Category Archives: Grace

Hope And Help Among Us!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #717

26 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by in Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Good News, Grace, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #717  Hope And Help Among Us!!!

 

I just want to share a brief word of encouragement that I pray will help you today and brighten your way.

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward

for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I’m not talking about “safety in numbers”, but rather the benefit of encouraging words that show caring for one another!  Our kind words can be a help, a blessing and often a spark of hope that someone may need more than we can see!

“Iron sharpeneth

iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

I got just a such a note this morning and I don’t think we can understand the power of our words when we use them to lift up one another.  I pray that this simple post will encourage each of us to be an encourager each day! Amen!

By HIS Grace–Each Day??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24

07 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory To God, God Who Sees, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24.  By HIS Grace—Each Day???

 

“Therefore by the deeds of the law

there shall no flesh be justified

in his sight:

for by the law

is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God

without the law is manifested,

being witnessed

by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all

them that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 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 3:20-26

It’s God’s grace that saved me, and it’s God’s grace that keeps me and is ever at work in me and by His sovereign grace, He can be seen in me, through all I say and do, as I yield myself to His Holy Spirit and power within me!  Being a living sacrifice, as Paul describes to the Roman and the Galatian believers as well.  All because it is Christ IN me!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”   Romans 12:1-3

The key is remembering that it’s all about “Who” is living in me—or, if you would, who is sitting on the throne of my life?  Me or Jesus?  I must die to self and live to Jesus by the grace that HE imparts to HIS own for every-day victory!!!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:

for if righteousness come by the law,

then Christ is dead in vain.”  Galatians 2:20-21

God’s ministry of grace in us—to minister to others!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”    Colossians 1:25-27

All by HIS grace—unmerited favor–bought by the blood of Jesus which “cleanseth us from all sin”! (See 1 John 1:7)

“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

It is all about Jesus—and I’m so glad!  For as Paul said so aptly, “no good thing” dwelleth in me!  It has to be all about HIM, even Jesus made this very clear.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken

unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 5:1-5

So, the question for each of us is, are we abiding in “the vine” and therefore able to “bring forth more fruit” or are we trying to bear our own fruit?  The choice is yours, but Jesus said plainly that “without me ye can do nothing”! And Paul describes this issue in 1 Corinthians 3—are we working with our own resources or God’s?  The test is by fire—are you working in “wood, hay and stubble” or “gold, silver and precious stones”!  The fire will reveal our real work!  It has to be ALL “of HIM…through HIM…and to HIM”!

“According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

 but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?”  1 Corinthians 3:10-16

It all depends on the foundation—Jesus!  Am I abiding IN HIM, relying ON HIM, and using HIS supply?  Or am I settling for less—and what the world offers is always LESS?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.  We can be found faithful as we continue to abide IN HIM!

“Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am,

 therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.”

HOW?  Only one way! 

“13 I can do all things

       through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:11-13

And to put all of these things in perspective, I’d like to remind each of us of Jesus’ instruction for our prayer life—while I am free to come to God with all my requests, burdens, troubles and trials, I am not free to dictate to God in the name of “faith”; I can trust God to do right no matter what is going on!  And I do!  How about you?  We can hold on to the assurance that OUR GOD reigns, and HE invites us to come to HIM in all things.

“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

Let’s stay before HIS throne in humble gratitude for the grace that supplies our every need if we will but cling to HIS cross.

“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

May God bless you as you seek HIS face in confidence and total reliance upon HIM, shouting: (See Revelation 19:6)

“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!

We win!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

Entrusting Or Erupting??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 06

25 Sunday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Giving Or Taking?, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 06   Entrusting Or Erupting???

 

I would like to share one main, but profound passage tonight, that we might consider our actions, reactions, and attitudes toward those around us.  Jesus called us to be salt and light; yet a lot of those of us who claim His name are behaving more like ‘brine’ and ‘floodlights’ rather than seasoning, preservatives or revealing light in the darkness.  Paul tells us to use our words wisely, not as weapons against those around us.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

The main thing I want to share with you this evening is a passage from Peter.  I pray that it will speak to you and we can each find courage, godly strength, and grace to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus before a lost and dying world regardless of our circumstances—any circumstances!

“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.

18 Servants,

be subject to your masters

with all fear;

not only to the good and gentle,

but also to the froward.

19 For this is thankworthy,

if a man

for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:

his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.   

25 For

ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now

returned unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:13-25

I simply close with a prayer that we will truly let God’s Word be God’s Word, and that we will behave like Jesus IS our LORD!

“For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye (we) should follow his steps…”

Are you entrusting your behavior to “to him that judgeth righteously”, reflecting your Lord?  Or are you erupting like the rest of our culture?  It’s your choice so choose wisely—there is a test!

But I’m Tired??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 05

18 Sunday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Grace, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 05     But I’m Tired???

 

It’s been a long week at our house—how about you?  It’s been a long year for most of us, what with life in general, COVID, schools off and on like a light switch, churches even more so.  Isolation, quarantine, health crises—and we could go on and on.  We had a few crises at our house just this week, some physical issues, a dear friend who went to be with The Lord, my last aunt and uncle also went to meet our Lord only a day apart after 67 years of marriage.  Joys, sorrows, and confusion yet in the midst of it all, the assurance that “God is still God!  God is still good!  And I still trust HIM!”  How about you?

While all of this seems easy to talk about, it’s often difficult to get through it!  When we are in need (and we all are from time to time) the thing we need to do is draw near to our Lord and His Word.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:7-8

“But it is good for me

to draw near to God:

I have put my trust

in the Lord GOD,

that I may declare

all thy works.”  Psalm 73:28

Even Jesus was weary sometimes, and He called not only His disciples to rest, but all of us–men, women, boys and girls—to come to HIM for rest.  I’m so grateful that HIS rest is unparalleled (and He always knows when I need it—even when I don’t!)!

“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

The disciples (like many of us today) were in the midst of ministry and people, when Jesus, rather than sending them out to do more, called them to rest.  I don’t know about you, but we all sometimes need to come aside and rest.  I have to admit I have a hard time, even in this last year of grief and sorrow, being able to “stop” and “rest” in the midst of ministry and life.  How about you?

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure

so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we just need to “come…apart” for rest, refreshing and renewal.  I would simply like to share a bit of advice from God’s Word for myself and also for you.  May God minister HIS grace, comfort and refreshing to our souls—mine is in need for sure!  It is the power of God that gives the rest to souls in need—only in HIS way!

“And to whom sware he

that they should not enter into his rest,

but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in

because of unbelief.”  Hebrews 3:18-19

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, for HE alone is our strength and our hope, and by HIS grace we can go on when it seems that there is no way.  God gave Paul this message and I have always found comfort in it and I hope you will too. (See Hebrews 12:1-2)

“For though I would desire to glory,

I shall not be a fool;

for I will say the truth:

but now I forbear,

 lest any man should think of me

above that which he seeth me to be,

or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance

of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:6-10

As we find our hope, strength and confidence in God, HE is accomplishing HIS purposes in us.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me…

… 18 But I have all,

and abound:

I am full,

having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you,

an odour of a sweet smell,

a sacrifice acceptable,

wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:12-13 & 18-19

It is in giving that we receive the most; and may I say, in closing, that our hope is in the perfect plan of God, for all that HE does is for His glory and our good, as well as the benefit of a world in need of a Savior.  We must keep our eyes on HIM and march forward in hope and confidence in The One who gave HIMSELF for our sin, that we may be useful to God as we bless others!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth

by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring

of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you

is stedfast,

knowing,

that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.”   2 Corinthians 1:3-7

So, here is one of my favorite passages of encouragement; may it encourage your heart today!

“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 the peace and rest of Jesus rest upon you and yours!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Builder’s Guarantee!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #667

10 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, God's Judgment, God's love, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Guarantee, Master Builder, Salvation, Saved by grace

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #667 The Builder’s Guarantee!!!

 

“Praise ye the LORD:

for it is good to sing praises unto our God;

for it is pleasant;

and praise is comely.

2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem:

he gathereth together

the outcasts of Israel.

3 He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:1-3

Oh, how grateful I am that when we have the Lord as our Master Builder, He grants us grace, wisdom and sufficiency to live for HIM!   I would simply like to share a few passages of encouragement with you today, as we all wrestle with the crises at hand.  Remember, my friends, if God is your Master Builder (through Jesus Christ and the salvation HE provided at Calvary!) then you can walk in confidence—because our God reigns!

“Behold, the days come,

saith the LORD,

that I will sow the house of Israel

and the house of Judah

with the seed of man,

and with the seed of beast.

28 And it shall come to pass,

that like as I have watched over them,

 to pluck up,

and to break down,

and to throw down,

and to destroy,

and to afflict;

so will I watch over them,

 to build,

 and to plant,

saith the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:27-28

This was God’s message for Jeremiah to deliver to Israel—that though He would judge their sin, HE would also bring them back into HIS presence when their heart was repentant and open to HIS Redeemer.  Even as God told Jeremiah when He called him, that HE was about to judge the nation who had, as a whole, rejected Him and His Word.

“But the LORD said unto me,

Say not, I am a child:

for thou shalt go to all

that I shall send thee,

and whatsoever I command thee

thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid of their faces:

for I am with thee

to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand,

and touched my mouth.

And the LORD said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words

in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day

set thee over the nations

and over the kingdoms,

to root out,

and to pull down,

and to destroy,

and to throw down,

to build,

and to plant.”  Jeremiah 1:7-10

While I personally believe we are experiencing the judgment of God on our world (as well as setting the stage for the prophetic future of the scriptures which is close at hand), we can rest assured that the judgment of God is always tempered by His grace and mercy; but there is a step too far, and God does and will judge sin!  And that was the heavy message that Jeremiah was called to deliver to a people who, for the most part, refused to receive the message of God and repent.  Our God truly reigns and cares for HIS own!

“And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice

of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation. 19:6

“And the LORD said,

My spirit

shall not always strive

with man,

for that he also is flesh…”.   Genesis 6:1a

“Jesus saith unto them,

Did ye never read in the scriptures,

The stone

which the builders rejected,

the same

is become the head of the corner:

this is the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvellous

in our eyes?”  Matthew 21:42

So, what is our response to be to this Sovereign God of all?  Well, it’s pretty simple really (not easy, but it is simple), we must recognize our sin, repent (turn away from sin and turn toward God) of our sin, and believe in and receive Jesus payment for our sin—HIS substitutionary (in my place), atoning (paid my sin debit) , sacrifice (died and rose again  for my salvation)!  Once we receive Jesus, we become a new creature and are called to live in His power, grace and holiness –all by the power of HIS indwelling Holy Spirit.

“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

And a message of encouragement from the Apostle Paul to lift your heart today (and while it’s a big lengthy, I think it worth our time).

“That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

the new man,

which after God is created

in righteousness

and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying,

speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members

one of another.

26 Be ye angry,

and sin not:

let not the sun go down

upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place

to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have

to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good to the use

of edifying,

 that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.”   Ephesians 4:22-30

Amen and Amen!!!