Category Archives: Faithful is He that has Promised!

Grateful Hearts/Generous Hands??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 10

22 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Attitude of Gratitude, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Giving Or Taking?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Only Jesus, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 10 Grateful Hearts/Generous Hands???

 

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man

according as he purposeth

in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able

to make all grace abound

toward you;

that ye,

always having all sufficiency

in all things,

may abound

to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Contrary to popular belief, the bounty that God gives is not for selfish consumption, but that we may “abound to every good work”— good works that God has called us to do when we become HIS children by grace through faith.  It’s not a contest, that like the world says, “The one who dies with the most toys, wins!”; but rather it’s a gift that is to be shared with those whom God calls us to bless!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For

we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”   Ephesians 2:8-10

As Paul goes on to say, we are to be a people of gratitude, because we only have that which we have received—and if we have received it ourselves, how can we withhold it from those in need, or from those whom God has placed in our path to bless?  When we are truly grateful it should produce hearts and hands of generosity.  We will be willing to share as we have opportunity, thanking God for the privilege of being a blessing!  Are you thankful for what God has done for you?  For what HE is doing for, in and through you?  For the glory that is to come with HIM. (Note ‘received’ in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

“See then that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools,

but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding

what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk

with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled

with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing

and making melody

in your heart

to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always

for all things

unto God and the Father

in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ;”  Ephesians 5:15-20

Let’s take this apart for consideration, are you/I:

Walking circumspectly—with righteous character?

Being foolish or wise in our behavior?

Redeeming “our” time for God’s purposes?

Doing right regardless of the evil around us?

Understanding God’s will by knowing HIS Word?

Maintaining a sober mind (set on God not substances)?

Being filled with HIS Holy Spirit over fleshly desires?

Speaking godly words to ourselves and others?

Having and sharing God’s joyful song from our heart?

GIVING THANKS—

ALWAYS—

FOR ALL THINGS—

UNTO GOD (not self!)—

BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US?

These are questions that each of must answer continually; yet as we listen and heed the voice of God’s Spirit within us, we will find ourselves gaining the victory over self and abounding in the generous, grateful heart that God calls and equips us to express before a lost and dying world!

What have you shared today?  Yesterday?  Do you plan on sharing tomorrow?  I’d simply like to leave us with a few words of encouragement from The Word; and I pray that you have a most blessed and Holy season of Thanks–giving!  Not just a day—but a lifestyle with an “attitude of gratitude” (especially in these perilous times!)!

“I exhort therefore, that,

first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made for all men;

 2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life

in all godliness

and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4

And as the author of the Proverbs reminds us:

“Withhold not good

from them

to whom it is due,

when it is in the power

of thine hand

to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour,

Go,

and come again,

and to morrow I will give;

when thou hast it by thee.”  Proverbs 3:27-28

I pray that your Thanksgiving is blessed and peaceful, and I’ll see ya’ll next time!   Amen and Amen!

Presuming Or Waiting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #686

22 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Confidence or Presumption?, Elijah, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #686      Presuming Or Waiting???

 

I have a word for today in regard to a conversation that we had in my Bible Study class this week; we are studying the Beatitudes.   We were discussing the merciful and the pure in heart, when the subject of faith and presumption came up, we went to the Lord’s model prayer to get God’s Word on the subject, for Jesus gives us the bottom line on prayer:

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

I’d simply like to remind us to not only be faithful in prayer, but to be biblical in our prayer and finding what God has for us.  Prayer isn’t a heavenly slot machine into which we drop our “demands” and pull the handle that requires God to answer according to “my dictates”!  Prayer isn’t a direct “demand” line to heaven, rather it is a direct line to draw near to our God, our Lord and King that we might know HIM and draw nearer to Him and know Him more intimately.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace

to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

God wants us to know HIM, and to know HIM, just as Jesus said, is to seek HIS kingdom and HIS will not our own. Even as Isaiah wrote so powerfully, we are to “wait” not presume!

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD, the Creator

of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching

of his understanding.

29 He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint

and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:28-31

James also calls us to pray fervently knowing that God is the Sovereign Lord of all, and HE knows what is best for us in every situation.

“Confess your faults

one to another,

and pray

one for another,

that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer

of a righteous man

availeth much.

17 Elias was a man subject

to like passions as we are,

and he prayed earnestly

that it might not rain:

and it rained not on the earth

by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again,

and the heaven gave rain,

and the earth brought forth her fruit.”  James 5:16-18

James makes it clear that when we walk in “right” relationship with God, He hears and answers prayers, but don’t miss the message in regard to Elijah (Elias) for when you go back and read the account of Elijah on Mt. Carmel, you’ll find that God called Him to do the things that he did; Elijah didn’t presume on God to answer prayer, but rather relied on God to direct his prayer!  Kind of a different perspective, isn’t it?

So, may we each examine ourselves and pursue God and His will in all we do—even our prayer life—a fervent, ceaseless heart of prayer!

“Pray without ceasing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Peter therefore was kept in prison:

but prayer was made without ceasing

of the church

unto God for him.”  Acts 12:5

“For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit

in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing

I make mention of you always

in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”   Romans 1:9-10

“I thank God,

whom I serve from my forefathers

with pure conscience,

that without ceasing

I have remembrance of thee in my prayers

night and day;

4 Greatly desiring to see thee,

being mindful of thy tears,

that I may be filled

with joy;”   1 Timothy 1:3-4

And in conclusion, part of the very prayer of our Lord for us (and if you want a real blessing read all of John 17):

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;

glorify thy Son,

that thy Son also

may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power

over all flesh,

that he should give eternal life

to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal,

that they might know thee

the only true God,

and Jesus Christ,

whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee

on the earth:

I have finished the work

which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father,

glorify thou me

with thine own self

with the glory

which I had with thee

before the world was.”   John 17:1-5

Father God, Lord Jesus my Lord, will you take our hearts and minds and fix them on YOU.  To do as the Psalmist said,

“Trust in the LORD, and do good…

… Delight thyself also in the LORD…

… Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass…

… Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently

for him:”,

may we ever pursue you, as we “wait patiently” for your direction in our lives!  Amen and Amen!!!

Why Are You Waiting??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 04

12 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 04  Why Are You Waiting???

 

I love Southern Gospel Music and there are a plethora of songs about no tears in heaven, no blindness, no deaf ears, no sorrow, and I love those songs but it seems to me that many today are living so much for what heaven holds that they are missing living for Jesus right here and now!

We are to live seeking God and His ways each day or we are missing opportunities that HE is placing before us each and every day.  God is ever working to grow us into the image of The Son, Jesus, through every circumstance in our lives.

“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

As God is ever working to conform us into Jesus’ image, our part is to pursue God, His Word and His ways. Jesus tells us to seek God’s purposes not the greedy ways of the world; we are to seek God first in all things, for He has promised to provide our every need.

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

Jesus reminds us that we live in an evil world, but our focus is to be on our Lord and His will for us; we are to follow Him, pursuing Him and His will, and we can only do that consistently as we delve into the scriptures and follow the leadership of His precious Holy Spirit.  We are called to choose the good over the profane—and that is most difficult in this profane world we live in.  But God has promised to provide for those who will exercise this principle.  Jeremiah gives testimony of the need to go or halt at God’s bidding, and if we are faithful to God and stand fast for His truth, HE promises to be with us.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand

before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail

against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

21 And I will deliver thee

out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee

out of the hand of the terrible.”  Jeremiah 15:19-21

What terrible things are you facing today?  God promised not only Jeremiah deliverance, but He has promised to walk with us through our difficulties each and every day, if we will but seek HIS face.

“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

Here and now—not just later in heaven!  And a few more passages to encourage you today.

“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

It’s all because of Jesus!

“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

And a few words of challenge and hope for us all.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”   2 Timothy 2:15-16

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

If you would– to know truth—to heed conviction of sin/error—to yield to God’s discipline—and to receive and obey His words of righteousness—all to grow us unto spiritual maturity!

And in Jesus’ own words, we are reminded that our work on earth is to be done in HIS power, as we “abide” in our “vine”!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”   John 15:5

May we draw near to our Lord that HE may be seen in us—as we bring forth HIS fruit!  NOW!!!

“But it is good for me

to draw near to God:

I have put my trust

in the Lord GOD,

that I may declare

all thy works.”  Psalm 73:28

May you/I be “about my Father’s business” here and now, not just looking forward to heaven (which we are to do, but not to the exclusion of the present work of God)!

Amen and Amen!!!

Some Things Haven’t Changed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #677

19 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Knowing God's Word, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #677  Some Things Haven’t Changed???

 

We are living in a world that changes every day, and for the most part the changes aren’t necessarily good.  So often we face an opposition that just wants us to be quiet and/or ‘go away’ (and when Jesus Christ calls us out of this world they will surely get their wish) but we have been called to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus—that the cross brings new life to those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith!

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:18-20

Our commission from our Lord is to spread the Good News that Jesus saves!  Only Jesus can save—and He will save all who will come to Him in repentance and faith—the truth that the Apostles shared after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit to the believers.

“Be it known unto you all,

 and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

In fact, Jesus Himself made it clear that there is only one way to God the Father—through HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on Calvary!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man

cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

And this same Jesus IS the same—always!  And HIS Word hasn’t changed either

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times

manifested his word

through preaching,

which is committed unto me

according to the commandment

of God our Saviour;”  Titus 1:2-3

Jesus is the only way—the only truth—the only way to have eternal life—past, present, and forever.  Jesus not only gives us the answers—HE IS the answer, and when we lift HIM up, HE will accomplish HIS purpose.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved

the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth

in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:14-16

Jesus came to save “his people from their sins”, but the price was HIS life for our sin!  And this is His message to us who are His followers, we are to lift HIM UP—not self, not programs, not popular fads, not entertainment, but JESUS!

“Now is the judgment of this world:

now shall the prince of this world

be cast out.

32 And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:31-33

And Jesus should be our only priority, and I will stand with Paul and proclaim it unendingly!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

…5 That your faith should not stand

in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 5

My prayer for each of us, is that we will see Jesus Christ clearly and trust to His Word to do HIS work!  We don’t have to compromise to do God’s work.  Even as Jesus said, may we be faithful in doing The Father’s work!

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another,

Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him that sent me,

and to finish

 his work.”  John 4:32-34

May it ever be!  Amen and Amen!!!

God Always Knows??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21

02 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Comfort, Compassion, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21     God Always Knows???

 

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps,

his way have I kept,

and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”   Job 23:10-12

HE knows….   What an amazing truth on which I stand and take great comfort.  It has been a difficult day, and the comfort in my soul knowing that God has not only me in His hands, but those whom I love dearly.  Just as Job, in the midst of trials—trials that were allowed by his God—Job knew that God was in charge!  And with Job, I proclaim as he did:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”   Job 13:15

We all make choices—choices to trust God or not.  To believe in Him or not; to trust God or the world and its lies instead!  Yet through all of the grief and sorrow of these recent months (after the loss of my daughter) my confidence is not in my own strength, but in the solace and comfort that God continues to supply!  God’s comfort is the strength of my heart, soul and mind, and I thank Him for the many reminders of His presence and His provision.

While I have good days and difficult days, God is ever at work to remind me of His faithfulness.  I have noticed that it has made me more sensitive to the losses and trials of those around me, and I have to say I am grateful when the tears come, whether for myself or in prayer for those I love and care for.  I am so grateful that God knows where I am and where those are whom I love and pray for; and while there is much suffering and many trials for the faithful going on around us, we can take comfort with the Psalmist that our God knows.  Let’s peruse the insight that David shares in Psalm 139.

“O LORD, thou hast searched me,

and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting

and mine uprising,

thou understandest my thought

afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path

and my lying down,

and art acquainted

with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue,

but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me

behind

and before,

and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high,

I cannot attain unto it.”   Psalm 139:1-6

David reminds us that God is–as he said elsewhere— “a very present help in trouble”!  I am so glad that I am not alone, that God knows not only what I have been through, but what I face today and even tomorrow.  Praise God, I know “who holds tomorrow”—and today, and the yesterdays that I have entrusted to His healing grace!

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit?

or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven,

thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness

hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth

as the day:

the darkness and the light

are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

thou hast covered me

in my mother’s womb.”   Psalm 139:7-13

David so clearly reveals to us his unwavering faith in the true nature of God Almighty, The One who not only knows our past, but our present and our future; and He is ever the sovereign God over all—the good, the bad and the unpleasant.  He is sufficient to our every need.

“But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever

and ever. Amen.”  Philippians 4:19-20

David gives us even more insight as we continue with Psalm 139:

“I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

when I was made in secret,

and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance,

yet being unperfect;

and in thy book

all my members were written,

which in continuance were fashioned,

when as yet

there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

O God!

how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them,

they are more in number than the sand:

when I awake,

I am still with thee.”   Psalm 139:14-18

You/I are truly “fearfully and wonderfully made” by this amazing God of Gods, and King of Kings.  I pray that you will join me and rejoice in the glory of our sovereign Lord of all.  He can be trusted, and as David said, “marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”!  I hope you know this God who loves you and me, and that you will find comfort and peace in His presence!  He loves you more than you can imagine.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them

that love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Will you love HIM?  He loves you enough to die for YOU!  And HIS comfort is unparalleled!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:3-5

May I simply say, as God comforts me, He enables me to help bring comfort to you and others, so that we can share HIS comfort with those He brings across our path!  Won’t you receive of His consolation and pass it on!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

Amen and Amen!!!