Category Archives: Filled With His Spirit

What Do I Do In The Trial??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Harmless As Doves, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Iron Sharpening Iron, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Only Jesus, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Praise God Today!, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Sovereignty, Strong Tower, Suffering With Jesus, That They May Know, The Lord Is My Shepherd, TODAY, Troubles, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wait on the Lord, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25  What Do I Do In The Trial???

 

I would like to simply share a bit of biblical insight today that I pray will be a useful tool of encouragement that we can all keep around for a boost when we need it.  I’m trying to make it short and in a form that can be copied and kept.

When you don’t know what to do—Ask God—

“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.”  James 1:5

When you don’t know where to go—Run to God—

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

When you don’t know how you’ll make it—Bow—

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6

Where will your confidence settle—in GOD’s peace—

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

When your mind seems to be out of control—think praise—

“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

When the way is blocked before you– Be still—

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

When you’re afraid of what lies ahead—Look up—

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

When your flesh is raging with confusion and anger—Come—

“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 4:15-16.

When the cupboard/checkbook is empty—seek God’s face—

“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

God is sufficient to every need, when we will keep our “eyes fixed on Jesus”!

Don’t be like the man in the flood, who prayed for God to save him.  A neighbor came by and offered to take him to safety, and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  The flood waters rose to the second floor and a boat came by to take him to safety and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  He finally climbed up on the roof as the waters rose, and a helicopter came by to rescue him, and you guessed it, he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”. Well, the man died and as he came before The Lord, he asked “why didn’t you deliver me?”  The Lord quickly replied to his question, I sent you a neighbor, a boat and a helicopter—what did you want?

Remember we are God’s— and HE will supply, just not always in the way that we expect!

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

As Solomon prayed as King of Israel, may we pray in our individual lives for the same understanding in our lives and trials.

“Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good

and bad:

for who is able to judge this

thy so great a people?”   1 Kings 3:9

And as Paul reminds believers on many occasions, may we remember that God is always at work to lead and deliver us.

“There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10-:13

“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

And Peter’s great instruction and encouragement to we who follow Jesus.

“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 2:20-24

Amen and Amen!!!

Nothing New??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13

31 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Be not conformed to this world, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Darkness or Light?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Judgment, Justice, Light In The Dark, Nothing New, One Day Too Late?, Our God Reigns, Righteousness, Seeing Truth, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM, That They May Know, Thy Kingdom Come, Time, Time Is Grace!, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13    Nothing New???

 

King Solomon said it most eloquently:

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing

under the sun.

10 Is there any thing

whereof it may be said,

See,

this is new?

it hath been already of old time,

which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance

of former things;

neither shall there be any remembrance

of things that are to come

with those that shall come after.”    Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

Sadly, it seems, each generation forgets the lessons of the past.  And our world has not only forgotten the faithfulness of our God, but the countless times and ways that He has stood by us through trials and conflicts.  Our culture, our world, has chosen to forsake God, and exercise hatred, greed and jealousy, which ever seem to follow close on the heels of God’s faithfulness since mankind chooses to sin by his own will.  While we often blame others, the times, the culture, the temptations—the truth is, we have each chosen to go our own way!  Will you choose Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice or your own way?  God has given us the freedom to choose, but each choice will bring a consequence, so choose wisely, there is a test!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 14:12

The very first parents saw their poor choices affect their children—one chose God’s way, the other chose to go his own way; and the consequence was disastrous!

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:

and it came to pass,

when they were in the field,

that Cain rose up

against Abel his brother,

and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain,

Where is Abel thy brother?

And he said,

I know not:

Am I my brother’s keeper?

10 And he said,

What hast thou done?

the voice of thy brother’s blood

crieth unto me

from the ground.”   Genesis 4:8-10

Sin never escapes God’s sight, and HE WILL bring justice to light in HIS time!  He created this world and HE will bring all accounts to their right judgment—in HIS time (and I can’t believe it’s very far away!)!  Abel chose wisely!  How about you?

“Through faith we understand

that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen

were not made of things

which do appear.

4 By faith

Abel offered unto God

a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,

by which he obtained witness

that he was righteous,

God testifying of his gifts:

and by it

he being dead

yet speaketh.”   Hebrews 11:3-4

“Whosoever is born of God

doth not commit sin;

for his seed remaineth in him:

and he cannot sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God

are manifest,

and the children of the devil:

whosoever doeth not righteousness

is not of God,

neither he that loveth not

his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard

from the beginning,

that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain,

who was of that wicked one,

and slew his brother.

And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren,

if the world hate you.”  1 John 3:9-13

We see those who have seemingly gone crazy, those who have taken the opportunity to run amuck, using any excuse to do so; what is the difference between them and me?  When the causes we claim to follow and support turn into wreck, havoc and riot, what do we do?  We must come back to the principles of God and remember that sin is sin, and when we abandon God’s ways, there is a price to pay; compromise with sin/evil will never produce good results!  And our culture has given itself over to pursue sin and evil with a vengeance; rejecting the principles of God and His Word;  using the name of Jesus for a by-word, not the name of the Son of God; are we standing fast with our Lord, or delighting in the sinful ways of those around us.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel

of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away

the righteousness

of the righteous

from him!”  Isaiah 5:18-23

There always have been evil men, and today is no exception, even as Paul warned us of those who are not only evil but take pleasure in doing evil and causing others to follow in their evil schemes.  The choice is yours—who will you follow?  Whom will you believe?  Will you join evil people or “withstand in the evil day”?  (See Ephesians 6:10-19).

God gave you the freedom to choose, but you do not have the freedom to set the consequences!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenantbreakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.”  Romans 1:28-32

And this is scripture—not off of the front page of the newspaper!  We live in a culture that is like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, only the results are far more deadly—it is destroying lives and property—the very means by which we can live and be productive.  Yet we see rack and riot on every hand, produced not by those who have suffered offense, but by those who desire to cause more offense, and take pleasure in the sin that is rampant, for we have chosen a disastrous course!  But one that God has told us beforehand would come.

“Be astonished,

O ye heavens,

at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:12-13

We, the culture and our world, have not only chosen broken cisterns over living water, but we have walked head-long into the perilous times that God warned us would come!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

So, my question for us today is, will we choose to stand for the right, to be (not just talk about, but “BE”) true reflections of the glory and truth of GOD?   It is our calling—a calling that only the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us can accomplish!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called

in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us

is given grace

according to the measure

of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:1-7

Even as Jesus reminds us, it is by HIS Power—our abiding in HIM that produces fruit.  Are you abiding in Jesus?  If not, what are you abiding in?

“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

If we will ‘abide” in HIM, HE will produce fruit—HIS fruit in and through us!  Paul also made it clear for us all—we must choose to let GOD work in us, by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

… 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 5:16-17 & 25-26

Yet rather, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, provoke one another to good works; as our Pastor Brad always says, “good, good works” (not just ‘good works’ to impress or gain for ourselves, but doing good things for the right reasons!)!

“Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised😉

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love

and to good works:”   Hebrews 10:23-24

May we truly be those who are found faithful, regardless of what the world says or does.  And the day is coming, rapidly I believe, when we will be the scape-goat—but may we be found to be “busy about my Father’s business”!

“So then every one of us

shall give account of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God

and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“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

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”   1 Corinthians 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“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

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour

is not in vain

 in the Lord.”   1 Corinthians 15:57-58

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

When I Can’t See The Way??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #653

20 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, For Such A Time As This

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #653   When I Can’t See The Way???

 

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:3-4

Just a few words today to encourage our hearts in difficult times.  We must remember and rehearse what we KNOW about our God—yet how do we KNOW about God?  We can only come to KNOW God through Jesus Christ, HIS Son, and once we are born again by faith in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary, we are born into God’s family and kingdom.  Then we need to avail ourselves of the love letter that God has given us in HIS Word!

It is in The Word of God that we find the revelation of God to our hearts, all that HE wants us to know about Him and our walk of faith with Him.  Yet so many are floundering for lack of knowledge about their God.  When we don’t have the wisdom, insight and vision of God’s perspective we will lack the ability to press on in confidence—for God IS our confidence; and HE has given us The Word to direct our steps!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:133

Paul directed the young preacher, Timothy to be “in The Word”…it is our source of truth and equips us to accomplish God’s purpose for us each and every day!

“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 3:14-16

How do we acquire this ‘knowledge’—by the commitment of our time to ‘study’ the whole counsel of God!

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

Oh, how grateful I am for The Word of God, for even when I am afraid, I continually return to what I KNOW, and that is that God keeps His Word, He’s still God, He’s still good, and I will trust HIM!  I have walked with HIM for forty-plus years and HE has never failed me.  I have failed him again and again, but He has always worked in my life to restore me to fellowship with Him, and I thank Him for His love for me—because of HIS character not mine!  And the judge will always be the plumb-line of HIS Word!  What are you setting as your standard?

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

Where is your heart and mind?  Fixed on Jesus, or on your own abilities to run your life?  God has given us His precious Holy Spirit to guide, direct and convict us; we have but to yield to His voice, study to know God through His Word, then we can choose wisely, trusting to His care without fear. As the Psalm we started with reminds us, we all have times of fear (and remember that ‘fear’ is simply an emotion, but by God’s power we can rule it, rather than let it ‘rule’ us!), but God has given us the ability to deal with our fears!

“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

The “sound mind” here, means right thinking—thinking with the “mind of Christ Jesus” (See Philippians 2:5-11) which we need to think on!  So, walk forward, look up, love God, think right by dwelling on The Word—not the world!  God’s Son IS truth, and HIS Word IS truth recorded for us to grow by!  Think ON the things of God, not the fears of the world around you!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 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 4:6-8

Blessings on your day!

Amen and Amen!

A Saddened Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11

17 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Do all things decently, Faithfulness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, Gospel, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Only One Way, Perseverance, Righteousness, Saved by grace, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11    A Saddened Heart???

 

As I sit here thinking of the things that I have seen come and go, the things that I have loved and lost, the things that I have treasured seemingly vanishing before our eyes, there is a scripture that is often overlooked but it comes to my mind so often, and I believe we ought to consider it as we watch things change all around us.  What are we willing to hold on to and what are we willing to not only let go of but abandon with no regard!

“Thou shalt not remove

thy neighbour’s landmark,

which they of old time

have set in thine inheritance,

which thou shalt inherit

in the land that the LORD thy God

giveth thee

to possess it.”   Deuteronomy 19:14

Many today are not only ‘removing’ the landmarks, they are denying that there ever were any landmarks.  Many are running to abandon the God of The Bible, and The Bible of God Almighty!  Isaiah said it better than I could:

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

 that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked      

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:20-24

Just as timely, and so much like history, it is said “those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it” (credited to George Santayana), it seems that our nation, as well as the world around us, are choosing to walk in our own way rather than God’s, and He will requite in HIS own time, yet we can gain a great deal of insight from HIS Word!

“For our transgressions

are multiplied before thee,

and our sins

testify against us:

for our transgressions are with us;

and as for our iniquities,

we know them;

13 In transgressing

and lying against the LORD,

and departing away from our God,

speaking oppression

and revolt,

conceiving and uttering

from the heart

words of falsehood.

14 And judgment

is turned away backward,

and justice

standeth afar off:

for truth

is fallen in the street,

and equity

cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth faileth;

and he that departeth from evil

maketh himself a prey:

and the LORD saw it,

and it displeased him

that there was no judgment.”   Isaiah 59:12-15

We must choose what we are going to do with God, His Word and His Son, Jesus!  Even as Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve.

“And I have given you a land

for which ye did not labour,

and cities

which ye built not,

and ye dwell in them;

of the vineyards and oliveyards

which ye planted not

do ye eat.

14 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 24:13-15

Even as Joshua made his choice, he called those around him to make their choice—and we are faced with that same challenge today, yet it saddens my heart that we are becoming more and more averse to God’s call to holiness and more and more open to the lies of the enemy of our souls, and the world.  How about you?  Have you given up on God’s call?  Have you decided to just “go along, to get along”?  Or are you hearing and responding to God’s call?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope

to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

 at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

 as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation

of the world,

but was manifest

in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him

do believe in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”   1 Peter 1:13-21

Where is your faith?  Is your faith in God, His Word and His Son?  Are you living a holy life, even as God called Israel to when He gave them the Law through Moses?

“For I am the LORD your God:

ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves,

and ye shall be holy;

for I am holy:

neither shall ye defile yourselves …

…45 For I am the LORD

that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt,

to be your God:

ye shall therefore be holy,

for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44-45

A simple consideration for us today, “What will you/I do with God’s call upon your/my life?”  Will we bear God’s burden for the lost and dying world around us, sharing Jesus at every opportunity; or will we disregard their plight and continue on with life “as usual”, living worldly lives of compromise,  rather than drawing near to our Lord, and fulfilling that for which He has saved and equipped us.  May we remember that when Jesus saves us out of darkness, and transforms us from being children of the devil, to being Sons and Daughters of God, we “are bought with a price”.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”   John 1:12-13

As Paul makes so clear, we can choose the “joy of The Lord” or the sadness of the world!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked according to the course

of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us

 up together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 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 2:1-10

When God births us into HIS kingdom, we can rejoice in HIM, HIS Word and HIS ways rather than settle for the darkness of the world—for we no longer belong to the works of the devil; and God has already ordained “good works” for us to produce!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:    

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:12-14

Paul also makes it clear that there is a distinction between the works of The Spirit and the works of the flesh/the devil.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 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.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

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

Where are you walking?  In the Spirit or the flesh? May God help us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” living ‘kingdom’ lives.  May our hearts be burdened that those around us will see Jesus in us—in all we do.

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”   Colossians 1:27

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

 in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen!