Bible Ballistics: Whose Servant Are You??? Vol. 6#06

We talked about Romans 6:16 in our last BBs article and it’s been on my mind but in a different light, so I’d like to use it to kick off today’s thoughts about servants.

Romans 6:12-18,

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,

 that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 1

3 Neither yield ye your members

as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:

but yield yourselves unto God,

as those that are alive from the dead,

and your members

as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:

for ye are not under the law,

but under grace.

15 What then?

shall we sin,

because we are not under the law,

but under grace?

God forbid.

16 Know ye not,

that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,  

his servants ye are to whom ye obey;

whether of sin unto death,

or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 But God be thanked,

that ye were the servants of sin,

but ye have obeyed from the heart

that form of doctrine

which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin,

ye became the servants of righteousness.”

As we think about servanthood, the question is the answer! Who we serve reveals whom or what we truly love. Because we are saved by grace through faith in the atoning, substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, we have a new life and a new Spirit within us. We have the love of God imparted to and dwelling within us. We undergo a ‘change of heart’, so to speak, when we are born again. (Read John 3, in it’s entirety)

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that

tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For

when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.  

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Romans 5:1-9

The love of God has been imparted to us by the Spirit of God, that Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus, which He promised to us—the New Covenant. This supernatural transaction of the new birth, which we receive by grace through faith in the atoning, saving blood of Jesus. It’s the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin, not our works. Jesus described this very principle in Matthew 6:24-26:

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Jesus didn’t say you may not be able to serve God and anything else, He said ‘Ye cannot!!! It is impossible to serve God and ‘mammon’, because to truly serve God is to love God, and then we serve Him through His power within us.

Mammon: a false object of worship and devotion.

So again, the question is the answer. If you belong to Jesus, then your object of devotion and worship will be Him. The person of Jesus Christ will be our object of worship and devotion—not the ‘mammon’ of the world, regardless of what it is! Who or what are you serving? Whose love is in your heart? Have you come to the Lord in repentance and faith? Have you been born again? Without Jesus, without the regeneration of His Spirit we have no spiritual life, “ye must be born again”, (See John 3:3-7).

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

When Jesus gives us that ‘new life’, we become a “new creature” in Him—I’m not the same as I was before He saved and changed me! When I received HIM, He took me for His own and I love Him for it. No, I am not perfect, but I am redeemed/bought back from sin, by the blood of the Lamb. I belong to Jesus—I want HIM to be seen in me!!!

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”   1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I’m not made right by what I do, but I can do right because I’ve been made right with God, and I have the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling in me. I serve HIM because I love Him, not because I have to!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.…….10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” Portions of John 14:6-16

If the servant truly belongs to the one he obeys then, what does my obedience say? Again the question is the answer!!! Jesus said above, “If ye love me, keep my commandments”, and that He would empower us to keep His commandments with the indwelling presence and power of HIS Hoy Spirit, which He would shortly send, on the Day of Pentecost. (See Acts 1 & 2)

While some take this verse and say that it calls us to obey and be devoted to the Mosaic Law, I think it means something much deeper than the “Law”. While the New Covenant declares that God will write HIS laws upon our hearts (see Jeremiah 31:31-33, Ezekiel 11:19-20 & Hebrews 8:8-13), He declares something equally as important when He says, “I will be their God, and they will be my people”! This goes so far beyond a ‘legal’ obligation, God is talking about a ‘relationship’ of devotion. One not bound by the “law”, but one that is totally focused on Jesus Christ and His relationship to the Father, and what He would accomplish at Calvary and then share with us who would trust in Him. Not a relationship of legality, but a loyalty and devotion of love—the obedience of ‘oneness’!

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” John 17:11

I don’t believe that Jesus obeyed the law because it was the ‘law’, He obeyed HIS FATHER’s will because ‘They’ were One. He knew the ‘Law’– He wrote the ‘Law’! It wasn’t a question of rules and regulations, but of relationship. What issues caused Jesus more opposition as He encountered the ‘religious’ leaders of Israel? The Law, the Sabbath, the ‘washings’—the ceremonial Law!!! Jesus confronted the hypocritical substitution of the “Law” for God.

What are you serving? Are you serving a “Law” that you think will keep you in right relationship with God? Are you devoted to “Service” for God instead of being devoted to God himself? What drives your life? Keeping commands and doing work never saved anyone, grace through faith saves–past, present and future. The Law was, as Paul put it, a schoolmaster to show us our need for a relationship with the Lord. Otherwise how did Israel continue to keep the outward form of the Law, even in Jesus’ days, but were rejected and punished because they had no relationship (as a whole nation, there has always been a remnant of faithful servants of the Lord God and of Jesus His Son) with the God who’s law they claimed to keep!!! Jesus even called those who were the most ‘religious’ a brood of vipers—not my words, but HIS!

So what do I think Jesus meant by ‘keeping’ His commandments? I think Jesus was talking about a relationship of obedient submission to HIS Spirit, to HIS written Word-The Spirit of the Old and New Testaments–, and to HIS Kingdom. We are called to the oneness that we saw Him pray about in John 17. He didn’t pray that we’d be “legally compliant”, but that the Father would make us “one….as we are one….”. Jesus calls us to total ‘yieldedness’ to HIM as a person—

As my God—

As my friend—

As my guide and compass.

       As my Lord and Savior!!!

I am to feast on His Word that when HE speaks I will recognize His voice (see John 10) and obey HIM!!! You can observe all the Mosaic Legalities and do all the ‘religious works’ that you choose, but it will never replace being ‘born again’ and listening to and walking with Jesus Himself. Jesus called us to love and follow Him, and to love others and lead them to HIM because:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9b

So??? Whose servant are YOU???

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #169 ‘Idle’ness Or ‘Idol’ness???

I know! I know!! I know!!! “Idolness” is not an approved word. It can’t be found in a dictionary. But I think it describes much of what is going on in our world, and sad to say, in much of so-called “Christendom”!!! Many who claim the name of Jesus, are far from the picture of the man, woman, boy or girl who is ‘born again’; who is a ‘new creature’; who is ‘saved’ ‘from their sins’. Genuine salvation isn’t “idleness” or “idolness”, but a deliverance from SIN to a new life ‘in Christ’!!!

There is so much of the world in the ‘church’ today that it’s hard to find ‘Biblical’ salvation and real disciples of Jesus. We have come to accept so much of the world as ‘OK’ that we are, at the least, a very dim “light of the world”; and our ‘salt’ has lost it’s effect on our culture. What did Jesus say?

“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” John 18:36

Note the small words—but the LARGE message, NOT:

OF this world–

OF this world–

 FROM hence (meaning OF the world).

Jesus tells Pilate that HIS kingdom is “not of this world”. What did He mean? It’s simple (but not easy) and He used simple words to declare it: that we are not ‘OF’ the world, and our actions should say, “We’re not ‘FROM’ the world”.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”    1 Peter 2:11-12

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.” Hebrews 11:13-14

We are called to live as “pilgrims”, as “strangers” in this world, not to become such a part of it, that we look more like the world than like the “kingdom” of God. We ‘love the world’ rather than our Lord and His Word, or His ways.

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” Philippians 3:20

Our “conversation”, (meaning lifestyle) is to be lived-out connected to “heaven”, referring to our living and walking in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit not the spirit of the world. What does your “conversation” say about where you “live”? Jesus also addressed this issue:

Live by the Word of God: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Be Saints Not Vipers: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34

Guard YOUR heart: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man…… 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” Matthew 15:11 & 18

Whose friend are YOU: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

What does this mean to you and me? It simply means– whom we really love, we obey:

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

How we live declares to the world, what we really believe and whom we really serve. Our speech betrays the true loyalties of our hearts. Our actions reveal the things that we are truly devoted to. And the sad thing to me is that so many who claim the name of Jesus—display a different devotion in their lifestyles, life choices and manner of communication than what they profess. To borrow a popular proverb: “standing in the garage, doesn’t make you a car”. Or the one I use most; “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!” We must all examine our hearts because, as Jesus said, what’s in the heart will come out of the mouth.

Now let me qualify this just a bit. I’m not talking about the person who occasionally says an inappropriate word, or who in a heated moment may respond in anger or quick temper. I am talking about those who live a life of profane choices in speech, morality, greed and devotion. I am speaking of those who are driven by, for, to, and in pursuit of the things of the world. To be more concerned with acceptance by those who hate God, than acceptance by the God they “claim” to love and serve. It can’t be both ways.

So??? Here’s our shot for today!!! Are you being caught up in the “idleness” of the world—often called extreme leisure? Are you full of “Idolness”—so busy worshipping the things of the world that there is no place for God in your life? I’d like to close with a powerful passage from Isaiah, a prophet who spoke to a people who also didn’t want to hear the truth.

Isaiah 5:20-23,

“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!”

A lot to ponder, but time is short and the consequences are of eternal import. Please choose wisely this day–which God’s love and patience gives us! Tomorrow may not come!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #168 What’s It To You???

As I look at all that is going on around us, there is a lot of chaos, confusion and perversion of truth and the Word of God. What do we do when we encounter difficult things? We have several options, one of which is to look at the difficulties and be distressed, disturbed or depressed. Another option is to look at others who are not in the same difficulties as we are, and be consumed with jealousy, regret and even bitterness. We can also cast blame on others, make excuses or covet the ‘ease’, which we perceive that others are living in.

Jesus gives an example of this in the last chapter of John. After the resurrection Peter, John and several others decide to go fishing. After a night of fruitless effort they are told to “cast their nets” on the other side and as they obeyed they were inundated with fish. Realizing that it was Jesus on the shore they join Jesus for a breakfast, which He had prepared for them. After they had eaten, Jesus has the well-known encounter with Peter as He asks him 3 times if he (Peter) loved Him (Jesus). Of course Peter answers in the affirmative—perhaps remembering the 3 times he denied him only a few days earlier. But at the end of this exchange, Jesus prophesies to Peter his future of suffering and martyrdom for the Gospel. I am sure this must have overwhelmed Peter and like we so often do, let’s consider this interesting exchange:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” John 21:18-23

 

Whoa!!! Let’s take a look at this exchange:

Jesus tells Peter he will die a martyr.

Jesus calls Peter to “Follow me”.

Peter is given insight that few receive. I can’t help but think of Jim Elliott, especially in light of the recent death of his widow Elizabeth Gren, and the statement that Jim made before going into what would be for him, a service of martyrdom: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” This man had a grasp of the cost of discipleship. But let’s consider Peter, and what we can learn from this encounter, and apply to our life.

When told of his difficult future, the still volatile Peter looks around. He doesn’t question Jesus, he doesn’t ponder on what he’s just heard but instead he turns to see who’s looking or listening. As he turns about he sees John, and seemingly trying to take the emphasis off of his future, he asks Jesus, “Lord, and what shall this man do”!!! Oh, how I relate to Peter, the one with his foot in his mouth much of the time; instead of dealing with what the Lord has told him about his own journey of faith with the Lord, Peter calls attention to John and asks “what shall this man do?”

Oh, how often we get our eyes on others instead of our own journey, our own responsibilities, and our own blessings; instead we allow Satan to distract us from “looking unto Jesus” and get our eyes on the circumstances, blessings or position of others! WRONG!!!

Jesus responds seemingly a bit sarcastically to Peter—in our vernacular—“What’s it to YOU?” Jesus tells Peter again, YOU just “follow me”!   In fact Jesus gives him a rebuke that was blown as much out of proportion then as it would be today. Look at verse 23:

“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?”

Oh friends—let’s get it right. We are to follow JESUS, to keep our eyes on Him and run our own race not someone else’s, no matter how lucrative their race looks.

So??? Here’s our shot for today—keep your eyes on Jesus!!!

“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

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” 1 Peter 2:21-23

TRUST GOD!!!

Bible Ballistics: Faith In The Midst of Trouble??? Vol. 6#05

Today my mind goes to a young man in scripture who gives us one of the most powerful testimonies of faithfulness and righteous living in all of scripture. Apart from Jesus Christ, whom we know is perfect, Daniel and Joseph are the only two men that I have found in scripture against whom God reveals no derogatory account.

Daniel was a young man in Judah when the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the nation, and the city of Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar instructed his servants to select the fairest and finest young me of the nation to take to Babylon and instruct for ‘civil service’ to the king and his kingdom. History implies that these young Jewish men who were selected for service were probably castrated (which was a common practice of the day to keep down the intrigue in the palace). If this is true then Daniel and his three friends were ‘ceremonially’ defiled in regard to temple worship. But we find Daniel ready to stand for His God:

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:1-8

Let’s consider what we’ve read here; what God has done, what men have done and how Daniel responds to crises.

Daniel was a righteous man living under an ungodly king, and a nation who were in disobedience to God. V1

Daniel was suffering the judgment of God on his nation although he was personally right before his God. V1-2

Daniel was taken captive with others of his nation who were neither godly nor obedient. V3+

Daniel was selected among the fairest and finest of al of Judah’s young men to serve Babylon (some even think that Daniel could have even been of the royal seed). V3-4

Daniel was carried away to an idolatrous nation who didn’t recognize the sovereignty of Daniel’s God. V2

Daniel had an appointed diet and education from King Nebuchadnezzar. V4-5

Daniel was given a new name to identify him with the culture and idolatry of Babylon. V5

All of this thrust upon a young man who was probably still in his teens. This young man was taken from his family, his city and nation to serve the pagan people who had conquered his beloved land of Judah. I find it quite interesting that history suggests there could have been as many as 100 young men taken; yet scripture only gives us the account of 3 who were faithful to God. I can’t help but wonder what those other young men decided to do? Blend in? Enjoy the ride? Enjoy the worldly pleasures afforded them? We don’t know what they chose, but we absolutely know what Daniel and his three friends chose!!!

“8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:” Daniel 1:8a

Daniel determined in HIS HEART that he would keep himself pure and right before his God, no matter what others did. Daniel chose to “not defile himself” even though he had been defiled by the Babylonians. Daniel was devoted to his God and he intended to be faithful regardless of his circumstances or the expectations he lived under. That’s wonderful in and of itself, but I think we often miss something just as important in this account, and that is that Daniel’s choice wasn’t expressed in rebellion to his surroundings, or arrogance and pride to balk at his situation or murmuring at the injustice of his situation. After all he had been and was still being faithful to his God, and this is seen not only in his choice, but also in his expression of that choice.

“therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” Daniel 1:8

Daniel “requested” permission to deviate from the required diet. He didn’t pout, complain, grumble, or throw a tantrum—he simply asked permission to be compliant to his commitment to his God. The first person that Daniel approached with his request, denied his request, yet only because he feared punishment from those over him. Then Daniel made a second request of the person directly serving him and his friends but a request with a ‘counter-offer’.

“Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.” Daniel 1:11-14

Daniel put his faith to the test. He requested a diet of produce, rather than the diet from the king, which would have included meats that had been sacrificed to or blessed by the Babylonian idolatrous gods. Then he asked another official to try it our way for ten days and if we’re not as good or better than the others we will leave it up to you. Why do you think Daniel suggested this? Well we don’t know for sure because scripture doesn’t tell us, but I think by Daniel’s life example we simply see the courage and strength of his faith in his God. Daniel knew God was with him, but we also have the record of God’s provision for Daniel and his friends.

“Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:9

God had brought Daniel into favor with the officials over him. And I don’t think Daniel came into favor with an attitude of obstinacy or arrogance, but one of humility and teachableness; and attitude of gratitude and submission to the total sovereignty of his God. What kind of attitude do we maintain and project to the world? Hopefully our life is a godly one that God can use and bless.

But we can’t drop the ball here, what is the outcome of the test for Daniel and his friends? All I can say is WOW. What a God we serve!!! God honored the faithfulness of his servants and HE had a purpose for them that they couldn’t have fully understood as they stood there on the threshold of an amazing future in God’s service—all while serving the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar!!!

“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.”

And so………

“16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.” Daniel 1:15-16

Praise our God!!! He can and does provide for and use us in difficult places and circumstances. Daniel and his friends didn’t shirk their duty or relationship with God, but they stood fast before their God, with honor and integrity before men. They were respectful of those over them, and yielded to the authorities GOD had placed over them. They weren’t there by accident or chance God had a plan.

But let’s not stop there. Let’s finish up today with the powerful display of the favor of God on Daniel and his three friends– Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—better known to most as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

“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. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:17-20

Don’t miss the glory here—God blessed these three men to the degree that they were not 10 times better than their peers—they were 10 times better than ‘ALL’ the ‘magicians and astrologers” of Bablyon!!! May we commit ourselves to be faithful, yielded and devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father in all we do. And we will never accomplish that unless we steep ourselves in the study of HIS Word and spend time with HIM in prayer. So what difficulty are you in today? God is still faithful and works on behalf of those who are His.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

We win!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #167 How Do I Deal With Division???

How nice to be back with you all today. Almost a week with no Internet was a real challenge, but praise the Lord we are back—at least for the moment. So in this moment I write!

I know some of you are thinking, “What is this? A lesson on math?” Well, not exactly. While division is a function in math it is also a reality in life.

We often encounter division in life, be it by a move, a new job, a new school, a disagreement or a change of seasons in our life. How do we respond to division in life? First and foremost always, we must be:

“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 12:2-3

We absolutely MUST recognize that Jesus has all things in HIS control, and we just need to look to Him and press on. Sometimes we just need to wait for His leading in a particular situation; sometimes He has already made it clear what we are to do. I know some of you are dealing with heartache and heartbreak over some ‘division’ going on in you life, or it is so recently past that you still feel the pain and sorrow. I pray that today’s lesson will bring you encouragement and comfort.

Most importantly in my heart and mind (and an increasingly prominent issue) is the ‘division’ that takes place for Biblical and spiritual reasons. We live in a most difficult, hostile and unfriendly culture toward anything Biblical that conflicts with the lusts and desires of our world. Jeremiah has a most timely word for us today. Jeremiah is called the ‘weeping prophet’ because he ministered to his own people for about 40 years and he never saw any noticeably positive response. When we stand alone, we aren’t the only one or the first one. Paul talked about standing alone because friends had abandoned him. Many of David’s Psalms deal with the heartache he experienced in his division from, and many conflicts with, Saul and his other enemies.

Let’s look at the conversation between God and Jeremiah over the ‘division’ in his life:

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. 17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? 19 Therefore thus saith the Lord,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.  

20 And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” Jeremiah 15:16-20 

WOW!!! What promises! When the time comes to divide, or when the division comes because of our stand for Christ—leave it in HIS hands, and trust to HIS leading and provision.

So??? Here’s our shot for today.

Keep on “Looking unto Jesus”!!!

Remember that “thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart”—and it still is, so get in the Word!

Remember that we are to “stand before me”–God’s opinion is the important one!

Always “take forth the precious from the vile”. —We must stand for truth no matter the division that comes.

Never forget the promises and faithfulness of GOD:

       “for I am with thee to save thee

and to deliver thee, saith the Lord”

“I will deliver thee”

“I will redeem thee”!!! Look up! Press on!!!

You are never alone, when you belong to Jesus!!!