Category Archives: Jesus IN You!

Jesus IS Enough–He’s ALL??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #33

31 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, HE who began it will complete it!, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all

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Jesus IS Enough—He’s All???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #33

 

Each day is a call to walk in union with my LORD Jesus Christ!  Some days it’s simple to just get up and go and do what HE has asked me, called me, or appointed me to do.  But then there are days when it’s not the doing that is the challenge, but rather it’s the “being” who and what Jesus wants me to BE!  For we can all put on the “doing” suit and go out to impress the world, but some days it takes all that my soul, mind and body can muster to “stand fast in the evil day” to “BE” filled, led, and yielded to HIS precious Holy Spirit!  How about you?  Ever struggle to just take one more step?  I have!  But I have a Savior, Lord and Redeemer who has promised to supply my every need—not just in material ways, but in every single thing I need to press on to bring glory to Jesus.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun

a good work in you

will perform it

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

And more of Paul’s instruction to the believers at Philippi, those to whom he offered no rebuke, but encouraged them to press on as they were doing.

“Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things

without murmurings

and disputings:

15 That ye may be

blameless

and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst

of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth

the word of life;

that I may rejoice

in the day of Christ,

that I have not run in vain,

neither laboured in vain.”  Philippians 2:12-16

Not to be redundant, but Paul just has so much ‘good stuff’ in this letter to the Philippians, I just couldn’t leave off this word from chapter 4!  I repeat this wonderful instruction, and help for every issue of life or temptation of the enemy, more often than I can count—it’s like a “password” to victory to me, and I encourage you to memorize it to have it on “hand” to defeat the enemy at every turn (for he is there knocking on that door of your heart and mind, but just rehearse those 8 things in verse 8 and he can’t get in the door!!!)

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-8

Did you get it—Paul assured us that not only do we have the “peace of God”, but we can also stand confidently knowing that “the God of peace shall be with you”!!!   And continuing, let’s dive into the letter to the Colossian believers; where we’ll find even more help to draw us nearer to our Redeemer and Deliverer, Jesus—for HE is truly all you and I need to “press on”. I encourage you to take these passages and print them off then go over them and note each specific thing that Paul encourages us to be—do—and practice each day as we walk with our KING JESUS!!!

“Where there is neither

Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all,

and in all.

12 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 3:11-17

And in closing, a great challenge to walk right before our God, and when we will walk right “before our God”, then we will be right before the world—not always popular or well received, but “right”!!  Then, may we join Paul and “press toward the mark” in all our ways!  Every day—all the way!!!

“Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—press on!!!  Jesus IS enough!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

THE GOD Of All Comfort??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #785

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #785    THE GOD Of All Comfort???

 

“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.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I am so grateful for the “God of all comfort” who walks with us—we who belong to Him by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”; and not only cleanseth us but walks with us, as HE promised HE would!

“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

We don’t have to be afraid of our grief, our sorrow, our trials, tribulations, or even persecution!  How?  Why?  Because our God is faithful to HIS Word!  And I willingly, lovingly and truthfully bear witness to the faithfulness of God!  Through all the sorrow of my heart these last few years (27 months to be more specific—and yes, I believe it’s ok to count the days of our longings and grief!) God has ever been my comfort, joy, and peace that truly “passeth all understanding”!  Yes, there are seasons of tears, regrets, sorrow, and intense longing for the one who is gone!  But the thing that sustains and comforts me most is that God knows that pain! In fact, HE didn’t lose HIS SON to an accident or unexpected disease, but HE sent HIM willingly, lovingly, and intentionally for you and me!

“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.”  John 3:16

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

It’s your choice to believe in Jesus or not, but I’m here to tell you that there is no other way to God—to peace, joy, and blessing beyond measure!  God is so faithful; I don’t have the words to share how the Spirit of Jesus/God fills my heart and soul with that “peace that passeth all understanding”, but Jesus is still calling to Himself those who will believe.

“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

You can open the door and let Jesus in, or you can go your own way and wallow in your grief and sorrow!  It’s your choice but there is a test coming!  Yet, I praise God that HIS comfort is available to all who will come.

“That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together

in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures

of wisdom

and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3

May you hear and respond to the greatest comforter of all—JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

No Other Name!!! Really??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #780

25 Friday Feb 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Judgment, Just Jesus!, Justice

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #780. No Other Name!!!  Really???

 

“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…

…..10 Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become

the head of the corner.

**12 Neither is there salvation in any other:**

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”   Portions of Acts 4:1-12 (Asterisks mine)

I love this simple passage.  Peter and John had gone up to the Temple to worship, and God gave them opportunity to heal a lame man, which led to this encounter with the religious leaders, and after a night in “jail” Peter makes this amazing, simple declaration of the saving power of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ—with the healed lame man as an irrefutable testament to the truth they spoke.  And I simply want to remind us all that not everyone will believe our testimony of the saving power of the cross any more than did those people who were so close to the very events that the Apostles testified to.  Yet, the name of Jesus is just as offensive to people today as it was then, and we must be willing to be as confident, bold, and courageous as Peter and John were in our service for The King!

And we must understand that not all will believe, not all will like us, not all will agree with our proclamation of truth, or even scripture itself; but our job is to speak God’s truth as we have opportunity and share Jesus truthfully!

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying

of itself in love.”   Ephesians 4:14-16

We are to share the Good News that Jesus saves and rely upon God’s faithful provision to add those into His family and the “body” of Christ (the church—the whole church, as well as the local church body).  And as Paul reminds us above, we are to be “speaking the truth in love” that God may be seen in us and allow the truth of the Gospel to work in the hearts and lives of those desperate enough to receive it.  What do I mean by “desperate enough”?  I simply mean that those who think they have no sin, have no need of a Savior!  Until the convicting power of the Holy Ghost/Spirit brings a person to see their own sin and their own need of a Redeemer, they will never be “desperate” enough to need Jesus to “save” them.  The Word speaks to this great miracle, for it is God as work within HIS church to do HIS work reaching those willing to hear!

“And they, continuing daily

with one accord in the temple,

and breaking bread from house to house,

did eat their meat with gladness

and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God,

and having favour with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily

such as should be saved.”  Acts 2:46-47

Our job is to speak truth, share grace, act in love without compromise to God’s Word, HIS standard or the consequences of sin to the unredeemed, and wait and watch for God to move; to see the work of God through the conviction of HIS HOLY SPIRIT on the hearts of people.  For without the conviction of the Holy Spirit none will ever see their sin or their need for the Redeemer, Jesus, who told us of the Holy Spirit’s work!

“Nevertheless

I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you

that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world

of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.”  John 16:7-11

Jesus is coming again for His own and to bring to pass the total fulfillment of God’s promises—for reward to His own and judgment for those who reject the Lord Jesus.  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

 which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

 according to their works…

..and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”                                   Portions of Revelation 20:11-15

No other name—no other way—but Jesus who said it best:

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3: 17-19

May you receive truth—and if you have it—share it for:

“for there is none other name”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Advice For The Journey??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #779

18 Friday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, Cross, Following Jesus, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Sovereignty, The Blood Of Jesus, The Gospel, Who are you listening too!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #779  Advice For The Journey???

 

I want to share a brief word this morning to encourage us all as we walk in this crazy world.  I know the news isn’t very encouraging most days—but the Good News is still The Good News!  Even as Jesus walked the dusty roads of Judea, we are walking in a “dirty, dusty” world, but we can find a refreshing cleansing at the feet of our Lord.

“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.”  Matthew 11:28-29

Rest unto our soul!  That’s what our Lord and Master provides at every occasion, when we will take the time and look up for HIS direction, grace, and power.  And how do we know this?

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn

to the right hand,

and when ye turn

to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Jesus also gives us great assurance of HIS perfect provision and direction for His own!  God has us in all things, times, and situations.  HE IS the sovereign Lord of all, and we belong to HIM when we come to HIM via the cross of Jesus Christ and HIS cleansing blood!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

 and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

And as we think of this journey we are on, I want to share a few passages that help me quite often, and I pray that they will minister to you today!

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

We must be in God’s Word—it is the standard for our journey—the road map, so to speak, for all the ways we are to go.  Yet sometimes we can’t quite discern what we are to do or how we are to respond in a particular situation.  Here’s a passage that God used in my life to give clear direction, without really saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’!

“Therefore thus saith the LORD,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail

against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.”  Jeremiah 15:19-20

I can’t tell you how much assurance God brought to my heart and soul, as well as my mind as I knew HIS answer was sent directly to me through the Prophet Jeremiah!  WOW!

And a final few “words” to remind us that God is ever at work for His own—remember we are only “good” by the blood of Jesus who took our sin upon Himself to take it away and make us “righteous” before God “in HIM”!

“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 5:21

And from the Psalmist:

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

Amen and Amen!

The Truest Blessing!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #774

21 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Encouragement, HOPE, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Saves, Lord, Love Is Action, Never Alone, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #774      The Truest Blessing!!!

 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

 in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,

I am with you

alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Matthew 28:18-20

As I sit here listening to “Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem” (written by R. Fisher Boyce in a milk barn, of all things), and yes, I know it’s past Christmas season, but my Jesus is ever in my heart and I’m so glad HE came and took on flesh; and yes, I’m one of those who thinks that we ought to sing those songs all year long, yet as you can tell by the passage above, I want to talk about our Lord’s departure—but a departure that isn’t final!  Jesus IS coming again!  But that isn’t even the thing I want to share!

So, what is it that I want to share with you this morning?  I want to remind us all, that while we are to take the message of the cross everywhere we go, there’s something just as sweet to my heart from this passage—in fact it’s one of the most important parts of this “Great Commission”, that we sometimes overlook, and even disregard in our zeal to “GO”!

What is it?  It is the simple yet profound truth:

“I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world”!

Oh, my friends, if I could just find the words to tell you the joy and delight, the strength and power, the comfort and courage, the reassurance and confidence, the absolute ability to press on that this simple yet profound statement brings to my heart, mind, and soul.  I often respond to people’s question, “How are you?”, with a true statement, “I’m blessed beyond measure!”  And this simple verse is part of the reason—in fact one of the greatest reasons–that I do consider myself blessed, and blessed so far beyond any human measure, all because I AM NOT ALONE!  Can you understand what that means?  I think some of you can, especially those of us who have had times in our lives that we felt like we were the most “alone” person in the world!  Yet, the truth of the presence of my LORD, has always come to reassure me that HE was, is and ever shall be with me!  I am never alone—

not in the fiercest storm,

not in the raging battle,

not in the stress of uncertain circumstances,

not even in the face of death—

be it our own impending death,

or that of a dear loved one!

JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE/HERE with me!

His presence is almost touchable it’s so real. I know HE is with me, partly just because HE said HE would be, partly because I have felt HIM so near sometimes, it is beyond my ability to convey to you the “realness” of it.  And I can have that confidence, comfort, and power because I choose to walk with HIM, even as the old hymn says, “HE walks with me, and HE talks with me, and HE tells me I am HIS own”!  (from In The Garden, by Charles Austin Miles).

The author of Hebrews says it succinctly—with another word of reassurance and instruction, “be content”!

“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

I pray that you will receive this word of encouragement and hope, a word of truth that will never fail—not ever—if we are willing to receive it, rest in it, and follow our shepherd.

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.”  John 10:27-28

Are you HIS?  If you are, then stop fretting and rest in your shepherd.  If you’re not HIS, won’t you bow in repentance of your sin, and trust in Jesus’ payment for your sin and mine.  He’s calling today, as Jesus declares in Revelation 3:20!

“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.”

Amen And Amen!!!