Category Archives: All About Jesus!

What’s Turning Your Heart??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #713

11 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Encouragement, Erasing The Lines?, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, Good News, Sowing and Reaping, The Little Things., The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #713   What’s Turning Your Heart???

 

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old,

that his wives turned away his heart

after other gods:

and his heart was not perfect

with the LORD his God,

as was the heart of David his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth

the goddess of the Zidonians,

and after Milcom

the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil

in the sight of the LORD,

and went not fully after the LORD,

as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:4

What an indictment for us to consider today.  Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus, the God-man Savior) made some foolish choices that cost him dearly.  God judged his sin, and the effects of it reached throughout his kingdom, and eventually resulted in a divided kingdom.  But for today I want us to consider the import of guarding our heart by keeping our eyes on Jesus and running the race that HE has set before us and called us to!  And then I’d simply like to share some scriptures with us about the heart and what a difference a right heart and right choices will make!  I’ve learned from experience and God’s Word that “little foxes” can ruin the crop of our heart and life!

“Take us the foxes,

the little foxes,

that spoil the vines:

for our vines

have tender grapes.”  Song of Solomon 2:15

We must guard the “crop” of our heart, for Satan is ever busy throwing his “fiery darts” to distract, deter and delay us until we’ve missed the opportunities of service to our Lord and King.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”   1 Corinthians 15:33

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company 

corrupts good morals.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB

May we with the Psalmist ever pursue God and HIS truth rather than the prattle of the world.

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

And again, great counsel from the Psalmist.

“LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me;

give ear unto my voice,

when I cry unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth

before thee as incense;

and the lifting up of my hands

as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not eat of their dainties.”   Psalm 141:1-4

It is a fulltime job to keep our heart right with God and it requires diligence and determination to keep our eyes set on Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Only Jesus saves and transforms lives—and the transformed heart, while regenerate, is not free from the trials and fleshly temptations that abound around us, but when we keep our hearts, minds and eyes “Looking unto Jesus” we will find the strength and courage to “withstand in the evil day…and having done all, to stand”!

We must be aware of our surroundings and the danger of compromise, for any reason.  We must keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.  And while HE will deliver when we seek HIS provision and guidance, HE won’t violate our free will.  He is ever at work to conform us into HIS image, but we are called to “walk in the Spirit” and we will “not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:16 & 25).  Yet we can choose to compromise as Solomon did and reap the consequences of our choices, or we can trust to the care of HIM who completes HIS work IN US!

“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

So, my friends, we all have a choice, recognize the dangers of compromise and avoid them, or succumb to the “wiles of the devil”!  What’s your pleasure, to allow the things of this world to turn your heart away from God, or to “stand fast in the evil day”?  Jeremiah put it quite succinctly.

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?”   Jeremiah 17:9

God knows, God cares, and HE provides a way, if we will but keep our hearts and minds set on HIM.

“Shall not God search this out?

for he knoweth the secrets

of the heart.”  Psalm 44:21

And as the author of Hebrews put it, the standard is and will ever be The Word of God!  What’s your standard?  Like Solomon’s became, due to the influence of his pagan wives?  What’s drawing you away?  Culture, companions, media, sports, movies, popularity, power, lust…. the list could go on, but you get the point.  What will we choose?  But be careful, choose wisely there is a test.

“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

And if you want to see a picture of the contrast read and consider Psalm 1.  Blessings on you and yours….

Amen and Amen!!!

By HIS Grace–Each Day??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24

07 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory To God, God Who Sees, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24.  By HIS Grace—Each Day???

 

“Therefore by the deeds of the law

there shall no flesh be justified

in his sight:

for by the law

is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God

without the law is manifested,

being witnessed

by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all

them that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”  Romans 3:20-26

It’s God’s grace that saved me, and it’s God’s grace that keeps me and is ever at work in me and by His sovereign grace, He can be seen in me, through all I say and do, as I yield myself to His Holy Spirit and power within me!  Being a living sacrifice, as Paul describes to the Roman and the Galatian believers as well.  All because it is Christ IN me!

“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

The key is remembering that it’s all about “Who” is living in me—or, if you would, who is sitting on the throne of my life?  Me or Jesus?  I must die to self and live to Jesus by the grace that HE imparts to HIS own for every-day victory!!!

“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.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:

for if righteousness come by the law,

then Christ is dead in vain.”  Galatians 2:20-21

God’s ministry of grace in us—to minister to others!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”    Colossians 1:25-27

All by HIS grace—unmerited favor–bought by the blood of Jesus which “cleanseth us from all sin”! (See 1 John 1:7)

“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 5:1-2

It is all about Jesus—and I’m so glad!  For as Paul said so aptly, “no good thing” dwelleth in me!  It has to be all about HIM, even Jesus made this very clear.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken

unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 5:1-5

So, the question for each of us is, are we abiding in “the vine” and therefore able to “bring forth more fruit” or are we trying to bear our own fruit?  The choice is yours, but Jesus said plainly that “without me ye can do nothing”! And Paul describes this issue in 1 Corinthians 3—are we working with our own resources or God’s?  The test is by fire—are you working in “wood, hay and stubble” or “gold, silver and precious stones”!  The fire will reveal our real work!  It has to be ALL “of HIM…through HIM…and to HIM”!

“According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

 but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?”  1 Corinthians 3:10-16

It all depends on the foundation—Jesus!  Am I abiding IN HIM, relying ON HIM, and using HIS supply?  Or am I settling for less—and what the world offers is always LESS?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.  We can be found faithful as we continue to abide IN HIM!

“Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am,

 therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.”

HOW?  Only one way! 

“13 I can do all things

       through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:11-13

And to put all of these things in perspective, I’d like to remind each of us of Jesus’ instruction for our prayer life—while I am free to come to God with all my requests, burdens, troubles and trials, I am not free to dictate to God in the name of “faith”; I can trust God to do right no matter what is going on!  And I do!  How about you?  We can hold on to the assurance that OUR GOD reigns, and HE invites us to come to HIM in all things.

“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

Let’s stay before HIS throne in humble gratitude for the grace that supplies our every need if we will but cling to HIS cross.

“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

May God bless you as you seek HIS face in confidence and total reliance upon HIM, shouting: (See Revelation 19:6)

“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!

We win!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Going With You??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #712

04 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Fickle or Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory of God, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #712   Who’s Going With You???

 

I just have a brief word to share this morning, but by way of “FYI”, I do want to let you know that the inconsistent schedule of postings is due to some personal issues here at home.  My husband’s health is not doing so good, and simply put, much of the “time”, my “time” isn’t my own.  So, I’ll keep on doing what I do when I’m able.  I hope to post at least twice a week and when I’m able to do more, I will.

This morning, I want to share a simple but profound reminder from one of my favorite Bible characters, Joshua.  The man who needed reminding to “be courageous”—but by the end he truly had learned to trust his GOD!  So, here’s a reminder for us all today to “be courageous” regardless of the size of the giants!

“The LORD thy God,

he will go over before thee,

and he will destroy these nations

from before thee,

and thou shalt possess them:

and Joshua,

he shall go over before thee,

as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them

as he did to Sihon and to Og,

kings of the Amorites,

and unto the land of them,

whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up

before your face,

that ye may do unto them

according unto all the commandments

which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage,

fear not,

nor be afraid of them:

for the LORD thy God,

he it is that doth go with thee;

he will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua,

and said unto him

in the sight of all Israel,

Be strong and of a good courage:

for thou must go with this people

unto the land which the LORD

hath sworn unto their fathers

to give them;

and thou shalt cause them

to inherit it.”  Deuteronomy 31:3-7

And again, as he was about to lead the people in, God reminded him of his commission and the “supplier”!

“There shall not any man be able

to stand before thee all the days of thy life:

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee:

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong

and of a good courage:

for unto this people shalt thou divide

for an inheritance

the land, which I sware

unto their fathers

to give them.”  Joshua 1:5-6

“Only be thou strong and very courageous,

that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law,

which Moses my servant

commanded thee:

turn not from it

to the right hand

or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.”   Joshua 1:7

“Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed:

for the LORD thy God

is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9

What has God commissioned you/me to?  Are we willing to go fearlessly?  It’s our call, yet our confidence is in the ONE who calls, equips and goes with us all the way; so that with Joshua we can proclaim in confident assurance:

“…as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD”. Joshua 24:15b

And put a bit differently by the author of Hebrews:

“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.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

Amen and Amen!!!

Whose Power Are You Trusting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #709

12 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Broken Hearts, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Contentment, Dependence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Look UP, Our God Reigns, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #709  Whose Power Are You Trusting???

 

I want to veer off our “Daniel” track for today and just share a word of encouragement for each of us today.  As we’re in the deep freeze here in Oklahoma—and about to get even “freezier” in the next week, there is a warmth in my heart that only comes by knowing WHO is in charge—and for sure it’s not the government or the weatherman—and as the Apostle John recorded for us so long ago:

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:5-6

HE always has, and HE always will be The Lord God Almighty who reigns over all.  And as Zechariah reminded the people who were discouraged at the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, our strength isn’t from anything in this world!

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel,

saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Zechariah 4:6

I quote this verse often to myself and others, and there is one other simple passage that I’d like to leave with you; and I know many of you already have it planted in your heart, but I just want to remind each of us that “our God reigns”!  Our job is to keep our eyes fixed on HIM and trust each of our days to HIS care.  That’s not always an easy task when our eyes, our hearts and our minds see such heartache, carry such heavy burdens in our circumstances, and see so much darkness and chaos around us—but remember, we are called to look up, not around!  I’m so often reminded to look up to our Lord and not around at the “lions”!  Take it to Jesus, my friends; HE is my hope—my joy—and my total confidence, and He’s there for you too; call on HIM today!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

Blessings on you and yours—and let “your little light shine” today….and today….and today!

Amen and Amen!!!

Some Things Don’t Change!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #706

27 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Changed Lives, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Redeemed By HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #706  Some Things Don’t Change!!!

 

I really do have a simple word for you today, and yet it is of great import to me and to all who will receive it.  I’m departing from our look at Daniel today due to time constraints and some “interruptions” in our daily lives right now.  I pray that this word of testimony will be an encouragement and help to you

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8  Amen!

As most of you know, my daughter was murdered just over a year ago, and our world changed forever!  But, my friends, Jesus DID NOT CHANGE!  He has walked by our side and lifted us up at every turn.  I would like to share a profound event that changed me even more, and while it is a bit morose, I pray that you will hear what my heart is sharing and not be offended by the nature of the story?

Anyone who has ever dealt with police matters knows that they are seldom “speedy” affairs, and so it was several months after the murder that we got the call to come and pick up her things; and while the detective did his best to dissuade me from getting them (because he cared for my welfare, not for any dark reason), I assured him that it was something that I had to do.  So, we picked up the box and went home and rested a bit and I prepared myself for what I knew was in that box.

As we opened each individually marked bag of “evidence” my heart broke and the tears came profusely—tears that needed to be shed—and as I pieced the things together and saw the blood-soaked garments and items my heart screamed with grief, but as we got to the bottom of the box, I began to weep with a different thought; and that is what I’d like to leave with you today.  As I picked up those garments and wept, I began to pray and praise God, for this is what I thought and said out loud to my husband as I held each one: “My precious daughter was stolen from us and here we sit holding these blood-soaked proofs of her death, and our Dear God—YOU sent Jesus and poured out HIS BLOOD for me—willingly, lovingly, generously for the payment of MY sin!  Even as Jesus said, they didn’t “take” HIS life, HE gave it willingly!  And you, Father God, poured out the blood of your “Only Begotten Son” for ME!  And I must say, I have never looked at the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of my Savior the same since.

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

This my friends, is why Jesus came—to lay down HIS life’s blood for YOU and ME!  Won’t you receive His gift of life?  And if you are HIS already won’t you reconsider the cost that HE paid for you/me!  It was on purpose, because of love!  Jesus was, is and ever shall be the “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world”!  With deliberate LOVE for YOU and Me!

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did

by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken, and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

Jesus loves you!  Will you let HIM change and deliver you?  He’s ready and waiting!  If you hear HIS voice don’t delay.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us;

because we thus judge,

that if one died for all,

then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all,

that they which live

should not henceforth live

unto themselves,

but unto him

which died for them,

and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man

after the flesh:

yea, though we have known Christ

after the flesh,

yet now henceforth

know we him no more.

17 Therefore

if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:14-17

And in closing, Jesus’ own words about the option of believing and receiving or rejecting!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test coming!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”  John 3:15-20.

Amen!!!