Bible Ballistics: BBs #230    Stop And Take A Breath!!!

As we’ve been talking about the hustle and bustle of life, especially during this season of the year, I’d like to take just a few minutes to remind each of us to slow down and take account of ourselves and our priorities. Let’s consider a few verses and a story.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

God calls us to “stop, look and listen”, in our vernacular! Our God is God Almighty—always has been, still is, and always will be—regardless of how much people try to ignore Him. But we who know Him often get just as caught up in the demands of life as the world does, and we shouldn’t, because we have His Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This verse from Psalm 46 reminds us to take time (you’ll never “find” time) to be with God and in His Word.

About 18 months ago my husband was scheduled to have a routine procedure to put in a pacemaker to help regulate his heart. We had been told it would take about 45 minutes for the surgery, but as I sat and waited for him, the time became alarming. After asking what was going on, I was told there were some problems and they were still working on him. Finally after 4 long hours, the doctor came out and told me that his heart had stopped on them and it took quite a bit of doing to get him “jumped” and finish with the pacemaker, but that he was now doing well.

When my husband, Zane, finally got into a room and we could talk, he related his experience. If you didn’t know, they don’t put “out” for this procedure, but simply give you the “happy” meds so you don’t feel anything, but are awake and conscious. Zane recounts that he was on the table and his arm was dangling, so he asked if they could correct that and they wrapped him up in the sheet. Realizing that things were going awry, he felt the Lord speak to his heart, “Psalm 46:10” and with that encouragement from God he just relaxed and knew that he wasn’t going to die. When he got to the room he looked up Psalm 46:10, and what did it say? “Be still, and know that I am God”!!! And if you know my husband, the joker, his response was that “I had to be still—they had me wrapped up like a mummy”! But all joking aside, he gave all glory and thanks to God for comforting his heart—physically and spiritually and reminding him that God still has work for him to do!

So, as you go about your day and the activities of the season, remember to “stop, look and listen” to the God who loves and cares for you. As Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God”, and the Psalm also tells us the reason that we can ‘be still’:

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains

be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar

and be troubled,

though the mountains shake

with the swelling thereof. Seals.”    Psalm 46:1-3

Remember, you can “Be still, and know that I am God”, because:

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,”

He cares for YOU!!! Be Still—Know God Is God—rest in Him!

Bible Ballistics: God’s Glory OR Our Greed??? Vol. 7#04

As Christmas is awhirl about us, I’d like us to take time today to “consider your ways”

“Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways…… Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5 & 7

While the context in Haggai isn’t over “holidays”, it is about the people’s unwillingness to seek God first, to finish His temple instead of being focused on their own homes, luxuries and ease. God tells them HE has caused much of their difficult circumstances because they have been unfaithful to do what HE called them to do—rebuild the temple! What has God called us to “build”? God has called us to “build” His kingdom.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

We are to seek the “kingdom of God” first—not to be consumed with our own selfish desires and greed. We must remember that scripture also calls us to work and provided for our families, but so much of what we see going on today has gone far beyond “providing” to indulgence and living life and being examples of “greed” and “selfishness” before our children and others around us:

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:7-9

Paul reminds Timothy, his son in the faith, that contentment is the key to “provision”, rather than being distracted and overcome by the greedy desires of inordinate wealth. To keep up with the “Joneses” or the latest bells, whistles or glitter of the techno world drives many! But we are to live with a heart of contentment and generosity not greed.

“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.” Proverbs 21:26

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Be sure and notice that it’s not “money” which is the “root of all evil”, but the “LOVE” of money. When greed becomes our driving force we will reap a harvest of heartache, and often pass it on to those around us, especially our children. Are we teaching our little ones to be known for “giving” or “getting”? Are our children so indulged that they have no thought for others? Only you can answer these questions, but I urge you to “consider” the example you are living before them; to “consider” the attitude you are passing on to them regarding “possessions”—do “possessions” possess you? Or are we sharing the true joys of “giving” and letting God reward our faithful generosity?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

We are to be generous from out hearts, remembering that that we have received everything from God. How can we not share with those around us, when we have been so blessed by the blessings of God?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 (While this context is in regard to spiritual gifts, I think the application could also be made to material things)

We are to be channels of blessing to others, especially those in need, to share the gospel and our resources as we have opportunity. And those opportunities are all around us if we’ll but listen and see with the heart of God. When our heart is set on God, our heart will also be set on others! And a heart set on God will also desire to please the God we claim to believe in, love and serve by serving His love to the world in “word” and “deed”!

In tying all this together with our subject for today, I have one question: “What have you allowed Christmas to become to you?” Not “what has the world done”, but personally, what am “I” doing and why? Regardless of where you stand on the subject of “Christmas”, I’d like to call each of us to examine our own hearts and minds and “consider your ways”. My desire isn’t to defend or condemn the “holiday” that we celebrate during this time, but to ask “What we are doing with it when we choose to celebrate it?” Are our motives and actions really focused where they ought to be? Let’s back up in time a bit, to a time when people were allowed to have personal convictions without being harangued by their brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” Romans 14:1-14

Paul clearly tells us that we are to live and do all to glorify God, and to cause no harm to the brethren. Simply put we need to remember a few main points in this passage:

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?” Every true believer is God’s servant—not yours– not mine!

“God is able to make him stand” Every true believer has God working in his or her life, so that we might be “conformed to the image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29)

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” I am to examine myself and be sure I am listening to, following, and obeying MY LORD JESUS!!!

“For none of us liveth to himself” We must remember that we DO affect the lives of others, and we should behave accordingly!!!

“why dost thou set at nought thy brother?” We are to value every person, especially the brethren, and not discount them because they see something differently than we do!

“for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” We will ALL stand before HIM and:

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” Each one, every one will account for themselves—not me for you OR you for me. Just as the proverb says, “Every pot must sit on it’s own bottom”! But we are to consider the affect we have on others:

“that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” We are to be a help and not a hindrance, speaking the “truth in LOVE”!

While scripture is full of exact commands and prohibitions there are other things in life that are subject to our own personal convictions based on our understanding of the principles of scripture and our own personal relationship with God. I may have convictions that others may not share: I am a ‘teetotaler’ because of my personal convictions, others may think it ok to take a drink; some eat a certain way due to their convictions, and others eat anything; some celebrate Christmas in total devotion to Jesus, while others think it unspiritual or even “idolatrous” to participate. So what do we do? I believe scripture teaches us to “follow Jesus”, study HIS Word and apply it as His Spirit gives us understanding, and to remember that we saw above that each of God’s servants will answer to HIM—not ME. But follow Jesus we must!

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:22

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” Matthew 9:9

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38

“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.” Matthew 16:24

“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

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26

Did you get that? When Jesus calls us and we answer HIS call, we are to follow HIM!!! And we can only do that by the power of the Holy Spirit and knowing what His Word says, so that we can discern truth from deceit; and there is an awful lot of deceit out there calling to us every day. But if we are following Jesus we will walk in “the light of life” not the darkness of sin that pervades the world. But are we studying His Word? Are we praying “without ceasing” to seek His face and follow Him? Are we following the Spirit or the flesh?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…….. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 & 25

And we can only walk in the Spirit, if we have been born again and have received the Spirit of Jesus/God within our hearts!

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9

What does all this have to do with Christmas? Everything really. While we have celebrated Christmas for many years, we haven’t always allowed the glitter of the world to invade our churches. I remember a time when Christmas was celebrated in churches with songs of the Messiah’s birth, and the joy of our salvation because of “God Incarnate”-“God with us”. There were no Christmas trees or glitter in the ‘sanctuary’; those were left to individuals to participate in or not in their own homes—not in the church house! We celebrated the New Born King by sharing with those in need, by caroling the Gospel story through our neighborhoods, by presenting the story of the nativity with children reenacting the events of the birth of our Savior. Yes, a simpler time but a time when our focus was still on the coming of the Messiah who would live and die for all who will believe.

We are always to call people to know our Savior—the redeemer of all—not to desert the truths of the Gospel for the glitter of the world, and to what end? I’m not sure what other’s motives are, but I know much of what I see seems to be trying to be “relevant” (so-called) to a world consumed with themselves, and we go right along with the greed and glitter instead of calling people to “consider your ways” and consider the real Jesus who came to “save his people from their sins” not “in” them (see Matthew 1:21)!

So, what’s the point? The point is, are we willing to examine what we are celebrating? Are we celebrating Jesus by living a life of service and humility? Or are we so caught up in the “Madison Avenue” glitter and greed that Jesus is a secondary issue of Christmas rather than the center of our celebration? If I might make some suggestions, why not “consider” some new traditions for your family that involve “giving” as well as “getting”.

–Serving in your local Salvation Army Christmas Dinner ministry.

–Helping in a local food bank on a regular basis.

–Participating in an “Angel Tree” ministry for the needy.

–Taking baby gifts to your local Pregnancy Resource Center to enable them to continue to offer the choice of life instead of abortion.

–Taking blankets and/or coats where the homeless in your area stay.

–Making a meal for an invalid and delivering it along with some Christmas Carols.

–Going to the hospital and singing carols through the halls (with permission of course).

–Taking gifts and carols to the children’s ward of your local hospital (again with permission).

–Making cookies to deliver to service people on Christmas day—i.e., the police station, fire department, nurses, convenience store clerks or other who have to work.

You get the idea, begin to “consider your ways” and bring them in line with the heart of God, our God who loves people:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

And my dear friends, that is the greatest thing that you and I need to “consider” about our ways. Do we know Jesus? If we know Jesus, are we reflecting His heart to the world? Or are we so consumed with the greed of the world that we’ve lost sight of the true message of Christmas—Christ Jesus who came that we might have life:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

So, as you and I “consider our ways” I pray that we will allow God to direct or ‘re’direct our steps to be all that He has called us to be, and that is His hands and feet to a world in desperate need of JESUS!!! To join with James and have that “living faith”, not a faith in “talk” only!

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18

God’s glory? Or greed? It’s your choice, but be sure and “consider your ways”!

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #229       Room In Your Heart???

I’d like to share a bit of encouragement as well as a challenge on this Friday. We have so much going on around us—personally, culturally, politically, socially and emotionally; we live in a world gone crazy with “people, places and things”, yet only one thing is “needful”, and Jesus told us that “HE” is that one thing. When we are devoted to and focused on Jesus—we have that “one thing”!

If you remember the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus was a guest in their home, and while Martha was busy with the affairs of preparing a meal for guests, Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus! Martha asked Jesus for relief, expecting HIM to rebuke Mary and tell her to “get to work” (which is what we would have expected also), but Jesus gives us a most unexpected and profound principle for life:

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Jesus commended the single-minded and single-hearted devotion to HIM, which Mary exhibited. While He was not commending slothfulness, He was commending and calling us to take advantage of the opportunities for sweet and intimate fellowship with Him personally. In fact, He calls us to be HIS friends:

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15

Our servant-hood is to be from a heart of devotion and love, not compulsion! And when Jesus is our friend, we know friendship beyond measure—above anything else that we can experience in this world. Yet Jesus also blesses us with other friends in this life, people He places in our lives to help us on our journey through this broken world. While Jesus is the dearest friend I have–for He gave Himself to pay for my salvation–there are some special people He has sent into my life and I’d like to share one of them with you today, my amazing Mary Ellen. One of those precious people that God created to lift up the fallen, love the unlovable, and encourage the down-hearted. One of those rare and valuable, big-hearted people who impact and change lives in ways that the world doesn’t even notice. But those of us who have been touched by them, know they have changed our lives to make us better people than we would have been without them.

Mary Ellen was my second mother—the woman who loved me without question, who was there when I was doing right and also when I would blow it to the max. She always welcomed me into her arms and her heart as well as her home. I sit here smiling this morning thinking of the times she’d have a second piece of fruitcake put up for me (and yes I love fruitcake!!!), or when she’d just love, hug and hold me when I was broken and desperate for a safe place to hide. Now it’s not like she had a lot of extra time on her hands for crazy teenagers (or adults)—she was a mother of eight, and worked for many years after her children were older, as well as serving in her church and community. Yet she was always there when I (or anyone else) needed her.

She was always “there” with love, acceptance, encouragement and just the pure joy and delight that she brought to my heart. A joy and love beyond description or expression, and I just had to take time today to honor her memory and challenge each of you to remember those special people in your lives. And if your special person is still alive let them know how much they have meant and still mean to you–today.

As an adult, I have most often lived far from Mary Ellen, but every time I was in town, her house was one of the first places I visited. And when I called or got to go see her, her love and open arms were a supporting staple of my life—I always knew she loved and cared for me, and prayed for me. Her memory still brings a smile to my heart and a tear to my eye for the overwhelming love and gratitude that I felt, still feel and always will feel for this most amazing and precious gift that God sent into my life—my dear Mary Ellen- I still love you and I miss you terribly. The Proverb is true:

“…… there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24b

I am so glad my life is blessed and changed by her endless love and the joy that she ALWAYS brought to my heart and life! I also have a special challenge for you; please take some time this weekend to call, or write or go visit that special person in your life (If they are still living). Or if they have passed on, why not write a thank-you note to God for that special person HE sent to you in just the right time and place. And if you don’t know Jesus– the best friend of all—then call on HIM today, because He died for you with the greatest love ever and He has open arms for YOU!

“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

Bible Ballistics: BBs #228       All Things To All People???

This may not be my most popular article but I feel deeply led to remind us of our call as the followers of Jesus. Jesus came to redeem fallen man, and we are to carry on that work—of course not “redeeming” men ourselves, but calling men to receive the gift of salvation and the Savior who paid the price for mankind’s redemption at Calvary, and was buried, and then raised from the dead to pay for our sin; all of our sin—all of MY sin, all of YOUR sin! And only when we receive the forgiveness of sin that He provides can we know and have eternal life.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14

We come to Him in repentance and faith in His sacrifice for ‘my’ personal sin. We must bow before HIM as the one who atoned (to make amends or reparation) for my sin! And without Jesus there is no escape from the death that sin will bring.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

And because I know the truth of who Jesus is, because I have received Him as my Lord and Savior, I am obligated to share the truth at every opportunity. I am obligated by the love that God has given me, to reach out to others with the truly “GOOD” news of the Gospel!!! That brings me to the heart of what I’d like to share today. Why are so many who claim the name of Jesus, so distracted by the things going on in the world, so consumed with the very hate that we often decry? Instead of reaching out in every way possible to share the call to repent and be saved– to receive the love of God that Jesus displayed at Calvary, and will extend to all who will believe in Him—we are spewing out as much hate and alarm as the rest of the world. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not calling us to compromise our faith in, or allegiance to the Word of God and it’s truths, but I am asking that we examine our attitudes and actions toward fellow believers and also toward those who don’t know the Savior. We must examine ourselves and our attitudes, and whether or not we are “going” and “teaching” and “gathering” the lost to the Savior? Or are we scattering abroad in opposition to the heart of Jesus?

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Jesus called us to take the Gospel to the world, and He also called us to love that world, because a message from lips of hatefulness never attracts much of anything. While we know that trouble will come when we proclaim the truth, it shouldn’t be caused by the provocation of a mean-spirited presenter! We are to “go” with love and compassion, to “speak the truth in love”! We aren’t called to be “politically correct” nor devoted to “society” but to be “rightly dividing the word of truth” (See 2 Tim 2:15). Paul also has some good instruction for our attitude and outreach to a lost and dying world. Let’s examine what scripture says our attitudes and actions ought to look like:

“What is my reward then?

Verily that, when I preach the gospel,

I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men,

yet have I made myself servant unto all,

that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews

I became as a Jew,

that I might gain the Jews;

to them that are under the law,

as under the law,

that I might gain them that are under the law;

21 To them that are without law,

as without law,

(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,)

that I might gain them that are without law.

22 To the weak became I as weak,

that I might gain the weak:

I am made all things to all men,

that I might by all means

save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake,

that I might be partaker thereof with you.”   1 Corinthians 9:18-23

So, what does Paul tell us? Look at verse 23, which sums it all up for us. We are to do what we do with one overriding purpose and drive, “this I do for the gospel’s sake”!!! While some say this passage says we can do “anything” to share the gospel, I would have to challenge that understanding; Paul isn’t calling us to compromise our convictions nor the Word of God, but he is calling us to reach people where they are. We are to reach out to people in their ‘lostness’ not in some sanctimonious exalted attitude that we are reaching “so far down” to others worth less than ourselves! We are called to reach out in gratitude for what we have received, understanding and remembering where and what God saved us from, and then share that same hope and joy of salvation with others at every opportunity.

We are also called to share with those opposed to us as we have opportunity! We are to reach out to the weak and weary with the truth of the gospel. Paul never compromised or backed down from his convictions or the truths of the Word of God, yet he reached out to those in every venue that God opened before him. Paul shared the Gospel with the superstitious Greeks, the idolatrous Romans, the religious Jews and just plain old pagan Gentiles of every order and in every place where God led him.

What are we doing for Jesus? It seems that we who claim the name of Jesus (And not all that claim to know Him truly do—see Matthew 7:13-29) are simply cloistering about our clicks, groups and genre’s. We throw rocks at those who disagree with us in any way, instead of mutually respecting the right of each person’s conscience without yielding the veracity of the Word of God, which is always the determining standard. I’m not purporting the abandoning of valid, biblical differences, but I am calling us to get our eyes on Jesus and off of ourselves, the politics around us and the hatred of those who oppose and even want to destroy us. Jesus calls us to march to a different drummer than the world does. In His own words:

“Blessed are they

which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth……….

14 Ye are the light of the world…..”    Matthew 5:10-14 (Portions)

We must stop expecting the “pampered diva” treatment and get down to business for our Lord—it’s HIM that we serve, not ourselves, not politics, not treasure, popularity or social acceptance or acclaim. Let’s stop attacking one another, and respond in understanding and love. Let’s take the Gospel to the world, even the world that hates us, and stop throwing rocks at them. They are lost and are acting lost!!! Duh??? It’s all they know. Why do we get upset that others hate us? Jesus said it would be that way, so let’s just live for Jesus and share the Gospel at every opportunity—it is Good, Good News!!! Love should be our banner!!!

I love you and pray that you will seek the face of God about your attitude and your purpose. Perhaps God is sending the harvest to us? Will we burn and destroy the field or share the Good News about Jesus and trust God with the harvest? Regardless of how it looks, or what it costs us? When will we who are His, behave like it?

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35

Bible Ballistics: Are You Well Seasoned??? Vol. 7#03

As we enjoy the delights of this season of “Joy” in the arrival of the Savior of the world, I think of the sights, sounds and smells of the season. I love the ringing of bells, the cinnamon and spice that pervades the air from baked goods in the oven, and the sounds of joyous hymns and carols that proclaim the one and only “Messiah’s birth….”. I pray that you are making time to remember the reason many of us celebrate—Jesus, the redeemer of the world. The one who came that we might have life—eternal life.

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness;

and the darkness comprehended it not.”    John 1:1-5

While we don’t celebrate the “beginning” of the Lord Jesus Christ (As some false teachers purport), we do celebrate the incarnation of the Son of God, the “Word”; we celebrate His coming in human form to be the Redeemer for all who would believe in Him. He who created light, came to be the “light of the world”—to shine in the darkness! And as the “light”, to shine on us and bring us into the “light”—unto salvation, relationship, and oneness with Him and His Father!

“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……. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 8:12 & 9:5

Now Jesus didn’t mean that He would stop being the “light” when He returned to the Father, but His physical presence would cease to be with us. And He didn’t say that we would “see” the light, but that we would “have the light of life”!!! We receive of His light, and that my dear friends, is what we are to manifest to the world—the light of Jesus and know the oneness that we have with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father (And ours), God Almighty!

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” John 17:11

We are one in Him because HE is in us!!! His Spirit, His very presence is with us always. That IS the New Covenant, which Christ Jesus purchased and accomplished at Calvary.

“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:” Colossians 1:27

Jesus Christ IN me and IN you who believe and have been born again by the Spirit of God:

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:9-13

And not only “born……of God” but empowered to be all that God intends for us to be—by HIS power not our own:

“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

And that “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” includes the power of the Holy Spirit which is working in us, even as He has already given to us so much:

“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

WOW!!! God’s love isn’t in my heart because I have done such a special work, but because of what Jesus did at Calvary and the work that HIS Holy Spirit is thence able to do IN ME—to shed HIS love in my heart, and with His love in me, I have “peace” with God (not just he peace of God working in me, but I have peace WITH God)! So because of the love of God, and peace with God, I can experience HIS work, and His grace enabling me to live in a way that is manifesting His glory my life. ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow’. And that brings me to what I’d really like us to focus on today. Because of what Jesus has done for us, and what believing in Him does within us, there should be an inescapable difference in me. I should reflect something to the world that they don’t, in fact can’t, understand or explain in human terms.

Because Jesus is the light of the world, and His light now dwells within us, we should manifest that light every where we go, and in every thing we do; at home, at work, in the market place, in the hustle and bustle of life, Jesus should be seen in you and me!

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, talks about “the” poor in spirit, ‘the’ meek and other groups of people, but then in verse 11 He changes the pronoun to “YOU/Ye”! He goes from the broad sweep of the “the/they” who have opportunity, to the “YOU” of those who actually follow HIM, and tells us what we “are”—NOT only what we are to do, but who we are to “BE”!!! It’s about a change of heart, a change of nature, and change of direction—I have changed from going my own way to going HIS way, as Isaiah describes:

“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

Whose way are you going? Have you received the sacrifice that Jesus made for you at Calvary? Have you received the gift of God’s grace in His laying on Jesus your sin, and mine?   If you have then you are equipped to do the work of the Kingdom of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, because you are “translated/transferred” into that very Kingdom.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14

And because we have received the “redemption” through His blood, we are part of HIS kingdom—NOW– part of His army, part of His family, called to do HIS work. How? By ‘being’ the salt and light that HE has made us, and “BEING” that salt and light before the world by the power of His Holy Spirit. Let’s see what Jesus says we ARE!

“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.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”   Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus calls us to BE salt and light, NOT to “DO” salt and light! Because when we “ARE” salt and light we can make a difference in the world around us. Look at verse 16. Jesus doesn’t say, “shine your light”, He says, “Let your light so shine before men”—we are to stay plugged in to the source of the light! And if we stay plugged into the light, HE will shine, and others will see HIM in us, and glorify God. Why is much of the church so ineffective in our world? I believe it’s because we aren’t “BEING” light. We have lots of people who try to imitate the light, who try to create their own light, who try to run on battery power—but have no real connection with Jesus, and Jesus Himself, tells us what the outcome of that is.

“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

While the context here is abiding in the vine, I believe we can make application to the light without violating the context. The bottom line is, we MUST be connected to Jesus—He is the only way! And when we are connected to Jesus the world will see HIM. But without the Holy Spirit of Jesus/God dwelling within us, we are ‘power’less—pun intended! So first of all we must be sure we are connected to the source of power, Jesus. If we are, then we must keep that connection open and active. We must keep our focus on Jesus, prayer and His Word and then we will see His work in and through our lives. How? Let’s examine the Word for the answer to that!

“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.” Romans 12:1-2

Did you notice verse 2? We are to surrender to God, dying to ourselves and the outcome will be that we “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. But only when we give ourselves, as that “living sacrifice” will we truly see the “life” of Jesus demonstrated in us—and that is what the world is in desperate need of. You and I living genuine transformed lives before a world of corruption that needs salt and light more than it needs anything else!

And just how are we to work this out in reality, when we live in such a hostile world? Only by allowing the grace of God to work within us. Paul gives us a good set of instructions to use as we strive to be plugged in, yielded and focused on Jesus:

“Continue in prayer,

and watch in the same

with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us,

that God would open unto us a door of utterance,

to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest,

as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be always with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer every man.”   Colossians 4:2-6

So, my challenge to each of us is to be “spiritually” seasoned with God’s grace, the salt of the Savior, the wisdom and discernment of the Spirit, that we might reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus whom we serve! May it ever be so! Are you well seasoned? It’s worth the effort. Just as tasteless food is not very desirable, neither are Christians who aren’t seasoned by Jesus and His Word!!! Remember, speaking “with grace” not continually complaining, but “seasoned with salt” not walking through this world ‘taste’lessly—again pun intended—but full of the Spirit of Christ. Let’s allow the seasoning of Jesus to make us effective in all we do, by “being” a reflection of HIS love and glory at work in us!