Category Archives: Confidence

Sunshine Or Rain??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #468

13 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, God of all comfort!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Made like Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, The Word, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #468 Sunshine Or Rain???

 

Several years ago we had a structural problem with our home, unknown to us, in some remodeling by a long-previous owner, a weight-bearing wall had been removed! Well, being raised in the deep south where most homes were built on piers when I was a child, and everyone knew about weight-bearing walls—and you don’t mess with them. Well, it had taken quite a few years before the problems manifested themselves, and we were forced to take care of the problems that it created.

When we finally found someone to do the work, he did a great job, but on the last day as he finished the repairs he came in and as we were talking, he remarked that he didn’t know how we hadn’t had the ceiling in our laps. I replied to him that I knew how—he looked startled– and I simply replied, “Jesus was taking care of us! That’s why the ceiling wasn’t in our lap!” I have learned to have total confidence in the “providential” care of God in our everyday lives. And that’s what I want to talk to you about today—God’s care—the continual, providential care of God Almighty in all!

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

2 My help

cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee

will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper:

the LORD is thy shade

upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee

by day,

nor the moon

by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee

from all evil:

he shall preserve

thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve

thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.” Psalm 121

May we rehearse this precious Psalm today, rejoicing in who our God is–God Most High, ruler of all:

Creator—

Keeper—

Protector—

Caregiver in the day and night—

The One who preserves—

From evil—

Our soul—

Our going out—

Our coming in—

ALWAYS!!!

So day or night, danger or ease, difficulty or confusion—our God reigns and cares for YOU and me!

“And we know that

all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”       Romans 8:28-29

Walking In His Way!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #465

01 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Confidence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #465   Walking In His Way!!!

 

“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

Oh, to have my steps “ordered by the LORD”, is the prayer of my heart. How often do we find ourselves distracted and walking in ways that we didn’t intend? Well, if you’re like me, way more often than we’d like. I truly pray and desire to be found faithful before my Lord and hear HIM say:

“Well done,

thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful over a few things,

I will make thee ruler over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21b

 It is always good to be recognized for a job well done, but to hear that commendation  from my Lord would be the delight of my life. I’ve had life-confirming events in my life, and I thank God for them, but when I think of facing my Lord Jesus Christ, I truly want o see a smile on His face and know that HE is pleased with me. But who is good enough for that? Only those who know Jesus in salvation and have received His grace, truth and power of the New Birth—to have received HIS righteousness for my sin, by faith and grace!

“For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus paid for my sin on Calvary, so that I could receive HIS righteousness to my account! Jesus paid for my sin, so that I wouldn’t have to pay for it myself—by eternal death! And when we receive Jesus, by repentance and faith, we become new creatures (See 2 Corinthians 5:17+) IN Jesus, and His Spirit will lead and direct our steps when we but hear and respond to Him in obedience and faith.

“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

Jesus also told His disciples (and us) that He was sending His Spirit to dwell within us and guide our steps in God’s way, and the indwelling Holy Spirit can make a sinner a “a good man” whose steps can be “ordered by the LORD”—and that my friend is the desire of my heart! How about you? And just how important is the Holy Spirit? It is His presence that verifies that we belong to Jesus, for HE is the Spirit of Jesus.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”   Romans 8:9

Jesus reminds us: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (Jn. 10:27). Who is ordering your steps? Which voices are you heeding? Be sure!!!

Tidbits From Daniel #3!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 16

27 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Peace, Perseverance, The Only Way, The Word, Troubles, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 16 Tidbits From Daniel #3!!!

 

It’s been a while, but we’re heading back to Daniel for more gleanings from the life of this faithful, godly man. Today we’ll consider part of Daniel chapter 2, and see what we can learn from this young man and his personal character. (We’ll deal with the dreams later.) Especially in these days of the flamboyancy and the flare for the dramatic on public display as the defining import of any one or any thing!

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

Just because something is popular and culturally accepted, or even promoted, doesn’t make it right. As my mother used to say, “If someone jumped off of a cliff, would you do it too?” (And I’m sure many of you heard that same motherly wisdom on multiple occasions!) We live in a culture that claims wrong to be right, and right to be wrong—in fact we’re not the first culture to experience this phenomenon, and God warned of this predilection many years ago.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say, Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:18-21

God gave Isaiah a warning for those who claimed to be “His” own. He had long called Judah to repentance, and Isaiah delivered these warnings to those in need of repentance. While Isaiah lived through some good kings, as well as some who weren’t so good, he continually delivered God’s message to people then as well as to us now! And our culture desperately needs to hear the call to repentance today, and the call to God’s own people to stand fast for and in the truth of God—and we must know truth to stand in it.

It is becoming increasingly unpopular to speak the truth, to define good and evil as God defines them; rather than to be swept along with those who “call evil good, and good evil”, or those who “put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter”. God is still calling people to “consider your ways” as Haggai called his people to do, to seek HIS wisdom and ways, rather than settling for the wisdom of men who “are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight”—going their own way rather than God’s! This brings us right back to our first verse from Proverbs, and the admonition to do that which IS right, rather than that which “seemeth right unto a man”!

So how do we know God’s way? Much in the same way that Daniel did, by faith and knowing HIS Word.

“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

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6

Jesus reminds us that we must respond to the call of God to the hearts of men and women—for salvation is always initiated by God, not man! So if you hear his voice, open the door while you can.

“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

Daniel had come out of a great time of revival in Judah, and yet he and his friends suffered for the failure of their nation (as a whole) to repent and turn to God. Daniel not only knew the word but also made a decision that we need to heed and follow today.

“But Daniel

purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”    Daniel 1:8

Daniel knew that what God said, he wanted to pursue, and even in the pagan land where he found himself, he was determined to pursue God and live holy toward Him and His laws regardless of his circumstances. But, as we have discussed before, he followed God with courtesy and respect for those in authority over him as well as his friends. Daniel made up his mind to serve God unwaveringly, and lived out what he professed to believe. What about us? Are we experiencing the favor of God in our commitment to Him, or are we reaping the consequence of poor choices? God rewarded Daniel for his faithfulness and Daniel honored God’s favor by living right before God and man.

“Now God had brought Daniel into favour ”

“God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom”

God not only blessed them spiritually, but He blessed and prepared them for service that they didn’t even realize would be ahead of them:

“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”   Daniel 1:20

All this brings us to chapter 2 and the dilemma that Daniel and his friends found themselves in, how they responded, and how God’s plans for the ages played out in all that came to pass!

Chapter 2 finds Daniel and his friends promoted to serve in the king’s court as counselors in the ‘wisemen’ corp (so to speak). King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that disturbed him, and when he called for his ‘wisemen’ they were unable to interpret his dream because he couldn’t relate the essentials of the dream to them. This short-tempered king went into frenzy and called for the death of all of the ‘wisemen’ to be killed unless they could tell him what he wanted to know. When they soldiers came to get Daniel and his friends (who were a part of the ‘wisemen’ corp!) to put them to death with the others, we find Daniel handling the situation with great discernment and discretion.

“And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain;

and they sought Daniel and his fellows

to be slain.

14 Then Daniel answered

with counsel

and wisdom

to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

15 He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain,

Why is the decree so hasty from the king?

Then Arioch

made the thing known to Daniel.”   Daniel 2:13-15

Here we have Daniel about to be put to death, along with his friends, yet we see no sense of panic or despair in them. We find a young man, probably in his late teens by now, responding with a wise and understanding heart—a heart that was devoted to the God whom he had “purposed in his heart” to serve faithfully, with no fear. Let’s continue on.

“Then Daniel went in,

and desired of the king

that he would give him time,

and that he would shew the king

the interpretation.”  Daniel 2:16

I find it most significant that Daniel simply requested to see the king, and when he went in to him, simply asked for time to reveal “the interpretation” of the King’s dream—which also meant that he would have to ‘know’ the dream without Nebuchadnezzar telling him what it was! It is important to note here that the King had been so angry and untrusting of the other ‘wisemen’ that when they asked for time, he refused to give them time believing that they only wanted to stall until he was over his anger; yet when Daniel asks for time, he has caused such confidence in the king, that he was granted what was denied to the other, older and senior ‘wisemen’! Why would the king do this? I think that he saw in Daniel a spirit that produced confidence rather than doubt! What about you and I? What do others think about our word? Do we live in such a way as to create confidence in our relationship with God and man; or do we live such wishy-washy lives, that others find it hard to believe anything we say—especially about our faith or our God? Ouch?

Yet here in Daniel we find three young men who were so devoted to, and confident in God’s provision that they were willing to put their lives on the line with a king who had already decreed their death! So let’s see how Daniel handles the situation.

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish with the rest

of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed

unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”    Daniel 2:17-19

Daniel went to his three friends, and called them to join him in praying for God’s provision in their time of need. Daniel went to God first! Daniel called his friends together to pray—not to fret, or wring their hands, or seek human solutions, or figure out a way of escape—they came together to PRAY! And not only to pray, but to receive the answer from God! They asked of God, and HE answered. But don’t stop there—“Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven”! Daniel not only asked but he blessed/praised God for the answer when it came. And in praising God, he gave us one of the most beautiful accounts of the character and work of GOD in all of scripture!

“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 2:20-23

This is one of my favorite passages in all of scripture, for it reveals so much about God, and answers question of who God is and what He does. HE is God, and there is nothing that is outside of His control, so let’s rehearse these truths about His power, strength and wisdom. To Him belong:

Wisdom—

Might—

Times—

Seasons—

Setting up of kings—

Removal of kings—

Granting of wisdom to the wise—

(Given to Daniel rather than the world’s ‘wise’ men!)

Granting knowledge to those of understanding—

Revealer of the deep and hidden things—

What is in the darkness—

Light, for HE IS light!!!

IF we could really get a hold on these truths deep down in our hearts and minds, oh what it would do for our peace and confidence in God, much like what Paul encouraged the Philippians to pursue and rest in!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

Did you notice the mention of peace twice:

“the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus”

As believers we receive the “peace of God”, because the blood of Jesus brings us into a right relationship with God, giving us “peace with God”:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:…..

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.” Romans 5:1 & 8-10

We who have come to Jesus have been “reconciled to God by the death of his Son”—the blood of Jesus has given us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”! And I believe this precious, godly young man named Daniel was filled with the confidence of his relationship with God (although he was looking forward to the blood of the sacrifice and we are looking back at it)! So my friends, where is your confidence? Have you learned to walk with this God who holds it all, or are you trying to be your own “wiseman”, depending on the world’s wisdom? Oh, how much we can learn from Daniel and his friends—more about God—more about His character—more about His faithfulness—more about His abundant care and provision– no matter what we may be facing! Even angry kings!

May we grow in our confidence of God just like Daniel?

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”        1 John 2:28

Amen!

In Everything Give Thanks??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #463

25 Friday May 2018

Posted by in Attitude of Gratitude, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #463   In Everything Give Thanks???

 

“In every thing

give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We have been talking about God’s faithful care of and provision for us, so I thought we’d spend some time today considering whether our ‘attitude of gratitude’ needs some adjustment. So often we call on God to come to our aid, and that is what He has told us to do, but when He meets that need, do we remember to stop and thank HIM?

My mother taught us to say “please and thank you” as simple courtesy to others we interact with, yet we so often forget to be thankful toward God for all of HIS abundant blessings, which HE pours out on us continually! Often times those blessings aren’t even recognized as HIS blessings in our lives. As I sit here this morning, I can’t help but smile and say ‘Thank You Lord’ for the beauty of your awesome creation—as I watch the sun rise in the sky, as I see the lovely flowers that God has painted so beautifully for our pleasure, for a home that keeps us warm or cool from the elements, and the list could go on.

So I simply want to share some scriptures to help us tune up our “attitude of gratitude” today. Especially as we in the US are celebrating Memorial Day—a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom—what better time to thank the ONE who made the ultimate sacrifice for our sin on Calvary—Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen!

“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

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;”  Ephesians 1:15-16

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

praying always for you,” Colossians 1:3

“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalm 30:4

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” Psalm 79:13

“O give thanks unto the LORD,

for he is good:

for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

whom he hath redeemed

from the hand of the enemy;” Psalm 107:1-2

May we each spend some time today thanking God for His goodness, His mercy and His love—that HE IS who HE IS and that He has “redeemed” us from our sin and is preparing us for HIS kingdom, and equipping us to spread HIS Gospel to those we encounter. Have a blessed day sharing your ‘attitude of gratitude’! Amen and Amen!

Still In HIS Care??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #462

23 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Confidence

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #462   Still In HIS Care???

 

I just can’t seem to get past this idea of God’s sovereign care for us—there is so much going on around us, and I know I constantly need to refocus on my Father’s care, and the care of The Son Jesus—because there is so much need about us on every hand.

“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

I just love this message from Peter—you remember Peter, the fellow that went around with Jesus and had his “foot in his mouth” much of the time!!! Kind of like me! I’ve often told people “I know what the cause of death will be when I die!” And of course, they ask how can I know that, and I respond with a smile, “I’ll die from ‘hoof and mouth’ disease—for that’s where my foot (or sometimes both of them) is much of the time!” But all jokes aside, Peter is such a blessed example of the grace and faithfulness of our God to grow each of us in grace and mercy—no matter how great our faults, and short-comings may be; or even how often we may hop around with our foot in our mouth, instead of standing firm on solid ground. What we must remember is that our ‘adversary’ is ever in pursuit of God’s children—but just remember that when we walk with Jesus, Satan is a “toothless” lion! Jesus gained the victory at Calvary!! Amen and Amen!

Paul gives us a great word of encouragement to help us stand firm on solid ground, not shaky ground. We must keep our confidence sure as we put on that ‘armour of God’ each day to be prepared for the challenges that we each face continually. Paul’s reminder helps us keep our focus on the Lord and not our problems.

“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

Did you notice all the references to “stand”? In Jesus and His strength and power, we can “stand ….withstand ….stand” in the power and truth of who Jesus is! And just so we can make it useable, let’s rehearse what we learn about HIS care and provision for we who belong to HIM! We need to recognize Paul’s clarity in making it clear that we “wrestle”—he didn’t say if, he said, “we wrestle”, not in our own power, but rather the power of God, through Jesus Christ, with the “whole armour of God” about us!

We are called to stand in it, with confidence that with HIS armor on, we will be able to “withstand in the evil day”—and my friends we are there! So suit up and let’s press on with our confidence in our who provides HIS armor to us:

The—

belt of truth—

Jesus IS “the truth”, John 14:6—

breastplate of righteousness—

Jesus’ righteousness imparted to us, 2 Cor. 5:21–

shoes of the Gospel of Peace–

Jesus IS our peace, Romans 5:1-8

shield of faith—

faith in HIS blood, Romans 3:25

helmet of salvation—

Jesus IS our salvation, Acts 4:12

sword of the Spirit/Word of God—

Jesus IS The Word—

The written Word,

The spoken Word,

The living Word, John 1:1-5

So whatever you are facing, my friend, God has you, the problem and the solution in HIS hands! You can rest in Him, trust in Him, and walk in victory with Him, having the “armour of God” as your spiritual wardrobe!!! I pray that this will encourage you today as it does me continually; I also pray God’s wisdom, grace and blessings on your week. Amen and Amen!