Category Archives: Faith

What Legacy Will You Leave??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #581

23 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Faith, Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #581     What Legacy Will You Leave???

 

 

As I get older each day (as we all do!), I am more and more aware of the import of our life choices.  We are granted the freedom to choose by the God Almighty who created us in HIS image, but with freedom comes responsibility, consequences, and both near and far effects.  My heart is so grieved over the times that I have made poor choices, and that my choices are still affecting others!  I can also rejoice in the choices that have had positive impacts on others, but so often we fail to practice what I call, ‘awareness of our influence’!  Most of us often feel like we don’t have any influence, but each and every one of us have the ability to influence others, for good or evil; for no matter how small we think our circle of influence is, like ripples on a lake our actions have wide-spreading effects on people that we may not even realize.

Think about the person who lead Billy Graham to Jesus, or Dwight L Moody (who was led to Jesus by a shoe clerk!), or any number of great people that we are all familiar with; without someone who told them about Jesus, where would we all be?

“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink

in my name,

because ye belong to Christ,

verily I say unto you,

he shall not lose his reward.

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones

that believe in me,

it is better for him

that a millstone were hanged

about his neck,

and he were cast into the sea.”   Mark 9:41-42

Reward and effect aren’t appraised by quantity, but by the level of faithfulness and devotion!

“He that is faithful

in that which is least

is faithful also in much:

and he that is unjust

in the least

is unjust also in much.”   Luke 16:10

Are we being faithful to God in our life choices, or are we being led to join the world’s philosophy and foolish way of thinking? Are we being faithful in the little that we have?  If not, how can we expect God to trust us with more? What legacy are we leaving to our children?  A heritage of godliness, or a heritage of compromise, license, and indulgence of the flesh?  As an old adage says, “What the parents do in moderation, the children will do to excess!”  When will we realize the eternal import of our influence? I pray that it is soon, for time is fleeting and Jesus is our soon-coming King!  Oh, how I desire to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”  We must learn to be faithful with what HE has given us today!

“And he said unto him,

Well,

thou good servant:

because thou hast been faithful

in a very little,

have thou authority over ten cities.”  Luke 19:17

And if you remember the story, it didn’t matter how much each one had, but how faithful they had been.  I would simply like to leave you with the words of one of my favorite songs, which says it better than I could.  May God encourage your heart today to recognize your opportunities and choose wisely!  Remember there is a test coming!

May Those Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful

              By Steve Green

We’re pilgrims on the journey
of the narrow road,
and those who’ve gone before us
line the way.
cheering on the faithful,
encouraging the weary,
their lives a stirring testament
to god’s sustaining grace.

o may all who come behind us
find us faithful,
may the fire of our devotion
light their way.
may the footprints that we leave,
lead them to believe,
and the lives we live
inspire them to obey.
o may all who come behind us
find us faithful. 

Surrounded by so great
a cloud of witnesses,
let us run the race
not only for the prize,
but as those who’ve gone before us.
let us leave to those behind us,
the heritage of faithfulness
passed on thru godly lives.

After all our hopes and dreams
have come and gone,
and our children sift thru all
we’ve left behind,
may the clues that they discover,
and the mem’ries they uncover,
become the light that leads them,
to the road we each must find.

o may all who come behind us
find us faithful,
may the fire of our devotion
light their way.
may the footprints that we leave,
lead them to believe,
and the lives we live
inspire them to obey.
o may all who come behind us
find us faithful.

Amen and Amen!!!

Sometimes You’re Just Not Sure??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #571

17 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by in Ask God For Wisdom, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Wisdom

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #571   Sometimes You’re Just Not Sure???

 

We all have things that confront us, and decisions looming on the horizon that befuddle us; so, what do we do when these things happen?  Sometimes we just aren’t sure how to deal with things, or how to respond properly and in a godly manner to any particular crisis, dilemma, or conflict; but God knows what is going on, and HE hasn’t been surprised.  James gives us a word of encouragement and hope for every situation.

“My brethren,

count it all joy

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this,

that the trying of your faith

worketh patience.

4 But let patience

have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect

and entire,

wanting nothing. (Lacking nothing)

5 If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask

in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.

7 For let not that man

think that he shall receive any thing

of the Lord.

 8 A double minded man

is unstable

in all his ways.”   James 1:2-8

As we think about trials and crises (particularly when they are because of our walk of faith and obedience to our Lord) we can take heart and confidence from Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

“Now if ye be ready

that at what time ye hear the sound of

the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery,

and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down

and worship the image

which I have made;

well:

but if ye worship not,

 ye shall be cast the same hour

into the midst of a burning fiery furnace;

and who is that God

 that shall deliver you

out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

 that we will not serve

thy gods,

nor worship

the golden image

which thou hast set up.”                      Daniel 3:15-18

As you probably already know, these three young men were called into account for not bowing to the King’s idol, the statue that he had erected (which probably bore a great likeness to himself!) and which he had commanded everyone to worship at the cue of the music.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had already made up their minds with Daniel, when they were taken captive into Babylon, to worship God and remain faithful to Him.  And we must decide whom we will serve!  We can be like Daniel and his friends, or we can fall prey to the lies, tricks and distractions of the devil.  I vote with Daniel!

“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 made the decision to live for God, yet as we read the rest of this amazing account, we find that Daniel’s choice was to live right before God, and to do it with integrity, honor of others, and respect for those over him.  What kind of change could we make in the world if we chose to follow God with complete devotion, integrity and respect toward others?  What if we sought God’s wisdom for every question, knowing that if we will but ask in faith and confidence, HE will reveal Himself, His will, and His way to us?  I simply leave you with one of my favorite reminders:

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Greater Than Your Need??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #563

14 Friday Jun 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faith

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #563    Greater Than Your Need???

 

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he

that is in you,

than he

that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

I have a few things to share that I pray will encourage your walk with Jesus today.  I know some of you are facing dire circumstances, carrying heavy loads, lifting the weight of the world (or it sure seems that way!), enduring seemingly unending trials—yet we have a hope! One of my favorite phrases in the scripture is, “but God”!  Oh how grateful I am that God has it; no matter the difficulties I may face, or how my ‘feelings’ seem to waver, no matter the fear, or anxiety, or tears that often flood my soul–God is my safe place, my strong tower, and I’m so glad! May these verses encourage you to “look up”!  God’s got this.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Jesus calls us to take His “yoke” upon us, simply referring to a harness that joins two animals together to pull the load with the strength of two sharing a load.  Jesus wants to share your load.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus is a Savior who understands our every trial and promises to walk with us all the way.  I’d like to close with a few passages that I pray will speak to your heart today, whatever your burden is.  For:

              God is bigger than your problem—

              God is stronger than your heavy burden—

              God is greater than any load that you carry—

                     And HE has promised to ever walk with YOU!

“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

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:28

“Wherefore he is able also to save them

to the uttermost

that come unto God

by him, seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”   Hebrews 7:25

Amen and Amen!

Still Faithful??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #560

31 Friday May 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #560     Still Faithful???

 

We talked the last time about staying focused on Jesus, and I thought it would be a good thing on this Friday, and the last day of the month to remember the faithfulness of our God.  We all have times when discouragement comes knocking at the door and we simply have to let God’s Word open the door—and we will find victory to overcome our enemy.

We have the choice to keep our eyes on Jesus or to let those momentary distractions become long-term and life altering!  The choice is ours, and we can choose to keep God’s Word on our tongues, coming out of the “abundance of the heart”!  Here are are few reminders that you might want to take note of, rehearse and memorize for future use!

“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

We are never alone—for God is faithful to be with us, and our Christian brothers and sisters are enduring the trials of life as well!

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 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 4:6-8

Praise God, HE is ever able and willing to help us see HIM!  So let’s humble ourselves before HIM—not the world; submit to HIM; resist the enemy; draw near to HIM; cleanse our hands (actions) and our hearts (our thoughts and intents…see Hebrews 4:12-13); and He will prove Himself faithful, for HIS grace “is sufficient”!

“If we believe not,

yet he abideth faithful:

he cannot deny himself.”  2 Timothy 2:13

And Isaiah reminds us:

“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,”  Isaiah 43:2-3a

And like Job, we can know our Redeemer will deliver—when He knows the timing is right for our good and HIS glory!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:”  Job 19:25

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

 before him.”  Job 13:15

We must determine to maintain our own “ways before him”, and not be led astray by the false wonders of the enemy. For scripture tells us that sin can be enticing and pleasant—but only for a time.  The payment will come due sooner than we expect!

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”    Hebrews 11:25

As the old adage says (Origin unknown):

“Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go-

Keep you longer than you wanted to stay—

 And cost you more than you wanted to pay!”

I pray that these words from God’s Word will encourage you today and remind each of us that HE is always with us and faithful in every way—every day!

And we can live victorious lives all because of HIM, keeping our minds thinking “on these things”: the true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praise worthy things (See Philippians 4:8)!  Press on dear friends—we win IN Jesus!

Amen and Amen!

But I Don’t Want To??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #553

03 Friday May 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Dependence, Distractions, Faith, Follow Jesus, Holiness, I Can Do All Things?, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing God's Word, Press ON!, Stand Fast, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #553     But I Don’t Want To???

 

“O wretched man that I am!

who shall deliver me

from the body of this death?

25 I thank God

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So then with the mind I myself

 serve the law of God;

but with the flesh       

the law of sin.”   Romans 7:24-25

Romans chapter 7 closes with this desperate cry from Paul, “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ But Paul didn’t stop there—praise God! We do live in a body of flesh, that still wrestles with evil cravings, self-will, and tendencies to discouragement! But Praise God, Paul didn’t’ stop there—because God hasn’t stopped there.  Our hope isn’t in our flesh—OH how glad I am of that—but our hope is IN Jesus and the precious Holy Spirit whom He imparts to those who come to Him in repentance and faith.

That means that in those days when my flesh is doubting, pouting, and about to be ‘dropping-outting’ (as my pastor puts it), I don’t have to quit for I/we DO have a deliverer!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit

of life

in Christ Jesus

hath made me free from the law

of sin

and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law

might be fulfilled

 in us,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”   Romans 8:1-4

I don’t have to yield to the flesh—for I have The Holy Spirit of Jesus dwelling within me!  Therefore, I don’t have to give in to my flesh when it is screaming in my heart and mind, “I don’t want to!”; instead I can “stand fast in the evil day”! It’s not always easy, but it is simple to know that I can control my heart and mind by keeping my heart and mind set on Jesus, His Word and resisting the enemy of my/your soul! Here are a few scriptures for you to ponder today if you are wrestling with your mindset, as I often do!  Bring those thoughts “captive” to Jesus’ power, grace and holiness!

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,   

and he will flee from you.” James 4:5-7

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh…

..25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

And 2 passages that I rehearse to myself frequently may help you as much as they help me check those thoughts “at the door” of my heart and mind.  If it’s the devil wanting to get in, we CAN slam the door!

“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.”   Philippians 4:8

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”   2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I want to—and “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

Amen and Amen!