Category Archives: Confidence

The Battle Belongs To God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 08

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 08  The Battle Belongs To God???

 

The battle really does belong to the Lord—but we often try to get in the way and think we can run things our own way!  Remember when Saul offered David his own armor to face Goliath.  I love David’s response!  He knew he had to rely upon the One who had been with him in his previous battles!

“And David said unto Saul,

Thy servant kept his father’s sheep,

and there came a lion,

and a bear,

and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him,

and smote him,

and delivered it out of his mouth:

and when he arose against me,

I caught him by his beard,

and smote him,

and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear:

and this uncircumcised Philistine

shall be as one of them,

seeing he hath defied

the armies of the living God.

37 David said moreover,

The LORD that delivered me

out of the paw of the lion,

and out of the paw of the bear,

he will deliver me

out of the hand of this Philistine.

And Saul said unto David,

Go,

and the LORD be with thee.”  1 Samuel 17:34-37

Saul didn’t really understand, and like many of us, came up with a solution of his own– in the flesh.

“And Saul armed David with his armour,

and he put an helmet of brass upon his head;

also he armed him with a coat of mail.

39 And David girded his sword upon his armour,

and he assayed to go;

for he had not proved it.

And David said unto Saul,

I cannot go with these;

for I have not proved them.

And David put them off him.”  1 Samuel 17:38-39

My question for us today is, “What have you proved?”  Have you proved God’s faithfulness in your life by walking with HIM?  Or have you been running things your own way, and when others offer solutions in the flesh we decide to try the flesh rather than relying on God.  We choose to approach things in the flesh rather than remembering what David knew—

“And all this assembly shall know

that the LORD saveth

not with sword

and spear:

for the battle is the LORD’S,

and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:47

So, my encouragement for us today is right from God’s Word, and I invite you to rehearse and ponder on this Psalm with me this week, and may you find courage, comfort and rest in The Lord God Almighty as you do!

“God is our refuge

and strength,

a very present help

in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth

be removed,

and though the mountains

be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof

roar and be troubled,

though the mountains

shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river,

the streams whereof

shall make glad the city of God,

the holy place of the tabernacles

of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be moved:

God shall help her,

and that right early.

6 The heathen raged,

the kingdoms were moved:

he uttered his voice,

the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease

unto the end of the earth;

he breaketh

the bow,

and cutteth

the spear in sunder;

he burneth the chariot

in the fire.

10 Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted

among the heathen,

I will be exalted

in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:1-11

No matter the trial, difficulty, confusion or stress that surrounds you, remember that God hasn’t been caught by surprise—and you can have victory through Jesus—if you just keep your eyes on HIM.  Look up, walk right before God and press on dear ones!  We win.

“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

May God’s Spirit draw near to you as you draw near and depend on HIM!

“Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.”   James 4:8a

Amen and Amen.

Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #640

03 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Courage, Praise God Today!, Trials, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #640 Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize???

 

I would like to share a word of encouragement today for all of us as we continue to watch the world caught up in this pandemic.  Those of us who know Jesus, should have a confidence and peace that will cause others to see our Lord Jesus in us, rather than the worldly chaos that is all around us.  May you take heart in these reminders.

“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

When we recognize our calling to follow Jesus, rather than the call of the world, we will find that we have to “forget” something, and set our sights, if you would, “on things above”!  Remembering that we have a great testimony of the faithful to encourage us!  Not a cheering squad in heaven, but rather, testifiers to the faithfulness of our God.

“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

I encourage you to read through Hebrews chapter 11 for a boost to your faith, hope and confidence in The God Almighty of the universe, and His Son Jesus! Isaiah gave us a picture of God’s faithfulness even when we have great trials surrounding us!  God never said we wouldn’t have trials, or that simply speaking “His Name” would make us immune to the realities of life in a broken world, but  He did promise that He would be there with us, and He would accomplish His purpose in, with, and through us, if we will but trust to HIS perfect will and provision!

“But now thus saith the LORD

that created thee, O Jacob,

and he that formed thee, O Israel,

Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,

thy Saviour… ”   Isaiah 43:1-3a

God never said we’d never have difficulties—but He did say we’d never walk through them alone (and Isaiah implies here that these are not things of our own making or presumption).  May these words ring in your heart and mind as you face a broken, sick world that is going crazy around us.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

May God bless and comfort your heart; and may He also grant you wisdom in your decisions in this difficult time.

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

Constant? Bible Ballistics: BBs #635

19 Thursday Mar 2020

Posted by in Confidence, Consider Your ways, Constant, Courage, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Family, Trials

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Today I share with you a guest post by my friend Taryn Spurlock.  I thought her words so important that I am sharing them today rather than our regular posting time.  I hope you find it as touching and encouraging as I have.

Wednesday, March 18th, 2020

Taryn Spurlock

con·stant

/ˈkänstənt/

noun

    1. a situation or state of affairs that does not change. 

I’m a pretty routine person. We have a family of three that has pretty consistent order to our week. For me, most weekdays consist of a 4:20am alarm, workout, home a little after 6, quiet time, off to work at 7:30, Creede gets to school, and I get off at 5, and we move on to our evening activity depending on the day of the week. It’s how we roll. For the 1st time in the 11 years of my career I was sent home from work until further notice due to COVID-19 and the recommendations pertaining to my job. My daily situation changed really fast.

As I sit here on my porch writing this, the weather went from cold to hot rather quickly as well. Living in Oklahoma, I know what potential that has for a March day… STORMS. It’s gorgeous right now though. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, my son is out playing with his cousin. You see, that’s how life was rolling along for us… we just bought a new house with land, my husband’s busy season of work was around the corner, and we were all jiving just fine.

But one microscopic virus changed everything all of a sudden.

But you know what else it changed in less than 24 hours… ME.

This morning I found myself on my husband’s side of the bed kneeling and having a conversation with God. Acknowledging God was in control. Acknowledging this is out of my control. Asking God to change my heart. Asking God to protect us. Asking God to give my son and I a wonderful day together. Asking God to heal our country. Asking God to show me how to use my time not working as a hygienist wisely and for His glory.

  • Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I walked away with peace. 

●     Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Does that mean I haven’t thought about this crazy unknown situation today? No.

But I have remembered that moment beside my bed this morning many, many times.

So, as I mentioned, it’s looking beautiful right now and feeling nice outside. But I know the chance of storms are there.  So, I also spent some time this morning cleaning up the porch and making sure things outside were hunkered down, etc.

I’M PREPARING.

●     Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, …

Storms are going to come. Sometimes they come with a warning and sometimes there is no warning at all. Regardless, they will come. God has commanded us to be good stewards. Last Sunday our church was unable to meet “like normal” in order to aid in limiting potential COVID-19 spread. I was unable to drop our tithe check as usual. Right after we were informed of our new work situation, I went to my wallet to get $5 I owed somebody at work and saw the check. My second patient didn’t show so I went to the church and dropped it off. KNOWING the storm was here, I also knew it did not change the fact I was to obey in the giving of my tithe. Normally, that is a routine thing that I never think twice about. That day, God increased my faith and said, “this doesn’t change.”

  • Malachi 3:10

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need…

●     Proverbs 3:9

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

My husband and I have always strived to live within our means. People have made fun of us at times for the things we refuse to spend money on and our thoughts on saving. But I am so thankful for the sunny days where we had the opportunity to prepare. It may be different. It may be hard. It may do some damage to “our plans.” However, in the end, the sun will come back out.

●     Proverbs 21:20

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

●     Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

God not only wants me to prepare for the storms financially, but also spiritually. My relationship with Him is what drove me to my knees this morning. I knew he would be there. I knew He already knew my heart. I knew I was safe there because He had been there before both on the sunny days and the stormy days.

I plan to spend the next few weeks looking for the ways God can use me in such a time as this.

While this storm may change our constant. Our God is constant in His love and promises toward His children. And because of that, TODAY AND EVERY DAY, I PRAISE HIM.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Malachi 3:6

For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

A Trustworthy, Faithful God!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #628

26 Wednesday Feb 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Amazing Grace, Confidence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #628    A Trustworthy, Faithful God!!!

 

Just a brief word of encouragement this morning; no matter the trial, crises, or tragedy—God IS ever faithful.  And when you learn to trust Him in the everyday things, you will find your confidence adequate in the “biggies”!

“Thy mercy,

O LORD,

is in the heavens;

and thy faithfulness

reacheth unto the clouds.”  Psalm 36:5

God is faithful to accomplish HIS work in this world, in our lives and HE will be with you, for HE has promised to be with His own to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ,

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”  Philippians 1:6

I pray that whatever you are facing today, that you will set your eyes on Jesus, and not the issue!  Remember Daniel—his eyes were on his faithful God not the lions.  Peter even reminds us of this analogy—may it encourage you today!

“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.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

 settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:8-11

And in closing one of my favorite passages from the prophet Jeremiah, who wrote these words after he saw the fall of Jerusalem—knowing that God remained faithful in the rubble of broken dreams!

“This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion,

saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good unto them

that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good that a man should both

hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation of the LORD.”   Lamentations 3:21-26.

Amen and Amen!

Resting IN Jesus??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #621

29 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Confidence, Dependence, Encouragement, Follow Jesus, God of all comfort!, Growing in Jesus!, Resting In Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #621      Resting IN Jesus???

 

I have just a brief word to share with you today, but a word that I often rehearse to remind myself to keep my eyes on Jesus rather than my circumstances.  And while my circumstances or yours may require a certain amount of our time, effort, mind and even our heart—we don’t have to allow them to overwhelm us, when we will but check our focus continually.

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also

in the LORD;

and he shall give thee

the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way

unto the LORD;

trust also

in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.”   Psalm 37:1-8

I pray that you will ponder the truth and beauty of this passage as you go through the rest of your week.  And may I simply add that if your “delight” is in the Lord, you will find that your own heart’s desire will become that which is pleasing and delightful to God, rather than the flesh!  Drawing near to God invokes His transforming power in our hearts, continually conforming us into the image “of His son”!  It’s not our attempting to convince God that our desires ought to be rubber-stamped with His “OK”!  When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will continually change our heart, our mind and our direction!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that

good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!