Category Archives: God’s Faithfulness

Monopoly Mentality??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08

06 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Beauty of Holiness, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Clothed In His Righteousness, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Faith, Faithfulness, False Lives, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's Presence Not Presents, Gospel, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Judgment, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Monopoly Mentality, Only One Way, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Trusting Jesus?, Yesterday

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08 Monopoly Mentality???

 

Most of us have played the game of Monopoly at one time or another, some of us more recently than others; and one thing that most everyone remembers about the Monopoly board is getting a “get out of jail free” card.  I think many today have approached Jesus Christ The Lord in that way, and I’d like to take a few minutes to consider this attitude toward Jesus.  It seems to be a most popular ‘gospel’ and attitude toward Jesus.  Many today preach a message of “name it and claim it”—just use Jesus’ name as your own personal ‘heavenly slot machine’; then there are those who preach the ‘feel-good’ message that God only wants you to ‘feel good’ all the time.  I love what C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity”, “We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented’?”

How said that we are trying to bring God down to our standard rather than pursuing the holiness that is God!  As Billy Graham once said to Phil Donahue, one of the early talk show hosts on television, “you’re trying to create God in your image” rather than realizing that we are made in God’s image but have fallen due to sin.   And that is an idea that is flourishing today—make the gospel fit us rather than recognizing our sin, repenting and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation—we just want a “grandfather” in heaven, doling out gifts and treats to his ‘grandchildren’.  We simply want a “get out of jail free” card, live how we want—do our own thing—but not have to pay for our sin; in fact, we don’t even want to bring sin into the equation!  Sin is old-fashioned, and we don’t have to call anything sin these days—if it feels good to you, it’s ok, just do it.  If it makes me ‘happy’ it will be pleasing to God.  But God says something different!

“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!”  Isaiah 5:18-21

Paul paints an amazing picture of man’s relationship to God, and SIN IS the issue.  Sin is a disease which we are born with, a disease for which we all have a bill due, one we will either pay for ourselves– for our sin in hell– or we can accept Jesus’ payment of HIS own blood shed at Calvary for our sin by repentance and faith and have eternal life with HIM!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test (and I believe it is coming soon!)!

“For when ye were the servants of sin,

ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death.

22 But now

being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”  Romans 6:20-23

Are you serving “sin” or God?  Do you simply want a “get out of jail free” card, or have you “become servants to God”?  Do you desire to live having “fruit unto holiness”, or living your own way, dabbling in the sin and walking in the darkness of this world?  God says that you can choose to live in sin but notice the consequence: “For the wages of sin is death”!  And according to Paul’s clear truth: you can choose to live in sin or choose to come to Jesus in repentance and faith to be justified (made right with God!)!

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:23-24

Paul also told the Romans what this looks like, I invite you to consider this with me—it is so imperative that we understand what Jesus has done for us and will do for those who come to HIM in repentance and faith!

“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.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given

unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.

12 Wherefore,

as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned:”  Romans 5:1-12

If SIN IS the issue—JESUS IS the only cure!  But when Jesus transforms a life—it is HIS work, and it shows.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Salvation is Jesus’ work of redemption, not man’s work of “self-righteousness”, or “good works”, or an “altered” standard!  When we belong to Jesus, we become new creations of God.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then

we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Jesus took on my sin, so that I could receive HIS righteousness, and HIS Spirit dwelling in me, which will be evident to one degree or another.  What’s evident in your life?  Jesus? Or a “get out of jail free card”?  Jeremiah and Jesus both have something to say about our attitude toward God.

“…my people have forgotten me days without number…”. Jeremiah 2:32b

Let’s consider Jesus’ own commentary for those who only want to use His name rather than come to HIM in repentance and faith.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool GOD!”  Who are you trying to fool? (See Matthew 16:24-25)

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded

upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolishman,which

       built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”                   Matthew 7:20-27

And in closing, some food for thought; a passage that is often disregarded, but it is truth, and we must consider it.  I will simply call our attention to the qualifier: “such WERE some of you”…..”but ye are sanctified”.  It doesn’t matter what sin we “had”; it matters what Spirit controls us NOW!  For as Paul says in Romans 8:9b, “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his”! I hope that you will ponder the words of scripture and measure with God’s judgment not man’s, “be not deceived”!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous shall not inherit

the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but

ye are washed,

but

ye are sanctified,

but

ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

And a final word from Jesus:

“Judge not according to the appearance,

but judge righteous judgment.”  John 7:24

With a Proverb:

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!  God’s WORD not mine!

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

Who’s Going With You??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #712

04 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Fickle or Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory of God, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #712   Who’s Going With You???

 

I just have a brief word to share this morning, but by way of “FYI”, I do want to let you know that the inconsistent schedule of postings is due to some personal issues here at home.  My husband’s health is not doing so good, and simply put, much of the “time”, my “time” isn’t my own.  So, I’ll keep on doing what I do when I’m able.  I hope to post at least twice a week and when I’m able to do more, I will.

This morning, I want to share a simple but profound reminder from one of my favorite Bible characters, Joshua.  The man who needed reminding to “be courageous”—but by the end he truly had learned to trust his GOD!  So, here’s a reminder for us all today to “be courageous” regardless of the size of the giants!

“The LORD thy God,

he will go over before thee,

and he will destroy these nations

from before thee,

and thou shalt possess them:

and Joshua,

he shall go over before thee,

as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them

as he did to Sihon and to Og,

kings of the Amorites,

and unto the land of them,

whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up

before your face,

that ye may do unto them

according unto all the commandments

which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage,

fear not,

nor be afraid of them:

for the LORD thy God,

he it is that doth go with thee;

he will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua,

and said unto him

in the sight of all Israel,

Be strong and of a good courage:

for thou must go with this people

unto the land which the LORD

hath sworn unto their fathers

to give them;

and thou shalt cause them

to inherit it.”  Deuteronomy 31:3-7

And again, as he was about to lead the people in, God reminded him of his commission and the “supplier”!

“There shall not any man be able

to stand before thee all the days of thy life:

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee:

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong

and of a good courage:

for unto this people shalt thou divide

for an inheritance

the land, which I sware

unto their fathers

to give them.”  Joshua 1:5-6

“Only be thou strong and very courageous,

that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law,

which Moses my servant

commanded thee:

turn not from it

to the right hand

or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.”   Joshua 1:7

“Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed:

for the LORD thy God

is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9

What has God commissioned you/me to?  Are we willing to go fearlessly?  It’s our call, yet our confidence is in the ONE who calls, equips and goes with us all the way; so that with Joshua we can proclaim in confident assurance:

“…as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD”. Joshua 24:15b

And put a bit differently by the author of Hebrews:

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithful Pray-er Or Panic-er??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 23

28 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Believe IN Jesus, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, God's Faithfulness, Influence, Inspiring Others, Integrity, Liars, Lies, Light In The Dark, Prayer or Panic?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 23 Faithful Pray-er Or Panic-er??

 

As we finish up our look at Daniel and his friends, we look today at chapter 6, and we’ll see quite a contrast in kings and circumstances.  We looked last week at an arrogant king who had no regard for God or the lessons he had the opportunity to learn from; and saw that king meet his doom.  This week we’ll see the conquering king (although there were co-rulers in the empire, we will only consider one king) and even though a wise and discerning king, even the wise and discerning can be subject to ego, vanity and deceit.

“In that night was Belshazzar

the king of the Chaldeans

slain.

31 And Darius the Median

took the kingdom,

being about threescore and two years old.”  Daniel 5:30-31

Darius the Mede has taken control of Babylon after invading the city, as God prophesied through Daniel and the “hand-writing on the wall”!  Have you been paying heed to the “hand-writing” on your wall?  Or will you be taken unaware?  If we will pay attention to God’s voice and hand at work in our life, then we will find ourselves able to practice a faithful prayer life like Daniel.

“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom

an hundred and twenty princes,

which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these

three presidents;

of whom Daniel was first:

that the princes might give accounts

unto them,

and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel

was preferred

above the presidents

and princes,

because an excellent spirit

was in him;

and the king thought

to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then

the presidents

and princes

sought to find occasion

against Daniel

concerning the kingdom;

but they could find

none occasion

nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error

or fault

found in him.”  Daniel 6:1-4

Remember God’s blessing on Daniel and his three friends?

“And the king communed with them;

and among them all

was found none

like Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians

and astrologers

that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:19-20

Each of these men along with Daniel had “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself”, and God honored their faithfulness in this hard place, by blessing them with ability and success in all of their endeavors. How does your faithfulness and mine measure up against such integrity?  I hope well, but it doesn’t come without effort and devotion to God and His Word.  God displayed his faithfulness and revealed himself through his faithful servants in a pagan land; and I believe there is a parallel for our consideration today—we are finding ourselves living in a pagan land—a land that is defying the Lord God Almighty; redefining virtually everything that HE has established, for greed, gain and self-promotion.  How will we stand?  For how long?  Daniel has proven himself faithful for some 70 years in Babylon, and even the new Median King Darius sees the integrity and ability in “this Daniel” and promotes him to a place of honor and service; while he is considering an even greater promotion to chief in the land (under the king, of course)!  BUT—not everyone was excited about Daniel’s integrity or his success.  Why?  I think for the same greed, gain and self-promotion that pervades our culture today.  And I think, if you look closely, you’ll find the same tactics used these thousands of years ago, are being used today.  Satan’s tactics never change.  Let’s look?

“Then the presidents and princes

sought to find occasion against Daniel

concerning the kingdom;

but they could find none occasion

nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error

or fault

found in him.

5 Then said these men,

We shall not find any occasion

against this Daniel,

except we find it

against him

concerning the law of his God.”  Daniel 6:4-5

I find it interesting that even Daniel’s enemies couldn’t find any “occasion against” him in the affairs of state; and just like politicians today, I’m sure they left no stone unturned to find some.  Yet, these men in their eagerness to discredit Daniel, realized that they would have to be cunning and wily to discredit Daniel and could only trip him up with the “law of his God”.  The very thing that brought him into favor with Nebuchadnezzar, would now be used to try and bring him into disfavor with King Darius.  How hard would people have to look to find cause for discrediting us?  For most of us—including me—not very far.  We have all made bad choices, mistakes and just outright failures; but Daniel was a man of total honor, integrity and devotion to his God.  How about you/me?  These enemies went after Daniel in a way that brings me shame, for my faithfulness and consistency is often lacking in regard to my prayer and study of God’s Word.  Let’s see what they come up with.

“Then these presidents and princes

assembled together to the king,

and said thus unto him,

King Darius,

live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom,

the governors,

and the princes,

the counsellors,

and the captains,

 have consulted together

to establish a royal statute,

and to make a firm decree,

that whosoever shall ask

a petition of any God

or man

for thirty days,

 save of thee,

O king,

he shall be cast

into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king,

establish the decree,

and sign the writing,

that it be not changed,

according to the law

of the Medes and Persians,

which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius

signed the writing

and the decree.”  Daniel 6:6-9

We ought to learn something from these men, a lesson in current affairs; their plan of attack started with a consensus of flattery, lies and deceit—ring any bells?  They told the king that “all” of the “leaders” had agreed to this plan—“all” that is, but Daniel.  But they left that part out!  They included only the information they wanted others to know about, the truth was irrelevant!  Sound familiar?  Then they flattered the king and used his ego to trap Daniel.  Are we so faithful to God that we could be trapped by our faithfulness?   This king fell into the trap of ego and self-importance, and we need to be careful of the trap.  And we also need to understand that the enemy doesn’t play by the same rules that we do!

So, back to Daniel, what does he do?

“Now when Daniel knew

that the writing was signed,

he went into his house;

and his windows being open in his chamber

toward Jerusalem,

he kneeled upon his knees

three times a day,

and prayed,

and gave thanks before his God,

as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled,

and found Daniel praying

and making supplication

before his God.

12 Then they came near,

and spake before the king

concerning the king’s decree;

Hast thou not signed a decree,

that every man that shall ask a petition

of any God or man

within thirty days,

save of thee, O king,

shall be cast into the den of lions?

The king answered and said,

The thing is true,

according to the law

of the Medes and Persians,

which altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king,

That Daniel,

which is of the children of the captivity

of Judah,

regardeth not thee, O king,

nor the decree

that thou hast signed,

but maketh his petition

three times a day.”  Daniel 6:10-13

Here we find Daniel’s enemies gathered—probably at the only “prayer meeting” they’ve ever attended—to catch Daniel being faithful to his God.  And just FYI, when they come to find us faithful to our God, what will they find.  Will we be found continuing to be faithful?  Will we have to scramble to even know how to pray?  Or will we just count it too much trouble and cave to the culture around us?

“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

If you’re not following Him today, when do you intend to start?  God already had a plan for Daniel, who, like Job, knew in Whom he trusted.

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see

for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

God confirmed Daniel’s faith through this pagan king who had seen faithfulness in Daniel on more than one front.

“Then the king,

when he heard these words,

was sore displeased with himself,

and set his heart on Daniel

to deliver him:

and he laboured till the going down

of the sun

to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king,

and said unto the king,

Know, O king,

that the law of the Medes and Persians is,

That no decree nor statute

which the king establisheth

may be changed.

16 Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God

whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought,

and laid upon the mouth of the den;

and the king sealed it with his own signet,

and with the signet of his lords;

that the purpose might not be changed

concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace,

and passed the night fasting:

neither were instruments of musick

brought before him:

and his sleep went from him.”  Daniel 6:14-18

Darius knew by Daniel’s life of faithfulness and integrity that his God would deliver him.  What does our life tell others about our God?  Does our faithfulness cause even our enemies to look to our God?  Or do we look so much like the world that no one can see God in us?

As Peter tells us, our testimony in suffering can make a difference.

“Dearly beloved,

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation honest

among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance

of man

for the Lord’s sake:

whether it be to the king,

as supreme;

14 Or unto governors,

as unto them that are sent

by him

for the punishment

of evildoers,

and for the praise of them

that do well.

15 For so is the will of God,

that with well doing

ye may put to silence

the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free,

and not using your liberty

for a cloke of maliciousness,

but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.”   1 Peter 2:11-17

So, what did Darius find in the morning?

“Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den,

he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake and said to Daniel,

O Daniel, servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee

from the lions?  

21 Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him

innocency was found in me;

and also before thee, O king,

have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him,

and commanded that they should take Daniel

up out of the den.

So Daniel was taken up out of the den,

and no manner of hurt was found upon him,

because he believed in his God.”    Daniel 6:19-23

Daniel’s eyes were looking up to his GOD, not around at the lions; and his GOD delivered for Daniel’s good and HIS glory!  And, consequently, the destruction of the wicked, while God brought Daniel even greater honor.

“And the king commanded,

and they brought those men

which had accused Daniel,

and they cast them into the den of lions,

them, their children, and their wives;

and the lions

had the mastery of them,

and brake all their bones in pieces

or ever they came at the bottom

of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people,

nations, and languages,

that dwell in all the earth;

Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree,

That in every dominion of my kingdom

men tremble and fear

before the God of Daniel:

for he is the living God,

and stedfast for ever,

and his kingdom

that which shall not

be destroyed,

and his dominion

shall be even unto the end.

27 He delivereth

and rescueth,

and he worketh signs

and wonders in heaven

and in earth,

who hath delivered Daniel

from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered

in the reign of Darius,

and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”   Daniel 6:24-28

Who or what is YOUR GOD?  Are your eyes on the prize—Jesus—or the lions—or the liars?

“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

May God bless and grow us in in HIS Word and HIS ways.  Keep looking up not around!  God hears and answers “prayers” not “panic”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Full Of HIS GLORY??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 21

14 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Glory of God, God's Faithfulness, Knowing GOD, Whole Earth Is Filled with HIS Glory

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 21    Full Of HIS GLORY???

 

We’ve been considering Daniel and his friends and their love for God as well as their character before God and man.  As I was considering this week, I heard a message on Isaiah chapter 6 when Isaiah saw “the Lord, high and lifted up”; and when we look up and draw near to God, we will see His glory as well.  But the thing I want us to consider is in line with something I often say as I greet people’s question of “how are you”, I usually respond by saying, “I’m blessed beyond measure”; and sometimes when occasion presents itself, I am able to remind someone of another aspect of being blessed, as I share this, “We’re all blessed, we’re just not all paying attention!”

Isaiah was paying attention, and I’d like to share just a few verses from chapter 6 that tie in with what we’re looking at today.

“In the year that king Uzziah died

I saw also the Lord

sitting upon a throne,

high and lifted up,

and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims…

…3 And one cried unto another, and said,

Holy, holy, holy,

is the LORD of hosts:

the whole earth is full of his glory.”  Isaiah 6:1-2a & 3

All we have to do is look at the world by the help of The Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit that has been given to every believer.  But the problem is most people are looking inward and toward other people rather than looking at The Creator of all things!  Do we truly desire to see The Glory of God?  Or are we satisfied with our “own point of view”?

“Give unto the LORD

the glory due unto his name;

worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD

is upon the waters:

the God of glory thundereth:

the LORD is upon many waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;

the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.”   Psalm 29:2-4

“The glory of the LORD

shall endure for ever:

the LORD shall rejoice

in his works.”  Psalm 104:31

The question is, will we give him “the glory due unto his name”?  Will we “worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness”?  Nebuchadnezzar had seen the “glory of The Lord” in Daniel and his friends, but instead of looking at The God of glory, he took God’s glory and reveled in it for himself.  But God knew how to humble this arrogant, ill-tempered king; and HE knows how to bring us to see truth if we ill but heed His Word and His work in our hearts and lives!  Let’s consider Nebuchadnezzar’s experience with the Lord God Almighty of all creation.  While we won’t go into detail of the dream and its meaning, we will look at the effect on this King of Babylon and see the difference in his testimony. May we learn to seek HIM in all we do!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king,

 unto all people,

nations,

and languages,

that dwell in all the earth;

Peace be multiplied unto you.

2 I thought it good to shew

the signs

and wonders

that the high God

hath wrought toward me.

3 How great

are his signs!

and how mighty

are his wonders!

his kingdom

is an everlasting kingdom,

and his dominion

is from generation to generation.

4 I Nebuchadnezzar

was at rest in mine house,

and flourishing in my palace:

5 I saw a dream

which made me afraid,

and the thoughts upon my bed

and the visions of my head

troubled me.

6 Therefore made I a decree

to bring in all the wise men of Babylon

before me,

that they might make known unto me

the interpretation of the dream.”   Daniel 4:1-6

Much like the encounter of chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him; hence he calls for his wise men who were unable to interpret his dream until Daniel came in and revealed the dream’s meaning to him.  While we won’t take time in this lesson today to consider the dream in particular, I do want to make sure we understand the heart of Daniel; the young man who has been in service to this king for some time—still captive in a foreign land—yet a man of compassion and concern for his superior.  Grasp the import of Daniel’s response to the king upon realizing the meaning of the dream.

“Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,

was astonied for one hour,

and his thoughts troubled him.

The king spake, and said,

Belteshazzar, let not the dream,

or the interpretation there of,

trouble thee.

Belteshazzar answered and said,

My lord,

the dream be to them that hate thee,

and the interpretation thereof

to thine enemies.”  Daniel 4:19

Daniel knew that the interpretation meant judgment for the king, and the interpretation would be difficult.  But we see two things here (two main things for our purposes) Daniel’s compassion toward King Nebuchadnezzar, and the integrity of a man whom Nebuchadnezzar trusted to speak truth.  What do others think about us?  Do they trust us (can they trust us) to speak the truth even when it is difficult or even seemingly hurtful to those to whom we minister?  Also, Daniel had the courage to call the king to repentance and to trust to God’s mercy and grace!

“This is the interpretation, O king,

and this is the decree

of the most High,

which is come upon

my lord the king:

25 That they shall drive thee from men,

and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts

of the field,

and they shall make thee to eat grass

as oxen,

and they shall wet thee

with the dew of heaven,

and seven times shall pass over thee,

till thou know

that the most High ruleth

in the kingdom of men,

and giveth it

to whomsoever he will.

26 And whereas they commanded

to leave the stump of the tree roots;

thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee,

after that thou shalt have known

that the heavens do rule.

27 Wherefore, O king,

let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,

and break off thy sins

by righteousness,

and thine iniquities

by shewing mercy to the poor;

if it may be a lengthening

of thy tranquillity.”  Daniel 4:24-27

God’s judgment was pronounced on Nebuchadnezzar to bring him to see and recognize “the whole earth is full of his glory”—to know Daniel’s God for himself.  Let’s go back to Nebuchadnezzar’s response to God’s prophecy—much like our responses to God sometimes—caught up in “self” not God!

“At the end of twelve months

he walked in the palace

of the kingdom of Babylon.

30 The king spake, and said,

Is not this great Babylon,

that I have built

for the house of the kingdom

by the might of my power,

and for the honour of my majesty?

31 While the word was in the king’s mouth,

there fell a voice from heaven, saying,

 O king Nebuchadnezzar,

to thee it is spoken;

The kingdom is departed

from thee.

32 And they shall drive thee

from men,

and thy dwelling shall be

with the beasts of the field:

they shall make thee

to eat grass as oxen,

and seven times

shall pass over thee,

until thou know

that the most High ruleth

in the kingdom of men,

and giveth it to

whomsoever he will.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled

upon Nebuchadnezzar:

and he was driven from men,

and did eat grass as oxen,

and his body was wet

with the dew of heaven,

till his hairs were grown

like eagles’ feathers,

and his nails

like birds’ claws.” Daniel 4:29-33

God’s judgment fell, and fulfilled its time, and by the King’s own testimony HE saw and acknowledged the God of heaven.

“And at the end of the days

I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes

unto heaven,

and mine understanding

returned unto me,

and I blessed the most High,

and I praised and honoured him

that liveth for ever,

whose dominion

is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom is from generation

to generation:

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth

are reputed as nothing:

and he doeth according

to his will in the army of heaven,

and among the inhabitants of the earth:

and none can stay his hand,

or say unto him, What doest thou?

36 At the same time my reason

returned unto me;

and for the glory of my kingdom,

mine honour and brightness

returned unto me;

and my counsellors and my lords

sought unto me;

and I was established

in my kingdom,

and excellent majesty

was added unto me.

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar

praise

and extol

and honour

the King of heaven,

all whose works are truth,

and his ways

judgment:

and those that walk in pride

he is able to abase.”  Daniel 4:34-37

So, my question for us today is, “Are we full of the glory of God—do we live with the “beauty of holiness”?  Or are we settling for the passing ‘glory’ of the world?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“Love not the world,

neither the things

that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father

is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.”  1 John 2: 15-17

I pray that God will draw each of us near to HIS heart, that we might see HIS glory, and reflect HIS glory in all we do.

“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

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,

 or whatsoever ye do,

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

Amen!!!