Bible Ballistics: BBs #261      I Can Because He Did!!!

 

“Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed

both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13

We often hear this verse used to claim “God’s” power to do things; yet often times it is taken out of context to re-enforce a mindset of the “prosperity” teaching which is very presumptuous on God. When we observe this verse in it’s context, we find that Paul is talking about “contentment” with our circumstances—we can trust our past, present and future to our sovereign God. Paul is calling us to learn trust and contentment in God’s sovereign control of our lives, to know and rest in the assurance that whether we are abased or abounding, we can trust it all to our God. Whether we are hungry or full, we can trust that to our God as well, and because our God is trustworthy “I can do all things through Christ”, because Jesus has provided all that we need:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

We are saved to thrive in God’s Spirit, power and grace. We are enabled by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, to be all that God has purposed for us—we can do “all” things that HE calls, equips and leads us to do!!! Remember Jesus’ model prayer, “THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE”? We are to seek God’s will and God’s work, not our own comfort, ease and indulgence!!! Jesus said:

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b

I can do “all”, because He has done “all” that is demanded of our Holy God to provide “peace” with Him.

“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.” Romans 5:1-2

We can rejoice in the Lord who saves, transforms and empowers us to accomplish HIS purposes in our life. Every-day, simple folks like you and me—no “star” power required except to be born again– who belong to Jesus and are “in” Him! Made a new creation—a redeemed creation–because Christ was willing to take our place on the cross!

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Because of what Jesus’ sacrifice did–HE took my place– I can reflect HIS righteousness to a world full of darkness and corruption; reflecting HIS work because He makes me/you a “NEW” creation, in which His Spirit dwells !!!

“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

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15

So “I can do all things through Christ” because Christ knowingly, willingly gave HIMSELF for YOU and ME!!! Won’t you take Him at His word? He died for you, that you could have an abundant life—trust Him today. If you know Him, go for it—do all that HE is calling YOU to do, in and through Him! After all, He gave HIS all for YOU!

“I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling,

and not the shepherd,

whose own the sheep are not,

seeth the wolf coming,

and leaveth the sheep,

and fleeth:

and the wolf catcheth them,

and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth,

because he is an hireling,

and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.”    John 10:11-15

Bible Ballistics: BBs #260      Don’t Give Up???

As we look at all the craziness around us, it’s easy to become discouraged and be tempted to give up, but take heart my friends, we serve the God of the Ages, The Lord of Hosts, The Ancient of Days!!! We serve the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God!!! We serve the creator of the universe and all that is in it, so take heart, look up and press on with Jesus our Lord! God hasn’t gone to sleep or missed a queue! He knows what is going on and He has a purpose, a time and HE will accomplish HIS purpose in HIS timing, and every one will receive their right and just dues.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:7-10

Paul reminds us that God is not only in control; HE is also keeping the record of all things!!! And there is a day coming when every man, woman, boy and girl will receive the consequences of their choices and actions. As God says above, we can choose to sow to the flesh and reap corruption—death and hell for all eternity: Or we can choose to sow to the “Spirit” and from that Spirit of God (And the Son of God, and God the Father) everlasting life!! We can have life with God and be in His very presence in eternity. We are reminded that we live in a world that is discouraging to those who follow Jesus, because we often feel like we’re swimming upstream. But God assures us in this word of instruction that we are to “not be weary in well doing”, because “we shall reap” in “due season” if we persevere and don’t faint in the heat of the battle.

We are also encouraged to continue to “do good unto all men” as we have opportunity. We don’t “do unto others what they do unto us”, or “do unto others before they do unto you”, instead we are called to continually “DO GOOD” to all people as God provides us opportunities, especially to our fellow believers!!! So my friends I just want to share a word of encouragement with you today—don’t give up–we win.

“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 2:9-11

A day is coming when “every knee” will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ. So the question isn’t “Will you bow?” The question is “WHEN” will you bow—you get to choose. You can bow before Him now in repentance and faith, believing in His death, burial and resurrection for YOUR sin and MINE, and have eternal life with Him now and forever! Or you can choose to go your own way, rejecting Jesus, whether willfully or by simply neglecting to give Him any acknowledgment, and bow before HIM at the end as your judge. And there will be no more opportunity of salvation for those who make that choice—the consequence is set!

So dear friends, don’t be discouraged, but take heart in the coming Lord Jesus and the sovereign control of God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit!!! We win. I’d like to close with the last words of Jesus in the last book of the Bible, may they bring you confidence and encouragement in these difficult days. Keep your eyes on the prize—our precious Lord Jesus—He is coming for us!!! Don’t let the battle get you down, but press on with the knowledge that our Lord is the victor, and HE IS ON HIS WAY!!!

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you

these things

in the churches.

I am the root and the offspring of David,

and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.

And let him that heareth say, Come.

And let him that is athirst come.

And whosoever will,

let him take the water of life freely.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20 He which testifieth these things saith,

Surely I come quickly. Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all.

Amen.” Revelation 22:16-21

Amen and Amen. Look up, walk right and press on. WE WIN!!!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 17 Is HE ALIVE In YOU???

One of my favorite hymns refers to the resurrection of Jesus and the victory and power that HE displayed on Resurrection Sunday. ‘Up From The Grave He Arose’, by Robert Lowry, is one of the most descriptive of verses regarding the victory that Jesus brought to us in His sacrifice for sin:

“1. Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,

        waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:

Up from the grave he arose;

with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;

he arose a victor from the dark domain,

and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2. Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,

vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

(Refrain)

3. Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

(Refrain)

Praise God for his amazing love toward us—He died, but He arose.

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”    2 Corinthians 9:15

But what did the resurrection mean for you and me? We haven’t the time or enough paper to plumb the depths of the riches of His sacrifice for us. His death paid our sin debt and His resurrection gave us victory over sin, death and hell. Even before His death Jesus told us that our victory was in the coming resurrection. Not just what He would do, but who HE IS, WAS and EVER SHALL BE!!!    We can praise The Lord for this “unspeakable gift”!

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection, and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”     John 11:25-27

So the question isn’t “Is Jesus God”, “Is Jesus the Messiah”, or even “Did Jesus die for me?” The question is, “What will you do about it?” Will you choose to “believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world”? It’s your choice, but a choice that bears eternal consequences. But it’s so much more than just believing that Jesus’ work at Calvary bought our salvation, but learning and walking in all that HE has done, and all that it can and will work within us—YOU and ME!!!

“Know ye not,

that so many of us as were baptized

into Jesus Christ

were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism

into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk

in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together

in the likeness of his death,

we shall be also

in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this,

that our old man is crucified with him,

that the body of sin might be destroyed,

that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ,

we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that

Christ being raised from the dead

dieth no more;

death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died,

he died unto sin once:

but in that he liveth,

he liveth unto God.” Romans 6:3-10

He died that just as HE is living “unto God”, we can do the same, when (and only when) we have died to ourselves and been born again to live a new life in Jesus.

“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

Being “crucified with Christ” means that I have died to my flesh, and am alive unto Jesus. His power reigns in me, to make me more and more into the image of Jesus—His power working in me! His resurrection brings new life and confidence!

“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?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us all things?”    Romans 8:28-32

God working in us– all the time, everywhere, in every situation! As David Ring often says, “God never says ‘oops’”!!!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which according to his abundant mercy

hath begotten us again

unto a lively hope

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

Jesus came that we might not only have eternal life, but abundant life—abundant living. Now I’m not talking about material prosperity, but the godly, powerful, spiritual life of Jesus Christ living in me by the power of the resurrection and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus we have the indwelling, abiding presence and power of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ (the third person of the trinity)! It’s what Jesus came to do—to empower us to live the “abundant life” by His death, burial and resurrection.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17

“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,   

whatsoever I have said unto you.”    John 14:25-26

We aren’t promised a life of ease, but rather, an abundant life being the “salt” and “light” which God uses to change this world of darkness and corruption all around us. We must understand that God has called us to encounter the enemy in a battle for men’s lives and souls. We have too often abdicated that measure of responsibility, being often affected by the “prosperity” mentality, and the “name it and claim it” philosophy (which is totally unbiblical) around us, which focuses our attention on self, when Jesus Himself tells us there will be a price to pay when we follow Him!

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”     John 15: 20-21

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:1-4

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:7-15

The Holy Spirit is given unto us to enable us be all that God has called us to be—not what we think others want us to do, or what we project for ourselves. God is more interested in who and what we are than in what we “do”!!! He never had to send out a request to get His work done, He uses those who are willing to yield themselves to Him—but it’s by the power of HIS Spirit that we can become all that He wants us to “be”! It’s by the power of the “resurrection” which overcame death, hell and the grave—the overcoming blood of our precious Lord Jesus. And when we “are” His, the doing will come by His resurrection power and His Spirit. (Check out Ephesians 2:8-10)

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 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 1:11-14 (Be sure and check out this entire prayer that Paul prayed for the Colossians, verses 9-18)

We must remember that we are in a battle zone; we are the enemy of the “world” because we are following Jesus. And when we follow Jesus, we can expect to be in that battle more frequently and more intently that we usually imagine or experienced because we serve King Jesus, and He wins! The enemy of our souls isn’t happy about that and is after us continually because of whose we are. That is why Paul so clearly and concisely reminded us that our battle isn’t with the people in our lives—be it spouse, children, ex’s, bosses, employees, neighbors, the government or friends. Our enemy is unseen and we need to be prepared and “armed” with that armor of God to be ready for the battle. And we can only do that by the blood of the Lamb that was slain, and resurrected by the power of God FOR OUR SIN— yours and mine.

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 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.” 1 John 1:4-7

We can have that “full” joy when we walk with our Lord, even if it’s in the fires of persecution, or conflict. God has us—and by the blood of the Lamb and the “resurrection” power that Jesus displayed on the First Day of the week that we celebrate today.

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.” Matthew 28:1

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” Mark16:9

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” John 20:19

It is because of the risen Lord, that we can find power in His blood, His Spirit and His armor—we can do the job we are saved and called to do—but only in HIS power, resurrection power!!! Let’s walk through Ephesians 6:10-18, with a few comments along the way.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.”

It’s GOD’s power and might that we must depend upon, because it’s His power that helps us live a victorious life!!! And an abundant life in Jesus!

“11 Put on the whole armour of God,”

The armor is there, but we have to “PUT” it on. Stop walking in the flesh and get in the Spirit of God and “suit up”—put it all on so:

“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.”

We MUST remember that our battles aren’t against the people that we encounter, but against the enemy of our souls, the enemy of the souls of men and women, boys and girls who we encounter day by day. And here again Paul reminds us (And we surely need reminding a lot!) that we MUST PUT ON THAT ARMOR!!! We must—don’t put it off another day. I invite you to join me and put on that armor every morning before you start your day—every day. Pray it on each day—it’s not hard, but it is worth every minute you take!!!

“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.”

We are surely living in that “evil day” and only by the power of Jesus and the armor on can we withstand as the onslaught comes against each of us who are following Jesus and holding to the Word of God!!! We are under attack, and we must be prepared with the only thing that will bring spiritual success and that IS JESUS. We will only find victory in Jesus. (That might make a great son!!!)

“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

Suit up—HE IS ALIVE!!! Amen and Amen!!!  Is HE alive in YOU? If you don’t know Him, He’s still waiting on you!

“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

He is alive Today! Let’s be living for HIM—Today!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #259      Who Is Crucified???

“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

Paul calls us to die to self and live unto Christ, and by His power by faith. But Paul isn’t the only one who calls us to recognize the necessity to live for Jesus Christ our Lord by dying to self. But we live in a culture that exalts the “self” life within Christianity, just as it does in the world, and that is totally unbiblical!!! As we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, we are called to identify with our Lord in every area of our lives. I live by the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit of Christ.

Jesus Himself declared this freely during His earthly ministry. Our focus is to be on “living” for Christ Jesus by dying to self, living for the one who gave Himself as payment for MY sin, and gives us eternal life—NOW!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.  

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”    Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus came and lived on terra firma, He lived a pure, holy and sinless life within a body of flesh, then He willingly gave His life on Calvary for our sin, it’s what HE came to do!

“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

Jesus came and took on flesh that He might die in our place, what less can we do but to die to self and live unto, for, in and through HIS Spirit and power? To have the mind of Christ in us, that world might know that He claimed to be God and the only way to God?

“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

“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

There is only way to have eternal life, and that is through repentance of our sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning death for MY sin. Believing that HE IS GOD, and that He took on flesh to give His life for me!!! How could you not love and serve a God who loves you that much. So as you go through your day today, whether you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus or not, seek the face of God and listen to the voice of His Spirit speaking to you. Get into His Word and find out what HE has said about who we are “in” Christ Jesus.

“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

So as I close for today, I’d like to call each of us to take some time this weekend to examine our hearts and lives and answer the question, “Am I living “crucified with Christ”? Or am I guilty as one who is, by my life choices, living to “…crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”? Who is glorified in my life, the things of the world or the holy and godly character we are called to manifest to the world? May we join with the Psalmist and know God as our judge, and listen to HIM?

“Judge me, O Lord;

for I have walked in mine integrity:

I have trusted also in the Lord;

therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord,

and prove me;

try my reins

and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes:

and I have walked in thy truth.” Psalm 26:1-3 

And remember “JESUS” is “TRUTH”; am I walking in His life, power, love and grace? Let’s walk together with Him? I’m willing, will you join me and be:

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:”

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #258 Have You Read The Instructions??

I had an interesting experience this week, we had taken our car in for regular service and waited for it to be done, when we were notified and paid for our service we went to the car and when I sat down in the driver’s seat it felt like I had hit the ground. I figured I just miss stepped getting in, so we took off on our way, but the further I drove the more I realized my seat was sitting on the floor (seemingly). I couldn’t even see out of my mirrors I was so low down in the car, so we turned around and went backing thinking they had broken my seat. Wellllllllllll, to our surprise when the technician came out to see what we needed and I told him something was wrong with my seat, he smiled and showed me that the lever for moving the back of the seat ‘up’ and ‘down’ would also lift the entire seat up and down by simply pumping it!!! Oh my—that was a part of the instructions that I had missed somewhere along the line!!! I had failed to understand the “instruction” book, in simply overlooking a function of that lever.

Well, we do the same thing in our lives. We don’t read the instruction manual. I don’t often us clichés, but I did hear one that fits with our focus for today, an acronym for “Bible” is: “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”! And that’s a pretty good description of what we should find in God’s Word!!! And not only “basic” instructions, but also all we need to live, and determine what God has for us—both to be and do.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life and godliness,

through the knowledge

of him that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust.”    1 Peter 1:2-4

Peter reminds us of all that we have “IN” Jesus, when we belong to Him through repentance and faith, the salvation that HIS blood shed on the cross bought for us. It’s that blood that cleanses us, but if we don’t dig into the Word, we will walk around unaware of what we have “IN” Jesus, and how we are to order our lives. While salvation is by grace-undeserved and unmerited favor of and from God—we have a part in living our lives in accord with our Savior, Master and Lord’s ‘instructions’.

“What?

know ye not

that your body

is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”   1 Corinthians 6:19-20

As one of my favorite Dennis Jernigan songs says, “I Belong To Jesus”!!! Paul reminds us that we are the “temple” of God’s Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ Jesus who dwells within us and enables us to serve God and minister to others through God’s power, and His truth. But if I don’t know what God has said in His Word, I can be led astray; I can be unaware of what to do, or how to behave! What am I to do? I am to keep my eyes on Jesus and dig into His Word!

“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

We can find confidence in the testimony of those who have gone before us (Reading Christian biographies is a great way to find this encouragement—Dietrich Bonheoffer, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, Bill Wallace, William Carey to suggest just a few) and learn what courage looks like, as well as finding solace in the faithfulness of our God. In that courage and confidence we can march forward regardless of the obstacles, knowing our God is faithful, able and sufficient to any task HE calls us to. And we can learn more of the ‘instructions’—and see them in action.

We also need to feast on the Word of God, regularly, daily; and not just perusing it’s pages, but digging into the depths of its treasure.

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

And “rightly dividing the word of truth” implies that there is a “wrong” way to approach and divide (or understand) scripture—we want to be one who deals with the Word with integrity and respect of the context. Always study any subject or passage within its larger context, and the context of the whole counsel of God (the whole Bible). And we can do that by continually asking the ‘5 W’s and the H’ as we read and study the Word. Ask those questions: who’s writing, who is receiving it, what is the subject, why is it written (does it tell you that), where are those involved, how does it relate to me, and what am I to learn from it? And the most important question, ‘When will I practice what I’m learning in my behavior and life?”

And I can also have confidence in the Word itself, I can depend on its trustworthiness—always!

“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.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

When I study God’s Word it will “profit” me with truth, reprove what is wrong, show me how to correct the wrong, and help me learn to walk rightly before God (preventive maintenance). And in learning all these things, it will equip me to accomplish the good works and ministry that God is leading me into.

So have a great week, get in the Word, and don’t get caught like I did, being unaware of the “instructions”!