Category Archives: Approved Unto God

Do You Know What You’re Doing??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #561

05 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, Cross, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Free Indeed?, Gospel, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Know not what they do, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Persecution, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Salvation, SIN, The Word Or The World?, Transformed life, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #561    Do You Know What You’re Doing???

 

We live in a culture of knowledge and education, but sometimes we may have a degree of knowledge but not know what we need to know.  We used to talk about “common sense”, but I have come to say that, in my opinion, “common sense” isn’t very ‘common’ these days.  But even more important than “common sense” we need to have knowledge toward God—God sense—to know Him and His ways is to have true knowledge.  Jesus said something on the cross that haunts my heart and mind, mainly because it seems to be so true today!

“And when they were come to the place,

which is called Calvary,

there they crucified him,

and the malefactors,

one on the right hand,

and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus,

Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding.

And the rulers also with them

derided him, saying,

He saved others;

let him save himself,

if he be Christ,

the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.”  Luke 23:33-37

I find it most interesting that when you read the entire account of the crucifixion, everyone (except the believers who stayed at the cross) derided, mocked, and chided Jesus for not “saving” Himself.  It’s most interesting that by their own words they acknowledged that they ‘heard’ what He had said, that they ‘understood’ what He claimed of Himself, that they knew who He claimed to be—yet still rejected HIM.  And I’m so glad that HE didn’t ‘save’ Himself, so that HE could ‘SAVE’ us! But the phrase that I want us to take note of today is what still rings true today!

“Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do”!

It’s important to realize that just having the ‘facts’ isn’t enough.  Just storing up information (even Biblical information) isn’t enough!  We must KNOW truth—JESUS IS The truth:

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”  John 8:32

“Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

 because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:20-21

Jesus IS the test and the evidence of our faith—HE IS the only way to God; whether it is politically correct or not—Jesus IS truth, and without HIM we really “know not” what we do! Daniel talked about the last days in terms that ring so true today—a world stepped in ‘knowledge’, human intelligence and progress (so called) but without God it is to no good end!  Even though so many today are preaching a message of prosperity, Jesus preached a message of persecution and suffering for those who would truly hear HIS voice and trust Him in repentance and faith.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Only one way to God, Jesus, and we must recognize the import of “abiding” in HIM!

“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 15:4-5

Even as Daniel was told hundreds of years earlier:

“But thou, O Daniel,

shut up the words,

and seal the book,

even to the time of the end:

many shall run to and fro,

and knowledge shall be increased…

…9 And he said,

Go thy way, Daniel:

for the words are closed up

and sealed

till the time of the end.

10 Many shall be purified,

and made white,

and tried;

but the wicked shall do wickedly:

and none of the wicked shall understand;

but the wise shall understand.”    Daniel 12:4 & 9-10

So, the question is, would Jesus pray for us “Father, forgive them, for they ‘know not’ what they do”?  Not because we didn’t hear, but because we refused to truly respond with our heart and mind, and heed what was revealed to us.  Will we be those who “fight against God”, or will we hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Many in Israel heard, and recognized that God could be in this “message of Jesus”, but they truly knew “not what they do”!  How about you?  What/Who do you know?

“And now I say unto you,

Refrain from these men,

and let them alone:

for if this counsel or this work be of men,

it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God,

ye cannot overthrow it;

lest haply ye be found

even to fight against God.”   Acts 5:38-39

Here we see the religious leader’s response to Peter and John (and the other disciples), and later as Paul stood before a similar group of leaders, they made almost the same determination—they weren’t all ready to condemn Paul, but they refused to believe his message of Jesus! We can expect no different response today.  How about you?

“And there arose a great cry:

and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose,

and strove, saying,

We find no evil in this man:

but if a spirit

or an angel hath spoken to him,

let us not fight against God.”  Acts 23:9

But praise God we have Jesus as our security, and our hope; so, don’t let persecution or ridicule discourage you—we belong to the ONE who has changed us from “enemies” of God, to being His child—a son of God!

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

All because of Jesus!

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 8:6-11

We can be redeemed by the blood of Jesus, that atoned (paid for) for our sin.  And when we “know” Him, and are “known” by HIM, we can press on in victory!  We can KNOW HIM, and declare with Paul:

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss

for the excellency of the knowledge

of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss

of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through

the faith of Christ,

the righteousness which is of God

by faith:

10 That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable

 unto his death;”  Philippians 3:8-10

Real People Of Faith??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 10

28 Sunday Oct 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 10   Real People Of Faith???

 

What is “real” faith? I want us to examine that question in light of scripture. Is real faith simply being giddy all the time, with no problems, being as the old proverb says, “healthy, wealthy and wise”! Or does real faith turn to God for the answers? That’s what I want us to spend our time doing today. I would like to start in a place that many turn to when they talk of faith, but with a twist that many miss.

“Now faith is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence

of things not seen…..

5 By faith Enoch was translated

that he should not see death;

and was not found,

because God had translated him:

for before his translation he had this testimony,

that he pleased God

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”    Hebrews 11:1 & 5-6

We must believe “that he is”, that HE is The Almighty God who created “all things” and that He not only created us, but has provided for our redemption because man chose to sin rather than obey and trust God. Faith is placing our confidence and future in God’s hands, based on the cross of Jesus and His substitutionary (in my place), atoning (paying a debt He didn’t owe, because I owed a debt I couldn’t pay apart from death and hell), sacrifice (giving up Himself for me, even though I was unworthy!) for MY sin. Paul describes this so aptly as he wrote to the Roman believers.

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love

toward us,

in that, while

we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

Christ died for me/you—and HE is what/who our faith is in. Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed—and Jesus is the only place where saving faith rests.

As we see in the first part of Hebrews 11, faith is having our heart and mind set on Jesus! Yet so many take the examples that are shared in this chapter, and conclude that all who have “faith” will be prosperous. But when they make this claim, it is evident that they have missed the last part of the chapter! Faith doesn’t mean that we will have a life of ease and/or prosperity, but it does mean that whatever we face, pleasant or unpleasant, our confidence is always in our God and His faithful promises, for our God is ever faithful.

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;”    Titus 1:2

God didn’t lie to those who suffered in the past, and He hasn’t lied to us when suffering comes, for He is working a great work of power, grace and spiritual maturity in us.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs

of God,

and joint-heirs

with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed

in us.

19 For the earnest expectation

of the creature

waiteth for the manifestation

of the sons of God.” Romans 8:16-19

Did you see verse 18—“the sufferings of this present time”? We will experience suffering in this life, but don’t miss the wonder of the “sufferings”—“the glory which shall be revealed in us”! Our faithfulness to God as we undergo suffering and trials, will reveal His glory “IN US”—the “sufferings” of this life reveal HIS glory ‘in us’ both when we are with HIM, and for others to observe in us today! Since Jesus suffered as the perfect God-Man, Son of God, why would we think that being HIS follower and servant would be any different in the world that seems to hate God more every day; and they certainly don’t want to hear truth, even as Jesus said:

“And ye shall be hated

of all men

for my name’s sake:

but he that endureth to the end

shall be saved.

23 But when they persecute you in this city,

flee ye into another:

for verily I say unto you,

Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel,

till the Son of man be come.

24 The disciple is not above

his master,

nor the servant above

his lord.” Matthew 10:22-24

So how are we to walk? By faith which is seen in our devoted obedience to God. Let’s look at a few faithful servants of God from scripture, and see what kind of things they endured. I would like to begin our study by looking at two young men from the Old Testament, who have nothing negative recoded about their character.

Without going into the detail of Joseph’s story, I just want to hit the highlights due to time and space. Joseph was the next to the youngest son of Jacob—the first son of his beloved wife, Rachel—and Jacob favored him (not a good practice within a family, creating hard feelings just as it did with Jacob’s family) leading to his brothers to hate him.

“And when his brethren saw that their father

loved him more than all his brethren,

they hated him,

and could not speak peaceably unto him.

5 And Joseph dreamed a dream,

and he told it his brethren:

and they hated him yet the more.”   Genesis 37:4-5

Not only did partiality cause problems in this family, but it also seems that Joseph had a heart for spiritual things of God, and God had granted him a special gift of dreams. Now while some beat Joseph up for telling the dreams, if he hadn’t related the dreams—that they were of God, and that they seemed to involve this family—how would these brothers have seen God’s hand at work when they came to pass? Joseph’s brothers were also jealous.

“And he dreamed yet another dream,

and told it his brethren,

and said,

Behold, I have dreamed a dream more;

and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars

made obeisance to me.

10 And he told it to his father,

and to his brethren:

and his father rebuked him,

and said unto him,

What is this dream that thou

hast dreamed?

Shall I and thy mother

and thy brethren indeed

come to bow down ourselves

to thee to the earth?

11 And his brethren envied him;

but his father observed the saying.”   Genesis 37:9-11

While I don’t think that Joseph understood what these dreams meant (yet), and his father didn’t understand either, he did take note of it, while his brothers “envied him”—like many today who hear from God! When we share the message that God gives us with others, often, rather than receiving the message that God has given us to share, they resent, reject or ignore the message, or even become jealous of the one who has been called to share it—the messenger, if you would. But there’s more.

“And the man said,

They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan.

And Joseph went after his brethren,

and found them in Dothan.

18 And when they saw him afar off,

even before he came near unto them,

they conspired against him

to slay him.

19 And they said one to another,

Behold, this dreamer cometh.

20 Come now therefore,

and let us slay him,

and cast him into some pit,

and we will say,

Some evil beast hath devoured him:

and we shall see

what will become of his dreams…..

26 And Judah said unto his brethren,

What profit is it if we slay our brother,

and conceal his blood?

27 Come, and let us sell him

to the Ishmeelites,

and let not our hand be upon him;

for he is our brother and our flesh.

And his brethren were content.”   Genesis 37:17-20, 26-27

Joseph was hated because of the love of his father (over which he had no control), and also for the gift of dreams, from God—which none of them understood at the time—so they hated him so much they decided to kill him. Doesn’t sound much like a life of “ease and prosperity” does it. But they relented (by chance, right? NOT—but God’s providence is ever at work here!) and chose to sell him into slavery instead of killing him, meanness with a profit! So we find Joseph in Egypt.

“And Joseph was brought down to Egypt;

and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian,

bought him of the hands

of the Ishmeelites,

which had brought him down thither.

2 And the LORD was with Joseph,

and he was a prosperous man;

and he was in the house of his master

the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw

that the LORD was with him,

and that the LORD made all that he did

to prosper in his hand.” Genesis 39:1-3

God was with Joseph—this young man of 17 years old, the favored son of his father, is now a slave in Egypt—but his new master saw that “the LORD was with him”! Joseph was a godly young man who was trusting God to care for him—but he was still a slave, a favored slave, but nonetheless, a slave. And skipping forward, Joseph was once again treated poorly and cast into prison, being falsely accused by his master’s wife. What about those dreams now? What was going on? If God was “with him”, why all this suffering? Well, to cut to the chase, God had a different plan, and Joseph saw God work on his behalf, but 13 years later—while we want “instant” insight and maturity! Joseph was raised to prominence by this very gift from God for interpreting dreams.

Yet after his promotion his heart was still set on God, and when he had the opportunity to take revenge he kept trusting to the God who was in charge, not vengeance!

“And Pharaoh said unto his servants,

Can we find such a one as this is,

a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,

Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this,

there is none so discreet

and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled:

only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,

See, I have set thee over all

the land of Egypt.”   Genesis 41:38-41

As ruler of Egypt, he exercised the mercy of God toward those who had mistreated him. In response to his brothers who experienced the “fulfillment” of his dreams, he extended grace, not revenge—and he credits God for it all.

“And Joseph said unto his brethren,

Come near to me, I pray you.

And they came near.

And he said,

I am Joseph your brother,

whom ye sold into Egypt.

5 Now therefore be not grieved,

nor angry with yourselves,

that ye sold me hither:

for God did send me before you

to preserve life.” Genesis 45:4-5

Joseph knew that faith was trusting to God’s plan even when he didn’t understand it all ‘yet’! What about us?

“And Joseph said unto them,

Fear not:

for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you,

ye thought evil against me;

but God meant it unto good,

to bring to pass,

as it is this day,

to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not:

I will nourish you,

and your little ones.

And he comforted them,

      and spake kindly unto them.”   Genesis 50:19-21

Now let’s go on to another young man who found himself in bondage to a pagan king—Daniel. I could spend months on Daniel, he was an amazing young man, but for our purposes, we’ll just peruse the highlights of some of Daniel’s encounters.

“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.

9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.”    Daniel 1:8-9

Taken into Babylonian captivity, Daniel determined to be faithful to his God, no matter the cost! It’s also interesting that God blessed Daniel with the same gift that He gave to Joseph—dreams and interpretation of dreams. Because Daniel and his friends determined to be faithful to their God—their God honored their faithfulness.

“Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all was found

none like

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians

and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”   Daniel 1:18-20

Daniel and his friends were faithful to God, and God blessed them so that the king found them “ten times better than all” the other ‘wise men’ in the kingdom! Yet that blessing caused them no measure of conflict with their pagan peers! Just like Joseph, they suffered for their faith—yes they were in a position of authority and even luxury of a sort, but they were still captives in a pagan land–yet they remained faithful even under fire! (Literally for his three friends.)

“Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound ….. and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down

and worship the image

which I have made;

well:

but if ye worship not,

ye shall be cast the same hour

into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace;

and who is that God

that shall deliver you

out of my hands?

16 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.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury,

and the form of his visage was changed

against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake,

and commanded

that they should heat the furnace

one seven times more

than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men

that were in his army

to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

and to cast them

into the burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:15-19

These three faced the fire, and while God did deliver them out of that fire, they were willing to go into the fire, trusting that whether God delivered them out of the fire, or through it—our God “will deliver us” for their good and HIS glory. Daniel and his friend left a footprint of faith before those who loved them as well as those who hated them. Even his enemies had to admit in chapter 6 that the only fault they could find with Daniel would be in regard to his relationship with his God.

“Then the presidents and princes

sought to find occasion

against Daniel concerning the kingdom;

but they could find none occasion

nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error

or fault

found in him.

5 Then said these men,

We shall not find any occasion

against this Daniel,

except we find it against him

concerning the law of his God.”  Daniel 6:4-5

Daniel was a faithful man in all his ways—even in captivity, even when he was facing a den of lions. Yet because of his faithfulness, others saw God in him! Suffering and opposition in the life of the faithful is not a popular message, but it is still truth!

“16 Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God

whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee……

19Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake and said to Daniel,

O Daniel,

servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him innocency

was found in me;

and also before thee, O king,

have I done no hurt.” Daniel 6:16 & 19-22

Daniel was found innocent before God and man—he had been faithful for some 70 years and while he faced opposition, God vindicated him and honored his faithfulness. So what about you and I? Is our faithfulness an assurance of ease and prosperity? Or have we realized that it is the assurance of God’s purposes being accomplished in and through our suffering and trials? Amen!

If we have time, we could look at Paul, at Jeremiah, at the prophet Macaiah, at King Jehoshaphat and others, all with the same conclusion that faithful servants trust The Master in all kinds of situations, no matter the difficulty, trial or inconvenience, even when we don’t understand. God has called us to keep our eyes on Him, and that last part of Hebrews 11 is the icing on the cake!

“And what shall I more say?

for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith

subdued kingdoms,

wrought righteousness,

obtained promises,

stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched the violence of fire,

escaped the edge of the sword,

out of weakness were made strong,

waxed valiant in fight,

turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead

raised to life again:

and others

were tortured,

not accepting deliverance;

that they might obtain

a better resurrection:

36 And others

had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,

yea, moreover of bonds

and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about in sheepskins

and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all,

having obtained a good report through faith,

received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”   Hebrews 11:32-40

Think on these faithful things!!! Let’s be sure we know that real faith isn’t measured by ease or $$$! Amen and Amen!!!

Finishing Well??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 08

15 Monday Oct 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Finishing Well, Follow Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 08     Finishing Well???

 

I’m not much of a follower of track and field sports, but I do love to watch the runners fly along that track (probably because I do good just to walk without stumbling J!!!) and see the winner lunge for that ribbon to be the one to break through to gain the prize. It’s important for a runner to get a good start, but it’s equally as important that he finish well; for without a good finish there is no prize. Scripture often compares our spiritual life to a race, and we are called to run faithfully and consistently by keeping our eyes 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

As a spiritual runner, we are called to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” and run patiently—for we are running a marathon not a sprint, and this requires stamina and faithfulness to the task—the race “that is set before us”! Did you get that? We are to run the race that God has set “before us”, not the race that HE has set before someone else! While I don’t know a lot about running, I do know that the runners must stay in their own lane, and keep their eyes on the goal, not the other runners; the runners keep their eyes forward and don’t look back to see what the other runners, or swimmers or hurdlers are doing! It is the same way with us spiritually!!! We aren’t to compare ourselves to the race that others are running (other than to share encouragement with each other, but not to copy the race that others may be running or failing to run!), but we are to keep “Looking unto Jesus” our Lord, our goal and our prize!

Runners lay aside everything that will slow them down, and we must lay aside the things that will hinder our race for Jesus! Sometimes that is hard to do, but just as runners sacrifice time, pleasures and indulgences to prepare for the race, we must keep our hearts and minds on our Lord and not this world if we want to run successfully. But unlike the runners of a physical race, we have a source of power, strength, and encouragement and hope that they don’t have (unless they are also ‘spiritual runners for Jesus’). Our source is the One who called us to salvation, and keeps us by His love, power, and grace all through the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”! It is HIS power that will empower us to finish well, but we must keep our eyes on HIM, rather than being distracted by the world, or allowing the enemy to steal our victory and our prize—even though he can’t steal our relationship to 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

Paul reminds us that it is God who saves, and God who keeps and he told us in Romans 8 that God is ever working to conform us into the image of Jesus (See Ro. 8:28-39)! That’s HIS job, ours is to yield to His work within our hearts and minds and follow Him each day. We can pursue God’s will, His Word and His ways or we can allow ourselves to loose our ‘crown’ and our ‘reward’ by neglect! Jesus reminds us of this in His letter to the church at Philadelphia.

“Behold,

I come quickly:

hold that fast which thou hast,

that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11 

We must strive to ‘finish’ well and receive the prize that awaits us, and hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” when we stand before our Lord Jesus to give an account of what we have done with the life and race that HE set before us. Will you/I hear that “well done”; or will we hang our head in shame for the things that distracted us from HIS service and took our crown? Oh to know HIS pleasure in our service to HIM!

“His lord said unto him,

Well done,

good and faithful servant;

thou hast been faithful

over a few things,

I will make thee ruler over many things:

enter thou

into the joy of thy lord.”   Matthew25:23

It is the desire of my heart to hear my Master’s greeting of pleasure in the opportunities that He has provided for me to serve Him, and my prayer is that I will finish well. Starting well is important, and getting back up when we stumble is also important. As I’ve often heard it said, “Success is simply getting up one more time than we fall down!” Paul gives us a powerful picture of our accountability before God! While teaching this passage recently, someone asked if this will be a public judgment, and my reply was simple—I don’t know. But even if it is public, I truly think that I/you will be so concerned about what Jesus has to say to me/you, that we won’t be focused on what HE is saying to anyone else! I’ll simply be focused on what I will hear my master say to me! How about you? Let’s dig into Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian believers.

“I have planted,

Apollos watered;

but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth

any thing,

neither he that watereth;

but God that giveth the increase.

8 Now he that planteth

and he that watereth

are one:

and every man shall receive

his own reward

according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers together

with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 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.”    1 Corinthians 3:6-14

Paul also reminded the Romans believers of this same principle of our accountability as God’s children.

“For whether we live,

we live unto the Lord;

and whether we die,

we die unto the Lord:

whether we live therefore,

or die,

we are the Lord’s.

9 For to this end Christ both died,

and rose,

and revived,

that he might be Lord

both of the dead

and living.

10 But why dost thou judge

thy brother?

or why dost thou set at nought

thy brother?

for we shall all stand

before the judgment seat

of Christ.

11 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 14:8-12

Every one of us “shall give account of himself to God”; and while this passage is referring to believers, the universal truth is that every one—saved or unsaved—will bow before God and give an account. The saved at the “judgment seat of Christ”, and the lost will stand before the “great white throne” for the deeds they did in their life, and be cast into the “Lake of Fire” because they rejected Jesus! (See Rev. 20:11-15).

But I want us to understand that me running “my” race may not look like you running “your” race; yes there are some essentials that will align—the truth of the Gospel, the authority of the Word of God, the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the truth that HE is the Only Way to God, etc.—yet God calls us to a service and ministry for which HE has and is equipping us, for each of us is totally unique by God’s perfect, sovereign design. And while our “races” may look different on the outside, God will judge us according to our love, devotion and faithfulness to HIM that comes from the inside. So my dear friend, my question is, “Are you running your race faithfully?” Will we finish well, or will they simply say of us when we are gone, “He/She started well, but he/she stumbled and never got up?” What a sad epitaph for a child of God. May we not be the one who is “saved; yet so as by fire”; but may we pursue the holiness, righteousness and pleasure of God in all that we do. May we not be distracted by the “wiles of the devil”, but press on tirelessly for His glory! May we feast on HIS Word and live it out in our daily lives as we follow our Lord’s direction in our every step. And remember God knows—even if others don’t, HE knows your heart!!! Amen and Amen!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite shall not come before him.”    Job 13:15-16

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”    Psalm 119:133

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth…..19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 1:15 & 19

Hummingbird Theology??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 23

15 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Hummingbird Theology?, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, What's In Your Heart?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 23 Hummingbird Theology???

 

I love to watch the birds outside of my window. I have a birdseed feeder and a hummingbird feeder, and I love watching the birds that God created and enjoying their beauty, and learning from them. The hummingbirds fascinate me; they come again and again and take as much as they need and then return for more, as they need it. Sometimes they feed at one tap and leave, and other times a hummingbird will go to every tap on the feeder at one time. As I was watching them this morning, I couldn’t help but think about our spiritual life like the birds and the feeder. Whose feeder are we feasting at?

“Wherefore laying aside

all malice,

and all guile,

and hypocrisies,

and envies,

and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming,

as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,

5 Ye also,

as lively stones,

are built up

a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”   1 Peter 2:1-5

If you notice, this passage begins with a “Wherefore”, which means we always ask ‘What’s it there for?’ (Any time the verse starts with a ‘therefore’ or a ‘wherefore’). Well, it simply means that we need to look back to see what was said earlier—so let’s do just that.

“Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth

and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass,

and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.

The grass withereth,

and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord

endureth for ever.

And this is the word

which by the gospel

is preached unto you.”    1 Peter 1:23-25

We can grow in the Lord when we feast on “the sincere milk of the word”, and to do that we must spend time in The Word—just like that hummingbird—we must keep going back for the sustenance of life—The Word of God, which brings growth because it is the “word of the Lord” and it “liveth and abideth for ever”! Just like the new birth that Jesus imparts to us when we are born again “of God”! God’s Word is truth always, and it will help us to discern between truth and lies! And it is the standard of God’s judgment along with the blood of Jesus! (And remember that Jesus not only inspired the written Word, HE IS THE LIVING WORD!)

For the word of God is

quick, (alive)

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

God’s Word encourages us by discernment and bringing truth to light! It’s not just the judgment of God –which it includes—but it also leads us to Jesus, the Lord of Calvary for “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”! Our part is to respond in faith not only to the Gospel for salvation, but also to The Word of God and it’s ability to help us grow in grace and truth as we feast on it continually—just like that little hummingbird, he isn’t very big, but he gets the job done!

“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

Paul goes on to instruct his young charge, Timothy, even further to rely on the value of God’s Word.

“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 3:15-17

How valuable to us to know that God’s Word is what we need; and while there are those who question and even deny the veracity of The Bible, we can stand fast “in the evil day” knowing that The Word of God is God’s love letter to His children—those who are born again—as well as the conduit of God’s Spirit working in our world to bring people to the cross! It truly is “the word of the Lord” and it surely “endureth for ever”! “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Doxology by Thomas Ken), and I’ll praise Him forever for His Word, and the best way to praise Him for His Word is to read and study it faithfully, continually and purposefully!

Remembering that God’s Word is:

Profitable for—not in $ but in truth and character—

 Doctrine—truth for living—

 Reproof—showing us what is wrong—

 Correction—making the wrong right—

Instruction in Righteousness—prevention!

God’s Word helps us be all that God created us to be, and I love what Job says; it is something that I pray will ever be the desire of my heart. How about you?

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held

his steps,

his way

have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words

of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”    Job 23:10-12

As we desire and feast on His Word, may the words of the Psalmist reverberate in our hearts—as we put The Word “in mine heart”!

“Thy word have I hid

in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”   Psalm 119:11-12

As we hide God’s Word “in mine heart”, I believe the Psalmist would relate to a common adage we hear today (based on this very principle), “The Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from The Word!” The choice is yours and mine, yet it is a continual battle (as Paul talks about in Ephesians 6:10+) to maintain our focus on Jesus and His Word, but it is more than worth the effort. As I’ve been accused of in the past, “You only have one song!” —And may it ever be said of me that I only sing HIS song, for it’s Jesus and His cross, the only way to God and true life!

“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 

It’s all about Jesus, and I pray that you will join me in committing to draw near to Him continually. May we single-mindedly pursue Christ Jesus in all our ways. How? By keeping our eyes on HIM!!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:6

And while Jesus is truly the “only way” to God for salvation, He is also the “only way” that we can live the victorious Christian life! He came that we might have abundant and victorious life in this world as well as the next!

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Jesus said it best:

“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

“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 15:5

Remember the hummingbird—and stay at God’s feeder—The Word of God!!!

Amen and Amen!

Walking In His Way!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #465

01 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Confidence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #465   Walking In His Way!!!

 

“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

Oh, to have my steps “ordered by the LORD”, is the prayer of my heart. How often do we find ourselves distracted and walking in ways that we didn’t intend? Well, if you’re like me, way more often than we’d like. I truly pray and desire to be found faithful before my Lord and hear HIM say:

“Well done,

thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful over a few things,

I will make thee ruler over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21b

 It is always good to be recognized for a job well done, but to hear that commendation  from my Lord would be the delight of my life. I’ve had life-confirming events in my life, and I thank God for them, but when I think of facing my Lord Jesus Christ, I truly want o see a smile on His face and know that HE is pleased with me. But who is good enough for that? Only those who know Jesus in salvation and have received His grace, truth and power of the New Birth—to have received HIS righteousness for my sin, by faith and grace!

“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 5:21

Jesus paid for my sin on Calvary, so that I could receive HIS righteousness to my account! Jesus paid for my sin, so that I wouldn’t have to pay for it myself—by eternal death! And when we receive Jesus, by repentance and faith, we become new creatures (See 2 Corinthians 5:17+) IN Jesus, and His Spirit will lead and direct our steps when we but hear and respond to Him in obedience and faith.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”   Isaiah 30:21

Jesus also told His disciples (and us) that He was sending His Spirit to dwell within us and guide our steps in God’s way, and the indwelling Holy Spirit can make a sinner a “a good man” whose steps can be “ordered by the LORD”—and that my friend is the desire of my heart! How about you? And just how important is the Holy Spirit? It is His presence that verifies that we belong to Jesus, for HE is the Spirit of Jesus.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”   Romans 8:9

Jesus reminds us: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (Jn. 10:27). Who is ordering your steps? Which voices are you heeding? Be sure!!!