Category Archives: A Father’s Love

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!!!

Can You See It NOW??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #698

30 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Eyes that SEE HIM, Hearing God, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns, What do you SEE?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #698  Can You See It NOW???

I would like to share a challenge today—a challenge for us all to examine ourselves to see what we really “see”!

“They have not known

 nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

Jesus also commented on Isaiah’s message:

“But though he had done so many miracles before them,

yet they believed not on him:

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet

might be fulfilled,

which he spake,

Lord, who hath believed

our report?

and to whom hath the arm of the Lord

been revealed?

39 Therefore they could not believe,

because that Esaias said again,

40 He hath blinded their eyes,

and hardened their heart;

that they should not see with their eyes,

nor understand with their heart,      

and be converted,

and I should heal them.”   John 12:37-40

Have you seen HIM?  Paul also made a reference to the same condition of men.

“(According as it is written,

God hath given them the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;

unto this day.”  Romans 11:8

There’s also another message which was a part of Isaiah’s great vision of God, reminding us that without God’s work to open hearts and minds to His truth, there is no hope.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,

Whom shall I send,

and who will go for us?

Then said I,

Here am I;

send me. 9

And he said,

Go,

and tell this people,

Hear ye indeed,

but understand not;

and see ye indeed,

but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;

lest they see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and understand

with their heart,

and convert,

and be healed.”   Isaiah 6:8-10

There are many who will not hear or see anything other than their own way; but we are called to examine ourselves, to judge ourselves (that kind of sinks the notion that we are never to judge!), and to be sure that we have “real faith”—faith that is fixed on Jesus and we are following Him, His Word, and His way!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”   2 Corinthians 13:5

And interestingly enough, we all need reminding, just as the Corinthian believers did, to remember that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Even as Paul had already told them in his first letter what faith is—trusting in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for our SIN—and real faith, as James said, is evident by our actions!

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached

unto you,

unless ye have believed

in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

We must be willing to allow God to open our eyes that we might see what HE sees; that we might truly be the “wise man” described by Jesus in Matthew 7; a passage that reminds us again that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!

“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.

24 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 7:21-27

Rock or sand, the choice is yours?  But choose wisely—there is a test!  So, a couple of verses in closing that remind us that salvation is all about God’s work, not our own, other than to believe and receive the work that Jesus Christ has already done.

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:43-44

Have you seen HIM?  As HE IS?  For WHO HE IS?  You can today!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Jesus sees YOU!  HE loves YOU!  I pray that you will hear HIS voice and see HIS love for you and open the door.  And if you are HIS already, I pray that you will truly learn to grow in faith, grace and truth by HIS precious Holy Spirit—use those eyes and ears for Jesus!

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 3:20-22

Amen and Amen!

May you be blessed with a joyous and blessed New Year full of the “joy of The Lord”, growing in HIS grace and truth.  See you all next year, Lord willing!

 

The Best Christmas Lights Of All? Bible Ballistics: Repost of BBs #320

16 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Christmas, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Every Knee Shall Bow, Light In The Dark, Listening To God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #320 The Best Christmas Lights Of All?

An edited Repost from 2016—I pray that it will be an encouragement to us all.

 

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light

of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light

of life.”  John 8:12

Jesus IS the “light of the world”!  He not only created light but He Himself IS light.  Jesus came into this world to BE the ONLY way to God.  And the very best ‘Christmas lights’ that we can display is a life lived by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ, to be a reflection of God’s light, truth and glory in a world of darkness.  We need to shine that light regardless of the darkness and blindness of those who will not see.  After all Jesus Himself was rejected by those who wanted to stay in the darkness.

“In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light

shineth in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:4-5

Jesus is the creator and sustainer of life who He came into this world to deliver those who will believe in Him, from the penalty, power and eventually even the presence of sin.  It’s what HE came to do, and when our light shines for Him we can share that Good News with those in need of Jesus and His saving grace!

“Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Our light is to shine for Jesus (Our light IS Jesus!), even when people around us reject the light, or even ridicule and persecute us for our faith in Him.  We can expect the same treatment that our Lord received.

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds

were evil.”  John 3:16-19

There will always be those who reject the light, but when we belong to Jesus, His light has been planted within our hearts and it should be the pursuit of our lives to let HIS light shine through us.  We can hide our light or let it shine for HIM!  Just as the moon has no light of its own, neither do we; apart from Jesus (See John 15:5), and much like the wonder of an eclipse, we can be a clear reflection of the light of Jesus shining His light onto those around us, or we can let the world “eclipse” our light and have little to no effect on the people around us.  May we all strive (especially during this time when people are more open to the news of the “Babe in the manger”) to be the “Best Christmas Lights Of All”?

God’s purpose before the creation of the world was the redemption of man—He knew we would sin before He created us and He loves us so much that He created us anyway!  He chose Abraham to be the father of Israel and provided that through his seed the Messiah would come.  And God also promised that He would be the Savior of all who would believe, whether Jew or Gentile.  Just as John wrote, “God so loved the world, that he gave”.  God sent Jesus that we might have life in Him, through the salvation that He would purchase at Calvary.

A baby born to die for our sin—that’s how much God loves YOU!  And if you know Him, shouldn’t your light be shining brighter than any string of decorations?

“Thus saith God the Lord,

he that created the heavens,

and stretched them out;

he that spread forth the earth,

and that which cometh out of it;

he that giveth breath

unto the people upon it,

and spirit

to them that walk therein:

6 I the Lord have called thee

in righteousness,

and will hold

thine hand,

and will keep thee,

and give thee

for a covenant of the people,

for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open

the blind eyes,

to bring out

the prisoners from the prison,

and them that sit in darkness

out of the prison house.”  Isaiah 42:5-7

God opens the blind eyes to see their own sin (If they will but hear the voice of His Spirit!) and He will deliver them through the sacrifice of Jesus, when they will believe in Him.  He loves you and me today and wants us to come to Him.  We can choose light or darkness.  What are you choosing today?  If you don’t know Jesus, He is calling to you today—if you will but respond in repentance of sin that you can’t fix, and believe in the death, burial and resurrection of the ONE who came to fix/pay for your sin and mine.  It’s why He came.  And coming to Him will enable His light to shine from within you and me, for He places His peace, light, joy and love in our hearts.

“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 5:5

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness,

and peace,

and joy

in the Holy Ghost.”   Romans 14:17

So SHINE!  SHINE the “the light of the world” TODAY!

Amen and Amen!!!