Category Archives: Perseverance

Empty Chairs??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17

23 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Cross, Perseverance, Polluted by the world?, Power of The Cross, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redefining Christianity?, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Stand by ME!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Truth, Tuned In To Jesus, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17      Empty Chairs???

 

I heard a message some years ago with an object lesson about three chairs, representing the generational obligation of those who believe in God.  The first chair was occupied by the one who believed God and followed Him in obedient devotion, much like Joshua and his declaration:

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side

of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

I saw a post recently reminding us that our job as born-again believers, is to not only believe the gospel that Jesus Saves, but to live the life-changing transformation that the new birth produces, and to share the Gospel at every opportunity, especially when others inquire of the reason we live ‘differently’ (See 1 Peter 3:15).  Yet, it seems to me that we haven’t joined Joshua in living, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”; but have rather caved to the compromising influences of the world allowing our homes and families to be so attached to the world, that our children and grandchildren have refused or ignored the call to take the next seat.  Often, even when they do fill the second seat, they are so compromised with the world that their children and grandchildren see no difference between the church and the world.  But to me the saddest part is that we have been so negligent of The Word of God, that we have brought our small ones to accept the things that the world calls good, even though God calls them evil.  We have become like the people of Isaiah’s day and are due the same “woe” that God pronounced on them.  Perhaps it’s why we are where we are?  What about that chair?  Are we leading the little ones to know and love Jesus?

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:20-21

Repetition usually notes importance of an issue, and Paul addresses this same issue—we cannot rely upon the “wisdom” of men over God’s—we must fill our “chair” with the same determined boldness that Joshua did; Joshua, who called all Israel to “choose you this day”, is our example of godly obedience rather than worldly compromise? We must stand fast on God’s Word?  Yet, what I observe today is the message to just “add Jesus” to your life—no repentance—no change—no transforming salvation; but rather a call to just add Jesus to whatever else you’re leaning on for fulfillment, satisfaction, prosperity, financial success, making Jesus an “addendum” rather than THE Savior and Redeemer!  Salvation requires the recognition of our own sin, then total reliance upon the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin—hell, and the transformation that the cleansing blood of Jesus works!  We must heed God’s plan—simple but true (and I note ‘Blanche’s paraphrase’ of Jesus’ own words).

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…. 5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3 & 5

“As you go about your daily living,

teach all nations

(Anyone and everyone

God may place in your path),

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost

(Leading them to identify with Jesus

and His church

through the obedience of baptism):

20 Teaching them to obey/observe

all the things that I have commanded you

to do:

and, take heart,

I am with you always,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Blanche’s paraphrase of Matthew 28:19-20

Even as the Apostle Peter proclaimed in the book of Acts:

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers is also profound, yet so simple!  We must NEVER abandon the message of the cross—which is, that sin cost Jesus His life, so that we could have eternal life!  Paul puts it so much better than I do!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy

the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews

a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks

foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-25

So, what about the third chair?  If the first chair fails to impart truth to the next generation, then the second chair may be filled, but often by one with weak faith, or even vain faith (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), leaving the third chair empty; for the truth of God’s plan has been disregarded for the plans of men—so like Israel of long ago, we will see the judgment of God fall upon our nation as well; all for the want of faithful moms and dads, teachers and preachers, and believers willing to stand by the cross—Salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith in JESUS alone—”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”!  Amen and Amen!!!

This, my friends, will hopefully lead us to call upon our God and to pray the prayer of Daniel 9; a hard prayer to pray, but the loving prayer of a humble man of God who loved his people enough to identify with their sin and spiritual failure, yet interceding, asking God to move and spare us because of HIS mercy not our merit.  I know this is a lengthy passage, but too powerful to shorten!  I pray that you will ponder its import.

“And I prayed unto the LORD my God,

and made my confession, and said,

O Lord,

the great and dreadful God,

 keeping the covenant

and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

even by departing from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people

of the land.

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries

whither thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed

against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned against thee.

9 To the Lord our God

belong mercies

and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed

the voice of the LORD our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law,

even by departing,

that they might not obey thy voice;

therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written

in the law of Moses

the servant of God,

because we have sinned against him.

12 And he hath confirmed his words,

which he spake against us,

and against our judges that judged us,

by bringing upon us a great evil:

for under the whole heaven

hath not been done as hath been done

upon Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses,

all this evil is come upon us:

yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God,

that we might turn from our iniquities,

and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil,

and brought it upon us:

for the LORD our God is righteous

in all his works which he doeth:

for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God,

that hast brought thy people forth

out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand,

and hast gotten thee renown,

as at this day;

we have sinned,

we have done wickedly.

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,

I beseech thee,

let thine anger and thy fury

be turned away

from thy city Jerusalem,

thy holy mountain:

because for our sins,

and for the iniquities of our fathers,

Jerusalem

and thy people are become a reproach

to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God,

hear the prayer of thy servant,

and his supplications,

and cause thy face to shine

upon thy sanctuary that is desolate,

for the Lord’s sake.

18 O my God,

incline thine ear,

and hear;

open thine eyes,

and behold our desolations,

and the city which is called by thy name:

for we do not present our supplications

before thee

for our righteousnesses,

but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear;

O Lord, forgive;

O Lord, hearken

and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake,

O my God:

for thy city

and thy people

are called by thy name.”  Daniel 9:4-19

May we recognize as Daniel did, that only God can do the work of salvation—yet God gives us the responsibility to recognize the need for compassionate hearts to see the sin that has caused our demise, and seek God’s mercy, grace, and love for restoration; by asking for HIS forgiveness in our own lives, and conviction of sin unto repentance for those around us.  Amen and Amen!!!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Let’s fill our chair and prepare those around us to continue to pursue God and fill the next chair.  May God have mercy on America—on our world!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do I Do In The Trial??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Harmless As Doves, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Iron Sharpening Iron, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Only Jesus, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Praise God Today!, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Sovereignty, Strong Tower, Suffering With Jesus, That They May Know, The Lord Is My Shepherd, TODAY, Troubles, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wait on the Lord, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25  What Do I Do In The Trial???

 

I would like to simply share a bit of biblical insight today that I pray will be a useful tool of encouragement that we can all keep around for a boost when we need it.  I’m trying to make it short and in a form that can be copied and kept.

When you don’t know what to do—Ask God—

“If any of you lack wisdom,

 let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.”  James 1:5

When you don’t know where to go—Run to God—

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

When you don’t know how you’ll make it—Bow—

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6

Where will your confidence settle—in GOD’s peace—

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

When your mind seems to be out of control—think praise—

“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.”  Philippians 4:8

When the way is blocked before you– Be still—

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

When you’re afraid of what lies ahead—Look up—

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

When your flesh is raging with confusion and anger—Come—

“Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16.

When the cupboard/checkbook is empty—seek God’s face—

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

God is sufficient to every need, when we will keep our “eyes fixed on Jesus”!

Don’t be like the man in the flood, who prayed for God to save him.  A neighbor came by and offered to take him to safety, and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  The flood waters rose to the second floor and a boat came by to take him to safety and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  He finally climbed up on the roof as the waters rose, and a helicopter came by to rescue him, and you guessed it, he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”. Well, the man died and as he came before The Lord, he asked “why didn’t you deliver me?”  The Lord quickly replied to his question, I sent you a neighbor, a boat and a helicopter—what did you want?

Remember we are God’s— and HE will supply, just not always in the way that we expect!

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

As Solomon prayed as King of Israel, may we pray in our individual lives for the same understanding in our lives and trials.

“Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good

and bad:

for who is able to judge this

thy so great a people?”   1 Kings 3:9

And as Paul reminds believers on many occasions, may we remember that God is always at work to lead and deliver us.

“There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10-:13

“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

And Peter’s great instruction and encouragement to we who follow Jesus.

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-24

Amen and Amen!!!

A Saddened Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11

17 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Do all things decently, Faithfulness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, Gospel, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Only One Way, Perseverance, Righteousness, Saved by grace, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11    A Saddened Heart???

 

As I sit here thinking of the things that I have seen come and go, the things that I have loved and lost, the things that I have treasured seemingly vanishing before our eyes, there is a scripture that is often overlooked but it comes to my mind so often, and I believe we ought to consider it as we watch things change all around us.  What are we willing to hold on to and what are we willing to not only let go of but abandon with no regard!

“Thou shalt not remove

thy neighbour’s landmark,

which they of old time

have set in thine inheritance,

which thou shalt inherit

in the land that the LORD thy God

giveth thee

to possess it.”   Deuteronomy 19:14

Many today are not only ‘removing’ the landmarks, they are denying that there ever were any landmarks.  Many are running to abandon the God of The Bible, and The Bible of God Almighty!  Isaiah said it better than I could:

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

 that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked      

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:20-24

Just as timely, and so much like history, it is said “those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it” (credited to George Santayana), it seems that our nation, as well as the world around us, are choosing to walk in our own way rather than God’s, and He will requite in HIS own time, yet we can gain a great deal of insight from HIS Word!

“For our transgressions

are multiplied before thee,

and our sins

testify against us:

for our transgressions are with us;

and as for our iniquities,

we know them;

13 In transgressing

and lying against the LORD,

and departing away from our God,

speaking oppression

and revolt,

conceiving and uttering

from the heart

words of falsehood.

14 And judgment

is turned away backward,

and justice

standeth afar off:

for truth

is fallen in the street,

and equity

cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth faileth;

and he that departeth from evil

maketh himself a prey:

and the LORD saw it,

and it displeased him

that there was no judgment.”   Isaiah 59:12-15

We must choose what we are going to do with God, His Word and His Son, Jesus!  Even as Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve.

“And I have given you a land

for which ye did not labour,

and cities

which ye built not,

and ye dwell in them;

of the vineyards and oliveyards

which ye planted not

do ye eat.

14 Now therefore fear the LORD,

 and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil

unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”   Joshua 24:13-15

Even as Joshua made his choice, he called those around him to make their choice—and we are faced with that same challenge today, yet it saddens my heart that we are becoming more and more averse to God’s call to holiness and more and more open to the lies of the enemy of our souls, and the world.  How about you?  Have you given up on God’s call?  Have you decided to just “go along, to get along”?  Or are you hearing and responding to God’s call?

“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:

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 1:13-21

Where is your faith?  Is your faith in God, His Word and His Son?  Are you living a holy life, even as God called Israel to when He gave them the Law through Moses?

“For I am the LORD your God:

ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves,

and ye shall be holy;

for I am holy:

neither shall ye defile yourselves …

…45 For I am the LORD

that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt,

to be your God:

ye shall therefore be holy,

for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44-45

A simple consideration for us today, “What will you/I do with God’s call upon your/my life?”  Will we bear God’s burden for the lost and dying world around us, sharing Jesus at every opportunity; or will we disregard their plight and continue on with life “as usual”, living worldly lives of compromise,  rather than drawing near to our Lord, and fulfilling that for which He has saved and equipped us.  May we remember that when Jesus saves us out of darkness, and transforms us from being children of the devil, to being Sons and Daughters of God, we “are bought with a price”.

“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 1:12-13

As Paul makes so clear, we can choose the “joy of The Lord” or the sadness of the world!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked according to the course

of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us

 up together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

 unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”   Ephesians 2:1-10

When God births us into HIS kingdom, we can rejoice in HIM, HIS Word and HIS ways rather than settle for the darkness of the world—for we no longer belong to the works of the devil; and God has already ordained “good works” for us to produce!

“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 1:12-14

Paul also makes it clear that there is a distinction between the works of The Spirit and the works of the flesh/the devil.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

 let us also walk in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16-25

Where are you walking?  In the Spirit or the flesh? May God help us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” living ‘kingdom’ lives.  May our hearts be burdened that those around us will see Jesus in us—in all we do.

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”   Colossians 1:27

“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

Amen!

Only ONE Will Always Be There!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #643

15 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Darkness or Light?, Dependence, Discipline, Distractions, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Judgment, Just Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Perseverance, Righteousness, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #643   Only ONE Will Always Be There!!!

 

In these days of “quarantine” and being ‘home alone’ or for some “Not” alone, we are finding new ways to manage; whether it be cooking, or shopping in new ways, keeping our distance (without being distant!), meetings via the internet, learning to converse anew, being cut off from our loved ones, friends, neighbors and our church families; whatever the difficulty in your life right now, may we ever remember that our solution isn’t the weatherman or the government—even when they send out “checks”—for there is only ONE who has promised to always care for HIS own!  And the good, no the great news, is that you can come into His family, His fold!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30

But there is only one way to come to HIM, and that is in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—yours and mine–and HIS grace is extended to “whosoever will” come to Him.

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he  that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth me

shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will

which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

 at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:35-40

Jesus came to give His life that we might live, and HE is coming back again (and a lot sooner, I think, than we can imagine!) and take His own to Himself and set all things right on this earth!  Are you His?  Are you ready if He came today?  It truly is a matter of life and death!

I am so glad that I have Jesus as my Lord, my Master, My King; and I can trust Him to accomplish His purpose in me and use me as HE sees fit—no matter the cost, or the pain that comes my way.  I know, as the old song says, WHO holds not only “tomorrow” but The One Who holds today—be it sunny or gray!  He is trustworthy, and I choose to trust Him and obey His Word and His voice to my heart in the person of The Holy Spirit!  Thank you, Jesus!

We need to understand that Jesus loves the world, yet He not only loves His own but also disciplines them—that we may be “conformed to the image” of Himself!

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation

which speaketh unto you as unto children,

My son, despise not thou

the chastening of the Lord,

nor faint

when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.”  Hebrews 12:5-8

Pretty strong language with a message that so many ignore or reject today—but it is God’s Word!  If you can sin and have no discipline in your life, you better check out what you think saved you!  There are those who found Jesus’ own words too hard to accept, what about you?  The choice is yours but remember there is a test!

“Jesus said unto him,

If thou wilt be perfect,

go and sell that thou hast,

and give to the poor,

and thou shalt have treasure

in heaven:

and come

and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying,

he went away sorrowful:

for he had great possessions.”   Matthew 19:21-22

What are you clinging to instead of Jesus?  Don’t let your ‘idols’ keep you from the Master!  Won’t you let go of your fears, your greed, your dependency on substances (of whatever sort they are), your pride, or clinging to your own way, and take His “yoke upon you” and truly receive what HE promises and delivers, ”ye shall find rest unto your souls…”!  I pray that you will choose Jesus for HE loves you more than you know, and He promises to never leave you!

“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 hear the voice of this Jesus, THE ONE who loves you and wants to deliver you and give you “rest unto your souls…”!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

The Blood Of Jesus Cleanses??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 03

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Perilous Times Are Here, Persecution, Perseverance, Repentance, Salvation, Saved by grace, SIN, The Blood Of Jesus, The Love of God, The Only Way

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 03  The Blood Of Jesus Cleanses???

 

I want to share a difficult thing with you today, a subject that the world avoids, almost at all costs—in fact, at the cost of their souls.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus told his followers that there was only one choice in life that really matters—what you do with HIM!  We can try to save our own lives, or we can trust to the Only One who can truly give eternal life, not only in the “sweet by and by” but in the “here and now”!  Even in the midst of ‘viruses’.  And just as importantly our choice will be judged one day—Jesus is coming again, to claim His own who are His bride, but also to judge those who have rejected HIM, even as He said here, “every man according to his works”!  While the cost of following Jesus is totally by faith, through grace, there is an evidence, as Jesus Himself declares:

“If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.”

We cannot cling to self, flesh, lust, sin, greed, etc… and cling to Jesus at the same time!

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

We must make a choice, and we need to consider the import of our privilege to choose—for there is a test coming, and you will answer for yourself!  There won’t be any defense without Jesus—not your momma, not your spouse, not your credentials, not your education, not your money, fame or power…without Jesus you will stand ‘speechless’ before God. (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“And as it is appointed

unto men once to die,

but after this

the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

And Jesus will hold us accountable according to HIS Word not my opinion or yours, or the government’s, or Hollywood’s, or popular trends, snaps, chats, or tweets!  And Judge Jesus knows truth (HE is truth) and HIS Word will be the standard.

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

 in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

You might want to make a list of all these things that The Word of God is doing, will do and consider your ways!  For Jesus made it very clear that HE knows truth—as my momma always said: “You can fool all of the people some of the time; and you can fool some of the people all of the time; but YOU CAN’T FOOL GOD:” (Not God The Father, God The Son, or God The Holy Spirit!)!

“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

I know I have belabored this issue, and we’ll get to the hard part in a bit, but I am compelled to remind us all that there is only ONE WAY to God, and HIS name is Jesus, and eternal life isn’t a pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by thing, it is new life right now, eternal living as one who is “seated in” Heavenly places by the blood of Jesus that grants to us not only new life, but abundant life, victorious life, no matter how it looks to a world who hates HIM!  They hated Him when He was here on earth and He warned us that those who are His will suffer the same consequences from time to time.  Jesus reminded His disciples of this very thing on His way to the cross!  And if we have “taken up our cross” and are truly “following” Jesus, our lives will make ripples around us, causing others to keep their distance, ridicule our convictions, and call us unkind names—but we have been warned, by our Lord!

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are

not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”   John 15:18-21

Not a very popular message, but one that we desperately need today!  And my friends, if you don’t see the hand of God at work around us, you might want to open your eyes, or take off your blinders!  Jesus is at work in all around us—always has been, ever will be!  Are you listening for His voice, reading His Word and preparing for His return?  Or are you so caught up in the bling of the world that your ears have been dulled, and your eyes don’t see?  Jesus wants all to come, but HE won’t wait forever!  He told Noah, and as true as it was then, it is still true today (although God hasn’t given us the time!)

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh:

yet his days shall be

an hundred and twenty years.”   Genesis 6:3

And the Apostle Peter shows us the other side, and reminds us that God’s timing isn’t our timing, but don’t wait too long, for as Jesus said, we don’t know “what a day may bring forth”!

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing,

that one day is with the Lord

as a thousand years,

and a thousand years

as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any

should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:8-9

God wants YOU, but He has given us the privilege of free-will to choose.  What will you do with your choice?  There is a test.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:37-40

And HIS will is for you to come to Him through Jesus!  What will you do with HIM!  He gave His all, His life’s blood for you!

“These words spake Jesus,

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;

glorify thy Son,

that thy Son also

may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power

over all flesh,

that he should give eternal life

to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal,

that they might know thee

the only true God,

and Jesus Christ,

whom thou hast sent.”  John 17:1-3

To pull all of this together, I want to remind us that it is the blood of Jesus that saves, cleanses, transforms and provides for all that God has saved us to do.  And without that blood (which so many hate) we have no hope.  I want to share a couple more passages and a testimony that I hope will encourage your heart and speak to those who feel hopeless—for JESUS is our hope, through HIS precious blood that saves and delivers!

“He that despised Moses’ law

died without mercy

under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment,

suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,

who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,

and hath counted the blood

of the covenant,

wherewith he was sanctified,

an unholy thing,

and hath done despite

unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said,

Vengeance belongeth unto me,

I will recompense,

saith the Lord.

And again,

The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing

to fall into the hands

of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:28-31

Jesus described this dilemma:

“And he beheld them, and said,

 What is this then that is written,

The stone which the builders rejected,

the same is become the head

of the corner?

18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone

shall be broken;

but on whomsoever it shall fall,

 it will grind him to powder.”  Luke 20:17-18

You can bring your brokenness to Jesus and find life, or you can reject His love, grace and salvation and experience His judgment.  I claim the testimony of the saints!

“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

How do you come to love Jesus enough to be willing to die for Him?  Only when we realize that HE gave His blood for me; by recognizing the love of God that GAVE HIS SON to pour out His pure, innocent, and sinless blood to pay for the sins of a poor lost wretch like me!  That’s how!  But we have come to a time in our world, in the “church” when the blood of Jesus has little if any value or meaning to many who claim the name of the ONE whose blood was shed for our salvation!  I don’t mean this to be accusatory, but to call us back to the cross and the love of The One who shed HIS blood for ME and YOU—for all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.  Some of you may not want to read any further, as this testimony is a bit graphic, but I feel led to share this very private encounter with my God.

As most of you know, my daughter was murdered just before Christmas last, and of course when you deal with the legal authorities, there are papers, hoops, and such to get things done, and we were finally able to reclaim my daughter’s things last week; her personal affects—phone, cards, clothing, etc.….  We picked up the box of possessions and I almost got sick in the parking lot just knowing what was in that box.  The kind police officer had told me from the beginning that I didn’t want some of those things, and I assured him that I certainly did want them.  Some I needed for practical business matters, but the clothing and such he suggested that I not take.  Well, I did take it all.  It was a hard drive home for my husband and myself, but we got home, rested for a bit and then took the box into our den and began to open each of the marked bags of “evidence” of this crime.

Well of course, the tears began to flow, and heartbreak became reality as we opened each bag, read the label and appraised each item.  The items on the top of the stack were relatively benign, but the deeper we got into the box, the more gruesome the things became that we were pulling out.  And I’ll have to say truthfully, my tears poured as my broken heart realized what had been done to my precious, only daughter.  In fact, they are flowing now, as I write this account.  And the cry of “look what ‘he’ did” (the perpetrator) ….kept coming out again and again as we pulled out blood stained garment after garment.  Without being graphic, it was a heart-wrenching task, but one we knew we needed to do.  While the tears brought some relief, they also brought a heart that went to the cross.  As I looked at each of those gruesome items, I had to come face-to-face with what my JESUS did for me.  Cruel, sinful men took the life of God’s “Only Begotten Son” because HE loved me and wanted to save me from my “SIN”, and you from yours!  MY heart was filled to overflow to think that while my daughter was stolen from me, God GAVE Jesus to die for ME.  And Jesus went to that cross and shed HIS BLOOD for me.  Suffice it to say, I look at things differently today than I did just this time last week.  While I love my God and am grateful for all HE did for me at that cross that drained HIS SON of HIS life’s blood, I want to ask you, “Have you recognized the price that God paid to save YOU?”  I pray that I will never think of that cross in the same way again.  I miss my daughter terribly, but because of that “blood of Jesus” that “cleanseth us from all sin” I know where she is—not because she was a good person, or a good worker, or even because she was a victim—but because in a jail cell 11 years ago she had given her heart to Jesus in repentance and faith.  And while she had made some poor decisions, and fallen back into some dangerous habits that ultimately cost her life, I know that the blood of my daughter in my hands (so to speak) took me back to a cross where God willingly poured out Jesus’ blood for me.  How can I do less than serve Him with my whole being?  I can’t do less, even when others think me extreme, fanatic, or old-fashioned; I simply say, that “Old Time Religion” is good enough for me.  May God open your eyes to see His love and the price that HE paid for YOU!

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love

of God our Saviour

toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ

our Saviour;”  Titus 3:3-6

Amen and Amen!!!