Category Archives: Abundant Life In Jesus

His Blessings Abound??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #425

05 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Knowing God's Word, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #425 His Blessings Abound???

 

I would like to share a favorite passage of mine with you this morning. As we’re still in the “New Year” mode, it seems to be a good time to rehearse the goodness of God, and set our hearts and minds on pleasing Him in all our ways.

Sometimes the enemy deceives us into believing that we can just ‘go with the flow’ and live a life that is pleasing to God, but I think we must determine to be focused on God, His Son Jesus, and His Word, as we yield to and listen to the indwelling Holy Spirit in all our ways. The choice is ours, but the consequences will follow the bent of our choices. Even as Paul told the Galatians:

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”   Galatians 6:7 (Choices have consequences!)

And as we strive to sow to “The Spirit” and not ‘the flesh’, the Psalmist paints a most vivid picture of the difference between the options of our walk. I pray that this will be an encouragement to you today, as you wind up your week. May we each use our time wisely as we strive to know and experience God’s blessings in all our ways!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way

of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat

of the scornful.

2 But his delight is

in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff which the wind

driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation

of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.” Psalm 1:1-6

My prayer for you today is taken from Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians; I pray this for myself as well as each of you—May we ever grow in the “knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”! Amen and Amen!

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;”    Colossians 1:9-10

Pressing On God’s Way??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #424

03 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dare To Be Different!, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Let You Light So Shine, Living Right, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #424 Pressing On God’s Way???

 

I have been mostly ‘off’ of Facebook for a while, except for posting my Bible Ballistics Blog, yet I have noticed a lot of posts advising people to “detox” in the New Year—get rid of people who are ‘negative’, lie, cheat, etc.! As I noticed these ideas, I couldn’t help but think, “I’m so glad that God doesn’t “detox” Himself of us when we mess up.”

Now I don’t believe we are to allow people to corrupt our hearts and minds with bad behaviors, but I do think we need to get back to thinking biblically and behaving towards others remembering that God has extended grace, mercy and forgiveness to us. I seriously think we need to stop being ‘taught’ and ‘trained’ in our faith, and behavior by the national media, social media, television and the movies. We need to do that which pleases God NOT man. While we are called to be aware of those around us, and to call them to a higher plain, we are to do it with truth and grace.

“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 4:14-15

We are called to speak the truth in love—never discarding people because we don’t like their behavior; but by our life, love and example calling them to a higher plane that only Jesus lift us to! And when we hold ourselves to that ‘higher’ call, others will often do one of two things; they will desire to know the One whom we follow, or they will hate what we say and walk away in disgust. But we are to maintain our integrity, even as Job declared his confidence in God before his friends who were ready and willing to condemn him unjustly. We march to a different drummer!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.” Job 13:15

Job understood that it is God who set the standard; it is God who will judge what we do with it; and Job was committed to live a life of integrity before God, regardless of what others thought of him. We who claim to follow Jesus can do no less! Yet we are to be cautious of our intimate companions—for they can affect our heart and our mind.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

And another passage from Paul reminds us that we are to press on in The Spirit not the flesh—and believe me (as you’ve seen for yourself), social media is inundated with the flesh!!!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:7-10

While we are called to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (See Matt. 10:16), it is to be from a heart filled with the “love of God” which has been “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost” and that ought never to be diluted with the hatred of the world! (See Ro. 5:1-10)

So I challenge each of us today, to determine in our hearts and minds to be a true reflection of Jesus to the dark and wicked world around us—uncorrupted by the “wiles of the devil”! We can choose to be “bitter” in the flesh, or we can choose to be “better” by the power of God’s Spirit and His Word working within us and manifested before others!

“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 4:31-32

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Press on dear ones—Press on for Jesus!!! Amen and Amen!

Jeremiah Wasn’t A Bullfrog!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #423

29 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Compassion, Confidence, Jeremiah Wasn't A Bullfrog !, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy To The World?, No Sin No Need?, Perseverance, SIN, The Only Way, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #423  Jeremiah Wasn’t A Bullfrog!!!

 

I know my schedule has been off lately, but with technical issues and personal issues, it’s been a bit of a challenge to stay on track recently; but hopefully, we have all the techno things taken care of, and the other issues are getting better. So I just wanted to share a thought with you this morning, and while it may seem a little strange, it really reflects how I am feeling going into the New Year.\

While Jeremiah wasn’t a ‘bullfrog’, he was a great, faithful prophet of God—in fact he is called the weeping prophet because he ministered to the people of Judah for some forty years, with little visible response, because the people of his day thought that they were all “OK”! And I believe that is where we here in the U.S. are, in that same place; and I often relate to Jeremiah and his broken heart for the people that he ministered to. May I ever be as faithful to my calling as Jeremiah was to his, and the passage that I would like to share with you today epitomizes that sense of grief and sorrow that he felt (and I do also) over those around us!

“The harvest is past,

the summer is ended,

and we are not saved.

21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people

am I hurt;

I am black;

astonishment hath taken hold on me.

22 Is there no balm in Gilead;

is there no physician there?

why then is not the health

of the daughter of my people

recovered?”   Jeremiah 8:20-22

Jeremiah asked the rhetorical question that many who follow Jesus are asking today, including me, “why then is not …. my people recovered”? Why isn’t America saved? Why isn’t the world saved? Why is there a “cure” for sin, but most refuse to acknowledge the ‘cure’? Because most are denying the diagnosis—SIN!

And if there is no sin, then there is no need for a redeemer. Jesus Himself, told us that He wouldn’t be popular, and most would reject Him! Even those around Him couldn’t see who He was, because of SIN!

“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

Jesus told us that the “many” would take the popular “broad” way, and only a “few” would take His narrow way—the way of the cross. Why? Jesus gave Nicodemus the answer to that question:

“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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”     John 3:18-20

We can choose to trust in Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for our sin, or we can cling to our sin and take the “broad” way to destruction. You can choose to run with the “bullfrog” named Jeremiah, or you can come to Jesus and receive a “Jeremiah” heart that God can use to reach others. And remember that many whom God calls, He sends out to meet the world with tears of genuine compassion and love. But remember, God’s ways aren’t our ways. Which road will you choose? Who will you follow? May we ever join the Psalmist in understanding that the harvest is worth the planting? Or as I’ve been known to say, ‘The blooms are worth the wait!”

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.”    Psalm 126:3-6

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

Forgive Us This Day??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #422

28 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Forgiveness, Jesus Is The Only Way!, My Grace Is Sufficient, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #422  Forgive Us This Day???

 

As we approach a new year, I want to do a little “house-cleaning” for the soul and I invite you to join me. One of the things that tend to hide from our view is unforgiveness, and it is a killer—it kills our joy, our peace, and our ability to obediently go forward with Jesus.

In the ‘Model Prayer’ Jesus reveals the import of forgiveness to every believer.

“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.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.”   Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus calls us to forgive, not just because He ‘says so’, but because we are ever seeking God’s forgiveness! How can we claim to be children of God, who are forgiven, yet withhold forgiveness from those who have offended us? What sin could I justly fail to forgive others of that would be equal to or greater than the sin that God has forgiven me of? There is none! But so often we look at our own sin through those “rose-colored glasses”, rather than seeing sin as God sees it. We can incur God’s judgment and discipline in our lives when we hold others to a different standard than ourselves. So just a simple reminder for us all today, God has called us to judge rightly or not at all.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1-2

Without getting into the great debate, Jesus doesn’t call us to ‘never’ judge, but to judge with right judgment. And the place where that must begin is with “me”.

“For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”    1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Another thing that we learn from the Apostle Paul is that we should always recognize that our sin debt was immeasurable; we can never save ourselves—for we truly are ‘sinners’ saved by God’s grace and the blood of Jesus.

“And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.”     1 Timothy 1:14-15

Jesus came “to save sinners; of whom I am chief”, and praise God He did!!! I am surely glad that He has forgiven me! How about you? Are you holding others to a higher standard than you think God holds you too? Or are you judging rightly, and extending to others the grace and forgiveness, which you have received? One of my favorite verses, which I still have to remind myself of, says it all:

“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

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

I’m to guard my heart, guard my mouth, bringing no grief to The Holy Spirit, as I refuse the wrong and cling to the right, “kindly” forgiving others because I AM forgiven!

Amen and Amen!!!

Joy To The _____??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 21

18 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy To The World?, Salvation, Sharing Our Faith!, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.21 Joy To The ______???

 

One of my favorite Christmas Carols (Hymns and songs pertaining to Christmas) is “Joy To The World” (written by Isaac Watts, a prolific hymn writer who wrote the Carol based on Psalm 98, 96:11-12, and Genesis 3:17-18). Yet I often wonder why so many are less than ‘joyful’, even those who claim to know Jesus and celebrate His birth? Isaac Watts understood that the “joy” must come from knowing Jesus and His Father, God Almighty, and having the assurance that God has provided a way for the salvation of mankind from our sin! Salvation was, is and ever shall be God’s idea; it is God’s perfect provision and God’s desire for all men, women, boys and girls. And that, my friends, is cause for ‘joy’! God’s wants all men to come to Him through His Son, to be born again of the “Spirit of God” and know His love, forgiveness, and receive eternal life through the blood of Jesus. That truly is the “Joy To The World”!

“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 3:9

What joy it ought to stir in our hearts to know and remember that God loves us—loved us first, in fact.

“We love him, because he first loved us.”    1 John 4:19

God loves us and has provided a way for us to know Him and have new life in Jesus Christ, His Son! But without HIM there is no joy! So I’d simply like to spend a few minutes today considering Jesus and what our salvation cost HIM! After all, it’s all about Jesus, right? Or have you and I become so busy that we are consumed with the hustle and bustle that often overtakes the celebration of Jesus, and we fall into the trap of ‘busy-ness’ rather than the “business” of spreading the Good News—that “Joy To The World” is what Jesus came to accomplish!!! And it cost Him His life on the cross of Calvary!!! But praise God He not only died for our sin, but He arose to grant to all who will believe in HIM, forgiveness of sin and eternal victory over sin, death and hell!!! And that, my dear friends, is certainly reason enough to share this “Joy To The World” at every opportunity!

The author of the book of Hebrews shares great insight into the reasons for Jesus’ coming—what we celebrate at Christmas time—the incarnation of God into human flesh and blood. But why? Because only a perfect sacrifice from a perfect man could be the perfect payment for SIN! And sin, my friends, is the issue, even as the angel told Joseph when he was concerned about Mary being pregnant with a child that he knew wasn’t his.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David,

fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:

for that which is conceived in her

is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”   Matthew 1:19-23

God revealed to Joseph that the child Mary was carrying was the promised Messiah—that he would “save his people from their sins”, and the only reason that He could do that was because He was, is and ever shall be “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us”! Jesus was the promised One, the One who would save us from our sins—and only God in the flesh could do that—“Emmanuel…. God with us”! Amen and Amen! I’m so glad that God loved me enough to lay aside the glory of heaven, come and dwell in a woman’s womb for nine months, experience human birth, spend years growing in a body of flesh—He who was, is and ever shall be, GOD! All for you and me! That’s what we see in Hebrews chapter 2, let’s look.

“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

9 But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death

for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom are all things,

and by whom are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation perfect

through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them

who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful high priest

in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered

being tempted,

he is able to succour them

that are tempted.”   Hebrews 2:8-18

Do you realize that Jesus birth is the epitome of God’s love—giving His Son, the God-Man to live life in a body of flesh that He could not only pay for our sin, but comfort and restore us when we are tempted and fail!!! Even more than that, He can provide us the strength and courage to resist temptation and overcome sin day by day, when we come to His throne for help!

“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

That, my friend is the reason that we can truly sing “Joy To The World”—and you and I are part of the ‘world’ that Jesus came to save. He was born KING, is coming again—as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords–and He won’t come again to a manger, but to a throne. But praise God He did come as the suffering servant to pay for my sin and yours! He is worthy of our worship. Who or what are you worshipping this Christmas season? Does Jesus or the hustle and bustle of the world hold your heart? The “wise men” showed us what we ought to do.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying,

Where is he

that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star

in the east,

and are come to worship him.”    Matthew 2:1-2

They saw a star and came to worship the newborn KING. What are we worshipping today, every day—Jesus or something much less worthy? He is the Savior, yes; but He is Savior because HE IS GOD!!!

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and

hath translated us into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body,

the church:

who is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead;

that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:12-17

Jesus is the creator of the universe! He IS God, God who came to save us, giving His life for ours—for all who will believe and come to Him as the Only Lamb of God, who “takes away the sin of the world”!

So my question for you today is, “Do you have the “Joy” that Jesus gives to those who come to HIM? Or are you painting on a face for the world, trying to cover a broken and empty life inside?” Jesus came that you might have real life, abundant life; won’t you come to Him today? What better time to come to the Savior than at a time when we celebrate His birth, His incarnation (never His coming into existence, but His coming down from heaven to be our Redeemer)! If you know Him, won’t you join me in re-committing to being a reflection of that “Joy To The World” that Isaac Watts wrote about so long ago—HE truly is the Only hope of joy for this lost and dying world, and it’s our job to spread the “Good News”, that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners, “of whom I am chief” (which I say along with Paul!)! Blessing on your week, friends—and remember Jesus came because HE loves YOU!!!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

He did it all for you and me, and that IS cause to celebrate!! Merry Christmas!!!