Category Archives: Abundant Life In Jesus

Look Up To Jesus Not Down??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #637

25 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, God Is In Charge, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #637  Look Up To Jesus Not Down???

 

We recently talked about Daniel and his faith, and I would like to share just a brief word today about looking “up” to The Lord and not “around” at the “lions” who are roaring around us.  Here is my paraphrase of Psalm 121.

 “I will lift up mine eyes—I look around for help–

unto the hills,–at all around me (situations)-

from whence cometh—then I consider my source–

my help.—knowing that I am helpless alone–

2 My help—I look to God, He knows my helplessness–

cometh from the LORD,–God IS MY source–

which made heaven and earth.—Creator–

3 He will not suffer thy foot—my steps are HIS-

to be moved:–He helps me stand in truth–

he that keepeth thee—I’m secure in HIS care–

will not slumber.—He IS always with me–

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel—Always–

shall neither slumber nor sleep.—Vigilant-

5 The LORD—The Savior before whom I bow–

is thy keeper:–HE never leaves or fails–

the LORD—The God who is sufficient in all things–

is thy shade—stops the glare from blinding me–

upon thy right hand.—ever reachable–

6 The sun—no forces of this world control me–

shall not smite thee by day,— nor harm me-

nor the moon—even the reflections don’t harm–

by night.—for My God IS Light–

7 The LORD—The King who rules–

shall preserve thee—The God Who keeps–

from all evil:–I can trust to His care–

he shall preserve—He accomplishes His work in me–

thy soul.—He works in the core of my being–

8 The LORD—The Ruler of all events and time–

shall preserve—He keeps me from corruption–

thy going out—when I’m exhausted–

and thy coming in—when I’m full–

from this time forth,–even right now–

and even for evermore.”—and always!

I pray that God will comfort, encourage and strengthen you today and each day as you remember to look to the Lord not those lions that are surrounding you.  Blessings on you and yours as we all face the difficult circumstances around us!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

The Blood Of Jesus Cleanses??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 03

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Perilous Times Are Here, Persecution, Perseverance, Repentance, Salvation, Saved by grace, SIN, The Blood Of Jesus, The Love of God, The Only Way

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 03  The Blood Of Jesus Cleanses???

 

I want to share a difficult thing with you today, a subject that the world avoids, almost at all costs—in fact, at the cost of their souls.

“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

Jesus told his followers that there was only one choice in life that really matters—what you do with HIM!  We can try to save our own lives, or we can trust to the Only One who can truly give eternal life, not only in the “sweet by and by” but in the “here and now”!  Even in the midst of ‘viruses’.  And just as importantly our choice will be judged one day—Jesus is coming again, to claim His own who are His bride, but also to judge those who have rejected HIM, even as He said here, “every man according to his works”!  While the cost of following Jesus is totally by faith, through grace, there is an evidence, as Jesus Himself declares:

“If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.”

We cannot cling to self, flesh, lust, sin, greed, etc… and cling to Jesus at the same time!

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

We must make a choice, and we need to consider the import of our privilege to choose—for there is a test coming, and you will answer for yourself!  There won’t be any defense without Jesus—not your momma, not your spouse, not your credentials, not your education, not your money, fame or power…without Jesus you will stand ‘speechless’ before God. (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“And as it is appointed

unto men once to die,

but after this

the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

And Jesus will hold us accountable according to HIS Word not my opinion or yours, or the government’s, or Hollywood’s, or popular trends, snaps, chats, or tweets!  And Judge Jesus knows truth (HE is truth) and HIS Word will be the standard.

“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

You might want to make a list of all these things that The Word of God is doing, will do and consider your ways!  For Jesus made it very clear that HE knows truth—as my momma always said: “You can fool all of the people some of the time; and you can fool some of the people all of the time; but YOU CAN’T FOOL GOD:” (Not God The Father, God The Son, or God The Holy Spirit!)!

“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 7:21-23

I know I have belabored this issue, and we’ll get to the hard part in a bit, but I am compelled to remind us all that there is only ONE WAY to God, and HIS name is Jesus, and eternal life isn’t a pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by thing, it is new life right now, eternal living as one who is “seated in” Heavenly places by the blood of Jesus that grants to us not only new life, but abundant life, victorious life, no matter how it looks to a world who hates HIM!  They hated Him when He was here on earth and He warned us that those who are His will suffer the same consequences from time to time.  Jesus reminded His disciples of this very thing on His way to the cross!  And if we have “taken up our cross” and are truly “following” Jesus, our lives will make ripples around us, causing others to keep their distance, ridicule our convictions, and call us unkind names—but we have been warned, by our Lord!

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are

not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”   John 15:18-21

Not a very popular message, but one that we desperately need today!  And my friends, if you don’t see the hand of God at work around us, you might want to open your eyes, or take off your blinders!  Jesus is at work in all around us—always has been, ever will be!  Are you listening for His voice, reading His Word and preparing for His return?  Or are you so caught up in the bling of the world that your ears have been dulled, and your eyes don’t see?  Jesus wants all to come, but HE won’t wait forever!  He told Noah, and as true as it was then, it is still true today (although God hasn’t given us the time!)

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh:

yet his days shall be

an hundred and twenty years.”   Genesis 6:3

And the Apostle Peter shows us the other side, and reminds us that God’s timing isn’t our timing, but don’t wait too long, for as Jesus said, we don’t know “what a day may bring forth”!

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing,

that one day is with the Lord

as a thousand years,

and a thousand years

as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any

should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:8-9

God wants YOU, but He has given us the privilege of free-will to choose.  What will you do with your choice?  There is a test.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:37-40

And HIS will is for you to come to Him through Jesus!  What will you do with HIM!  He gave His all, His life’s blood for you!

“These words spake Jesus,

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;

glorify thy Son,

that thy Son also

may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power

over all flesh,

that he should give eternal life

to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal,

that they might know thee

the only true God,

and Jesus Christ,

whom thou hast sent.”  John 17:1-3

To pull all of this together, I want to remind us that it is the blood of Jesus that saves, cleanses, transforms and provides for all that God has saved us to do.  And without that blood (which so many hate) we have no hope.  I want to share a couple more passages and a testimony that I hope will encourage your heart and speak to those who feel hopeless—for JESUS is our hope, through HIS precious blood that saves and delivers!

“He that despised Moses’ law

died without mercy

under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment,

suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,

who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,

and hath counted the blood

of the covenant,

wherewith he was sanctified,

an unholy thing,

and hath done despite

unto the Spirit of grace?

30 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.

31 It is a fearful thing

to fall into the hands

of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:28-31

Jesus described this dilemma:

“And he beheld them, and said,

 What is this then that is written,

The stone which the builders rejected,

the same is become the head

of the corner?

18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone

shall be broken;

but on whomsoever it shall fall,

 it will grind him to powder.”  Luke 20:17-18

You can bring your brokenness to Jesus and find life, or you can reject His love, grace and salvation and experience His judgment.  I claim the testimony of the saints!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and

by the word of their testimony;

and they loved

not their lives

unto the death.”   Revelation 12:11

How do you come to love Jesus enough to be willing to die for Him?  Only when we realize that HE gave His blood for me; by recognizing the love of God that GAVE HIS SON to pour out His pure, innocent, and sinless blood to pay for the sins of a poor lost wretch like me!  That’s how!  But we have come to a time in our world, in the “church” when the blood of Jesus has little if any value or meaning to many who claim the name of the ONE whose blood was shed for our salvation!  I don’t mean this to be accusatory, but to call us back to the cross and the love of The One who shed HIS blood for ME and YOU—for all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.  Some of you may not want to read any further, as this testimony is a bit graphic, but I feel led to share this very private encounter with my God.

As most of you know, my daughter was murdered just before Christmas last, and of course when you deal with the legal authorities, there are papers, hoops, and such to get things done, and we were finally able to reclaim my daughter’s things last week; her personal affects—phone, cards, clothing, etc.….  We picked up the box of possessions and I almost got sick in the parking lot just knowing what was in that box.  The kind police officer had told me from the beginning that I didn’t want some of those things, and I assured him that I certainly did want them.  Some I needed for practical business matters, but the clothing and such he suggested that I not take.  Well, I did take it all.  It was a hard drive home for my husband and myself, but we got home, rested for a bit and then took the box into our den and began to open each of the marked bags of “evidence” of this crime.

Well of course, the tears began to flow, and heartbreak became reality as we opened each bag, read the label and appraised each item.  The items on the top of the stack were relatively benign, but the deeper we got into the box, the more gruesome the things became that we were pulling out.  And I’ll have to say truthfully, my tears poured as my broken heart realized what had been done to my precious, only daughter.  In fact, they are flowing now, as I write this account.  And the cry of “look what ‘he’ did” (the perpetrator) ….kept coming out again and again as we pulled out blood stained garment after garment.  Without being graphic, it was a heart-wrenching task, but one we knew we needed to do.  While the tears brought some relief, they also brought a heart that went to the cross.  As I looked at each of those gruesome items, I had to come face-to-face with what my JESUS did for me.  Cruel, sinful men took the life of God’s “Only Begotten Son” because HE loved me and wanted to save me from my “SIN”, and you from yours!  MY heart was filled to overflow to think that while my daughter was stolen from me, God GAVE Jesus to die for ME.  And Jesus went to that cross and shed HIS BLOOD for me.  Suffice it to say, I look at things differently today than I did just this time last week.  While I love my God and am grateful for all HE did for me at that cross that drained HIS SON of HIS life’s blood, I want to ask you, “Have you recognized the price that God paid to save YOU?”  I pray that I will never think of that cross in the same way again.  I miss my daughter terribly, but because of that “blood of Jesus” that “cleanseth us from all sin” I know where she is—not because she was a good person, or a good worker, or even because she was a victim—but because in a jail cell 11 years ago she had given her heart to Jesus in repentance and faith.  And while she had made some poor decisions, and fallen back into some dangerous habits that ultimately cost her life, I know that the blood of my daughter in my hands (so to speak) took me back to a cross where God willingly poured out Jesus’ blood for me.  How can I do less than serve Him with my whole being?  I can’t do less, even when others think me extreme, fanatic, or old-fashioned; I simply say, that “Old Time Religion” is good enough for me.  May God open your eyes to see His love and the price that HE paid for YOU!

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love

of God our Saviour

toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ

our Saviour;”  Titus 3:3-6

Amen and Amen!!!

#2 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness Bible Ballistics: BBs #631

11 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Diligence, Readiness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #631   #2 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #12

 

As we continue with the physical side of being “ready” as well as the spiritual side, we’ll consider the 2nd of our 5 D’s:  Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence.

DILIGENCE– “Careful and persistent work or effort”.

To be “ready” for Jesus’ return, we must be careful in our walk and persistent in our loyalty and obedience to God each day.  Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Keep thy heart 

with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life..”

Our heart is the seat of our emotions, our desires, and hence our life.  If you don’t guard your heart, no one else will.  It takes continual “work or effort” to truly guard your heart.  Do it –it will determine your present and future!!!

Peter tells us how we can keep our hearts right with God and others in 2 Peter 1:4-6:

“Whereby are given unto us 

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these 

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust. 

5 And beside this,

giving all diligence,

add to your faith 

virtue;

and to virtue 

knowledge;

6 And to knowledge 

temperance;

and to temperance 

patience;

and to patience 

godliness;” 

As we guard our hearts and draw near to God, learning from Him and His Word, we will be developing the character traits of the One whom we love—God our Father, and Jesus His Son, through the power of His Holy Spirit. Looking into HIS mirror! (See Ja. 1:25)

Jude also calls believers not to take their faith for grated but to “contend” for it—in its truth and power!  It’s this same power that Paul told us to “be strong in” as we put on our armor of God! (See Ephesians 6:10-19)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence 

to write unto you of the common salvation,

it was needful for me to write unto you,

and exhort you

that ye should earnestly contend

for the faith 

which was once delivered

unto the saints.”   Jude 1:3

Are you paying attention?  Are you ready?  Will you be diligent to walk God’s way?   When He comes will you be caught off guard and be ashamed in His presence?  Or will you hear “Well done” because you have been diligently growing in the 6 things Peter names.  I encourage each of us to keep looking up, walking in obedience, and living like He’s coming today—He could!!!  And remember—Debt free & Diligent.  Amen!!!

Does Jesus Really Care??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 02

08 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 02  Does Jesus Really Care???

 

As most of you are aware, I lost my daughter just before Christmas past to a violent crime.  She was murdered by an ex-boyfriend (I use that term loosely), and I feel that it’s time to share some things about this difficult time, to be an encouragement to you in whatever trials you may be facing.  Let me preface it by sharing Paul’s testimony of God’s faithfulness, regardless of how things may look.

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient

for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”   2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Our tragedy seemingly came out of nowhere, but God was not caught ‘off guard’, and I take great comfort in the total and complete sovereignty of my God!  And while God is holy, righteous and pure and in our fallen word, sin does still work around us!  We sometimes forget that when Adam and Eve fell, they threw all mankind into the throes of the after-effects of sin.

“And unto Adam he said,

Because thou hast hearkened

unto the voice of thy wife,

and hast eaten

of the tree,

of which I commanded thee, saying,

Thou shalt not eat of it:

cursed is the ground

for thy sake;

in sorrow shalt thou eat of it

all the days of thy life;

18 Thorns also and thistles

shall it bring forth to thee;

and thou shalt eat

the herb of the field;

19 In the sweat of thy face

shalt thou eat bread,

till thou return unto the ground;

for out of it wast thou taken:

for dust

thou art,

and unto dust

shalt thou return.”   Genesis 3:17-19

We live in a sinful, broken world, and while our personal sin doesn’t necessarily cause our trials and troubles, original sin causes the problems that surround us in our fallen world.  Original sin causes people to choose unwisely, to reject God, to go down a road that Jesus said, “leadeth to destruction”!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.”   Matthew 7:13-14

People still ask me, “How do you do it?”; and my reply is the same today as it was the day my daughter died, “God’s still God, God’s still good, and I still trust Him!”  Why? Because, like Paul, I have walked with Jesus through thick and thin; I have succeeded in my Christian walk and I have failed HIM miserably; I have felt exultant joy and indescribable sorrow; I have shouted glory to God on the mountain tops, and cried in deep despair when life seemed to turn to ashes; and in all these things, times, and crises I have had a loving Savior walking beside me who has NEVER failed me—NEVER!  And He will never fail!

“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.

7 Remember them

which have the rule over you,

who have spoken unto you the word of God:

whose faith follow,

considering the end of their conversation.

8 Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:5-8

As Paul declared God’s reassurance to him, we can count on the God whose “grace is sufficient for thee”!  And just as HE was “sufficient” to Paul, HE was, is and ever shall be “sufficient” to us!  HE IS my confidence, strength and hope in all things—especially recent events.  Jesus IS my total confidence because I have received Him as my Lord and Savior, and I have chosen to draw near to Him through His Word and, as the Psalmist said, I “delight” in HIM!  For you see, we have the God-given privilege to choose—we can choose that “broad …way, that leadeth to destruction” or we can respond to God’s call upon our heart and “Enter…in at the strait gate… which leadeth unto life”.  I didn’t just “choose” God on that fateful day that ended my daughter’s life, but I have walked with HIM for nigh unto 45 years, and I have always found Him faithful, even when I have had moments of “faithlessness”, just like everyone else.  We can choose to “stay down” or we can remember that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”, and repent and find His forgiveness and cleansing.

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

That’s shouting ground!  I’m not perfect, but I am forgiven, and I know where to find forgiveness when I fall—IN “Jesus Christ the righteous”!  How about you?  I would like to share a brief account of the experience that we have walked through these last weeks and months; I pray that it will serve as a beacon of hope to others, for I have no desire to “go public” for my own glory, but only and always the glory of my KING Jesus!

It was a typical, uneventful Thursday to begin with, as I was praying and reading as usual, yet I just couldn’t get my daughter off of my mind.  I clearly felt prompted of the Lord to call her, and we had our own little code, I texted her to ask if she was sleeping or working (as she was almost always working or trying to catch up on her sleep), and she answered that she was on her way to work. So, I called her (she has a car connection for her phone), and we visited for a while and said our ‘goodbyes’ and our “I love you”s, as she was almost to her store.  Then my eldest son called, as he usually does on weekday mornings, and we had a good visit and hung up about 8ish as usual.  I went about my reading and praying, and about 8:30 my brother called and asked if my middle son was still working at a particular store (he had been working at the same store that my daughter was then managing) and I said “no”, and he replied “good”; which shocked me and I asked, “Why do you say ’good’?”, and he said that a male and a female had been shot and killed at that store.  I told him I’d call him later and hung up, as he didn’t know that my daughter had taken over that store, and started to call my daughter’s phone continually, with no answer.

I called a sheriff friend and asked if he could check to see if it was my daughter who was killed, and he said that was the ‘city’ police and they wouldn’t tell him any details in an active investigation (which I already knew) but I asked him to please check and he did, to no avail.  I then went to our local store where she had been the manager and talked to the present manager (my friend and hers) and she tried to call the district manager (as she would have been the first person the police would have called) with no answer.  I went back home and then my two younger sons started calling and saying they were on the scene and couldn’t find anything out, and they were both beside themselves so I told my husband that we needed to go to Lawton (about 30 miles from our home) to see what was going on (thinking that she could have confronted a thief).  When we left, we stopped by the local store to tell our friend that we were headed to Lawton, and she was bawling like a baby, so I immediately asked if she had just heard from the district manager, and she said, ‘yes’.  I asked if it was my daughter who was killed, and she said ‘yes’, so we immediately headed that way!  That was one of the longest drives that I have ever made, but I kept asking God to help me be and do whatever HE asked of me/us.

When we got to the scene, I went under the barrier and signaled for the officer to come, and he told me to get back out of the barrier and I told him I wanted to know if that was my daughter who had been killed.  We had a brief interchange, and after talking to another officer they told me that they had just identified the victim and sent me to the police station.  At the station the officers were most cordial and helpful to us in such difficult circumstances.  After answering their questions, I asked if the other victim was an employee, and they responded, “no” and I inquired who it was—and long story short—when he called out the name, it was my daughter’s former ‘boyfriend’ (for lack of a better term) and then I was able to tell him what had happened.  She was months out of the relationship–but desperate people do desperate things—and when he was unable to press her return, he intentionally stalked her, found her and shot her to death, then turned the weapon on himself.  I can’t describe the feelings that I experienced, but I know that my Lord was there with me, and I had the calm resolve to go through the interrogation and know that God was not caught off-guard or surprised—saddened, but not surprised.

As we returned home and began to take care of the things that you have to take care of, I found an unrivaled peace that I couldn’t explain, but as I told people on that day and still do, “God’s still God, God’s still good, and I still trust Him.”  I realize that my daughter had made some wrong decisions and choices and one of them cost her her life.  I am a private person, and I told my husband that night that I didn’t think I could write my blog the next morning, and he said to do what I felt like I could.  Through the night The Lord would wake me and give me a scripture, I’d go back to sleep, and then He would wake me with another scripture through the night.  When I woke up the next morning, I told the Lord that I didn’t think that I could write, and I heard His voice (not audibly) whisper in my spirit, “You have hope, others do not!  You. Must. Share. Truth. With. Them!”  And I went into my den and the words flowed so seamlessly from The Lord as I shared the truth of the peace that I felt, all “Because He Lives” in my heart!

I also had determined to avoid the media at all costs, and God spoke to my heart the same message, and after things were settled down a bit, I agreed to a TV interview, yet I still had only one message—God is faithful and women and men need to make choices in compliance with The Word of God!  Just because the world says “sin” is ok—God doesn’t, and the rules haven’t changed. (You can view it on Bible Ballistics FB page 12/31/19).

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

And this same Jesus who gave Himself for us, Is The One who keeps me/us secure in His Love, and like Job I clearly proclaim:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

So, in closing, my question for all of us is simply, do you “trust in him”?  Not just saying you “trust in him”, but with Job, understanding that our life choices are a testament to a faith in Him or a lack of the same!  I want to close with an old song that I heard just this week, in fact it inspired this post and I pray that it will speak to your heart as it did to mine; for Jesus really does care!

This song was written by Frank E. Graeff, out of personal trials, as he pondered on 1 Peter 5:7, and I’ve included the immediate context that reminds us of God’s perfect provision:

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary

the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us

unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11 

Does Jesus Care    By Frank E Graeff


Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.         

Amen and Amen!!!

Communication Or Dictation??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 26

23 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Prayer, Press ON!, Remember, Repentance, Resting Or Wrestling?, SIN, Sovereignty, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, Truth, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 26  Communication Or Dictation???

 

One of the gifts God has given to us is prayer, but we often take prayer for granted; or even misunderstand what prayer really is.  I want us to consider our own prayer life, and what we are doing to draw near to God and make a difference in the world around us through our biblical, diligent prayers and living for Jesus!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter

be turned to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:6-10

James calls us to remember that it is God who grants us grace for each day, and we are to recognize HIM in all we do.  Consider this list that James records for us and see the desire of God’s heart for His own!  Notice the instructions that he gives:

–resist being proud—

–submit to God—

–resist the devil—

–draw near to God—

–cleanse your hands—

–purify your hearts.

Then James deals with what I believe is a call to have an open heart before God.  We are to be open to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit who Jesus gave to us to grow, prepare, and lead us in His service.  We aren’t to discount our sin, or justify it, or placate our own conscience by measuring our righteousness by the world’s standard rather than God’s.  In dealing with sin, we are to:

–be afflicted in our heart and mind—

–mourn over our sin—

–weep over our sin—

–avoid minimalizing sin—

–don’t laugh at it—

 –don’t rejoice at sin-yours or other’s.

We must humble ourselves before the God we claim to love and trust; knowing that HIS will is to be our will.  Even as Jesus taught us to pray:

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven…”   Matthew 6:9-10

We hear so much today about the “name it and claim it” philosophy that I want us to consider what Jesus said above—our prayer is to be that God’s will be done in our lives, that God’s kingdom will come in our lives, and the lives of those around us, we are to seek on earth the same things that please God in heaven (See Revelation 4 and 5 for a most profound picture of the attitude of heaven, more than any other to me.)!  Many have falsely concluded that prayer is “dictation” to God, rather than “communication” with our heavenly Father, our Redeemer, our King!!  God desires our heart’s devotion not our orders of self-will!  We can walk with Him in intimate fellowship, and when we stumble, fall and offend, we aren’t to justify it, but we are to confess and seek God’s face for His continual work in us before a lost and dying world!  How about you?

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within:

and they rest not day and night, saying,

Holy,

holy,

holy,

Lord God Almighty,

which was,

and is,

and is to come…

… 10 The four and twenty elders

fall down before him that sat on the throne,

and worship him

that liveth for ever and ever,

and cast their crowns

before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord,

to receive glory

and honour

and power:

for thou hast created all things,

and for thy pleasure

they are

and were created.”                      Revelation 4:8 & 10-11

Our prayers are to The One who is able!

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship

of his Son Jesus Christ

our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

“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

As we fellowship with HIM, He directs our steps so that we can recognize our sin and submit to the work of our Father in us; His transforming work that is conforming us into the image of Jesus The Son!  Not trying to conform God’s will and desires into our own!  We are to pursue communication with our Lord, not handing Him our ‘grocery list’ of selfish desires (or even unselfish pursuits) but desiring HIS kingdom to “come” in me, HIS will to be demonstrated to the world through me!  That’s the beauty of trusting God our Father and His Son Jesus, leaning on His Holy Spirit who dwells within every child of God.  Whose will are you seeking?

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not

the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

“And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know

that all things work together

for good

to them

that love God,

 to them

who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”   Romans 8:27-29

I truly believe that as we hear the voice of God speaking to our hearts, as we dig into His Word, we will find ourselves drawing “nigh to God” rather than the world!  The problem for many of us is that we have allowed ourselves to be so distracted and often deceived that we aren’t listening to God on a regular basis, and we don’t know HIS Word.  But when we will listen to The Spirit, He will convict us of sin and help us to draw near to God in repentance and restoration of fellowship with our Lord!  This is the work of The Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised, and sent upon His departure (His death, burial and resurrection for our sin!)

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you

for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”  John 14:16-18

Are you walking in The Spirit, or the flesh?

“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.”   Galatians 5:16 & 25

And as we live in The Spirit, we also have an open door to our Lord when we are confused, stumble, sin or fall.

“If we confess

our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 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 4:14-16

I find no arrogance or any attitude of dictation to God here, but rather a heart of humility and dependence on The One who has called us, saved us and sustains us in all our ways!  And when we do err, Paul tells us that real sorrow has a different outcome than just being sorry that we got caught.  What about you?  Are you in a place of error, and has The Spirit brought you to a place of conviction?  If so, you must choose whether you will go on in your sin, or face your sin, repent and and be restored by God to full fellowship with Him!

“Now I rejoice,

not that ye were made sorry,

but that ye sorrowed

to repentance:

for ye were made sorry

after a godly manner,

that ye might receive damage

 by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow

worketh repentance

to salvation

not to be repented of:

but the sorrow of the world

worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing,

that ye sorrowed

after a godly sort,

what carefulness it wrought

in you,

yea, what clearing of yourselves,

yea, what indignation,

yea, what fear,

yea, what vehement desire,

yea, what zeal,

yea, what revenge!

In all things ye have approved yourselves

to be clear in this matter.”  2 Corinthians 7:9-11

So, my question for us today, “Is our life a testament to God’s work in us?  Or have we so conformed to the world that others see nothing of God in us?”  “Are we seeking communication with God, or are we dictating to the Sovereign Lord of all creation?”

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

All by remembering that’s it’s all about GOD not me:

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

 and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:34-36

Amen and Amen!!!