Category Archives: Dependence

Who’s Going With You??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #712

04 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Fickle or Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory of God, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #712   Who’s Going With You???

 

I just have a brief word to share this morning, but by way of “FYI”, I do want to let you know that the inconsistent schedule of postings is due to some personal issues here at home.  My husband’s health is not doing so good, and simply put, much of the “time”, my “time” isn’t my own.  So, I’ll keep on doing what I do when I’m able.  I hope to post at least twice a week and when I’m able to do more, I will.

This morning, I want to share a simple but profound reminder from one of my favorite Bible characters, Joshua.  The man who needed reminding to “be courageous”—but by the end he truly had learned to trust his GOD!  So, here’s a reminder for us all today to “be courageous” regardless of the size of the giants!

“The LORD thy God,

he will go over before thee,

and he will destroy these nations

from before thee,

and thou shalt possess them:

and Joshua,

he shall go over before thee,

as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them

as he did to Sihon and to Og,

kings of the Amorites,

and unto the land of them,

whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up

before your face,

that ye may do unto them

according unto all the commandments

which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage,

fear not,

nor be afraid of them:

for the LORD thy God,

he it is that doth go with thee;

he will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua,

and said unto him

in the sight of all Israel,

Be strong and of a good courage:

for thou must go with this people

unto the land which the LORD

hath sworn unto their fathers

to give them;

and thou shalt cause them

to inherit it.”  Deuteronomy 31:3-7

And again, as he was about to lead the people in, God reminded him of his commission and the “supplier”!

“There shall not any man be able

to stand before thee all the days of thy life:

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee:

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong

and of a good courage:

for unto this people shalt thou divide

for an inheritance

the land, which I sware

unto their fathers

to give them.”  Joshua 1:5-6

“Only be thou strong and very courageous,

that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law,

which Moses my servant

commanded thee:

turn not from it

to the right hand

or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.”   Joshua 1:7

“Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed:

for the LORD thy God

is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9

What has God commissioned you/me to?  Are we willing to go fearlessly?  It’s our call, yet our confidence is in the ONE who calls, equips and goes with us all the way; so that with Joshua we can proclaim in confident assurance:

“…as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD”. Joshua 24:15b

And put a bit differently by the author of Hebrews:

“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!!!

Whose Power Are You Trusting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #709

12 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Broken Hearts, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Contentment, Dependence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Look UP, Our God Reigns, Walking With Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #709  Whose Power Are You Trusting???

 

I want to veer off our “Daniel” track for today and just share a word of encouragement for each of us today.  As we’re in the deep freeze here in Oklahoma—and about to get even “freezier” in the next week, there is a warmth in my heart that only comes by knowing WHO is in charge—and for sure it’s not the government or the weatherman—and as the Apostle John recorded for us so long ago:

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:5-6

HE always has, and HE always will be The Lord God Almighty who reigns over all.  And as Zechariah reminded the people who were discouraged at the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, our strength isn’t from anything in this world!

“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

I quote this verse often to myself and others, and there is one other simple passage that I’d like to leave with you; and I know many of you already have it planted in your heart, but I just want to remind each of us that “our God reigns”!  Our job is to keep our eyes fixed on HIM and trust each of our days to HIS care.  That’s not always an easy task when our eyes, our hearts and our minds see such heartache, carry such heavy burdens in our circumstances, and see so much darkness and chaos around us—but remember, we are called to look up, not around!  I’m so often reminded to look up to our Lord and not around at the “lions”!  Take it to Jesus, my friends; HE is my hope—my joy—and my total confidence, and He’s there for you too; call on HIM today!

“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

Blessings on you and yours—and let “your little light shine” today….and today….and today!

Amen and Amen!!!

Because God’s Still God!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 14

27 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dependence, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, Sovereignty, Speaking The Truth In Love

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 14  Because God’s Still GOD!!!

 

I’d simply like to give us a boost to lift our spirits into the coming new year.  I know that we are all praying for a better year than the one we’ve experienced—with Covid, quarantine, distancing, political upheaval, and chaos all around us—but I pray that we all remember WHO is in charge and it is NOT the W.H.O. or any other entity or organization; but The Lord God Almighty still reigns!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God, all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

 7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him…. ”  Revelation 19:5-7a

The prophet Isaiah declares:

“Therefore my people shall know my name:

therefore they shall know in that day

that I am he that doth speak:

behold, it is I.

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that bringeth good tidings of good,

that publisheth salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:6-7

And the Psalmist proclaims the sovereign rulership of our God—you can rest assured that God hasn’t been asleep or said “oops”!  He knows what is going on and we can trust HIM and HIS timing!!!

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering,

and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness:

fear before him,

all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen

that the LORD reigneth:

the world also shall be established

that it shall not be moved:

he shall judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice,

and let the earth be glad;

let the sea roar,

and the fulness thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful,

and all that is therein:

then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13 Before the LORD:

for he cometh,

for he cometh to judge

the earth:

he shall judge the world

with righteousness,

and the people

with his truth.”   Psalm 96:8-13

“The LORD reigneth,

he is clothed with majesty;

the LORD is clothed

with strength,

wherewith he hath girded himself:

the world also is stablished,

that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old:

thou art from everlasting.”  Psalm 93:1-2

God is God—He is good—He is ‘Truth’, and HE will accomplish HIS work in HIS TIME!  Don’t lose heart—our God reigns, no matter the opposition.

“Why do the heathen rage,

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth

set themselves,

and the rulers

take counsel together,

against the LORD,

and against his anointed,

saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens

shall laugh:

the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak

unto them

in his wrath,

and vex them

in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king

upon my holy hill of Zion.”  Psalm 2:1-6

Man rebelled against God and disobeyed in Eden, and we have carried on the resistance against God ever since—but Jesus came that we could be restored to relationship and fellowship with The God who created us; but woe to those who reject His grace!  Contrary to popular belief, there is only One Way to God—and HIS name is JESUS!  What are you depending on?

“For, behold,

the day cometh,

that shall burn as an oven;

and all the proud,

yea, and all that do wickedly,

shall be stubble:

and the day that cometh

shall burn them up,

saith the LORD of hosts,

that it shall leave them

neither root

nor branch.

2 But unto you that fear my name

shall the Sun of righteousness

arise with healing in his wings;

and ye shall go forth,

and grow up

as calves of the stall.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked;

for they shall be ashes

under the soles of your feet

in the day

that I shall do this,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Malachi 4:1-3

Praise God for the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf!  Have you received the greatest gift of all?  Today IS the day of salvation—remember there is a test; so, choose wisely!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein

we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man some would even dare to die.

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.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

Paul painted a most alarming picture of those who choose to oppose God, so we must faithfully stand until HE comes with “righteousness” in His wings, but note that it’s His time, His might and His work!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live

by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed

from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth

in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things

that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are

without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart

was darkened.”   Romans 1:16-21

God never said we would serve Him without opposition, knowing that if they opposed God Himself, why would they not oppose us who follow HIM!  Jesus also warned us, His followers, that we would stand as sheep amongst wolves—but we are called, equipped and saved to “stand”!  (See Matthew 10:16)

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are

not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:18-21

And in closing, to stand, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, keep our armor on, pressing on with and for Jesus.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

Worship–A State Not A Place??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #691

11 Wednesday Nov 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Dependence, Glory To God, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Salvation, Witness, Worship Him!, Worship?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #691  Worship—A State Not A Place???

 

Just a few thoughts this morning about worship: what is worship; where does it take place; when does it take place; why does it take place; who really worships; how can we become true worshippers?  All these are questions we need to consider, especially in these tumultuous days which seem to confront us in such mind-boggling ways!  If worship is a state of mind and heart rather than a “place”, how do we get there.  Let’s allow scripture to answer these questions.

Worship—reverent homage and honor paid to God or a

Sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred-

One of the definitions of the Greek word that Jesus used in Matthew 4:10, says:

Worship–To crouch…to prostrate oneself in homage…to do reverence to…to adore—worship—

Jesus makes it clear for us that real worship of God will yield service in the life of the worshipper.  I find it apropos that this was one of the three temptations that Satan challenged Jesus in; what would our answer have been?  What have we bowed down to?  Where have we failed to truly worship God?

“Then saith Jesus unto him,

Get thee hence, Satan:

for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

and him only

shalt thou serve.”  Matthew 4:10

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus makes it clear that we are called to be “exclusionists”—not a popular idea—but we are called here by Jesus to worship “him only” and we are to serve “him only”.  Jesus also makes this clear in another passage that we need to consider in our ‘multi-tasking’ mindset.  We have allowed our cultural influence to rollover into our idea of worship (thinking we just add worship on to our already loaded schedule and give “God a nod” when we have the time!).  Jesus says different!

“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

And as we spoke of recently—we must understand and acknowledge that we are “bought with a price” and we are living in God’s presence—whether we act like it or not—and to know and submit ourselves to our God and King is the beginning of true worship.  Living in God’s presence at every turn, giving ourselves to be His “witnesses” before a lost and dying world.

“What?

know ye not

that your body is the temple

of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”   1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When we are “born again” we receive new life in Jesus, and our life is to be lived unto Him.  Paul put it best to the Romans—we need a mindset toward God in all things.

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

Whom are we glorifying?  Self?  The powers that be?  Power that we want?  Fame?  Fortune? Prominence?  We are to be the witnesses of Jesus.  It’s what He left us here to BE!  And when we will BE His witness, the right doing will always accompany the ‘being’!

“When they therefore were come together,

they asked of him, saying,

Lord, wilt thou at this time

restore again the kingdom

to Israel?

7 And he said unto them,

It is not for you to know

the times

or the seasons,

which the Father hath put

in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost

is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me

both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea,

and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part

of the earth.”  Acts 1:6-8

Don’t fret over yesterday or tomorrow, or the times and seasons, rather live for Jesus in each and every moment that HE gives us “TODAY”!  Live in His presence deliberately!  Walk in His ways continually!  Speak godliness in all things.  Remember that we “are” a witness in all we do and say—all be it, a good one or a bad one, but we are witnesses!  Are you glorying God by a life of worship?  Or are you ashamed to let others know that you are HIS?  Or even worse, are you oblivious to your condition and you unwittingly bring shame to the name of Jesus?

I’d like to share two other passages that I pray will encourage you on your way as good witnesses to the King who bought our salvation with His own blood.  May God speak anew and afresh to you and me through HIS Word!

“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

Is your labor “in the Lord”?  If you’ve been born again, it ought to be?  Consider Paul’s call to the believers at Rome:

“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

May God speak to our hearts, and may we truly learn to live a life of total worship before our God; not just in songs (of whatever kind) at church or raising “holy hands” in a “worship service” (not that there is anything wrong with those things—But God wants our all—all the time), but by living a life of devotion to the God who saves us, keeps us and desires for our hearts to be in tune with HIM.  Even as Jesus prayed for us all in John 17.

“And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

and I come to thee. Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are…

….23 I in them,

and thou in me,

that they may be made perfect

in one;

and that the world may know

that thou hast sent me,

and hast loved them,

as thou hast loved me.”  John 17:11 & 23

Amen and Amen!!!

Praying On??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #687

28 Wednesday Oct 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Dependence, Diligence, Praise God Today!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Sovereignty, Speaking The Truth In Love

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #687      Praying On??

 

I think it important that we realize the need to pray in these difficult days that God’s will would be accomplished!  I would simply like to present Daniel’s praise to God for hearing and answering the prayer that he and his friends had offered to meet their dilemma and spare their lives.  I ask that we would each peruse its truths and stand upon the Sovereign rule of our God.

“Then Daniel went in,

and desired of the king

that he would give him time,

and that he would shew the king

the interpretation.

17 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.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God

for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth

the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep

and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me

wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me

now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known

unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:16-23

What are you praying about?  Have you thanked and praised God for the answers you’ve already seen?  Will you join me and lift up to heaven prayers for God to make known before the world HIS power and work through HIS people (if you would) in “the king’s matter”! May we be faithful and diligent to stand in God’s grace and truth?  Amen & Amen!!!

“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.”  Ephesians 6:13