• About

Bible Ballistics

~ A WordPress.com site

Bible Ballistics

Category Archives: Holy

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche in A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Am I willing to go?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Finishing Well, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A faith like Mary's, A heart of faith, Colossians 3:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Luke 1:38-56, Mary's faith, Mary's obedience, True faith is synonymous with obedience, Trusting God, Trusting God In All, Trusting God rather than man, Trusting His Grace, Twisting His Arm Or Trusting His Care

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

I have an unusual word for today, for myself more than anyone else.  It is often so difficult to keep my heart and mind focused on the things of my Lord; I get distracted by the smallest things, and I spend a lot of time going into rooms and forgetting what I went in there for!!!  Maybe you don’t suffer from this plague, but if you live long enough you will–ha ha ha!!!  But really, it is a constant battle to keep my mind, heart, and feet on the right track.  I pray that you will join me in praying to have a heart like Mary’s heart of submission and obedience to whatever God asks of me!

“And Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me

according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary arose in those days,

and went into the hill country with haste,

into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias,

and saluted Elisabeth…

….46 And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold,

from henceforth all generations

shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy

is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich he hath

sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham,

and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.” Luke 1:38-40 & 46-56

I love the simplicity of this account, Mary received a visit from an angel, heard the news of her impending pregnancy, and her only question was, “How…?”, I think wondering if she was to be with Joseph, or what; to which the angel replied that God’s Spirit would overshadow her, and she would become a mother by the hand of God not a “man”!  Her simple reply revealed a wisdom and faith beyond her years (probably about 15 or 16) as she replied to the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”! This young woman of faith and obedience would bear the Messiah!  Our soon-coming King!  I can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through her mind; but I think she went to see Elizabeth for a confirmation that she had really heard the angel’s message correctly (for who else would be likely to believe her account?  Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant and God did it.  Really???  Even Joseph didn’t believe it until an angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story, see Matthew 1:21)

We’re not told whether she went to her parents, and obviously not to Joseph until she returned some three months later, after her encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth.  I can’t even imagine the questions in her heart and mind, but I know she obviously had a faith in her God beyond earthly measure, and I desire to have a growing faith like that!  How about you?  Will we “settle for” getting by–keeping up–doing the ‘churchy’ thing–impressing people?  Or will we desire the approval and pleasure of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, as we yield ourselves to the work of The Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and lives?  Help me yield to You Lord in all my ways!!!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…. 14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:1-2

In closing, may this verse I repeat to myself often, touch your heart and mind today, as we ponder the things of holiness, righteousness, and love.  May others truly see Jesus in me/you?

“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.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Conforming or Being Transformed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #49

25 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Approved Unto God, Are you ready?, Conformed or Transformed?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Examine Myself?, Eyes that SEE HIM, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Peter 1:13-19, A Living Sacrifice, Be ye holy as HE is holy, Conforming or Being Transformed?, His life or mine., Holy living in all things, Living For Jesus, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 19:12-14, Redeemed by Jesus' Blood!, Romans 12:1-3

Conforming or Being Transformed? A Word from THE WORD!!! #49

A simple but profound question for each of us on this day after ‘Thanks-giving’–‘Black Friday’ to many shoppers–decorating day for some, yet perhaps we ought to make it a day for some soul-searching.  Have we allowed so much of the world into our hearts, that we have forgotten the admonitions of scripture to be not only “holy” before God and man, but “wholly” devoted to The One who saves, redeems, and transforms us day by day (when we will cooperate) into the image of Jesus (See Romans 8:28-29). I think Paul says it best.

“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

It saddens my heart that so many around us, many who claim the name of Jesus, are so calloused to the corruption of the world.  We no longer seem to take any regard to the words we use–no matter how crass, vulgar, or hurtful to others they may be; and the word “prove” simply means to display before the world a transformed life–reflecting the grace, glory, and power of our LORD!  Just because a word or phrase is popular, doesn’t mean that it should come out of “my” mouth–the Psalmist says it pretty concisely;

“Who can understand his errors?

cleanse thou me from secret faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also

from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion

over me:

then shall I be upright,

and I shall be innocent

from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:12-14

Even as Paul stated so clearly in Romans 12, we are to be “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”!  The call for holiness in the lives of God’s own, is replete throughout scripture, yet we seem to have relegated it to an “optional” selection for living a Christian life.  I don’t think that God sees it that way.  He loves us, calls us, saves us, by faith through grace, and equips us for HIS service, yet we seem to have forgotten what “service to The King” ought to look like. Peter calls us to remember the cost of our redemption–Jesus’ own blood–how long will we disregard the price paid for our salvation?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:13-19

We are “redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ…”!  So, my challenge to each of us is to spend some time today examining our own heart and asking God to reveal to us what HE sees.  Not measuring with the world’s yardstick but with God’s Word–both the written Word-the Bible–as well as The Living Word, JESUS, who has given us HIS precious Holy Spirit, to guide us “into all truth”!  Will you join me today in the pursuit of holiness?

“Search me,

O God,

and know

my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see

if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me

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

May Jesus Christ be praised through us as we:

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer”!

And remember there are little eyes and ears watching and listening to what we do, way more than just what we “say do or don’t do”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Purity Speaks For Itself??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 04

20 Monday Jun 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Purity, Pursuing Excellence?, Serving God or Using God?, Speaking The Truth In Love

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Timothy 4:9-13, 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Colossians 1:9-14, Cross Magnets, Ephesians 4:1-6, Holy Living, James 4:7-8, Living for God or Against HIM, Living For Jesus, Matthew 6:9-10, Psalm 1:1-6, Psalm 51:1-13, Purity, True Obedience, Walking Worthy

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 04 Purity Speaks For Itself???

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth

in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is

in the law of the LORD;

and in his law

doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners

 in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

I’d like us to consider one of my favorite passages, Psalm 1; and while it is a short Psalm, it is packed full of truth and principles of the contrast between righteousness and evil.  There is a continual conflict which we often forget or overlook, and we must go about God’s business with biblical insight not ignorant presumption; for when we don’t stand on truth we will stumble and fall for the lies of the enemy!  Our foundation must be securely placed in Jesus our Lord, and HIS WORD, or we will be like the house on the sand which collapsed when the storms came.  And my friends, the storms will come—not if but ‘when’ is the reality that we must prepare for.

Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry to be prepared to “do the work” that God had called him to; not a life of leisure, indulgence, or presumption on the goodness of God, but the “work” of God!

“Thou therefore, my son,

be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me

among many witnesses,

the same commit thou

to faithful men,

who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness,

as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth

entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;

that he may please him

who hath chosen him to be a soldier

5 And if a man also strive for masteries,

yet is he not crowned,

except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth

must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say;

and the Lord give thee understanding

in all things.”  2 Timothy 2:1-7

We are called to follow Jesus in humble service, striving to please our master, not to presume on HIS goodness, grace, and love; but to serve HIM out of love and gratitude, seeking His will in all things.  The simplest lesson on this is from our Lord:

“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

So, as we pursue Jesus, we are to follow His example and truly pray “not my will….but thine be done”!  Yet we hear so much of what I call “slot machine theology”—make your demands on God, pray your quarter in the slot, pull the handle and God “must” respond and grant whatever you have ‘demanded’!  NOT!  How have we come so far from the truth of ‘servanthood’?  I’m not sure, but I know we must return to biblical truth and seek to serve our KING, not dictate to HIM!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you

that ye walk worthy of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.”  Ephesians 4:1-6

If we truly believe that GOD is “above all, and through all, and in you all”, why do we presume to be wiser than HE is?  May God forgive our presumption, and direct our steps to seek His face, and humbly yield to whatever HE asks of us.  As I have quoted many times in my writing, Paul’s call to the Colossian believers resounds in my heart again and again—the call to “walk worthy”!  Oh, may we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in us—in me—in you—and those around us!  May God do a great and mighty work in our hearts and lives that others will see JESUS in us, rather than self, sin or ‘settled-for’!

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled with the knowledge

of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:9-14

May we be faithfully serving in love, devotion, and allegiance to the truth of scripture, not popular persuasions?  Please, Lord, may we return to YOU today.  May I return to faithful service in holiness, purity, and love.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy

of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God,

who is the Saviour of all men,

specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word,

in conversation,

in charity,

in spirit,

in faith,

in purity.

13 Till I come,

give attendance

to reading,

to exhortation,

to doctrine.”   1 Timothy 4:9-13

And in closing a Psalm of David, and while I know I have included a great amount of scripture, may we remember and be devoted to the “lodestar” of our faith, which is JESUS and HIS WORD!  HE is the living Word who died for our salvation, to pay for my sin and yours, yet HE is also the “author and finisher” of our faith– the truth of the written Word which is truly “God breathed” by the Father and the very Son of God.  May we heed God’s revelation of HIS truth to our hearts today, as we hear and heed HIS call to be holy, pure-living examples of our Lord Jesus to a lost and dying world!

“Have mercy upon me, O God,

according to thy lovingkindness:

according unto the multitude

of thy tender mercies

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly

from mine iniquity,

and cleanse me

from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee,

thee only,

have I sinned,

and done this evil in thy sight:

that thou mightest be justified

when thou speakest,

and be clear

when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth

in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part

thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop,

and I shall be clean:

wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow.  

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

that the bones which thou hast broken

may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted

unto thee.”  Psalm 51:1-13

When we draw near to HIM, we will flourish in our faith and courage, and others will see Jesus in us; truly being “cross magnets”, drawing sinners to The Savior—The Only Savior!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

What Jesus Do YOU Profess??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13

21 Monday Feb 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Women, Good News, Gospel, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Renewing or Reviewing, REvival, Saved by Grace Through Faith, The Right Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 1 John 1:7, 1 Peter 1:15-21, Built on the Rock, Built on the Rock or the Sand?, Built on the Sand?, Choosing Jesus, John 1:10-13, John 3:5-7, Matthew 1:21-23, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:17-23, Matthew 7:24-27, Real Salvation, Revelation 3:20, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Salvation, The Real Jesus, Trying to fool God, We will give an account

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13   What Jesus Do YOU Profess???

 

I know that sounds like an odd question and title, but with a heavy heart it is a subject that just keeps coming back to my heart and mind.  I see and hear so much around me, both from the people that I love dearly, as well as from the general information that bombards us continually.  So, what do I really mean?  I’d like to use scripture to answer that question.

“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

Paul reminded the Roman believers that the “gospel of Christ” is God’s love and power revealed through the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice which Jesus made at Calvary.  And Matthew told us in the story of the birth of Jesus exactly why HE came, as God assured Joseph that Mary’s child was the promised Messiah, that she had not been unfaithful or immoral, and why Jesus was coming!  The child that she would deliver, would deliver all who will believe from sin, death, and hell.  (See 1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins…

….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

Jesus came to take on flesh, so that HE could die for you and me—in our place, for our sin–for all who would receive HIS sacrifice in repentance and faith.  For contrary to popular opinion today, SIN IS the issue; and it doesn’t matter whether you claim to be a Christian or you openly deny Jesus, there is a debt to be paid, and only those who choose to follow Jesus in true repentance and faith in HIS payment for sin, receiving the “new birth” (being born again) will reflect HIS glory.  Paul gives us the “Gospel” in a nutshell—let’s see what it says.

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached

unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

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

Much like what John shares with us regarding Jesus’ clear declaration that “ye must be born again”, it is essential that we receive “truth” as “truth”, and not have “vain” faith—and if you don’t know, “vain” faith can be called ‘imitation’, ‘false’, ‘pretend’; as Jesus talked about those who simply “say”, “Lord, Lord”!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

And Jesus himself removes all doubt of the meaning.  And just FYI, “verily, verily” means “truly, truly”!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:5-7

Then there is the profound truth of Matthew chapter 7; and while I won’t put the whole chapter here, I would encourage you to make it a priority to read it and ask God to convict and touch your heart to receive HIS truth in whatever way HE speaks to you.  For without the conviction of the Holy Spirit you will never know the same Jesus that I do.  For just as “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”, it is also clear that no one comes to Jesus unless “the Father which hath sent me draw him”!  If you hear the voice of Jesus calling you, please respond in repentance of your sin, faith in His redeeming work, and open the door and HE will come in!

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

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

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

And on to Matthew 7:

“Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth

evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree bring forth

good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 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.”  Matthew 7:17-23

What does all of this have to do with you?  It affects your eternal destiny, and every person must choose; if you say you refuse to choose, you need to understand that you “have chosen”.  There are two ways—Jesus leads to life on the “narrow way”—the “broad way” leads to destruction!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?  You can join the crowd—go your own way—live in sin, immorality, debauchery, or even try to “clean up your act” yourself; but what will you do about your sin?  For sin is the issue!  It’s the problem, the disease if you please, and Jesus IS the only cure.

“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

Paul makes it clear that “SIN” is the issue, and the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”!  Jesus calls us to follow HIM and when we do it will show!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

I am so concerned about those around me/us, who claim the name of Jesus, yet their lives are steeped in the sin of the world—are you settling for shacking up, drinking up, doping up, consumed with greed, lust, power and all the disasters that these things can (and usually do, for we do “reap…what we sow”) bring. Why are we, as parents and grandparents, so eager to send our young ones off to Nashville, Hellywood, New York City, or all the other places that offer fame and success (in the world’s eyes) yet are fraught with sin, drugs, illicit sex, heart break and disaster—yet we seem to be so blinded by the bling of the world, and/or the “bottom-line” of $$$ that we are failing to see the dangers that abound when we choose the world over Biblical Christianity and The Jesus who calls us to godliness and holiness, not what is passing for the “Jesus’ Gospel” in many circles today.  Circles that say that ‘anything’ goes, the “heavenly “grandfather” only wants you to be “happy”—sin your heart away, just wear a Jesus shirt, or a cross around your neck, go to church but refuse the work of The Word of God, and God’s precious Holy Spirit, working and seeking  to transform HIS children into the “image of Jesus”!  This is the gospel that “I am not ashamed” of!  The transforming power of heaven-sent, Holy Ghost, blood bought redemption that transforms “sinners” into saints, not puts some soap and powder on a pig for a show!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest

in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him

do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”  1 Peter 1:15-21

What Gospel are you counting on?  What Jesus are you depending on? It makes a difference whether you build upon the “rock” or the “sand”!  And in closing, let me simply say, this often-sung children’s song—IS “The Gospel” which I am not ashamed of!  How about you?  Will you be “astonished” at this truth, or trust to it for your salvation, in real biblical repentance and faith salvation bought by the “blood of the lamb”?  Please come to Him while there is still time!  Won’t you choose to “walk in the light”!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

“Therefore

whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which 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 foolish man,

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.

28 And it came to pass,

when Jesus had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:”  Matthew 7:24-27

Praying that God will speak to our hearts and do the work that only HE can do, and that we will listen to HIS voice?

“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

I’m praying for you and yours and well as me and mine!!!  The time is short!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Keeping Them Sweet??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #758

13 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Consider Your ways, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Timothy 1:5, Colossians 4:5-6, Keeping Them Sweet, Matthew 12:34-37, Matthew 5:17-20, Proverbs 25:11-13, Speaking Kind Words, Sweet Words, Watch Your Words

Bible Ballistics: BBs #758     Keeping Them Sweet???

 

“A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold

in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold,

and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover

upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow

in the time of harvest,

so is a faithful messenger

to them that send him:

for he refresheth

the soul of his masters.”   Proverbs 25:11

Being raised in a family full of “smart alecks” The Lord has worked on me for years to order my “words” according to HIS WORD, not my ‘cutting whit’ which often did just that “cut” others in the name of “humor”!  Well, friends, God has, no IS working on my “words” to be more beneficial to others, for our “words” reveal what is in our heart, and I desire to be one who “refresheth the soul of his masters”!  Jesus said it, I didn’t—I just quote it often, mostly to myself, and pray that the purity of my heart will show to others the Jesus I love, not the meanness of the world we live in.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure

of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth

evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word

that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”   Matthew 12:34-3

Ouch!  Yet, Jesus mentioned it again, implicating the import of our words, as well as our accountability.

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

As an old proverb says, “Watch your words and keep them sweet!  You never know which ones you’ll eat!” (Source unknown) Yet Jesus is talking about our heart—a heart transformed by the power of redemption is enabled by the Holy Spirit to put out “good” words instead of harmful ones!  What are you and I putting out of our mouths?  Are we speaking ‘godly’ words or ‘worldly’ words?  There is a profound difference; not just what we say, but that it is said with love, discernment, and kindness, and to the glory of God (not me getting the “last word”, and I don’t think I’m the only one with that problem!  Am I?)!

Let’s bring this to a close with a word which Paul shared with the young Pastor Timothy; may we learn from it and keep our words sweet—not compromising truth in any way, but words seasoned with love and grace (and just FYI “unfeigned” simply means imitation or pretend).

“Now the end of the commandment

is charity

out of a pure heart,

and of a good conscience,

and of faith unfeigned:”  1 Timothy 1:5

And his message to the Colossian believers, which we ought to heed today, out of our love for and devotion to our Lord, so that others will see Jesus in us and our ‘words’!

“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.

Amen and Amen!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 483 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • God IS ABLE!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #63
  • Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 01
  • What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62
  • Church Wanted: Dead Or Alive??? Pt. 2 Bible Ballistics: Repost
  • A Peaceful Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

Archives

  • January 2023 (9)
  • December 2022 (10)
  • November 2022 (17)
  • October 2022 (8)
  • September 2022 (11)
  • August 2022 (14)
  • July 2022 (10)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (11)
  • April 2022 (10)
  • March 2022 (10)
  • February 2022 (10)
  • January 2022 (7)
  • December 2021 (9)
  • November 2021 (9)
  • October 2021 (10)
  • September 2021 (9)
  • August 2021 (10)
  • July 2021 (10)
  • June 2021 (12)
  • May 2021 (9)
  • April 2021 (11)
  • March 2021 (10)
  • February 2021 (10)
  • January 2021 (13)
  • December 2020 (9)
  • November 2020 (11)
  • October 2020 (8)
  • September 2020 (9)
  • August 2020 (11)
  • July 2020 (12)
  • June 2020 (11)
  • May 2020 (12)
  • April 2020 (13)
  • March 2020 (13)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (14)
  • December 2019 (11)
  • November 2019 (12)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (13)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (12)
  • June 2019 (11)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (11)
  • March 2019 (14)
  • February 2019 (12)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (13)
  • October 2018 (13)
  • September 2018 (10)
  • August 2018 (14)
  • July 2018 (11)
  • June 2018 (13)
  • May 2018 (11)
  • April 2018 (13)
  • March 2018 (13)
  • February 2018 (12)
  • January 2018 (13)
  • December 2017 (12)
  • November 2017 (12)
  • October 2017 (13)
  • September 2017 (13)
  • August 2017 (13)
  • July 2017 (13)
  • June 2017 (13)
  • May 2017 (13)
  • April 2017 (11)
  • March 2017 (14)
  • February 2017 (12)
  • January 2017 (9)
  • December 2016 (13)
  • November 2016 (14)
  • October 2016 (12)
  • September 2016 (13)
  • August 2016 (9)
  • July 2016 (4)
  • June 2016 (11)
  • May 2016 (13)
  • April 2016 (13)
  • March 2016 (12)
  • February 2016 (12)
  • January 2016 (14)
  • December 2015 (13)
  • November 2015 (23)
  • October 2015 (12)
  • September 2015 (13)
  • August 2015 (13)
  • July 2015 (14)
  • June 2015 (12)
  • May 2015 (14)
  • April 2015 (12)
  • March 2015 (13)
  • February 2015 (12)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (13)
  • November 2014 (13)
  • October 2014 (14)
  • September 2014 (11)
  • August 2014 (15)
  • July 2014 (13)
  • June 2014 (13)
  • May 2014 (13)
  • April 2014 (13)
  • March 2014 (13)
  • February 2014 (12)
  • January 2014 (11)
  • December 2013 (27)
  • November 2013 (22)
  • October 2013 (9)
  • September 2013 (10)
  • August 2013 (9)
  • July 2013 (4)
  • June 2013 (5)
  • May 2013 (4)
  • April 2013 (4)
  • March 2013 (5)
  • February 2013 (4)
  • January 2013 (4)
  • December 2012 (5)
  • November 2012 (2)

Categories

Blogroll

  • Bible Ballistics on FaceBook
  • Get Polling
  • WordPress.com News

Christian Resources

  • Bible Gateway

Ministries

  • Hell's Best Kept Secret
  • Living Waters Publications
  • Precept Ministries
  • Pregnancy Resource Center of SW Oklahoma
  • Ship to Shore Ministries

Translate

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Join 184 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
%d bloggers like this: