Category Archives: God’s measure isn’t ours

Why Bible Ballistics??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #411

30 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Blood of Jesus cleanses us, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's Call, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Why Bible Ballistics???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #411

People sometimes ask why I called my blog, Bible Ballistics, and I’d like us to take a look at that today.

Ballistics:  the science or study of the motion of projectiles…the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance…

What might that have to do with a Bible blog, you might ask; well, I think it important that we understand that God’s Word is what we need for not only living, but for helping others see that the target isn’t random, but we are called to know Jesus through The Word, and if I am to lead others to the cross I need to have the right ammunition!  God’s Word is the ammunition that we as believers are to share.  Paul says it better than I can, we are to know God’s Word that we can share it truthfully, ably and accurately—if you would, as a projectile of truth; remember Jesus told us that He is the “truth…no man comes to the Father but by me…” (See John 14:6)

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

Paul goes on to tell Timothy, his son in the ministry, how important The Word of God is!

“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 3:16-17

Paul tells us that all scripture is profitable—it hits the target—it is designed by God for the “maximum flight performance”!  God has a plan to grow us in grace, truth and peace!  That is why I chose the name, as a reminder that it’s all about God’s provision in every way, and I pray that I can help in pointing people to The Word; both the living Word Jesus, as well as the breath of the written Word, Jesus!  It’s what it’s all about!  Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, and His Word (promised in the entirety of scripture)!  It why I do what I do, and the reason for the name Bible Ballistics!  I hope you’ll stay with us and that these posts will always be an encouragement to you all!

The author of the book of Hebrews reminds of this import of God’s Word in clear truth!  It is not only God’s Word and His truth, but it is also that by which we shall all be judged!  What are you doing with God’s Word?

“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

Jesus Himself reminds us that His written Word as well as His spoken words are truth!

“It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you,

they are spirit,

and they are life.”  John 6:63

This is why we do what we do for our Lord!  There is nothing that I can write apart from what He has said, and His leading me to share it and comment as a teacher to make things clear and helpful in some small way.

Are we willing to hear and heed The Word of God, or will we try to worship God in our own way?  Jesus rebuked the people of his day for their lack of understanding.  I fear that He would make the same judgment of many in our churches today.  What are you worshipping?  Who are you worshipping?  Will you worship Jesus in Spirit and truth or go your own way, having itching ears. If Jesus says it’s wrong, it is wrong!  If Jesus says it is right, it is right—nothing man can say will ever change that!

“Ye hypocrites,

well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth,

and honoureth me

with their lips;

but their heart is far from me.

9 But in vain they do worship me,

teaching for doctrines

the commandments of men.”  Matthew 19:7-9

So, in closing, a reminder from Paul, that not everyone wants to hear truth.  Where are you?  Are you heeding God’s Word, or is it the last thing on our list of things to attend to?  Forgive me Lord, for the times that I fail you, and miss the mark.  To recognize the false we must—I repeat, we must—know God’s Word and the truth which it contains.

“I charge thee therefore

before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant

in season,

out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

May God help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and our ears tuned to The Word of God.  Blessings on you and yours, and don’t forget to be working on that “attitude of gratitude”!  Are you hearing teachers who teach God’s Word or are you going from place to place seeking teachers and preachers who will give you approval for your fleshly lusts—whether they be shacking up, sacking it up, storing it up—laying up treasure on earth rather than heaven.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

17 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Assurance IN GOD!, Assurance or Arrogance, Attitude of Gratitude, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Dare To Be Different!, Darkness or Light?, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's measure isn't ours, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

I know that sounds a little strange for this season, but I want us to consider all that we learn from one of Daniel’s prayers!  I want us to be confident in the knowledge of not only what our God does, but who He is in character, nature and sovereign control. He is trustworthy and worthy of our praise and gratitude.

The context of this passage is Daniel’s first encounter with Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams; a dream which the King had that disturbed him, and when none of the wise men of Babylon could interpret it, for he couldn’t even remember what the dream was about, and when they couldn’t tell him what the dream was much less what it meant, he called for them all to be put to death—including Daniel and his friends (read all of chapter 2 for the whole picture, but for our purposes we’re only going to look at Daniel and his friends response to the impending death threat…).

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish

with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth what

is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me

wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:17-23

May we think on these things, and be like Daniel, who was devoted to his God even in the midst of great trials in being taken captive to Babylon!  Oh, how we fail to praise God so often because of our trials, our difficulties, our challenges, our often-confused minds; seemingly because we live in a world gone crazy!  We live in a culture that is rejecting God at almost every turn; may we be like Daniel and set our hearts and minds to stand pure before our God; as these four young men committed to be faithful to God regardless of what others did!  I see so many claim Jesus’ name in their doings, but it is so often steeped in the bragging on what they have seen, or done, or claiming and/or blaming God for any and every kind of issue.  Here we have four devoted young men—devoted to not defile themselves with the worldly attachments around them!  What are you attached to?  When you claim Jesus’ name whether in blame or credit, is your life aligned with God’s Word?  How can it be if you don’t know what He has said or called us to?

Are we humble or proud?  Are we modest or flamboyantly worldly in our dress, speech, and self-aggrandizement?  It’s your call but remember there is a test—and it’s a test that will be by God’s Word not popular vote or opinion.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”  Daniel 1:8

Here we find a young man whose heart was set on pleasing his God—and then behaving in a manner of humility, respect and submission to God’s will for him.  Such a contrast to much of what we hear in Christendom today—the ability to make demands on God and man, for profit, popularity, or arrogance is not knowing what Jesus tells us is the mindset that we ought to have.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

How it grieves my heart to hear people pronouncing God’s name over their own earthly plans to suit themselves; forget that Jesus clearly tells us we are to pray and seek “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…” in all our ways!  If He promotes me, fine.  If He keeps me in humbles circumstances, so be it!  I want His will, over mine with God’s Word being the judge in all things.

“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.

14 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 4:12-16

When you’re not sure, dig into The Word!  Scripture tells us right here that we will find help when we need it, when we come to that “throne of grace”, remembering that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword”!  It is a sword that will guide us to truth—God’s truth, not man’s!  We can fool others, even ourselves—but God knows our heart!   I encourage you to dig into HIS Word and then adjust your life to HIS Word as needed—not the other way around!  Let’s be Daniels in a world full of Nebuchadnezzars!  I’m grateful—how about you!  Put on that attitude of gratitude!

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

01 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Who Sees, God's Call, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus, What are you listening to?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Whose Sheep are You?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!, You can't get yesterday back!

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God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

I would like to share a few thoughts with you today, and some of them may not be well-received, for they may fly in the face of what some if not many in our day pursue and purport to be truth.  I think God makes it clear that Jesus is, was and ever shall be the plumbline.

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

I love the Gospel of John as it reveals Jesus throughout as the “I Am”; even the religious leaders bristled at this claim, and on several occasions when Jesus spoke clearly that HE was the “I AM” they wanted to stone Him!  Note that Jesus didn’t claim to be the “I might be”, the “I was” or even the “I will be”!  John starts his gospel with the great “In the beginning” passage which clearly declares that Jesus was, is and ever shall be God!  Jesus even said it of Himself (a claim which many say He didn’t make, but He absolutely did!)!

“Then came the Jews round about him,

and said unto him,

How long dost thou make us to doubt?

If thou be the Christ,

tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again

to stone him.”  John 10”24-31. (notice the “again”)

Jesus is God, the God-man-redeemer; the Savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of their sin, and trust in/believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which pays for sin!  And sin, my friends, is the issue.  The angel told Joseph that very thing when he told him that Mary was indeed pregnant with the Messiah!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name

Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”             Matthew 1:21-23

Oh, thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you had already provided the salvation we needed, before our father Adam sinned! That is also in The Word of God!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4

Even in His priestly prayer for us, Jesus reminds us of His eternal deity before creation!

“Father,

I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”   John 17:24

Peter also made this clear in his first letter to scattered believers.

“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 1:18-21

So, why, you might ask, am I belaboring this point?  I’ll answer that question!  The gospel hasn’t changed, but we are living in a culture that is marginalizing Jesus and His gospel of “the blood of The Lamb” that is necessary for the forgiveness of sin!  Sin has been removed from most preaching, as well as the cross and that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”, for it is offensive to many and has been removed from many (if not most) churches today.  In its place is a message of just “love like Jesus loved”—and, yes, Jesus “so loved the world” that He died for our sin, but unless we recognize our sin as sin and are ready and willing to turn from our sin to the cleansing, saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ the crucified, buried and risen Lord, we may have religion, but we have missed salvation by a mile!  Jesus Himself calls us to repentance which leads to saving faith.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3                                 (and He repeats it in verse 5)

Paul makes it clear that if we fail to preach sin, repentance and faith in Jesus alone for salvation, we are perverting the gospel.  I’ll let Paul speak for himself; he says it better than I can.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

 to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

The book of Acts clearly declares that it’s all about sin and Jesus’ blood shed for our sin, and only Jesus can and will save.

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12

Paul’s clear message is trustworthy, what have you done with it?

“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:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier of him

which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26

“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

So, my friends what have you don’t with Jesus?  Are you reveling in your sin, confident that you play the church game, but you’ve never been washed in Jesus’ blood to forgive your sin and cleanse your heart and make you new.  That’s the message of the Gospel of Jesus!  It’s not saying some prayer, or getting dunked, or even walking an aisle to shake someone’s hand.  It’s hearing the voice of Jesus’ Spirit speaking to your heart and showing you your sin—not anyone else’s—and being willing and ready to bow before Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sin and save and heal your soul and impart to you the new birth (read John 3)!

I’ll simply close with Paul’s declaration of God’s choice of preaching!  Preaching!  Not games, or entertainment or smooth words—but the preaching of The Gospel of Jesus’ salvation through His blood!  I pray that you’ll meet Him at the cross and find Him sufficient to save!  Don’t put off till tomorrow that which may not be offered again!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross is

to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved it is

the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-24

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Is God’s Kingdom??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #370

30 Wednesday Jul 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's measure isn't ours, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Wisdom, Good Neighbor, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Knowing Truth, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, Today and Forever, Today is the day of Salvation, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's following you?, Who's in your heart?, Who's Listening?, Who's Your Father?, Whom are you trusting?, Whose Sheep are You?, Whose Side Are You On?, Wise As Serpents

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What Is God’s Kingdom???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #370

This seems like a reasonable question, but we must keep our “reason” based on scripture.  Jesus calls us to keep our focus on spiritual things God’s way not our own.  Let’s consider some principles from scripture and then decide what “kingdom” we are living in.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom

come.

Thy will

be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:9-10

Jesus calls us to pray to “Our Father”!  Who has this privilege?  Those who are born again and made children of God!

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 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 1:11-13

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born “of God” by being “born again”!   Only those who have been born again have the right and the privilege to call God Father; and when we call God father, we ought to behave like His children, and our prayer is to be made in pursuit of His Kingdom to “come”, and His will to be “done”!  To put it simply, whose kingdom are you pursuing, which “king” are you bowing before; kingdom, simply put, means the domain of a “king”!  Who is your king; yourself, the world, the enemy of your soul?  You are serving someone, be sure that it is The King of all, the almighty, sovereign, ruler, creator and Lord over all!  And that means just what it says—He is ruler over all; and you can trust in Him to save, keep and deliver.  Paul said it better than I can.

“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

Jesus began it and He will finish His work in we who come to Him in repentance of our sin and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary—the sacrifice that sealed the new covenant for all who will believe in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“Then said he,

Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.

He taketh away the first,

that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

once for all.”  Hebrews 10:9-10

Our assurance and confidence are in the completed work of salvation that Jesus accomplished as the sacrificial “Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world…”; and because of the great victory that Jesus accomplished and imparts to all who believe, we can have the victory!  You and me!  We who will recognize God as the King and choose to receive salvation in Jesus and joining His Kingdom!  That’s where victory is found, for those who respond to the call of God and build their house upon “The Rock”—Jesus!  Sing Rock of Ages to Him today!

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is not of God:

and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard

that it should come;

and even now already

is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:14

Where is your kingdom?  Who is your King?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Jesus made it plain.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”Matthew 7:13-14.

Amen and Amen!!!

It Must Be Right To God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

22 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Is In Charge, God Still Reigns, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, King David?, Kneeling Prevents Stumbling!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Knowing Or Going?, Knowing Truth, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, That They May Know, The Broad or Narrow Way?, The Father of Lies!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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It Must Be Right To God???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

As I often write, we must seek God’s face in all our ways, and there are things that are acceptable to God, and others are not.  Even though we live in a culture that denies absolute truth—God hasn’t changed the rules, and I’d like to share an Old Testament picture of this very thing; but first of all a few scriptures to prepare our hearts and minds for truth.

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.

9 Be not carried about

with divers and strange doctrines.

For it is a good thing

that the heart be established with grace…”.  Hebrews 13:8-9a

And the verse that ever stands in my heart.

“There is a way

which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

       (Also see Matthew 7:13-14, Proverbs 16:25)

David, one whom God called, “a man after God’s own heart”, made a fatal mistake shortly after he was proclaimed to be King over all of Israel.  I simply want to recount this story and call us to pray that we are so immersed in God’s Word that we can recognize and discern truth from error.  David didn’t obey God’s plan at the first incident, but between then and the second part of the story, he had come to know that God had a right way to do things, and he then could rejoice in his God.  He got over his “pouting” spell and rejoiced.  What are you “pouting” over today?  Will you accept God’s truth or fall for the devil’s lies?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test.  David failed at first, as he got angry, yet when he recognized that God was always right—he got right with God and man.  But don’t miss the account of Michal’s anger over David’s joy in The Lord and remember not everyone will like it when you are walking right with God, for oft times we ‘rain on sin’s parade’!  May we ever walk God’s way regardless of the cost!

“And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,

If it seem good unto you,

and that it be of the LORD our God,

let us send abroad unto our brethren

every where,

that are left in all the land of Israel,

and with them also to the priests and Levites

which are in their cities and suburbs,

that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us:

for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul….

…6 And David went up, and all Israel,

to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim,

which belonged to Judah,

to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD,

that dwelleth between the cherubims,

whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart

out of the house of Abinadab:

and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God

with all their might,

and with singing,

and with harps,

and with psalteries,

and with timbrels,

and with cymbals,

and with trumpets.

9 And when they came

unto the threshingfloor of Chidon,

Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark;

for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled

against Uzza,

and he smote him,

because he put his hand to the ark:

and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased,

because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza:

wherefore that place

is called Perezuzza to this day.”                                 Portions of 1 Chronicles 13:2-11

David had a good heart, a good intention, and in his mind a good plan.  They wanted to bring the Ark of The Covenant/of God to Jerusalem, the capital city of the nation; a good idea, and it seems that God approved as they worshipped, praised and sang unto Him as they brought The Ark on “a new cart”—seemed like a good idea at the time!  But wait!  God, in the law, had established the mode of transport for the ark, and David missed it.  He was deciding with his own wisdom and apparently without checking with the Levites!  (See Deuteronomy 10:8 & 31:9, 25-26)

But, praise God, David had an attitude adjustment (I believe from God), for after all, he was a man after God’s own heart, but he was a man—a human just like you and me, who made a wrong decision, then got mad when God did not respond as he expected…”but God” brought him to a place of truth and he obeyed. Let’s see what happens as we take note and determine to be found faithful to God’s Word and His way!

“And David made him houses in the city of David,

and prepared a place for the ark of God,

and pitched for it a tent.

2 Then David said,

None ought to carry the ark of God

but the Levites:

for them hath the LORD chosen

to carry the ark of God,

and to minister unto him for ever.

3 And David gathered all Israel together

to Jerusalem,

to bring up the ark of the LORD

unto his place,

which he had prepared for it.

4 And David assembled

the children of Aaron, and the Levites…

…. 12 And said unto them,

Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites:

sanctify yourselves,

both ye and your brethren,

that ye may bring up

the ark

of the LORD God of Israel

unto the place

that I have prepared for it.

13 For because ye did it not at the first,

the LORD our God made a breach

upon us,

for that we sought him not

after the due order.

14 So the priests and the Levites

sanctified themselves

to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15 And the children of the Levites

bare the ark of God upon their shoulders

with the staves thereon,

as Moses commanded

according

to the word of the LORD…

… 25 So David, and the elders of Israel,

and the captains over thousands,

went to bring up the ark

of the covenant of the LORD

out of the house of Obededom with joy.

26 And it came to pass,

when God helped the Levites

that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD,

that they offered seven bullocks

and seven rams..

… 29 And it came to pass,

as the ark of the covenant of the LORD

came to the city of David,

that Michal the daughter of Saul

looking out at a window

saw king David dancing and playing:

and she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God,

and set it in the midst of the tent

that David had pitched for it:

and they offered burnt sacrifices

and peace offerings

before God.

2 And when David had made an end

of offering the burnt offerings

and the peace offerings,

he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.”                         Portions of 1 Chronicles 15:13-16:2

May we pursue God, His Son, His Word and His ways, that we might honor our God and bless those around us.  May we ever be a blessing and not a cause of “a breach”!  Are we willing to seek God’s face through His Word and walk in the truth that He helps us to see and understand.  Blessings on you as we pursue our Lord and His will together!!!

Amen and Amen!!!