Category Archives: Still Will I Trust HIM

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!!!

What’s A Remnant??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23

16 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Born Again, Consider Your ways, Salvation, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23 What’s A Remnant???

 

I’ve heard a lot lately about a “remnant”, and I think I’d like to share a few things about a/the remnant that we may not have considered.  The first thing I want us to consider is the English meaning of remnant.

Remnant:  “a small remaining, usually small part, quantity, number or the like;  a fragment or scrap; a trace; vestige .…”

For our purposes today we could even refer to ‘remnant’ as the “remainder” in the Greek language used in the New Testament; in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, it is defined also as remainder or residue (something that remains after a part is removed).  So, the issue is the remainder (in general) of something, but we must let the context determine what the scripture is saying about ‘a’/’the’ remnant.  And just in general, the remnant, as mentioned in the Old Testament is almost always referring to the nation and/or the people of Israel, except where it is used in a simple general way of anything or anyone that “remains” of something (sometimes specific, sometimes just a general, unspecific people or thing).

Why is this important?  Because we must base our conclusions, teachings and our doctrines on the whole counsel of God, not a bit here or a bit there without continuity.  We must let The Word of God speak truth to our hearts.  God has made promises, that is sure and certain, but all of the promises are not for everyone—there are specific promises, that were made to specific people/s, times, events and/or nations and we must remember that “Context Is King”!  So, let’s consider some scriptures and see what conclusions we can make; letting scripture interpret scripture.

Paul spent all of Romans 9-11 explaining to us the promises and future of Israel in regard to the Gospel; we’ll just consider part of chapter 9 and hear what God has to say!  The context begins with Paul relating the words of Elijah—a prophet of God who had his ups and downs just like we do.  (See James 5:16)

“God hath not cast away his people

which he foreknew.

Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?

how he maketh intercession to God

against Israel, saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets,

and digged down thine altars;

and I am left alone,

and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him?

I have reserved to myself

seven thousand men,

who have not bowed the knee

to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then

at this present time also

there is a remnant

according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace,

then is it no more of works:

otherwise grace is no more grace.

But if it be of works,

then is it no more grace:

otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then?

Israel hath not obtained

that which he seeketh for;

 but the election hath obtained it,

and the rest were blinded

8 (According as it is written,

God hath given them

the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;)

unto this day…..

11 I say then,

Have they stumbled that they should fall?

God forbid:

but rather through their fall

salvation is come unto the Gentiles,

for to provoke them

to jealousy…

…20 Well; because of unbelief

they were broken off,

and thou standest

by faith.

Be not highminded, but fear:…

… 25 For I would not, brethren,

that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,

lest ye should be wise

in your own conceits;

that blindness in part

is happened to Israel,

until the fulness of the Gentiles

be come in.

26 And so all Israel

shall be saved:

as it is written,

There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer,

and shall turn away ungodliness

from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them,

when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel,

they are enemies for your sakes:

but as touching the election,

they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

29 For the gifts

and calling

of God

are without repentance…

…33 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.”   Portions of Romans 11:2-36

While Paul is talking about Israel coming to faith in Jesus, that time has not yet come when Israel (as a nation) will come to Jesus, but it will!  Paul refers to individual Jews who have believed, but as a nation there is a time coming when Israel will repent and believe in the Crucified Lamb!  And only a diligent study of scripture will give us true insight into the times and seasons; so, we have to be careful of our conclusions and be sure that they line up with The Word!  Let’s consider some passages and I’d like to simply give my opinion/conclusion of the immediate context/subject being mentioned as a/the ‘remnant’!  We are living in a time of deceit and disregard of God, His Word and HIS SON!

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”    2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

While ‘remnant’ isn’t used here, Paul makes it clear that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  There are those who claim the name of Jesus, but have not made a true commitment to Jesus, in repentance and faith—there are those (I know them and so do you) who are familiar with scripture, who have been in church their whole lives, but put off committing their lives to Jesus in saving faith.  They know enough about scripture to claim that when the ‘anit-christ’ comes they will choose to follow Jesus; Paul says that won’t happen; for if they have chosen to reject (and putting off salvation is rejecting) Jesus until some other time, then God says that HE has a different plan, “for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”!  They will fall for the lie because they “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”!  God said it, not me—I’m simply one of the messengers!  We who are God’s must look up and press on, knowing that the times are speeding upon us!

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:28

And while the time is late, you can still respond to God’s convicting call on your heart; but remember, that time will not go on forever. As God also told Noah:

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh:”  Genesis 6:3a

It is only God’s grace that has given us the time that we have.

“The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing

that any should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:9

God is ever working to bring men and women, boys and girls to Himself, but we must understand and recognize that the enemy of men’s souls is ever at work to ‘steal..kill…and destroy’, and He uses lies and deceit to fool and blind the eyes of mankind and keep them from the cross.  So, we must be careful what we believe and always measure our beliefs by God’s Word!  In other words, let The Word of God be your plumbline.  God will lead us into truth if we will but “study to shew thyself approved unto God”!  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:15-16). Satan is ever at work sabotaging truth—God’s truth; but his time is short!

“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

The apostle John addresses an issue, reminding us that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Are you following the world, or Jesus?  Do you just have ‘words’ or do you have the Savior?

“For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.

18 Little children,

it is the last time:

and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,

even now are there many antichrists;

whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us,

but they were not of us;

for if they had been of us,

they would no doubt have continued with us:

but they went out,

that they might be made manifest

that they were not all of us.

20 But ye have an unction

from the Holy One,

and ye know all things.”  1 John 2:16-20

Even as Jesus said in Matthew 7:

“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

I love what the author of Hebrews challenges us to pursue, the life of focus—focus on Jesus not the world.  And our lives can be encouraged by the testimony of those who have gone before us—and our lives ore to be an encouragement to those who are following in our footsteps.  Where are your footsteps leading those around you?  If there is a remnant of the faithful, are you part of it?  Or are you failing to lead down the narrow way?  Will you run YOUR race or God’s?

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”   Hebrews 12:1-3

We can endure!  We can lead others to the cross where Jesus still saves, and changes lives today!  Today is the day of salvation!  Will you come to HIM?  If you are already HIS, won’t you live for HIM— by HIS power today.  There is a lost and dying world that needs to see Jesus in you and me!

“We then,

as workers together with him,

beseech you also that ye receive not

the grace of God

in vain.

2 (For he saith,

I have heard thee in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now is the accepted time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.)”.    2 Corinthians 6:1-2

It is by HIS Power we are saved; and it is by HIS power that we are kept in HIS ways, and whatever God may say about a remnant, we can walk close with HIM by HIS power, and for HIS glory!  Don’t be one of those who walks away to be made manifest “that they were not all of us”!  For God knows, no matter what others may think!

“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 2:9

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

“Now unto him that is able

to keep you from falling,

and to present you

faultless before the presence of his glory

with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory

and majesty,

dominion

and power,

both now

and ever. Amen.”   Jude 1:24-25

And just for reference sake, here are some New Testament passages on ‘remnant’ for you to consider.  Let’s base our conclusions on God’s Word/words and “stand fast in the evil day” so that “having done all” we may stand and be found faithful!!!  If you are interested, you can find others with the aid of a concordance.  Most of the Old Testament references are either specific to Israel or used in general reference and conversation of persons or things other than Israel.

Romans 11:5– (a remainder) of Israel

Romans. 9:27—of Israel

Matthew 22:6–(Remaining ones) parable—in general

Romans 9:27–of Israel

Revelation 11:3.–Of Israel & General

Revelation 12:17—of Israel @ tribulation

Revelation 19:21—of the ‘beasts’ army” & general

I hope this will bless you and encourage you to consider studying God’s Word regularly, always keeping context in mind for “Context IS King”!

Amen and Amen!

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

02 Thursday Jul 2020

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

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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!!!

Hidden Treasure??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #662

26 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Compromise, SIN, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #662       Hidden Treasure???

 

What are you doing with the treasure that God has blessed you with?  Are you shining your light on the darkness or are you “hiding it” under a bucket, or a life of compromise?  I’d like to share a passage from Paul, a bit longer than usual for a Friday, but one I feel we need to consider.  Are we helping to spread the good news of the gospel, or are we adding to the darkness and supporting the lies of the enemy?

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry,

as we have received mercy,

we faint not;

2 But have renounced

the hidden things of dishonesty,

not walking in craftiness,

nor handling the word of God deceitfully;

but by manifestation of the truth

commending ourselves

to every man’s conscience

in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them

that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God,

who commanded the light

to shine out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure

in earthen vessels,

that the excellency

of the power

may be of God,

and not of us.”   2 Corinthians 4:1-7

May we ever be mindful that “that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”?  It is so easy to be distracted, caught up, and led away from our Lord by the “bling” and “glitz” of the world.  But the urgency of the hour calls for our total devotion to our Lord; even in the midst of trials, suffering, and ridicule.  We must choose the things of God and the dependence upon HIS Spirit rather than the world’s false answers!

“See then that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools,

but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding

what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves

 in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody

in your heart

to the Lord;”  Ephesians 5:15-19

We live in a culture that stampedes to the short-term solutions of any popular substance of the moment; whether it’s alcohol, drugs, tobacco, food, or anything that we use to control our fears or anxieties.  And while we can “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season”, that season will not last (see Hebrews 11:25) and its price tag is almost always more than we expect it to be!  When we choose to follow Jesus, we can expect opposition and difficulty, but we can rest assured that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”!  Paul assures us that no matter the cost of following Jesus faithfully, it will be rewarding beyond worldly measure.  For while we may be troubled “on every side”, we know that Paul is right in what he told the Roman believers!

“For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.”  Romans 8:18

Paul also reminds us, as he did the believers at Corinth and Galatia, that regardless of our circumstances our Lord is always faithful in every situation (adequate to every trial!):

“We are troubled on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live

are alway delivered unto death

for Jesus’ sake,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our mortal flesh.”  2 Corinthians 4:8-11

I am “bought with a price”; and that price is the blood of Jesus which “cleanseth us from all sin”!  May we ever strive to be a mirror of Jesus’ power and grace rather than the substitute gratifications of the world’s lies!  Remember, ‘sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay’!  But Jesus has already given HIS life that we might have “abundant life”!  Choose wisely!  There is a test!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

Nothing New??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13

31 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Be not conformed to this world, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Darkness or Light?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Judgment, Justice, Light In The Dark, Nothing New, One Day Too Late?, Our God Reigns, Righteousness, Seeing Truth, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM, That They May Know, Thy Kingdom Come, Time, Time Is Grace!, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13    Nothing New???

 

King Solomon said it most eloquently:

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing

under the sun.

10 Is there any thing

whereof it may be said,

See,

this is new?

it hath been already of old time,

which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance

of former things;

neither shall there be any remembrance

of things that are to come

with those that shall come after.”    Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

Sadly, it seems, each generation forgets the lessons of the past.  And our world has not only forgotten the faithfulness of our God, but the countless times and ways that He has stood by us through trials and conflicts.  Our culture, our world, has chosen to forsake God, and exercise hatred, greed and jealousy, which ever seem to follow close on the heels of God’s faithfulness since mankind chooses to sin by his own will.  While we often blame others, the times, the culture, the temptations—the truth is, we have each chosen to go our own way!  Will you choose Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice or your own way?  God has given us the freedom to choose, but each choice will bring a consequence, so choose wisely, there is a test!

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

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 14:12

The very first parents saw their poor choices affect their children—one chose God’s way, the other chose to go his own way; and the consequence was disastrous!

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:

and it came to pass,

when they were in the field,

that Cain rose up

against Abel his brother,

and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain,

Where is Abel thy brother?

And he said,

I know not:

Am I my brother’s keeper?

10 And he said,

What hast thou done?

the voice of thy brother’s blood

crieth unto me

from the ground.”   Genesis 4:8-10

Sin never escapes God’s sight, and HE WILL bring justice to light in HIS time!  He created this world and HE will bring all accounts to their right judgment—in HIS time (and I can’t believe it’s very far away!)!  Abel chose wisely!  How about you?

“Through faith we understand

that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen

were not made of things

which do appear.

4 By faith

Abel offered unto God

a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,

by which he obtained witness

that he was righteous,

God testifying of his gifts:

and by it

he being dead

yet speaketh.”   Hebrews 11:3-4

“Whosoever is born of God

doth not commit sin;

for his seed remaineth in him:

and he cannot sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God

are manifest,

and the children of the devil:

whosoever doeth not righteousness

is not of God,

neither he that loveth not

his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard

from the beginning,

that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain,

who was of that wicked one,

and slew his brother.

And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren,

if the world hate you.”  1 John 3:9-13

We see those who have seemingly gone crazy, those who have taken the opportunity to run amuck, using any excuse to do so; what is the difference between them and me?  When the causes we claim to follow and support turn into wreck, havoc and riot, what do we do?  We must come back to the principles of God and remember that sin is sin, and when we abandon God’s ways, there is a price to pay; compromise with sin/evil will never produce good results!  And our culture has given itself over to pursue sin and evil with a vengeance; rejecting the principles of God and His Word;  using the name of Jesus for a by-word, not the name of the Son of God; are we standing fast with our Lord, or delighting in the sinful ways of those around us.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel

of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 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!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away

the righteousness

of the righteous

from him!”  Isaiah 5:18-23

There always have been evil men, and today is no exception, even as Paul warned us of those who are not only evil but take pleasure in doing evil and causing others to follow in their evil schemes.  The choice is yours—who will you follow?  Whom will you believe?  Will you join evil people or “withstand in the evil day”?  (See Ephesians 6:10-19).

God gave you the freedom to choose, but you do not have the freedom to set the consequences!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenantbreakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.”  Romans 1:28-32

And this is scripture—not off of the front page of the newspaper!  We live in a culture that is like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, only the results are far more deadly—it is destroying lives and property—the very means by which we can live and be productive.  Yet we see rack and riot on every hand, produced not by those who have suffered offense, but by those who desire to cause more offense, and take pleasure in the sin that is rampant, for we have chosen a disastrous course!  But one that God has told us beforehand would come.

“Be astonished,

O ye heavens,

at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:12-13

We, the culture and our world, have not only chosen broken cisterns over living water, but we have walked head-long into the perilous times that God warned us would come!

“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

So, my question for us today is, will we choose to stand for the right, to be (not just talk about, but “BE”) true reflections of the glory and truth of GOD?   It is our calling—a calling that only the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us can accomplish!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called

in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us

is given grace

according to the measure

of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:1-7

Even as Jesus reminds us, it is by HIS Power—our abiding in HIM that produces fruit.  Are you abiding in Jesus?  If not, what are you abiding in?

“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

If we will ‘abide” in HIM, HE will produce fruit—HIS fruit in and through us!  Paul also made it clear for us all—we must choose to let GOD work in us, by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

… 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16-17 & 25-26

Yet rather, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, provoke one another to good works; as our Pastor Brad always says, “good, good works” (not just ‘good works’ to impress or gain for ourselves, but doing good things for the right reasons!)!

“Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised😉

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love

and to good works:”   Hebrews 10:23-24

May we truly be those who are found faithful, regardless of what the world says or does.  And the day is coming, rapidly I believe, when we will be the scape-goat—but may we be found to be “busy about my Father’s business”!

“So then every one of us

shall give account of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!