• About

Bible Ballistics

~ A WordPress.com site

Bible Ballistics

Category Archives: Spiritual Warfare

Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #663

02 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Peter 5:8-10, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 6;2, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 6:10-18, Galatians 5:16 &25, Hebrews 4:12-13, Hebrews 7:25, James 4:7, JESUS, John 12:46, John 14:6, John 15:16, John 16:26, John 1:1-5, Philippians 2:5-8, Philippians 4;13, Prayer, Romans 13:12, Romans 5:1-2, Spiritual Warfare, Truth

Bible Ballistics: BBs #663  Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping???

 

I just want to share a word of encouragement today as we see so much going on around us.  God has called us to stand fast—but we can only do that as we “stand” in HIM!  Here’s my presentation of the passage that I go to daily.  I pray that it will help to adjust your focus!

“Finally, my brethren, (now—2 Corinthians 6:2)

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of

his might.  

(in God’s Spirit and power-Gal.5:16 &25)

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

(His provision—Philippians 4:13)

that ye may be able to stand

(persevere—James 4:7)

against the wiles of the devil.

(resist—1 Peter 5:8)

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but (not ‘when’ but continually in the battle–

       1 Peter 5:9-10)

against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

(the unseen things—Ephesians 2:1-3)

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.

(persist in God’s light—Romans 13:12)

14 Stand therefore,

(Don’t quit—1 Corinthians 16:13)

having your loins girt about

with truth,

       (Jesus—John. 14:6)

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

(Jesus—2 Corinthians 5:21)

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

(Jesus—Romans 5:1-2)

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

                             (Jesus—John 12:46)

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

(Jesus—Philippians 2:5-8)

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

       (Jesus—John 1:1-5, 14 & Hebrews 4:12-13)

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

              (In Jesus—John 15:16)

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”   Ephesians 6:10-18

(Through Jesus our intercessor—John 16:26 & Hebrews 7:25)

May God open our eyes to see beyond this world and “withstand in the evil day”?  Suit up my friends, the only victory is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Who Are You Fighting With??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 09

03 Sunday May 2020

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Armor of God, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fighting With God's Weapons, IN Jesus!, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Corinthians 15:21, Acts 4:12, Armor of God, Confidence IN God, Dependence On God, Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:11-12, Fighting With God's Weapons, Hebrews 4:12-14, Hebrews 4:15-16, Hebrews 7:25, John 14:6, John 15:5, John 1:1, Philippians 3:9, Philippians 4:7, Romans 11:33-36, Romans 5:1, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast, Who Are You Fighting?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 09 Who Are You Fighting With???

 

As we all wrestle with the circumstances surrounding us, we often find ourselves wrestling, even fighting, with others.  No, not usually fisticuffs, but sword-fighting with our words, our emotions, and our fleshly wits.  Let’s take just a few minutes today to remind ourselves of the resources we have, IN Jesus, to overcome our own wrestlings—no matter our “perceived” adversaries!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Even as Jesus told us so clearly in John 15, our strength, power, wisdom, and ability to follow HIM comes from HIM!  It’s what Paul was reminding the Ephesian Christians of; our strength is IN “the Lord” and IN “the power of his might”!  Just as we talked earlier about the battle being The Lord’s—our strength is from HIM—always!

“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 15:5

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

Paul also continued to tell the Ephesian believers:

“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,

but

against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.”  Ephesians 6:11-12

And because we are in a battle with unseen forces, Paul tells us that this battle requires heavenly weapons, just as he told the believers at Corinth to be aware and prepared, so must we.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience

of Christ;”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

So, as you take on that armor of God, just a quick guide to what that armor represents in our life every day!

Truth:

“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

Righteousness:

“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 15:21

Peace:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”  Romans 5:1

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:7

Faith:

“And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through the faith

of Christ,

the righteousness

which is of God

by faith:”  Philippians 3:9

Salvation:

“Neither is there salvation

in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven.”   Acts 4:12

The Word of God:

The Living Word:

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”    John 1:1

The written Word:

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any

twoedged sword,

piercing even to the

dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 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.”   Hebrews 4:12-14

Prayer:

“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 4:15-16

(Remember prayer is not “dictation” to God, but rather the “pursuit” of HIM, HIS will, HIS way, and HIS purposes for me!)

So, dear brothers and sisters—hold fast to the one who loves you, gave His life for our salvation, and ever lives to intercede for us.  May you draw near to Him and overcome those battles—no matter who the adversary is!

“Wherefore he is able also

to save them

to the uttermost

that come unto God

by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:25

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Stealing Your Base??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #573

23 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Armor of God, Spiritual Warfare, The Father of Lies!, The Little Things.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Armor ofGod, Ephesians 6:10-18, God will never forsake YOU, Hebrews 12:1-2, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast In The Evil Day

Bible Ballistics: BBs #573   Stealing Your Base???

 

“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

I had an experience recently that brought the urgency of this verse to my mind once again.  When we take our eyes off of Jesus and forget to keep our armor on, we will find ourselves tricked, distracted and deceived by the enemy of our souls! When we find ourselves faced with the unexpected (of whatever sort it is—emotional, physical pain or temptation, financial, or any other occurrence) we can so easily be caught up in the “flesh and blood” rather than recognizing the spiritual warfare that we may be encountering!  And as this was true in my case, I just want to take this time to remind us all that we must be diligent each and every day.  In this recent episode I was so caught up in the “off-guard” nature of the encounter that I responded totally in the flesh, and before I could recognize the spiritual nature of the “real battle”, I had wasted a whole day!  When I finally came to my “senses” (my spiritual senses), I grieved before the Lord, sought His forgiveness and that of the others involved in the situation, and received His cleansing and forgiveness.

But I sadly realized that while Satan had me distracted with my own selfish flesh; I had failed to stand in the gap for a particular prayer need that I had been petitioning God about!  I wasted many hours focused on “me” rather than the need that I ought to have been interceding over!  I must confess, my heart was broken that I had missed the opportunity to respond appropriately!  While I have been forgiven, and cleansed, that time and opportunity to intercede in “that moment” can never be regained.  While God is always ready to forgive, we often suffer when we miss the boat, by being distracted!  Spiritual warfare is urgent business!  We must ‘stand fast in the evil day’; remembering that forgiveness isn’t erasure!

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

We must “suit up” with the armor of God—every day—every moment of every day!  Being ready for the battle—standing “fast in the evil day”!  It’s what we have to do to be ready for every battle—ready for the enemy’s attack; for he always comes when we least expect it!  Like a baseball player stealing a base when no one is looking!  Satan wants to advance his schemes in our lives, but we must keep watch, and keep our eyes on Jesus not the lion—for Jesus has rendered him ‘toothless’ if we will remain diligent!

“Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:8-9

Peter reminds us that we must be aware of our enemy, keeping our trust in Jesus; recognizing that Satan is always busy seeking a prey; resisting the enemy—steadfastly in our faith IN Jesus; and remembering that we are not alone.  Others are dealing with the same things we are; but even more importantly, we are never alone, for Jesus has promised to “never leave thee, nor forsake thee”!

So, I invite you to determine with me, to make sure that we are “suited up” each day, that we are cognizant of our enemy, and that we will “resist stedfast in the faith”! As a reminder to us all let’s rehearse the greatest passage on the “armor of God”!

“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,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

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,

 and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

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,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit….”  Ephesians 6:10-18a

Let us walk “in the Spirit” not our flesh!!!  In “the Spirit” we will find spiritual victory in all we do!  (See Galatians 5:16 & 25). Keep your eyes on the ball, and no one can steal your base!

Amen and Amen!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Keep Your Armor On??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #513

07 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Blanche in Spiritual Warfare, Victorious Living

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-13, Philippians 2:13, Philippians 4;13, Seeing Opportunities, Spiritual Warfare

Bible Ballistics: BBs #513  Keep Your Armor On???

 

As we see people around us in the hustle and bustle of activity during this Christmas season, let us not forget that we will have opportunities to share the “Good News” of Jesus in places and to people who wouldn’t normally be open to it. Yet that will require us to keep our armor on! The enemy of the hearts and souls of men is busy about us, and we must not ‘go to sleep on the job’, so to speak. We must stay awake, aware, and alert for the opportunities that God may be sending our way!

“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,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the

darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

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.” Ephesians 6:10-13

We must be “strong in the Lord”, not relying on our own strength or wisdom, for our God has a purpose and a plan for our daily walk, and HE will supply “the power of his might”! We must also remember that we are not fighting against the ‘Scrooges’ that we encounter day by day, but that we are in a “spiritual warfare” for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys and girls. We must ‘suit up’ for the battle and recognize the opportunities that God may send our way! God gives us the tools to do what He calls us to do, and not to be trite, but as a modern proverb says, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called!”

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Yes “I can”, and so “can you”—for it is God at work in us!

“For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”   Philippians 2:13

So as you press on with Jesus today, remember that you are not alone, nor do you/I have to rely on the resources of our flesh, for God has provided HIS resources through Jesus!

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

 but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself against

the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought to the obedience

of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Counterfeit Faith??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #505

02 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by Blanche in Faith, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Seeing Truth, SIN, Spiritual Warfare, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Truth is True

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 4:1, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Counterfeit Faith, Deceit, Lies, Matthew 10:16, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:20-23, The Word, Truth

Bible Ballistics: BBs #505      Counterfeit Faith???

 

We’ve talked recently about ‘people of faith’, and I’d like to take a bit of a turn today. I’ve been seeing a lot of billboards, ads and social media input lately that I want to call our attention to because genuine believers are often gullible and naïve when it comes to what we hear and see, especially when it claims to be from “people of faith”. What I want to call us to consider today is ‘the counterfeit’: just because it “walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, and even have feathers like a duck”, it may not really be a “duck”! Just like Jesus reminded us, not every thing that says, “baa baa” is a real “sheep”!

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you

in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”   Matthew 7:15

Counterfeit sheep–Jesus warned us that we must beware of whom we listen to, trust, and believe—especially in regard to faith. The issue with “people of faith” is that some claim one thing but have an agenda that is 180 degrees opposite of what they are ‘selling’ (or giving away!) and their real goal is to lead people away from biblical, authentic, and righteous ‘faith’ in the ‘blood of Jesus Christ…..that cleanseth us from all sin’!

We need to be careful and always aware that there are a lot of claims floating around from so-called ‘people of faith’ who are pushing a ‘faith’ in a ‘gospel’ that is totally foreign to the biblical Gospel that calls sin sin, and calls people to repentance and faith in Jesus alone, as the Only Way to God–the only way to be saved from sin, and its penalty (death and hell) to live a pure and holy life before God and man. These counterfeit ‘people of faith’ promote (in Jesus name) everything from abortion and sexual immorality to a debauched life and almost anything that is the opposite of a holy, righteous lifestyle conformed to biblical standards! Scripture calls us to examine things before we jump into them, for not every ‘spirit’ that speaks to our hearts and minds is from GOD!

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 

Just because something sounds ‘good’ on the surface, we need to ‘dig a little deeper’ into the source, whether it’s a sign on a billboard, or a cute ‘meme’, or an invitation to something ‘new’ and/or life changing! We must recognize that Satan is extremely busy these days, and we must inform ourselves of the things we encounter, always being ‘ware’ before we join or support anything or anyone who claims to present some new “ministry”. Checking out the “facts” before we contribute our time, money and energy into something that may turn out to be diametrically opposed to the very Savior whom we love and want to serve.

It’s important to know The Word, so that we can recognize the false when it comes along—and my friends, it is coming along in boatloads today—on TV, radio, books, newspapers, billboards and of course on social media. We must be sure we are trying every ‘spirit’ to see if it is “of God”, for not everyone is speaking (or writing) truth!

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself

is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end

shall be according to their works.”    2 Corinthians 11:13-15

I don’t mean to belabor the point, but we must, we simply must know truth to “…withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand…” (See Ephesians 6:10-19) We must keep God’s Word before us and examine the things we see and hear before we buy into what may be lies—as the old adage sums up so aptly, “look before you leap” (or believe, or follow or give!)!

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 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 7:20-23

We must “try the spirits” that call to us every day and examine them in light of The Word, not the by the “cutesy”, eye-catching pictures, ads and slogans that they are using to mislead people—even genuine people of faith. We need to take special care as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are coming, beware of who you give your money to—you can check them out online to see how much of their ‘donations’ go to the people or causes they claim to be collecting to support and relieve—you might be surprised. I’ll simply leave you with the words of Jesus:

“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

Amen and Amen!

 

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 374 other followers

Recent Posts

  • Some Things Don’t Change!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #706
  • Responding Rightly??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 18
  • Wise And Harmless Or___??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #705
  • Faithfully Standing For ____??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #704
  • Willing To Wait & Trust??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 17

Archives

  • January 2021 (12)
  • December 2020 (9)
  • November 2020 (11)
  • October 2020 (8)
  • September 2020 (9)
  • August 2020 (11)
  • July 2020 (12)
  • June 2020 (11)
  • May 2020 (12)
  • April 2020 (13)
  • March 2020 (13)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (14)
  • December 2019 (11)
  • November 2019 (12)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (13)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (12)
  • June 2019 (11)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (11)
  • March 2019 (14)
  • February 2019 (12)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (13)
  • October 2018 (13)
  • September 2018 (10)
  • August 2018 (14)
  • July 2018 (11)
  • June 2018 (13)
  • May 2018 (11)
  • April 2018 (13)
  • March 2018 (13)
  • February 2018 (12)
  • January 2018 (13)
  • December 2017 (12)
  • November 2017 (12)
  • October 2017 (13)
  • September 2017 (13)
  • August 2017 (13)
  • July 2017 (13)
  • June 2017 (13)
  • May 2017 (13)
  • April 2017 (11)
  • March 2017 (14)
  • February 2017 (12)
  • January 2017 (9)
  • December 2016 (13)
  • November 2016 (14)
  • October 2016 (12)
  • September 2016 (13)
  • August 2016 (9)
  • July 2016 (4)
  • June 2016 (11)
  • May 2016 (13)
  • April 2016 (13)
  • March 2016 (12)
  • February 2016 (12)
  • January 2016 (14)
  • December 2015 (13)
  • November 2015 (23)
  • October 2015 (12)
  • September 2015 (13)
  • August 2015 (13)
  • July 2015 (14)
  • June 2015 (12)
  • May 2015 (14)
  • April 2015 (12)
  • March 2015 (13)
  • February 2015 (12)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (13)
  • November 2014 (13)
  • October 2014 (14)
  • September 2014 (11)
  • August 2014 (15)
  • July 2014 (13)
  • June 2014 (13)
  • May 2014 (13)
  • April 2014 (13)
  • March 2014 (13)
  • February 2014 (12)
  • January 2014 (11)
  • December 2013 (27)
  • November 2013 (22)
  • October 2013 (9)
  • September 2013 (10)
  • August 2013 (9)
  • July 2013 (4)
  • June 2013 (5)
  • May 2013 (4)
  • April 2013 (4)
  • March 2013 (5)
  • February 2013 (4)
  • January 2013 (4)
  • December 2012 (5)
  • November 2012 (2)

Categories

Blogroll

  • Bible Ballistics on FaceBook
  • Get Polling
  • WordPress.com News

Christian Resources

  • Bible Gateway

Ministries

  • Hell's Best Kept Secret
  • Living Waters Publications
  • Precept Ministries
  • Pregnancy Resource Center of SW Oklahoma
  • Ship to Shore Ministries

Translate

Blog at WordPress.com.

%d bloggers like this: