Bible Ballistics: BBs #106 Do Celebrities Speak for God???

I am posting early this week in response to the recent public announcement by one of “Nashville’s most popular” celebrities. I cannot be silent and let this go unaddressed.

Ok, let me say this—I’m not famous, rich, wealthy, influential or powerful—I simply love the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The Word of God is truth—and that truth in reality is Jesus!!!

John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Only one way to God—HIS Way!!

No matter who declares that sin isn’t sin, it can’t change what God has said. Every person has the right to choose their own behavior, but that choice does not eliminate God’s Word or the consequences of that choice. God gave us each the free will to choose, but His Word declares that there are consequences to opposing God and/or God’s Word.

Real love speaks the truth and desires what is best for the recipient of that love. I am a sinner saved by grace, because Jesus came to save us ‘from our sin’ (not leave us in it), by paying the price for our sin.

Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

I don’t pass judgment on those in ungodly lifestyles, but God’s Word declares that judgment is coming and if I neglect to share the truth, then their blood would be on my hands. If I don’t tell you what God says, then I really don’t love you. I am called by God to declare His Word and I leave the changing of hearts to Him. But I am compelled to declare HIS truth, even when people don’t like it.

Isaiah 5:20-21 clearly tells us,

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”

Ezekiel 3:17-18, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Ezekiel 33:6-11, “But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? 11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

I pray that you will consider these things and choose wisely, for as Philippians 2:8-11 says of Jesus,

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The choice is truly yours, but the Almighty God of the Universe and His precious Son, Jesus Christ, has already set the consequences. He is coming again. Will you bow before Him as Lord and Savior now or as your Judge then? You may not like what I’ve said but please know that I love you and pray for you to come to the cross.

I find it interesting that when those who promote “gay rights” disagree with me or other Bible believing people, they are simply expressing their freedom of speech and freedom to choose. But when I proclaim what I believe from the Word of God, I am a “hate monger”. I don’t hate those who oppose God, I pray that they will see the truth before it’s too late. And one day it will be too late.

 

 

Bible Ballistics: Weary NOT in Well Doing??? Vol. 4 #25

We’ve often talked about tiredness and being weary in our journey and service to our King, Jesus. Today I’d like us to take a little twist on that. Do you sometimes become weary in doing the ‘right thing’? Even when we walk with Jesus, sometimes it’s hard not to be distracted looking around at not only the world, but at other Christians or professing Christians who live like the world or do things differently than we do, or as we think they ought to be done

So what do we do? Throw rocks? There are days that we all could find justification for that choice, but I think we’ll have a hard time finding Biblical support for that choice. Something like ‘turn the other cheek’ might come to mind. So what if the Lord is working in someone else differently than in me? What if someone else gets the opportunities or giftings that I desire? Jesus addressed this very issue as He spent His last days with the disciples before He ascended back to heaven. John relates an account that dealt with Jesus, himself and the apostle Peter.

During a fishing trip, some of the disciples had an encounter with Jesus at breakfast on the shore, it also became a time of restoration between Jesus and Peter, during which time Jesus makes a prophecy regarding Peter and his future:

John 21:18-23, “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. 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. **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**?”

Jesus told Peter that he would die for his faith. That would be pretty disconcerting in and of itself, but Peter turning toward John asks Jesus, “what shall this man do?” (Speaking of John).   Jesus’ answer is not only profound but also timely, and one which we need to take account of!!! Jesus’ admonition being stated twice seems to be pointing out not only its significance but also the nature of mankind—even the first disciples. They couldn’t keep the story straight. Jesus never said John “should not die” but much like the old children’s game of gossip, once a story is repeated it takes on a life of it’s own. John sets the record straight here!!! Jesus simply reminded Peter that “his” story was just that, “his” story. He needed to be concerned with ‘himself’ not with what Jesus had in store for John!!! (Remember that ‘history’ is in fact “his/story”—the end from the beginning.)

How often have devoted Christians gone astray because they got sidetracked by someone else’s success, failure, indiscretion or misunderstanding. Jesus calls us to consider:

“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.” Luke 9:23

We are to follow Jesus—keep our eyes on the prize!!! And remember, Jesus is the prize. (See Phil. 3:12-14)

Hebrews 12:1-2, “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.”

I am to run my race!!! Not yours and you aren’t called to run my race!!! We are each to fix our eyes on Jesus!!! Look to Jesus NOT the other runners, imposters, distractors or any one, or anything other than JESUS!!!

So how does this flesh itself out? Let’s see what God says in the following passages, and you can check out the entire context as you think on these things this week.

Galatians 6:7-10, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. …… 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Keep on keeping on IN JESUS!!!! HARVEST WILL COME!!!

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13, “…..For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”

If you’re not working—get busy!!! If you are working, don’t grow “weary in well doing”, but press on with Jesus. Just like the old proverb says—‘it ain’t over till the fat lady sings’!! God’s payday is coming but it’s not TODAY!!! Don’t check out early and miss the best reward!!!

Matthew 10:42, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

You’re only responsible for what GOD asks you to do!!! But do it diligently, faithfully and excellently—as unto the LORD!

Mark 9:41, “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.”

And finally, remember what Jesus had to say about the “hierarchy”….   Maybe not what you were expecting???

Matthew 20:25-28, “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

If Jesus calls you to a ministry—HE WILL SUPPLY YOUR NEED!!! Don’t be distracted or let others weary your soul!! And remember we are to humbly serve—Not arrogantly rule over!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #105    Stolen Memory???

When one of our granddaughters was small and she didn’t want to do something, she would say, “somebody stole my memory”. Well it was funny from a 3 year-old child but for we adults it’s often not so funny. Add technology to that and it’s often worthy of tears instead of laughter. I went to write this article this morning and had some notes I had recorded on my IPhone and guess what, ‘somebody stole my memory’. I didn’t realize that upgrading the operating system on my phone would erase my recordings!!! Aghast for just a few minutes, I was brought to remember that it’s not the phone that I serve but the Almighty God.

Revelation 4:8-11 says, “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

My/our God is the Lord God Almighty—

Who was, and is, and is to come—

Who lives forever and ever—

Who is worthy of worship—

Worthy of MY Worship—

Worthy of MY Thanks–

HE is worthy of –

Glory and Honor and Power—

Because “…thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”

My God is creator of all!! And my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is also creator. He was there, is here and will be forever also.

Colossians 1:16-17, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

So??? Here’s our shot for today. I may forget things, loose things, misunderstand things—

But my God never does!!!

He can supply my every need, regardless of what it is. If He can’t bring those things back to my heart and mind, then guess what??? He’s got something better for me to consider.

Philippians 4:19,

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

My memory may come and go but Psalm 97:1 says,

“The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.“

AMEN AND AMEN!!! Look up and press on!!! God’s got it!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #104    Changing Seasons???

Good morning!! I hope you are enjoying a pleasant fall where you are. It’s warm again here in Oklahoma but cooler than it has been. We’re still waiting for the color to begin to show but it’ll take a few more cool nights before that happens. As we think about seasons, it comes to mind that our lives are a series of ‘seasons’. How do we live them?

Matthew 6:10-11, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread.” He provides today—don’t fret about tomorrow—live today.

Proverbs 27:1, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Today is all I have—will I use it wisely, now?

Live life NOW—it’s the only ‘season’ we have. How often do we waste time wishing or longing for a by-gone season. When we were 18, 25, 30, 45, or 65…??? When the children were small (every parent misses that), but more importantly we are to live today, today!!! Today, this day, is the only day we have; God calls us to use it for Him now.

Am I willing to seek God’s will TODAY? To truly seek His will and His kingdom in all I am and all I do? To be a godly example in whatever season I’m in, to God’s glory, to “be instant in season, out of season;” (see 2 Tim. 4:2)

1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

In practical terms: parent to God’s glory, give a day’s work for a day’s pay to God’s glory, mow, cook, clean, drive to God’s glory (now that’s a hard one!). I am to live today as a mom, grandma, grandpa, employee, pastor, teacher, neighbor, friend, –in every ‘season’, time and place. And finally a bit of encouragement on how we are to do this:

1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:20, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

So??? Here’s our shot for today.

Be grateful to God always, wherever you are.

Remember in HIM we have victory!!!

Be steadfast (firm and unwavering)

Immoveable (stand firm)

Abounding in God’s work (faithful)

Remember—our victory is in Jesus—in HIM we can win!!

Speak TRUTH with love in your heart and actions—

Use your words to reflect God’s truth, glory and love to all!!!

So??? Get busy—You can do it in season or out!!

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Live today in HIS strength!!!

Bible Ballistics: Here, Have a Drink??? Vol. 4 #24

A popular call of today—on TV, in the movies, in books—just ‘have a drink’ and all will be well. In fact I don’t watch the food channels much anymore because almost every show seemed to be pushing ‘alcohol’ consumption as a normal and acceptable relaxer, problem solver, rest aid, social mixer…etc. Yet, as I see it, alcohol presents far more problems than solutions. But, I’m really not on a tirade about the evils of drink today, but it was a great lead in. The world is obsessed with booze, pills, sex, fame, and fortune: the panaceas that bring perfect happiness and ‘happily ever after’ lives!!!

Alert! Alert! Alert! They are wrong!!! As almost every day’s headlines prove in one way or another. What I’d like to share today is the real solution to all of life’s problems, sorrows, griefs and confusion. It’s a drink—and it’s a person! Like many of the ads read today: “A Beautiful (home, face, car…) Starts with*****”, you fill in the product!! It’s not more products that we need, it’s more of the only thing that really makes a difference—Jesus Christ–crucified, buried and raised from the dead—for you and me!!! What does He have to offer???

Jesus, in His conversation with the woman at the well of Sychar made an amazing statement:

John 4:11-14, “The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

This woman’s question was genuine: she wanted to know how this stranger, this “man” (remember men didn’t talk to women in public, especially ‘worldly women’), this Jewish man (for the Jews hated the Samaritans), would speak to her, not only speak but engage her in conversation. But we know Jesus was a ‘barrier’ breaker!!! He forgave the woman taken in adultery, and sent her away to ‘sin no more’. He healed Mary Magdalene, who was demon possessed. He granted a request for healing from a Canaanite woman!!! Jesus met the needs of people, and He did more to elevate the status of women than any other person in history. In fact, this Samaritan woman was the first person recorded, to whom Jesus clearly and openly revealed that He was the Messiah.

John 4:25-26, “The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”

Jesus also calls us to receive this ‘water of life’ (also a picture of the Holy Spirit He would send after His ascension).

John 7:37-39, “… In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” Life—God in us life—forever!!!

Jesus was, is and ever shall be the ‘water of life’. In Revelation 21 and 22 we also see this ‘water of life’.

Revelation 21:6, “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” The choice is yours, now.

Revelation 22:1 & 17, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb…… 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

What are you drinking? Are you settling for the ‘have a drink’ that the world offers—be it booze, pills, immorality, money, fame, fortune, power, lewdness or just self-satisfaction? None of these will ever satisfy the longing thirst of your soul. Only Jesus can do that. Israel of old found out that forsaking God and creating their ‘own way world’, their ‘own gods’ and ‘own drink’ was, at best, a great disappointment. Jeremiah talks about this and it is so apropos for America.

Jeremiah 2:11-14 says, “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. 12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. 13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?” WHY???

I love to go to the mountains where you sometimes see spigots on the side of the road, spigots that provide water from artesian wells. Wells that come up on their own and provide such sweet, cold water that you think you’ve never really had water before. Well this is the picture that God is painting for Israel and for us today. He is a wonderful artesian spring of fresh, vibrant, life-giving water. But are you choosing to drink from God’s spring, or have you done what Israel did and made an alternative choice?

“For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”

A people who have forsaken God–

Gone their own way–

Dug out their own cisterns–

Leaking cisterns

That can’t hold WATER—

Dirty water at that!!!

And doing this they forsook the

Real

Original

Pure

Clean

Life-producing

Living Water.

How about you? What are you drinking? Won’t you “have a drink” of the ‘water of life’? Imbibe at the ‘fountain of living waters’ and, like the woman at the well, never have to “settle for” the

Imitation

Stagnant

Contaminated

Dirty

Unhealthy—

Water of Death again!!!

And one last passage for us to think on this week, as we think about the ‘water of life’. When we belong to Jesus, this water of life empowers us to live victoriously.

Ephesians 5:15-21,

“See then that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody

in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always

for all things unto God

and the Father

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another

in the fear of God.”

‘Think on these things‘……(see Phil.4:8). Whatever you put in will come out!!! What are you drinking???