Category Archives: Faithful

Faithful In Little>Faithful In Much??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #734

10 Thursday Jun 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Father's Way!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #734 Faithful In Little>Faithful In Much???

 

I have a few simple (yet profound) thoughts to share with you today.  For many often proclaim, “I’d die for Jesus!”; yet these same people don’t have time to “live” for Jesus.  They have no thought of serving God in and through the church; they may or may not grace God with their occasional presence—but their hands are surely held out for the “presents” of God, with very little, if any, thought for HIS “Presence”!  How sad!  Jesus said if we aren’t faithful in the “little” (“the least”) things—like our daily living—we won’t be faithful in the “big” (“much”) things.  I find it quite interesting that Jesus relates ‘unfaithfulness’ with being “unjust”!  It seems to me that Jesus is telling us that if our character exhibits faithfulness and justice toward God and His Word, then we will have that same character in the world—in our daily living before the world!  Then He goes on to remind us that it’s an issue of the heart and “what master” we have chosen to serve—God or self (and self pretty much covers all the choices that are not of God!)!

“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.

11 If therefore ye have not been faithful

in the unrighteous mammon,

who will commit to your trust

the true riches?

12 And if ye have not been faithful

in that which is another man’s,

who shall give you

that which is your own?

13 No servant 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.

14 And the Pharisees also,

who were covetous,

heard all these things:

and they derided him.

15 And he said unto them,

Ye are they which justify yourselves

before men;

but God knoweth

your hearts:

for that which is highly esteemed

among men

is abomination

 in the sight of God.”   Luke 16:10-15

What are we setting as “highly esteemed” in our lives?  Is it service to God or service to self?  How easy is it for us to find something else to do on Sunday (or Saturday if that is your day of worship) rather than gather for corporate worship, study, and receiving The Word of God in power and truth?  I remember a time when there were no ballgames played on Sundays or Wednesday nights (much less team practices on ‘church’ nights!) because parents had their children in church; in fact, I heard of a man who told the coach that if he wanted his sons to play ball, he had to understand that they would be in church on Sundays and Wednesday nights!  Boy you don’t hear that today! For it seems that today, we find most any excuse to be elsewhere (and no I’m not talking about Covid or illnesses, especially since we are of an age to be affected with health issues that often keep us at home when we’d rather be at church).  And while I’m at it, let me also add that when we watch at home, we try to be up and dressed for worship—and yes, I think that matters.  Why would we claim to be gathering to worship The Almighty God of all creation and come dressed like we’re going to a hog-wrestling match or a peep show!  We wouldn’t dress like that to meet any other important “personage”—but God won’t mind.  No, God’s isn’t judging us by the price-tag or style of our clothes, but HE is interested in our heart, and if we love someone, we usually try to care about our appearance for them!  Worship is coming into God’s presence and seeking His face and desiring to hear HIS voice speak to us! Another message that Jesus had for His disciples is a bit harsh seemingly, especially for our culture of ease, expecting God to be a heavenly slot machine; I drop in my request, and HE produces on demand!  Excuse me—who is the ‘god’ here?

“But which of you, having a servant

plowing

or feeding cattle,

will say unto him by and by,

when he is come from the field,

Go and sit down to meat?

8 And will not rather say unto him,

Make ready wherewith I may sup,

and gird thyself,

and serve me,

till I have eaten and drunken;

and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9 Doth he thank that servant

because he did the things

that were commanded him?

I trow not.

10 So likewise ye,

when ye shall have done all those things

which are commanded you,

say,

We are unprofitable servants:

we have done that which

was our duty to do.”   Luke 17:7-10

We seem to have forgotten that we belong to Jesus—or that is what scripture tells us!  Yet we seem to have this idea that when we claim the blood and name of Jesus, we are “entitled” to rub our ‘magic lamp” and have our every fleshly desire met! NOT! NOT! NOT!

“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

We are called to seek God’s desires, His will, and His way!  Trusting to His care and provision for every area of our lives.  And that’s not always easy; simple yes, but easy, NO!  But as Paul said:

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

I can testify to this truth, for it is how I’ve gotten through the last 18 months (since the death of my precious daughter)—by trusting to THE ONE who holds my hand every step of the way!  Get your eyes off of the “things” around you and look to Jesus, and seek HIS face, HIS Word, and HIS Kingdom FIRST!

 

“Therefore

 take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 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 6:31-34

One of the signs of a committed believer and follower of Jesus can often be determined by their ‘wallet’.  But wait, giving isn’t just about our financial resources—it’s about giving our “redeemed life” to Jesus in grateful love, devotion, and service (His service)!

“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:

 9 (As it is written,

He hath dispersed abroad;

he hath given to the poor:

his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10 Now he that ministereth

seed to the sower

both minister bread for your food,

and multiply your seed sown,

and increase

the fruits of your righteousness;)

11 Being enriched in every thing

to all bountifulness,

which causeth through us

thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11

And while this has been a bit heavy today, I would like to bring us to one of my very favorite passages to lift your hearts to the “Throne of Grace…to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (See Hebrews 4:16).  This is a great passage to memorize for it tells us the “how to” of walking with Jesus each and every day!  Try it—HE has never failed me yet!  And HE IS coming soon for HIS own!  Just remember that “the desires of thine heart” are only filled for good when we “delight thyself…in the LORD”; this isn’t another of those “slot machines”!  Never presume on God—HE is God, I am not!

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also

in the LORD;

and he shall give thee

the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way

unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

 and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”   Psalm 37:3-8

May you hear the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart. And take note— ‘trust’ and ‘fret not’ are mentioned twice; maybe for a reason!!!  HE is waiting for you to hear and heed to HIS voice!  The days are quickly dwindling past—don’t put God off until it’s too late.  HE is waiting for YOU!

“And therefore will the LORD wait,

that he may be gracious unto you,

and therefore will he be exalted,

 that he may have mercy upon you:

for the LORD is a God of judgment:

blessed are all they that wait for him.”   Isaiah 30:18

Amen and Amen!!!

Come And I Will…??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 06

23 Sunday May 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Are You Ready, Armor of God, Ask God For Wisdom, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Clothed In His Righteousness, Compromise, Conviction, Crucified With Christ, Dare To Be Different!, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Father of lies, Fighting With God's Weapons, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, God Knows His Own, God's Judgment, God's love, Good News, Holy Living, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Knowing God's Word, Lies That Defeat Us, Listening To God, Not Of This World, Only One Way, Persecution, Redeemed By HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 06 Come And I Will……???

 

I’ve been disturbed lately with so much of what I hear and see around me these days—even things from believers in Jesus.  Things that are so biblically unsound and yet believers jump on the bandwagon because things “sound” good and seems to make sense in our culture gone askew.  Things like “I don’t have to put up with____”, “get rid of _______ kind of people in your life”, “follow your heart”, and I could go on; but the point is believers in, and followers of Jesus are called to walk to the beat of a different drum, not the human heart or human wisdom and ideas.  You can choose to go your own way, but the consequence won’t please you.

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD

search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according

to his ways,

and according

to the fruit of his doings.”  Jeremiah 17:9-10

Paul makes it clear to the Galatian believers as well as to us, that we have the freedom to choose, but there is a consequence to every choice; and while we are free to choose our own way, we are not free to set the consequences of our choices.  God has made HIS way clear in His Word, and if we will but seek HIS face through HIS WORD, we will find the wisdom to live godly and discerning lives.  Let’s see what Jeremiah has to say.

“Blessed is the man

that trusteth in the LORD,

and whose hope

the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree

planted by the waters,

and that spreadeth out

her roots by the river,

and shall not see

when heat cometh,

but her leaf

shall be green;

and shall not be careful

in the year of drought,

neither shall cease

from yielding fruit.”   Jeremiah 17:7-8

Living in Oklahoma, this passage is so picturesque—for we see droughts and heat and, what I call ‘brown outs’ when the vegetation all turns brown from the heat and lack of water.  God had Jeremiah remind us that when we walk in God’s ways, and trust to HIS care and HIS ways, we will be like that “tree planted by the waters”!  Being originally from Alabama, where trees are abundant and droughts rare, I learned pretty quickly that if you see trees in southwest Oklahoma, you can know there is water nearby.  Even the Psalmist used this same example of the godly.  Will you be one that spreads out and grows in grace and truth and ceases not “from yielding fruit”, or will you cave to the pressures of the evil day around us?

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly,

nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth

in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law

doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:1-3

We have the freedom to choose, but we must decide whom we want to please and be aligned with?  Do we want to dwell in the presence of The Lord Jesus and our Father God (by the power of His Holy Spirit), or will we settle for the lies of the enemy and live in the “pig pen”?  Jesus is so often misrepresented today, He is passed off as a “genie” who will grant all your ‘wishes’ and make your life a ‘garden party’; rather than as The Redeemer of men, women, boys and girls who will receive HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice by repentance and faith.  Jesus came to die for my sin—how could I repay Him with any less than total devotion and allegiance to Him and His Word!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will

lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?”   Matthew 16:24-26

We must stop measuring things by what the world thinks is good, and measure instead by God’s Word. (Period!). Satan has always been a master of deceit and we need to be aware of this truth—it is so serious that Paul mentions it twice in just a few verses of Ephesians 6.

“Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil..

…. 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.”  Ephesians 6:10 & 13

And with all my heart, I believe we are in “the evil day” and we must prepare to stand!  Jesus also warned us that we would face what HE faced—opposition, ridicule, spite and rejection; what will you do when righteousness brings the despite of others?

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 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 15:17-21

The question is simple (but not easy), do you want to please Jesus and be in HIS Kingdom, or would you rather join the world and “know not him that sent me”?  And those of us who belong to Jesus need to remember that we are called to do things God’s way—not men’s!  And in my heart and mind I truly believe that Jesus has made that plain!

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God…

… 20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

 hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe…

…. 23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  Portions of 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

“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

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

Consider these things and what we learn from them:

God chose the “foolishness of preaching”—

To save souls and change lives—

Not plans—

Not programs—

Not marketing strategies—

Not worldly entertainment–

Not circuses—

Not parades—

Not activity—

Nor ease—or excuses—or compromise–

Jesus said, “All power is given unto me” —

And because of HIS power, He told us to:

GO—or literally “as you go”—

TEACH—share HIS truth from HIS truth—

 Who—all nations–

BAPTIZE—bring others to identify with HIM—

 TEACH— (the second mention)—instruct—

What—to observe HIS commands—

HIS WORD—

IN HIS POWER—

For HE would be “with you always”!

The Psalmist reminds us, and may we let it resound over and over again in our hearts, that there is a way that “seemeth right unto a man” but it will never end well!  We must decide if we want to go God’s way, our own way, or the way of the world; the Proverbs say it best, in one of my favorite passages.

“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.”  Proverbs 3:5-7

There’s that “evil” again—oh how much we have been misled and often outright deceived into using the plans of man to operate the church as a business or organization, rather than an organism—The body of Christ!  I believe God makes it clear that HIS Word settles it all—not popular vote!

“For ever, O LORD,

thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness

is unto all generations:

thou hast established the earth,

and it abideth.”  Psalm 119:89-90

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Even when Peter and John were brought before the religious leaders of Israel, they proclaimed the truth of the Gospel of Jesus—no more, no less. Only Jesus—He saves, He secures, He sends, He supplies, He sustains!  He anoints, He adds, He orders the steps of HIS own! But it must be HIS way not our own!

“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

“Praising God,

and having favour with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily

such as should be saved.”  Acts 2:47

As we bring these thoughts to a close, I share another message of Jesus’—we must each decide if we will hear, heed and obey.

“All things are delivered unto me

of my Father:

and no man knoweth the Son,

but the Father;

neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son,

and he to whomsoever

the Son will reveal him.

28 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 11:27-30

Even as Jesus said earlier, we are to “Come unto me”, but to come to Jesus we must let go of self and receive HIS rest—not our own sufficiency; for it’s all about Jesus—not man’s ways, man’s philosophy, nor man’s programs but God’s gospel—God’s way—for God’s glory and the transformation of lives today!  I pray that you hear my heart for Jesus!  He is coming soon, and I pray that you are ready!  Jesus still saves and changes lives today—by HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary!  May we be found faithfully proclaiming HIS truth—HIS way!

“And they continued

stedfastly

in the apostles’ doctrine

and fellowship,

and in breaking of bread,

and in prayers.”  Acts 2:42

May we be found faithful!

Amen and Amen!!!

Ignoring The Manufacturer??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 04

25 Sunday Apr 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Bibe Study, Blessed by God, By example, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Discernment, Discipline, Encouragement, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Family, Father's Way!, Follow Jesus, God Is In Charge, God Knows His Own, He Died That We Could Live, If not now? When?, Inspiring Others, It's Your Choice, Jesus Saves!, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Manufacturer's Warranty

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 04 Ignoring The Manufacturer???

 

We all buy things these days, and most of the things that we purchase come with a manufacturer’s instructions and usually a warranty (Some even call virtually every day to remind you of your car warranty!  Ha ha ha), but the warranty is usually dependent on the fact that we have followed the instructions for the item.  We have a personal, human manufacturer who has also given us perfect instructions for ‘operation’; but the choice is ours—will we follow HIS instructions and heed to HIS warnings for prime operation, or will we choose to go our own way without regard to HIS instructions but choose wisely there will be a test.

“Now therefore

fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

When we choose to “serve the LORD”, we have aligned ourselves with The One who loves us more than anyone else in this world!

“A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another;

as I have loved you,

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love

one to another.”  John 13:34

And what does God’s love look like?  That’s clearly stated in God’s Word.

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds

were evil.”  John 3:14-19

God loved us so much that HIS plan was always that HE would pay for our sins through HIS own Son, The “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!

He painted a most amazing picture of this for Abraham in Genesis 22.

“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said,

Behold the fire and the wood:

but where is the lamb

for a burnt offering?

8 And Abraham said,

My son,

God will provide himself

a lamb for a burnt offering:

so they went both of them together…

…. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him

out of heaven, and said,

Abraham, Abraham:

and he said,

Here am I.

12 And he said, Lay not thine hand

upon the lad,

neither do thou any thing

unto him:

for now I know that thou fearest God,

seeing thou hast not withheld thy son,

thine only son from me.

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked,

and behold behind him a ram

caught in a thicket by his horns:

and Abraham went

and took the ram,

and offered him up for a burnt offering

in the stead of his son.”                               Portions of Genesis 22:7-13

And Abraham went on, I think, to let us know that he caught a glimpse of what God was promising:

“And Abraham called the name of that place

Jehovahjireh:

as it is said to this day,

In the mount of the LORD

it shall be seen.”  Genesis 22:14

Historians say that the mountain where God took Abraham and Isaac is the same mountain where God offered “HIS only begotten son” to pay the price for our sin with HIS own blood!

“Husbands,

love your wives,

even as Christ also loved the church,

and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it

with the washing of water

by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself

a glorious church,

not having spot,

or wrinkle,

or any such thing;

but that it should be holy and without blemish.”  Ephesians 5:25-27

And one of the most beautiful pictures of what Jesus did for us out of “His great love”, is painted by Peter in his first letter to believers.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:19-25

So, my question for today is, are we willing to follow the life-warranty instructions that God gave us for passing the baton to those who follow behind us—especially our own children.  For if we lose those we love the most, how grieved we will be.  But let me also add this caveat, we can only lead our children to see and recognize truth; they must choose for themselves to follow or not; but when we fail to live truth and pass it on by our life and our words, we will always regret our failure!  Here’s the passage that defines the HOME’s job! (not the church’s, or the school’s or the government’s job—but the parents!).

May God speak to our hearts and may we hear and heed The Word of God, The Great Manufacturer!

“Know ye that

the LORD he is God:

it is he that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture.”  Psalm 100:3

Be sure not to invalidate the warranty—God won’t call on your cell phone; but HIS WORD is calling us to HIS truth continually—and it’s never a wrong number!  It’s what the Psalmist was referring to:

“With my whole heart

have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou,

O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”  Psalm 119:10-12

“Take heed unto thyself,

and unto the doctrine;

continue in them:

for in doing this

thou shalt both save thyself,

and them that hear thee.”  1 Timothy 4:16

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well

that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth

in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star arise

in your hearts:”  2 Peter 1:19

And one of the warrants HE has promised:

“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

May it ever be so in our lives!

Amen and Amen!!!

Thank YOU Jesus??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #723

22 Thursday Apr 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, Humility

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #723  Thank YOU Jesus???

 

Just a note to end the week on a positive note of encouragement (and yes, I know it’s not Friday, but this will be the last post for the week) lifting our eyes upward—to Jesus, where they need to be!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction

of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

As we face challenges each day, may we remember that God calls us to walk in faith, knowing that HE is ever faithful to those who believe in HIM, and follow HIM faithfully. Just as Hebrews 11 tells us:

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…. 5 By faith Enoch

was translated that he should not see death;

and was not found,

because God had translated him:

for before his translation

he had this testimony,

that he pleased God.

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 & 5-6

This is why it is so important to be in The Word of God—to know who HE is, and what HE says.  It is my hope and total confidence; and I want to always share that confidence with you.  Not confidence in my ability or judgment, but in God’s eternal sovereignty, knowing that HE never changes, and that HE is ever working for our good, and HIS Word is true!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

And in HIS “sameness” of total holiness, righteousness and truth, we can know that our God is at work in and through us!  Oh, how I praise HIM for HIS faithful work in our lives in all things; all to conform us to the “image of His son”!

“But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 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 8:25-29

Because God is ever working in we—you and me—who are following Jesus, we can confidently come into HIS presence for aid, hope, and answers from The One who took on flesh, lived, died and was raised for the payment of our sin, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

“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

HE is always ready to grant us grace, wisdom and hope.

“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.”  James 1:5-6

I pray that we will each be encouraged to keep “looking unto Jesus” rather than self, others, and especially not the world’s ideas for solutions.  Satan is still the “father of lies” who only wants to destroy us.  Look up friends, to Jesus, not around at the “lions”!  We are victors not “lion food”!  Stand fast in JESUS!

“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:” 1 Peter 5:6-8

Choosing What To See??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 02

12 Monday Apr 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Crucified With Christ, Discernment, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 02  Choosing What To See???

 

I spoke recently at a ladies gathering to share my experiences of going through the murder of my daughter some sixteen months ago.  It’s not a pleasant story, but it is a story of hope and confidence in our God, and the fact that we can “stand fast in the evil day”!  It all comes down to knowing God through the Lord Jesus Christ and learning to see things through the lens of faith and a knowledge of God’s Word!  I can choose how I look at things and how I will respond to my circumstances.  I can choose to see things through eyes of faith in Jesus, or, as my former Pastor Brad McCoy used to say, “I can doubt, pout and drop out”!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  I choose to proclaim with Paul:

“Who hath saved us, and called us

with an holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to his own purpose and grace,

which was given us in Christ Jesus

before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest

by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who hath abolished death,

and hath brought life

and immortality to light

through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded

that he is able

to keep that

which I have committed

unto him

against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 1:9-13

In fact, this is almost an addendum to what Paul reminded Timothy of in verse 7:

“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

It’s interesting that the phrase “sound mind” can mean “right thinking”, for we can choose what we think, and it is imperative that we guard our hearts and minds, and think biblically.  How?

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”   Philippians 2:5-8

Even as Paul reminded the Galatians, we are to live a crucified life of humble reliance upon God, trusting to His sovereign control in all things—and while God never said all things would be good, HE did tell us that HE is working IN all things for our good.  Will we trust HIM in all things?  Will we die to self and live for, by and through the power that Jesus supplies?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

But how do I live the crucified life? By the power of God and learning to control my thought life and the desires of our heart!

“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 4:8-9

We must understand that the battle will almost always begin in our mind—and while we can’t control what comes into our mind, I can control what I will permit to stay in my mind!  As a friend says, check the devil at the door (of your mind!)!  If he can’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, give him the boot (so to speak).  Yield to God’s Spirit and find victory!

“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

Paul gives us great advice for these spiritual battles of the mind!

“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

The key is “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”, and I would encourage you to commit Philippians 4:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to memory—they are invaluable assets to have in your “memory” bank!  They help us to keep our “seeing” straight, as we keep our “eyes” on Jesus, and as I’m often heard to say, keep looking up not around at the “lions”!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

As we keep our eyes “Looking unto Jesus”, we can know that HE hears, HE cares, and HE is ever providing all that we need.  Just as I could trust HIM in the tragic circumstance of December 19, 2019, you can trust HIM to ever supply your needs and comfort and encourage your heart, your mind, and your decisions!

“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

Knowing that with Paul, we can boldly say:

“I can

do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me…

… “19 But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13 & 19

I pray that you will “see” through God’s lenses, and not let your circumstances distract you from running “the race that is set before” YOU!  Remember it’s God who set your race and mine, and HE is always there for YOU, with YOU, and before you and behind you, if we will but heed HIS voice.  Do you have eyes that see?  I pray that you will!

“Hear now this, O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes, and see not;

which have ears, and hear not:” Jeremiah 5:21

Open our eyes Lord—to see YOU!

“And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said,

What will ye that I shall do unto you?

33 They say unto him, Lord,

that our eyes may be opened.”  Matthew 20:32-33

Amen and Amen!