Bible Ballistics: BBs #318 An Open And Obedient Heart???

 

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel

was sent from God

unto a city of Galilee,

named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man

whose name was Joseph,

of the house of David;

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said,

Hail, thou that art highly favoured,

the Lord is with thee:

blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him,

she was troubled at his saying,

and cast in her mind

what manner of salutation

this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her,

Fear not, Mary:

for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive

in thy womb,

and bring forth a son,

and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great,

and shall be called

the Son of the Highest:

and the Lord God shall give

unto him the throne

of his father David:

33 And he shall reign

over the house of Jacob

for ever;

and of his kingdom

there shall be no end

34 Then said Mary unto the angel,

How shall this be,

seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered

and said unto her,

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,

and the power of the Highest

shall overshadow thee:

therefore also that holy thing

which shall be born of thee

shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth,

she hath also conceived a son in her old age:

and this is the sixth month with her,

who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38

Here we have the account of Mary the mother of Jesus, and I’d like us to simply consider the wonder of this amazing encounter. What was so special about Mary? What can we learn from this precious young woman—probably a mid-teen aged girl? Yet God chose her to bear His Son. Luke tells us that God’s assessment of the young woman was clear, “thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”!

Highly favored? Why was Mary “highly favored” by God? In scripture “favored” can mean someone or something ‘looks’ good, usually referred to as ‘well-favored’, but here I think God is revealing to us a picture of a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman (although young) who had a heart set on God. Mary wasn’t a lettered scholar, or a queen like Esther, or even one who married a man of means like Ruth, but she was a woman who God saw as worthy of His favor—the favor to be selected as the vessel, the mother of the Messiah. We also see that The Lord was with her. She was already yielded to The Lord’s work in her heart. Just as Old Testament Joseph was carried into slavery yet responded in a godly manner in all his ways, for his character was already established as one sensitive and open to God’s work in his life. In the same way Mary reveals a heart that was already set on God.

Here we find a virtually nameless, unimportant, seemingly unprepossessing (Look it up, but it’s the opposite of ‘favored’!) young teenager, yet she had already made her choice to be devoted to The Almighty God of the universe. Her blessing came out of her availability not any seeming worldly qualifications. Mary was fit before God, and what man thought was unimportant. How about us? Are we so busy striving to impress the world, our co-workers, our peers, our church family, or even our physical family that we have missed the opportunity to be found “highly favoured” before God? Do we focus on things rather than character?

How do we know Mary’s character? I think we can see her character in her responses. She could have run away like Jonah did when he was given an unpleasant task (See Jonah 1:3). Mary could have lied about her situation like Abraham did (See Genesis 12:11 & 20:2). But Mary, even in her fear at the sight of this angel of God, received his words of peace and yielded herself to hear what this messenger had to say. Not only did she hear the message but after asking questions of qualification (not questions in unbelief as Zechariah did in chapter 1) to know how she ought to proceed, she gave herself totally to God to accomplish HIS purposes as HE saw fit.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Verse 38

Mary was willing to endure whatever God had for her, a young virgin teenager, even though Joseph would know it wasn’t his child; her parents would have been skeptical at the least—God did it? Yet Mary stepped out in faith and committed herself to whatever God would do. She trusted God more than her circumstances or those around her. How would she tell her mom and dad? What would Joseph say? What would the neighbors think? The scandal could cause a stir, yet like Isaiah she said, “Here am I; send me”!  (Isaiah 6:3)

What have we said to God? Have I been too busy to say anything to God? Have I said no? Have I said, “Lord, I’m just too busy”? Have we said, “I’m not qualified”? Have we said, “Let someone else do it”? So many answers, but only ONE is pleasing to God. Mary said it, Isaiah said it, Joseph said it, Abraham said it, Jesus said it—will you say YES to God’s call on your life? It’s a question that only you can answer. But one thing to consider is, do you want to be favored, accompanied by and blessed by The Lord? Well, if you do then dig into His Word, spend time with Him in prayer and devotion; listen to His Spirit as a child of God should, and then just say YES!!! “Here am I” Lord!

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Psalms 21:2

“And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.” Isaiah 49:5

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Bible Ballistics: BBs #317 Beautiful Dreamer???

 

As we think about the coming of Jesus Christ The Lord—The Promised Messiah, joy fills my soul. What an amazing love the Lord God Almighty has for us; that He would send “His only begotten Son” to take on human flesh in order to live in this world and endure the cross for my sin.

“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 12:2

Jesus came into this world because of me—because of my sin, and yours! He came to live a life in flesh and bone, yet a sinless life because He was and is the Son of God—the God, man, Savior! And not only did He come for us, but it was God’s plan even before He created us, since He knew that we would fail, sin and need a redeemer, yet He created us anyway! That is more than I can comprehend!

“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,” 1 Peter 1:18-20

God’s plan was always and only Jesus. And in His sovereign majesty and power He sent His Son to die for us. But even more amazing to me, is the fact that He promised Him in more than 300 prophecies of His specific arrival and ministry. I’d like us to look at just one of those today. The promise of “who” Jesus would be! The promise of “what” Jesus would bring. A wonderful promise that Jesus brought to fulfillment at His birth; the promise that Joseph was reminded of as he sought to know how to respond to Mary’s scandalous pregnancy; the promise through which God let him know what he was to do and why. A promise that God had given to Isaiah hundreds of years before, now being fulfilled!

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel/Emmanuel was to be a unique person—the Son of God. And Matthew’s account of this event brings us a full understanding of this prophecy through Joseph’s dream.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name Jesus:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23

“God with us”!!! Praise The Lord God Almighty—He came that we might have life and not death. And when we will but come to Jesus, Emmanuel, in repentance and faith, we can walk in total confidence, because not only did He come to save—but He lives to keep His own! Call on Him today!

“…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5b

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No.24 Need Your Eyes Examined???

 

“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

It is so easy to be distracted. In fact, we live in a distracted world—distracted drivers, distracted marriages, distracted parents, distracted walkers, you can fill in the blank with any activity you can think of. Our world seems to be ever seeking something or somewhere other than what they have or where they are. We live in a world of ever-increasing greed and discontent. And it seems to be a malady that spans the gambit of culture, gender, age, or class. Everyone wants something that someone else has, and many are willing to exercise violence to alleviate the lack.

Even believers/Christians get caught up in this mindset. It’s so easy to buy into the draw and appeal of Madison Avenue advertising glitz. They paint such beautiful pictures and create desires that are based on exaggerated expectations. But as believers in Jesus Christ we have a higher call for our vision. We are to keep our eyes, as well as our hearts and minds set on Jesus. We are to continually be “Looking unto Jesus” for our every need and desire. But how do we overcome the call of the world? How do we overcome the appeal of the glitz and glamour? How do we overcome the drive to perfection and success that is measured in dollars and cents rather than character, integrity and selflessness? Well, let’s see what we can discover from the scripture.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

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

God calls us to a higher plane of living. Paul reminds us and calls us to live as the “servants” of God not His “directors”! We are to recognize our position as beloved children, but at the same time to be devoted servants to the one who redeemed us from the penalty and power of sin in our lives (and He will even deliver us from the very presence of sin when Jesus Christ returns, or we meet Him in death first). How can we not appreciate and cultivate a servant heart that real gratitude produces? Remember the “Prodigal” son who had a complete change of heart when he returned to his father in brokenness and repentance—his father welcomed him with open arms but his heart was ready to serve the father in love and remorse for his sin. Those open arms are there for us but we also need to possess the gratitude that His grace should produce in our lives, as well as keeping our eyes on Jesus to reflect His character and love.

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off,

his father saw him,

and had compassion,

and ran,

and fell on his neck,

and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him,

Father,

I have sinned against heaven,

and in thy sight,

and am no more worthy

to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:17-24

This son who had walked away from his father (“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Ro. 3:23) came home in recognition of the goodness of his father, and his own personal failure and sin. That is how we must come to God the Father, in response to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, with a heart of repentance and faith in the saving power of the blood of the Lamb! And while God welcomes us with open arms and makes us his children through the new birth, we aren’t to become arrogant, presumptuous children but grateful, humble “bond-servants” of the living God of all creation. We should be grateful for His grace and salvation that makes us His own.

“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

And when we are “born…..of God” we have the power to live the transformed life that Romans 12 refers to, and I can do that only through the power of Jesus Christ; yielding to His power’s work in and through me!

“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

Living life with a servant heart demands a heart that is focused on the Savior Jesus Christ rather than self. Oh that sound so easy, but believe me, it is simple but not easy. It requires a change of heart, and a change of mind resulting in a change of behavior—yielding to the Spirit of God in my life and living a life of faith and obedient submission to the One who loves me completely and gave HIMSELF for me!

“5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:5-11

“Let this mind be in you”–with our eyes on Jesus! We must practice this life of submission to the One who loves and leads us, if we will but hear, follow and obey! We must daily, moment by moment “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” by knowing the Word of God and putting it into practice in our every choice and decision; living our life by faith and not by sight—especially the sight of the glitz and glamour (so-called) of the world, but the sight of the One who took on flesh for me; the One who gave His life for mine: the One who was resurrected that we might live in resurrection power! We have the power to live a JESUS focused life when we remember to live as Paul describes, “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”! And remember the reward for those who will have their eyes examined by the Lord, and walk in the vision that His Spirit will give us.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23

And that reward can come if we will but realize that our battle is spiritual and it is of the mind. So we must daily, keep our minds set on Jesus, our eyes looking to Him in all things. Here are a couple of thoughts to take with you through this week—they help me, I hope they will minister to you and help you walk victoriously with your eyes on Jesus!

“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

Recognize the battles—and focus on the Lord! Keep thinking and living by His Word!!!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”     Philippians 4:8

“Looking unto Jesus Looking unto Jesus….

present your bodies a living sacrifice…..

crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…

Let this mind be in you…..”

It’s your choice!!! But remember what the old children’s song says, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see….” Don’t let the things of the world “distract” YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #316 Balancing Rest In Ministry???

 

Many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and especially during this holiday season and approaching end of the year. I’m not trying to “preempt” New Year’s but it is often a time of reflection, resolutions and renewals for a lot of folks, and today I’d like to borrow from that mindset a bit, to remind us that regardless of the times and seasons, we must seek to maintain a healthy balance in our daily lives, both physically and spiritually. We must have balance. Ministry (An every believer is in it, whether we’re paying attention or not; whether we’re a good ‘minister’ or a negligent one) is demanding and it requires strength of soul, heart and mind, which is always dependent on the Holy Spirit!

Jesus called His disciples to rest! He had sent them out on a mission and when they returned, the ‘busy-ness’ surrounded them and Jesus stepped in with good advice; advice that we should heed, and remember in our daily lives.

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart

into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming

and going,

and they had no leisure

so much as to eat.

32 And they departed

into a desert place

by ship

privately.” Mark 6:30-32

Rest is necessary for balance! And we want to be balanced Christians/Believers who are useful to the Master. But we must also guard against laziness and realize that we are to be about God’s business in all we do. We are to rest in Him, giving our body, mind, and spirit good, healthy, and appropriate rest.

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”    John 4:34

But we must guard against laziness and sloth, especially in a culture that worships ease, and leisure! We are to be an example of excellence NOT excess, in all our service to God; knowing that we are to be about God’s “business” in every word and deed, and finding that balance of rest and work by listening to the Holy Spirit.

We must make time to learn from God—alone with Him, feasting on His Word and dwelling intimately in His presence through prayer (For prayer isn’t just talking, it also requires listening and meditating on what we have learned from HIS Word!). Then we can have the right time for ministry to others, whatever kind of ministry God has given us; whether it’s a mom at home meeting the needs of her family in a godly way; whether it’s a pastor pushed beyond human limits; or a doctor facing the worst of circumstances on a daily basis; or a entry level worker looking toward promotion. Even if you’re retired and have time for travel, helping or volunteering in various ways; is Jesus seen in all your activities? We must learn to hear and obey the call of God to whatever ministry He has for us, in whatever season of life we may be living—in fact God has a job that YOU need to do! But we must first cultivate intimacy with God and spend time with Him, then go forward to reach our corner of the world for Jesus! Taking time to rest along the way, but not getting into that ‘lazy’ mindset that says something like, “I’ve done my share, now I get to sit down and enjoy life”!!! Duh! When I’m serving Jesus, I AM enjoying life—abundant and complete life. But it takes determination and a devotion to God—seeking Him first in all we do and say, and He will provide and teach us balance, if we will but listen and yield to His Spirit!!! Not man’s idea of balance, but God’s! Excellence not perfection!!!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

Seek Him and rest in HIM today. Blessings on your day!

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #315 A Refuge Amidst The Chaos!!!

 

I just want to share a bit from the Word of God this morning to encourage and lift up all of us in the busy-ness of the times. Sometimes we all become overwhelmed by the activities around us and the demands that come knocking at our door unexpectedly. There is no better encouragement than the truths and promises of the Word of God! Just a few tidbits of truth to boost your spirits and brighten your day.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”                                                           Psalm 23:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

“But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalm 73:28

I pray that this will give you some food for thought (and there are no calories in this ‘food’) today, and that God will speak to your heart and lift your eyes to the heavens and the one who Reigns from there. Remember God’s got this and you can trust HIM!!! Have a blessed day dear ones!!!