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Category Archives: God’s Faithfulness

A Timing Chain??? A Word form THE WORD!!! #16

24 Friday Jun 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Still Reigns, God's Faithfulness, God's got you and me!, Kindness, King Jesus, Praise God Today!, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Yesterdays made Todays!

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1 Timothy 6:6-7, Are you waiting or running?, Galatians 4:4-5, God's Timing Chain, Isaiah 40:31, Jesus cares for us, Jesus Cares For YOU!, Matthew 16:24-27, Proverbs 27:1, Psalm 118:24, They that wait upon the Lord, Trusting God In All, Trusting God In The Waiting Room, What are you waiting for?, What shall it profit?

A Timing Chain???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #16

Most of us who drive cars have probably heard that dreaded phrase, “You need a new ‘timing chain’!”; but I want us to consider a different ‘timing chain’ today—God’s “Timing Chain”!

“But when the fulness of the time was come,

God sent forth his Son,

made of a woman,

made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law,

that we might receive

the adoption of sons.”  Galatians 4:4-5

God, in HIS own time, sent Jesus—I am amazed at the timing– God’s timing—think about it!  The Romans had built roads and travel was more common than ever before, there was a common language of business, Greek—one of the most precise and lovely languages for communicating God’s love and salvation to a lost and dying world.  Israel was in her land, and Jesus’ birth, life, and death were all accomplished “according to the scripture”, for our salvation!  Not one day late—not one day early!  Oh, to learn to rest in God’s timing chain—the timing chain for “my life” and for “your life”, when we will but learn to hear, heed, and WAIT!

“But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Oh, that we could learn to “wait upon the LORD” in our daily lives!  We are so rushed, consumed with getting somewhere else, getting ahead!  For what?  When will we learn?  Paul told his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, that contentment in God and HIS plan should be our way of life, rather than the hustle and bustle of the world!

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain

we can carry nothing out.”  1 Timothy 6:6-7

Ouch!  This disproves the common adage, “The one who dies with the most toys, wins!”; not so!  Jesus sums it all up for us today—for the toys, and the times are in God’s hand, not ours!  And without Jesus, it doesn’t matter how many ‘toys’ you have—alive or dead!

“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?

27 For the Son of man

shall come in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

What are you doing with your soul?  Will you heed the call of God upon your heart?  If you are already born again, are you living like God’s child?  Are you waiting on HIS timing, or running ahead rather than waiting on God?  I’d like to share a simple testimony this morning—for the awe of it amazes me to my toes!

As some of you already know, due some health issues we moved into an assisted living facility some time ago, so that I could have the help I needed with my husband.  It was a difficult move, but one that we knew God was leading us to; and HE was!  I was really struggling with trying to minister to those there, I was trying to be God’s witness in a very sad place, and it was a lot to carry; and I had no close friend there.  BUT GOD!  God, with HIS “timing chain” brought about events that I truly didn’t understand at the time, but they have become so clear in recent days.  God sent me a friend—a sister in The Lord—one who seemed to come ‘just for me”!  Yet, God had even more!  We became true and fast friends very quickly, and I often told her that she came just for me; to which she’d always reply, no, God sent me there for her!  Needless to say, we enjoyed one another and thanked God often for His sweet care of our heart’s desire for fellowship with one of like-mind!

To make a “long story short” (as they say), my friend declined, and we talked and prayed and knew her time was probably short.  About that time God opened a door for us to be on our own again, and when I told her we would be leaving it was difficult for both of us—yet little did we know that God would change her address as well!  Within a week of each other, she went to be with Jesus, and we moved to our next place of service.  Oh, how grieved I was to lose her—and then it came to me, GOD had it all in HIS amazing hands of love, and HE knew the times, which we didn’t know when we met, and HE had put us together to care each for the other for this brief time—but such a sweet and purposeful time!

How I thank HIM for my friend and the joy that we shared—though often through tears!  How could we know that God’s timing included encouraging two little ‘grandmothers’ who were in need of a friend and one to walk beside each other through the times and circumstances that we were in!

Oh Jesus, praise to YOU in all your care for us, if we will but take the time to see Your hand in all things!  And I thank You JESUS, for my sweet friend, and YOUR loving care to send us each to the other when we had no clue of what would transpire in a relatively short time!  Don’t miss the blessings of God my friends, by spending your time “missing” God’s ‘timing chain’ of events!  HE’s at work if we’ll but ‘stop, look, and listen’!  What blessings are you not recognizing?  Wake up!  God loves you, and He is working on your behalf and mine!  Praise Him, wait on Him, and walk forward!

Don’t miss the blessings of today, by spending all your time running ahead to tomorrow.  Live today—no one is promised tomorrow!  Enjoy the opportunities and blessings that God is sending—don’t miss today’s gifts!  His ‘timing chain’ is at work!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”   Proverbs 27:1

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

Amen and Amen!!!

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God Hasn’t Moved!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #784

18 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's got you and me!, God's love, God's Secret Place

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All Sufficient God!, But God, God Cares for YOU, God Hasn't Moved!, God Still Reigns, Isaiah 25:4, John 10:27-30, Nahum 1:7, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Psalm 121:3-4, Psalm 91:1-4, Revelation 3:20-21

Bible Ballistics: BBs #784    God Hasn’t Moved!!!

 

I would like to share a word of encouragement with you today; I can’t explain the joy in my heart this morning apart from “the joy of the Lord IS my strength”!  I know the world is going crazy, times are trying, prices are rising like a speeding train, and masks, disease, and fear are the pervading mindset of so many, but my friends “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!!!  God has not left the throne!  God has not abdicated to the enemy, the world or time!  As an old hymn by William M. Ramsey says, “There Is A Deep Settled Peace In My Soul”—in my heart and overflowing in such peace that I haven’t felt in a long time.  God’s presence is with me, and HE will be with you if you will but “stop, look, and listen” to the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for YOU and me!

I would like to share a few passages of scripture that I hope will lift your heart if you’re down, encourage you if you’re confused, tired, weary, wondering or just slap worn out.  God knows, HE cares, the answers are found in HIM, His voice and Spirit who dwells within His own; and I pray that He will speak to each of us today through HIS Word!

“For thou hast been a strength

to the poor,

a strength

to the needy in his distress,

a refuge

from the storm,

 a shadow

from the heat,

when the blast of the terrible ones

is as a storm against the wall.”  Isaiah 25:4

Jesus promised that HE will ever be with His own, and I pray that you know HIM, and have the power and peace of the born again!  If not, you can call upon Him today—right now if you please.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

 in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.”   Revelation 3:20-21

And how did Jesus overcome?  Well, it’s more like, ‘where’ did Jesus overcome?  HE overcame at the cross and that is the only place where we will find overcoming power for every trial, grief, sorrow, victory, and the power of God’s Holy Spirit working in us!  Praise God from whom all blessings do abundantly flow!  Amen!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

HE’s got you and me!  Let’s grow and learn to rest in Jesus and His perfect will, plan, and way for each of us.  Now, I’d simply like to leave you with a few scriptures to ponder and take hope in.  Remember, our GOD reigns—still—and forever!  And as the old song asks, “if that isn’t love”, then my friend you will never know love or truth!

“The LORD is good,

a strong hold in the day of trouble;

and he knoweth them

that trust in him.”  Nahum 1:7

“He that dwelleth in the secret place

of the most High

 shall abide under the shadow

of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge

and my fortress:

my God;

in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee

from the snare of the fowler,

and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers,

and under his wings shalt thou trust:

his truth shall be thy shield

and buckler.”  Psalm 91:1-4

May God’s peace rule in your heart today and always!

“My help

cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee

will not slumber.”  Psalm 121:3-4.

Amen and Amen!!!

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The God Who Knows My Pain??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14

27 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, God of all comfort!, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Grief

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1 Peter 5:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, 2 Kings 12:21-23, God Who Knows My Pain, God's Comfort, Grief, Isaiah 9:6, John 11:24-27, Matthew 11:28-30, Revelation 3:20, Romans 5:1-2, Sorrow and Pain, The Healer of Broken Hearts, Trusting to HIS care

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14   The God Who Knows My Pain???

 

It’s been an unusual season for me lately, for having lost my only daughter just over two years ago, it seems like an inordinate number of my friends have lost children of late; and while they have been grown children, that really doesn’t lessen the pain.  So, I’d like to take today’s time and share some of the things that I have learned about the faithfulness of God and the need in the human heart for the touch of that faithful God for healing, comfort, and restoration.

I had some other things that I wanted to share this evening, but I feel compelled to simply repost an article that I wrote just over 2 years ago, in deep pain and sorrow.  And I’ll tell you that I told God I couldn’t do it.  In fact, as those of you who follow this blog know, I usually write on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and my daughter died on Thursday 6 days before Charismas in 2019, and I told my husband on our way home from the events of that awful day, that I just couldn’t write the next morning, and he told me to just do what I was up to.  Well, God had different plans, as I slept that night, God would wake me up, give me a scripture which I’d note on my phone.  Go back to sleep and He would wake me again with another scripture.  Well, this went on most of the night and when I got up on that Friday morning, I said, “God I can’t do this!  My heart is breaking!”  And God spoke so clearly to my heart, “Yes, you can!  YOU have hope—others do not!”  I got up and wrote the following “Word” from God.  I thank HIM for HIS faithfulness and for the privilege of sharing the HOPE of Jesus with those who might hear from this broken heart.  May it touch those of you who are aching with this same sorrow today.  God loves you, He loves me, and HE will strengthen those who will lean on HIM.  Praying for each of you.

“Bible Ballistics: BBs #612  Because HE Lives—I Can Walk On!!!

Christmas is many things to many people—some are filled with glee and joy, others think deeply on the meaning of the coming of This Newborn King, still others have difficult circumstances or memories that invade their celebration.  But I’m here to let you know that regardless of what is going on around you/me, whether for us or against us, GOD is still GOD, and we can trust HIM.  I’m writing an article that I never expected to write, but it is one that I am compelled to write.  I lost my only daughter under most tragic circumstances yesterday, and my heart is breaking but I must share, for all who also have broken hearts, not just at Christmas time but anytime, that GOD IS ABLE!

As Jesus told a grieving Martha and Mary, HE is still reminding us today that He has the final word—in fact HE IS THE WORD!

“Martha saith unto him, 

I know that he shall rise again 

in the resurrection at the last day. 

25 Jesus said unto her, 

I am 

the resurrection, 

and the life: 

he that believeth in me, 

though he were dead, 

yet shall he live: 

26 And whosoever liveth 

and believeth in me 

shall never die. 

Believest thou this? 

27 She saith unto him, 

Yea, Lord: I believe

that thou art the Christ, 

the Son of God, 

which should come into the world.”   John 11:24-27

It is totally because HE not only lived a perfect, sinless life, died a substitutionary, atoning sacrificial death, but my friends, HE AROSE!  And because HE lives—I can live another day; my daughter who had given her heart to him years ago is in HIS arms today!  While our hearts are breaking, my heart is, at the very same time, full of gratitude for a Redeemer who loves me, and HE loves you—no matter the heartache that you may be experiencing today—whether new or old.  Like David I can rejoice in the truth of God’s incredible sovereignty!

“Then said his servants unto him, 

What thing is this that thou hast done? 

thou didst fast and weep for the child, 

while it was alive; 

but when the child was dead, 

thou didst rise and eat bread. 

22 And he said, 

While the child was yet alive, 

I fasted 

and wept: 

for I said, Who can tell 

whether GOD will 

be gracious to me, 

that the child may live? 

23 But now he is dead, 

wherefore should I fast? 

can I bring him back again? 

I shall go to him, 

but he shall not return to me.”  2 Kings 12:21-23

As the old song says, “We shall behold HIM…” (Written by Dottie Rambo).  My eyes are filled with tears, but my confidence is fully in my Lord Jesus Christ and His promise that He is coming for me (and you who have come to Him in repentance and faith)!

At this precious Christmas time, I rejoice in the truth that God keeps HIS promises!

“For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government 

shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

Jesus IS the source of the peace that I feel right now, and I pray that you will rest in that peace yourself.  I if you don’t know Him, you can!

“Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

Jesus came to be our sacrifice and coming to Him gives us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”.

“Therefore being justified by faith, 

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

2 By whom also we have access 

by faith 

into this grace 

wherein we stand, 

and rejoice 

in hope of the glory 

of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

I don’t know why the events of yesterday took my loved one, but I do know that the God who does know, loves my daughter, He loves me, and HE has a plan that I am resting in, even in the pain of my heart, and through the tears in my eyes.  And I’ll simply leave you with some passages of confidence and assurance in this ONE who gave Himself for you and me.

“Therefore we are always confident, 

knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, 

we are absent from the Lord: 

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather 

to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.”   2 Corinthians 5:6-8

And as Peter reminds us:

“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.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

And Jesus word for each of us:

“Come unto me, 

all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you, 

and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

30 For my yoke is easy, 

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

Amen & Amen!!!

 

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Living In My Season??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 26

18 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Living In My Season, Running in my lane, Seasonal or Steadfast?

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 4:2, God's Race, Hebrews 12:1-2, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 4:15, In my season, Psalm 118:24, Revelation 1:5, Running In Your Lane, Seasonal or Steadfast?, You are in God's Race

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 26   Living In My Season???

 

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

I am a ‘senior’ citizen, and while I can’t do, or go or produce like I once did, there are so many things that I can still do, and what I’d like to share today is that regardless of our season of life, we are called to “rejoice and be glad in it”!  But are we?  There are times when we can all be distracted by the “what if’s” and allow the enemy to steal our joy, by getting our attention onto the other person’s lane.  You remember the old saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!”  And those of us who live in cattle country, whether we raise cattle or not, see those cows stretching their necks through the fence to get that “other” grass regardless of the grass that is in their own pasture.  The author of Hebrews deals with this very issue, let’s consider his counsel.

“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

I love this passage, yet it is so often misunderstood as our being ‘cheered on in a great stadium’, when, in reality, it is a conclusion of chapter 11—the great ‘Hall of Faith’ chapter—which paints the amazing picture of faith through the ages.  A passage revealing those in prosperous circumstances as well as those who endured distress, torture, and even death for their faith.  Yet they kept on keeping on regardless of the circumstances or season they were called to endure.

We can learn so much from this brief passage about the seasons of life, and how we are to respond; I would like to simply share some insight from this great passage. Firstly, we are called to consider and learn from the faith of those who have gone before us, both those in near proximity as well as those long gone, as Hebrews 11 pictures.  To do that we must delve into the Word of God to know our God and those who have left us great examples of faith, strength, and courage; those who set examples of how to “lay aside” the sins, weights of life, and challenges which confront each of us daily—sometimes moment by moment!  God reminds us that we don’t have to be “beset” or thrown off track by these things; and while sin is almost always an issue, we can overcome it by “Looking unto Jesus”!  And no matter our season of life, Jesus is ever sufficient to lead, guide and provide for us, for HE has “been to Calvary” for us; and because HE endured every attack of Satan, sin, and life—yet without sin!

“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.”  Hebrews 4:15

“Without sin”!  As the Southern Gospel song proclaims, “Oh, What A Savior” (written by Marvin P Dalton), I am so glad that He “endured the cross” for you and me—and because of HIS sacrifice we can run “the race that is set before us” with confidence no matter the time, season, trial, or temptation!  He accomplished our victory at Calvary!  Oh, how grateful I am, that my past is under the blood—forgiven–, my present is perfectly in HIS hands, regardless of the season of life I am in, and my future is secure in HIS victory of salvation accomplished at Calvary!

As Paul described it so beautifully, the sacrifice of Jesus, for you and me (If you would, the Gospel in a nutshell, and combined with John 3:16-19, all we need to know about what Jesus did, does and will do for us!) is DONE:

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you

the gospel which I preached

unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed

in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you

first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

His blood has bought and paid for my sin, and because I have come to HIM in repentance and faith, I can run this “race that is set before” me.  For you see, it is the race that Jesus has set before “ME”, and that HE has set before “YOU”—and while they are not in the same lane or course, the sufficiency isn’t yours or mine, but in the blood bought victory of Jesus Christ our Lord!  The Apostle John recorded it beautifully in the Revelation.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,       

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him

that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood,”  Revelation 1:5

Oh, praise HIS dear name—He did it all for you and me!  And HIS work isn’t seasonal—it is full time–permanent, regardless of time, age, season, troubles, or successes!  He has bought and paid for the victory!  I’m so glad that Jesus knew, knows, and will always know what I need—what you need—and where my lane and yours is going.  Just think of it, Samuel was called as a young child, Daniel as a teenager (and both of these young people served God into their 80’s/90’s)!  Then there’s Moses who didn’t really get started with His greatest work until he was 80!  And Jesus our Lord’s work was finished (by God’s design) at some 33 years!

So, my friends, it doesn’t matter our “season” of life, or ministry, or work, or leisure, or any other limitations that we may think are on our life and service, God has set our race, and HE simply calls us to run it with grace, power, faith, and dependence upon HIS all-sufficient power, to just keep running!  He doesn’t call us to be as speedy as our neighbor or friend, HE simply calls us to be faithful with what HE has given to us to be and do!  My race isn’t yours, nor yours mine!  We are called to keep our eyes “looking unto Jesus” not anyone else’s lane!

“Moreover

it is required in stewards,

that a man be found faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2

And as faithful stewards we are given access to our Lord for every need.

“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

And if I may simply add that no matter what you are facing, no matter the season of life, trial, struggle, success, power, or weakness you are “running” with, remember that God has you, HE has your race, HE is in that lane with you.  Look up my friend, run to that “throne of grace”, and press on!  WE WIN!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

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Searchlight Of HIS WORD??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 24

04 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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1 Corinthians 11:27-32, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothye 3:16-17, Dig in to God's Word, Get into God, Get into God's Word, God's Word IS Truth, Hebrews 12:5-11, Isaiah 51:7, Listening To God, Matthew 12:33-35, Matthew 15:16-20, Out of the heart, Psalm 119:10-11, Psalm 119:133, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 37:23-24, The Word Or The World?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 24  Searchlight Of HIS WORD???

 

I would like to challenge us today to examine our lives in light of what God’s Word says we are to ‘be’ and ‘do’.  We are bombarded with so much conflicting information and choices, that it is imperative that we know what God says.  I am truly weary of misinformation which some proclaim to be God’s Word, and people just take it as truth; and while God’s Word is truth not everything that is attributed to God, or His Word is actually from God’s Word.  Please, understand that we MUST get into God’s Word for ourselves, so that we will KNOW what God has said for ourselves, only then can we truly judge our lives and behavior by God’s standard instead of the world’s!

“Search me,

O God,

and know

my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

We are to seek God’s favor not man’s, and the Psalmist knew that we must open ourselves up for God’s searchlight of truth; and while it is often (almost always) somewhat painful—it is always a work of God’s grace, love, and purification of His own, for our good and HIS glory!

“Hearken unto me,

ye that know righteousness,

the people

in whose heart is my law;

fear ye not

the reproach of men,

neither be ye afraid

of their revilings.”  Isaiah 51:7

Paul often shared the import of examining our own lives according to God’s Word and standard, may we heed his advice!

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat

this bread,

and drink

this cup of the Lord,

unworthily,

shall be guilty

of the body

and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself,

and so let him eat of that bread,

and drink of that cup…

…. 31 For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”  Portions of 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Hebrews gives us one of the clearest messages about how God views our life choice, and how urgent it is that we don’t fail to receive truth and obey it, for God will act and discipline His own, for their good and HIS glory!  I encourage us to ponder the truths contained in this message!

“And ye have forgotten

the exhortation which speaketh unto you

as unto children,

My son,

despise not thou the chastening

of the Lord,

nor faint when thou art rebuked

of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth

every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.

9 Furthermore

we have had fathers of our flesh

which corrected us,

and we gave them reverence:

shall we not much rather

be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,

and live?

10 For they verily for a few days

chastened us

after their own pleasure;

but he for our profit,

that we might be partakers

of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present

seemeth to be joyous,

but grievous:

nevertheless afterward

it yieldeth the peaceable fruit

of righteousness

 unto them which are exercised

thereby.”   Hebrews 12:5-11

Not a passage that we hear very often, but it is God’s Word and we need to not only heed it, but also take note of what God is doing in our lives—especially when HE is correcting us (even if we say ‘ouch’!).  And just FYI, the words in this passage from Hebrews 12, ‘chasten’ and ‘chastise’, are forms of a word that means “child training”, which includes all those lessons that are necessary to help a child learn and grow to maturity!  How many of us are ‘growing’?  How many of us are ‘mature’ users of God’s Word, those who are “approved unto 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

And Paul also told Timothy that God’s Word and the study of it is ever profitable—and that is true for us today as well.  What are we doing about it?  And FYI, ‘perfect’ in this passage simply means ‘mature’ not sinless!  And there is also an implication that we need to keep in mind, if we are called to be “rightly dividing the word of truth”, it implies that we can (as many today do) “wrongly divide” God’s Word! We must let The Word say what it says, and heed and obey it!

“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,

thoroughly furnished

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

Oh, that we would dive into the word of God like we do into our favorite sport, or novel, TV program, or other pleasures. Which can cause us to neglect God’s Word and HIS very presence (oh, Father forgive me for the neglect that marks so many of my days, may I draw near to Thee to hear Your voice and heed Your direction in my life?)!  Oh, may we remember the declaration of the Psalmist:

“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 our cry be:

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

May we truly pursue the face of God and His holiness in all we are (to be more like Jesus every day) and all we do—for what we ‘do’ comes out of our heart and reveals who/what we ‘are’!  May our heart pursue steps that HE is ordering, for us, day by day!  (See Hebrews 12:1-3)

“And Jesus said,

Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”   Matthew 15:16-20

And again, Jesus said:

“Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”   Matthew 12:33-35

And one last thing to measure by: a question for us all, “What’s in my heart?  The love of God, and Word of God, or not?”   Remember what’s hidden in the heart will come out in word and deed!  What will HIS searchlight find in my/your heart?  God’s light is true!  Am I?

“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.”  Psalm 119:10-11

What’s hiding in my heart?  In yours?

Amen and Amen!!!

 

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