Bible Ballistics: Vol. 9 No.03 Eyewitness Or Tale-Bearer???

 

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

We can only share what we possess. We live in a culture of presumption and greed. ‘Name-It-And-Claim-It’ theology has lead many believers to focus on self instead of Christ Jesus and it has produced a “Christian” culture that is totally focused on self—self-promotion, self-gratification, self-aggrandizement, resulting in a self-first focus. All this “self-focus”, is replacing our call to being and living as children of God, children who put God first, and are devoted to The Father and The Son, willing to suffer loss of all things to bring glory to our Lord Jesus! Jim Elliot caused great stir when he and several others forsook all to take the Gospel to those who had never heard; to those who could present an imminent threat to their lives; those in fact, who did take the lives of five godly missionaries. Jim Elliot’s answer to those who would question his purpose and resolve rocked the world then, and still does for those who will grasp its simple power today: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot.

What a mighty statement and reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly life, especially when contrasted to the eternal nature of God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom, which can only be entered into through the blood of The Lord Jesus Christ and His substitutionary, atoning death alone. And we can only share that truth if we have received Jesus as Savior and Lord, and entered into that kingdom. Many people can’t share the Gospel because they don’t know Jesus, except as a by-word or a magic potion to be pulled out in emergencies or crises. Paul so aptly reminds us of something so simple, yet so profound—we can only give what we possess.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Jesus died for the sins of the world, and just like Saul (Who became Paul after his conversion), only those who receive Him as Lord and Savior will ever know the freedom of being saved “from their sins”! It’s why He came. Jesus saved and changed Saul into the Apostle Paul, and HE is still saving and changing lives today. How about you? Have you received Him personally?

“.… and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21b

When Jesus saves us form our sins, He makes us “children” of God; joint heirs with Himself, The Son. But to be His, we must come to Him in repentance and faith, receiving the “life” which He came to give—we experience a new birth in Jesus, through HIS blood. Jesus imparts real, vibrant and abundant life in and through Himself and His Spirit. Life transforming power that is worth sharing!

“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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”     John 1:10-14

Until we behold “his glory”, we will never have anything to share. For only Jesus gives life, abundant life that is worth sharing: life that is powerful enough to change others when we share HIS truth and glory, calling others to Jesus. But only when we have His salvation, know Him and posses His eternal life, can we do that which is truly pleasing to God. We can choose to be an “eye-witness” to the wonder and glory of the Redeemer and Lord, Jesus Christ, or we can simply be content as talebearers. Telling about that which we have never truly seen and heard in our own hearts. We can only give “hearsay” testimony not the real, vibrant and pulsing life of Jesus that dwells in those who genuinely come to Him in repentance and faith. Then we will have the power to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same

bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

His own child/brother/sister, abiding and devoted to the Him who is the only One who can and will give His life to those who come to Him! And only those who see and recognize their own emptiness and futility will ever come to Jesus. Until people see their lostness without Jesus, they will never see the need for The Savior.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

The Gospel of The Savior came to one who was hated and despised by men—a tax collector, a publican! Zacchaeus, the wee little man of children’s song, ran ahead of the crowd to climb up into a tree to see this traveling preacher and teacher, and when Jesus called to him, he responded in repentance and faith (Read the whole story in Luke 19 for yourself!). What an amazing situation to those witnessing this encounter, that Jesus would save such a great sinner (As the world judges things!), yet Jesus clearly proclaimed that He came for sinners! And until we see our own sin, we will never have any desire to come to Jesus. We can choose to justify our actions to others, and ourselves or we can hear the voice of God speaking to our hearts and respond in the same kind of repentance and faith that brought salvation to Zacchaeus! You can become an eyewitness—or you can remain in your sin and continue to not know Jesus or His power in your life.

Will we stand with Peter and John and declare that we must share what we “have seen and heard”? Will we continue in our own ways, our own sins, our own choices and consequences? Or will we come to the only One who can and will save those bow before Him. And I must remind you that the question isn’t “Will you bow?” for the time is coming when “every knee shall bow”! Well, if “every knee shall bow”, why are we having this conversation? Because it is a life or death subject—we can choose to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in this life and know Him in redemption and salvation, or you WILL bow before Him as the final judge with no option available for salvation.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth

and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-15

The choice is yours, but don’t wait too long, for none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Are you an eyewitness of what Jesus has done in your life? Or are you a talebearer, speaking only that which is second-hand news, or even ‘fake-news’? The choice is completely yours, but choose wisely, there is a test at the end! Don’t waste your opportunity; God’s grace won’t always be available! My calling, as His child, is to speak “the truth in love” and remind us all to be ready, for the Lord and King is coming—and very soon, I believe!

“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

“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

I pray that you will hear the voice of God’s Holy Spirit speaking to your heart and bow before Jesus today, calling on the name of Jesus, and through His blood receiving the forgiveness of your sin, and redemption of your soul. And if you already know Him, will you join me, in bowing before our King, asking Him to search our hearts and cleanse us; bringing us anew to the place of “first love” service and relationship with Him. (See Revelation 2:1-11) I want to be HIS eyewitness not just a “tale-bearer” trying to work up something that will impress the world. May our desire ever be to seek Him and bring glory to Him in all we do? How about you? Where are your priorities? May we faithfully be the light of the world as Jesus works in and through our humble surrender to Him, a light before the world, that those who see us will recognize that we have “been with Jesus”(Acts 4:13)! Oh, may that be my epitaph when my days are over. God saved me by His grace, through the blood of Jesus, and I want to be found faithful before Him. My Redeemer and the One who has forgiven my sin, and made me HIS child—will you join me as an eyewitness to HIS saving grace!!!

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:22-24

Thank Him today.

Shine for Him today.

Be a real, genuine eyewitness.

Leave the tale-bearing behind, and follow the one who has delivered, transformed, redeemed and forgiven all who will come to Him in repentance and faith! As John told us so clearly:

“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” John 1:12

Amen and Amen.

“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

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #326   Restore Me Today, Lord???

 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.”    Psalm 139:23-24

Just a few words of encouragement today that our hearts may seek the Lord in all we do. I’m talking to those of us who know the Lord, and while we’re not usually tempted to rob banks, or do harm to others, we are often subtly tempted to substitute other things for our devotion and allegiance to God. It is a subtle attack from the enemy and comes in by inches and not miles, so it often goes undetected for way to long!

Join me in asking, “What have I allowed to come between the Lord Jesus and me”? What things have crept in and caused me to compromise things that should be bedrock? What thoughts and words do I indulge in that bring shame to my Lord, and harm to others? Who am I focused on—My Lord or me? I know these seem like redundant questions, but that is why it is so important that we ask them; it’s what the Psalmist calls us to. Not just then, not just today, but every day. We are called to run the race, and it’s a marathon NOT a sprint! We must keep our eyes on the goal; on the prize; on The Lord God Almighty and The Only Begotten Son, “who loved me and gave Himself for me….”! We must keep Jesus in view! (See Galatians 2:20)

“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

Don’t throw in the towel. We win! Instead keep “Looking unto Jesus” who gave Himself for YOU! Come to His throne to be refreshed, renewed and revived for “the race that is set before us”. Our provision is in the one who paid the price with His own blood, and is continually interceding for us. We win because we belong to the victor, not because we work hard, or are great in and of ourselves, or because we are ‘better’ than others. We win because of HIM! Look up my friend—Jesus never fails (even when we do)!

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Put your hand in His and rest in His grace, love and purpose for YOU!!! Today!!! Ask Him to “search” your heart! He will, and He will show you how to be restored. (Read 2 Timothy 2:25 and 3:16-17)

Bible Ballistics: BBs #325   When You’re In The Dark!!!

 

We all have times that seem to overwhelm us. I know it can be disheartening, but just as there’s only one way to “eat an elephant”, and that’s “one bite at a time”; we can also get out of the darkness “one step at a time”, because we serve the one who IS LIGHT! I also know that when we have issues going on (Whether they are physical, emotional or mental), they can often lead to difficult times; and we all have times of life changing circumstances: whether they be physical crises, emotional turmoil, or just those ‘seasons of life’ type of changes. These life-changers can be hard to deal with, especially when they often come on us within short periods of time. We can pray, we can turn to friends and family, but sometimes we just become overwhelmed with it all. What are we to do then?

I have learned that Satan often attacks when we are weary, tired and unsettled sometimes when those changes come to our lives. These are the times that we must count on what we “know” not what we “feel”. I can’t tell you how many times I have encountered those times when I just have to keep telling myself, “I’m not giving up, I’m not giving up, I’m not giving up!” because I know that God hasn’t taken a break, or stepped down off of His throne! It is in these times that we must dig into The Word and camp out on what we know, what we find, and then keep digging in for more. I’d like to share some of the passages with you all that I camp out on in those times; and while I don’t have all the answers I do know WHO does have the answers, and God has given them to us in HIS Word!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”   2 Timothy 1:7

“For the which cause I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded

that he is able

to keep that

which I have committed

unto him against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”    2 Timothy 1:12-13

We can take small steps, one day at a time—in fact there are days I just take it one minute at a time—we don’t have to be fast or perfect, just faithful. And Jesus knows exactly where we are, and while the dark days may make us ‘feel’ like He has moved, believe me dear friends, HE hasn’t gone anywhere, and if we will but simply keep rehearsing what we know to be true, we will find the light again. Don’t accept the lies of the enemy. We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle, and while the victory has already been won for us, we must remember to WHOM we belong! And we must recognize that no person is the enemy, and we must put on the armor of God and stand fast in these evil days against the real enemy of our souls and our lives, even as Jesus reminded us.

“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.” John 10:10

And while Jesus already defeated that “thief”, who is Satan, he is still at work until the time that Jesus comes to establish His kingdom on earth. But in the meantime, we must put on the armor that Jesus has given us to defend ourselves with.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins

girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

The “shield of faith” is simply standing in what you know to be true about Jesus, He who bought our salvation with His own blood; not letting what we “feel” get us down and distracted! The mind is the battlefield where we fight and win the victory in this spiritual warfare of life, as we use the weapons of the ‘armor of God’ in those dark corners that try to overcome us.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Another thing that helps me is to keep some good praise music on, it helps the heart and soul to praise our God because God loves our praise, and it also helps to dispel the darkness.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

One of my favorite passages is Psalm 121, and always reminds me that we must look up and not at the lions roaring about our feet. God has this!!!

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Psalm 121

Another great passage to memorize and one that I rely on continually, is also found in the Psalms.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Psalm 37:3-8

I don’t mean to sound preachy, but I do want to share this food for thought from these passages for you to study and meditate on. I know there may be many reading this that have deep darkness over there hearts, and I hope and pray that this will help to dispel the darkness with the “light” of God’s Word. I know how hard dark times can be, and having been through a rough year myself, I know how weary and tired we can become, and that is when the enemy will be knocking at the door, in fact he will be trying to bang down the door with a battering ram—but remember, WE WIN. So try to think on the things of God and bank on what you KNOW instead of what you feel, and to know truth, we must dig into the Word on a consistent and regular basis.

“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 4:8-9

Think on these things dear one! You are loved and prayed for.

“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

You are not alone—so get in The Word!!!

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 9 No.02 “This Is The Day”, Every Day!!!

 

We often quote the Psalmist, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” I’d like us to consider that this isn’t a one-day thing! This is a principle of living a victorious Christian life, a victorious life of one who follows Jesus, because we truly do serve the creator of the universe, The Lord God Almighty, Jesus His Son, and The Holy Spirit, so let’s consider the truth of living “This Day” ‘for’, ‘with’, ‘by’ and ‘through’ the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not a ‘special day’ thing, (Although it is a special way to live!) but an ‘every day’ thing! Living for God 24-7-365, reflecting His glory and character in all we do—so that others will see Jesus in us, and be drawn to Him! It’s what we’re called to do, so let’s take some time to assess our lives before God and seek HIS face in order to live 2017 in a “This Day” way. May we join with the Psalmist in his call in Psalm 118?

“I will praise thee:

for thou hast heard me,

and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused

is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord’s doing;

it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.

25 Save now,

I beseech thee,

O Lord:

O Lord, I beseech thee,

send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh

in the name of the Lord:

we have blessed you

out of the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord,

which hath shewed us light:

bind the sacrifice with cords,

even unto the horns of the altar.

28 Thou art my God,

and I will praise thee:

thou art my God,

I will exalt thee.

29 O give thanks unto the Lord;

for he is good:

for his mercy endureth for ever.”    Psalm 118:21-29

We can have “This Day” life because of that “stone which the builders refused”–Jesus Christ; and it is “the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes”, so we can “rejoice and be glad in it.” All because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary. Have you trusted Him? If you know Him and have trusted your life to Him at the cross, you can “rejoice” in Jesus regardless of your circumstances. He is the Lord of All; HE is trustworthy, and I am so glad I trust Him now!!! I may fail Him every day, but He never fails me!

So what are we to do? I believe we are called to yield ourselves to the work and leadership of the Holy Spirit, who will direct our steps through The Word of God!! Dig in!

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

Knowing The Word enables it to work within our hearts. The Word is the standard of God, and if we don’t know it, we won’t always discern the directions of His Spirit leading us, and we can be easily deceived!

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

God wants to order our steps. Will you resolve to follow Him more closely on a consistent basis? May we strive for it today? It’s a matter of the heart, and Jesus makes it very clear that what comes out of the mouth will reveal what is truly in a persons heart. I’m not talking about a slip of the tongue occasionally, but I am talking about a mouth that reveals a heart full of anger, wrath and bitterness instead of the love of God (See Romans 5:1-5). Like my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time. You can fool some of the people all of the time. And you can fool yourself, but you CAN’T FOOL GOD”! God knows our heart and it will come out sooner or later.

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O Lord, my strength,

and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Do we want to be pleasing and acceptable in God’s sight, or man’s? The choice is yours and mine. Are we willing to yield ourselves to God and commit to setting priorities based on what will bring godliness, or what will bring worldly success? Only you and I can answer that question. May we answer in light of what Jesus said about our words!

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word

that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”     Matthew 12:34-37

Jesus isn’t talking about “good works” that save us, but the regenerate heart that reveals a relationship of God and man. Not the religion of what “good” I can do, but a relationship with God because of what Jesus did at Calvary. A “good man” is only good by the saving power of Jesus Christ—the blood of the Lamb that saves us from our sin.

“Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver

and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith

and hope

might be in God.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls

in obeying the truth

through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love of the brethren,

see that ye love one another

with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth

and abideth for ever.”     1 Peter 1:18-23

Being “born again” through the blood of the victorious Lamb, Lord, Savior and King—Jesus!!! And when Jesus saves us, He transforms our hearts and lives, to be lived out before a lost and dying world, and our mouth will ultimately reveal a changed heart or an unregenerate one?

“And Jesus said,

Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in

at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:16-20

Will I hear “Well done thou good and faithful servant” or “depart from me, I never knew you”? Please check your heart—it is the mirror of the soul, and your mouth will verify or deny what you claim to possess—Jesus in truth and life, or imitation that cannot save!

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 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 7:15-23

My simple question for you is, “Are you a real sheep, or a wolf dressed up in a sheep skin?” What do your speech and actions reveal? What will Jesus say to you? May we make this year a time of opening our hearts to God’s searchlight of examination, looking in that mirror of The Word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit make the adjustments that need to be made in our lives to be found pleasing to our Master? Or if you don’t yet know Him, may it be a time of coming to Jesus for salvation and life. (See John 3:1-19 and 1:11-13)

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139-23-24

And as James so succinctly reminds us—‘saying so doesn’t make it so’—or as the old adage says, “Your actions are speaking so loudly, that I can’t hear your words!”   How about you? How about me?

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh

into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you

seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:22-26

Will you live “This Day”, or are you still putting it off till “some day”? The choice is yours—but choose wisely, the consequences are eternal. “This is the day”! Amen!!! I pray that “This is the day” for you to draw near to God!

“Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”   James 4:8

Today!!! Every day!!! Amen!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #324     On To 2017 To…….???

 

As we talked last time about the need to remember that Jesus didn’t stay in the “manger”, I’d like us to take it a bit farther and consider where we are going from the “manger”. I pray that we will join with Paul and commit to be devoted to the cross of Christ and His power, not the appeal of the flesh, nor the gratification of worldly pleasures. I want to move on from the manger to the crucified life with Jesus.

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined

not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you

in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching

was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith

should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-5

We can stay at the manger, enamored with the baby, or we can go on and grow through the work of the cross. We can embrace the life that is totally lived out by the power of the cross and the blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. We can allow the work of the Holy Spirit to purify, cleanse and sanctify us for His service. Sanctify:

“Verb (used with object), sanctified, sanctifying

1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

2. to purify or free from sin: Sanctify your hearts.

3. to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate  or binding: to sanctify a vow.

4. to entitle to reverence or respect.

5. to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.”

Jesus will grow us in His grace, power and courage to be bold servants who accomplish His work, by His power, and for HIS glory, if we will but “fix our eyes on Him”. May this be our heart’s desire as children of God?

“But what things were gain to me,

those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless,

and I count all things but loss

for the excellency

of the knowledge of Christ Jesus

my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss

of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through

the faith of Christ,

the righteousness which

is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable

unto his death;”    Philippians 3:7-10

Oh, to “KNOW HIM”—more and more each day. To march on into 2017 with a heart set on KNOWING HIM more each day. And that can only be done as we march on, in His power and Spirit, to the cross from the manger; growing in our devotion to Him and our sensitivity and yieldedness to His Spirit’s leading. (See John 16:13)

“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.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

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

This is not a cause for condemnation, but a clear contrast between the flesh and the Spirit—the Holy Spirit of God, who is dwelling within and at work in the lives of those who genuinely belong to Jesus. What marks your life? Is the Spirit’s work evident in your heart and life? And as I’m often heard to say, “Saying so, doesn’t make it so!” But belonging to Jesus, and having His Spirit within us does make it so. No Holy Spirit—No Jesus—No Life!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him

that raised up Jesus from the dead

dwell in you,

he that raised up Christ from the dead

shall also quicken your mortal bodies

by his Spirit

that dwelleth in you.”     Romans 8:1 & 9-11

Will you choose Jesus, and walk in the power of His Spirit? I pray that you will go on from the manger to the cross in this coming year. May we take up our cross, die to self, and live the crucified life with the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His Blood for US! Resolve to stay near the cross, letting nothing come between your heart and the Savior!!!

“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