Author Archives: Blanche

Real Peace??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

08 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, Holy Spirit, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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Real Peace???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #35

‘Real Peace’, what is it?  That’s a good question, for many have fought battles trying to achieve peace.

Peace:  …. the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world…. a state of harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations…. often considered simply the absence of strife!

I think there is a greater idea of peace that the world most often misses, and often times even Bible believing Christians miss the real idea and meaning of ‘peace’!  So, I’d like us to spend just a bit of time today pursuing the biblical definition of peace, and the first thing that comes to my mind is the ultimate idea of biblical peace.

“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 4:6-7

Oh, the power of “the peace of God”; it is the supply, the sustenance, the surety of every believer who will rely upon it instead of the ‘peace of the world’—a flimsy, ever-changing pursuit that at best, is short-lived and unreliable, for it’s based on the ideas, pursuits, and efforts of mankind!  Whereas “the peace of God” is a rock-solid assurance that we can stand fast in God’s promises!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

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 13:5-6

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth

in thee.”  Isaiah 26:3

The main question though, is, where/how do we get this great peace?  Well, there is only one place where we can find this amazing peace (and grace—by grace), and that is IN JESUS.  Paul gives us the most amazing discourse on this, and while it is a lengthy passage, I think it well worth our time to consider it, for it is the premise upon which all we’ve said so far rests.

“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.

6 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 5:1-11

All this, because God loves us—did before HE created us, did after HE created us—did when we sinned—did when HE sent Jesus, The Son to be our redemption, which bought our “peace with God” for all who will believe and receive the forgiveness of sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary, so that “whosoever believeth in HIM” can have life, hope, and this very peace that Paul describes—no longer enemies of God—but HIS blessed children!!!  Hallelujah!!!  Amen!!!

Because of what HE did for us, we can have this peace that “passeth all understanding”!  The peace that overrules fear and suffering because we know that our God reigns, and is bringing us to glory with HIM!  It is what our faith camps on, Jesus’ own promise that Paul described above, in HIS own words!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Oh, how amazingly grateful I am that with HIS peace, comes “the love of God”, and for Paul ‘s reminder that The Holy Spirit plants it within us, a love that is ever at work accomplishing God’s purpose and glory in us, so that we have peace not fear (and living in such fear-evoking days we need reminding!), and the world sees a love they don’t understand—a testimony of Jesus’ amazing, saving grace!!

“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.”  1 John 4:18

Even in some of Jesus’ last words to His disciple (and to us) He reminded us that we have peace, HIS peace, in the midst of trials, troubles and tribulations—all because HE has “overcome the world”!

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Hold on to The One who IS our peace!  In HIM we win!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 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 19:5-6

And on that all I can say is, even so Lord Jesus come quickly!!!

Yet if you don’t have this peace of God, you can have it by the repentance of your sin—your personal sin—and believing in the sacrifice that Jesus made for it (the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice)—that He was crucified for your sin and mine, that He was buried, and that HE arose from the dead for you and me, victorious over sin, death, and hell!  He is inviting you today!

“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.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

HE Remains Faithful In ALL??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Comfort, Grace, Grief, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14   HE Remains Faithful In ALL???

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

 I have a brief word to share with you this morning as I think of Jeremiah; for Jeremiah is often called ‘The Weeping Prophet’, and I think someone besides me may need some help and encouragement that you are not the only one who is “still” grieving….   I’ve helped enough friends and loved ones through the years to deal with the idiosyncrasies of grief; it is an unpredictable emotion, and it reveals itself in strange and unique ways to each of us.  So often people feel guilty or ashamed of the ways or timing of their grief, sometimes to the point of not even trying to share it—yet we all need a safe place to share our grief.  Some people even shame or judge others for the ways or timings of their grief, but scripture is replete with the expressions of the emotion of grief in God’s own people, and grief is never criticized or condemned!  (See John 11:35)

This is one of the reasons that I mentioned Jeremiah, for he was a man of God who was called to the hard task of prophesying and calling God’s own to repent or be judged by captivity of the Babylonians.  Well, for the most part Jeremiah was ignored, ridiculed, and even tortured for his faithful service to God, and his preaching of God’s truth to a people who didn’t care to listen.  He did this hard task for some 40 years, and when Israel fell to the Babylonians, he was totally broken hearted and grieved to his soul.  You can read the short book of Lamentations, which was just that, a record of his lamenting—grieving—for his people; and it is a comfort to see how God helped him to see the hope that is found in the faithful Lord God Almighty.

“And I said,

My strength and my hope

is perished from the LORD:

19 Remembering mine affliction

and my misery,

the wormwood

and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,

and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion,

saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good

unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good

that a man should both hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation

of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:18-26

We serve the living Lord, and as Paul said, we can grieve but praise God, not without hope!  For our hope is not in the grave, but in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal “LIFE” that He gives to those who come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  As Paul says, grieving not as those “which have no hope”, for our life, hope and future is grounded in the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord! (And sleep mentioned here in Thessalonians is a reference to death.)

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,

concerning them which are asleep,

that ye sorrow not,

even as others

which have no hope.

14 For if we believe

that Jesus died and rose again,

even so them also which sleep in Jesus

will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you

by the word of the Lord,

that we which are alive and remain

unto the coming of the Lord

shall not prevent them

which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend

from heaven

with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel,

and with the trump of God:

and the dead in Christ

shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain

shall be caught up together

with them

in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air:

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another

with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And a reminder from Jesus, as He reminded His own disciples, that our hope is in HIM, our soon coming king, and our eternal home!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.”  John 14:1-4\

Because of our KING, we have hope that sustains us in those moments (albeit sometimes looonnnnnggg moments) which are a great hope for the soul; we must simply keep our eyes on the prize—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.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

So, let us remember Paul’s words of encouragement and challenge, knowing we can make it by HIS mercies which “are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”!  His faithfulness is ever with us, even in our grief!!!  Remember, God watched HIS own SON die for you and me!

“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.”  Philippians 4:13-14

Jesus understands your grief—His arms are open wide for you—day or night!!!  Run to Jesus!

“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 in closing, a verse you may have missed:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears

into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?”  Psalm 56:8

Amen and Amen!!!

To God’s Glory??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #34

02 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in God Still Reigns, God's Faithfulness, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!

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To God’s Glory???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #34

 

I would like to simply share a word from the 119th Psalm this morning.  Just some words of encouragement for your Friday.

“Thou art my portion, O LORD:

I have said that I would keep thy words.

58 I intreated thy favour

with my whole heart:

be merciful unto me

according to thy word.

59 I thought on my ways,

and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60 I made haste,

and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61 The bands of the wicked

have robbed me:

but I have not forgotten

thy law.

62 At midnight I will rise

to give thanks unto thee

because of thy righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all them

that fear thee,

and of them

that keep thy precepts.

64 The earth, O LORD,

is full of thy mercy:

teach me thy statutes.”  Psalm 119:57-64

And a closing word of encouragement from Jude’s letter:

“To the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory and

majesty,

dominion

and power,

both now and ever. Amen.”  Jude 1:25

Amen!!!

Jesus IS Enough–He’s ALL??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #33

31 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, HE who began it will complete it!, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all

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Jesus IS Enough—He’s All???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #33

 

Each day is a call to walk in union with my LORD Jesus Christ!  Some days it’s simple to just get up and go and do what HE has asked me, called me, or appointed me to do.  But then there are days when it’s not the doing that is the challenge, but rather it’s the “being” who and what Jesus wants me to BE!  For we can all put on the “doing” suit and go out to impress the world, but some days it takes all that my soul, mind and body can muster to “stand fast in the evil day” to “BE” filled, led, and yielded to HIS precious Holy Spirit!  How about you?  Ever struggle to just take one more step?  I have!  But I have a Savior, Lord and Redeemer who has promised to supply my every need—not just in material ways, but in every single thing I need to press on to bring glory to Jesus.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun

a good work in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

And more of Paul’s instruction to the believers at Philippi, those to whom he offered no rebuke, but encouraged them to press on as they were doing.

“Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things

without murmurings

and disputings:

15 That ye may be

blameless

and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst

of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth

the word of life;

that I may rejoice

in the day of Christ,

that I have not run in vain,

neither laboured in vain.”  Philippians 2:12-16

Not to be redundant, but Paul just has so much ‘good stuff’ in this letter to the Philippians, I just couldn’t leave off this word from chapter 4!  I repeat this wonderful instruction, and help for every issue of life or temptation of the enemy, more often than I can count—it’s like a “password” to victory to me, and I encourage you to memorize it to have it on “hand” to defeat the enemy at every turn (for he is there knocking on that door of your heart and mind, but just rehearse those 8 things in verse 8 and he can’t get in the door!!!)

“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 4:6-8

Did you get it—Paul assured us that not only do we have the “peace of God”, but we can also stand confidently knowing that “the God of peace shall be with you”!!!   And continuing, let’s dive into the letter to the Colossian believers; where we’ll find even more help to draw us nearer to our Redeemer and Deliverer, Jesus—for HE is truly all you and I need to “press on”. I encourage you to take these passages and print them off then go over them and note each specific thing that Paul encourages us to be—do—and practice each day as we walk with our KING JESUS!!!

“Where there is neither

Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all,

and in all.

12 Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word or deed,

do all

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father

by him.”  Colossians 3:11-17

And in closing, a great challenge to walk right before our God, and when we will walk right “before our God”, then we will be right before the world—not always popular or well received, but “right”!!  Then, may we join Paul and “press toward the mark” in all our ways!  Every day—all the way!!!

“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.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—press on!!!  Jesus IS enough!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

How About MY Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 NO. 13

28 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Be ye doers of the Word, Clothed In His Righteousness, Sayers or Doers

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 13   How About MY Heart???

It seems that we are living in a world gone amuck with power, money, and disregard of The Lord God Almighty, HIS Word, and HIS SON!  But the real question is, “What about “MY” heart?”  I think Jesus’ words make it clear what we need to consider—and notice that Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders in this first passage.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”   Matthew 12:34-37

And as Jesus said in another place:

“And Jesus said,

Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

 and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:16-20

The Psalmist reminds us that what comes out of our mouth is under our control, and as we avoid the evil, we are to appreciate and desire the correction of the righteous—to both receive it, and to be that “iron sharpening iron” to others!

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not

eat of their dainties.

5 Let the righteous smite me;

it shall be a kindness:

and let him reprove me;

it shall be an excellent oil,

which shall not break my head…”   Psalm 141:3-5a

So, what is in my heart?  In yours?  Only God knows all about me, but what comes out of my mouth, according to Jesus’ words, will reveal what is truly in my heart.  I’m not talking about a stray word when someone bangs his thumb, but I am talking about the evil, vile words of hatred, spite, and cruelty that spew from many who claim the name of Jesus.  And there is a difference between what the Psalmist is describing as the reproof and accountability of the righteous toward one another.  James contrasts it as real faith and vain faith—that which is confirmed by a righteous, holy lifestyle, in contrast to a lifestyle of nothing but words!  Jesus talked about this in Matthew 7, (And just let me clarify, I don’t think Paul and James disagreed on faith and grace—James isn’t denying faith, but simply distinguishing the difference between “just saying so”, and “being so”!)

“What doth it profit, my brethren,

though a man say he hath faith,

and have not works?

can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding

ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead,

being alone.

18 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.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe,

and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works

 is dead?”  James 2:14-20

And as James also said (in the same vein):

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.”  James 1:22

Jesus makes the delineation clear:

“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…

…. 20 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 7:13-14, 20-23

We are impowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live in The Spirit and not the flesh if we will but yield to HIS work and obey!

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered

for us

in the flesh,

arm yourselves likewise

with the same mind:

for he that hath suffered

in the flesh

hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time

in the flesh

to the lusts of men,

but to the will of God.”  1 Peter 4:1-2

Paul gives us a key to walking in victory over our heart and mind, which leads us to victory over our tongue.  Are you and I heeding The Holy Spirit as we should?  Or going our own way?  As I’ve said before, it’s your choice (and mine), but remember there is a test!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous

of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.” Galatians 5:16 & 25

And in closing, Paul’s amazing reminder of what The Spirit’s work looks like in us!  I encourage you to spend some time and memorize these verses (at least 22-23) for your good and God’s glory!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such

there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.”  Galatians 5:22-24

So, the question we all must answer is, “How about my heart?”!  It’s what Jesus calls us to, and scripture is replete with the call to us is to be “salt…and light…” to a world lost in sin and darkness!  What will you do with your “light”?

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:16

Amen and Amen!!!