Category Archives: Believe IN Jesus

Our Hope Is In Jesus–Always!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19

05 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Listening To God, Made like Jesus!, Only One Way, Salvation, Speaking The Truth In Love, Transformed life, Trusting Jesus?, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19 Our Hope Is In Jesus—Always!!!

 

The thing that I want to share with you all today, is very simple—my/our hope is truly IN Jesus!  Regardless of the tragedy that our family has experienced in these past weeks, I know that God is still God, God is still good, and I still trust Him!  People have asked how we can go on, and our answer has ever been and ever will be—our confidence is IN JESUS!  He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, and we pray that our lives will ever help others know that Jesus cares about them/YOU.  I’d simply like to share a few passages of scripture that I pray will encourage your heart today no matter where your life-journey has taken you.  Jesus is still in the life-changing, soul-saving business and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.  In fact, HE came, lived, died and rose again to save sinners just like me!  And I pray that HE is knocking at your heart’s door today!  Open the door and HE will come in to YOU!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

Paul paints a most glorious picture of our hope in Jesus in his letter to the Romans, let’s peruse those words, and may they sink into your heart and bring you to HIS cross:

“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.

 3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 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 5:1-11

Oh, how those words ring in my ears and my heart—one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture: “But God” loves you and sent Jesus to Redeem you, save you, and transform you into “the image of His Son”.  And how do we walk in Him?  Let’s see what the Psalmist has to say—what GOD has to say!

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

 neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest

in the LORD,

and wait patiently

for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease

from anger,

and forsake

wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

Amen and Amen—may we keep our eyes on the One who gave Himself that we might have “abundant life”!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily

oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies

would daily swallow me up:

for they be many

that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:1-4

And my total confidence in the promise of God have been, are and ever will be my eternal hope!!!  He is The God who never changes, and never lies!

“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

May you find the hope that God alone can and will give to YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!

Because HE Lives–I Can Walk On! Bible Ballistics: BBs #612

20 Friday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Believe IN Jesus, By Him We Live, By His Grace, Changed Lives, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, Grief

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #612  Because HE Lives—I Can Walk On!!!

 

Christmas is many things to many people—some are filled with glee and joy, others think deeply on the meaning of the coming of This Newborn King, still others have difficult circumstances or memories that invade their celebration.  But I’m here to let you know that regardless of what is going on around you/me, whether for us or against us, GOD is still GOD and we can trust HIM.  I’m writing an article that I never expected to write, but it is one that I am compelled to write.  I lost my only daughter under most tragic circumstances yesterday, and my heart is breaking but I have to share, for all who also have broken hearts, not just at Christmas time but anytime, that GOD IS ABLE!

As Jesus told a grieving Martha and Mary, HE is still reminding us today that He has the final word—in fact HE IS THE WORD!

“Martha saith unto him,

I know that he shall rise again

in the resurrection at the last day.

25 Jesus said unto her,

I am

the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord: I believe

that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                        John 11:24-27

It is totally because HE not only lived a perfect, sinless life, died a substitutionary, atoning sacrificial death, but my friends HE AROSE!  And because HE lives—I can live another day; my daughter who had given her heart to him years ago is in HIS arms today!  While our hearts are breaking, my heart is, at the very same time, full of gratitude for a Redeemer who loves me, and HE loves you—no matter the heartache that you may be experiencing today—whether new or old.  Like David I can rejoice in the truth of God’s incredible sovereignty!

“Then said his servants unto him,

What thing is this that thou hast done?

thou didst fast and weep for the child,

while it was alive;

but when the child was dead,

thou didst rise and eat bread.

22 And he said,

While the child was yet alive,

I fasted

and wept:

for I said, Who can tell

whether GOD will

be gracious to me,

that the child may live?

23 But now he is dead,

wherefore should I fast?

can I bring him back again?

I shall go to him,

but he shall not return to me.”  2 Kings 12:21-23

As the old song says, “We shall behold HIM…” (Written by Dottie Rambo).  My eyes are filled with tears, but my confidence is fully in my Lord Jesus Christ and His promise that He is coming for me (and you who have come to Him in repentance and faith)!

At this precious Christmas time, I rejoice in the truth that God keeps HIS promises!

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government

shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

Jesus IS the source of the peace that I feel right now, and I pray that you will rest in that peace yourself.  I if you don’t know Him, you can!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Jesus came to be our sacrifice and coming to Him gives us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”.

“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

I don’t know why the events of yesterday took my loved one, but I do know that the God who does know, loves my daughter, He loves me, and HE has a plan that I am resting in, even in the pain of my heart, and through the tears in my eyes.  And I’ll simply leave you with some passages of confidence and assurance in this ONE who gave Himself for you and me.

“Therefore we are always confident,

knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body,

we are absent from the Lord:

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

8 We are confident, I say,

and willing rather

to be absent from the body,

and to be present with the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 5:6-8

And as Peter reminds us:]

“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 5:6-7

And Jesus word for each of us:

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30.

Amen & Amen!!!

They Saw The Star And Followed!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #611

18 Wednesday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Christmas IS?, Follow Jesus, Follow The Star?, From the manger To the Cross, HOPE, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Look UP

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #611  They Saw The Star And Followed!!!

 

I love the night sky—the stars, the moon, the wonder of light shining in the dark.  How amazing that God uses truths of the sky to reveal to us the wonder of being light (and salt) in this world of darkness and corruption!  God used a ‘star’ in the night sky to announce to wise men from the east, that the Jewish Messiah—the King of the Jews—had arrived.  So, these men took off on an amazing journey to find this ‘newborn king’; they followed the star, and “rejoiced with exceeding great joy”, presenting their gifts as they had come “to worship him”!  What about you?  What are you following?  Have you set your sights on the sinking sands of the world, or have you set your 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.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

Matthew records the strange arrival of these wisemen (and no, we don’t know how many or exactly where they came from) who came to worship the ‘newborn king’)!

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea

in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east

to Jerusalem,

2 Saying,

Where is he

that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star in the east,

and are come

to worship him.”  Matthew 2:1-2

So, my simple thoughts for us today are, have you seen HIS star?  Have you come to bow down and worship HIM?  Have you bowed your knee before this babe in the manger?  Or are you missing the light that God sent to not only ‘show us the way’, but to BE the way?  Will you follow the ‘star’ from the manger to the cross?

“When they had heard the king,

they departed;

and, lo, the star,

which they saw in the east,

went before them,

till it came and stood

over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down,

and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts;

gold,

and frankincense,

and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:9-11

I’m so glad Jesus took on flesh and blood and came to be our redeemer; paying our sin debt.  Yet you and I must not only see the star but come to Him in repentance and faith; believing that He is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”! He is the only “way”—the only “star” that leads to life.  Won’t you make this your best Christmas ever, and come to HIM for salvation, if you haven’t already?  And if you do know Him and His ‘redeeming grace’, won’t you determine to be a reflection of HIS light, love and truth?  Let’s tie this up in a bow with a couple of passages that clearly reveal HIM for who HE is—not just a baby in a manger, but the LORD of ALL!

“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

One of the most wonderful portraits of how to follow our “star”, Jesus, is painted by Paul in Philippians 2!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ

is Lord,

to the glory

of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11

Merry Christmas—and may the “mind” of the Redeemer pervade your life!  After all, the question isn’t “will you bow”; for “every knee” will bow; the question is, ‘will you bow before Him as your Lord and Savior now, while you have the opportunity?’; or ‘will you bow before HIM as your judge with no opportunity for salvation?’  The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!

And one last word from the Apostle Peter who put it so concisely:

“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

It was true then, it’s still true today!

Amen and Amen!