Category Archives: Stand Fast

Hush Money Or True Hope??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03

01 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Free Indeed?, God's Faithfulness, Gospel, HOPE, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, If not now? When?, JESUS, Light In The Dark, Overcoming By His Blood, Salt & Light, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, Stand Fast, That They May Know, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03  Hush Money Or True Hope???

 

We talked last week about ‘DIY’ and I’d like to take off on that idea and look from another side of the issue.  We are living in a culture that is so full of an “it’s all about me” ideology, and even when we speak truth, we are seen as ‘haters’! I hope that we can let scripture reveal true hope, not placating people with ‘hush’ money, so to speak, by our silence, rather than helping them see Jesus as we speak and share 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

Jesus IS truth, and without Him, we have no hope, no truth, no opportunity to reach a lost and dying world.  Yet when we follow HIM, we can see great things accomplished in His kingdom (even though the world may disregard what we call great ‘in Him’!)

“I can do all

things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:13

In the way of the world, unless we have ‘riches’ we don’t have anything to offer; but God does things in ways that are so far beyond the ‘worldly’ way, that we can truly come to have hope and confidence in our Lord and HIS ways—and we aren’t to be ‘quiet’ about it, Jesus said the rocks would ‘cry out’ if men didn’t!

“And when the builders laid the foundation

of the temple of the LORD,

they set the priests in their apparel

with trumpets,

and the Levites the sons of Asaph

with cymbals,

to praise the LORD,

after the ordinance of David

king of Israel.

11 And they sang together by course

in praising

and giving thanks

unto the LORD;

because he is good,

for his mercy endureth for ever

toward Israel.

And all the people shouted with a great shout,

when they praised the LORD,

because the foundation

of the house of the LORD

was laid.”  Ezra 3:10-11

When we see God at work, we can truly learn to trust His hand as well as His heart toward us.  Here we have the children of Israel returning to Jerusalem and they are rejoicing that the temple is rebuilt.  And if you read the entire account, you see that some of the elders of the people wept for the remembrance of the original Temple of Solomon, yet God has restored them by His ‘outstretched arm’, and shown Himself faithful to a people (who much like us) had not been faithful to HIM!  They had suffered the judgment of God, and had truly reaped the ‘whirlwind’, yet God wasn’t finished with them!  His faithfulness is so much more than we can even fathom!  God had spoken truth through His prophets, yet they had listened to the false prophets, and ‘hushed’ up the men of God by ignoring them, persecuting them, and even putting many of them to death.  How sad that we are living in a very similar day.  Will we sell out to the purveyors of “hush money” or will we stand and speak God’s truth?

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”  John 8:32

Notice that He will “make you free” not ‘set’ you free—when Jesus saves us, He delivers us—especially from ourselves; and we are to give ourselves to Him, His way and His truth—all the way!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Jesus doesn’t simply issue a “get out of hell free” card; rather He saves and transforms lives to “be conformed” to HIS image.

“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

Jesus is ever at work conforming us into HIS image; but we have a part in that work as well, we are to yield to His Holy Spirit’s work in our heart and life, remembering that it’s ALL about Jesus. It’s not about ‘pride’ but humbly learning from HIM, following HIM, and touching the world as HE gives us opportunity.

“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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.”   Romans 12:1-3

We can trust to HIS care, remembering what Jesus said!

“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

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, as we feast on His Word.

“Shew me thy ways,

O LORD;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth,

 and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait

all the day.”   Psalm 25::4-5

“For the word of the LORD is right;

and all his works are done

in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full

of the goodness of the LORD.”   Psalm 33:4-5

And to bring all of our thoughts together today, I’d like us to consider an encounter that Peter and John had, taking heart from these who had little in the world’s eyes, but who had JESUS, and they knew HE IS TRUTH—and they took no “hush” money!

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb

was carried,

whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple

which is called Beautiful,

to ask alms of them that entered

into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John

about to go into the temple

asked an alms.

4 And Peter,

fastening his eyes upon him with John, said,

Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them,

expecting to receive something

of them.

6 Then Peter said,

Silver and gold have I none;

but such as I have

give I thee:

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand,

and lifted him up:

and immediately his feet and ankle bones

received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood,

and walked,

and entered with them into the temple,

walking,

and leaping,

and praising God.”  Acts 3:1-8

Peter and John gave of what they had (who they possessed, and who possessed them), and yet they were tempted to cave!  And for time and space we’ll just jump to the response from the rulers.  (You can read chapters 3 and 4 for the whole picture!). They proclaimed Jesus at each turn, and when threatened they stood firm—and weren’t “hushed” up by threats; they were trusting to HIS care!  Remember not everyone is happy with God’s working in the lives of men, women, boys and girls!

“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people,

and preached through Jesus

the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them,

and put them in hold unto the next day:

for it was now eventide…

….16 Saying, What shall we do to these men?

for that indeed a notable miracle

hath been done

by them

is manifest to all them

that dwell in Jerusalem;

and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people,

let us straitly threaten them,

that they speak henceforth to no man

in this name.

18 And they called them,

and commanded them

not to speak at all nor teach

in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them,

Whether it be right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you

more than unto God,

judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things

which we have seen

and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them,

they let them go,

finding nothing how they might punish them,

because of the people:

for all men glorified God

for that which was done.”   Portions of Acts 4:1-21

So my challenge for us today is a call to be faithful to our Lord; to grow in His Word, to be bold—but not arrogant, to be confident—but not prideful, to be ready to follow HIM in all—no matter where HE leads us, or what the cost may be.  We won’t let the enemy ‘hush’ us up, but we will “stand fast in the evil day”!  We never know how God will use our willingness to obey!

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:15.

Amen and Amen!

Sometimes You Need To Run??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #564

19 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, God of all comfort!, Holy Spirit, JESUS, SIN, Stand Fast

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #564    Sometimes You Need To Run???

 

Sometimes it is hard to see truth clearly.  I’m saddened by the nature of our culture, but even more so by the willingness of many who claim the name of Jesus to compromise truth to get along, to be entertained, or to fit in.  Truth is still truth, yet even sadder to me, is the fact that so few of God’s own know what His Word says, for it is our standard, our plumb-line, our only secure path for life.  Yet there is something else that I want to address, and while you may think it’s about ‘racing’, it’s about living a godly, victorious life in light of our past, present and future.

“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.

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 4:12-16

While I love the first part of this passage, which declares the veracity and authority of God’s Word, I also find great wisdom, comfort and confidence in the last two verses—we have JESUS to run to!  No matter the situations or circumstances of our lives, we can take it to Jesus; we can bring it “boldly unto the throne of grace”—not arrogantly but boldly– knowing that our God is faithful to hear, and provide HIS mercy and grace in our “time of need”!  I don’t know about you, but I find myself in need of HIS presence, power and provision on a continual basis; and HE assures us of His willingness, faithfulness, and loving provision!  Don’t waste it by running to places where you won’t find Him!

But there are times that we just need to run away from some things!  That, my friends, is scriptural, and we ought to heed the warning that God has given us about harmful people, places, and things!  Paul warned his young ‘son in the ministry’ of that very thing and told him what to do!

“Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

Our flesh is always subject to lusts of the flesh, and young flesh particularly, partly because of inexperience, and partly because of the necessity to grow physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.  Yet there are times that we simply need to RUN from things that want to destroy us—whether they be substances, people or activities.  Even we older people get caught up in “youthful” lusts because of the the world we live in.  But we must all camp out on God’s Word and remember that every choice has a consequence; and while I am free to choose my actions, I am not free to choose or set the consequences that come.

“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.”  Galatians 6:7-8 (be sure and read verse 9 too)

One of the most profound examples is Joseph, a fine godly young man who throughout his years of trial, held fast to The God he loved and served.  But he ‘ran’ when temptation came his way.

“And it came to pass about this time,

that Joseph went into the house

to do his business;

and there was none of the men of the house

there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment,

saying, Lie with me:

and he left his garment in her hand,

and fled,

and got him out.”  Genesis 39:11-12

Joseph ran from the seduction of his master’s wife, and while he still wound up being falsely accused, he did the right thing and ran/fled from the temptation.  Now I am not supporting the abundance of advice on social media about ‘cutting people out of your life because they are toxic’, I am saying that we need to learn to recognize temptation to sin, and to run from it.  God has called us to be salt and light in a world of corruption, sin and darkness; but He has never called us to participate in their actions to win them!  We are called to be (not just act) holy, and that only comes from the inside, from God, as we yield to the leadership of The Holy Spirit whom God has given to believers!

“Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21-24

How often have we found ourselves caught up in the throes of sin because we didn’t recognize it as sin—all the while God’s voice of warning was sounding off alarms that we ignored.  God is working to sanctify our whole being that His children may be “conformed to the image of His Son”!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And I can’t close without a word of encouragement and warning, that we may be prepared for the days in which we live—we must learn to measure everything in our lives by The Word of God. The world paints a most appealing picture, but they aren’t always true pictures.  Satan is the “father of lies” and he is good at his work!  Don’t’ “be deceived” by the lure of sin—and it does have a lure; and we must know truth so that we can stand fast “in the evil day”!  Let me simply say, there are places I don’t go because I don’t believe they are places that a child of God ought to be; there are words I don’t use because God has called us to “be holy” and not have “corrupt communication” come out of our mouth; there are relationships that I avoid (not to be mean, rude or act with disregard) because of the danger of temptation that they cause to my mind, heart and/or my soul (and while they may mean no harm to me, the fact is, they cause my heart and mind to go places it doesn’t need to go)!  While it isn’t always easy, and it surely isn’t always understood by others, I must follow my Lord, and draw near to Him regardless of what the world around me may think.  As things continue to spiral out of control in our world, we must choose to “be separate” to whatever degree God leads us (and that may not look the same in all particulars of my life and yours!).   Who are you allowing to influence your life?  Is it for the godly way, or the world’s way?  Only you can answer that question.  But remember, there is a test—an accounting—coming!

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.”  Matthew 15:18

 

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,”   2 Corinthians 6:17

 

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her, my people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”   Revelation 18:4

Amen!

But I Don’t Want To??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #553

03 Friday May 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Dependence, Distractions, Faith, Follow Jesus, Holiness, I Can Do All Things?, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing God's Word, Press ON!, Stand Fast, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #553     But I Don’t Want To???

 

“O wretched man that I am!

who shall deliver me

from the body of this death?

25 I thank God

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So then with the mind I myself

 serve the law of God;

but with the flesh       

the law of sin.”   Romans 7:24-25

Romans chapter 7 closes with this desperate cry from Paul, “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ But Paul didn’t stop there—praise God! We do live in a body of flesh, that still wrestles with evil cravings, self-will, and tendencies to discouragement! But Praise God, Paul didn’t’ stop there—because God hasn’t stopped there.  Our hope isn’t in our flesh—OH how glad I am of that—but our hope is IN Jesus and the precious Holy Spirit whom He imparts to those who come to Him in repentance and faith.

That means that in those days when my flesh is doubting, pouting, and about to be ‘dropping-outting’ (as my pastor puts it), I don’t have to quit for I/we DO have a deliverer!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit

of life

in Christ Jesus

hath made me free from the law

of sin

and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law

might be fulfilled

 in us,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”   Romans 8:1-4

I don’t have to yield to the flesh—for I have The Holy Spirit of Jesus dwelling within me!  Therefore, I don’t have to give in to my flesh when it is screaming in my heart and mind, “I don’t want to!”; instead I can “stand fast in the evil day”! It’s not always easy, but it is simple to know that I can control my heart and mind by keeping my heart and mind set on Jesus, His Word and resisting the enemy of my/your soul! Here are a few scriptures for you to ponder today if you are wrestling with your mindset, as I often do!  Bring those thoughts “captive” to Jesus’ power, grace and holiness!

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,   

and he will flee from you.” James 4:5-7

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh…

..25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

And 2 passages that I rehearse to myself frequently may help you as much as they help me check those thoughts “at the door” of my heart and mind.  If it’s the devil wanting to get in, we CAN slam the door!

“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

“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

I want to—and “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

Amen and Amen!

Redefining Christianity??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #526

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in Lies, Redefining Christianity?, Righteousness, Stand Fast, The Father of Lies!, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #526    Redefining Christianity???

 

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21

Isaiah warned those in his day of “woe” that would come upon those who lived and walked diametrically opposed to God and His way; and that message is as apropos today as it was those thousands of years ago, for “there is no new thing under the sun” (See Ecc. 1:9)! We are living in a time when men and women, boys and girls of all ages are determined to defy God and call it ‘ok’! The popular but false refrain says, “I’m ok, you’re ok, we’re all ok!” Well, my friends, we are NOT ok! When a willful people, make a deliberate choice to say that it’s not ‘ok’ for a state to impart the death penalty to convicted criminals, but it is ‘ok’ to kill a real, living baby in the womb right up to the time of delivery, we have totally gone over the edge. We are those people who are right “now” calling “evil good, and good evil”—and those who cry out against it are being ridiculed, marginalized and disregarded as everything but good and righteous.

My heart aches for the lives that will be taken—murdered—due to this horrendous ‘law’! I think of Isaiah and Jeremiah who were the ones called to deliver difficult messages to the people they loved—they didn’t hate their people they were broken hearted for the blindness of those who do not want to see—those who have been blinded by the lies of the enemy of their souls, “the father” of lies, Satan! And yes he is real, and he is busy at work around us at full throttle.

“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

Those who are caught up in the destructive, life-taking lies of the enemy, not only push their evil agenda, many of them call themselves “Christians”, while promoting the wickedness of the darkness. Paul warned us about these times, and we must commit ourselves to dig into The Word, equipping ourselves for the battle that we are in; while recognizing that we are quickly becoming the enemy of the majority of those around us. They are on a full frontal attack against God, Jesus, righteousness and goodness (biblical goodness, not the imitation that the world is offering!), and we must be aware, prepared and “strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might” (see Eph. 6:10-18)! They won’t tell the truth and they don’t “play fair”!

“This know also, that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,        

covetous,

boasters,                                   

proud,

blasphemers,       

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,                                

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,      

trucebreakers,                    

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Oh, my friends, if we are followers of Jesus, and living in obedience to Him and His Word—we will be ‘despised’, and we are on many fronts already. But we must stand fast and follow our Lord into the fray—in HIS power and way, not our own! Jesus Himself told us to be prepared for the lies, and even the church in many cases today, has so compromised the gospel and The Word of God that most don’t even know what a “Christian” really is. Even here in Oklahoma there are billboards all around us advertising that the ‘advertisers’ are “Christians” who understand that abortion is ‘ok’—call ‘us’ not those who call it ‘murder’! Jesus hit the nail on the head.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them,

Take heed

that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come

in my name,

saying, I am Christ;

and shall deceive many.”   Matthew 24:4-5

Jesus didn’t say a ‘few’ would come, but that “many shall come” saying that they are speaking for HIM! But The Word is the test—not popular polls and opinions! Jesus told the false religious leaders of his day, that they would believe a lie rather than HIS truth—it’s still true today!

“But I know you,

that ye have not the love of God

in you.

43 I am come

in my Father’s name,

and ye receive me not:

if another shall come

in his own name,

him ye will receive.

44 How can ye believe,

which receive honour

one of another,

and seek not the honour

that cometh from God only?”   John 5:42-44

The standard is God’s not man’s! Who are you believing—the true One or the ‘father of lies’? The Word will reveal it in the end.

“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.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

And as Paul said to the Philippians, “think on these things”! I know this is a bit lengthy, but it is on my heart and I had to share it with you all today. May God bless you with “ears to hear” and a heart tuned to HIM! Precious Lord, please “deliver us from evil” that we may once again be the recipients of your blessings! ‘Nuff said!

Amen and Amen!