Category Archives: Resting In Jesus

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!!!

Does Choosing Matter??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 07

01 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, God Bless America, God Is In Charge, Good News, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Resting In Jesus, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 07  Does Choosing Matter???

 

This will be another short post this week, as I really feel like we need to all be called to prayer—for our own relationships, for the state of our homes, cities, states, nations, and even our world.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement to you and me to “fix” our eyes on Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

It’s all about Jesus—I have to keep my eyes on HIM—for it is HE that bought our salvation on the cross and gives us the new birth.  It is by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that I can be “born again” into the kingdom of God.  And when I am born into God’s kingdom, I can make a difference in the worldly kingdom in which I reside.  How?  The same way that Joshua did, by standing for Jesus and the truth of HIS Word!

“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

And one of my favorite men of scripture, Daniel, made a choice in the midst of a hostile environment; a choice that made him one of the most important prophetic writers of all scripture.  All beginning with a choice to “fix his eyes” on God and His Word!

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”   Daniel 1:8

If you’ll take note here, Daniel wasn’t concerned about what others would do, but what he would do to keep his relationship right with HIS God! (His 3 friends also apparently made the same decision by what we see of them in Daniel)!  The question is what will we do to keep our eyes on Jesus?

Here are some verses to ponder this week as we pursue our Lord and His Word; I hope this will encourage you and me as we seek to make a difference wherever God has placed you or me!

Being a living sacrifice unto our Lord Jesus!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

To “prove” is to show to the world the work of God in me—not I but Christ!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

The question was addressed by Jesus and we’ll take that as our closing thought, and I pray that we will all heed HIS words!

“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

I pray that you have a blessed week, and that God will move in a mighty way in our nation, and our world!  It’s all about JESUS!  For regardless of what we “see”—God’s still in charge!  (See Revelation 19:6)

“…Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth….”

Amen and Amen!!!

But I’m Tired??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 05

18 Sunday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Grace, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 05     But I’m Tired???

 

It’s been a long week at our house—how about you?  It’s been a long year for most of us, what with life in general, COVID, schools off and on like a light switch, churches even more so.  Isolation, quarantine, health crises—and we could go on and on.  We had a few crises at our house just this week, some physical issues, a dear friend who went to be with The Lord, my last aunt and uncle also went to meet our Lord only a day apart after 67 years of marriage.  Joys, sorrows, and confusion yet in the midst of it all, the assurance that “God is still God!  God is still good!  And I still trust HIM!”  How about you?

While all of this seems easy to talk about, it’s often difficult to get through it!  When we are in need (and we all are from time to time) the thing we need to do is draw near to our Lord and His Word.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:7-8

“But it is good for me

to draw near to God:

I have put my trust

in the Lord GOD,

that I may declare

all thy works.”  Psalm 73:28

Even Jesus was weary sometimes, and He called not only His disciples to rest, but all of us–men, women, boys and girls—to come to HIM for rest.  I’m so grateful that HIS rest is unparalleled (and He always knows when I need it—even when I don’t!)!

“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

The disciples (like many of us today) were in the midst of ministry and people, when Jesus, rather than sending them out to do more, called them to rest.  I don’t know about you, but we all sometimes need to come aside and rest.  I have to admit I have a hard time, even in this last year of grief and sorrow, being able to “stop” and “rest” in the midst of ministry and life.  How about you?

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure

so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we just need to “come…apart” for rest, refreshing and renewal.  I would simply like to share a bit of advice from God’s Word for myself and also for you.  May God minister HIS grace, comfort and refreshing to our souls—mine is in need for sure!  It is the power of God that gives the rest to souls in need—only in HIS way!

“And to whom sware he

that they should not enter into his rest,

but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in

because of unbelief.”  Hebrews 3:18-19

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, for HE alone is our strength and our hope, and by HIS grace we can go on when it seems that there is no way.  God gave Paul this message and I have always found comfort in it and I hope you will too. (See Hebrews 12:1-2)

“For though I would desire to glory,

I shall not be a fool;

for I will say the truth:

but now I forbear,

 lest any man should think of me

above that which he seeth me to be,

or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance

of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 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.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:6-10

As we find our hope, strength and confidence in God, HE is accomplishing HIS purposes in us.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me…

… 18 But I have all,

and abound:

I am full,

having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you,

an odour of a sweet smell,

a sacrifice acceptable,

wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:12-13 & 18-19

It is in giving that we receive the most; and may I say, in closing, that our hope is in the perfect plan of God, for all that HE does is for His glory and our good, as well as the benefit of a world in need of a Savior.  We must keep our eyes on HIM and march forward in hope and confidence in The One who gave HIMSELF for our sin, that we may be useful to God as we bless others!

“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.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring

of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you

is stedfast,

knowing,

that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.”   2 Corinthians 1:3-7

So, here is one of my favorite passages of encouragement; may it encourage your heart today!

“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

May the peace and rest of Jesus rest upon you and yours!

Amen and Amen!!!

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

24 Friday Jul 2020

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

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

 

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

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:7-9

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

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:14-18

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

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help

and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him,

because we have trusted

in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O LORD,

be upon us,

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

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

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:9-11

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

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And Jesus said it best!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say

to me

in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:21-23

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

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

“I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me”!

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

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

One, Two, One??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17

28 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, By Him We Live, Consider Your ways, Conviction, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Repentance, Resting In Jesus, SIN, Sovereignty

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17    One, Two, One???

 

This may be a short post, or it may grow as we go along, but I feel it’s a message that we need to consider.  We have choices in this life—and God has made it clear that while He has given us the freedom to choose, He also tells us that each choice has consequences.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good

unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

God’s standard/salvation is the only ‘way’ that provides eternal life, and, unlike man’s ways—HE hasn’t changed—nor will HE ever.  What HE says is true; just like HIS Son, who is truth!  The “One” way—the “Only” way (from before the foundation of the world)!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”   John 14:6

Just as Paul told the Galatians, we have the freedom to choose, but not to set the consequences; yet even when we make wrong choices, God’s grace reaches down, through the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary—the “blood of the Lamb” that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Jesus is our only hope!  The world has gone crazy and many (even believers) are fearful, and alarmed, but God gives us the assurance that HE is accomplishing HIS purposes in HIS time!  Godly people will pay a price for following Jesus, yet even when evil men prosper in their ways, God provides for HIS own!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom

thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation

through faith

which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:13-17 

Even when evil abounds around us (and surely it is rampant today) we can be confident in God’s faithful work, ever learning HIS Word so that we can truly obey and have comfort in our Lord, our God, our KING!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying, Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

Amen and Amen!  The Psalmist gloriously declares that even when the heathens rage, and the crowds revel in vanity, God laughs—for HE IS in control!!!

“Why do the heathen rage,

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth

set themselves,

and the rulers

take counsel together,

against the LORD,

and against his anointed,

saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens

shall laugh:

the Lord shall have them

in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them

in his wrath,

and vex them

in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king

upon my holy hill of Zion.”  Psalm 2:1-6

Our Lord reigns, and His day of vengeance will come!  Will you be one of those who “rage” at God and HIS Son?  Or will you be one who calls upon the name of the Lord, and receives HIS salvation IN Jesus?

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is,

the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe

in thine heart

that God hath raised him

from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth

unto righteousness;

and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all

that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

Jesus Himself declared clearly what the issue is—and to make clear the title of this post—the ONE issue is SIN,  there are only TWO choices—believe/receiveJesus for salvation, or reject Him and pay for your own sin; yet there will be only ONE result– the consequences of your choice!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!

“And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

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

There is only “One” issue—SIN!  There is only “One” choice-although there are two options, believe or reject– but remember the consequence will be an eternal one!  To use Jesus’ own words:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds

may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

Every “ONE” is free to choose; but of the “TWO” choices only “ONE” leads to God; the other “ONE” leads to hell!  The choice is yours and mine.  God said that evil men shall “wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”, and we are surely seeing that happen before our very eyes.  Sad, but true!  Will we be brave enough to shine the light everywhere we go?  Will we be diligent to learn God’s Word so that we can share it with confidence and integrity?  Will we be swayed by the rhetoric of the day—the media (social and national), the politics, the false prophets and leaders, the desire for popularity and to go “viral”?  Or will we “stand fast in the evil day”—and, my friends, it is upon us!  It won’t be “one, two, three, go”; it will be a “yes” or a “no” to Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  It’s why HE came—to “BE” the way, and save us:  “…he shall save his people from their sins…”!

The bottom line is that there are only two kinds of people—the lost without Jesus, and the saved who have been “born again” by the blood of Jesus.  It’s God’s work not ours—but when we receive Jesus, we are compelled to share it with all we encounter.

“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

Have you come to Jesus?  Have you been “born again” into the kingdom of God?  I’d like to close with one of my favorite passages of Paul’s which so concisely reveals what we receive when we receive the “WHO” of salvation—JESUS!

I ask that you spend some time pondering these truths—it will bless and encourage your heart if you will receive it!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith into this grace

wherein we stand,

 and rejoice

in hope

of the glory

of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”   Romans 5:1-11

May God bless you and open your eyes to see His truth, that we may “stand fast in the evil day”!  It is upon us!

Amen and Amen!!!