Category Archives: I Know Whom I Have Beleived

Show Or Substance??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #670

24 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Believe IN Jesus, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, God Is In Charge, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, He Died That We Could Live, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Saves!, Just Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Resting In Jesus, Salvation, The Blood Of Jesus, TODAY, Trials, Trusting Jesus?, Victorious Living

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #670  Show Or Substance???

 

It’s been a challenging week for a lot of reasons, but mainly just the ups and downs of life, grief and the world around us; so I would like us to consider what we are depending on—where is our hope—who is our security—how do we press on?  The only certain answer to all of those questions is Jesus!  And because He loves us, HE came to give us life—abundant life, and pardon just as The Father promised.

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:7-9

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, He came to save, even though it would cost Him His life’s blood; He came to die, to save you and me—He willingly came to die that we might live!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:14-18

God loves us, He hates the sin that plagues us, so He had already made the plan for our salvation before we needed it!  He knew and HE created us anyway!  (See John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; and 1 Peter 1:20) What amazing love—a love that is here for you, if you will but reach out and take His hand—receiving His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for your sin and mine!  The Psalmist said it better than I can.

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help

and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him,

because we have trusted

in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O LORD,

be upon us,

according as we hope in thee.”  Psalms 32:22

Jesus IS our hope and confidence, as I’m often heard to say, “My confidence is in Jesus, not the government nor the weatherman!”  And praise God we can rest assured that our God reigns in all and is accomplishing HIS purposes all around us; and when we keep our eyes on HIM and walk in trust and obedience, we will find HE is the “substance” not just a “flash in the pan” show!  He is the only One who can not only give us abundant life but sustain us in it—and it in us!!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:9-11

Are you HIS sheep?  Or are you putting on a show for the seeming benefit of others?  Remember there is only One way to God, and HIS name is Jesus!  And while you may be able to fool the world, you can’t fool God!  Remember:

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And Jesus said it best!

“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 7:21-23

Are you trusting in what “you” say, or what “Jesus has done” for you and me?

On a side note, I’ve been thinking a lot about my daughter this week, and as I was pondering on Psalm 23, God’s Word spoke to my heart in a new way.  As David encouraged us to know that even though we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”,  it doesn’t necessarily refer to just our own journey through that valley, but the journey that we sometimes have to take through that valley due to the death of someone else.  Yet God is still faithful, and HE is faithful to me now, as I continue to walk through this time of grief, sorrow, and sadness, yet my eyes can bring comfort to my soul as I look heavenward knowing that I need not “fear” any evil because just as David said,

“I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me”!

So, I pray that today you will hear the voice of The One who gave Himself for our salvation and that we might receive HIS “abundant” life; life IN Himself!  And if you don’t know Him, I pray that you will hear His voice today, and open your heart’s door to His call.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

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.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God

and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“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 15:5

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“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.”   1 Corinthians 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“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

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“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

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

Jesus IS My Source Of Strength!!!

06 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, By His Grace, Dependence, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, JESUS, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #649 Jesus IS My Source Of Strength!!!

 

As many are struggling around us with the current crises, I simply want to take the time today to share with you some scriptures of encouragement.  We all need to remember WHO is the source of life, hope, and salvation—Jesus!

“I will love thee, O LORD,

my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn of my salvation,

and my high tower.”  Psalm 18:1-2

He (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is our “high tower”, and so much more.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Oh, how often I run into that “strong tower” when no one sees, when no one knows, when no one else understands—for HE reminds me that I am safe in HIS arms, under His wings there is comfort, help and restoration!

“Be merciful unto me, O God,

be merciful unto me:

for my soul trusteth in thee:

yea, in the shadow of thy wings

will I make my refuge,

 until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high;

unto God

that performeth all things for me.”   Psalm 57:1-2

How often I need to be reminded that my strength comes when I kneel—rather than when I try to stand in my own strength, wisdom or power!  He is my all in all—always!

“Where there is neither

Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all,

and in all.” Colossians 3:11

We can know that Christ Jesus is in us, because He has promised His Holy Spirit to all who come to Him in repentance and faith, in fact The Holy Spirit in us IS the evidence that we are HIS!  And Jesus gave us His promise that His Spirit will be with us.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall teach you

all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said

unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”   John 14:25-27

And may the words of Paul comfort and encourage us to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”, and not only receive His comfort and strength but share HIM with those around us!

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing

one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word or deed,

do all

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:15-17

“Now the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace in believing,

that ye may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13

Amen and Amen!!!

Our Hope Is In Jesus–Always!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19

05 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Listening To God, Made like Jesus!, Only One Way, Salvation, Speaking The Truth In Love, Transformed life, Trusting Jesus?, Victory IN Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19 Our Hope Is In Jesus—Always!!!

 

The thing that I want to share with you all today, is very simple—my/our hope is truly IN Jesus!  Regardless of the tragedy that our family has experienced in these past weeks, I know that God is still God, God is still good, and I still trust Him!  People have asked how we can go on, and our answer has ever been and ever will be—our confidence is IN JESUS!  He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, and we pray that our lives will ever help others know that Jesus cares about them/YOU.  I’d simply like to share a few passages of scripture that I pray will encourage your heart today no matter where your life-journey has taken you.  Jesus is still in the life-changing, soul-saving business and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.  In fact, HE came, lived, died and rose again to save sinners just like me!  And I pray that HE is knocking at your heart’s door today!  Open the door and HE will come in to YOU!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

Paul paints a most glorious picture of our hope in Jesus in his letter to the Romans, let’s peruse those words, and may they sink into your heart and bring you to HIS cross:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

 and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.

 3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy

in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 5:1-11

Oh, how those words ring in my ears and my heart—one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture: “But God” loves you and sent Jesus to Redeem you, save you, and transform you into “the image of His Son”.  And how do we walk in Him?  Let’s see what the Psalmist has to say—what GOD has to say!

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

 neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest

in the LORD,

and wait patiently

for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease

from anger,

and forsake

wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

Amen and Amen—may we keep our eyes on the One who gave Himself that we might have “abundant life”!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily

oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies

would daily swallow me up:

for they be many

that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:1-4

And my total confidence in the promise of God have been, are and ever will be my eternal hope!!!  He is The God who never changes, and never lies!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

May you find the hope that God alone can and will give to YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!

Hush Money Or True Hope??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03

01 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Free Indeed?, God's Faithfulness, Gospel, HOPE, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, If not now? When?, JESUS, Light In The Dark, Overcoming By His Blood, Salt & Light, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, Stand Fast, That They May Know, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Witness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03  Hush Money Or True Hope???

 

We talked last week about ‘DIY’ and I’d like to take off on that idea and look from another side of the issue.  We are living in a culture that is so full of an “it’s all about me” ideology, and even when we speak truth, we are seen as ‘haters’! I hope that we can let scripture reveal true hope, not placating people with ‘hush’ money, so to speak, by our silence, rather than helping them see Jesus as we speak and share truth!

“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 IS truth, and without Him, we have no hope, no truth, no opportunity to reach a lost and dying world.  Yet when we follow HIM, we can see great things accomplished in His kingdom (even though the world may disregard what we call great ‘in Him’!)

“I can do all

things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:13

In the way of the world, unless we have ‘riches’ we don’t have anything to offer; but God does things in ways that are so far beyond the ‘worldly’ way, that we can truly come to have hope and confidence in our Lord and HIS ways—and we aren’t to be ‘quiet’ about it, Jesus said the rocks would ‘cry out’ if men didn’t!

“And when the builders laid the foundation

of the temple of the LORD,

they set the priests in their apparel

with trumpets,

and the Levites the sons of Asaph

with cymbals,

to praise the LORD,

after the ordinance of David

king of Israel.

11 And they sang together by course

in praising

and giving thanks

unto the LORD;

because he is good,

for his mercy endureth for ever

toward Israel.

And all the people shouted with a great shout,

when they praised the LORD,

because the foundation

of the house of the LORD

was laid.”  Ezra 3:10-11

When we see God at work, we can truly learn to trust His hand as well as His heart toward us.  Here we have the children of Israel returning to Jerusalem and they are rejoicing that the temple is rebuilt.  And if you read the entire account, you see that some of the elders of the people wept for the remembrance of the original Temple of Solomon, yet God has restored them by His ‘outstretched arm’, and shown Himself faithful to a people (who much like us) had not been faithful to HIM!  They had suffered the judgment of God, and had truly reaped the ‘whirlwind’, yet God wasn’t finished with them!  His faithfulness is so much more than we can even fathom!  God had spoken truth through His prophets, yet they had listened to the false prophets, and ‘hushed’ up the men of God by ignoring them, persecuting them, and even putting many of them to death.  How sad that we are living in a very similar day.  Will we sell out to the purveyors of “hush money” or will we stand and speak God’s truth?

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”  John 8:32

Notice that He will “make you free” not ‘set’ you free—when Jesus saves us, He delivers us—especially from ourselves; and we are to give ourselves to Him, His way and His truth—all the way!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Jesus doesn’t simply issue a “get out of hell free” card; rather He saves and transforms lives to “be conformed” to HIS image.

“And we know

that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”   Romans 8:28-29

Jesus is ever at work conforming us into HIS image; but we have a part in that work as well, we are to yield to His Holy Spirit’s work in our heart and life, remembering that it’s ALL about Jesus. It’s not about ‘pride’ but humbly learning from HIM, following HIM, and touching the world as HE gives us opportunity.

“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

We can trust to HIS care, remembering what Jesus said!

“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 15:5

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, as we feast on His Word.

“Shew me thy ways,

O LORD;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth,

 and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait

all the day.”   Psalm 25::4-5

“For the word of the LORD is right;

and all his works are done

in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full

of the goodness of the LORD.”   Psalm 33:4-5

And to bring all of our thoughts together today, I’d like us to consider an encounter that Peter and John had, taking heart from these who had little in the world’s eyes, but who had JESUS, and they knew HE IS TRUTH—and they took no “hush” money!

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb

was carried,

whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple

which is called Beautiful,

to ask alms of them that entered

into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John

about to go into the temple

asked an alms.

4 And Peter,

fastening his eyes upon him with John, said,

Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them,

expecting to receive something

of them.

6 Then Peter said,

Silver and gold have I none;

but such as I have

give I thee:

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand,

and lifted him up:

and immediately his feet and ankle bones

received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood,

and walked,

and entered with them into the temple,

walking,

and leaping,

and praising God.”  Acts 3:1-8

Peter and John gave of what they had (who they possessed, and who possessed them), and yet they were tempted to cave!  And for time and space we’ll just jump to the response from the rulers.  (You can read chapters 3 and 4 for the whole picture!). They proclaimed Jesus at each turn, and when threatened they stood firm—and weren’t “hushed” up by threats; they were trusting to HIS care!  Remember not everyone is happy with God’s working in the lives of men, women, boys and girls!

“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people,

and preached through Jesus

the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them,

and put them in hold unto the next day:

for it was now eventide…

….16 Saying, What shall we do to these men?

for that indeed a notable miracle

hath been done

by them

is manifest to all them

that dwell in Jerusalem;

and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people,

let us straitly threaten them,

that they speak henceforth to no man

in this name.

18 And they called them,

and commanded them

not to speak at all nor teach

in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them,

Whether it be right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you

more than unto God,

judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things

which we have seen

and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them,

they let them go,

finding nothing how they might punish them,

because of the people:

for all men glorified God

for that which was done.”   Portions of Acts 4:1-21

So my challenge for us today is a call to be faithful to our Lord; to grow in His Word, to be bold—but not arrogant, to be confident—but not prideful, to be ready to follow HIM in all—no matter where HE leads us, or what the cost may be.  We won’t let the enemy ‘hush’ us up, but we will “stand fast in the evil day”!  We never know how God will use our willingness to obey!

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:15.

Amen and Amen!