Category Archives: Jesus IS The Gift!

Our Protecting Weapon??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #654

22 Friday May 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Follow Jesus, God's Faithfulness, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #654   Our Protecting Weapon???

 

A word of encouragement on this Friday morning to help us keep our eyes on The Prize—Jesus!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:1 & 6

It is our faith that makes the difference—not because we have it, but because of “whom” it is placed in.  You see, faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed; and when our faith is in Jesus it is certain and secure for those who have come to Him in repentance and faith in His sacrifice at Calvary for ‘my’ sin!  It’s all about God and His great gift to us—Jesus.  And as we think of Memorial Day here in the U.S., may we remember the greatest gift of all—Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that all who come to Him may be saved from their sin and have eternal life.  May we ever share the good news as we have opportunity and live a life that agrees with what we profess!

“For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him

in whom they have not believed?

and how shall they believe in him

of whom they have not heard?

and how shall they hear

without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach,

except they be sent?

as it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of them

that preach the gospel of peace,

and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing,

and hearing by the word of God.”    Romans 10:13-17

And when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we possess the “shield of faith”—the greatest weapon for it is backed by the God who saves us!

“Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts

of the wicked.”  Ephesians 6:16

So, simply put, let us hold on to our shield and march forward in confidence and devotion to The One who gave Himself for us.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

HE Died So I Could Live!!! Bible Ballistics:

10 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in Crucified With Christ, Good News, He Died That We Could Live, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #642       He Died So I Could Live!!!

 

I hope this glorious Friday morning finds you well; and I say that knowing that many are suffering, but because “HE” lives, we can be well even when we are ‘unwell’ physically.  I pray that you and I will take time today to reflect on The One who willingly laid down HIS life for our salvation.

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:12-13

That is exactly what Jesus did for you and me!  Jesus gave Himself willingly, lovingly for sinners like me—oh, what a Savior!  I would simply like to leave you with the words of our Lord as He was headed to that cross where HE poured out His blood for you and me.  May these words ring true in our hearts! I pray that if you’ve never come to Jesus in repentance and faith, you will come today, for HE died for YOU!

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves and robbers:

but the sheep did not

hear them.

9 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…

…14 I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life

for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  Portions of John 10:7-18

“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!

The Gift Of Memory??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #626

19 Wednesday Feb 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Bibe Study, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Distractions, Encouragement, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Great is Thy Faithfulness, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Memory

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #626     The Gift Of Memory???

 

The memory can be a precious gift of God, and unlike a computer, we don’t have a “delete” button to clear our minds, but we can seek God’s cleansing power to keep our hearts and minds tuned to Him and His truth.  And while there are good memories and unpleasant memories, we can train ourselves to think on the things of God rather than the things of the world, so I simply want to share some scriptures which I pray will help you ‘think’ right and dwell on godly things—doable but not easy!

“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 we learn to pursue the things that God calls us to, and Paul gives us a great instruction for us.

“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 4:6-9

I pray that you will spend some time today thinking “on these things”.  We face so much wickedness in our world, it takes a mind set on Jesus to keep us on track; but as we pursue God, we will find Him faithful and sufficient!

“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.

15 Let us therefore,

as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this

unto you.”  Philippians 3:13-15.

We need to remember that we are in a spiritual battle, and that battle is won in the mind and heart, and we must do our part by learning to think biblically and measure all things by God’s Word.  The battle is in our minds.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I pray that you will seek God’s heart today as you face the issues of life.

Amen and Amen!!!

“My son,

attend to

my words;

incline thine ear

unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart

from thine eyes;

keep them

in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those

that find them,

and health

to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life.”  Proverbs 4:20-23

Arise–Shine–THE Light IS Come!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #613

01 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Abiding In Jesus, Faithfulness, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Saves!, King Jesus, Life, Light In The Dark, Listening To God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #613  Arise—Shine—THE Light IS Come!!!

 

There is a verse that I learned long ago as a child, and it is ever true today.  I can walk in “The Light” because my Jesus IS “The Light” of the world; and when we know Him, we are called to shine.

“Arise,

shine;

for thy light is come,

and the glory of the LORD

is risen upon thee.”  Isaiah 60:1

That light has not only come into the world, but He has come into my heart and life.  While events of recent days, have caused us pain and sorrow, we press on; this has caused some to ask us ‘how’ do you go on?  It has caused others to compliment our ‘strength’, and I simply remind them that just as the children’s song says, “I am weak, but HE IS strong” (From Jesus Loves Me by Anna Bartlett Warner).  And as The Lord reminded Paul:

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.”   2 Corinthians 12:8-9

So, you see it’s not about me—it’s about the light that has shone in my heart and saved me; and my heart’s desire is that the world may see Jesus in me!  HIS light shining in us!  How could I do less, after all that HE has done in, for, by, and through me!  I love Him and I pray continually that I can be pleasing to my Lord and King!  After all, it’s what HE told us to do, and He empowers us to do it by the gift of His indwelling Holy Spirit!  As Paul so aptly put it:

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

May we ever remember the call that Jesus set before us, and ‘arise’, ‘shining’ His light to a dark world—knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ IS “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”!  Are you shining for Him?  Or have you let the smut of the world dim your globe?  You can fix your eyes on Jesus—keeping your eyes on the prize!  For me that is the heartfelt desire, to hear His “Well done thou good and faithful servant”!  He is the joy and light of my life!

“Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden

under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto

all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:13-16

So Happy New Year to you and yours and “let your little light shine”—there are people who need to see!  Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus IS Our Hope–Then–Now!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #610

13 Friday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Holy, HOPE, Jesus IS The Gift!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #610   Jesus IS Our Hope—Then—Now!!!

 

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone

round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.”   Luke 2:9-14

I know we’ve heard this again and again, yet it ever rings true in my heart!  Jesus IS the “good tidings of great joy” and those of us who have trusted in His saving grace, ought to ever be a reflection of this “good tidings of great joy”!  Our families’ future depends on it!  Our churches’ future depends on it!  Our communities depend on it! Our nation and our world’s future rests heavy on us; you and I who have received this “great joy” in salvation need to be diligent to share it as we have opportunity!

And on that line, I’d like to share a favorite passage of mine; one that we so desperately need to rehearse and take to heart in these “perilous times”!  Our children and grandchildren’s future depends on it!  I pray that you will join me in seeking God’s face during this special time of remembrance of HIS great gift of Jesus to us—to the whole world!  HE IS our only Hope!  If Jesus isn’t our hope, we have little to none!

God has given us the greatest gift ever; yet if we have that hope and don’t share it with our children and grandchildren, we will have failed to give them hope or any kind of assurance of a future!  May this message from Moses ring in our hearts today and ever!

For this has been such a burden on my heart for so long!  Will you join me in prayer for our families—our extended families—our church families—and our opportunity to affect the lives of families that God sends our way!  May we see the need to stand for Jesus in all our ways and seek to encourage others with HIS truth.  Any time I think about or teach about families there is one main passage that always comes to mind, and I encourage you to read it and take it to heart!

The two main points are simple—firstly, we must love God and know HIM ourselves, before we can pass it on to our children, our grandchildren, or those whom God brings into our lives!  Secondly we must continually watch for those teachable moments in the lives of others (especially our children and grandchildren), walking a walk that matches what we talk, then God can use us to make an impact on the lives of those watching (and others ‘watch’ us way before they ‘listen’ to us)– living in such a faithful way as to spark their curiosity.   Then when they ask “WHY” do you/we live this way; we are able to share our testimony of what GOD has done and is doing for us!  Simple—yes!  Easy—no!  But by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we can make a difference.  It’s what our world is starving for—real believers living the truth that we talk about!

Me/You—”Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you,

that ye might do them in the land

whither ye go to possess it:

2 That thou mightest

fear the Lord thy God,

to keep all his statutes and his commandments,

which I command thee,

thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son,

all the days of thy life;

and that thy days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it;

that it may be well with thee,

and that ye may increase mightily,

as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised

thee, in the land

that floweth with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel:

The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.”  Deuteronomy 6:1-5

Me/You–“And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” 6:6-9

Them— “20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, 

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the Lord our God

hath commanded you?”

MeYou—”21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the Lord brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the Lord shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore, upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land which he sware

unto our fathers.

24 And the Lord commanded us 

to do all these statutes,

to fear the Lord our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do

all these commandments

before the Lord our God,

as he hath commanded us.”  6:20-25.

And the joy for us, is that JESUS becomes our righteous when we repent, believe and receive HIM—the Gift.  Jesus IS the gift!

Amen and Amen!