Category Archives: Sovereignty

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!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #710. COMFORTABLE

17 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Sovereignty, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #710  COMFORTABLE???

A Guest Post from my friend Taryn Spurlock

When you search the definition of COMFORTABLE you may find “providing a position of contentment and security.” Eleven months ago, I received a phone call from a sweet mentor asking me to consider writing occasionally for her blog. Eleven months ago, we were facing the beginning of a “historical event” known as The Covid-19 Pandemic. Here I sit today as a witness of another “historical event” all within a year’s time. This time we are facing multiple states experiencing historic cold temperatures and snowfall. This is just plain crazy. You know you have said the exact same thing.

The past few days have brought on so many challenges to stay warm, prevent damage to our homes and businesses, and our personal family favorite (NOT) virtual learning! However, my observations the past 24 hours have stirred my heart to think of the word “comfortable.” Please give me a moment to explain.

Multiple states and millions of people have been asked to turn off as much as possible to conserve energy. They are asking us to look at the “long haul” to avoid long term issues. Here are some comments that I have heard:

    • “Ummm… there are subzero temperatures out there and you want us to turn down the heater? It’s cold! I’ll freeze!”
    • “How do I keep my pipes from bursting?”
    • “How come I experienced my power being turned off but those people over there didn’t? Not fair!”
    • “How come the internet is running slow?”
    • “Don’t they know I pay them to have all the power I want!”
    • “My kids deserve to have fun and not have to do school work!”
    • “I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

These words keep coming to my mind:

When God wants you to grow, He makes you uncomfortable.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”                   Matthew 5:3-12

How many times do we find ourselves having those same types of complaints with God?

    • “God, have you seen my schedule? I don’t have time to do ministry and have any time to relax.”
    • “God, you want me to give 10% of MY EARNINGS? Seriously! I worked for that!”
    • “God, I go to church, I teach on Wednesdays, I serve on the welcome team, and THEY get their prayers answered and I don’t?!?!?”
    • “God, I need you to give me an answer NOW! Quit being soooo slow! I don’t have time for this!”
    • “God, I tithed… NOW GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!”
    • “God, I know our family has missed church several Sundays this year, but this team means the world to my kid and they deserve to have a fun childhood.”
    • “God, I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

Yep… I’ve said some things like this in 35 years… I admit.

GOD DOES NOT CALL US TO COMFORT. 

We want to serve God, but we also want to remain comfortable. But if we’re honest, true spiritual growth happens in our most uncomfortable seasons of life.

I’m currently going through a study about Elijah. When I read these words today regarding Deuteronomy 29:16-29, they stopped me.

“Despite the fact that these negative results of the people’s disobedience would adversely affect Elijah too — such as the land being “unsown and unproductive” so that “no grass grows in it” (Duet. 29:23) — he was brave enough and committed to God enough that he still prayed for it. Out there in Gilead, in the remote starting point of Elijah’s ministry — the starting point of his process — he had developed such a commitment to Yahweh that he was willing to pray for His will to be done above all else, EVEN ABOVE HIS OWN COMFORT.”   

-Priscilla Shirer, ‘Elijah’

It is my prayer that I take the uncomfortable moments in my life, in the past and in the future, and seek how God wants me to grow instead of complaining or comparing. They are a part of my testimony; therefore, they are part of my ministry. God sees “the long haul” when He takes us to uncomfortable places.

Thank you God, for the cold, gray, and uncomfortable days. Use them for Your Glory and may we seek to see the beauty in those moments.

Responding Rightly??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 18

24 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Responding Rightly, Sovereignty, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 18    Responding Rightly???

 

As we continue our look at Daniel and his friends, we begin our look at chapter 2, and what a help it can be, if we’ll but pay attention to the actions of our “faithful four”!  To set us up, our friends have completed their time in training and are in service in the king’s court along with a multitude of other Babylonian “wise men” when a major “royal crisis” arises.  While we will not be dealing with the prophetic nature of this crisis, we will be looking at what we can learn from the character, choices and consequences of these four.  What lessons of faith and obedience we can learn from these young men—emphasis on young—in commitment, character and total consistency!  What kind of “Daniels” will we be when faced with a “Nebuchadnezzar” crisis?

The crises:

“And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams,

wherewith his spirit was troubled,

and his sleep brake from him.

2 Then the king commanded to call

the magicians,

and the astrologers,

and the sorcerers,

and the Chaldeans,

for to shew the king his dreams.

So they came and stood before the king.

3 And the king said unto them,

I have dreamed a dream,

and my spirit was troubled

to know the dream.

4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack,

O king, live for ever:

tell thy servants the dream,

and we will shew the interpretation.

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans,

The thing is gone from me:

if ye will not make known unto me the dream,

with the interpretation thereof,

ye shall be cut in pieces,

and your houses

shall be made a dunghill.

6 But if ye shew the dream,

and the interpretation thereof,

ye shall receive of me

gifts

and rewards

and great honour:

therefore shew me the dream,

and the interpretation thereof.”  Daniel 2:1-6

The king has a disturbing dream, and he is frantic to know what it means!  But there is a major dilemma in this situation, the king can’t remember the dream, just that it disturbed him.  So, he has called in his “senior staff” to reveal the dream and its meaning to him.  First crisis—he can’t remember the dream!  Second crisis—he is demanding that they tell him the dream or face a brutal death.  But the trouble continues!  Third crisis—he apparently doesn’t trust his own “wise men” of this senior staff.

“They answered again and said,

Let the king tell his servants the dream,

and we will shew the interpretation of it.

8 The king answered and said,

I know of certainty

that ye would gain the time,

because ye see the thing is gone from me.

9 But if ye will not make known unto me

the dream,

there is but one decree for you:

for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words

to speak before me,

till the time be changed:

therefore tell me the dream,

and I shall know that ye can shew me

the interpretation thereof.

10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said,

There is not a man upon the earth

that can shew the king’s matter:

therefore there is

no king,

lord,

nor ruler,

that asked such things

at any magician,

or astrologer,

or Chaldean.

11 And it is a rare thing

that the king requireth,

and there is none other

that can shew it before the king,

except the gods,

whose dwelling is not with flesh.

12 For this cause the king was angry

and very furious,

and commanded to destroy

all the wise men of Babylon.”  Daniel 2:7-12

I love this scenario—the king demanding that these men not only “interpret” his dream but tell him the dream, for he has forgotten it!  But we see more than that here, we see an undercurrent of distrust—the king is not confident when they request more time, but thinks they are simply stalling until they think the urgency will pass.  But the king is threatening their lives and their “houses” (implying that their families would also be destroyed) if they fail—but great reward if they succeed.  Yet, we find a “God-insidence” here, as God is setting up an amazing turn of affairs in this crisis.  Oh, how we need to learn to trust in our Lord God—He is never caught by surprise, He never says “oops”, and He never leaves His will to chance—HE IS the Sovereign Lord of all—in or out of Babylon—under a Nebuchadnezzar or a David—in total freedom or in seemingly unescapable servitude!  Where are you today?  It’s not a surprise to God, and if we’ll just learn some of the valuable lessons that are here in this account, we will be equipped for success in God’s eyes no matter our circumstances!

All this being said, these “wise men” make an amazing statement without being truly aware of what they are acknowledging.

“it is a rare thing that the king requireth,

and there is none other

that can shew it before the king,

except the gods,

whose dwelling is not with flesh…”

WOW!!!  If we could really get a hold on this truth and the reality and difference that it would make when we realize the truth and contrast that this simple statement reveals.  These pagan astrologers/Chaldeans/counselors admit the king is asking something that “MEN” cannot do.  They also acknowledge that only “the gods” (little ‘g’ gods) can reveal this thing, and that “the gods”—their ‘gods’—dwell “not with flesh”!  But “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”, Daniel served a different GOD—The God Almighty of all creation—who does dwell with men (women, boys, and girls) who will choose to trust and follow HIM!

The response of these ‘wise men’ was not well received by the King, and he is virtually in a rage as he commands the destruction of “all” the wise men in the kingdom.  Enter crisis number four—Daniel and his friends are a part of this order of servants in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar!  What will they do now?  Let’s see?

“And the decree went forth

that the wise men should be slain;

and they sought Daniel and his fellows

to be slain.

14 Then Daniel answered

with counsel and wisdom

to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard,

which was gone forth

 to slay the wise men of Babylon:

15 He answered and said

to Arioch the king’s captain,

Why is the decree so hasty

from the king?

Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

16 Then Daniel went in,

and desired of the king

that he would give him time,

and that he would shew the king

the interpretation.”  Daniel 2:13-16

The soldiers come to seek Daniel and his friends, but Daniel didn’t panic; rather he behaved himself with “counsel and wisdom” to “Arioch the captain of the king’s guard” as Daniel seeks to find out the cause of the extreme measures that seek the lives of these young men.  But notice what Daniel does and the response; don’t miss the import of this “young” man’s character and demeanor—he went into the king, who didn’t trust the other “wise men”, yet he seems to trust and have confidence in this Jewish young man, and grants Daniel the time he wouldn’t give to the “wise men” to give him the answer to his questionable, disturbing dream.  This is huge!  When we will choose to follow The Lord Jesus, and be faithful to His Word and His ways, God will go before us and make the way for us.  But the lessons that we can learn from the piety of these (not pride or arrogance) young men are lessons that we must not only seek, but pursue, with ardent fervor to be found as faithful in our crises as these young men. What next?  Let’s see.

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

to Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish

with the rest of the wise men

of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel

blessed the God of heaven.”  Daniel 2:17-19

What was Daniel’s plan?  A plan that we all can learn from—he didn’t panic—he didn’t doubt, pout or drop out—he didn’t scream or pitch a fit–or even whine because it ‘wasn’t fair’—NO—HE PRAYED and called his friends to join him in seeking God’s face in prayer for “mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret”!  But let’s go back and rehearse something of import from chapter one when God honored our four young men for their obedience before the King:

“As for these four children,

God gave them

Knowledge

 and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions and dreams.”  Daniel 1:17

Daniel’s gift from God included the ability to understand and interpret dreams and visions!  Oh, what a coincidence! NOT!  God has a plan for you and me just as HE did for Daniel—not necessarily the same plan, but HIS plan.  Just as the author of Hebrews reminds us.

“…let us run with patience

the race

that is set before us…”.   Hebrews 12:1b

God doesn’t call me to run your race, or you to run mine, rather, HE simply calls us to faithful obedience to follow HIM on “our race”—the race that HE has “set before us”!

Jesus also reminded us that all of our gifts are not the same, but God is at work all the same.

“For whosoever shall give you

a cup of water to drink

in my name,

because ye belong to Christ,

verily I say unto you,

he shall not lose his reward.”  Mark 9:41

Daniel and His friends sought God’s face in prayer that they would be delivered!  There is nothing wrong with praying for deliverance, when we understand that God is trustworthy, and we can declare with Job (perhaps a declaration that Daniel knew as well!) that no matter God’s answer we will still trust HIM!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

And Jesus own direction for prayer’s parameters:

“Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10

So, my friends—Daniel prayed!  How about you and me?  Is prayer our first line of defense or our last resort?  But there’s more!  For God heard and answered Daniel’s prayer and gave him the answer he requested, but in closing for today, I want us to think on Danie’s response to answered prayer!  Have you prayed for a deliverance?  What did you do when God answered?  What if the answer wasn’t what you asked for?  Daniel makes it clear that he KNEW the God to whom he prayed.  Please ponder these thoughts this week, and I pray that it will encourage and speak to your heart!  I also pray that you will ponder the strength and sovereignty of our GOD!  May Jesus Christ be praised….  Remember “our God reigns”!  And we’ll look at the results next week. (By the way this is a great passage to commit to memory!)

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God

for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth

the times

and the seasons:

he removeth

kings,

and setteth up

kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep

and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me

wisdom

and might,

and hast made known

unto me

now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now

made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

May God bless you in your pursuit of HIM this week!!!  Blessings on you and yours as we press on with, for and through Jesus our Lord!

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithfully Standing For ____??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #704

20 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in By Him We Live, By His Grace, Confidence or Presumption?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, Nebuchadnezzars & Daniels, Sovereignty, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wisdom

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #704  Faithfully Standing For ____???

 

“And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be

as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray

standing in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen

of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father

which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.”  Matthew 6:5-6

This may seem like an odd continuation of our study of Daniel’s character, but in our last session, I believe we saw this principle in action!  Daniel and his friends didn’t whine and complain that they couldn’t “obey”; they didn’t make demands of their “captors”—or if you would, their adversaries—rather they behaved with respect toward those who were over them and went to God with their plight!  How about you and me?  Now, don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with public prayer that lifts others and calls our hearts to join in praise, adoration, and petition for those in need (even ourselves), but we are talking about taking our issues before God rather than men!  Why?  Because if it is God that we truly know and serve, then He should always be our first source of help!  OH, that I could learn to do this better and continually!  For, you see, we have something that Daniel and his friends didn’t have, the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide, teach and support us—God in us and with us continually, the very promise of the New Covenant!  Jesus’ own promise to His followers—even us!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall

teach you all things,

and bring

all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said

unto you.”  John 14:25-26

Now don’t presume on this promise—it is not a promise for instant “knowledge” or “wisdom” from God, but Jesus said that His Holy Spirit would bring things to our “REmembrance”; but if you haven’t taken the time to “member” God’s Word and know His ways by study, exercising truth, and applying it to your life, you won’t have anything to “REmember”!  I love what the author of Hebrews proclaims to God’s children—we have a King and we have been given the privilege to come to HIM who is on the throne—boldly!  Not presumptuously, but as a little child who knows “my daddy” can take care of anything!  Where are you running to when you are in need?  Won’t you stand with me and join Daniel in staying before that amazing and wonderful throne of God!  He is always ‘right’, and ‘right here’ when we will avail ourselves of HIS presence!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 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 4:14-16

Now maybe I’m the only one, but I find that my needs are ever present and continual—oh, to be found pursuing HIS presence and supply rather than my own, or the flimsy solutions of the world!  That was Daniel’s very way of life, even in his youth.  And I praise God for those young friends who encourage my heart that God is still raising up young people who love HIM and are ready to seek, serve and share HIM with others!  Let us be faithful to pray for our young people as we encourage them to Bible study and holy living; even as the Apostle Paul encouraged his young protégé, Timothy, to pursue God with courage, and not be stopped short because of his youth!

“For bodily exercise profiteth little:

but godliness is profitable unto all things,

having promise of the life that now is,

and of that which is to come.

9 This is a faithful saying

and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both

labour

and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God,

who is the Saviour of all men,

specially of those that believe.

11 These things

command and teach.

12 Let no man

despise thy youth;

but be thou an example

of the believers,

in word,

in conversation,

in charity,

in spirit,

in faith,

in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:8-12

And may I just add that Daniel was a perfect example of this kind of godly commitment to faithful seeking, serving and sharing his faith in God; and we’ll begin our look at chapter 2 in our next post, but I do want to share a portion to whet your appetite, to recognize the understanding and wisdom of these young men of faith who found themselves serving a Nebuchadnezzar!  How about you?  Are you resting in this awesome GOD, or something less?  Do you know HIM in all these characteristics?

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God

for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth

the times and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known

unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known

unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

May God encourage your heart today and remind each of us, that no matter what “Nebuchadnezzars” we may live under—God is still KING, and HE still expects us to “quit you like men” and live faithfully like we believe what we profess!  God is still on HIS throne—and HE “never says oops”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Acting Or Taking Action??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #701

08 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Holiness, Holy Living, Sovereignty

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #701 Acting Or Taking Action???

 

I have a simple and brief word for this morning, especially for those in the US—“God never says ‘oops’!”  That’s Never!  I could take off on a rant today, or I can do that which God has called me to do, and that’s to share HIS WORD with confidence and try to remind each of us that God’s Word has and will continue to stand the test of time.  God never lies, and what He says will come to pass—in HIS time.

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified

and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”    Acts 2:22-24

God set the times and seasons for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord, and HE knew that HE sent HIS SON to die for my sin and yours!  While the disciples couldn’t grasp the fact that their Master died for those three days HE was in the grave—I can’t even imagine the joy, amazement and wonder that filled them on that resurrection Sunday.  We must learn from their experience and know that God didn’t lose track of anyone, HE is working, and we must STOP “doubting, pouting, and dropping outing” (as my former Pastor Brad McCoy often said) and do as Paul directed us in Ephesians 6!  Take some time today and read it and think about what we are called to do: not sleep, sit or STOP living holy lives, but to “stand”!  Ponder on the actions that we called to take—actions of faith, obedience and holy courage.  Here’s a focused look at some key phrases in this passage.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood, …

…13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

….. 15 And your feet shod…

… 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, …

… 18 Praying always …..

… and watching …

… with all perseverance;”    Portions of Ephesians 6:10-18

What kind of life are you living before the world?  Before your family?  Before your friends?  Before your church family?  Before your neighborhood?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test—and God already knows!

“Follow peace with all men,

and holiness,

without which

no man shall see the Lord:”   Hebrews 12:14

Amen and Amen!!!