Bible Ballistics: BBs #275  Living Today, Today???

We live in a culture consumed with the “future”. But God calls us to live life in the “here and now”, today! It is often hard to keep our mind on “today” living, much like Popeye’s buddy Wimpy. He was always saying, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today?” Wimpy was focused on money that would appear later, to meet his desires today! And we live in a culture so consumed with having today what we “hope” to pay for next week, or next month, or next year, that many are overwhelmed with debt; debt that they may never be able to get out from under. But God calls us to live today, today. By trusting HIM “today”!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

Jesus himself called us to take care of today, today. Even when we pray we are to seek God’s face, and His will for today first.

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:10-11

Tomorrow will bring it’s own issues, so we need to trust God today, seeking what He would have us do–today. And God clearly tells us what that is! To Seek and trust Him, today!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

Where’s your focus today? Where is God leading you–right now? Look up, walk forward and press on with Jesus, today!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #274  What’s Raining On You???

We’ve had some welcome rain here in Oklahoma, yet in many areas those rains have come with damaging hail and tornados. So where do the rains come from? Well, I can assure you that they haven’t come from the “government” or the “weatherman”! Only the Almighty God, The Creator of the Universe is in control of the weather and all things that affect this world–and you and me! God is worthy of our trust and will show Himself faithful to those who come to Him, to those who seek Him diligently “while He may be found”!

“I would seek unto God,

and unto God would I commit my cause:

9 Which doeth great things

and unsearchable;

marvellous things without number:

10 Who giveth rain upon the earth,

and sendeth waters upon the fields:

11 To set up on high

those that be low;

that those which mourn

may be exalted to safety.” Job 5:8-11

God is there, and He makes Himself known if we will but listen and believe in the salvation that Jesus bought for us.

“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 11:6

God wants to save and deliver us, but not against our will! We must heed and respond to His call—but many are NOT willing! Are you listening or rejecting and refusing the Word of The Lord? It’s your choice, but there is a consequence to every choice.

“……. the word of the Lord hath come unto me,

and I have spoken unto you,

rising early and speaking;

but ye have not hearkened.

4 And the Lord hath sent unto you

all his servants the prophets,

rising early and sending them;

but ye have not hearkened,

nor inclined your ear to hear.

5 They said, Turn ye again now

every one from his evil way,

and from the evil of your doings,

and dwell in the land

that the Lord hath given unto you

and to your fathers

for ever and ever:

6 And go not after other gods

to serve them,

and to worship them,

and provoke me not to anger

with the works of your hands;

and I will do you no hurt.

7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me,

saith the Lord;

that ye might provoke me

to anger

with the works of your hands

to your own hurt.” Jeremiah 25:3-7

And just like ancient Israel, we must choose whom we will heed and serve. But choose well, for God holds every person accountable for what we have done with HIM, HIS Son and HIS Word.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

“Even as I have seen,

they that plow iniquity,

and sow wickedness,

reap the same.” Job 4:6

Are we sowing seeds of destruction, or sowing things that God can rain HIS blessings upon? We must remember that we will reap the crop that we have sown! It’s your choice.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

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

I pray you know the forgiving, cleansing blood of Jesus, the only thing that can “change” crops!!! Today!!!

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 24 Not Everyone Is Your Friend!!!

 

Scripture teaches us that “there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother”(Proverbs 18:24b); and Jesus, Himself, talked about a real friend:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:13-15

Jesus laid down His life for us because He loves us—He loved us before we ever knew Him. God is the initiator of life, love and salvation!!!

“Hereby perceive we the love of God,

because he laid down his life for us;

and we ought to lay down our lives

for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16

“In this was manifested the love of God

toward us,

because that God sent his only begotten Son

into the world,

that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved,

if God so loved us,

we ought also

to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus the Son (His only begotten son, the second person of the “tri-unity”—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—each distinct yet three in one. Each God, all three God, always in unity yet distinct in their functions and interactions with mankind) to live in this flesh, experience humanity without sin, die in our place and defeat sin, death and hell on the cross and His resurrection. Praise God for such amazing love that we can’t live without—either in this life or the life hereafter! What love He has for us, and when we know Him, He puts His love within us—it’s the supernatural work of salvation that God does in us.

“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 1:11-13

Jesus calls us to be His servant, but when we come, He makes us His friends, and He even makes us His children as His Spirit imparts the “love of God” into our very hearts.

“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 receive the love of God within our hearts, He continually conforms us into the image of the Son by the work of the Holy Spirit in us! God’s love makes a difference in us—a difference that the world should see. The world should see the “love of God” in us—in our daily walk, in all we do and say—every day and in every way. A tall order but we serve the “life-changing” God who saves, redeems and conforms us “into the image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29), so it’s by HIS power not our own. But what does that love look like? John helps us understand what “God’s love” looks like.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4:18-21

We are to love God, and our “neighbor” as Jesus told us in the parable of the “Good Samaritan”. We are to be a reflection of the “love of God” in both word and deed. And that brings me to the question, “Who Is Your Friend?” Jesus wants to be your friend, but there are those who come into our lives who are truly NOT a friend, and God gives some great advise for discernment in this arena, we can learn the things that God says are necessary to His blessing in our lives—and it has a lot to do with our choice of friends.

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”    Psalm 1

God tells us the things we are to cling to and what things we are to avoid—what brings blessings and what will bring the condemnation and wrath of God. But the choice is ours.

To be blessed we must:

Walk not with the ungodly—

       Stand not with the sinners—

Sit not with the scornful—

And don’t miss the progression of the walk away from God; a walk that is against God and will not be blessed:

It starts with a walk—the company we keep casually.

Then standing—a continued delight in and with “SIN”.

Finally sitting—joining with those against God.

(For more insight on this progression read Romans 1)

But the righteous person, the one who wants a walk with God, avoids those activities and people (Not failing to share the light with those in the dark, but standing firm in the “light” and not “getting used to the dark”!) This walk also has some positives, and the righteous, godly person will:

Delight in the law of God—His Word and His Ways—

 Meditate in the law of God—Day and Night—

And the result is amazing—

He shall be like a tree by the water—

He will bring forth fruit in the right season—

His leaf shall not wither—

Whatsoever He does will prosper!

(It doesn’t say that we will prosper financially, but that our work for the Lord will prosper—bear fruit–)

The Psalm goes on to make a contrast with the “UN”godly. There are only two choices—God’s way or your own, and the results are directly connected to the choice we make. Jesus also gave us a most concise picture of the difference.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because

strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”     Matthew 7:13-14

The choice is simple, destruction or life? Popularity or truth? Will you be among the “many” or the “few”? Will you walk with the “godly” or the “UN-godly”? Your friends can affect what you do and where you go! They can lift you up or drag you down.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” I Corinthians 15:33

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Are we being a friend to those God sends our way? Are we being the friend who leads people to God, or are we being led astray by those we have chosen to associate with? God calls us to be salt and light in a world of corruption—are we willing to pay the price to be a useable vessel for The Lord? Simply put, that means seeking God first, serving others second and trusting the results to our God!  Matthew 6:31-34 says:

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

So look around and check out who and what is influencing you. Are you being a friend of God? Or a friend of the world? As Jesus said “no man can serve two masters….” And remember not everyone is your friend!

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends…”

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep….15 ……I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11 & 15b

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 15:17-18

Have you trusted your life to the one who gave HIS life for you? He is the best friend I have now, or ever have had- and I have some wonderful soul mate friends- but Jesus is the best friend of all. If you know Him, focus on Him and His Word and trust all your ways to Him. If you don’t know Him, then call on Him and He will hear and meet you where you are. Jesus Himself said in Revelation 3:20:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.”

He IS that friend who sticks “closer than a brother”, and He died for YOU!!! Have you opened the “door”?

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #273  This IS The Day!!!

Just a brief word this morning to remind us that God is sovereign and “in control”!!! He doesn’t heed superstition or formulas; He takes care of all things without any restrictions, all on His own. Don’t let the fears and superstitions of the world distract you on this day, regardless of the “date” of the month it is, or what “day” of the week it falls on. Our GOD reigns!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

We can have confidence in each and every day, because our God created and set them in order!

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.” Psalm 39:4

And while we may be “frail” in comparison to our God, we can be confident that our days are in God’s hands, and He is trustworthy to strengthen, lead and direct our steps. Just release the reigns to the Master, and give your life to the Potter, for HE can and will accomplish great and mighty things in our lives. The Lord God Almighty, the creator of the universe and all that is in it, knew each of us before we were ever conceived and brought into this life! He is able and ready to work in our lives, if we will but “Trust and Obey” (that might make a good song J ). Will you give Him your day? Today? Tomorrow? Each and every day of your way? He will meet us, if we will but look up and depend on HIM, rather than ourselves!

“I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully

and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

when I was made in secret,

and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance,

yet being unperfect;

and in thy book

all my members were written,

which in continuance were fashioned,

when as yet there was none of them.”    Psalm 139:14-16

So take some time today to praise the one who gives you life. Not just birth but life! And if we will bow before Him, He will give us “abundant life”!!! What a great and marvelous promise, and HE will deliver, if we will but trust in Jesus for salvation!!! The One who died for us, is the only ONE that can give life, eternal and abundant life!!!

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord,

we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:5-6

So don’t let the “13” bother you today, just put your faith and trust in the God who created and established all “numbers”!!! He’s not bothered by the sequence, so you don’t have to let it bother you. Don’t let the enemy of your soul steal your joy! Instead rejoice in the “truth”–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

Bible Ballistics: BBs #272  Look Up And Press On!!!

 

There are times when we become overwhelmed by the circumstances of life. Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes it’s emotional, and sometimes it’s just the accumulation of all the issues of life seeming to come at us all at once. Times when heart-crushing pressure and/or stress build up, what are we to do then? Well, not to over-simplify, but there is only, and always, one solution and that is to look to Jesus! Let’s share some assurances of His faithful provision for your day and mine, when we look to our faithful LORD!

“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 12:2-3

Our Lord walked this road of humanity to pay the price for us—He is that “author and finisher of our faith”! It’s all dependent on His sacrifice and because of that He is able to meet our every need.

“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

Because of the price Jesus paid for our salvation–His blood–we have been given the privilege of coming directly to HIM in our “time of need”! We can rest in His faithful heart, a heart that understands the weakness, and sometimes overwhelming weariness, because HE knows our infirmities! And beacuse He has overcome temptation, sin, and death, we can find the comfort, courage and strength to press on. It’s all about Jesus, because He died that we might have life. And we must understand that while the battle is fought with our fleshly body and mind, the power of our warfare isn’t from our flesh, or even our minds—but it is from our all-powerful God!.

“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

We will always find the strength to press on when we look to our Lord Jesus Christ; when we dig in and depend on His Word; when we walk in obedience to His Spirit and His Word! Jesus is Lord of all, and He calls us to encourage one another—because what we have experienced and learned in our walk with Him, is to be shared with others that they may benefit form our confidence in HIM!!!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast,

knowing,

that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

God is ever at work, growing us into useful servants of the Kingdom; helping us see through eyes of faith; conforming us into the image of His Son, Jesus. He promised He would, and you can count on God to be there for you, no matter the stress, no matter the conflict. He is with His own-ALWAYS!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28-31