Bible Ballistics: BBs #271  Take Heart—Remember WHO IS In Charge!!!

With all the craziness going on around us, it’s easy to be discouraged, if not totally disheartened for our country, our families and our future, but as our title implies—take heart my friends. Regardless of where you live, what you do or where you’re headed, we can take heart if we’ll but remember “WHO IS” in charge; and it’s not the weatherman, the government, nor the economy! Our hope and our focus needs to elsewhere!

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,

as the rivers of water:

he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes:

but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable

to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:1-3

GOD IS IN CHARGE! He is in charge of all things, He is the creator God of the entire universe, and He hasn’t gone to sleep during this time of world chaos, or the political scene wherever you may live. God hasn’t gone to sleep or given up on anything or anyone who is willing to hear and believe in the salvation that He has provided for:

“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:12-14

So if “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”, what does that mean you? Of course it is true, but it must be understood that this isn’t just “using” The Lord’s name for your own purposes; it doesn’t mean calling on the name of God and/or His Son Jesus Christ, as some magic “get out of jail free” card, or some “formula” for good fortune; but rather the call of one who has seen their lost and sinful condition before The Holy God of the universe. It is the call of one who hears the voice of the Holy Spirit revealing their own sinful lostness to themselves, and turn to the Lord for the only salvation that will provide “eternal life” (See John 3:16-21), and deliverance from the “wages of sin”, which to the surprise of many, “is death”!

But, praise God Almighty, that isn’t the end of the story. God has provided His Only Begotten Son to deliver us from those “wages”, and Jesus paid our debt on Calvary, so we can rejoice that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (See Romans 6:23) The answer to all your questions and uncertainties IS JESUS. We can trust Him with life, death and everything in between—living in this world of corruption, craziness and chaos. And because Jesus gives us hope and power to overcome the world, we don’t have to be discouraged or downhearted when we hear and see difficult things going on around us.

We can take heart and press on in the power of the Lord, knowing that the Psalmist had it right! And I’d like to take a little liberty to share with you a personal “paraphrase” of Psalm 121. Please take some time today to read this precious and encouraging Psalm in its original form.

“I will lift up mine eyes

unto the halls of government?

I don’t think so!

So from whence cometh my help?.

2 My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

and all that is it!

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold,

he that keepeth Israel (forever)

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy one dependable keeper:

the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand,

when all around you is ablaze.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:

in the government,

in worldy affairs,

in chaotic weather and worldy events,

he shall preserve thy soul through it all.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.”    Psalm 121 paraphrased

So, where is your confidence? We are called to follow Jesus and be wise stewards of all that He has entrusted to us; and for us here in America, that includes good stewardship of our civic responsibility. Please don’t be so distracted and disheartened that you don’t participate in the coming election. My encouragement to you is to remember WHO IS in charge; pray, pray, pray; and vote as God gives you insight and understanding. Only HE can! If you belong to Jesus take heart—we win!!! The battle may be long and hard, and the struggles wearying, but keep Jesus in view!

“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

Look up dear friend—Look up!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #270    Trust In The LORD???

Just a word of encouragement and challenge for this middle of the week! I pray that your day is going well, but even if it’s been bumpy or you are heading into the storm, God is still on HIS throne, and HE will carry you through. We must simply “give it to Jesus”!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

God knows and He cares, but how do I learn to “Let It Go”? It’s not easy but it is simple. I must learn to trust God. And to do that I must exercise my faith:

Putting feet to my prayers (action to my words—

by getting up when I stumble—

by looking up when my chin is dragging the ground—

              by counting on God before I count ‘me’ out!

He is worthy of our confidence!

“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

And just how do we do that?

Trust: firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something.

We rely on God—He never fails, and He never leaves His own.

All: used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing; used to emphasize the greatest possible amount of a quality.

We must depend on God and trust Him with ALL of our heart, with all of our life! It means we don’t keep back a part in reserve for plan “B”, just in case God might fail. It means we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that “our God reigns”! And HE does—past, present, and future. HE NEVER fails, and we can depend on Him, no matter what we see, hear, or feel—HE stands true.

“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

Did you get that? God has promised to “never leave thee, nor forsake thee”!!! And God keeps HIS promises—ALWAYS!!!

Lean: incline from the perpendicular and rest for support on or against (something).

And that “something” must be God “not unto thine own understanding”! You must determine for yourself that:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

We can always “lean” on God’s omniscient wisdom, and know that He never “slips” up, or ‘dozes off’! No never!

Acknowledge: to accept or admit the existence or truth of (anything).

We must be ready and willing to “admit” that God alone is truly God, and we are committed to following Him, through His Son Jesus Christ, who died for our sin (going our own way).

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

We have all “slipped”—but God made a way for us to be restored to relationship and fellowship with Him, through the blood of His “only begotten Son” (See John 3:16 & Romans 5:8) So the question is, are you acknowledging Him “In all thy ways”? Or are you trying to pick and chose the things you are willing to acknowledge before God? Because when we “acknowledge” Him in “all” our ways, He can and will give us perfect direction.

Direct (as a verb): control the operation of; manage or govern.

So the question comes down to this, “Who is in control of your life?” You or God? If you’ll but let God “direct thy paths”, you will find peace and confidence beyond measure and then you will understand how to react to this world:

“Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the Lord,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance,

and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord;

neither be weary of his correction:” Proverbs 3:7-11

The “rest of the story”, so to speak, when we are willing to trust HIM with ALL our heart, and NOT go our own way, but His! Who are you trusting today? God is waiting for YOU! It’s your decision. Choose well, there is a ‘test’ at the “end”!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 22 The Holiness of God!!!

       (A revision of an earlier post)

Exodus 3:5-6  “And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”

 Holiness!!!  Because of things that I have seen and heard lately, I feel compelled to talk about the “Holiness” of God.  I’ve done a lot of soul-searching and wrestling with my own heart and conscience about the way things seem to be, as well as how we perceive and reflect God’s truth to the world, and I feel completely compelled to share my thoughts with you.  I pray that you will receive them and judge the things that I share here today (as always) by the Word of God.

You might wonder, “Why do we need to deal with the “holiness” of God?”  Of course every one knows that “God” is “Holy”.  Right?  Well, I hope to examine our view of God, His holiness and whether or not we reflect the true Holiness of God.  Do we show His character and His words in our every day lives?  Who or what are we really showing to the world?

Recent events have really burdened me to call us to account as to whether we are a TRUE reflection of the Holy God that we serve?  What does the world think about God if their opinion is based on our behavior, our words, and our actions –the things that we say and do, especially in a public venue, especially in our churches?  I was in a “church” situation some time ago and was so overwhelmed by the things that I heard from the “pulpit” that I feel compelled to share some of the things that disturbed me and ask you to question for yourself if they disturb you.

I would like to relate some things, which caused me great consternation.  As kind and comforting things were being shared about an individual, things began to be said referring to “heaven”.  Most of the comments had nothing to do with the “Biblical” description, the truth and hope of heaven, but more about making heaven sound like a perfect pasture on the back 40, where cowboys (or cowgirls or anyone) can continue to do what they’ve always done, but with no disturbances or interferences from difficulties.  Heaven was described and portrayed as an opportunity to do as one pleases, as is done in this life.  As if just adding Jesus’ name onto any activity, inappropriate behavior, or anything ‘fun’ makes it OK with GOD. 

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”  James 4:4

Jokes and stories were shared that had to have “bleeps” (you know the use of blankety-blank…) as the language being recounted was inappropriate.  Why mention such stories in church in the first place?  Even more importantly why would one who claims to belong to Jesus want to use such language, or to imply approval of such behavior and the use of such language, thus implying God must also approve.  After all none of us is “perfect”, all of us are a little ‘rough around the edges’.  Not an excuse that I think God accepts!

Not one mention of wanting to see Jesus, who gave Himself for our salvation and the privilege to enter heaven.  Not one mention of being in God’s presence. Not one mention of heaven being the place where we “worship a Holy God” and praise and thank Him for sending Jesus to save us through His death on the cross,  

“....how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”. 1 Corinthians 15:3b

Yes, there was a call for people to “invite Jesus to be ‘boss’ of their lives” but no mention of repentance, faith or any allusion to the life-transforming power of Jesus—not one picture to the those listening, of what “God” has done, can do, and does in and through those who trust Jesus for salvation! 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new..”   2 Cor. 5:17

Yes we are all a work in progress but do we reflect that “Christ liveth in me….” (Gal. 2:20)

Now, please don’t misunderstand me, I think people should be applauded for the good things they have done and accomplished in their lives.  But when we claim the name of Jesus, shouldn’t that call us to be a reflection of His glory—of His Spirit at work in us.

Psalm 118:14 tells us “ The Lord is my strength and song, and HE has become MY SALVATION.”   Implied here is the idea of realizing that it is no longer my life but Christ’s.  Just as Paul says in Gal 2:20:

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life that I NOW live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 

We are called to reflect Christ living in us—to let Him be seen in all we say and do.  That is, or should be, our goal!

It seems that rather than calling others to the word of God and the truth of what God says about heaven, many would rather paint a picture of the ‘big roundup’ in the sky where no one will be bothered with any regard for God or His service again.  Just a great continuation of our present activities with no annoyances, including God!  We are farm people and I love the agricultural life but when and where did we get the right to change heavenly things into earthly things?  Jesus tells us in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:9+ & Luke 11:2+) that we are to pray,  “Hallowed by THY name, THY kingdom come, THY will be done, on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” (NOT VICE VERSA).  We are called to be “conformed to the image of HIS SON” (See Romans 8:28-29), when instead we, as a culture, seem to be “conforming God into our image”.  What has happened to us?

Have we come so far from “Biblical” truth that we don’t even know what God’s word says?  It seems that we have so ‘paraphrased, rationalized, corrected, improved and modernized’ the Bible that we don’t know the difference between God’s Word/Words and our “opinion” of what God says?  Why not rather proclaim God’s word “without apology” or “adjustment” to what He has said clearly and plainly.  My heart grieves that we have come so far in this direction that no one even notices the error.  In a large crowd of people who were laughing and accepting all that was being said, it appeared that we two (my husband and myself) were part of only a “few” not laughing at the things being said.  I was grieved, NOT amused.

Not to be taking scripture out of context myself, but I think there is a parallel we can apply in the passage in Revelation 22:18-19 that “If any man shall add unto these things……….if any man shall take away from the words of the book……” God promises judgment to those who would change “HIS” Word!  I tremble to think that we are behaving so ignorantly of God’s Word and don’t realize that we are bringing ourselves, our churches and those who hear us, into judgment before a HOLY GOD because we aren’t willing to stand on the Word of God, and let it stand for itself!!!

Oh, how my heart longs to see our people-God’s people- once again become people of THE WORD. In the many of our past letters we have looked over and over again at God’s call on us.

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.    

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  

Only One Way–Jesus!  Only One standard–the Word of God!  In Matthew 24:35;Mark 13:31;Luke 21:33 all three gospels record what Jesus Himself said “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”  

My main obligation as a child of God is to bring Him glory, and when I am born again, His Spirit will control my life as I yield to Him, as Colossians 1:27 reminds us:

“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:”  

That is Christ IN me, IN you, if you have been born again by the Spirit of God!  For as Jesus said in John 15:

“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 

It’s all about Jesus, and that should be our total strength and purpose for living our lives in this world.  

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

May we all be willing to examine our “view” of God’s Holiness and Glory and may we be willing to give the world a true picture of our Sovereign God of all.  As Paul said in Philippians 1:21

“For TO ME to live IS Christ and to die is gain.”  

 Am I standing on the word–

or fables–

traditions–

opinions–

or the deceptions of the enemy? 

Am I honoring the HOLY GOD that I claim to love and serve?   

Am I speaking HIS Word or mine? 

I can join the Psalmist and pray earnestly–

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

I felt truly burdened to share these things with you all, and I pray that God will use them to speak to your heart and mine!  Have a blessed week in the Lord and please know I am always open to your comments.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #269    A Way That Seems Right???

 

It seems we are inundated with information, options, and facts these days—but much of what we hear and see is much less than the “truth”! We live in a world gone awry with “selfies” and everything focused on “ME”! But those of us who follow Jesus are called to walk to a ‘different drum’, if you would. We are called to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus, and filter everything around us with eyes trained by the fruit of the Spirit, in contrast to the fruits of the flesh.

“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. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:19-26

I know this is a bit lengthy but it is so important that we understand that those who belong to Jesus are a “new creation”, and are to walk by the Spirit of Jesus not the spirit of the world! We need to examine the things around us in light of the differences revealed above. We are to measure and examine the things that we see and hear by the standard that God has established, not the perverted, twisted and corrupt agenda of the world.

We can fool people, people can fool us, and we can even fool ourselves, but we will never fool God. And when we stand before HIM, and we all will, we will give an account of why we didn’t obey the One who died for us. For ultimately all sin is against God, and as God told the children of Reuben, Manasseh, and Gad, when they asked to be able to claim their land on the “other” side of the Jordan:

“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Number 32:23

We can hide our sin from people, sometimes even those closest to us, but God hears and sees all and it is God that we will give an account to in time. And it is God’s Word and God’s standard that we will be accountable to!!! And He won’t have to guess.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13

So my challenge to us today is, check your ways! Be sure you are following the right ‘God’ and that you haven’t been distracted and deceived by the world and it’s lies!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25

And how do we make sure that we are going the right way? I’ll just share a couple of concise scriptures to help you check the enemy at the door, so to speak.

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

Get in the Word of God and hide it in your heart and mind.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

And then examine all things by God’s ‘checklist’!

“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

So measure the things that are around us in light of “who” we belong to, and what HE has said. After all my friends, Jesus IS truth. Not just ‘a’ truth, but “TRUTH”, period!!! And while there is a way that “seemeth” right to men, there is only ONE way that is “The Way”. His name is Jesus, and He alone will lead us into “abundant life”, when we choose to follow HIM!

“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

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #268    Stormy Weather!!!

 

We spent much of the afternoon and evening yesterday watching the storm forecasts. The prediction for severe weather was looming, and when you live in Oklahoma, you know to keep an eye “skyward”, and be prepared for the storms that may come, the tornados that can drop from the sky and turn life and limb upside down. But thank God, we only got the rain and the wind this time.

But there are also storms of life that have nothing to do with the atmosphere or weather. They are storms of crisis, emotion, love or grief. And I just want to take a few minutes of your time today to remind you that we serve the God who cares about our welfare—the one who is the greatest shelter in the entire world. The Almighty Creator God of the universe not only created you, but He knows where you are and He cares.

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

We can humble ourselves before the God who cares, for the very reason that HE IS GOD—and HE does CARE!!! He is there for you, and you can trust Him, and rest in His grace and power.

“For thou hast been a strength to the poor,

a strength to the needy in his distress,

a refuge from the storm,

a shadow from the heat,

when the blast of the terrible ones

is as a storm against the wall.” Isaiah 25:4

He knows the foes you face and His strength can carry you through, if you will but trust yourself to His care.

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,

when my heart is overwhelmed:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been a shelter for me,

and a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever:

I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:2-4

No matter where you are, He will hear your cry and know what you need!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Safety may sometimes be in ‘numbers’, but there is ALWAYS safety in the “strong tower” of the Lord God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ.

So come to Jesus with all your storms, trials and/or difficulties! Praise Him and thank Him that He is ever at work in your life. And remember, “God never says, ‘oops’!” (David Ring), because your situation didn’t catch Him by surprise! God knows your storms and He is able to deliver—in, out, or through!!! Look up; see the One who died for YOU!!! The One who gave His life (when He didn’t have to) will give life, eternal life, to all who will believe in His death, burial and resurrection for our sin. He loves you! He gave His life for yours! HE IS ABLE!!! He hasn’t given up on YOU, or you wouldn’t be here. He sent this message for YOU! “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth me

shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:35-37

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

I pray blessings on your day, dear one. If your soul is hungry, Jesus will fill your soul with Himself—His love, and His Spirit–because He is able and He cares!!! He proved that at Calvary! If you “hear” His voice, won’t you respond to Him? He truly loves you and cares about your life!!! And He is coming soon!!!