Bible Ballistics: What Will You Do With TODAY??? Vol. 7#06

“This is the day

which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

As we enter upon a new year of 2016, I am reminded that we often get so busy rehearsing the past, or planning and anticipating the future that we often forget to “live” today. As the old adage says, “Are you so busy making a living, that you forget to make a ‘life’?” Or as the younger generation puts it, “Get a life”, in other words “live” in the here and now—because it is truly all we have.

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come, so what will we do with “today”? Scripture is replete with challenges to live the life that God has given us and to do it in the ‘here and now’—in fact ‘now’ is all we have!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”   Proverbs 27:1

But what are we to do with today? Remember that each day is a gift from God, to be given back to Him through our love and service (to God and others).

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

Jesus isn’t calling us to be irresponsible or flippant about living or caring for the matters of life, but He is calling us to seek God primarily as the provider for each day as it comes. When we put God first in everything, then all else will be taken care of in the proper time and season. Jesus even reveals this mindset in the model prayer, but we often just overlook the simplicity of what He teaches us about prayer. Prayer isn’t just a checklist, or a wish-list that we hand to God expecting Him to meet “our desires”, but a line of communication through which we open ourselves to the heart and mind of God. Let’s examine what Jesus tells us about prayer (not what to pray but how!!) in Matthew 6:9-13.

 “After this manner therefore pray ye:”

In “this way”. Jesus gives us a wonderful pattern of how we are to seek the face of God. We are to pray in “this manner”, and while there is nothing wrong with repeating the words of the “Lord’s Prayer”, Jesus gives it to us as a pattern to use in our praying, not as the ‘words’ we are to speak to God.

“Our Father which art in heaven,”

Just as Jesus depended on His Father God, so are we to know and be confident in the total sovereignty and dependability of our Father God. But He is only “Father” to those who trust in Jesus.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

He is the One to whom we cling, along with His only begotten Son–Jesus, our Redeemer, Savior and Lord—the one who gives us the “new birth”. And when we begin by calling on God, we are not only acknowledging Him, but honoring Him and who HE is–God: 

“Hallowed be thy name.”

We are to acknowledge and adore the Holy God whom we serve, with a heart that is ready and willing to seek “HIS” kingdom and “HIS” will, not our own. In contrast to the popular teaching of today that says we can simply “name it and claim it”, or just “speak” our greatest hearts desires ‘positively’ to God in order to receive them (although much of what our ‘heart’ desires is pure worldly lust). Jesus reminds us that our heart is to be seeking what He sought, even as He approached the cross;

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

Likewise our prayer is to continually be:

“10 Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”

Our prayer should always seek to be in tune with God, seeking to know the heart of God, not trying to twist God’s arm to accomplish our will. While we live in a “selfie” world that is trying to make God into “man’s image” rather than acknowledging that we were made “in the image of God”, we are attempting to create “God in your own image”. But what we should be desiring is for God to make us more “conformed to the image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29). To be like the son—not like the world.

Jesus shows us that our focus should be on “today” and a lifestyle of “selflessness” not “selfish” obsession with yesterday and/or tomorrow.

“11 Give us this day our daily bread.”

God desires that we depend on Him for today’s provision. We are to prepare for the future with a heart of trust in God’s total sovereignty and dependability! Today we are to focus on God, on others and our ability to serve both God and man. Our attitudes will reflect our confidence:

“12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:”

We are to forgive because we are forgiven:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

I don’t forgive because I have to, I forgive because I can—I have been forgiven, therefore I can forgive others because the “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (See Ro. 5:5).

And why do we do all of this? We can live in “today” because we belong to Jesus, and we can only share what we have received. God’s kingdom is coming in Jesus, but it should also be here right now—Today—in our lives!!! May others see Jesus in us—Today!!! But how:

“For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13

We belong to God Almighty—ruler of heaven and earth. We can trust Him with today, rest in His forgiving grace and restoring mercy for yesterday, and have confident hope for tomorrow. Will you live for Him today? My prayer for you is that God will grow you in His grace and truth—today and each today!

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 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:” Col. 1:9-14

May we share a great new year—ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #235      My New Year’s Prayer!!!

As we start this new year of 2016, I prayer for all those around me, for the world at large and especially for America, which is in great need of prayer. But I pray today especially for those special people in my life (and yours) who are walking in blatant disobedience to what they know to be the truth, and for those who know the truth but have rejected, dismissed or minimalized the seriousness of the Word of God and the truth of the imminent return of Jesus Christ The Lord. My heart is burdened that so many in my life (and I’m sure yours as well) claim the name of Jesus, use cutesy “religious jingles” and “pictures” on social media but have no desire to walk with God or live a lifestyle of “holiness” and Biblical integrity, the can post nice “religious” sayings one minute and curse like the devil in the next. Something is wrong with this picture!

My heart breaks for the reality that many of them, many of you, may be living in deception. So my prayer today is that God will open our eyes, that we will each open ourselves before God and let Him reveal truth to our hearts:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalm 139:23

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

And what does it mean to be “in the faith”? It starts with the basics that Jesus declared to Nicodemus!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God……….. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 & 5

We must be “born again” by God’s Spirit, and that is a life-changing transformation that only God can perform in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls. A work that comes when we repent of our sin, and trust in the work that Jesus did for us on Calvary—knowing that He paid for our sin—His death for my life.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

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

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

Being “in the faith” means I have be born “of God”! We all share in the flesh and blood that gave life at our birth, but we must choose to receive the new life that being “born again” imparts– to those who will believe in HIM!

Not just giving “mental assent” to His existence—

Not just walking an aisle

or repeating some “magic formula” prayer—

Not just “speaking” the name of Jesus

and “saying” we believe!

Being born again means I have placed all I am at the feet of Jesus; that I have come to the end of myself and heard the voice of Jesus’ Spirit speaking to me the life bringing truth that I am lost without HIM; it means that I have come to understand the futility and emptiness that exists within me apart from Jesus (regardless of the religious activity that may appear in my life); real faith means I have seen the truth of my failure—my sin—and come to the only ONE who can give me life and peace with GOD and peace from GOD!

“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

And I can be a “new creature” only by faith in Jesus death for MY sin, in turning from my own way to HIM and His way.

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

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

And because of God’s precious grace we can be “saved” from our sins, given new life and walk in “good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. Not works that save, but salvation that produces good works, because I have peace with God, as well as the peace of God.

“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

So, what am I saying? I am simply saying what Jesus said in Matthew 7, “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!!! It’s not what I say, it’s what I possess from God through Jesus Christ, and if I truly belong to Jesus there will be evidence in my life, to one degree or another. If I really belong to Jesus, I can’t walk in disobedience continually without the discipline of God!

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:18-23

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Hebrews 12:6-8 Are you “real”? Or “illegitimate”/imitation?

If you are living a godless life, but clinging to a past “profession”, “prayer”, “baptism”, “confirmation” or any other “religious” activity to get you to heaven, please, please, please ask God to reveal your heart to you. If you are ignoring God with no thought about it, you should examine what you think “saved” you! Please seek the face of Jesus and His power today, for it is of eternal importance; your eternity depends on it. God knows the truth, no matter what anyone else thinks. Just because your ‘daddy’, or ‘grandma’, or ‘wife’, or ‘husband’ or even your ‘children’ think you are a “good person”, if you don’t really belong to Jesus, you have no hope.

And if you are claiming the name of Jesus and living in open, blatant, unbiblical ways of sin I beg of you to ‘examine’ your heart and ask God to show you your real condition before HIM?

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “were” NOT “are”

I didn’t say it, GOD did! So my prayer is that YOU will take time today and in this coming year to truly come to know God through His Son Jesus, if you don’t. And if you already belong to Jesus, remember that other’s eternity may depend on your example and testimony. Our Lord is coming soon.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:1-6

Jesus is still the only way!!! And He knows not only your “lifestyle” but also your “heart”—just because others don’t see the evil within you, doesn’t mean Jesus can’t! He knew my evil heart and came to confront my sin, and save me and deliver me from my own sin. He will do the same for you today. I pray that you will call on Him while there is still time. Amen and Amen

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #234 A New Year’s Challenge To Shine!

As we come to the close of the year 2015, I thought it would be a good thing to offer a challenge to each of us as we go into the new year of 2016! It’s a new year, with 366 new days—yes it’s a Leap Year— of new opportunities and new challenges. And may we remember that for each day, God’s grace is sufficient.

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

We are to focus on “TODAY” because it’s all we have. There is evil all around us and it flourishes all by itself, we don’t have to seek it or contribute to it, for it will be there in our face. But on the other hand we’re not to run from the conflict either, we are called to seek God’s face and His kingdom at every turn with each new day, not to be distracted by the pressures or temptations of the world:

“(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:32-33

God has promised in so many places to care for His own, and HE always keeps His promises, even though we often don’t. We serve the God who is working through our trials and circumstances to reveal and manifest Himself to us and to the world, which is watching us every day.

Paul, when faced with a difficult trial/infirmity that caused him great consternation, prayed and asked God specifically to remove the trial from him on three separate and specific occasions, and God’s answer gives us great insight into the motives and principles of God—God is more concerned about my holiness, and likeness to Jesus than my comfort and pleasure:

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Because of Christ’s strength given to me through the Holy Spirit, I can also say with Paul, “I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”; because it’s Him at work in me, HIS power that sustains, NOT mine, so I also can “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake….” Take pleasure? Really? You’re kidding? Not in the least, Paul is reminding us that we are living as pilgrims in this fallen world, and that what God is doing isn’t always easy, pleasant or even recognizable as “good” to the world, but we can know that while we march to a ‘different drummer’, we can march on knowing our God is always at work in us.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

Because God’s Spirit is within us, and working in us, making intercession for us in all things (good and bad, simple and difficult, now and later) we can rest assured of His ability to not only “KNOW” what’s going on, but to also “KNOW” what He is doing, when it needs to be done, and that He is allowing each and every particular thing in our lives for a reason! And that reason?

“28 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.” Romans 8:28-29

God is working “all things” for our good, for His glory, for the promulgation (Yes, go look it up) of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and conforming us to the likeness of Jesus. Our part is to “stand” strong in Him and “shine” for Jesus. I’d like to close with a familiar passage, but with a twist. In Ephesians 6 we are called to be “strong” and to “stand”, but I’d like to take the liberty of calling us to see the word “stand” as the word “shine”, and examine our own lives to see what we are “shining” forth to the world? Jesus or something else?

“Finally, my brethren, be strong (to shine) in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand (shine) 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. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand (shine on) in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (keep shining). 14 Stand (shine) 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

So, my challenge to each of us is that we will ‘stand’ and ‘shine’ for Jesus—the only way to God—with our armor on each and every day, so we can ‘stand’ and ‘shine’ with:

Truth—a life Transformed by The Truth on a Cross!

Righteousness—a life Reflecting Redemption!

Peace—a life Profuse with His very Presence!

Faith—a life Fastened to the Only sure Foundation!

Salvation—a life of Service to and for the Savior!

Word of God—a life of Worth reflecting His Word to a

  lost and dying World!

As you reflect on the past year, fix your eyes on Jesus to prepare for tomorrow. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you in the coming year!

Due to the winter storm and Internet service being “iced” down already there will be no Bible Ballistics post today. 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #233   Even A Child Is Known!!!

Merry Christmas—He came for YOU!!!

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his

work be pure, and whether it be right.”    Proverbs 20:11

Proverbs declares to us than even “a child” is known by what he does—his behavior. And Jesus Christ was no different, when he came to be the “Redeemer” of the world. He came to save all who would believe in Him:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And only Jesus could and did bring deliverance to mankind—to all who would believe in His atoning, substitutionary sacrifice for mankind’s sin! Praise God HE came because He loves us, because the Father God of all creation loves us.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:14-18

Jesus came for YOU—that you and I might have eternal life!!! And Jesus the real, flesh and blood, Savior of the world lived a sinless life in this world, to go and pay a price for sin He had NOT committed, but you and I had. He paid the price HE didn’t owe, because YOU and I owed a debt we couldn’t pay apart from His provision. Praise God for His mercy and grace. All because of a “child” who was know for His doings.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38

And this child, became a man, lived a pure and sinless life, was taken prisoner, was beaten, mocked and ridiculed before being crucified on that cruel, heartless cross—all because His heart was set on delivering you and me. Do you know that love? He came for YOU!!! Jesus emptied Himself willingly to make a way for you and I to have eternal life, to know the God who loves us and to spend eternity in heaven with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—the triune God. HE LOVES YOU. How much? Paul paints a great picture of how much Jesus really cared for us.

“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 wish you a most glorious and merry Christmas today, I simply have one question for you—Have you bowed before HIM? The question is not “will you bow”, for God tells us that “every knee” will bow!!! The question is simply will you bow before Him now as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM on that day when He judges all men as the “judge”, with no further opportunity for salvation? The choice is yours; please choose wisely—it’s of eternal importance to you and those you love, those who are following your example.

Merry Christmas from all of the Brittains in our house, to each and every one of you on this glorious CHRISTmas day!!!