Bible Ballistics: BBs #720  Seasonal Or Steadfast???

 

As we see so much chaos, sickness and uncertainty around us today, I would like to share a word or encouragement and warning at the same time.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the circumstances and forget the surety and certainty of The God whom we serve.  HE is the same always and the rules haven’t changed; and Jesus doesn’t change to accommodate culture or generation.  HE never changes!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Paul encouraged the young ‘preacher boy’ Timothy to stand fast in truth and not waver—we need to heed that same word of truth today.

“I charge thee therefore before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

 who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant

in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned

unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

Sounds like today, doesn’t it?  But Paul calls us, as well as Timothy, to stand fast, regardless of the season or times, the responses of other, or the trends of the moment.  We’ve been called to follow Jesus, to take up our cross and not fall for the lies of the devil.  Peter warns us clearly about the constant spiritual danger around us.

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us

unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

Sometimes we must endure seasons of suffering, trials and challenges, yet it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the trials, or the blessings and provisions of deliverance themselves.  King Hezekiah, went to God in earnest prayer requesting healing from what the prophet told him was a fatal illness, and God answered his prayer.  But Hezekiah didn’t use the 15 years that God granted him with wisdom and humility, but rather made poor choices, and left Judah in the hands of an unprepared young king who became one of the worst, if not the worst since Ahab, kings causing more harm, and misleading more people of Judah, than just about any other King.  Don’t be a Hezekiah and blow it after God blesses and delivers; if /when God brings you into a season of opportunity, keep your eyes humbly on Jesus not yourself, or the blessing you received!

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death.

And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz

came to him, and said unto him,

Thus saith the LORD,

Set thine house in order;

for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall,

and prayed unto the LORD…

… And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out

into the middle court,

that the word of the LORD came to him,

saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah

the captain of my people,

Thus saith the LORD, the God of David

thy father,

I have heard thy prayer,

I have seen thy tears:

behold, I will heal thee…

…6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years;

and I will deliver thee and this city

out of the hand of the king of Assyria;

and I will defend this city

for mine own sake,

and for my servant David’s sake.”  2 Kings 20:1-6

Has God answered your prayers?  Have you responded to God’s grace with humble gratitude, or presumption, or even disregard?  We must be continually vigilant to stand fast in the “evil day”, just as Peter called us to above.  I pray that God’s Word will help us to stand fast and be like Jeremiah; being so devoted to God, regardless of the circumstances, that we are compelled to obey and serve HIM faithfully in spite of the circumstances or response!

“…I am in derision daily,

every one mocketh me.

8 For since I spake,

I cried out,

I cried violence and spoil;

because the word of the LORD

was made a reproach unto me,

and a derision, daily.

9 Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart

as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.”  Jeremiah 20:7b-9

May we stand with this same assurance knowing that “our God reigns” and that HE WILL accomplish HIS purpose in and through us if we will but heed HIS voice!  I pray God’s blessings and work in your heart today, knowing that HE is working in, on, with and through you and me!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing

to the charge of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake

we are killed

all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him

that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

 nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”  Romans 8:31-39

We win IN JESUS!!!  May you stand steadfast and not seasonally!  Our Lord’s return is truly imminent, are you ready?  I pray that you are and if you’re not that you will call on HIM today!

Amen and Amen!