Category Archives: The Word

Tidbits From Daniel #3!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 16

27 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Peace, Perseverance, The Only Way, The Word, Troubles, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 16 Tidbits From Daniel #3!!!

 

It’s been a while, but we’re heading back to Daniel for more gleanings from the life of this faithful, godly man. Today we’ll consider part of Daniel chapter 2, and see what we can learn from this young man and his personal character. (We’ll deal with the dreams later.) Especially in these days of the flamboyancy and the flare for the dramatic on public display as the defining import of any one or any thing!

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

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

Just because something is popular and culturally accepted, or even promoted, doesn’t make it right. As my mother used to say, “If someone jumped off of a cliff, would you do it too?” (And I’m sure many of you heard that same motherly wisdom on multiple occasions!) We live in a culture that claims wrong to be right, and right to be wrong—in fact we’re not the first culture to experience this phenomenon, and God warned of this predilection many years ago.

“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!” Isaiah 5:18-21

God gave Isaiah a warning for those who claimed to be “His” own. He had long called Judah to repentance, and Isaiah delivered these warnings to those in need of repentance. While Isaiah lived through some good kings, as well as some who weren’t so good, he continually delivered God’s message to people then as well as to us now! And our culture desperately needs to hear the call to repentance today, and the call to God’s own people to stand fast for and in the truth of God—and we must know truth to stand in it.

It is becoming increasingly unpopular to speak the truth, to define good and evil as God defines them; rather than to be swept along with those who “call evil good, and good evil”, or those who “put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter”. God is still calling people to “consider your ways” as Haggai called his people to do, to seek HIS wisdom and ways, rather than settling for the wisdom of men who “are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight”—going their own way rather than God’s! This brings us right back to our first verse from Proverbs, and the admonition to do that which IS right, rather than that which “seemeth right unto a man”!

So how do we know God’s way? Much in the same way that Daniel did, by faith and knowing HIS Word.

“Now faith is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence

of things not seen…..

6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”    Hebrews 11:1 & 6

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6

Jesus reminds us that we must respond to the call of God to the hearts of men and women—for salvation is always initiated by God, not man! So if you hear his voice, open the door while you can.

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in

to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Daniel had come out of a great time of revival in Judah, and yet he and his friends suffered for the failure of their nation (as a whole) to repent and turn to God. Daniel not only knew the word but also made a decision that we need to heed and follow today.

“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 1:8

Daniel knew that what God said, he wanted to pursue, and even in the pagan land where he found himself, he was determined to pursue God and live holy toward Him and His laws regardless of his circumstances. But, as we have discussed before, he followed God with courtesy and respect for those in authority over him as well as his friends. Daniel made up his mind to serve God unwaveringly, and lived out what he professed to believe. What about us? Are we experiencing the favor of God in our commitment to Him, or are we reaping the consequence of poor choices? God rewarded Daniel for his faithfulness and Daniel honored God’s favor by living right before God and man.

“Now God had brought Daniel into favour ”

“God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom”

God not only blessed them spiritually, but He blessed and prepared them for service that they didn’t even realize would be ahead of them:

“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 1:20

All this brings us to chapter 2 and the dilemma that Daniel and his friends found themselves in, how they responded, and how God’s plans for the ages played out in all that came to pass!

Chapter 2 finds Daniel and his friends promoted to serve in the king’s court as counselors in the ‘wisemen’ corp (so to speak). King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that disturbed him, and when he called for his ‘wisemen’ they were unable to interpret his dream because he couldn’t relate the essentials of the dream to them. This short-tempered king went into frenzy and called for the death of all of the ‘wisemen’ to be killed unless they could tell him what he wanted to know. When they soldiers came to get Daniel and his friends (who were a part of the ‘wisemen’ corp!) to put them to death with the others, we find Daniel handling the situation with great discernment and discretion.

“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.”   Daniel 2:13-15

Here we have Daniel about to be put to death, along with his friends, yet we see no sense of panic or despair in them. We find a young man, probably in his late teens by now, responding with a wise and understanding heart—a heart that was devoted to the God whom he had “purposed in his heart” to serve faithfully, with no fear. Let’s continue on.

“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 2:16

I find it most significant that Daniel simply requested to see the king, and when he went in to him, simply asked for time to reveal “the interpretation” of the King’s dream—which also meant that he would have to ‘know’ the dream without Nebuchadnezzar telling him what it was! It is important to note here that the King had been so angry and untrusting of the other ‘wisemen’ that when they asked for time, he refused to give them time believing that they only wanted to stall until he was over his anger; yet when Daniel asks for time, he has caused such confidence in the king, that he was granted what was denied to the other, older and senior ‘wisemen’! Why would the king do this? I think that he saw in Daniel a spirit that produced confidence rather than doubt! What about you and I? What do others think about our word? Do we live in such a way as to create confidence in our relationship with God and man; or do we live such wishy-washy lives, that others find it hard to believe anything we say—especially about our faith or our God? Ouch?

Yet here in Daniel we find three young men who were so devoted to, and confident in God’s provision that they were willing to put their lives on the line with a king who had already decreed their death! So let’s see how Daniel handles the situation.

“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

Daniel went to his three friends, and called them to join him in praying for God’s provision in their time of need. Daniel went to God first! Daniel called his friends together to pray—not to fret, or wring their hands, or seek human solutions, or figure out a way of escape—they came together to PRAY! And not only to pray, but to receive the answer from God! They asked of God, and HE answered. But don’t stop there—“Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven”! Daniel not only asked but he blessed/praised God for the answer when it came. And in praising God, he gave us one of the most beautiful accounts of the character and work of GOD in all of scripture!

“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 2:20-23

This is one of my favorite passages in all of scripture, for it reveals so much about God, and answers question of who God is and what He does. HE is God, and there is nothing that is outside of His control, so let’s rehearse these truths about His power, strength and wisdom. To Him belong:

Wisdom—

Might—

Times—

Seasons—

Setting up of kings—

Removal of kings—

Granting of wisdom to the wise—

(Given to Daniel rather than the world’s ‘wise’ men!)

Granting knowledge to those of understanding—

Revealer of the deep and hidden things—

What is in the darkness—

Light, for HE IS light!!!

IF we could really get a hold on these truths deep down in our hearts and minds, oh what it would do for our peace and confidence in God, much like what Paul encouraged the Philippians to pursue and rest in!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 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.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

Did you notice the mention of peace twice:

“the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus”

As believers we receive the “peace of God”, because the blood of Jesus brings us into a right relationship with God, giving us “peace with God”:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:…..

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.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.” Romans 5:1 & 8-10

We who have come to Jesus have been “reconciled to God by the death of his Son”—the blood of Jesus has given us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”! And I believe this precious, godly young man named Daniel was filled with the confidence of his relationship with God (although he was looking forward to the blood of the sacrifice and we are looking back at it)! So my friends, where is your confidence? Have you learned to walk with this God who holds it all, or are you trying to be your own “wiseman”, depending on the world’s wisdom? Oh, how much we can learn from Daniel and his friends—more about God—more about His character—more about His faithfulness—more about His abundant care and provision– no matter what we may be facing! Even angry kings!

May we grow in our confidence of God just like Daniel?

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”        1 John 2:28

Amen!

What Time Is It??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.15

20 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faith, For Such A Time As This, Holy Spirit, I Can Do All Things?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Made like Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, TODAY, Tomorrow, Trust God, Wait on the Lord

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 15    What Time Is It???

 

We’ve been talking a lot about rushing and resting lately, and I’d like to continue in this vein of thought—from a biblical perspective. For without a biblical perspective we don’t have God’s perspective, and that’s how I pray that I/we can learn to view the world. As an old adage says, “Looking through ‘rose-colored’ glasses”, I’d like us to consider whether we are looking at the world with God’s view or the worlds’! Whose ‘glasses’ are we using?

“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 must make it a priority to keep our eyes “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. And when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will enable us to see things through His eyes—to respond appropriately to any and every situation that we encounter. We can walk in the light that Jesus IS and that HE will provide to His own.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus is that light and HE will light our way, helping us see things as HE sees them, not as the world does—and there IS a difference.

“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

Jesus makes it more than clear, that when we walk in the Spirit—His Holy Spirit—we can accomplish HIS work rather than our own; just as Jesus was doing God’s will/work!

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat

that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him that sent me,

and to finish his work.” John 4:32-34

We can choose our own way or God’s! What about you?

“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

The problem we fight continually is the battle between our flesh and The Holy Spirit of Christ, which dwells within us! And it is a fight that we can win by the power of God alone. This has always been true and it’s still true now, and when we will walk ‘in The Spirit’, we are not only able to succeed in God’s work, but we can trust to HIS timing, and rest in His perfect grace and provision.

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”     Zechariah 4:6

Oh, what a wonderful promise fulfilled by the indwelling Holy Spirit given to us by the work of Christ Jesus at the cross.

“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.”    Romans 5:1-5

We can “glory in tribulations” because we know who we are ‘in Jesus’, and that His Holy Spirit is ever helping us know God’s will and God’s ways, and to walk in HIS peace! The “peace of God, that passeth all understanding”! We can truly learn to trust to, and rest in “His Time” in all things! And while it’s not easy, it is doable! Amen and amen! All by the power of God’s Holy Spirit!

Solomon shared this truth with us in such a beautiful way:

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:”     Ecclesiastes 3:11a

God’s timetable may not always match our expectations, but that’s what trust is all about—knowing that HE is GOD, and I am NOT! Ouch! Sometimes what looks good to us now, may not be the best for us and/or those around us.

“For man also knoweth not his time:

as the fishes that are taken in an evil net,

and as the birds that are caught in the snare;

so are the sons of men snared

in an evil time,

when it falleth suddenly upon them.

13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun,

and it seemed great unto me:”    Ecclesiastes 9:12-13

We aren’t always able to discern between appearance and what really is! But praise God Almighty, HE can and does see all things, and HE is at work on our behalf with one goal in mind, to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus. So, I simply want to close with one of my favorite passages from Romans, and tell you that for years I never knew that there was a verse ‘29’! God isn’t erratic or unfeeling—all those things that come into our lives, and their timing are in the hands of our loving God with one purpose in mind! All that He sends, allows, and permits to come into our lives is to make us more like Jesus—no ‘ifs’, no ‘ands’, and no ‘buts’! Remember HE makes all things “beautiful in his time”—not mine! I hope this will minister to you this week as it has to me in recent days. Faithful is HE that has promised—and if you have been born again, HE is at your side!!!

“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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”   Romans 8:28-31

IN HIS TIME!!!!

‘This Is My Story’! What’s Yours? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 14

13 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Faith, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Knowing God's Word, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 14 ‘This Is My Story’! What’s Yours?

 

We are celebrating “Mother’s Day” here in the US, but I’d like to look at a different subject today—our confidence in Jesus. And whether you’re a mother or father, a sister or a brother, or just a loner, there is a Savior who cares for you, and what you do about it is crucial and will determine your future and destiny!

Some of you will recognize part of the title as being from an old Fanny Crosby Hymn—and that is where I want us to focus today; ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus IS Mine’! And that friends, is “my” story! What is your story? Have you come to Jesus, and found Him faithful? We all have a story, because we all get to make choices—but we often forget that each choice has a consequence; and when we choose Jesus, in response to His Holy Spirit’s call to our heart, we become a child of God, and HE becomes our story! Other choices will bring their own consequences, yet while we are free to make our own choices, we are NOT free to set the consequences!!!

“That was the true Light,

which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 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 1:9-13

God births us as HIS own children by the work of The Holy Spirit, restoring us to relationship with Him!!! All by the blood of Jesus, which ‘cleanseth us from all sin’, for without Jesus there is only hopeless desperation, and that is my story! The story of love, forgiveness and redemption from sin and desperation!!!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”    Colossians 1:12-14

Jesus has “delivered us from the power of darkness”, because that is where we all are without Him!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked

according to the course

of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children

of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all

had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires

of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead

in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

Oh, what a wondrous phrase, “But God”—and I’m so glad that God rewrote my story by His grace and the blood of Jesus. For without the blood of Jesus, we have no hope, but through His blood we have eternal life “in Christ Jesus”, and just as importantly, we also have Christ Jesus in us!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me

for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid

from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”    Colossians 1:25-27

“Christ in you, the hope of glory” is the New Covenant, which Jesus affected at Calvary:

“Behold, the days come,

saith the LORD,

that I will make a new covenant

with the house of Israel,

and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant

that I made with their fathers

in the day that I took them

by the hand

to bring them out of the land

of Egypt;

which my covenant they brake,

although I was an husband unto them,

saith the LORD:

33 But this shall be the covenant

that I will make with the house of Israel;

After those days,

saith the LORD,

I will put my law in their inward parts,

and write it in their hearts;

and will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more

every man his neighbour,

and every man his brother, saying,

Know the LORD:

for they shall all know me,

from the least of them

unto the greatest of them,

saith the LORD:

for I will forgive their iniquity,

and I will remember their sin no more.”   Jeremiah 31:31-34

And that my friends, is what Jesus did for me, and He will do the same for you also. He forgives our sin and remembers them no more, all because of the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that HE made for “my” sin and “yours” when Jesus went to Calvary for all who will receive HIM!

“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said,

Take this,

and divide it among yourselves:

18 For I say unto you,

I will not drink of the fruit of the vine,

until the kingdom of God shall come.

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying,

This is my body

which is given for you:

this do

in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying,

This cup is the new testament

in my blood,

which is shed for you.”   Luke 22:17-20

Jesus Himself revealed His work at the cross, as “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you”

the price due from all for sin—

the debt every person owes—

the penalty due for missing the mark—

the only way to God!!!

Yet Jesus made the way for us willingly, at the cost of His sinless, perfect life—that friend, is ‘my’ story! How about you?

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 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

The Apostle John wrote even more about this “way”!

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship

one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have

no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth

is not in us.”   1 John 1:5-8

So my question for us today is simple, what is your “assurance” based on? Do you know the love and forgiveness of Jesus, or are you depending on yourself, or something else to bring fulfillment to your life. It’s only Jesus that gives life—abundant life—and He gives it by the sacrifice of His life for you and me at Calvary!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in

and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

Do you know the “good shepherd”? He is waiting for you today, if you will but hear His voice and respond to Him in repentance and faith! He is calling—will you respond?

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 

And I can’t close without sharing the great message that Fanny Crosby penned so long ago. And it’s as true today as it was then!

Blessed Assurance     By Fanny J. Crosby

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Amen and Amen! May your assurance rest in JESUS!

No Posts This Week

06 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in The Word

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Due to some personal issues, there won’t be any Bible Ballistics this week, nothing serious, just won’t be able to post for a few days….  I’ll see you again next week.  Thanks for your spending time with me in The Word!

Thanks,

Blanche

Tidbits From Daniel #2!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 13

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Faith, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Spirit, Knowing God's Word, My Grace Is Sufficient, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Transformed life, Trust God, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 13 Tidbits From Daniel #2!!!

 

Today I’d like us to consider more of the book of Daniel, and looking at chapter 3 (yes we’ll come back to chapter 2 later) and delve into the importance of our confidence in God and our willingness to pursue His will knowing that HE is our hope, assurance and strength in all things.

I recently heard an interview with a Christian business owner who was talking about finding and fulfilling God’s purpose in their work/business, and I couldn’t help but think, as I listened to the owners, that they were fulfilling God’s purpose, as they set out to serve others with a godly environment and a pleasant place for people to spend time, and encourage each other daily. I think God’s purpose is fulfilled when we strive to live out what God calls all of His children to do; and we can learn much from the scriptures as we consider the pictures it paints of God’s purposes being fulfilled through His servants.

When asked by His disciples about prayer, Jesus gave us a beautiful and practical approach to communication with our Father God; and yes prayer is communicating with God—not just a dictatorial session where we submit our list of wants and complaints to God! Prayer is intended to be a time of sharing our heart with God, and seeking His face and heart in order to know Him more, learning to discern His voice and follow the leadership of His Spirit (who dwells within His own) and reflect His way to a lost and dying world!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 

We are blessed beyond measure, whether we are paying attention or not, yet God has called us to walk in His ways—even in our prayer life. I think our ultimate purpose can be found in the elements of this ‘Model Prayer” which Jesus shared with us. With 0ur heart, mind and soul we are to love God, and be seeking HIS kingdom

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:32

Seeking God’s kingdom in our lives—the pattern that Jesus gives to us:

Our Father who art in heaven—God is God and not us—

Hallowed be thy name—HOLY and to be revered—

Thy kingdom come—IN me, prevailing in all—

Thy will be done—IN me—not mine—

On earth as it is in heaven—not earthly ways dressed

up to fool God and/or man!

When we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, we are “born again” by the Holy Spirit of God; and when God’s Spirit comes to dwell within us, He makes all things new—a newness that will be reflected in our everyday living!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 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 1:10-13

We are born of God’s Holy Spirit:

“Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God

Born of God, to seek HIS will, HIS purposes, HIS ways in all that we do—because we are made new creations in HIM!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.”    2 Corinthians 5:17

God’s kingdom purposes are to be lived out in us where ever and whatever God leads us to! We don’t have to be a “professional” Christian to have a purpose before God! God’s kingdom come “in me”, is ‘me’ being God’s child where ever I am: at the coffee shop, delivering mail, serving others in a bank, a grocery store, a dollar store, maintaining a home and family, or being a professional or executive—whatever my ‘job’ may be– my calling is to serve God and live out “Thy kingdom come” in all my ways! Even if we’re digging ditches or scrubbing floors, we are to do “all” to His glory and for the increase of HIS kingdom.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“All” to God’s glory—His “kingdom” coming in, me—that the world may see God by my life and actions. His purposes seen in me, no matter when, where, what or how! That means God’s servant is to serve HIM 24/7—not just on Sunday, or whatever day of the week that you worship! Real worship isn’t just singing, or praising, or being fed by the Word of God—real worship is a life lived in obedience to the Spirit of God who dwells within the children of God, not by our own power but by His power within us!

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”     Romans 11:36

“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.” Romans 5:5-6

Jesus died for the “ungodly”—that’s all of us before we are born again!!! Yet Jesus loves us so much that He died for “the world” and when we know Him, our life should be a reflection of HIS love and glory to the world!

So how do we practically pursue this kind of life? It’s simple but not easy—we must seek Him to know His servant heart, and then trust HIM to direct our steps—ALL of our steps!!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6

Just as God commands us to “have no other gods before me”, we can’t serve God and anything else! And our example from Daniel reveals the heart of three men who knew what it meant to be totally devoted to God—no matter the cost–men who stood firm even in the face of death.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God

whom we serve

is able

to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:

therefore he spake,

and commanded that they should heat

the furnace one seven times more

than it was wont to be heated.”    Daniel 3:16-19

Three young men with a choice to bow and please the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, or to stand and face what seemed to be certain death. Yet these three servants of God stood firm, and faced the ire of King Nebuchadnezzar, and a fire that he commanded to be seven times hotter than normal. And while we know that God delivered them, they simply stood on the surety that God could deliver them, yet even if He didn’t choose to deliver them, they knew they would still serve only HIM no matter what. How about you? Me? How can we stand and follow God’s calling and purposes in our life? There is a good way revealed by the Apostle Paul as he instructs us to put on the armor of God—enabling us to face the “principalities….powers…rulers of darkness…and spiritual wickedness” by putting on the armor of God, and walking in the power of it. Who are you depending on to fight your battles? Are the armor, power and provision of God, your strength? Or are you depending on your own flesh and wisdom? As we close for today, I want to share a few thoughts regarding the armor of God, and trust that you will spend some time rehearsing and taking to heart the message of Ephesians 6:10-18. With God’s armor on, we can “withstand in the evil day….and having done all to stand…”, knowing that “the battle is not yours, but God’s”!

Put on the armor of God—

His truth—JESUS is the truth–

His right—His righteousness applied to my heart–

His gospel of Peace—in our every step—

with a mindset of servanthood—

not pride and arrogance–

Faith in HIM, HIS will, HIS provision—not ourselves—

HIS Word— as our only offensive weapon—

(Jesus Himself–

THE Word-both spoken and written!)

The battle is the Lord’s—when we walk with HIM in faith, pursuing HIS purposes, and trusting to HIS sufficiency!

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Amen and Amen!!!