Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 15 Who’s Comfort Helps You???

If you noticed, I didn’t post a Bible Ballistics last Sunday due to a slight physical problem, it was just one of those things that we all have to deal with from time to time. We all face difficulties and trials of various kinds, whether it’s physical infirmities, emotional issues, financial trials and crises, or just living life. And sometimes we wonder about those things that come to us, so I’d like us to spend just a little time today (Little for me!) considering what scripture reveals about our trials, regardless of what they are where you are.

Trials come to all of us, yet they are not just an inconvenience that we have to undergo, but rather a reality of living in a fallen and broken world, as well as a training ground for God’s work in the life of His children, making us more mature and useable in His kingdom and service. Trials can also help us to recognize and be more sensitive to the needs of others, and then by our experience, enabled by God to help others in their times of need–by His grace, wisdom and power. Paul addresses this issue:

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted,

it is for your consolation

and salvation,

which is effectual

in the enduring

of the same sufferings

which we also suffer:

or whether we be comforted,

it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast,

knowing, that as ye are partakers

of the sufferings,

so shall ye be also

of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7

Paul helps us to realize that our suffering isn’t abstract, vain, useless, or purposeless; rather it is all part of God’s work in, through and with us, that we ourselves can draw closer to Him, as well as being able to comfort and encourage others through the maturity and confidence we have gained in our God. Just as Paul told the Roman believers many years ago:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.”   Romans 5:1-5

And being born again by the blood of the Lamb, we receive the Holy Spirit of God, and are reconciled to God and restored to fellowship and communion with God Himself–we have “peace with God”!!! Not just the “peace” of God, but also a restored relationship with the Holy God of all creation.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:9-10

Sin made us all enemies of the Holy Creator, God Almighty, and by Jesus death, burial and resurrection we are brought back into favor with and reconciled to God by the blood that Jesus shed for us at Calvary. And as those who are reconciled, we become reconcilers. And part of what makes us good reconcilers is the sufferings and trials that we have walked through with God (Or more accurately, God has walked through with us). Everyone in the world deals with trials and difficulties of one sort or another, so it’s not just the experiencing of trials, but it’s the experience of walking through those trials with the overcoming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Learning that HE is working all things for our good and HIS glory. It’s Jesus that makes the difference in trials, not the trial itself or even the outcome—it is the Savior who walks through those trials with us, beside us and comforts, encourages and strengthens us to overcome.

“And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 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 5:18-21

Believers are reconciled to God, to be reconcilers, bringing the world to the Savior, Redeemer and Reconciler of all who will believe. Because He was made sin for me—HE who knew no sin–that my sinful self could receive the ‘righteousness’ of God applied to my soul and become a new creature “in Christ Jesus” (See 2 Cor. 5:17)!!!

So dear friends, whatever you are going through today, it hasn’t caught GOD by surprise. He knows where you are and He’s standing close by if you’ll but reach out to Him in faith. And if you are in between those trials of life, then keep your eyes open for that special someone who may need to hear about Jesus’ comfort and courage that brought you through. How can we remain silent when so many are in need of our help? So if you’ve received God’s comfort, don’t keep it to yourself. Someone needs your testimony and help today—be listening to God’s Spirit leading YOU.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #255 A Blessing Or A Bother???

We’ve talked lately about ‘choices’, and today I’d like to talk about a popular ‘choice’ topic. Life—be it the unborn, the aged, the infirmed, or the inconvenient. People make ‘choices’ every day about these issues regarding giving life, continuing life, extending life and any other related issues of “life”. I’d like to share just a few scriptures as food for thought for your consideration.

“Except the Lord build the house,

they labour in vain that build it:

except the Lord keep the city,

the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

to sit up late,

to eat the bread of sorrows:

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full

of them: (CHILDREN)

they shall not be ashamed, (CHILDREN)

but they shall speak   (CHILDREN)

with the enemies in the gate.”   Psalm 127:1-5

I realize that this issue is very controversial, but I’d like to challenge us to examine whether the “biblical” view of life is our view of life? The Psalmist reminds us that only that which God is in, will prosper ultimately. Just as David in another Psalm was discouraged (for a time) when he saw the wicked prospering, but God answered his question by reminding him that often “what you see” isn’t all there is.

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm…….. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:

thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation,

as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors…….

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

and there is none upon earth that I desire

beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee

shall perish:

thou hast destroyed all them

that go a whoring from thee.

28 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.”   Portions of Psalm73

It’s easy to let the corruption of the world discourage us—it did David. But then he took his discouragement to the Lord, and God opened his eyes to see the same thing that God revealed through Paul.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

God will accomplish His purpose and righteous judgment in HIS time. But in the meantime we are to judge righteous judgment and see things not through “rose-colored” glasses but through eyes of “truth”. And that truth includes the sacredness of life. Life that “ONLY” God can and does give!!! We are to value children and not consider them an inconvenience or a bother, but know that God says they are a blessing and we are blessed to have them. We are also to value multiple children, if God so blesses us. Yet so often we hear mothers and fathers ridiculed because they have a large family—they are inundated with that hurtful (and unbiblical) question, “Don’t you know what causes that?” Or “Can’t you count?” Or in my mind the worst, “Don’t you know how to ‘stop’ having children?” If we value life and believe that all life comes from God, why have we bought into the philosophy of the world that says, “You can’t afford children”, or “You’re too young, or too old”! How do we say with one side of our mouth, “I’m ‘pro-life”, and then ridicule the very life that we “claim” to support with such a mindset and worldview? Where is our mind set? Our worldview?

We have a similar incongruity toward the elderly, the infirmed, and the handicapped, anyone that is unable to meet our “quality” of living. If life is from God then either all life is sacred—ALL LIFE—or God can make mistakes! Surely He couldn’t have intended for “them” to have life, to live among us? Right? I know these are hard questions; questions that most of us avoid dealing with as much as possible, but I think it’s time for us to think, especially those who claim the name of Jesus. If we claim to belong to God, then we ought to have a godly and biblical value system. And to have that we need to know what God says about it.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16

God knew you and me before we were even born, and He created us exactly the way that He intended for us to be created. It’s up to us what we will do with the gift of life He has given us, both our own life and the lives over which we have influence. Our confidence and hope are in God, for it is He alone that saves and delivers, and He keeps HIS word!!!

So what is the point to all of this? Well simply put, that we examine our thoughts and actions by God’s standard not man’s! That we who claim the name of Jesus seek God’s face and ask Him what is remiss in our lives, take action to rectify any thing that God calls us to change, repent where necessary and walk in HIS ways, not our own and surely not in the world’s ways. To heed the message of John:

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:5-9

It’s time for God’s people to do what God saved us to do, and that is to be salt and light in a world of corruption. We are to see life, children and ministry to all people as a blessing not a bother. It’s time!!!

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

Bible Ballistics: BBs #254 Watch Your Choices???

Choices are always confronting us—we meet them on every hand. What to wear, where to go, what’s for dinner, whom do I befriend? We make all those choices and countless others, but how are we to make those choices, and what criteria do we use? The Psalmist gives us a good starting place!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  

2 But his delight is

in the law of the Lord;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”    Psalm 1:1-6

The Psalmist gives us good advise regarding our choices, he tells us that there are two types of choices—those made by the righteous, and those made by the ungodly. Let’s examine the differences.

The “righteous man” chooses wisely to:

Walk NOT in with the ungodly in their ways—

Doesn’t get his advise from the world–

He stands NOT in the way of sinners—

He doesn’t join their crowd—

He sits NOT in the seat of the scornful—

He doesn’t get comfortable in their ways!

He develops a godly focus by:

Delighting in God’s ways—

Meditating on God’s Word day and night!

And his choices yield evident consequences:

He is like a tree deeply rooted—

He is rooted by rivers of water—

He bears fruit in proper season—

He has leaves that never wither—

He will prosper in all his ways—

Because his ways are God’s ways—

But then the Psalmist makes the contrast with those who don’t choose God’s way, but their own, wicked way. They experience different consequences:

They are NOT like the ‘righteous’—

But are like chaff that the wind blows away—

They will NOT stand before God in the judgment—

Meaning they will have no defense–

The sinners will NOT stand with the righteous—

Because they don’t have Jesus’ righteousness—

The Psalmist goes on to remind us that the one who will judge is God. He has given us the free will to choose our actions, but not to determine our own consequences—God will do the judging, and HE will judge rightly, and the consequences will be irrevocable to those who have not bowed before Him in repentance and faith, and received the gift of salvation that Jesus bought for us at Calvary!! It’s your choice to make, as God gives each one opportunity to be saved. But if that opportunity is neglected or rejected, there is no other way. Jesus Himself told us that there is only one way.

“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

We can choose Jesus and walk in His ways, or we can choose to be our own God and reap the consequences.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

I invite you to join me and boldly proclaim as Joshua did:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Bible Ballistics: BBs #253 Who Turned Off The Light???

Sometimes it’s easy to get a bit discouraged when we look around us at all the darkness and corruption. But we who follow Jesus, are called to be light in the darkness—

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15

We can observe that when light shines, darkness must flee and that is why darkness hates the light. We also observe in this passage that a light that is hidden “under a bushel” isn’t doing what it is intended to do. A light is to dispel the darkness by “shining”, so it “giveth light unto all that are in the house”!!! Where light shines, the darkness cannot abide. But we also must remember that we are not the “source” of the light, but our Lord Jesus is, and we are simply to reflect His light and glory.

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

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15

Our job is to “shine” the light of Jesus on a dark, lost and dying world. Jesus is “the light” and the only hope of real “abundant life”!!! Yet the world hates Him, because He is who He said He is, and ever shall be, and “SIN” is the issue!. Only Jesus can deliver us from the penalty and power of sin, and He alone will deliver us from the very presence of sin when HE returns. But, He hasn’t come yet, and we are to “Occupy till I come” (See Luke 19:13). Occupy can mean, dwell, possess, fill, or take up. And it most certainly doesn’t mean, “give up”!!! We are called to hold fast:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23

And we must not only “hold fast”, but we must hold fast with the knowledge and understanding that things aren’t going to get better, but will get progressively worse and worse. Jesus also told us they would treat us in the same way that they treated Him. If we are following Him, we can expect the same treatment that He received—and they “loved” Him to “death”. What are we prepared to endure for our Lord? We must recognize the dark, and “shine”!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

And in all reality, if we proclaim the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will turn away from us, and even on occasion turn against us, at the very least, considering our devotion and holiness strange, to the point of ridicule.

“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” 1 Peter 4:4

As we observe all that is going on around us, it’s almost as if Paul wrote this list yesterday, in light of events going on around us; but he was simply revealing what God said would come– A time when men would go so far from God that they not only seek and embrace wickedness, but delight in it, accept it, promote it, and support those that join in these wicked and ungodly behaviors.

So what can we do? Simply put, just follow Jesus and shine, reflecting His light!!! Don’t hide under a bushel!

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8

“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 1:7

Bible Ballistics: BBs #252   What Time Is It???

With all that is going on around us, politically, socially, morally and economically, we can often become afraid. But we can trust in our Lord Jesus, we don’t have to worry or fret, in fact, scripture continually tells us to “fret not”. Even though many of us are very good at it—we do it so well, because we’ve done it for so long—God tells us, “fret not”! He is able, capable and totally in control, and we can trust to HIS unfailing grace and will. We don’t have to “fret”, instead we can safely trust in Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up:

for they be many that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 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 56:1-3

So, regardless of who or what you are facing today, you can put your trust in God Almighty, and the Son Jesus Christ in all things. While we may not be able to count on politicians, the weather forecasters, the government or economics—we can trust in our God.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

Our confidence can rest in the power of our God. He is the Almighty God, the Sovereign King and Creator of all, and He also loves us and promises to care for His own, and accomplish His purpose in your life and mine. You can trust HIM! You are never alone.

“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

Is something causing you to fear today? The culture? The economy? Your finances? Your health or the health of someone you love? A family crises? Your safety or security? Whatever is plaguing your mind today, remember that God knows exactly where you are and HE is waiting for you to hear His voice, and trust yourself to HIS care and provision. God isn’t caught by surprise by your crises—He is able to meet your needs, if you will but trust HIM with your cares. He cares about you.

“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.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

To sum it up, Peter calls us to take action:

Humble yourself before God—

Cast all your cares on God—

Be sober (be alert)—

Be vigilant (watch carefully)—

Resist the devil—

Endure suffering—

We can do all these things by knowing that God is working in and through our lives to:

Make us perfect (mature)—

Establish our faith—

Strengthen us—

Settle us (give us peace that supersedes the storm)—

Have a blessed week, and remember God cares for YOU!!! Right now!!! TODAY!!!