Category Archives: Comfort

Bible Ballistics: BBs #710. COMFORTABLE

17 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Sovereignty, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #710  COMFORTABLE???

A Guest Post from my friend Taryn Spurlock

When you search the definition of COMFORTABLE you may find “providing a position of contentment and security.” Eleven months ago, I received a phone call from a sweet mentor asking me to consider writing occasionally for her blog. Eleven months ago, we were facing the beginning of a “historical event” known as The Covid-19 Pandemic. Here I sit today as a witness of another “historical event” all within a year’s time. This time we are facing multiple states experiencing historic cold temperatures and snowfall. This is just plain crazy. You know you have said the exact same thing.

The past few days have brought on so many challenges to stay warm, prevent damage to our homes and businesses, and our personal family favorite (NOT) virtual learning! However, my observations the past 24 hours have stirred my heart to think of the word “comfortable.” Please give me a moment to explain.

Multiple states and millions of people have been asked to turn off as much as possible to conserve energy. They are asking us to look at the “long haul” to avoid long term issues. Here are some comments that I have heard:

    • “Ummm… there are subzero temperatures out there and you want us to turn down the heater? It’s cold! I’ll freeze!”
    • “How do I keep my pipes from bursting?”
    • “How come I experienced my power being turned off but those people over there didn’t? Not fair!”
    • “How come the internet is running slow?”
    • “Don’t they know I pay them to have all the power I want!”
    • “My kids deserve to have fun and not have to do school work!”
    • “I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

These words keep coming to my mind:

When God wants you to grow, He makes you uncomfortable.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”                   Matthew 5:3-12

How many times do we find ourselves having those same types of complaints with God?

    • “God, have you seen my schedule? I don’t have time to do ministry and have any time to relax.”
    • “God, you want me to give 10% of MY EARNINGS? Seriously! I worked for that!”
    • “God, I go to church, I teach on Wednesdays, I serve on the welcome team, and THEY get their prayers answered and I don’t?!?!?”
    • “God, I need you to give me an answer NOW! Quit being soooo slow! I don’t have time for this!”
    • “God, I tithed… NOW GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!”
    • “God, I know our family has missed church several Sundays this year, but this team means the world to my kid and they deserve to have a fun childhood.”
    • “God, I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

Yep… I’ve said some things like this in 35 years… I admit.

GOD DOES NOT CALL US TO COMFORT. 

We want to serve God, but we also want to remain comfortable. But if we’re honest, true spiritual growth happens in our most uncomfortable seasons of life.

I’m currently going through a study about Elijah. When I read these words today regarding Deuteronomy 29:16-29, they stopped me.

“Despite the fact that these negative results of the people’s disobedience would adversely affect Elijah too — such as the land being “unsown and unproductive” so that “no grass grows in it” (Duet. 29:23) — he was brave enough and committed to God enough that he still prayed for it. Out there in Gilead, in the remote starting point of Elijah’s ministry — the starting point of his process — he had developed such a commitment to Yahweh that he was willing to pray for His will to be done above all else, EVEN ABOVE HIS OWN COMFORT.”   

-Priscilla Shirer, ‘Elijah’

It is my prayer that I take the uncomfortable moments in my life, in the past and in the future, and seek how God wants me to grow instead of complaining or comparing. They are a part of my testimony; therefore, they are part of my ministry. God sees “the long haul” when He takes us to uncomfortable places.

Thank you God, for the cold, gray, and uncomfortable days. Use them for Your Glory and may we seek to see the beauty in those moments.

Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12

06 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Encouragement, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12 Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU???

 

I have a very brief and simple word for today—God’s is trustworthy, and we don’t have to fear what HE is doing.

“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 56:3-4

Even when we are facing uncertain days, as we are now on every hand, we can count on God to direct our steps.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement for you and me!  While things in the world may alarm or distress us, it’s just natural to experience fear or alarm; when our health is less than stellar, or the people that we love are plagued by uncertain futures, our God is still in charge.

“For God hath not given us

the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Paul assured Timothy that God gives us what we need to be successful in His kingdom, and we don’t have to let fear rule our hearts, minds or our lives!  Fear is an emotion, not a sin, but when we let sin take control of us, it can lead us to sin.  That is why we must remember where we are grounded, and that is in Jesus Christ and Him alone; keeping our eyes on Him, and our hearts and minds steeped in HIS Word!

“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

Even the author of Hebrews assures us that wherever we go, or whatever we do, we are never alone, and we can walk in confidence with our God.  It’s been a little uncertain and precarious at our house lately, and maybe you are having uncertain things encircle you and yours; but I am here to remind you that we need not fear, but just keep our eyes on our Jesus for HE is always there.  And no matter the need HE knows—and HE cares.  You can trust to HIS care and come into HIS presence with confidence!

“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

“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

Chapter 13 of Hebrews continues with a powerful message of assurance!

“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

So, friends, my word to you (and me) is that we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that HE never fails, and we can trust that HE is working all things for our good and to His glory.  I trust HIM!!!  Do you???  Remember—He IS coming back—He wins, and so do we!  So, let’s serve Him fearlessly and faithfully in all we do, no matter the trials or difficulties that we encounter; remember don’t let fear rule your decisions and your life!  Instead, let Jesus rule—HE will always lead you rightly—without fear!

“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

As God told Isaiah:

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

That kind of says it all….God’s got you and whatever your “it” is!  God’s got “it”—and “YOU”!!!  Trust HIM—HE never fails!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

My Weakness–His Canvas??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #695

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Comfort, Encouragement, Job, Strength-vs-weakness, Strong Tower

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #695  My Weakness—His Canvas???

 

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Paul had an amazing testimony of God’s sufficiency to not only meet our needs, but to bless us and use our weakness as a canvas of HIS grace, strength and provision.  We often don’t see God’s plans at a particular time, but when we KNOW HIM, we learn that we can trust to HIS faithful care.

The author of Hebrews told us that those who walk in faith, even when they don’t see what’s really going on, or understand the ways of their Lord, keep trusting HIM.  That my friends, is real faith, not getting your own way all the time, or dictating to God! (For a real blessing of faith, read all of Hebrews 11).

“Who through faith

subdued kingdoms,

wrought righteousness,

obtained promises…

…out of weakness were made strong,

waxed valiant in fight,

turned to flight the armies of the aliens…

… 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:.” (Yet!)                              Portions of Hebrews 11:33-39

I love what Job said and quote it frequently—and you can trust in it too! So, let’s look at two of Job’s mighty declarations of faith—beyond what his eyes saw at the time!  Now, remember that Job was sharing this testimony with his “so-called” friends, in defense of their accusations of his supposed ‘wrong-doing’’, trust God’s opinion, not men’s!

“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

Job knew that, God was not only faithful, but that Messiah would come, and his faith would end in sight—regardless of his own physical death!  His canvas revealed God’s work even when the world didn’t recognize it!  Ours can too!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19: 25-27

I simply share these truths with you that we can all take heart in difficult days, knowing that our God reigns—and JESUS is coming again soon!  Take heart my friends and look up!  God’s canvas in your life can make a difference—trust HIM!

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption

draweth nigh.”  Luke 21:28

Ready or NOT?  Here He comes!   Amen and Amen!!!

Cast Your Cares Upon Jesus!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #684

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Comfort, Confidence, Praise God Today!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #684. Cast Your Cares Upon Jesus???

 

I’d simply like to share a brief word of encouragement with you this morning. It’s a word that has been ringing in my heart and mind today amidst all the chaos around us.  Regardless if your cares are financial, or political, or just the stresses of time, work and getting things done, or waiting on others—God knows—God cares—and God is still God.  God is good all the time—it’s not just what HE does, it’s WHO HE IS!

“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.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary

the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking

whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

God cares about you—the big issues and the small; the known and the unknown (to you); the plain and the confusing things that loom before you.  He knows and He cares; and we are called to humble ourselves before Him knowing that HE IS working for our good and His glory in ways that we can’t always see.  Daniel understood this and his prayer in crises was in humility and dependence upon his God, and Daniel’s response to God’s answer to his and his friends’ prayers is one of the most insightful passages on God’s character in all of scripture.  I pray that it will encourage your heart and lift your eyes heavenward knowing that our God reigns in all things!

“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

I ‘pray’ that you will spend some time pondering the care of God Almighty for you and me!  No matter the things that loom on your horizon—God’s ‘sonshine’ will make them clear in HIS time.

Trust Him,

rest in Him

and continue to pray

in confidence that God HAS the problems

and YOU!

“Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you”!

Amen and Amen!

God Always Knows??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21

02 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Comfort, Compassion, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21     God Always Knows???

 

“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

HE knows….   What an amazing truth on which I stand and take great comfort.  It has been a difficult day, and the comfort in my soul knowing that God has not only me in His hands, but those whom I love dearly.  Just as Job, in the midst of trials—trials that were allowed by his God—Job knew that God was in charge!  And with Job, I proclaim as he did:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”   Job 13:15

We all make choices—choices to trust God or not.  To believe in Him or not; to trust God or the world and its lies instead!  Yet through all of the grief and sorrow of these recent months (after the loss of my daughter) my confidence is not in my own strength, but in the solace and comfort that God continues to supply!  God’s comfort is the strength of my heart, soul and mind, and I thank Him for the many reminders of His presence and His provision.

While I have good days and difficult days, God is ever at work to remind me of His faithfulness.  I have noticed that it has made me more sensitive to the losses and trials of those around me, and I have to say I am grateful when the tears come, whether for myself or in prayer for those I love and care for.  I am so grateful that God knows where I am and where those are whom I love and pray for; and while there is much suffering and many trials for the faithful going on around us, we can take comfort with the Psalmist that our God knows.  Let’s peruse the insight that David shares in Psalm 139.

“O LORD, thou hast searched me,

and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting

and mine uprising,

thou understandest my thought

afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path

and my lying down,

and art acquainted

with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue,

but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me

behind

and before,

and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high,

I cannot attain unto it.”   Psalm 139:1-6

David reminds us that God is–as he said elsewhere— “a very present help in trouble”!  I am so glad that I am not alone, that God knows not only what I have been through, but what I face today and even tomorrow.  Praise God, I know “who holds tomorrow”—and today, and the yesterdays that I have entrusted to His healing grace!

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit?

or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven,

thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness

hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth

as the day:

the darkness and the light

are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

thou hast covered me

in my mother’s womb.”   Psalm 139:7-13

David so clearly reveals to us his unwavering faith in the true nature of God Almighty, The One who not only knows our past, but our present and our future; and He is ever the sovereign God over all—the good, the bad and the unpleasant.  He is sufficient to our every need.

“But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever

and ever. Amen.”  Philippians 4:19-20

David gives us even more insight as we continue with Psalm 139:

“I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

when I was made in secret,

and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance,

yet being unperfect;

and in thy book

all my members were written,

which in continuance were fashioned,

when as yet

there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

O God!

how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them,

they are more in number than the sand:

when I awake,

I am still with thee.”   Psalm 139:14-18

You/I are truly “fearfully and wonderfully made” by this amazing God of Gods, and King of Kings.  I pray that you will join me and rejoice in the glory of our sovereign Lord of all.  He can be trusted, and as David said, “marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”!  I hope you know this God who loves you and me, and that you will find comfort and peace in His presence!  He loves you more than you can imagine.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them

that love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Will you love HIM?  He loves you enough to die for YOU!  And HIS comfort is unparalleled!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:3-5

May I simply say, as God comforts me, He enables me to help bring comfort to you and others, so that we can share HIS comfort with those He brings across our path!  Won’t you receive of His consolation and pass it on!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

Amen and Amen!!!