Category Archives: A Father’s Love

Revisiting Deuteronomy 6??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #724

28 Wednesday Apr 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Born Again, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Decency, Obedience, Only Jesus, Only One Way, The Crucified Life, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done, Yesterdays made Todays!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #724  Revisiting Deuteronomy 6???

 

We shared last time about God’s plan for man, the home and life, and I’d like to spend our time today taking a closer look at the passage from Deuteronomy 6; it is worth our time to consider the power of the truths in this Word from God about the home.  And if we ever needed to consider God’s plan for the home, it is surely now.

“Now these are

the commandments,

the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD your God

commanded to teach you,

that ye might do them

in the land whither ye go to possess it:

2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God,

to keep all his statutes

 and his commandments,

which I command thee,

thou,

and thy son,

and thy son’s son,

all the days of thy life;

and that thy days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel,

and observe to do it;

that it may be well with thee,

and that ye may increase mightily,

as the LORD God of thy fathers

hath promised thee,

in the land that floweth

with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

 shall be in thine heart:”   Deuteronomy 6:1-6

This passage begins with a call to all, but particularly the parents, before launching beyond to the family.  We can never pass on what we don’t possess; be it money, love, truth, morals or most importantly a personal relationship with God through His Son—and for the contextual accuracy of this passage, their belief was in the coming Messiah who would bring in the New Covenant, The Holy Spirit who would save and dwell in them (See Jer. 31:31-34 & Ez. 36:25-27)!

God calls us to recognize that these are HIS precepts and principles for godly living—for successful living—for the passing of the baton to the next generation. We cannot ignore and violate the principles of God and expect to be successful and content in our lives, much less to pass the baton faithfully to our children and grandchildren.  We cannot pass on what we do not possess!  So, we must acknowledge God’s right to lead, and be willing to rely upon the truth of HIS Word for our life, our belief system and our practices of life—otherwise we are just hypocrites and no one see’s hypocricy more quickly than children—especially our own offspring!

God calls us to:

–recognize HIS WORD—we must dig into THE WORD—

–DO IT—obey GOD’S WORD—

–FEAR HIM—in reverential awe and love—

–KEEP HIS COMMANDS—not forsaking HIS way—

(“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”   Isaiah 30:21)

–Share these commands with our offspring—

–Hear them and observe them—

–to be blessed and receive the goodness of God—

–in the land of God’s promise—

And God’s prime directive to all:

— thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might—

And how do we do this?  By having HIS WORD—

— in thine heart—

The bottom line is, I must love GOD myself, and have Jesus, and HIS Holy Spirit, in my heart!  Pretend won’t work.  As a parent I can only impart to my children what I personally have, know and live by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  Paul describes this much better than I can.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

…. If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

And while those to whom Moses gave these commands were not blessed to have the indwelling Holy Spirit yet, we have the power of God’s Spirit to be able to accomplish God’s ways.  We can be victorious, but we must be born again ourselves in order to have a personal relationship with God and to have HIS Holy Spirit to lead and guide us—HE IS this “new covenant” which Jesus died to impart to us.

“I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

 is come,

he will guide you

into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”   John 16:12-14

So, we have an empowerment that the Old Testament saints did not all have; for the Holy Spirit was not imparted to each believer continually then, but to chosen individuals, at chosen times, for specific purposes of God.  We are truly blessed beyond measure.

“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

The question is, have you received this “love of God” which “is shed abroad” in YOUR heart?  We can never share Jesus with others, if we don’t have Jesus in our own hearts—if we haven’t been born again by the Holy Spirit of God.

“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 as we go back to Deuteronomy 6, we find that with God’s power, and a willingness to walk in HIS ways, we can pass on our love of God to those who walk behind us.  God’s ways are dependable.  Let’s consider what God’s plan was and still is.

“And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates…

….. Then beware lest thou forget the LORD,

which brought thee forth

out of the land of Egypt,

from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God,

and serve him…..”  Deuteronomy 6:6-13

We are to teach, instruct, serve God, and lead our children to know God and do the same—we are to use teachable moments to share the truths of God with our children and the children we are privileged to have in our lives; we are to live it, teach it, and share it in all our daily activities—walking, sitting, resting, preparing for sleep, or rising up; we are to adorn ourselves with ornaments of godliness rather than the ornaments of worldliness.  We are to have our homes adorned with godly evidence of what we believe and who our GOD is—and what HE means to us; our homes can have great impact on those who enter there—what does your home advertise?  Yet God doesn’t stop there, HE goes on to tell us the ultimate progression of this way of life.

“And when thy son asketh thee

in time to come, saying,

What mean

the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore, …

… 23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land

which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the LORD commanded us to do

all these statutes,

to fear the LORD our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do

all these commandments

before the LORD our God,

as he hath commanded us.” Deuteronomy 6:20-25

In Blanche’s paraphrase:  if we lead our children in truth and righteousness before God, when we behave differently than the world, the time will come that our child will ask “why do we do these things, or don’t do other things?” Then we can share the truth of what God has done for “ME/US” and lead them to the cross (for we are on this side of the cross!) where they can find Jesus for themselves.  But our words must match the life we live, or we will have little ability to influence those whom we love the most.  You decide!  Will you live for Jesus and lead those around you to the cross or will you lead them straight to hell by your faithless choices?  The choice is yours!  But choose wisely, there is a test.  And in Jesus own words we find the import of our choices!  For “what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world” or loose “his own children”?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny

himself,

and take up

his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

May God open our eyes and work in our hearts to help us realize the serious times in which we are living:

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:28

Amen and Amen!!!

The Eyes Of THE Lord??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #711

24 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #711  The Eyes Of The Lord???

 

“A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words

stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:

but the mouth of fools

poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue

is a tree of life:

but perverseness therein

is a breach in the spirit.”  Proverbs 15:1-4

We live in a “media” culture and while it is most convenient to be able to “reach out” and connect with others near and far away, it can be a draw to behave unkindly, arrogantly or even be a “media” bully!  Our words matter, and I just want to remind us today that what we say, as well as how we say it, can make a difference.  Just because we “know” some miniscule piece of information, doesn’t mean that we have to speak it, write it, or post it to the harm of others.  God makes it very clear that we are called to a higher standard than what my mother used to call “gutter talk”!  Just because it’s popular, or stylish, or the “phrase-of-the-day”, doesn’t mean that it ought to come out of my mouth; and it certainly doesn’t need to be made public to “prove our point” or to “set the record straight”!   Dirty laundry doesn’t gain any appeal when hung in public! God speaks to these issues!

“Recompense to no man

evil for evil.

Provide things honest

in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing

thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome

of evil,

but overcome evil

with good.”  Romans 12:17-21

We seem to have forgotten that “our God reigns” and our job is to “speak the truth in love” not spew out vengeance to justify our own thoughts and decisions.  What is your/my standard of response to others—be they close or distant?

Jesus gave the ultimate answer to Pilate as He approached His own death on the cross.  Jesus knew WHO was in charge and why HE had come!

“Then saith Pilate unto him,

Speakest thou not unto me?

knowest thou not

that I have power

to crucify thee,

and have power

to release thee?

11 Jesus answered,

Thou couldest have no power at all

against me,

except it were given thee

from above:

therefore he that delivered me

unto thee

hath the greater sin.”  John 19:10-11

Peter helps us understand the reality of Jesus’ response.

“For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile

found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who

his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

 by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25

So, my simple question today is: who is in control of your mouth?  The culture or The Lord God Almighty?  To whom are you trusting your difficulties?  Your own wit, wisdom and ability to cut others down?  Or will you trust to God’s wise and loving Holy Spirit to grant you/me the words to speak.  I’ll simply leave you with some scriptures to ponder this week.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:13-15

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway

with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And in regard to vengeance—God speaks clearly:

“Thou shalt not avenge,

nor bear any grudge against

the children of thy people,

but thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself:

I am the LORD.”   Leviticus 19:18

“To me belongeth vengeance,

and recompence;

their foot shall slide

in due time:

for the day of their calamity

is at hand,

and the things that shall come upon them

make haste.”   Deuteronomy 32:35

“For we know him that hath said,

Vengeance belongeth unto me,

I will recompense,

saith the Lord.

And again,

The Lord shall judge his people.”   Hebrews 10:30

And in conclusion, a word from the Psalmist.

“O LORD God,

to whom vengeance belongeth;

O God,

to whom vengeance belongeth,

shew thyself.”  Psalm 94:1

May God open our eyes to see what HE sees.  May we say with the Psalmist:

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Amen and Amen!!!

Assurance-VS-Arrogance??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 20

07 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence or Presumption?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 20    Assurance-VS-Arrogance???

 

We have read continually the decision of Daniel and his friends regarding their devotion to God, their godly character, and integrity; an integrity that we need to take note of and learn from.  We are looking at the behavior of godly men who are captives in a pagan land under a pagan king—Nebuchadnezzar—lessons of godly integrity that we can learn from today, especially today!  We begin again with the verse that makes the difference in their lives and can in ours.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”   Daniel 1:8

What have you and I made our mind up about?  Have we committed to trust in God’s provision or are we pursuing our own solutions to the trials of our day?  We talked last time about the character that our three friends had; and I want us to consider the choices that these men made and what they can mean to us!  If you remember, we find them at a grand “unveiling” of the golden statue that the king had erected (in his own honor) yet the issue wasn’t the statute but the call to “worship” and ‘bow down’ before it!

“And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the LORD thy God,

which have brought thee

out of the land of Egypt,

out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee

any graven image,

or any likeness of any thing

that is in heaven above,

or that is in the earth beneath,

or that is in the water

under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them,

nor serve them:

for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,

visiting the iniquity of the fathers

upon the children

unto the third and fourth generation

of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy

unto thousands of them

that love me,

and keep my commandments.”   Exodus 20:1-6

Our friends knew the Law of Moses and were committed to keep it—even knowing it could cost them their lives.  The King’s threat was real and as we saw in chapters one and two, Nebuchadnezzar was a man given to temper, and our account in chapter three is a prime example.  But for our purposes we want to focus on the attitudes, responses and humility of our three friends.  Unlike the events of chapter one and two, which were relatively private in nature, this event was a public one and puts our friends on center stage!  What we also see is that their integrity (remember the king promoted them along with Daniel for their wisdom and integrity) has evoked some not-so-nice responses from others!

“Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans

came near,

and accused the Jews.

9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree,

that every man that shall hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,

shall fall down

and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth,

that he should be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews

whom thou hast set over the affairs

of the province of Babylon,

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego;

these men, O king,

have not regarded thee:

they serve not thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar

in his rage and fury

commanded to bring

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego.

Then they brought these men

before the king.”  Daniel 3:8-13

We could call this the tale of ‘tattlers’, but while our friends were obviously envied, they didn’t respond in kind, but they stood firm in their faith and answered with fearlessness, honor and integrity.  What do you and I do when we are confronted with the ill-will of others?  Do we respond with confidence in our God or our own ‘wits’?  Are you like me and sometimes loose the integrity battle to the smart-mouth urges?  Do we give in to the call of the flesh to answer in kind?  That isn’t what we are called to do, I’m reminded of Paul’s message to the Ephesian church, and while he’s talking about interactions among believers, it applies to the broader context of our relationships with all people.

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all

bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:29-32

Peter also gives us an urgent reminder concerning our behavior, and the import of reflecting our Lord and Savior, Jesus, rather than the world. (And 1 Peter is a great message about suffering for Jesus!)  And friends I believe it’s speeding toward us today!

“Finally,

be ye all of one mind,

having compassion one of another,

love as brethren,

be pitiful,

be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil

for evil,

or railing

for railing:

but contrariwise

blessing;

knowing that ye are thereunto called,

that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life,

and see good days,

let him refrain his tongue

from evil,

and his lips

that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil,

and do good;

let him seek peace,

and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord

are over the righteous,

and his ears

are open unto their prayers:

but the face of the Lord

is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you,

if ye be followers

of that which is good?”  1 Peter 3:8-13

Jesus Himself gave us an “other worldly” view of relationships and how His children ought to behave.

“Blessed are they

which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward

in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12

We are not alone, when we suffer for Jesus/God; but we must decide, do we want the blessings of God or His judgment.  And don’t be cocky, thinking Christians are never judged, for God will judge His own—not for condemnation, but for discipline and correction.

“Yet if any man suffer

as a Christian,

let him not be ashamed;

but let him glorify God

on this behalf.

17 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 4:16-17

And more food for thought from God’s Word!  I’m just the messenger!

“For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.”  Hebrews 12:6-8

So, what does this all have to do with our three friends?  Well, they were willing to “withstand in the evil day”!  Are we?  And, no pun intended, they were about to have their “feet put to the fire”, yet they still stood fast trusting to their GOD!

“Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them,

Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

do not ye serve my gods,

nor worship the golden image

which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down

and worship the image

which I have made; well:

but if ye worship not,

ye shall be cast the same hour

into the midst of a burning

fiery furnace;

and who is that God

that shall deliver you

out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”   Daniel 3:14-18

In closing for this session, we see that our friends gave no quarter in their willingness to stand faithfully before their God regardless of the circumstances.  They had seen God’s faithfulness in the past and they trusted their future to Him, and answered the king in humble honesty, knowing that whether God physically delivered them or not—HE would deliver them, and they would NOT BOW!  Are we willing to trust God in all?  Even in the midst of hatred, jealousy and anger.  I’ll leave you with Nebuchadnezzar’s response, and then we’ll pick up next week, with GOD’s response and WOW does GOD have something to say!!!

“Then was Nebuchadnezzar

full of fury,

and the form of his visage

was changed

against

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego:

therefore he spake,

and commanded

that they should heat the furnace

one seven times more

than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded

the most mighty men

that were in his army

to bind

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego,

and to cast them

into the burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:19-20

What’s burning in your life?  What fires are you afraid of?  Will you look up trusting God to provide?  Do you know Him?  Do you know HIS Word?  I call you to join me in spending time this week asking God to grow us in grace, truth and love toward those around us.  May others see Jesus in you/me?  May we reflect assurance rather than arrogance?

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Used Where They Were? Really?? Bible Ballistics: BBs #707

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Under His Wings, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #707 Used Where They Were?   Really??

 

I would like to take some time today taking a preview look at Daniel chapter 3. Why, you might ask; and the answer would be that there is so much to consider besides the exciting story of the “fiery furnace” which is often missed when we just read the story and go on to the next chapter.  I want to give you some homework, if you would, that I think will make our next session together of more benefit to you and me both!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,

whose height was threescore cubits,

and the breadth thereof six cubits:

he set it up in the plain of Dura,

in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together

the princes,

the governors,

and the captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

to come to the dedication

of the image which Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up.

3 Then

the princes,

the governors,

and captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

were gathered together

unto the dedication

of the image that Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up;

and they stood before the image

that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then an herald cried aloud,

To you it is commanded,

O people,

nations,

and languages,

5 That at what time ye hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,

and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down and worship

the golden image

that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

6 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth

shall the same hour

be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:1-6

Here we have an encounter that involved three of the four young men that we have been following; and I’ll just tell you up front, we don’t know where Daniel was, but he, at the very least, isn’t mentioned in this account; now whether he was away on government business or assigned to keep charge of the palace in the King’s absence, we just don’t know.  But his three friends are the subject and the object of this account.  If you take a few minutes to go back and review chapter 2’s prophetic part, you’ll find that the emphasis was on a statue, of which King Nebuchadnezzar was represented by the “head of gold”!  No matter what else the king heard from this dream’s interpretation from Daniel, it would appear that his own “head” has been puffed up with the thought of this “head of gold”!  So, he has built and erected a 90-foot-tall statue of “gold”!  And I have no doubt that the likeness of this statue was very likely the likeness of King Nebuchadnezzar—a man of pride, and temper.

The king has not only built this giant statue, but he has also called everyone of import to the ‘reveal’ of the image of gold; and not only a ‘reveal’ but a call to “worship” this image he has set up!  How ‘coincidental’ that he has called all the people to worship this image—including our three friends!  What I want us to consider today is the fact that our three friends find themselves in a dilemma of choosing how to respond to the king’s command!  There’s an old southern gospel song that sums it up: “They Wouldn’t Bend, They Wouldn’t Bow, They Wouldn’t Burn” (Written by Arthur Smith)!  But when did these three choose?  When will you choose?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”    Daniel 1:8

Daniel and his friends made up their minds at the beginning to follow and serve their God no matter where they were!  They knew God and they trusted HIM to care for them one way or another!  Their faith and devotion was in their GOD not ‘religion’!  They had already chosen to trust God and follow HIM no matter where it led; whether it was pleasant, convenient or fair—they determined before the crises came that they would not do anything to “defile” themselves; and remember they had already been ceremonially defiled by their captors!  They weren’t filled with hate, but they were filled with love for and trust in the Almighty God of creation, their GOD, knowing that HE would use them whereever HE placed them.  God can use YOU/ME right where we are (or where ever HE may lead us) if we will repent of our sin, turn to Jesus and give our lives to HIM for HIS service where ever we are!  When we decide to follow Jesus any–where HE leads and to trust to HIS care, we will find that God will do amazing things—no matter whether the circumstances are pleasant or not—no matter if it is convenient or not—no matter if it seems ‘fair’ or not!  Our God reigns in all!  Here are some reminders for us to consider.

“God reigneth over the heathen:

God sitteth upon the throne

of his holiness.”  Psalm 47:8

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth

peace;

that bringeth good tidings

of good,

that publisheth

salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:7

“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

So, as we wind down for today, I would like to ask you to spend some time this week reading through and pondering the content of Daniel chapter 3 and noting what these men did, how they did it, why they did it and in whom their trust was secured!  How could they be so bold (never arrogant) as to face a raging king and respectfully stand fast trusting God!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

How will you respond when you are under a Nebuchadnezzar who challenges your faith?  If we are ever called to ‘civil dis-obedience’ will we behave with godly civility or be arrogantly uncivil.  And if you need to see even more of an example ponder this with deep humility.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable

with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow

his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:” 1 Peter 2:19-23

May you hear from God as you ponder these things.  I pray that we will each bow before our God not the world!

Lord willing, we’ll take this back up Sunday!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Joy Of Presents Or Presence?? Bible Ballistics: BBs #700

06 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, God's Presence Not Presents

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #700 The Joy Of Presents Or Presence??

 

We have just celebrated the Christmas season, and entered a new year, yet many have no clue of the real meaning of Christmas, even many believers are so caught up in the “presents” that they have missed the import of the “presence” of “God with us” and within us!  I would like to consider a few things today that I hope will help us to not only recognize the import of God’s presence but to see our need for it—to long for it—and to pursue it–with earnest diligence.

We live in a culture that is often oblivious to “presence” of any kind whether it is:

God’s ethereal presence—the heavenly come down

Loved one’s presence—real people with real interaction

 Memories presence—the memories of those whom God

  has sent into our lives, past and present

God’s eternal presence—that which we will share with Him

if we have been born again, by repentance and faith in Jesus.

As a culture, we seem to have accepted the pretense of the presence of people or God in our lives through the fleeting perceptions on “social media” where people can brag of hundreds, even thousands of “friends” and yet have no real relationships of substance with another living breathing person!  We have bought the lies of the enemy again—we have accepted a ‘picture’ of the real in exchange for the reality of flesh and blood connections.  Connections with real eyeball to eyeball, soul searching support (or even disappointments) and the touch of another living soul!  A real voice of someone talking with us, someone caring who we are or how we feel, or caring about the pain we are ‘feeling’!  Instead, we seem to be willing to settle for the so-called freedom to “rant” in public without regard for the damage we may cause, to satisfy our lonely, aching, starving souls with a temporary “fit”, rather than to expend the time, energy and effort it takes to build real relationships—with man or God!

We are in a sad state—but The God Almighty and His Son Jesus who created us relational beings, wants to have a real relationship with us.  God wants us to have interactions and relationship with other people too.  But we must recognize our need; our need for a savior—a savior who came and took on flesh and blood—a savior who walked this earth and intermingled with men and women of every sort, kind and situation.  HE came that we might have “life” with HIM and real life amongst others, sharing the hope that we have received from HIM, with a world gone mad with isolation that they don’t even recognize (even in the church).  Could Jesus’ words to the church at Laodicea be aimed at us?

“Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not that thou art

wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold

tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see. …

…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.”  Revelation 3:17-20

You see, it’s not what we think of ourselves that matters!  It’s what Jesus KNOWS about us that matters.  Are we willing to hear HIS voice?  Notice in this message from Jesus to a “church” (a real, literal church that existed at the time of the writing of this book, but also a letter written for the church of the future!), HE, Jesus, is on the “outside” knocking on the door to come “IN”!  Where is Jesus in your life?  On the outside knocking to come in?  Or have you let Him in, but you won’t let HIM have HIS way in your heart and life?  It’s your choice!  But choose wisely—there is a consequence for every choice!  Will we be like Joshua?

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

Even Jesus warned His followers that just “saying so, doesn’t make it so”.  God looks on the heart, even when man is impressed with the outward appearance, just as God told Samuel when he was sent to anoint a king.

“But the LORD said unto Samuel,

Look not on his countenance,

or on the height of his stature;

because I have refused him:

for the LORD seeth not as man seeth;

for man looketh

on the outward appearance,

but the LORD looketh

on the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

And as Jesus said:

“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…

…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 7:13-23

Don’t forget the example Jesus gave of this truth—two houses that looked alike to the world—but the foundation (which is usually unseen to human eye) makes all the difference (and this is Jesus’ truth, not just a little children’s Sunday School song to be dismissed!)

“Therefore whosoever heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:24-26

How are you measuring things?  By God’s Word—which never changes—or by the passing fancy of the world’s latest fad and fashion?  Choose wisely—there is a test.  A test of the heart, but also of the actions which we have exhibited from what’s truly IN our hearts!  As my mother often said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time; and you can fool all of the people some of the time; but YOU can’t fool GOD!”  For God’s standard for judgment is HIS Word not yours—or the latest social media craze or ‘viral’ video!

“For the word of God is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

When we order our steps according to God’s Word rather than man’s ideas, we can have confidence in the God to whom we belong, through repentance and faith in Jesus, who not only saves us but keeps us and is ever there for us!

“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

In closing, some food for thought—may we base our standard on God’s Word rather than the “wisdom of man”!

“Give unto the LORD

the glory due unto his name;

worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness.”  Psalm 29:2

The Beauty of Holy-ness:

Not what I wear—but it includes how I dress–

Not what I say—but it includes how I speak–

 And the words I choose to use—

 Not where I go—but it includes the places that I take

the Holy Spirit who “dwells within” me—

Not where I reside—but it includes the life that I live

At home—

Around town—

In God’s church—

In the private and innermost confines of my heart—

Not my occupation—but if I’m truly pursuing God’s Holiness,

it will be evident in my. professional life,

whether I’m flipping burgers or I’m a CEO—

       Not my associates—but it will include the wisdom to know that

“bad companions corrupt good morals”—

       Not my future alone—but it does include the fact that my choices

will affect how and/or if others SEE Jesus in me–

       Not my popularity—but it does include the fact that I am

responsible for my life that is either leading others

toward the cross

or toward hell—

Choose wisely—your holiness (or lack thereof) is showing!

Is His presence seen in you/me?  It’s what God saves and calls us to be and do!  You are a witness—either a faithful one or an unfaithful one!  Are you/I focused on “presents” or God’s “presence”?

“But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses

unto me

both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea,

and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

Amen and Amen!!!