Category Archives: Faithful is He that has Promised!

You’re Not A DIY!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 02

25 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Compromise, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, God's provision, Gospel, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Living, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Listening To God, Living Right, Make Like A Tree?, Plumbline?, Polluted by the world?, Salvation, Saved by grace, SIN, Sovereignty, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 02  You’re Not A DIY!!!

 

We live in a culture of DIY—Do it YOURSELF!  But God never calls us to ‘fix’ ourselves but to yield to HIS love, work and transforming power.  I would like to share from the scriptures some food for thought to perhaps readjust our thinking.  I pray that it will touch hearts, encourage the faithful, convict those who have fallen for the lies of the enemy, by speaking the truth of God in love.  I do love and pray for each of you that will read this post, that God will speak HIS Word to your heart; that you will come to know that you don’t have to DIY; you simply have to “let God BE God”!

“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

God begins His work in us by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus—His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice of Himself for us.  We couldn’t save ourselves and apart from Jesus we surely can’t keep ourselves!

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:1-5

Just as a branch broken off of the tree will not grow—neither will we unless we abide in Jesus.  He has provided everything that we need to be faithful, successful followers of His!  God has called and equipped us to grow IN HIM!

“Grace and peace be multiplied

unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us

all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

that hath called us

to glory

and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious

promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4

As Paul said above—God began it—and He will finish the work in His own!

“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.

30 Moreover

 whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

 them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not

with him

also freely give us

all things?”  Romans 8:28-32

And how do we become HIS?  By coming to Jesus in repentance and faith!  Only One Way—only One Savior:  “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” And we come by faith in The One who died for you and me, who also said: “him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”!  Amen! (See John 14:6 & 6:37)

“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

Instead of a DIY project, God calls us to die to self, and live unto Him, by Him and for Him!

“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

It’s all about JESUS!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

 to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

So my conclusion is that we must stop working on our own—doing our DIY project on ourselves–and let Jesus do HIS work in us, yielding to His Spirit, knowing His Word, His truth, and trusting to HIS perfect provision and providence (a word that we have mostly forgotten today)! Here are a few passages to help us focus on our Master Builder rather than ourselves!

“For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13

“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.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

And more from our brother Paul:

“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

Finally, how do we know what it looks like to choose HIS way?  Again, Paul gives us an amazing contrast that I’ll leave with you!  You must decide if you will focus on the way of the flesh or The Spirit.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such

there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.”   Galatians 5:19-24

Remember the fruit can only come from abiding in the tree!  May we learn to measure with God’s plumb-line not the world’s; and abide in our LORD Jesus in all our ways!  Be fruitful!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whose Battles Are You Fighting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #576

07 Wednesday Aug 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Blessed by God, Comfort, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fearlessness, Fight or Faith?, JESUS, Sovereignty, The Love of God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #576      Whose Battles Are You Fighting???

 

I have a very brief word to share this morning as the sun pops over the horizon.  I can’t help but thank God that HE IS my strength and my redeemer, and we just need to keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus!  And while heaven is my home, I still have to live this life as long as God gives me breath; maybe you need a word of encouragement along with me this morning—let’s dig in.

“The LORD is my light

and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

the LORD is the strength

of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1

No one!  We can walk in confidence and overcome the fears that confront me/you; and while my fears will be different from your fears, we can look up to The One who has us in His hand; and as believers in Jesus, we have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

“Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you

into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”    John 16:13-14

And I am so thankful that Paul reminded his son-in-the-ministry of this very thing.  So, friends, may we remember that we are not alone, and as King Solomon wrote “there is no new thing under the sun” (See Ecclesiastes 1:9)!

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

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

I find it interesting that the word for “sound mind” here, is a word that means “right thinking”, and ‘right thinking’ means thinking God’s thoughts, and remembering that HE has it all in His hand!

“And all Judah stood before the LORD,

with their little ones,

their wives,

and their children.

14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah,

a Levite of the sons of Asaph,

came the Spirit of the LORD

in the midst of the congregation;

15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah,

and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed by reason

of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”    2 Chronicles 20:13-15

Take some time today and read this whole episode in the life of Jehoshaphat, it will encourage your soul, no matter what trials or battles you may be facing; for remember God has told us as well, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (See Hebrews 13:5-6)!  May you have a blessed day—look up—our God reigns!

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!!!

HE IS FAITHFUL!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #568

03 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by in Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #568   HE IS FAITHFUL!!!

 

Just a short word this morning to wish those in the USA a happy 4thof July—Independence Day.  And to remind us all that in Jesus Christ we have all that we need to “depend” upon!  We are no longer “in”dependent—but totally dependent upon Jesus.  When discouragement, disappointment or disillusionment comes (whether it be with the government, the people around us, the circumstances that come our way, or even those that we love the most) we can be assured that our God reigns!

“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

I take great comfort and confidence in the faithfulness of The Lord God Almighty, who reigns over all—and that simply means ALL!!!  No more no less—and that’s enough for me.  I will not stay down—but I will fix my eyes on Jesus NOT the lions!

“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

I pray that you will look up and not around! For we can often become discouraged by the actions, choices and reactions of others; but remember GOD still reigns.  He has never said ‘oops’; and HE loves you with an everlasting love.  Don’t let the enemy distract you from the truth!  Put on your armor, press on and praise The Lord God in all things. (See Ephesians 6:10-19)

“For this is the love of God,

that we keep his commandments:

and his commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God

overcometh the world:

and this is the victory

that overcometh the world,

even our faith.

5 Who is he that

 overcometh the world,

but he that believeth

that Jesus is the Son of God?”    1 John 5:3-5

And I close with the words of Paul:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Ghost,

be with you all. Amen….”    2 Corinthians 13:14a

Just FYI we’re taking a few days off, so I’ll see you all Sunday, Lord willing!  Blessings on your day!

 

 

 

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!