Category Archives: All Sufficient God!

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!!!

Joshua Fit’, How About You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01

23 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01   Joshua Fit’, How About You???

There’s an old Gospel song, “Joshua Fit’de Battle”, one of my favorites (an old Negro Spiritual of unknown authorship—yet a song of heartfelt trust in ONE who IS in charge, no matter what the circumstances look like) and while it’s usually a fun song, it has a great word of encouragement for me today, and I hope I can share that encouragement with you.

Joshua fought a battle that was out of the ordinary, as the new leader of the people of Israel, who had wandered for 40 years for their disobedience to God, and their lack of faith in HIS promises, Joshua had a great task ahead.  Yet, God gave Him what seemed like some most bizarre instructions.

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up

because of the children of Israel:

none went out,

and none came in.

2 And the LORD said unto Joshua,

See, I have given into thine hand Jericho,

and the king thereof,

and the mighty men of valour.

3 And ye shall compass the city,

all ye men of war,

and go round about the city once.

Thus shalt thou do six days.

4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark

seven trumpets of rams’ horns:

and the seventh day

ye shall compass the city seven times,

and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

5 And it shall come to pass,

that when they make a long blast

with the ram’s horn,

and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet,

all the people shall shout

with a great shout;

and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,

and the people shall ascend up

every man straight before him.”  Joshua 6:1-5

While these instructions were strange, they were specific and designed to encourage Joshua and the people he was trying to lead.  While I won’t focus much on the battle, I do want to spend some time today examining how we face not only the battles before us, but also the directions that God gives us.

I know how difficult it can be to trust God and obey in the midst of out-of-control circumstances.  I remember when my daughter was murdered some 2½ years ago, it was on a Thursday and I usually try to write and post on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and I told my husband, “I don’t think I can write and/or post tomorrow!”  And he wisely and simply told me to do what was right for me.  Well, during the night God would awaken me with a scripture and I’d put a note on my phone, and roll over and go back to sleep, then He’d do it again, multiple times during the night, and I knew what HE wanted me to do.  Yet, when I got up on that Friday morning, I told The Lord, “I can’t do this today!”, and God spoke to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard an audible voice, “YOU have hope, others do NOT! They need to know about your hope!”  And with that, I went into my den and wrote the things that He had given me in the night; while I always try to be listening to what God would have me say/write, I can guarantee you that the message that came together that morning was straight from my Father, sending His Balm of Gilead to my soul, and to all who would receive it.

My battle was much different from Joshua’s, but the decision to trust and obey was the same.  How about you?  What battle are you facing, are you trying to ‘Fit ‘de Battle’ alone, or your own way, instead of God’s.  It’s your choice, but God is still God—and you can trust to HIS care, or not.

“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

No matter your battle, no matter your circumstances, no matter your frustrations, fear, grief or sorrow—we have a “throne of grace” to which we can run, boldly run (not in arrogance or presumption, but in bold confidence in HIM who sits on that throne—God The Father, and Jesus Christ The Son of God who has boldly paid the price for our sin, and given us access into that throne room!) into the arms of the ONE who gave HIS life that we could have not only “life”, but “abundant life” IN HIM!

We can stand in Jesus, with complete confidence, just as Joshua did even at the end of his life—still knowing that God was all he needed, and that he would serve HIM boldly and faithfully—and he called all the people to recognize that it was their choice as to whom they would trust and serve.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Joshua didn’t force the people to choose God, and I can’t force anyone to believe in Jesus, but without HIM no person will enter heaven’s gates—we must be “born again”!  Jesus’ own words say it best.  Won’t you come to the One who died for YOU?

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily,

I say unto thee, Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

And when you belong to Jesus, you always have someone who can fight your battles, and lift you up when you are down!

“And he said, Hearken ye,

all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude.

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

I’ll share Jesus in the valley—I’ll share HIM on the mountain top—I’ll share HIM, by God’s grace and faithful provision, in all I do and say.  Jesus wants to care for YOU!  Won’t you repent of your sin and receive the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that JESUS made for YOU.  Then you can have what I have, and all who are HIS!  Your “fighting” days can be over!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!!!  Don’t fall for the lies of the enemy of your soul.  (Satan is a thief and a liar!). Even if your heart is breaking—remember, Jesus IS the heart healer!  Believe me, HE heals mine every day!

“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

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!!!

Grace That Sustains??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 21

18 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Daniel's choices, Good News, Grace, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Repentance, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Turn to God's Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 21   Grace That Sustains???

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

We’re all familiar with the story of Daniel’s three friends and the fiery furnace, but do we really understand the import of the stand that these three godly young men took?  They demonstrated an amazing trust, confidence and assurance of the grace, power and sufficiency of their GOD—The Sovereign Lord God Almighty of Israel!  The God who reigns in all things; all things that they had seen, and experienced because they had determined to serve their God faithfully no matter the circumstances of their service to a pagan king in Babylon!  They knew that God’s power, grace and provision would deliver them, either out of the fire or through it into HIS presence!  How about you and me?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince

of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself”. Daniel 1:8

While Daniel and his friends had a faith and confidence in God’s grace, we can also have that amazing, glorious, life-giving grace which God in His mercy has provided for us at Calvary.

“For we ourselves also were sometimes

foolish,

disobedient,

deceived,

serving divers lusts and pleasures,

living in malice and envy,

hateful,

and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love

of God our Saviour

toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace,

we should be made heirs

according to the hope

of eternal life.”   Titus 3:3-7

Kind of like something I recently heard, “No matter how hard you try, you can’t get an egg from a rooster”!  Now some of you dear city friends may not get it, but just FYI, only “hens” lay eggs!  So, our self-righteousness is just about as likely to get us to heaven on our own, as waiting on an egg from a rooster!  Paul had a great deal to say about our inability to save ourselves, apart from the grace of God.

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And as he told the believers in Rome:

“What then?

are we better than they?

No, in no wise:

for we have before proved

both Jews and Gentiles,

that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no,

not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God…

….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:”   Portions of Romans 3:9-24

We must decide if we want to be a man, woman, boy or girl of faith and obedience, or if we want to walk our own way! Grace is God’s provision, but we must be willing to repent of our sin—going our own way—and believe in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for SIN.  The very resurrection of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus, whose saving work of redemption we celebrate and praise God for each day but especially on this most special day of recognizing the work of grace, love and redemption that God has provided, and continues to provide for “whosoever will”!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.”  John 3:14-16

Jesus was lifted up in a ‘wilderness of sin’, just as Moses lifted up the serpent in a geographic wilderness.  The question is which “whosoever” are you?  One of the believers and receivers, or one of the rejecters and hence the doomed?

“And he commanded us to preach

unto the people,

and to testify

that it is he

which was ordained of God

to be the Judge

of quick and dead.

*** 43 To him

give all the prophets witness,  ***

that through his name

whosoever believeth in him

shall receive remission of sins.”  Acts 10:42-43

Paul reiterated to the believers at Rome that salvation is a grace gift that is available to “whosoever” will call upon Jesus!

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is, the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe

in thine heart

that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart

man believeth unto righteousness;

and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

I implore you to please come to The Lord Jesus to receive HIS saving grace!  There is only one alternative, and I pray that you will choose Jesus instead.  God’s sufficient grace is just that, “all sufficient” for saving, leading, keeping and escorting us into the very presence of God, in HIS time!

“And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever

was not found written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:12-15

The choice is yours, but don’t miss the grace of God which is there for YOU; not just saving grace, but as I mentioned above, ‘saving, leading, keeping and escorting’ grace—provided by the blood of Jesus Christ, which “cleanseth us from all sin”! (See Matthew 1:21 & 1 John 1:7)!

“But by the grace of God

I am what I am:

and his grace which was bestowed upon me

was not in vain;

but I laboured more abundantly than they all:

yet not I,

but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s All About Jesus!!! Really??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #787

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Good News, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, True Gospel, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #787  It’s All About Jesus!!!  Really???

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”   Acts 4:10-12=

My friends, I am sure that some of you are thinking, why is this woman “beating a dead horse”?  Well, this woman is repeating truth again, for there is “One” who is coming back on HIS white horse, with all the armies of heaven to establish HIS eternal kingdom.  And only those who have trusted to HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, (by faith through God’s grace, see Ephesians 2:8-10) will be a part of His kingdom!

“And I saw heaven opened,

and behold a white horse;

and he that sat upon him

was called Faithful and True,

and in righteousness

he doth judge

and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire,

and on his head were many crowns;

and he had a name written,

that no man knew,

but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture

dipped in blood:

and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven

followed him

upon white horses,

clothed in fine linen,

white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword,

that with it he should smite the nations:

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:

and he treadeth the winepress

of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh

a name written,

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  Revelation 19:11-16

All because God will accomplish HIS purpose in all things:

“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

While the world around us is always talking about “luck”, let me confirm for you that there is no such thing as “luck”; but the providence of God reigns supreme. And while there are things that happen because we live in a fallen world, we must not discount the reality of the spiritual warfare that exists around us.  It is what Paul was talking about in Ephesians 6, when he called us to be sure and put on the ‘armor of God’ in order to “withstand in the evil day”!  And my friends, we are ‘there’!

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 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 6:12-13

How I pray that we will be found “standing”!  And just in case you have missed these things in the past, I would like to share God’s truth about The Redeemer–The One who came to purchase our salvation with “HIS own blood”.

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you

all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore

unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.”  Acts 20:27-18

It’s why HE came!  To be the “lamb of God” and take away the sin of all who will believe and receive HIM.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

Jesus Himself made it clear that HE was, IS and ever shall be The One and only way to God the Father, and eternal life!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth

ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

And Jesus’ own testimony of what HE came to do as He talked to Nicodemus:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.” John 3:14-21

So, my question for you/I is, “What have you done/will you do with Jesus?”  Your answer is of eternal import, for there is a time coming when your answer will determine your eternal destiny; and while people don’t like to think about it, it will be heaven or hell—and JESUS is the determining factor.  God’s Word is clear.

“And I saw a great white throne,

 and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth

and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

 which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever

was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:11-15

I stand with Paul—it’s all about the cross of Jesus Christ alone!  How about you?

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you

the testimony of God.

2 For I determined

not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Are you trusting in Jesus?  Or are you going your own way?

“There is a way

which seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For it is written,

As I live, saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow

to me,

and every tongue shall confess

to God.

12 So then every one of us

shall give account

of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!