Category Archives: Salvation

Commitment Or Convenience??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 09

25 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Holy Spirit, Perseverance, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, TODAY, Wait on the Lord

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 09 Commitment Or Convenience???

 

We live in a world of rushing, pressure and stress, and often we get so caught up in the “hurry” of the minute that we forget that there are things that we are to set as priorities in keeping our commitments to God and others. But we often say, “I’m in a hurry!” And hurried we are, but have we allowed ‘hurry’ to excuse convenience over commitment? Let’s take a glimpse at a couple of people who show us that the hurried decision isn’t necessarily the right decision!

Let’s start with Abraham (Also known as Abram). Abram had been called by God to leave his country and his people to go to a place that God had for him. Abraham started on a journey of the “unknown” by faith, but a faith that wasn’t the faith that he would come to have. When we read of Abram starting in chapter 12 we find him called by God—and it is always God who initiates our relationship to Him—it was then and it is now. Salvation is never our idea, but God’s!

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up at the last day.”    John 6:43-44

It’s the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to God, and keeps us when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith! That’s why the author of the book of Hebrews describes Jesus in the way that he does:

“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 12:2

God by HIS Spirit convicts and calls us to the cross, and then leads us by the power of Jesus’ cross!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come

unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him

unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:” John 16:7-8

We must understand that God’s work is done by God, and God alone. Only God can bring a sinner to see his sin, and cover that sin with the blood of His “only begotten Son”! We don’t receive salvation at our discretion but at the call of God. But back to Abraham’s call—he was called of God and came to be a believer in the coming Messiah (which is how anyone is saved—by believing in Jesus’ work of atonement for our sin, by His death, burial and resurrection for our sin—whether Old or New Testament believers! They in believing it was coming, us in believing in its accomplishment!)

“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

6 And he believed in the LORD;

and he counted it to him

for righteousness.

7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”   Genesis 15:5-7

Paul helps us to understand that salvation was, is and always will be by grace through faith!!!

“For what saith the scripture?

Abraham believed God,

and it was counted unto him

for righteousness.

4 Now to him that worketh

is the reward not reckoned of grace,

but of debt.

5 But to him that worketh not,

but believeth

on him that justifieth the ungodly,

his faith is counted

for righteousness.”    Romans 4:3-5

“Even as Abraham believed God,

and it was accounted to him

for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that

they which are of faith,

the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture,

foreseeing that God would justify

the heathen

through faith,

preached before

the gospel unto Abraham,

saying,

In thee shall all nations

be blessed.” Galatians 3:6-8

It is by faith that we are God’s, and by faith we walk with HIM—Jesus is that blessing, The Savior! But faith isn’t perfect, and even Abraham had a major faith failure simply because he was “in a hurry” and he and Sarah decided that God needed “help” in bringing His promises to fulfillment. This man who received the promise of God that The Messiah would come through his descendants! But like us, Abraham got into that “I’m in a hurry!” mode!

“Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said unto Abram,

Behold now,

the LORD hath restrained me

from bearing:

I pray thee,

go in unto my maid;

it may be that

I may obtain children

by her.

And Abram hearkened

to the voice of Sarai.” Genesis 16:1-2

Abraham “hearkened to the voice” of his wife, instead of waiting on God’s provision of that ‘child of promise’; yet even in his failure God still had a divine purpose for Abraham and a time for this ‘child of promise’!

“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo,

Sarah thy wife shall have a son.

And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age;

and it ceased to be with Sarah

after the manner of women.

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying,

After I am waxed old

shall I have pleasure, 

my lord being old also? 

13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying,

Shall I of a surety bear a child,

which am old?

14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?

At the time appointed

I will return unto thee,

according to the time of life,

and Sarah shall have a son.”   Genesis 18:10-14

Did you get that? “At the time appointed” God said that HE would return to perform HIS promise, and Sarah would bear a son at 90 years old, fathered by a man 100 years old. And God kept His Word! I find it most interesting that the book of Hebrews, once again, confirms what God promised and fulfilled—beyond the boundary of human ability (The ability to conceive and bear a child after the “child-bearing” years have passed, as well as a man’s ability to father a child!) And even as God asked Abraham, He asks us today, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” Yet so often, our answer is, “But Lord, I’m in a hurry?

“Through faith also

Sara herself received strength

to conceive seed,

and was delivered of a child

when she was past age,

because she judged him faithful

who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one,

and him as good as dead,

so many as the stars of the sky

in multitude,

and as the sand which is by the

sea shore innumerable.”    Hebrews 11:11-12

And one thing we need to remember in these volatile days is that we are still reaping the results of Abraham’s “hurried” decision! And when we hurry and go for convenience rather than commitment and devoted “faith” we too will have consequences—some small and some with generational effects! We could go on with our study of Abraham, but there is another man in scripture that I want us to look at today, for while Abraham rushed in and didn’t walk by faith, this other man let “hurry” push him to the point of destroying his own life, testimony and heritage. What about you and I, what are we doing when we get in a “hurry”? Are we waiting on God or rushing in “where angels fear to tread”? Are we more concerned with our own fleshly convenience? Or are we waiting on God to work out HIS will in our lives, in HIS time? Oh, I’ve just got to tell you, this is much easier to write than to practice, especially as we are seeing the need to apply this every day going through a major move in our lives—but the principle is true no matter the test!

Let’s take a look at the first King of Israel, Saul.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” 1 Samuel 10:1

Saul was anointed King of Israel, and went forth to serve God and lead the nation of Israel. Yet he faltered rather quickly, and while we will only consider one instance of his “faith failure” in this article, you can read of the compromise that he continued to exhibit as he went forward, giving more import to convenience rather than commitment to “wait on the Lord”! (You can read about another instance in 1 Samuel 15!) Oh that we would learn to trust to HIS timing in all our ways! That is my prayer for each of us!

“When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

8 And he tarried seven days,

according to the set time

that Samuel had appointed:

but Samuel came not to Gilgal;

and the people were scattered from him.

9 And Saul said,

Bring hither a burnt offering

to me,

and peace offerings.

And he offered the burnt offering.

10 And it came to pass,

that as soon as he had made an end

of offering the burnt offering,

behold, Samuel came;

and Saul went out to meet him,

that he might salute him.

11 And Samuel said,

What hast thou done?

And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me,

and that thou camest not

within the days appointed,

and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not made supplication

unto the LORD:

I forced myself therefore,

and offered a burnt offering.

13 And Samuel said to Saul,

Thou hast done foolishly:

thou hast not kept the commandment

of the LORD thy God,

which he commanded thee:

for now would the LORD have

established thy kingdom

upon Israel

for ever.

14 But now thy kingdom

shall not continue:

the LORD hath sought him a man

after his own heart,

and the LORD hath commanded him

to be captain over his people,

because thou hast not kept

that which the LORD

commanded thee.”   1 Samuel 13:6-14

Presumption and what seemed to be the convenient thing brought an end to a dynasty that Saul could have had, all because of his presumption and “I can’t wait!” attitude. Hurry can do that! When we choose convenience over obedience it will never end well. And just a portion about another ‘bad choice’ of Saul’s, may help us understand the import that God places on obedience and commitment to Him—regardless of timing or convenience!

“And Samuel said,

Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings

and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice

of the LORD?

Behold, to obey

is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken

than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion

is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness

is as iniquity

and idolatry.

Because thou hast rejected

the word of the LORD,

he hath also rejected thee

from being king.

24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

26 And Samuel said unto Saul,

I will not return with thee:

for thou hast rejected

the word of the LORD,

and the LORD hath rejected

thee

from being king over Israel.”    1 Samuel 15:22-26

What are you afraid of? Will you choose commitment or convenience? The choice is yours! Don’t miss HIS voice!!!

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man…..”

God’s Grace In God’s Own??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #444

14 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #444 God’s Grace In God’s Own???

 

We talked last time about the grace of God that offers salvation to those who will come to Jesus; grace that saves, transforms, and supplies all we need for living. God knows His own and we can know Him, and grow in grace and intimacy as we feast on His Word. Then we are enabled and equipped to be a reflection of HIS glory, grace and love to a world in desperate need. But remember our message won’t always be welcomed, but we are to respond with the grace and dignity of the Spirit of Jesus that dwells within us!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.” Colossians 4:5-6

Words and actions that are “seasoned with salt”; and salt makes things palatable! But don’t miss “seasoned”—not brined, but “seasoned”. We are to be a preserving agent—preserving the good and godly things and drawing people to the “Good Shepherd”, not drowning them in brine! YUK! Our life and our words should express “wisdom”, as we are “redeeming the time” by God’s grace; and when we are walking in His ways, He will help us to “know how ye ought to answer” anyone who asks. Peter says the same thing in a different way.

“But sanctify the Lord God

in your hearts:

and be ready

always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed

that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.”    1 Peter 3:15-16

And to give an answer we must know the answer—JESUS—who gives us all we need to succeed in our walk with HIM!

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge

of him that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”     2 Peter 1:2-4

He has given us to all we need do HIS work—right where you are! Remember God knows who you are, and where you are—He hasn’t said “oops”! So let’s pursue the things of God so that the world will see Jesus in us—God’s grace lived out day by day as we walk through this world of darkness and corruption. We are to be spreading the grace of God everywhere we go, leaving the harvest to the Father! He knows those who are His, and He is at work in us!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”   2 Timothy 2:19

Even as Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:” John 10:27

And if you don’t know Jesus, my friend, you can. If you hear His voice speaking to your heart, simply recognize that you have sinned—and can’t fix it; that Jesus died for that very sin—and He will fix it; repent and believe in His substitutionary (He took your place), atoning (He paid the penalty for your sin with His own blood), sacrifice (He paid the debt He didn’t owe, so we could have life that we didn’t deserve)! That my friend IS God’s grace. Amen and Amen!

“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

How Much Good Is Enough??? Bible Ballistics: Vol.11 No. 07

11 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Grace, He That Is Without Sin, How much goodness is enough?, I Can Do All Things?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, My Grace Is Sufficient, No Sin No Need?, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Time Is Grace!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.07 How Much Good Is Enough???

 

I was most encouraged by the message I heard this morning, as it reminded me of the awesome wonder of “Grace”—God’s “Amazing Grace” for sure! But what is grace? We’ve all heard the definition of grace, “underserved and unmerited favor”! But grace goes so much farther than this simple idea. What is it that saves us? It is God’s grace for sure, but what does that look like?

Let’s peruse some familiar passages in scripture and see what we can conclude. Is it our goodness that saves, or is it God’s goodness? Goodness which according to Paul’s letter to the Romans is totally underserved! But I praise God that HE has saved me anyway!!! That HE is willing to save all who will come to HIM through Jesus!

“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

We are “justified” by faith in Jesus; made right with God—we who were “without strength”, who were “the ungodly”; and yet God loved us “while we were yet sinners”—all who are apart from Jesus!!!

“while we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son“

There is “none righteous, (good before God) no, not one” –apart from Jesus’ righteousness, we are all lost! And that’s what we must come to understand! It’s all about the sacrifice that Jesus made, not how “good” we can be! We can’t be good enough to cover the sin we’ve already, committed, much less the sins that we fall to each and every day! Paul has even more to say to the Ephesians, which reiterates the truth that we are all “sinners”, in need of a Savior—and only God’s grace provides the solution to our need—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)!!!

“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

Did you get that?

“we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them”

It’s all about HIM—not about us! We “are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus”! There aren’t enough good works that we can do to ‘save’ ourselves, and because of that—sin– GOD sent us Jesus to do what we could never do—save ourselves! There aren’t enough good works to make up for the sin that we have done, are doing and will do—never enough!

“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

God accepts Christ Jesus’ sacrifice—our sin placed on HIM–and credits to our account Jesus’ perfect righteousness! He who “knew no sin” took on my sin, because He loves me, and you; all so that you and I might be made “the righteousness of God in him”! And it’s only “in him”! Only One Way—Jesus! And as Paul also said in another of his letters, when we know Jesus:

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

As Jesus himself reminds us, when we “abide” in Him, He will supply everything that we need to live, grow and be of service to HIM!

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch

in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch

cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide

in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”    John 15:1-5

So, my question for us today is, how much goodness are you depending on? How much goodness must one have to be right with God? Whose goodness? How much grace must God show to you before you will believe that He has made provision for YOU?

“But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us”

Until we see ourselves as “sinners” we will never need a Savior! There is not enough ‘goodness’ in the world to save—but there is a ‘good’ God who has already paid the price to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.

“Testifying both to the Jews,

and also to the Greeks,

repentance toward God,

and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”    Acts 20:21

Amen and Amen!!! Grace at it’s best—IN Jesus!!!

Our Life Or His??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #440

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Approved Unto God, Choose You This Day!, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Salvation, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Only Way, The Word, Thy Will Be Done, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #440        Our Life Or His???

 

As we talked last time about “blooming” for The Lord where He has planted us, I’d like us to dig a little deeper into how we are to bloom. We are called to be a reflection of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, not self!

“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 

If we will learn to keep this powerful principle before us, we could see so many things change around us—mostly ‘me’! I/we are called to let Christ be seen in us! So let’s take a few minutes this morning to remind ourselves of what He has called us to be—and do. For if we don’t “be” His, we can never “do” His work (pardon the grammar, but you get the point: doing comes out of the being, never vice-versa!)

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

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

When we are HIS sheep we will hear His voice—the Holy Spirit—and we are to follow HIM, not self—HE is Lord!

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.” John 10:14

Jesus is “the good shepherd” and when we are His, He knows us and we will know Him. And as we dig into His Word we will see Him more quickly, respond more promptly, and walk more faithfully before God and man. Paul gives us a great reminder of the import of God’s Word, and the priority it ought to be in our lives—it’s our life compass!

“Study

to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

And I always like to point out that just as we are called to “rightly” divide/understand God’s truth, the implication is, that as there is a “right” way to divide/understand God’s Word, there is also a “wrong” way! And there seems to be a lot of folks “wrongly” dividing—twisting what The Word says. Yet when we will diligently pursue the understanding of His Word, God will help us to not only understand it, but also to apply it consistently and to “order our steps” His way!

“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 3:16-17

As we pursue living the crucified life, we will come to see what God has for us in His Word. And as we bring this post to a close, let’s consider some things that the Psalmist says to us about pursuing God’s ways, and having His presence and glory evident in our lives.

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

“Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires

of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment as the noonday.”   Psalm 37:3-6

He is the shepherd—the supply—and the sufficiency—today, tomorrow and each day we are given, so may HE ever:

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

Amen and Amen!!!

What Are You Wanting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #438

21 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Dependence, Every Knee Shall Bow, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Love, Salvation, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #438   What Are You Wanting???

 

I’d like to share a few thoughts today on one of my favorite Psalms—almost everyone’s favorite, or close—with a bit of a twist. I pray that this will help us all to stop and think about our guarding our hearts and minds from the darkness around us.

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside

the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths

of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod

and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table

before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell

in the house of the LORD

for ever.”   Psalm 23:1-6

What an amazing progression of confidence, comfort and courage the Psalmist paints for us. And two of the things that always jump out at me are, “The LORD is my shepherd” and “I shall not want”! Have you ever taken in the breadth of that concept—when I choose Jesus as “my shepherd” and become HIS child (sheep) through the blood of Jesus, He gives me “abundant life” in Himself by the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit, and we can have confidence in His Spirit’s leading, comfort for any conflict, and the courage to live in HIS victorious power!!!

“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………

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.” Romans 5:5-6 & 8-9

Jesus, the Great Shepherd gave His life for us—He paid for our sin by His own blood on Calvary’s Cross! He did that for you and me, and when we will come to Him in repentance and faith, He saves, delivers and keeps us—He becomes “my shepherd”, and I am His own! And because I am HIS, I have confidence in His faithful provision; because of His Shepherd’s heart “I shall not want”! He will lead me in the right path, to the right provision and rest, through the difficult circumstances, and He will vindicate me in His time. I don’t have to seek my own justification or vengeance—that is HIS job!

So take a few minutes today to ponder and mull over the depth and beauty of the 23rd Psalm, and let the “Great Shepherd” be “YOUR” shepherd today. If you know Him, then yield to His Sprit’s leading in your heart and life. If you don’t know Him yet, bow your knee in repentance of your own sin, and trust to His sacrifice for you—His substitutionary (He took your place), atoning (He paid your sin debt), sacrifice (He gave what He didn’t to owe, to pay what you couldn’t pay)—and He will save you.

“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

Amen and Amen. Rest in The Shepherd’s love today!