Category Archives: Advice for the journey

Breathe! It’s OK!!! A Word from THE WORD!!!

22 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Comfort, Confidence, Creator of ALL, Doubt and Confusion?, Encouragement, Order my steps, Our God Reigns

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Breathe!  It’s OK!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #15

Just a brief word to encourage your Wednesday!  Sometimes we get so caught up in the things—the stuff—the appointments—the running—the doing—that we are almost “holding our breath” and running on imagination!  Well, my friends—breathe!  Just take a deep breath in, thank God for today, and breathe out!  Repeat!  And again!

“The Spirit of God

 hath made me,

and the breath of the Almighty

hath given me life.”  Job 33:4

Sometimes our ‘tunnel’ vision overtakes our heart of faith—we only see the small window of our current crises, and we are prone to forget that our God is still in charge, and HE is trustworthy of our attention!

“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.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him….”  Revelation 19:6-7a

Remember Who is in charge—Who loves you—Who has all the “stuff” covered if we will but stop and “breathe” in Jesus!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

And I simply want to share a few words of hope, encouragement, and peace for you to breathe in today.  I pray that it will help you as it has me.  We all have those times—so stop, take a few minutes, and “breathe” IN JESUS!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that

he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it

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

Got it?  Jesus is at work in HIS own every minute of every day—for your good and HIS glory!  Count on it.

“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 8:28-29

I praise God that it is all because of Jesus—NOT me—and you can trust HIM, for HE has never failed me yet—and HE won’t today!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-3

So, press on in confidence—Jesus is enough!

“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 15:56-58

 Jesus has supplied all we need—look up, walk right, and press on!

“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 10:10-11

Breathe and lean on your Shepherd, Jesus!!!

As the gospel hymn says, “The Longer I Serve Him, The Sweeter HE Grows”! (Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.).

Amen and Amen!!!

Purity Speaks For Itself??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 04

20 Monday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Purity, Pursuing Excellence?, Serving God or Using God?, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 04 Purity Speaks For Itself???

“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

I’d like us to consider one of my favorite passages, Psalm 1; and while it is a short Psalm, it is packed full of truth and principles of the contrast between righteousness and evil.  There is a continual conflict which we often forget or overlook, and we must go about God’s business with biblical insight not ignorant presumption; for when we don’t stand on truth we will stumble and fall for the lies of the enemy!  Our foundation must be securely placed in Jesus our Lord, and HIS WORD, or we will be like the house on the sand which collapsed when the storms came.  And my friends, the storms will come—not if but ‘when’ is the reality that we must prepare for.

Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry to be prepared to “do the work” that God had called him to; not a life of leisure, indulgence, or presumption on the goodness of God, but the “work” of God!

“Thou therefore, my son,

be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me

among many witnesses,

the same commit thou

to faithful men,

who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness,

as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth

entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;

that he may please him

who hath chosen him to be a soldier

5 And if a man also strive for masteries,

yet is he not crowned,

except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth

must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say;

and the Lord give thee understanding

in all things.”  2 Timothy 2:1-7

We are called to follow Jesus in humble service, striving to please our master, not to presume on HIS goodness, grace, and love; but to serve HIM out of love and gratitude, seeking His will in all things.  The simplest lesson on this is from our Lord:

“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

So, as we pursue Jesus, we are to follow His example and truly pray “not my will….but thine be done”!  Yet we hear so much of what I call “slot machine theology”—make your demands on God, pray your quarter in the slot, pull the handle and God “must” respond and grant whatever you have ‘demanded’!  NOT!  How have we come so far from the truth of ‘servanthood’?  I’m not sure, but I know we must return to biblical truth and seek to serve our KING, not dictate to HIM!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you

that ye walk worthy of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.”  Ephesians 4:1-6

If we truly believe that GOD is “above all, and through all, and in you all”, why do we presume to be wiser than HE is?  May God forgive our presumption, and direct our steps to seek His face, and humbly yield to whatever HE asks of us.  As I have quoted many times in my writing, Paul’s call to the Colossian believers resounds in my heart again and again—the call to “walk worthy”!  Oh, may we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in us—in me—in you—and those around us!  May God do a great and mighty work in our hearts and lives that others will see JESUS in us, rather than self, sin or ‘settled-for’!

“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;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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:”  Colossians 1:9-14

May we be faithfully serving in love, devotion, and allegiance to the truth of scripture, not popular persuasions?  Please, Lord, may we return to YOU today.  May I return to faithful service in holiness, purity, and love.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy

of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God,

who is the Saviour of all men,

specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word,

in conversation,

in charity,

in spirit,

in faith,

in purity.

13 Till I come,

give attendance

to reading,

to exhortation,

to doctrine.”   1 Timothy 4:9-13

And in closing a Psalm of David, and while I know I have included a great amount of scripture, may we remember and be devoted to the “lodestar” of our faith, which is JESUS and HIS WORD!  HE is the living Word who died for our salvation, to pay for my sin and yours, yet HE is also the “author and finisher” of our faith– the truth of the written Word which is truly “God breathed” by the Father and the very Son of God.  May we heed God’s revelation of HIS truth to our hearts today, as we hear and heed HIS call to be holy, pure-living examples of our Lord Jesus to a lost and dying world!

“Have mercy upon me, O God,

according to thy lovingkindness:

according unto the multitude

of thy tender mercies

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly

from mine iniquity,

and cleanse me

from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee,

thee only,

have I sinned,

and done this evil in thy sight:

that thou mightest be justified

when thou speakest,

and be clear

when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth

in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part

thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop,

and I shall be clean:

wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow.  

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

that the bones which thou hast broken

may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted

unto thee.”  Psalm 51:1-13

When we draw near to HIM, we will flourish in our faith and courage, and others will see Jesus in us; truly being “cross magnets”, drawing sinners to The Savior—The Only Savior!

“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.”  James 4:7-8

Amen and Amen!!!

3 R’s To Remember!!! A Word From THE WORD!!! #13

15 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Armor of God, Be not conformed to this world, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, The 3 R's (or more), The Word, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Transformed life

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3 R’s To Remember!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #13

Most of us “senior citizens” remember the “3 R’s” from our childhood school days—Reading, wRiting, and aRithmatic!—and as funny as it sounds, as I wrote it out, I sit here almost laughing out loud.  Oh, how my heart longs for those simpler days, no not perfect days, but simpler days of laughter, playing outside without fear, riding our bikes, and walking out in the country after dark, moms cooking, and families with dads in the home! But that’s an article for another day; what I’d like to broach today are the three (and maybe more) “Rs” of spiritual warfare, for it is heating up all around us, and I don’t’ know about you, but much of my time is saddened by the crass, rude, and vulgar world we have allowed to develop and flourish around us!  But today, I want us to consider how to “stand fast in the evil day”!  And boy is it here!

Recognition!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.”  Ephesians 6:13

We must “suit up” with the “whole armor of God” daily—moment by moment in fact!  But what else should we consider?  The tactics of the enemy and our God-given responses which will help us to continue to “withstand”!  First and of great import is the truth that we do have an enemy of our souls; even Jesus addressed this issue.

“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.”  John 10:10

The enemy has a name—and he also has a host of helpers who harass, attack, and oppress believers on a regular, if not continual basis; we must be aware and prepared (and don’t overlook those humans who have aligned themselves with his agenda, but remember “we wrestle not against flesh…”!).

“And the great dragon was cast out,

that old serpent,

called the Devil,

and Satan,

which deceiveth the whole world:

 he was cast out

into the earth,

and his angels

were cast out with him.”  Revelation 12:9

A deceiver—a liar—the one who makes promises which are smoke and mirrors—but he is good at what he does, so don’t fall for his lies and tricks (wiles as the KJV calls them and he IS wiley!)!

“Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:43-45

So, my friends, we must recognize this enemy of our souls, in fact the enemy of all mankind—in total contrast to JESUS who loves us so much HE died in our place, that we could “have everlasting life…”, and having recognized that we have an enemy be prepared to “withstand”; and while I don’t see demons behind every tree, I do know that they are real and at work all around us, and I/we must be ready, for their goal is to “steal…kill..and destroy” every thing and every person that they possibly can!  So, we must be prepared to effectively

Resist!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:8-9

And James’ reiteration of Peter’s warning!

“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.”  James 4:7-8

 We must, must “Draw nigh to God” to be equipped for the battle and prepared to “withstand in the evil day”–being

Ready by Remembering!

“But, beloved, remember ye

the words which were spoken before

 of the apostles

of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Jude 1:17

And how do we “remember”, well we must first “member” God’s Word into our hearts and minds.  We must read it, study it, pray it, and there we will find the strength, power, and provision of The Holy Spirit to LIVE IT!

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

 Ready and remembering by God’s power and Spirit, as we learn to trust to the very “breath” of God in HIS WORD!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

 for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Oh, thank you Father God, Jesus our Redeemer, and precious Holy Spirit for the great gift of your written Word, as well as the living Word, Jesus!  It’s in this power of THE WORD that we can find remembering power and standing grace to truly be found faithful before our King.  And the awesome truth that we win!

Reassurance!

“And the devil that deceived them

was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,

where the beast and the false prophet are,

and shall be tormented

day and night for ever and ever.”  Revelation 20:10

And in closing, one last word of encouragement that I pray will help you know that while God has provided all we need, we must also do our part by seeking HIS face, reading HIS Word, communicating with HIM in prayer and LIVING what we believe before a lost and dying world!  We can’t force Jesus on anyone (HE never did either), but we can live in such a way as to draw people to the cross of our blessed Savior, Redeemer, and KING!

Renew!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man the measure of faith.”           Romans 12:1-3

Amen and Amen!!!

You Can’t Get Yesterday Back??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 22

25 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Children, Choices And Consequences, Family, Teach The Children, You can't get yesterday back!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 22  You Can’t Get Yesterday Back???

A prayer that I wrote several years ago, and which I try to pray before The Lord each day, touches on what I want to share tonight.  We have “today”—no more, no less, in reality, we can have memories, we can have wonderful feelings of days gone by, we can have regrets that will haunt us beyond comprehension, but we can never second-guess God’s tomorrows, or bring back yesterdays of regret.  But we can live “today” in JESUS!

“Father,

Your will for today—IS mine

Your pleasure for today—IS mine

Your work for today—IS mine—

Tomorrow IS yours alone to reveal—

Yesterday IS ours alone—

mine to release to you,

yours to weave into the image                                    of Jesus Christ my Lord!”

The key to true “joy of The Lord” is living in the “todays” of life.  Even as Jesus commanded us to in the Model Prayer.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:11

The Psalmist also calls us to consider our days with respect.

“So teach us

to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts

unto wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12

Oh, that we can learn to live each day to God’s glory, and by His grace and wisdom.  I can’t tell you how many times I have wished to have certain occasions back to change my actions or behaviors, to get some time and life back, but that won’t happen; but God does often give opportunities to be restored, but sometimes—gone IS gone!  Yet Paul reminds us that when we have been born again by the power of God we have a different take on life—by dying to self, and living to Jesus in all I am and all I do, the world can see what Jesus can do in a life submitted to HIM (even when my heart is broken over missed, and lost opportunities, for some are still fresh on my mind some 2 ½ years after my dear daughter’s violent death, when a life is gone, we can never say those things we wish we had said, we can never see that smile again, we can never offer help or share that encouraging word that we wish we had…. BUT GOD—restores, heals and turns pain into sweet memories, if we let Him).  When I live for Jesus today, HIS provision is perfect!

“I am crucified

with Christ:

nevertheless

I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live

by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself

for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I would like to speak to parents and grandparents, to all who hold a child’s life in your hands; for the lives we hold in our hands are there for such a short time.  Even though in those developing years they seem like such long years, with so much busy-ness of little minds and fast bodies, as we chase them all around the house and yard in perpetual motion it seems; then they are grown and gone in the flash of an eye.  Yet, oh I must tell you how often I have wished that I could regain those years for a “re-do”.  How I wish that I could have seen through the eyes of God’s Word, and taken those moments more seriously and with more love and commitment to doing things God’s way!  How about you?  Do have regrets?  What are we to do with those regrets?  We bring them to Jesus, and focus upon HIS Word, and His provision, redemption, and restoring grace.

“Not as though I had already attained,

either were already perfect:

but I follow after,

if that I may apprehend

that for which also I am apprehended

of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore,

as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing

ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this

unto you.”  Philippians 3:12-15

So, parents and grandparents, we can reclaim the future by the power of God and HIS Word; by determining to live for, with and through Jesus, and by joining the Psalmist in praying:

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

And again:

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

We must be governed by God’s Word and know our children (as the scripture calls them) are a blessing, a heritage, and a gift from God, deserving of our love, time and effort:

“Lo, children are an heritage

of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb

is his reward.

4 As arrows are

in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children

of the youth.

5 Happy is the man

that hath his quiver full of them:

they shall not be ashamed,

but they shall speak with the enemies

in the gate.”  Psalm 127:3-5

How I wish that I had seen the import of the time that I put into my children—not just the clean house I provided for them, or the home-cooked meals that I provided, or even the clothing that was provided for them, but more importantly the time that I often neglected to spend with them, or the teachable moments that I missed because I was distracted doing my own thing!  To put it in a more modern example—I was too busy watching my “soaps”; or talking on the telephone (you know the one with the 25-foot cord so I could walk around the house while I conversed with my friends at will—we didn’t need “cell phones” ha ha ha), spending perhaps more time on my apps, my texts, my games, my communications with people much less important than my children!.  God gives the best advise that I could ever pass along; and while I shared some of it recently, I hope this review will help each of us reassess how we look at opportunities for “teachable” moments.

“Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest

in thine house,

and when thou walkest

by the way,

and when thou

 liest down,

and when thou

risest up.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-7

We are to be open for every opportunity to teach our children the ways of God, His laws, principles, and His longing to have a relationship with us–not just ‘religion’ (a practice of a set of rituals) but a relationship.  God wants to extend to us, and us to our children the truths of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection purchased at Calvary.  All this means that my children are to be one of the most important things in my life, not just an add on for the future; we are to teach them by sharing truth at every opportunity, teaching by example as well as speaking the truths of God’s Word; we are to live out our relationship with Jesus (and this portion of scripture reminds us that we can only share what we possess!) in all our ways—from the inside out—not just teaching with our words; but by talking and living out the Word of God– when we sit around, when we walk around/or drive around, when we get ready for bed (a most teachable time for our children as we share their day’s activities with them), and when we rise up to get them ready for a successful day “in the Lord”, be that at home with mom or to a school environment!

God gave Moses such an amazing picture of the home which I think we have lost sight of (I know I did all those years ago, and I so regret not making better use of my time to make a greater difference in the lives of my children and grandchildren [especially my daughter who is lost to me through a violent death] and been a more effective witness in their lives)!  So, I encourage you to live a life without regrets by wisely, and diligently using the time that you have—for you can’t get it back– heeding the plan of God from Deuteronomy 6! For God says if we live it, our children (and others) will ask, “Why are we living this way?”, then we can share what God has done, and is doing in our lives.  But to share a testimony, we have to have one!!!

“And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates…

….. 20 And when thy son asketh thee

in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore,

upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land

which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the LORD commanded us to do

all these statutes,

to fear the LORD our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do all these commandments

before the LORD our God,

as he hath commanded us.”   

Portions of Deuteronomy 6:8-25

Will we live for Jesus today…and today….and today?  You’ll never get one back—no, not one!  But you can build memories without regret!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

 neither be ye sorry;

for the joy of the LORD

is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

I can have this joy because Jesus gave His life for mine, and yours!  And when He gives us “new birth”, God imparts to us, HIS righteousness, then we are enabled to make a difference in the lives of our posterity, and others!  Let’s live each “today” and make a difference in the lives of those whom God brings across our path—kin or not!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Now in closing, there are many who read this article who are like me, of an age when we don’t have the opportunities we once did, but I want to remind us all, regardless of your age, God is a gracious and merciful God, and even if you’re like me, with many regrets, the God of mercy gave me a “word from HIS word” long ago, one that may bring as much comfort to you as it has to me!  And I must say, I praise God today for answering many of my prayers in that regard!  I praise HIM for His restorative love and mercy to bring life, and resurrection power in so many ways to that which the “locusts” had eaten.  So, take heart my friends, Satan may come to “steal…kill….and destroy..”, but Jesus can bring LIFE and restoration to “stolen” relationships!  But don’t wait too long—for while we can’t get “yesterday” back, we can live in Jesus’ power TODAY, and watch God restore “the years that the locust hath eaten” as we walk with HIM today and each day that He gives us.  And believe me, I have learned that each day is truly a gift from God to be used to bring HIM glory and benefit those around us—especially the children!

“And I will restore to you

the years that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm, and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army

which I sent among you.”  Joel 2:25

Amen and Amen!!!

Touch Them While You Can??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 19

03 Sunday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, Children, Choices And Consequences, Making a difference, Touch them while you can?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 19   Touch Them While You Can???

“Except the LORD build the house,

they labour in vain that build it:

except the LORD keep the city,

the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you

to rise up early,

to sit up late,

to eat the bread of sorrows:

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children

are an heritage

of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb

is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man

that hath his quiver full of them:

they shall not be ashamed,

but they shall speak with the enemies

in the gate.”  Psalm 127:1-5

We are living in a culture that minimalizes, ignores, and even tries to replace the value of children in the home; yet God places great stock in the value of children!  As the Psalmist says above, it is GOD who will “build the house”, “keep the city”, and gives “his beloved sleep”; it is also clear that God speaks clearly to the import of “children” in the home—they are:

“an heritage of the LORD”

“his reward”

“As arrows …. in the hand of a mighty man”!

God also says that children can produce “Happy” men—families!  They present an opportunity to spread the good news of God’s salvation to our posterity, to see faithful successful children following our God, and accomplishing great things for God, for mankind in general, and families!  Spreading the good news, as we teach them God’s truth from The Word of God, rather than entertaining them from the lies of the world.

Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the import, in his own life, of the truth of scripture and the passing on of faith to our children and grandchildren.

“But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom

thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation through faith

which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:14-17

Just as Paul had already credited Timothy’s family for teaching him truth, knowing that faithfulness in truth and righteousness is contagious!

“I thank God,

whom I serve from my forefathers

with pure conscience,

that without ceasing

I have remembrance of thee in my prayers

night and day;

4 Greatly desiring to see thee,

being mindful of thy tears,

that I may be filled with joy;

5 When I call to remembrance

the unfeigned faith

that is in thee,

which dwelt first

in thy grandmother Lois,

and thy mother Eunice;

and I am persuaded that in thee also.

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance

that thou stir up the gift of God,

which is in thee

by the putting on of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”   2 Timothy 1:3-7

The sad thing to my heart is that we are living in a society that is actively sacrificing our children on the altar of popular culture.

We must set our minds to know God’s truth (by digging into the Word of God) and being willing to stand by it with faithful confidence!  Jesus Himself made the priority of children clear.

“Then were there brought unto him little children,

that he should put his hands on them,

and pray:

and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said,

Suffer little children,

and forbid them not,

to come unto me:

for of such

is the kingdom of heaven.

15 And he laid his hands on them,

and departed thence.”  Matthew 19:13-15

Paul also reminds us that we are to depend upon the Word of God—it is not only our guide but our assurance in all things.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

Thinking of “rightly dividing”, there is an implication that if we don’t “rightly” divide, we may be guilty of “wrongly” dividing it! One of my favorite passages to ‘divide’ is in the book of Deuteronomy, and I encourage you to read all of chapter 6, but for time and space here, we’ll only look at a portion of the passage that I pray will help us understand the family’s responsibility, especially the father’s, to live, preserve and pass on the ‘Gospel’ by living what we “say” we believe, in order to pass on a godly heritage.  Let’s consider the order:  first the parents must love God and determine to trust and follow HIM faithfully, to live a faithful life of obedience to God, and then see the conclusion of a faithful life in their children asking, “why do we live this way” (Blanche’s paraphrase)? Then we, as parents, are to share our living, active relationship of faith with the God who saves, for our children to observe.

“Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them

diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest

in thine house,

and when thou walkest

by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be

as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Our love for God is to be evident in all that we say and do; our children are to see God IN us, in our words and ways.  We are to be a reflection of God’s glory to our children just as importantly (if not more importantly) as to others!

Continuing with Deuteronomy 6:

“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore,

upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land

which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the LORD commanded us

to do all these statutes,

to fear the LORD our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do all these commandments

before the LORD our God,

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

What value are you placing on children?  Are they a nuisance or a treasure?  Are they an inconvenience or a blessing?  Are they worthy of the cost of time, energy and money, or is it cheaper to have a “pet” instead? (I have no problem with pets, but I do have a problem with those who diminish the value of children and try to replace human offspring with pets!  No offense intended!). It seems to me that we are oft-times feeding our lusts and offering our offspring on the altar of our own lust, greed, and convenience!  Abortion is promoted, and how sad it must make God that we kill our own children while rescuing trees, whales, and other animals! What has happened to our priorities?

I have a friend who teaches what I call “the littles”, and she and her husband spend their time teaching the “littles” about Jesus; not just entertaining them with frou-frou, movies, and things of the world, but teaching them the word of God, the love of Jesus, what we truly celebrate at “Christmas” and on “Resurrection” Sunday, and how to live according to God’s Word and HIS SON—JESUS (not a man in a red suit or a bunny with eggs)!  These children learn that Jesus saves, and they learn that they can see HIM at work all around them!  She is so blessed to bring these “littles” to the cross, that the parents want to be in her class too!  What are you doing for the “little people” in your life?  Do you have time for them?  Or are we so busy we give them a fist full of money and send them elsewhere?  Will you see them and touch their lives before they are gone, or will you miss your window of opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children?  Believe me it is much better to have a great relationship than a heart full of regret for opportunities missed, and lives ruined by not knowing God, or seeing HIM in the lives of the adults in their lives!

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, if we lose another generation, we may not have a choice or a second chance!

“The fool hath said in his heart,

There is no God.

They are corrupt,

they have done abominable works,

there is none that doeth good.

2 The LORD looked down from heaven

upon the children of men,

to see if there were any

that did understand,

and seek God.”  Psalm 14:1-2

May God help us to see through His eyes and be the example HE intends for us to be!  After all our future is at stake!

“If the foundations be destroyed,

what can the righteous do?

4 The LORD is in his holy temple,

the LORD’S throne is in heaven:

his eyes behold,

his eyelids try,

the children of men.”  Psalm 11:3-4

Amen and Amen!!!