Category Archives: Commitment Or Convenience

Do We Still Have Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

22 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Judgment, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Just words won't do?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Drought!, Spiritual Procrastination, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Suffering With Jesus, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Right Jesus!, The Struggle IS Real?, The Word Or The World?, Time Is Grace!, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Too Late To Call?, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Unrighteousness, What are you listening to?, What does worldliness look like?, What's In Your Heart?, Who are YOU following?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!

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Do We Still Have Time???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

I want to share two passages of scripture for our consideration today.  They are portions of two of the letters that Jesus sent to two of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three.  I hope to dig into the entirety of the seven church letters that Jesus had John write, for they contain so much that we need to appraise today.  The Lord’s return is eminent and there is much to consider.  I chose these two for comparison today because we see that Jesus has a standard, and while He extends grace, mercy and love to His bride, there comes a place where He will tolerate no more.  I think it worth our time today.  And we may follow up with another next time, that is also pertinent (as they all are!). But for today, I want us to simply consider a very obvious difference between these two churches, so read these verses through and then I’ll make a few simple observations with the hope that we can return to them in more detail at a later date.  Remember this is Jesus’ assessment, not mine; I just want to point out the contrast!

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write;

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword

with two edges;

I know thy works,

and where thou dwellest,

even where Satan’s seat is:

and thou holdest fast my name,

and hast not denied my faith,

even in those days wherein Antipas

was my faithful martyr,

who was slain among you,

where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee,

because thou hast there them

that hold the doctrine of Balaam,

who taught Balac

to cast a stumblingblock

before the children of Israel,

to eat things

sacrificed unto idols,

and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them

that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,

which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:13-16

Here we have a church that allowed false teachers and leaders to bring in dangerous and heretical doctrine and teaching.  Without going into detail, this church was allowing immorality, idolatry, and division (of the sort that set some with “special” knowledge above others who were “lesser” believers—totally contrary to truth!). Note that Jesus reproves the church for allowing such into their midst, and Jesus recognized that they lived in a wicked culture (and no, Satan didn’t have a home there, but his presence, principles and perversions were rampant, much like today!) and had held fast to much of His truth, yet they had compromised in subtle and dangerous issues.

The thing I want us to take note of today is verse 16, where Jesus called them to repent (to eliminate the danger—the false teachers and leaders—from their midst.), to turn away from these things, and the people who were promoting them.  And He gives them an ultimatum:

 “Repent; or else

I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth”!

In Blanche’s paraphrase, “you can take care of this business, or I will come and do it myself!”  What a warning!  Will we heed the call of Jesus to keep His bride pure and ready for her call, or will we blindly accept the popular methods, plans, and programs to build Jesus’ church, or cling to the Gospel and trust to Jesus’ alone to guide, direct and teach us as we dig into HIS Word?

The other passage has some unique differences, and that is what I want us to consider in contrasting these two churches and Jesus’ message to each one.

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;

These things saith the Son of God,

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,

and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works,

and charity,

and service,

and faith,

and thy patience,

and thy works;

and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel,

which calleth herself a prophetess,

to teach

and to seduce my servants to commit fornication,

and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication;

and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed,

and them that commit adultery with her

into great tribulation,

except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death;

and all the churches shall know

that I am he which searcheth

the reins

and hearts:

and I will give unto every one of you

according to your works.

24 But unto you I say,

and unto the rest in Thyatira,

as many as have not this doctrine,

and which have not known the depths of Satan,

as they speak;

I will put upon you

none other burden.”  Revelation 2:18-24

Much like the church at Pergamos, Jesus was pleased with some things that were in the church, and in verse 24 He clearly reveals that there were those who were standing fast to Him, true doctrine, and biblical, godly behavior.  But He rebukes them for the false teachers, whose teaching and behavior was being permitted and practiced by His own children who were following the false ones whom they had permitted to lead them astray. They had welcomed the great “C” word, compromise, and compromise with God’s Word and the true Gospel of Jesus is a dangerous thing to play with.

The thing I most want us to notice and compare here are the differences in Jesus’ judgment upon them; in Pergamos Jesus gave them the opportunity to repent and deal with the issue of the false and immoral teaching themselves, and if they didn’t He would!  Yet, to the church at Thyatira, Jesus made it clear that they had allowed this to go on too long and too far!  Jesus does say that those who were truly His and had become deceived and led into immorality by this false teacher (Jezebel—a name simply in comparison to the Old Testament Character. You can read about her in 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9.) needed to repent to escape a severe judgment, verse 22.  But Jezebel and her children would be judged with tribulation and death.  Jesus called individual believers to repent, but He doesn’t call the church to take care of the problem, they had let it go too far, and unlike the church at Pergamos, He didn’t call them to take care of the issue; but He does commend those who had stood fast by His truth were promised that, “I will put upon you none other burden” because they had not participated in this deceit within the body of Jesus—the church!

What did He mean?  I can only give you my understanding out of my own study and experience.  When we stand fast for Jesus, His Gospel, and His Word against those who want to “modernize” the church, it is seldom received well.  And when we stand against the enemy, he can and will use deceived, genuine believers to try to bring the stalwarts into compromise.  But we must stand fast digging into God’s Word so that we can stand upon it with confidence!  Because there were those in this church who had stood fast, Jesus promised them that because they had stood firm, He would add no more to their burden of going upstream against the enemy—even when he uses fellow believers whom we love against us!

So my friends, may we feast on His Word and stand fast—no matter the opposition, ridicule or trouble that may come.  Paul said it best:

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

Suit up my friends—the evil day is upon us, even within the walls of our churches! But remember, in Jesus we win!

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 2:29

Amen and Amen!!!

Seeking For A Sign??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #206

07 Sunday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Be not conformed to this world, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Father of Lies!, Father's Way!, Fickle or Faithful, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Satan, Signs of the times?

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Seeking For A Sign???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #206

We live in a culture, even much of our Christian culture, that seems to be fixated on signs!  Not the signs that we are called to observe (the signs of the times that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 23-25, as well as other places) but seeking proof of God’s presence, His work, and often just to prove a point—Jesus makes it clear that there are “signs of the times”, but He also makes it clear that “seeking signs” is a different thing!  I just want us to consider what Jesus says, in deference to what men may say.

As Jesus spoke to the religious leaders, He didn’t mince words—He never does!  And I don’t think He’s mincing words as He speaks to us today if we’re willing to hear Him!

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came,

and tempting

desired him

that he would shew them a sign

from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them,

When it is evening, ye say,

It will be fair weather:

for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning,

It will be foul weather to day:

for the sky is red and lowring.

O ye hypocrites,

ye can discern the face of the sky;

but can ye not

discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given unto it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas.

And he left them, and departed.”  Matthew 16:1-4

Jesus talks about this again in Matthew even with a bit more information; He tells us what the “sign of the prophet Jonas” was referring to; for they were demanding that He prove Himself with “a sign” just for them.  What are you asking God to prove to you?  How shall we find the purposes of God?  In Jesus, and by abiding in Him, not looking inside of ourselves as many are promoting these days; our culture, including many Christians, who are turning to pantheistic self-improvement from within ourselves!  I challenge you to find self-improvement in scripture; God’s Word is replete with reminders that “all have sinned” and only Jesus can, will and does provide salvation to those who believe in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—a transforming power.  Paul says it better than I can, we must be transformed by the work of Jesus’ saving power and grace, not self-improvement, or the world’s message to look inside of yourself.  Oh, my friends, only Jesus can change hearts and lives by the blood that He shed for you and me; and three days in the grave from which He arose victorious over sin, death, and hell!  Don’t be like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day and reject the only true salvation.  You cannot do it yourself!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

12:1 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.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think

of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think

soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”                   Romans 11:36-12:1-3

So, back to the words of Jesus, that we may hear truth from Him who IS truth—The Only Way to God—Jesus!

“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

On to Jesus’ truth about signs!

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,

Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them,

An evil and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given to it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights

in the whale’s belly;

so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights

in the heart of the earth.

41 The men of Nineveh

shall rise in judgment with this generation,

and shall condemn it:

because they repented at the preaching of Jonas;

and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

42 The queen of the south

shall rise up in the judgment with this generation,

and shall condemn it:

for she came from the uttermost parts of the

earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon;

and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”            Matthew 12:34-42

And my friends, we must examine the things that we allow into our lives to see whether they be of God or of the world.  As Hebrews chapter 11 puts it so concisely, we must come to God by faith, and then live by faith.  Are we walking by faith or filling our lives with the faulty solutions of the world; we must look unto Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith”!

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”. 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…. 6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

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

In closing, remember to measure things by God’s yardstick and not the world’s.  Satan, the great deceiver is a master of deception and deceit; don’t fall for his lies.

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself

is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers

also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be

according to their works.”   2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Be sure you’re lining up with Jesus and not His enemy; for you can’t ride the fence and not be in danger of falling off on the wrong side.

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth

and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father

 ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

 ye believe me not.”  John 8:42-45

I pray that we will all hear the “truth” speaker, Jesus, and align our lives with His Word and His ways—not fall for the lies of the enemy of our souls.  I pray that this will be received in the love with which I write it!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Will It Take??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #198

18 Monday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Come to Jesus, Come To Worship HIM, Commitment Or Convenience, Consider Your ways, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Narrow way or The Broad way?, No man can serve two masters!

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What Will It Take??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #198

For what?  For you to decide to follow Jesus, no matter the cost?  Daniel made that choice, and God used him in a mighty way; there is no knowing what God would do through you and me if we but yield ourselves to His control and devote ourselves to being obedient to His call on our lives, no matter the cost or the circumstances that surround us.  And my friends, I truly see the horizon darkening with the clouds of persecution for those who stand for Jesus, but you have the choice to take up your cross and follow Jesus or go the “broad way”!  But choose wisely, there is a test.

Jesus makes it clear that we have a choice, but He also makes it just as clear that there is a consequence for each choice.  I want us to look at a passage that I use frequently (Some may say too often, but for me it’s the message that Jesus gave over and over again, and it’s the message that He has called me to share—if it can bring just one to the truth, I’ll share it until Jesus says “stop” or until He calls me to Himself.). And just a note, Matthew 7 is the conclusion of the sermon on the mount—not the end of Jesus’ preaching, but this introductory message at the beginning of His ministry; and if you look at the other gospels, it wasn’t the only time that He preached portions of this message.  We shouldn’t read it only once—it’s a gold mine of truth, challenge, and warning.  Make we take heed my friends.

So let’s break this passage into bite-sized pieces and I pray that you will see truth and apply it to your life, as I do the same.

“If ye then, being evil,

know how to give good gifts unto your children,

how much more shall your Father which is in heaven

give good things to them that ask him?

12 Therefore all things whatsoever

ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them:

for this is the law and the prophets.

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”   Matthew 7:11-14

Jesus proclaims that even sinful men can do good, but God is always good, and blesses all, especially His own, as Jesus said:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them that hate you,

and pray for them which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

God is merciful unto all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, which imparts forgiveness and eternal life with God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

“For thou, Lord,

art good,

and ready to forgive;

and plenteous in mercy

unto all them that call upon thee.”  Psalm 86:5

Paul reiterated this same principle.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous, no, not one:”   Romans 3:10

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is,

the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe in thine heart

that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For

with the heart man believeth

unto righteousness;     (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

and with the mouth confession is made

unto salvation.              (See Matthew 10:31-33)

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.”  Romans 10:8-11

We must understand that “confession” doesn’t mean simple words of “mental assent”, but a response reflecting a turning from sin to Jesus, and His blood sacrifice for “my sin”!  He paid a debt He didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay apart from hell! (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23) Thank You, Jesus!  Let’s get back to His message in Matthew 7.

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot

bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:15-20

As I’m often heard to say, “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!”  Jesus warns us to be careful of what we believe, we need to verify it by The Word of God, and a life that reflects that very truth; and see if they “practice what they preach”, so to speak.  As my mother used to say often, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time, and you can’t ever fool GOD!”  And if I may add, if we use The Word of God as our plumbline, we will be much more likely to discern the true from the false; even though we live in a culture that accepts any “feel good” idea and will run with it—often running right into hell with it!  In other words just because it says “Bah Bah” doesn’t make it a real sheep!  Beware my friends—it’s Jesus’ call to us to use godly wisdom and discernment, which will be proportionately increased as we study God’s Word.  But Jesus didn’t stop there, so let’s go on.

“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

There is a lot of false teaching all around us, and if your plumb line isn’t The Word, you’re likely to be caught off guard, and led astray.  One big red flag is where is the teaching focused?  If it leads you to “look insider yourself” run in the opposite direction!  Jesus said to follow Him, to seek Him first, to look up not inwardly.  Paul said it clearly when he said that we are to “study to shew yourselves approved unto God”, and the implication is to “study” God’s Word not man’s!  For as we we consider Jesus closing example—and as I’ve often said, don’t just excuse it as a cute little children’s song, but grasp it to your heart as total truth!  Where is your foundation laid?  Upon what are you depending?  Jesus, The Rock?  Or are you going for the world’s sand?  The storms will tell—and the storms will come—no maybe!

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended

these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”  Matthew 7:24-29

Notice that even though these principles are simple, the people noticed that “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes”!  Jesus IS The authority.  When He claimed this truth of His authority as The Son of God openly, they attempted to stone Him for saying: “I and my Father are one” John 10:30.

Will you join the many or the few?  Choose whom you will believe, whom you will serve, whom you will follow.  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test—one road leads to “destruction” the other to “life”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Keep On Praying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

25 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Confident Or Cocky?, Consider Your ways, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, They that sow in tears...., This is the Way, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

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Keep On Praying???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

I simply want to share some encouragement this morning for those of us (yes, me included—especially me!) who sometimes get a bit weary of waiting for the answers to our prayers; but I want us each to remember that we are encouraged to press on, for God hears and answers prayer.  Just don’t let popular twisting of scripture cause presumption in our hearts, minds, and theology to think we are able to “dictate” to God.  He is not a “heavenly slot machine”—where we just drop in our quarter of prayer, pull the handle and God is obligated to supply our “jackpot”; and I don’t mean to be crass, but so many today have believed a lie, that we can demand things from God and get them if we just have “enough faith”.  Well my friends we are called in scripture to pray, but nowhere are we promised that we will have things “our way”!  God IS GOD and we are not!  Jesus made it perfectly clear when HE told His disciples how to pray (not what to pray, but how to order our praying).

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

We are called, instructed by our Lord Jesus to seek God’s will, God’s kingdom, God’s name—not our own, not our own fleshly desires, but God’s will to the increase of HIS Kingdom, grow us in grace, and to the benefit of others.  It’s so easy to lose sight of the truth that we are the servant and Jesus and God The Father are the Master, King, and LORD in all things, yet we so often lose sight of the truth that “prayer” is a two-way conversation, but one where we usually do all the talking and often little or no listening or reading The Word to know His way!  God is speaking, but we are often not listening.

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

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn

to the right hand,

and when ye turn

to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Let’s consider what God has said to us in His Word, and pursue righteousness, peace, hope and truth in all our ways, not the greed of the world.  And remember when things are found in multiple places in scripture it indicates that it is important and worthy of our due attention.

“For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:8-10

Scripture is so honest, and the arrows often prick my heart and soul, for, as we all do, I fall far short; Paul hits a big target on this instruction to the church at Thessalonica.

“For even when we were with you,

this we commanded you,

that if any would not work,

neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command

and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

How do we maintain a consistent walk with Jesus?  By continual communication through prayer and walking in “The Spirit” instead of the flesh; which we can only do by being in The Word regularly.  If we don’t know what God has said, then we won’t know how we are to act, behave, respond, and care!  If you would, faith brings us into relationship with God and prayer keeps the line open—especially in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who Jesus imparts to us at salvation (See Romans 5:1-11). May we ever pray as God leads our heart.

For those in desperate circumstances:

“And when he had apprehended him,

he put him in prison,

and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers

to keep him;

intending after Easter to bring him forth

to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison:

but prayer was made without ceasing

of the church unto God for him…

… 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord

came upon him,

and a light shined in the prison:

and he smote Peter on the side,

and raised him up, saying,

Arise up quickly.

And his chains fell off from his hands…

… 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said,

Now I know of a surety,

that the Lord hath sent his angel,

and hath delivered me

out of the hand of Herod,

and from all the expectation

of the people of the Jews.”    Portions of Acts 12:4-11

For one another, that we’d know God’s will in our lives:

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing I make mention of you

always in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”  Romans 1:8-10

For those whom we love and have invested in:

“I thank God,

whom I serve from my forefathers

with pure conscience,

that without ceasing

I have remembrance of thee in my prayers

night and day;

4 Greatly desiring to see thee,

being mindful of thy tears,

that I may be filled with joy;

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith

that is in thee,

which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois,

and thy mother Eunice;

and I am persuaded that in thee also.”  2 Timothy 1:3-5

Knowing that God values our prayers:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee, (pray!)

then shall mine enemies turn back:

this I know;

for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word:

in the LORD will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust:

I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:8-11

Our prayers are never wasted, even when the answer is no or wait:

“And another angel came and stood at the altar,

having a golden censer;

and there was given unto him much incense,

that he should offer it

with the prayers of all saints

upon the golden altar

which was before the throne.

4 And the smoke of the incense,

which came with the prayers of the saints,

ascended up before God

out of the angel’s hand.”   Revelation 8:3-4

“And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue, and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.”   Revelation 5:8-10

So, my friends, let’s press on faithfully in love and prayer, looking for our soon coming King.

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Amen and Amen!!!

Let’s Be Sharpeners??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #67

15 Wednesday Feb 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Bow Before our God, Choices And Consequences, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Dependence, Faithful Follower, Faithfulness, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron

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Let’s Be Sharpeners???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #67

I have an urgent word to share this morning, one that is heavy on my heart; especially as we look around us at all the chaos, sin, and confusion, even in the midst of God’s own.  So what do we do?  As I try to continually share here on Bible Ballistics, the answer is always the same–go to God’s Word!

“Therefore said he unto them,

The harvest truly is great,

but the labourers are few:

pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers

into his harvest.

3 Go your ways:

behold, I send you forth

as lambs

among wolves.”  Luke 10:2-3

Jesus was sending out workers into the field to prepare the way for Him to follow, and that is what we must understand today!  I can’t–You can’t–the Preacher can’t–the Missionary can’t–the Evangelist can’t do GOD’s work.  We can’t save anyone–but we can share The Word as we go, with our “feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace…” (See Ephesians 6:10-19)!  It is our job to go, to share as we are called, led, and directed by the Holy Spirit, with a heart broken for the lost and dying, but not going in our own strength, but HIS!

How?  I can only share with you the things that God says in HIS Word and pray that we can yield to our Lord and Master to go where HE leads, do what HE asks, share as HE provides us opportunities, and speak HIS Word in power, love, and truth.

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

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

James so aptly reminds us of our focus and our strength!

“Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:7-8

The Proverbs point us to not try to do it alone–neither without God nor without one another–we are a body (supposed to be!)!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth the countenance

of his friend.”  Proverbs 27:17

Dear Paul gives us the advice about the armor of God…

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:10-11

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”   Ephesians 4:14-15

I pray that God’s Word will encourage you, guide your steps and comfort your heart through the drains of living!  My love and prayers are lifted up for you!

Amen and Amen!!!