discern true from false. You will be able to “take forth the precious from the vile”; to be pleasing to God, and then He says, “thou shalt be as my mouth”. We can speak God’s truth to the world! A world that is so caught up in the “vile” that they may hate us for bringing truth to light, but we must speak, it’s what we’ve been called to do. The sowing in ours—the harvest is God’s!!! So go!!!

Blessings on your week and I pray for you as Paul did:

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire

that ye might be filled with the knowledge

of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;” Amen       Colossians 1:9-11

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 09 Fearfulness Or Faithfulness???

 

We all face issues from day to day that often assail us with fear and anxiety. Yet God has called us to trust and rest in HIM!!! And while that isn’t always “easy”, it is quite simple. We must consciously keep our heart, mind and eyes on Jesus.

“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

While there is debate over what the “cloud of witnesses” is, the context lends itself to understand that it is a reference to those who have found God faithful in the past. I don’t believe it’s a picture of a stadium full of people cheering us on, but rather a statement of fact—that many have gone before us in faithfulness (that was the message of Hebrews 11) by keeping their hearts and minds fixed on God’s faithfulness rather than their own weakness or immediate dilemmas. This is the confidence that we can take from this passage; that because God has always been faithful, He will continue to be faithful, because God never changes or fails. And through the assurance of the work of Jesus Christ we can lay aside the sin and fear (anxiety-weight) in exchange for the power, courage and ability to “run with patience the race that is set before us”!!! God doesn’t call us to run any race but our own—the race that God has “set before us”. And if God has ‘set’ that race before YOU, then He will provide the ability, courage and endurance to press on and run it with HIM. Scripture is replete with encouraging reminders to help us race on!

“…….for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5a-6

We never walk or run alone—it is God who is with us, and because of that we don’t have to fear but press on in confident assurance of whose we are!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

But in order to “do all” I must be “doing” what God wants me to do, living in accordance with His Word. Then He enables me to overcome the fears, anxieties and challenges of the world—a world that is becoming more and more hostile to people of Biblical faith. But we don’t have to fear—we can walk in confidence fearlessly.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Our confidence is in the God who is all-powerful, and all- knowing (omnipotent and omniscient, as well as omnipresent!), and He has given us His Spirit of power and love, as well as soundness of mind. And if we look up the Greek word translated “sound mind”, it means ‘right thinking’, having a mind that can know and discern truth and right. And we can only do that when we truly know Jesus and walk in His Word. And walk in His Word is what we must do, and to walk in it, we must know it.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

And I can overcome fear by keeping my heart and mind on the things of God. As Paul says so clearly:

“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 2:5-8

The mind of Christ is the mind of servant hood—servants unto God and unto those around us. We must be willing to die to ourselves and live unto Christ. And a “dead” man doesn’t worry about anything!

“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

When we realize that our life is lived unto Jesus, by the power of Jesus, and for His glory, it makes all the difference in the world. I’m not saying that we’ll have a cakewalk, or a path lined with roses; but I am saying that we will have an overriding confidence that circumstances cannot defeat!!! While I may have moments of doubt, fear and confusion, the precious Holy Spirit will touch my heart and remind me to look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”—the one who is always with me. And we must remember that the battleground is in our minds, and our God gives us the victory if we will but avail ourselves of it.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I encourage you to memorize these verses so that you will be able to call to mind the power that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the power to recognize the schemes of the enemy of our soul (Satan, the Devil, the Serpent…. See Revelation 12:9), and to overcome them by the obedience of Christ. Jesus saves us to serve Him, and He equips us to serve Him—we must simply keep our hearts and minds set on Him and that is often a wearisome but worthwhile task.

“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Proverbs 4:4

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

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

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

And in closing, one of my favorite passages, and one which I quote to myself often (especially verse 8—I encourage you to commit it to memory if nothing else), because it reminds us of the plumb-line of God’s expectations for our hearts and minds. It is a checklist, if you would, for our thought life; and it will help us keep our hearts and minds on the things of God rather than the fear and confusion that dominates the world around us.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen

in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”    Philippians 4:6-9

So put this checklist in your heart and mind and use it to measure your thought life and actions. It will make a difference in your life. And why do we need to do all these things? First and foremost, because God told us to, and also because HE is worthy of our allegiance and praise—and only a life lived in devotion and obedience to God is a real life of worship and praise!!!

“Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:12-13

May we all walk in faithfulness before Him, and before a lost and dying world? May we recognize that fearfulness isn’t a place where we need to dwell, but we are to continually turn from fear to faith when confronted with issues that frighten us? Remember our God reigns over all!!!

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6

Amen!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #287    I Will Rejoice In It!!!

“This is the day

which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad

in it.” Psalm 118:24

A verse most of us are familiar with, and some of us quote it occasionally in praising God, or keeping our mind on our Lord. But do we really “rejoice” in this day? What if I’m sick? What if I’m hurting-be it physical hurt, or emotional hurt, or grief, or disgust with our circumstances? What if our world is falling apart, or we are being persecuted? Is it still the “day which the Lord hath made”? What about all the political upheaval going on all over the world; right here at home? Can we still rejoice? Of course we can, that’s what the Psalmist is reminding us of!!

I can rejoice in “the day which the Lord hath made” because God not only made the “day”, but He also made me. And for those of us who belong to Jesus, we have all the other promises of scripture to rely upon as we truly “rejoice” in the day! And why can we rejoice when our world seemingly is falling apart? Because our God isn’t asleep or off duty—God has it all under control and we can trust HIM with TODAY!!! Why? Because God said we can!

“………for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Because we are never alone! Never!

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

Because God is our strength and shield, and we CAN trust in HIS help! It may not be on our schedule, and we may think Him slow—but HE IS NEVER LATE!!!

And Paul reminds us that God is totally able to deliver us because despite what the world may say—Our God reigns, so I can “Rejoice in the Lord always”!!!

“Rejoice in the Lord always:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known

unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests

be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:4-7

Because He has it all under HIS control! And when we trust Him we will experience that very “peace of God, which passeth all understanding”!!! We can have peace in the midst of the storm—any storm—any time!!!

And one of my favorite passages reminds us that regardless of what we are seeing or experiencing , our God is with us through it all.

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:” Isaiah 43:1-3a

So, here’s the shot for the day:

Look up, rejoice and press on. God has you, the circumstances and the outcome. He is conforming us into the image of His Son when we belong to HIM….. You can “let it go”!

“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

Are you reflecting HIS image? He is with His own! Rejoice!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 08 We Must Remember This!!!

 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”      Romans 12:1-2

All around us American Christianity (as a whole) is trying to blend in with the world. Seemingly trying to be unobtrusive, and conciliatory to worldliness and sin, rather than being the “salt” and “light” that our Lord saved us to be. In fact He said we who are truly HIS, “are” salt and light—but we can weaken our saltiness and hide our light from view when we, in effect, dilute our holiness with worldliness. (See Matthew 5:13-16) So I’m asking us all to ‘remember” who we are in Jesus, and whose we are in Him—to remember that if we are truly “born again by the Spirit of God” we are called to reveal God’s salvation, power and glory to the world; living in such a way that the world will see Jesus in our lives and actions through a life controlled by the Holy Spirit not our flesh.

How do we do that? We must keep our priorities set on Jesus. It’s a battle of the mind and we must pursue God’s excellence by God’s power. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

“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 15:5

What are we glorying in? Our progressiveness? Our open-mindedness? Our ability to blend in with the world? Or are we pursuing God, His Word and His ways? Are we “abiding in the vine”?

“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

Paul reminds us that our goal is to press toward the mark of excellence that can only be found in doing things God’s way! By having a mind of non-conformity just like Paul mentioned in Romans 12. The world is trying to conform us to itself, even the church is often guilty of falling into this error—yet we are called to live “transformed” lives (the Greek word from which we get our English word ‘metamorphosis’)—a transformation that only the blood of Jesus can accomplish; the change of “such a worm as I”, into a butterfly of glory by our creator’s salvation in Christ Jesus! Jesus will make us a new creation, enabling us to live like His children! A change that can only take place by God’s power and Spirit working within us through the blood of the Lamb (See John 1:12-13).

“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 2:5-8

We must humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus Christ, allowing His life to be evident within us, and that can only take place at the cross; it will never be found in luxury, arrogance and worldliness, but only in humility and submission to the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Knowing that only the new birth by the Spirit of God, and receiving that new birth, can and will work the righteousness of Jesus Christ through His Spirit within us.

“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

And when we are “born….of God” we are new!!! Yes, a work and progress of maturity will take place, but we are new. If you can claim to know Jesus and never experience any change in your life, you might want to check and see what you think saved you.

“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

Did you get that? God sent Jesus to be “made” sin for us, because He had no sin of His own, but when He laid down His life for us on that cross He took my sin and yours, so that when we come to Him in repentance and faith we are “made” the “righteousness of God in him”!!! All accomplished by the blood of the Lamb of Glory!!!! Just as Jesus declared in John 14:6, that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”, when we do come to the Father through Him, our living should reflect HIS presence within us! He doesn’t call us to be self-absorbed and worldly but He enables us to die to ourselves and the world, and to live victoriously by His Spirit continually working within us.

“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

Jesus died for us so that we could live to Him and for Him; yet the frequent message today is that Jesus came to give you a “get out of jail free” card with no commitment, no change, no devotion to the one who died to save us “from our sin” not “IN” our sin!!! This results in worship that isn’t focused on gratitude to a God who gave Himself for us, or a reflection of His call to the world, but rather, it is often instead a mish-mash of entertaining, worldly accommodation to fleshly, worldly desires of those who want to feel good when they come, feel good while they are there and feel good when they leave, with no idea or desire for the conviction and move of the Holy Spirit to reveal sin and draw people into HIS presence! We are much more inclined to worship what we have created as “worship” instead of worshipping the Holy God Almighty who demands to be GOD, and anything less than total devotion to Him is idolatry. We have abandoned true “seeker” worship that seeks God, and have settled for “seeker” worship that pleases seekers regardless of whether or not we are telling them the truth, or what they may be “seeking”. As my mother was often wont to say, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions!” And we today have lots of good intentions, but unless they are aligned with the truth of the Biblical Gospel, we are in danger of sending thousands of people down the wrong road with our watered down “gospel” of convenience and popularity. Jesus was so ‘popular’ that they put Him to death, but He never changed His message—HE is the only way to God, through repentance and faith.

So, how do we remind ourselves of truth? We can follow Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians. And with a little liberty to add some commentary I’d like us to look at his advice, which reminds us that we are at war; we are wrestling against the forces of evil, not at a picnic. We are wrestling for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys and girls; yet we have laid down our armor and are trying to sooth them into the kingdom rather that preaching truth and allowing the convicting work of the Holy Spirit to bring them to a place of repentance of their own personal sin, and faith in the one who died for that sin. Just as it tells us in the Revelation:

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15

And there is only ONE WAY to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—Jesus, and faith in His atoning sacrifice for you at Calvary.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

And when we truly know Him, His work will be seen in our life and our obedience to Him—doing His will and not our own. And to do His will, we must know what He has said in His Word, because ‘saying so, don’t make it so’, and if all we are doing is claiming that “get out of jail free card”—it doesn’t exist!

“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

What will Jesus say to you? Are you ready for the battle? This is what we need to remember—it’s not a picnic but a battle—are you ready for the fray?

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 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 6:10-18

Don’t miss the order of these instructions: the first thing we must do is “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”!!! These instructions are for believers and only believers can truly walk in God’s power and God’s might, and we can when we belong to HIM! To sum up in an easily remembered form, I pray that this will help us all to suit up every day! Remember, be ready, and rely on GOD!!!

Put it on—every day without fail, God told us to–

Wear it with the power of God not self, He is able—

              “I can do all things through Christ….” Phil. 4:13

Belt of Truth—Jesus IS truth, holding it all together—

              “I am….the truth….”   John 14:6

Breastplate of Righteousness, protecting your heart—

              I’m righteous only “…in Him” 2 Cor. 5:21

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace—sharing TRUTH–

              Only Jesus can give peace with God….Ro. 5:1

Shield of Faith—resisting in HIS power not mine–

              “we walk by faith, not by sight…” 2 Cor. 5:7

              “without faith it is impossible….” Heb. 11:6

Helmet of Salvation—Keeping our mind on HIM—

“transformed…renewing your mind..” Ro 12:2

              “bringing every thought captive…” 2 Cor. 10:5

              “let this mind be in you….”   Phil 2:5

Sword of the Spirit—THE WORD OF GOD—

              “study …..approved unto God…” 2 Tim. 2:15

              “it’s profitable..unto good works..” 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Praying ALWAYS—it’s our connection to God—

              “with all perseverance….” Eph. 6:18

              “effectual fervent prayer….” James 5:16

              “continuing instant in prayer…” Ro. 12:12

So, please remember we’re not playing games, this is serious—the hearts and lives of those that we love are at stake. The hearts and lives of a lost and dying world are at stake and we will give an account. Are you ready? May we realize the urgency of the hour and seek the Lord’s face and follow where HE leads?

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36

“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

And remember, men may be easily fooled but God never is, He knows those who are His own.

“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 2:19

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #286    Praise God For His Grace!!!

 

“But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we

were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew

the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”     Ephesians 2:4-10

We often hear verses 8-9 about God’s grace saving us, but I want us to look a little deeper at God’s wondrous grace and mercy. Walk through it with me and rejoice in all that God has done, is doing and will do for us in HIS time.

It is HIS mercy and love that reached down to us. No one on the face of this earth (except Jesus, the Son of God) thought about God first, as John reminds us, “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

And God didn’t love us because we cleaned ourselves up for His perfect, holy presence, but HE loved us when we were “dead in sins”—loved us so much that He paid the price for our sin with the blood of HIS “only begotten Son” on the cross!!! His SON for my SIN!!! And not only did He save us from our sins, He gives us “eternal life”; “Abundant life”– which Jesus will give to those who come to Him by “grace …..through faith”!!! And that’s not just eternal life in the great by-and-by, but abundant life right now. Life that is lived in the power and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ who saves us; amazing grace life that shows His love, grace and glory to the world, both now and in the world to come.

Finally, Paul reminds us that our salvation is all about Jesus; that our lives are to be lived out revealing His work in and through us to a lost and dying world. It’s all His grace—then, now and forever. It’s all to His glory.

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

So take some time today and thank God for His grace. Remember that: “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”! What kind of walk are you walking? Walking in God’s grace works or your own fleshy works? It’s all about GRACE!!! His grace makes all the difference. Get busy living in GRACE!!! Today!!!