Category Archives: Changed Lives

Forgiven??? Forgotten??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 04

10 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, I Can Do All Things?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.04    Forgiven??? Forgotten???

 

I’ve been thinking about things from the past lately and want to share some thoughts with you.  I’m not trying to “dig up bones”, so to speak, but I do want to maybe share some insight that I pray will help someone.  I especially pray that you can share this with your children and grandchildren, especially the teens (who so often think they are invincable, and that their choices have nothing to do with their future!).

The first thing that I want to share is that the love of God saves us from “all” sin—past, present and future!

“The LORD is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger,

and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide:

neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us

after our sins;

nor rewarded us

according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,

so great is his mercy

toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is

from the west,

so far hath he removed

our transgressions from us.”  Psalm 103:12

God’s mercy and grace are truly amazing, and we can rest assured of His forgiveness when we come to Jesus and are born again. God has never withheld His forgiveness to those who come to Him through faith in Jesus death, burial and resurrection for sin!  And while the “love” of God is truly unconditional, His forgiveness IS totally conditioned on a person’s response to the Gospel.  It’s only Jesus who saves, delivers and forgives—all through His blood shed for me and you.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power

of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”    Colossians 1:12-14

What we sometimes forget, is that forgiveness isn’t an eraser that God uses to eliminate our past—good, bad or indifferent; even though sometimes that causes people to doubt God’s forgiveness.   God’s forgiveness is dependable and secure, but we don’t “forget” the life that we have lived with its opportunities and choices; choices made by us which have consequences that can’t be erased.  But they can be eased in our memory, and God often grants us His grace to redeem and restore the outcomes from some of those choices—but not always.

“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.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”    Joel 2:25-26

I take great comfort from this passage, especially in regard to the past, my past, and I pray that it will bring encouragement to you; no matter what situations you find yourself in—whether dealing with choice making or unwanted consequences.  This is a principle that we often fail to convey to the younger generations—we are each free to make our own choices, but we are NOT free to set the consequences of those choices. And the consequences will come—maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but they will come.  I am sharing this hoping to help you “stand fast in the evil day”; for the enemy will come against us with a vengeance using those issues that we can’t erase.

When these things arise, there is another passage that gives me great comfort from Paul’s letter to the Romans, let’s peruse its depths and mine the treasure of God’s faithful Word!

“There is therefore now

no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life

in Christ Jesus

hath made me free

from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak

through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law

might be fulfilled

in us,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”   Romans 8:1-4

Jesus paid the price for our (my) sin at Calvary so that we are able to be forgiven and restored to a place of joy.  Paul was answering a question that he put forth in chapter 7, “who can deliver us”!  And the answer is, only God can–through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—provide the sacrifice which imparts forgiveness of sin and restoration to a relationship with God (“Peace with God” is how Paul describes it in Romans 5:1), and a life that can be lived by the power of God’s Spirit within us!  Even when we fail as believers, God has already provided for our restoration to useful service.

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”   1 John 1:9

David also shows us the beauty of God’s work of forgiveness, healing and restoration of our fellowship with Him!  And it is this beauty which encourages my heart when those unpleasant things raise their ugly heads!

“Hide thy face

from my sins,

and blot out

all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness,

O God, thou God of my salvation:

and my tongue shall sing aloud

of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips;

and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice;

else would I give it:

thou delightest not

in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God

are a broken spirit:

a broken

and a contrite heart, O God,

thou wilt not despise.”   Psalm 51:9-17

David brought his sin and failure to God in contrition, repentance, and a desire to have GOD restore him back to intimate fellowship after his personal sin. And while God honored David’s request, there were still consequences for David in that forgiveness.  Yet remember that God is ever at work in us, using even our errors and sin for His glory, and our good, with His paint brush of grace.

“For as many as are led

by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received

the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received

the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:”   Romans 8:14-16

It is God’s power that restores His own, and as we looked at Hebrews 12 recently, those who are God’s will be disciplined by God (child training in all areas), for  God doesn’t waste anything in our lives, even our past failures and sin, our present difficulties, and even the future is His to use in our lives to make us more like Jesus.  Paul gives us God’s assurance that HE is at work in us always. The issue is whether or not I/we will yield to God’s hand and learn the lessons that He is teaching, or will I/we resist His work, and keep having to ‘re-learn’ His principles over and over again.  And while we may be weak, we are never alone!

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth

our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 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 8:26-31

God’s Word says it so wonderfully, and we can be assured of our total security IN Jesus!

“For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

 nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39

So, whatever the enemy throws against you or me—we can overcome every time because:

“If God be for us,

who can be against us?”

 because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”   1 John 4:4

My point is, no matter how far we have come, the enemy is ever trying to derail us, but God is greater than our enemy!  Yet I want us to understand that our choices in life are important.  They are important to us personally, they are important to others whom we influence, and they are important to God, that we will be a vessel of Honor in His kingdom, and not a shame to our King!

“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.

20 But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold

and of silver,

but also of wood

and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself

from these,

he shall be a vessel

unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”    2 Timothy 2:19-22

So, may you ever know that God is at work in us, even when we mess up; but when we mess up, we can find forgiveness and restoration in Jesus.  The thing I want us to grasp and pass on to those in our circle of influence, is that once the words come out of our mouth, we can never take them back.  When we do things that harm ourselves or others, we can never put things back like they were before.  You can never “unhear” or “unsee” that which may defile the heart, mind and soul!  We may be able to restore some things, and some relationships, but others, once lost may never be regained—whether it’s because of our failure or our stand for Jesus.  Simply walk “in the Spirit” and guard your heart with God’s help—and check every thought at the door of Philippians 4:8!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

I can walk in victory over past, present and future, and so can YOU!!   Amen and Amen!!!

 

Brides And Heaven??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #520

04 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Brides And Heaven, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Marriage

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #520   Brides And Heaven???

 

When we think of winter, we don’t think much about weddings; we think of weddings in the spring and summer, but the thing I’d like us to consider this morning is the fact that in our culture we have come to consider “Brides” and “weddings” without any consideration for the “marriage”! It came to my mind this morning as I pondered on this article that we think much the same way about heaven, as an old song goes, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die!” (As best as I can determine, written by Loretta Lynn [not the modern version]). We have reduced the Gospel to a ticket to heaven with no relationship to God through His Son Jesus, no dealing with sin, and no bowing before the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved and “transformed” by His sacrifice and His Spirit!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness

of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14

You see, we must understand that just as a wedding ought to have a good marriage as its end, a salvation that takes one to heaven must encompass the changing of a heart and life by the power of the blood of Jesus, because SIN IS the issue, and only Jesus can change a sinner into a saint.

“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.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Jesus saves, reconciles and delivers men, women, boys and girls from sin! It’s what HE came to do!

“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

Jesus imparts to us HIS righteousness in exchange for our sin, then we are to share the Good News in power and truth!

“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 5:20-21

Jesus paid a debt HE didn’t owe, so that we could have life in Him, and also be empowered to walk in the righteousness “of God”, but only “in him”–JESUS! All this because God “made him to be sin for us”! HE paid my debt, and gives me HIS life! HE is the only way to heaven for you or me!

“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

No matter how much “everybody” wants to “go” to heaven, JESUS is still the only way—no matter how much the world waters down the truth of the Gospel. Be sure and read Matthew 7, and see what Jesus Himself has to say about those who simply “say” “Lord, Lord”, and don’t truly know Him in repentance and faith, receiving HIS “transforming” salvation! But what does that have to do with “Brides”? A lot really, for the same God, who sent Jesus, gave us marriage, and HE gave it to us as a true and holy picture of His desire to make us “one” with Him. Yet, we have become a culture that has made “weddings” the prime focus—with lots of money spent, extravaganzas put on, yet little or no attention given to the relationship of “one man” and “one woman” until death do us part! That is God’s plan and no matter what the world says, or how much we have drifted from the truth, God will hold us (especially the church who has compromised this issue beyond measure!) accountable for what we have done with The truth.

Now I’m not throwing rocks, for I also bought the lies for many years, messing up my own life and the lives of my children, as well as others around me who warned of the danger that I was taking on in rejecting God’s plan for my own “happiness” my own “way”! What about you? Have you compromised God’s truth because it is so rampant around us? Have you traded God’s truth for cultural “sensitivity”? God’s plan, His Word and His purpose for us has never changed—He loves us and has called us to walk His way, not our own. And we can only do that through the power of Jesus’ blood and His Holy Spirit, who is given to every one who comes to Him in repentance and faith!

“Be not thou therefore ashamed

of the testimony of our Lord,

nor of me his prisoner:

but be thou partaker of the afflictions

of the gospel

according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us,

and called us

with an holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to his own

purpose and grace,

which was given us

in Christ Jesus

before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest

by the appearing of our

Saviour Jesus Christ,

who hath abolished death,

and hath brought life and immortality

to light through the gospel:”   2 Timothy 1:8-10

The rules haven’t changed for ‘brides’ or ‘heaven’.

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:4-6

I pray that we will get back to The Truth, and spread the Good News by our lives, our words and our actions!!! It’s what God has called us to do! May we walk in HIS Spirit not our flesh!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh……..

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16 & 25

Amen and Amen!!!

Looking Ahead With Confidence??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #518

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Grace, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Spirit, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Perseverance, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Word, The Word Or The World?, TODAY, Tomorrow, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #518 Looking Ahead With Confidence???

 

As we approach a new year ahead, let’s take a few minutes to assess our progress. It is helpful to look back and consider our successes and our failures, and while I’m not much on making “resolutions” for the New Year, I do think we can benefit from asking God to help us see where we can improve our walk with HIM! As we seek His face and the leadership of His precious Holy Spirit, we can press on faithfully. And while not dwelling on it, we can consider our past while we pursue the present that God is calling us to! But remember that the enemy will try to keep us focused on our failures, paralyzing us to going forward with Jesus—don’t listen to him! Paul gives us some good advice in this arena.

“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.”   Philippians 3:13-14

We must accept the past as just that—passed! While our past will always affect our present and our future it doesn’t have to dictate our direction or paralyze us from serving our Lord! God has called us to be a reflection of HIS glory to a lost and dying world, and He will supply our every need as we walk forward in HIS service.

“But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people,

but are now the people of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

When we receive the mercy of God, we are equipped for HIS service, by His power and might—so we can go forward in confidence regardless of our past, for it has “passed”.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you

that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,”    Ephesians 4:1

We are His called, and He will accomplish His purpose in us as we yield to His Spirit, and walk in His strength, according to His Word and His grace. He is ever at work making us more like our Lord and Master, Jesus. You can take heart, for God is ever at work in and through His own.

“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

I pray that you know HIM, and will commit yourself anew to yield to His working in you. He is your shepherd and His voice is ever leading you, and if you haven’t been listening—you can change that today!!!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30

If you don’t know HIM—I pray that you will hear His voice and invite Him in to sit on the throne of your heart! He is calling—won’t you open the door today? I pray that God will make Himself real to YOU today, for as Jesus says:

“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

Don’t Miss The Little Things!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 01

12 Sunday Aug 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, The Little Things., To Me To Live Is?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 01 Don’t Miss The Little Things!!!

 

We often look at scripture cursorily (going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hastily; superficially) and miss things that can make a difference in how we understand what we are reading. I want us to consider a passage that has some small words that make a real difference.

“For to me

to live

is Christ,

and to die

is gain.”   Philippians 1:21

We often hear this verse quoted as “to live is Christ, and to dies is gain”, and while that is partially true, it gives a false impression of what Paul is saying, so we must look at the extended context of this passage and find that Paul said that “to me”, “to live is Christ”! Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers by sharing his sufferings for the sake of the gospel with them, he points out that many were being encouraged to boldness because of his perseverance in suffering. Yet not everyone was ‘living’ for Christ Jesus!

“And many of the brethren in the Lord,

waxing confident by my bonds,

are much more bold

to speak the word

without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ

even of envy

and strife;

and some also

of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention,

not sincerely,

supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love,

knowing that I am set

for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then?

notwithstanding, every way,

whether in pretence,

or in truth,

Christ is preached;

and I therein do rejoice,

yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation

through your prayer,

and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation

and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness,

as always,

so now also

Christ shall be magnified

in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.” Philippians 1:14-20

Paul can rejoice, though he is in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, glad that his fellow believers in Philippi are being encouraged and growing in grace despite his suffering (and theirs) for the Gospel of Jesus! He also reminds them that the gospel has not only genuine followers, but also detractors—yet God is still in charge!

Paul reminds them and us that we can have total confidence in truth, because God is ever at work in “all things” and that he was assured that “whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached”, and we can trust our God to glorify HIS Son! At the same time, I pray that we will grasp the confidence that Paul is sharing with us, that we can depend on our God to accomplish HIS purpose, even when we don’t understand what is going on as we work and testify for HIM! Paul reiterates His confidence in the faithfulness of God, the Philippians, and even shares his confidence that God will deliver him (“my salvation”=his salvation from prison not from sin!) through their prayers for him. All of this context leads to verse 21 that we started with—that Paul is confident in God’s plan for him whether he lives or dies—that is why he could proclaim that “to me to live, is Christ”, and while he would love to continue his ministry for Jesus in the flesh—he longs to be with Jesus—that is “gain”!!! Yet Paul was willing to do whatever God had for him to do, for as long as God saw fit for him to help others! How do we assess things—by God’s standard or our own? Are we serving God? Others? Or self? Can we take Paul’s words for our own?

“For to me

to live

is Christ,

and to die

is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh,

this is the fruit of my labour:

yet what I shall choose

I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two,

having a desire to depart,

and to be with Christ;

which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh

is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:21-24

This is the same principle that Paul shared with the Galatians in a little different way! To be where God wants us to be, doing what God wants us to do—for HIS glory, and the good of others as well as ourselves—the crucified life:

“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 

So as we consider these things, may we truly say that “to me” to lives is Jesus ‘living in me’? It is the prayer of my heart—that I can truly be a reflection of Jesus to those God places in my path, and you and I/we can only accomplish that as we “walk in the Spirit” and “abide” in Jesus.

“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

It’s all about leaning to ‘abide’ in HIM and ‘walk’ in the power and direction of His Holy Spirit, so that we can produce real fruit that brings Him glory—because it is all:

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

We need a mindset focused on pursuing God, continually desiring to hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant”, but the choice is ours. We choose the building materials of our life, and Paul describes the difference in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul had laid a foundation of truth when he shared the Gospel of Jesus with them—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, for our sin (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-7)–and we can only build on that foundation—the only foundation, Jesus—“the way….the truth….the life…” for “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”—there is only One Way! When we belong to Jesus we can choose to yield to His Spirit’s work and leading in us or we can try to “wing it” in our own strength and will—a blueprint for trouble—the difference between the precious building materials that Paul calls ‘gold, silver and precious stones’ and the futility of earthly things of ‘wood, hay and stubble’! What will you choose?

“According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation

can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

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

and that the Spirit of God

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

We can please God only when we do things His way, with His provision—only God can create ‘gold, silver and precious stones’—the are material elements of creation. On the other hand we can grow the basics materials of ‘wood, hay and stubble’—but the fire is the test. The things of God will pass through the fire; the other will leave only a pile of ashes!!! May we follow the example of our Savior and seek to do God’s work, God’s way!

“Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will of him

that sent me,

and to finish his work.” John 4:34

And to know God’s will and way we must pursue and long for His Words—even the small ones, if not especially the small ones! Paul faced these issues many years ago, yet they are still “alive and well” in our culture today. We must choose each day whether we will go His way or not! We must read all the words—big and small—and apply them to our lives, not just pick and choose to go our own way, justifying our disobedient choices as we go!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…….

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of

vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16, 22-26

Did you notice that little word, “if”? If we “live in the Spirit” we ought to “walk in the Spirit”, rather than to pursue “vain glory”, or to be “provoking”, or “envying one another”! Our “walk” needs to match our “talk”, as we sometimes hear in the modern proverb, “You may talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?” Many around us today are busy talking in a way that is provocative, full of envy and vain glory—self seeking seems to be the order of the day, rather than selfless pursuit of God’s purposes—may we ever choose Jesus’ way!

Simply put, I pray that we will keep our focus on our Lord Jesus, pursuing His pleasure not our own—not missing the little things because we’re in a hurry, or just don’t want to be bothered by the truth—feasting on His words, all of them! Glorying in Jesus not anything else!

“But God forbid that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

May we ever keep our focus on the cross, and the Savior who gave Himself for us there, growing more and more into HIS image. Looking to HIM in all things.

“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 12:2

May we join the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11, and as the gospel song says, “May all who come behind us find us faithful” (Find Us Faithful, by John Mohr), remembering that God is ever at work in us all the time—

in every way—         in every situation—

in every crisis—       in every triumph—

for our good and His glory—and God never says “oops”!

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s In Your Shaker??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 26

05 Sunday Aug 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Follow Jesus, He IS Alive!, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word

≈ 2 Comments

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 26 What’s In Your Shaker???

 

Ye are the salt of the earth: 

but if the salt have lost his savour, 

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing, 

but to be cast out, 

and to be trodden under foot of men. 

14 Ye are the light of the world. 

A city that is set on an hill 

cannot be hid. 

15 Neither do men light a candle, 

and put it under a bushel, 

but on a candlestick; 

and it giveth light

unto all 

that are in the house. 

16 Let your light so shine

before men, 

that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father 

which is in heaven.“” Matthew 5:13-16 

Jesus was teaching his disciples here, as well as the crowd that had gathered, and also those of us who will receive His words even now. He said that we are “the salt of the earth” as well as the “light of the world”. Salt and light are essentials of life, and when we receive “new life” in Jesus, through faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, we receive His life and presence to dwell within us, and that is how as well as what we are to share with others. But we can only share with others what we ourselves have received!

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received…..”     1 Corinthians 15:1-3a

This is one of my favorite passages, for when you continue on, it gives us what I call ‘the Gospel in a nutshell’! Paul presents a clear and concise definition of Biblical salvation—only One way—Jesus: The One who saves. Paul clearly writes that ‘sin’ is the issue—and the only cure for sin is the blood of Jesus. But what I don’t want us to miss today is that Paul also reminds us that he isn’t creating this message but he is simply passing on “that which I also received”! We too, can only share what we have “received”! Yet when we have received it, and not “believed in vain”, the proof of our salvation is the manifestation of Jesus’ life in us—we will have HIS ‘salt’ in our shaker—the salt of being ‘born again’ by the Spirit of God!!! Paul also tells us that there is a “vain” faith—as I’ve been known to say, “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!” The proof of our salvation isn’t just our words but our life. Our shaker will have Jesus’ salt coming out of our life, for according to Jesus, without the ‘savor’ salt is impotent.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not frui

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”    John 15:1-5

We need to be sure we have received Jesus’ redeeming grace and salvation, and that we aren’t depending on a pseudo salvation based on our works, ideas, or self-righteousness.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”    2 Corinthians 13:5

Even as Paul warns, we need to be sure that we belong to Jesus, that we have been “born again”! Even as Jesus says in John, a branch can do nothing of itself. If you cut a branch off of a tree, it dies because it has no ‘life’ in itself apart from the tree. A tree produces branches and not vice-versa—Jesus gives life to those who are dead in sin (whether natural branches or those grafted in—See Romans 11, a lesson for another time), and that’s everyone, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Ro. 3:23)—“But God”—praise God HE has provided—LIFE!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)”   Ephesians 2:1-5

The truth is we were all “dead in sins”, “But God” brings us to life in Jesus; He has “quickened us together with Christ” (‘quickened’ means to bring to life), and just as He raised Jesus from the dead, He quickens those who come to HIM in repentance and faith in Jesus The Lamb of God!

“For I delivered unto you

first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:”    1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Jesus paid the price for sin, and salvation in HIM births us into the family of God, imparting His Holy Spirit to us as our indwelling “comforter” and guide—the One who empowers us to live a victorious life, a shaker full of Jesus’ salt and light! Using the “salt” in our shaker in a way that preserves purifies and provides ‘seasoning’ to those around us in need of The Savior.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how

ye ought to answer

every man.” Colossians 4:5-6

We can know “how ye ought to answer every man” by The Holy Spirit who dwells within those who believe—because we not only have salt and light, but we ‘are’ “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”! Therefore we are to spread salt and light around in this dark and corrupted world by our very presence—sharing Jesus everywhere we go by the power of His Spirit, and the love of God, which has been imparted, to us. May we share what we have received—salvation in Jesus, peace with God, forgiveness of our sins–resulting in hope for the present and the future for ourselves and others, all because Jesus “died for the ungodly”—you and me! We ought to live a life that reflects the change that we have experienced by the blood of Jesus, manifesting His work in us, “being” the salt and light that God saves us to “BE” (not just do)! When we get the “being” right, the “doing” will come from Jesus—our source, our ‘savor’ and our ‘power’! All because of HIM!

“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.”   Romans 5:1-6

The Holy Ghost is imparted to each believer so we can live in the victory of these truths—the truth that when we live in the power of the cross, we can be salt and light in any situation and circumstance. Yet we must remember that light is supposed to shine, not be hidden, and salt is supposed to be “salty” not bland. But by the same token we aren’t to blind people with a ‘spot light’, or cause them to choke on brine! We are to live, shine and speak: “alway with grace, seasoned with salt”! And Jesus told us the very best way to reflect His glory and affect others is His love in us—coming out of that shaker!!!

“A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another;

as I have loved you,

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.”    John 13:34-35

So check your ‘shaker’ and be sure your source is Jesus, and then keep your shaker filled with HIS love, grace and truth, and spread it around—our world is in desperate need of Jesus!!!

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!