Category Archives: By His Grace

Faithfully Standing For ____??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #704

20 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in By Him We Live, By His Grace, Confidence or Presumption?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, Nebuchadnezzars & Daniels, Sovereignty, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wisdom

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #704  Faithfully Standing For ____???

 

“And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be

as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray

standing in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen

of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father

which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.”  Matthew 6:5-6

This may seem like an odd continuation of our study of Daniel’s character, but in our last session, I believe we saw this principle in action!  Daniel and his friends didn’t whine and complain that they couldn’t “obey”; they didn’t make demands of their “captors”—or if you would, their adversaries—rather they behaved with respect toward those who were over them and went to God with their plight!  How about you and me?  Now, don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with public prayer that lifts others and calls our hearts to join in praise, adoration, and petition for those in need (even ourselves), but we are talking about taking our issues before God rather than men!  Why?  Because if it is God that we truly know and serve, then He should always be our first source of help!  OH, that I could learn to do this better and continually!  For, you see, we have something that Daniel and his friends didn’t have, the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide, teach and support us—God in us and with us continually, the very promise of the New Covenant!  Jesus’ own promise to His followers—even us!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall

teach you all things,

and bring

all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said

unto you.”  John 14:25-26

Now don’t presume on this promise—it is not a promise for instant “knowledge” or “wisdom” from God, but Jesus said that His Holy Spirit would bring things to our “REmembrance”; but if you haven’t taken the time to “member” God’s Word and know His ways by study, exercising truth, and applying it to your life, you won’t have anything to “REmember”!  I love what the author of Hebrews proclaims to God’s children—we have a King and we have been given the privilege to come to HIM who is on the throne—boldly!  Not presumptuously, but as a little child who knows “my daddy” can take care of anything!  Where are you running to when you are in need?  Won’t you stand with me and join Daniel in staying before that amazing and wonderful throne of God!  He is always ‘right’, and ‘right here’ when we will avail ourselves of HIS presence!

“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

Now maybe I’m the only one, but I find that my needs are ever present and continual—oh, to be found pursuing HIS presence and supply rather than my own, or the flimsy solutions of the world!  That was Daniel’s very way of life, even in his youth.  And I praise God for those young friends who encourage my heart that God is still raising up young people who love HIM and are ready to seek, serve and share HIM with others!  Let us be faithful to pray for our young people as we encourage them to Bible study and holy living; even as the Apostle Paul encouraged his young protégé, Timothy, to pursue God with courage, and not be stopped short because of his youth!

“For bodily exercise profiteth little:

but godliness is profitable unto all things,

having promise of the life that now is,

and of that which is to come.

9 This is a faithful saying

and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both

labour

and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God,

who is the Saviour of all men,

specially of those that believe.

11 These things

command and teach.

12 Let no man

despise thy youth;

but be thou an example

of the believers,

in word,

in conversation,

in charity,

in spirit,

in faith,

in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:8-12

And may I just add that Daniel was a perfect example of this kind of godly commitment to faithful seeking, serving and sharing his faith in God; and we’ll begin our look at chapter 2 in our next post, but I do want to share a portion to whet your appetite, to recognize the understanding and wisdom of these young men of faith who found themselves serving a Nebuchadnezzar!  How about you?  Are you resting in this awesome GOD, or something less?  Do you know HIM in all these characteristics?

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God

for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth

the times and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known

unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known

unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

May God encourage your heart today and remind each of us, that no matter what “Nebuchadnezzars” we may live under—God is still KING, and HE still expects us to “quit you like men” and live faithfully like we believe what we profess!  God is still on HIS throne—and HE “never says oops”!

Amen and Amen!!!

A County Fair Christian??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 15

03 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, By His Grace, Changed Lives, County Fair Christian, Faith, Faithful, Faithfulness, False Lives, God Knows His Own, God Who Sees

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 15  A County Fair Christian???

 

I love the county fairs in south Mississippi and try to go down at that time of year as often as I can.  While we have county fairs here in Oklahoma, I love the fairs in the deep south; but one thing they all have in common is that they usually include livestock shows.  A livestock show is where people (mostly young people) bring their livestock to show and compete against other’s animals.  You’ll find pigs, cattle, sheep and horses among other various animals all on display seeking a blue ribbon.  You will find cleaned up pigs, cows, and even household pets at the fair; but no matter how much soap, powder, spray and polish the owners use before the show, when they get back to the farm, guess what?  Those animals will be back in their normal habitat, for no matter how much they are “fluffed-up” for the show, they are still pigs, sheep or cows, and they are still what they are, they didn’t change their nature just their environment.

The same can be true of some professing believers in Jesus!  Peter talks about false teachers/preachers in his second letter, and his words are what I want us to consider today; as I am often wont to say, “saying so doesn’t make it so”!

“These are wells without water,

clouds that are carried with a tempest;

to whom the mist of darkness is reserved

for ever.

18 For when they speak

great swelling words of vanity,

they allure

through the lusts of the flesh,

through much wantonness,

those that were clean escaped

from them who live in error.

19 While they promise them liberty,

they themselves

are the servants of corruption:

for of whom a man is overcome,

of the same is he brought in bondage.

20 For if after they have escaped

the pollutions of the world

through the knowledge of the Lord

and Saviour Jesus Christ,

they are again entangled therein,

and overcome,

the latter end

is worse with them

than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them

not to have known the way

of righteousness,

than, after they have known it,

to turn from the holy commandment

delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them

according to the true proverb,

The dog is turned

to his own vomit again;

and the sow that was washed

to her wallowing in the mire.”    2 Peter 2:17-22

In fact, I believe this entire second chapter is the most succinct description of false teachers in scripture.  It’s why we are committed to sharing The Word of God, and helping others know truth; for while the times may change—God’s Word never does! (And without Jesus a pig/dog is still a pig/dog—county fair or not!)

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Jesus describes Himself as “the beginning and the end”, the very essence of God—ever working in His own.

“God,

who at sundry times

and in divers manners

spake in time past unto the fathers

by the prophets,

 2 Hath in these last days

spoken unto us

by his Son,

whom he hath appointed

heir of all things,

by whom also

he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things

by the word of his power,

when he had by himself

purged our sins,

sat down

on the right hand

of the Majesty on high;”   Hebrews 1:1-3

“I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning

and the ending,

saith the Lord,

which is,

and which was,

and which is to come,

the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8

“I and my Father are one.”  John 10:30

In other words, Jesus is the final Word; He is creator, Lord, The Word—the spoken Word and the Living Word.  And HE never changes—and neither does HIS Word!

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was

in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

And “the Word” came to fulfill all that scripture declared about HIM—both His first coming, and HIS return; His timing is perfect in God’s plan!

“Think not that I am come to destroy

the law,

or the prophets:

I am not come to destroy,

but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you,

Till heaven and earth pass,

one jot or one tittle

shall in no wise pass from the law,

till all be fulfilled.”   Matthew 5:17-18

As we compare these things with what Peter penned in 2 Peter chapter 2, we see that God’s Word has stood the test of time and will continue to stand until “all” is fulfilled.  It also tells us that God knows those who are genuinely HIS; for God changes not only the outside, as cleaning a pig for a show, but HE makes all things new in HIS own.  And even when we stumble and fall, God is ever working to conform us into the image of HIS Son.  (See 2 Peter 1:19-21)

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 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 1:11-13

“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;”    2 Corinthians 5:17-18

“And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say

to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”   Romans 8::28-31

Paul told Timothy that God knows HIS own!  We may not be able to know, but God can and does!

“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 2:19

Our job, as God’s children, is to yield everything in our life to our LORD and accomplish HIS purpose; to give God the glory in all our life, is an evidence that I have been changed by the blood of Jesus and transformed into God’s child.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Paul commands us to draw near to our Lord—presenting ourselves to Him as a “living sacrifice”—our life devoted to and focused on the Lord Jesus whose name we claim!

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

So, are you a county fair Christian, who can wash off his “faith” when it’s unnecessary; or one who truly belongs to Jesus, and lives for HIM in all things—good, bad or mundane!  The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!

“So then every one of us shall give account

of himself to God.”  Romans 14:12.

Amen!!!

Show Or Substance??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #670

24 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Believe IN Jesus, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, God Is In Charge, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, He Died That We Could Live, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Saves!, Just Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Resting In Jesus, Salvation, The Blood Of Jesus, TODAY, Trials, Trusting Jesus?, Victorious Living

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #670  Show Or Substance???

 

It’s been a challenging week for a lot of reasons, but mainly just the ups and downs of life, grief and the world around us; so I would like us to consider what we are depending on—where is our hope—who is our security—how do we press on?  The only certain answer to all of those questions is Jesus!  And because He loves us, HE came to give us life—abundant life, and pardon just as The Father promised.

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:7-9

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, He came to save, even though it would cost Him His life’s blood; He came to die, to save you and me—He willingly came to die that we might live!

“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.”  John 3:14-18

God loves us, He hates the sin that plagues us, so He had already made the plan for our salvation before we needed it!  He knew and HE created us anyway!  (See John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; and 1 Peter 1:20) What amazing love—a love that is here for you, if you will but reach out and take His hand—receiving His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for your sin and mine!  The Psalmist said it better than I can.

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help

and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him,

because we have trusted

in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O LORD,

be upon us,

according as we hope in thee.”  Psalms 32:22

Jesus IS our hope and confidence, as I’m often heard to say, “My confidence is in Jesus, not the government nor the weatherman!”  And praise God we can rest assured that our God reigns in all and is accomplishing HIS purposes all around us; and when we keep our eyes on HIM and walk in trust and obedience, we will find HE is the “substance” not just a “flash in the pan” show!  He is the only One who can not only give us abundant life but sustain us in it—and it in us!!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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 10:9-11

Are you HIS sheep?  Or are you putting on a show for the seeming benefit of others?  Remember there is only One way to God, and HIS name is Jesus!  And while you may be able to fool the world, you can’t fool God!  Remember:

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And Jesus said it best!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say

to me

in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:21-23

Are you trusting in what “you” say, or what “Jesus has done” for you and me?

On a side note, I’ve been thinking a lot about my daughter this week, and as I was pondering on Psalm 23, God’s Word spoke to my heart in a new way.  As David encouraged us to know that even though we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”,  it doesn’t necessarily refer to just our own journey through that valley, but the journey that we sometimes have to take through that valley due to the death of someone else.  Yet God is still faithful, and HE is faithful to me now, as I continue to walk through this time of grief, sorrow, and sadness, yet my eyes can bring comfort to my soul as I look heavenward knowing that I need not “fear” any evil because just as David said,

“I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me”!

So, I pray that today you will hear the voice of The One who gave Himself for our salvation and that we might receive HIS “abundant” life; life IN Himself!  And if you don’t know Him, I pray that you will hear His voice today, and open your heart’s door to His call.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus IS My Source Of Strength!!!

06 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, By His Grace, Dependence, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, JESUS, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #649 Jesus IS My Source Of Strength!!!

 

As many are struggling around us with the current crises, I simply want to take the time today to share with you some scriptures of encouragement.  We all need to remember WHO is the source of life, hope, and salvation—Jesus!

“I will love thee, O LORD,

my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn of my salvation,

and my high tower.”  Psalm 18:1-2

He (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is our “high tower”, and so much more.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Oh, how often I run into that “strong tower” when no one sees, when no one knows, when no one else understands—for HE reminds me that I am safe in HIS arms, under His wings there is comfort, help and restoration!

“Be merciful unto me, O God,

be merciful unto me:

for my soul trusteth in thee:

yea, in the shadow of thy wings

will I make my refuge,

 until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high;

unto God

that performeth all things for me.”   Psalm 57:1-2

How often I need to be reminded that my strength comes when I kneel—rather than when I try to stand in my own strength, wisdom or power!  He is my all in all—always!

“Where there is neither

Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all,

and in all.” Colossians 3:11

We can know that Christ Jesus is in us, because He has promised His Holy Spirit to all who come to Him in repentance and faith, in fact The Holy Spirit in us IS the evidence that we are HIS!  And Jesus gave us His promise that His Spirit will be with us.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall teach you

all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said

unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”   John 14:25-27

And may the words of Paul comfort and encourage us to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”, and not only receive His comfort and strength but share HIM with those around us!

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing

one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word or deed,

do all

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:15-17

“Now the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace in believing,

that ye may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13

Amen and Amen!!!

Me First!!! Really??? Not New!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #646

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, By His Grace, Faithfulness, Giving Or Taking?, Helping The Needy, Holy Living

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #646   Me First!!!  Really???  Not New!!!

 

While we live in a “me” culture, and it’s sure busy right now, our Lord calls us to a higher calling of loving God and loving and caring for others before self—“ME”!  Ouch!  I thought we were supposed to pursue “self” sufficiency?  Jesus calls us to a higher pursuit—the call of God to reach, help and love others.

“And he came to Capernaum:

and being in the house he asked them,

What was it that ye disputed

among yourselves by the way?

34 But they held their peace:

for by the way they had disputed

among themselves,

who should be the greatest.

35 And he sat down,

and called the twelve,

and saith unto them,

If any man desire to be first,

the same shall be last of all,

and servant of all.”   Mark 9:33-35

The disciples of Jesus were just like you and I—men of flesh and bone—men with human longings and desires—men who wanted to succeed and advance; and while there is nothing wrong with the pursuit of excellence, there can be something wrong with seeking ‘self’ before God and others.

Jesus gave the disciples another lesson on this same subject which I think worthy of our consideration in the present distress–always.  What is our focus?  What is our pursuit?  What is our desire?  To please God and help others, or to come out ahead?  While we do have limitations in what we can do right now, where we can go, or how many we can meet with, we can still care for others within the legal limitations we are under.  Phone calls are permitted.  Text messages are permitted.  Letters are permitted.  Walking down the street is permitted—even with a smile instead of a frowning complaint!  What are we willing to do with our time, talents, and resources?  Has God asked you to serve someone that is out of your way?  Has He placed someone on your heart to minister to, and you’ve just sloughed it off, or put it off until the present distress is passed?  Are we wanting recognition, or is our heart yielding to our Master to minister to others as we have opportunity and means?  Jesus elevated service over self!  What are you and I doing with that call?

“But Jesus called them to him,

and saith unto them,

Ye know that they which are accounted

to rule over the Gentiles

exercise lordship over them;

and their great ones

exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you:

but whosoever

will be great among you,

shall be your minister:

44 And whosoever of you

will be the chiefest,

shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man

came not to be ministered unto,

but to minister,

and to give his life

a ransom for many.”   Mark 10:42-45

What will we give our life to? For?  May we all look around and meet the needs that God brings into our view?  Take some time today to pray and look around you, God may be calling you to meet a need.  Blessings on your day!  Amen!