Category Archives: Confidence

“By My Spirit, Saith The Lord”??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #502

24 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Encouragement, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Walking With Jesus, What's The Word?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #502   “By My Spirit, Saith The Lord”???

 

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”    Zechariah 4:6

This message from God to Zerubbabel is one of the verses that I ponder and call to mind frequently, for so often in our journey of life we become weary, tired, frustrated, or disappointed, and this powerful word of encouragement is a “strong tower” to the weary soul! It is a sure “word” that we can “take to the bank” of spiritual resources and encouragement, for it is by God’s power that we press on, not our own! Even as Paul told us in Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Peter also reminds us that God’s Word is THE sure rock in this world of sinking sand! And while men of flesh and blood recorded down, it was truly God’s breath that moved their pen!

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well

that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth

in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star arise

in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first,

that no prophecy of the scripture

is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not

in old time

by the will of man:

but holy men of God

spake

as they were moved

by the Holy Ghost.”    2 Peter 1:19-21

So regardless of what you face on your journey today, just look up, walk forward and press on for and with Jesus, trusting to HIS wisdom, direction and provision in every way—every day, and diving into HIS Word!

And one final reminder that is truly a life verse for us all, as well as a timely reminder that we can depend on God’s Word and His wisdom no matter what we are facing; and that we don’t have to depend on our own limited understanding.

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health

to thy navel,

and marrow

to thy bones.”   Proverbs 3:5-8

Amen and Amen!

I Know That I Know!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #500

17 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Fearlessness, I Know Whom I Have Beleived

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #500   I Know That I Know!!!

 

I was asked recently how I always stayed so “perky”, and I responded that like anyone else I have my moments, but they are usually in private. I also shared something about knowing that God had it, and that anyone who thinks I’m some kind of “super” woman, or saint simply need to ask my husband and children about my “moments”! The truth is that I have walked with Jesus for a long time, and I have been through a lot of failure, crises, tragedy and confusion at various times, yet I have always found God faithful at every turn; and that experience and confidence in God, help me to remain “perky” and positive that God has never, nor will HE ever leave me to deal with anything alone, and I trust His sovereign will for me! Having said all of that, I’d like to share a passage that means a lot to me, and it contains several of my favorite verses in all of scripture.

I pray that this simple reminder of what God has done for us will encourage your heart today. Even as Paul wrote it to his ‘son-in-the-ministry’ as an encouragement, an update and a challenge to live faithfully for God, may it lift our hearts today? Even as my friend Jo always clings to verse 7 to remind her that we don’t have to be afraid, may you find the hope, faith, courage and encouragement that you need today in this precious word from God to you!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.

8 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:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer

these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know

whom I have believed,

and am persuaded

that he is able

to keep that which I

have committed unto him

against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”    2 Timothy 1:7-13

Press on dear friend, we don’t have to fear but to hold fast—Jesus is coming soon! Amen and Amen!!!

What I’ll Never Say??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #498

10 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Never Alone

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #498 What I’ll Never Say???

 

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward

for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

is not quickly broken.”   Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

We all face things that are tragic, hurtful, frightening, and just plain heart breaking, but when we belong to Jesus, we will never face those things alone!!! Never alone! Solomon describes the benefit of help and cooperation, whether it is for work, companionship, or defense; and we all know that good friends are a special treasure—if you have one you are blessed–and if you have more you are blessed beyond measure. I thank God for the wonderful friends that HE has blessed me with through the years. Some have stayed the course, some came only for a season, but each one has contributed to my life’s journey, and I’m grateful for them.

But there are times when even our closest friends can’t touch the hurt, or grief or confusion that we face, but we can rest assured that our Lord Jesus Christ, God our Father and the precious Holy Spirit who are ever with us can!

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”   John 14:16-18

So, my friend, whatever you are facing today—you don’t have to face it alone. If you are a follower of Jesus, HE is there with you. If you don’t know Him, you can call on Him today in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary (for you), atoning (Paying the debit of sin in our place), sacrifice (His death so that we could live with HIM forever!) for sin and salvation. He loves you/me and gave Himself so that we could have life IN Him!

“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

You can rest assured that you will never walk alone! Jesus loves you/me and HE cares, so we can walk with Him in total confidence, no matter where you are right now or ever!

“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

Amen and Amen!

I Know Whom I Have Believed!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #489

31 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by in A Father's Love, Confidence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Know Whom I Believe

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #489 I Know Whom I Have Believed!!!

 

I would simply like to share a passage with you this morning that Paul wrote to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy. It is a passage that brings me great challenge and comfort; some of you may even recognize an old familiar hymn in it. May God help us to hear HIS voice above the “madding crowd”! And I pray that you have a blessed and joyous day and week ahead.

“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:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause

I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know

whom I have believed,

and am persuaded

that he is able

to keep that

which I have committed

unto him

against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”   2 Timothy 1:8-13

May God bless His Word to our hearts and minds “in Christ Jesus”, and may we remember the words of Job, and stand fast in our faithful Lord—Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Amen and Amen!

“For I know

that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:” Job 19:25

Amen!

 

 

But I Can’t Do THAT??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #484

15 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by in Confidence, Contentment

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #484 But I Can’t Do THAT???

 

I want to share with you all this morning something that is on my heart. As I was thinking about the difficulty that we face finding contentment in this crazy world of a “Get all you can. Can all you get. Then sit on the can!” mentality, it seems that every one wants more! It is reported that John D. Rockefeller, when asked, “How much money is enough?” responded, “Just a little bit more!” And he is considered by many to be the richest man of modern times, as he was the first “billionaire” in the early 1900’s. But no matter how much “more” we get—it will never be enough to satisfy, especially if “more” is where we are seeking our hope and fulfillment!

Consider the mentality of our culture—advertising is one of the biggest industries in America, trying to convince us that we need the latest, fastest, smartest, most popular techno-toys on the market; receiving exorbitant fees to convince us that we need to eat this “food” of “beauty”, the healthiest new ‘gimmick’ food fad, or the newly tweaked bling that “everyone” has! But God has a different message for us.

“For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

Peter also wrote on the fleeting nature of this world’s ‘gain’!

“But the day of the Lord will come

as a thief in the night;

in the which the heavens

shall pass away

with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt

with fervent heat,

the earth also

and the works that are therein

shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things

shall be dissolved,

what manner of persons ought ye to be

in all holy conversation

and godliness,

12 Looking for

and hasting unto

the coming of the day of God,

wherein the heavens

being on fire

shall be dissolved,

and the elements

shall melt with fervent heat?”    2 Peter 3:10-12

As life is fleeting, we need to wisely choose to live for Jesus, pursuing a godly attitude and a contented heart and mind.

“But godliness

with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing

into this world,

and it is certain we can carry

nothing out.

8 And having food

and raiment

let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Paul reminded Timothy to pursue godliness rather than material gain, even as Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount to pursue heavenly treasure! Where is your heart?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures

upon earth,

where moth

and rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures

in heaven,

where neither moth

nor rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”   Matthew 6:19-21

And just one more passage for us to ponder today as we get our mid-week activities checked off of our list.

“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

Let’s make sure our confidence is in our God and Savior—not in this world’s ‘gain’! We don’t have to fret or fear—our God is faithful to provide!!! Amen and Amen!