Category Archives: Thy Will Be Done

Inspired NOT Expired??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09

13 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Approved Unto God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09  Inspired NOT Expired???

 

I have a word for today that I pray will speak to hearts and help each of us take confidence in God’s Word—our Lode Star—it IS God’s standard!!!

“Heaven and earth

shall pass away,

but my words

shall not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

The Psalmist rehearses the import of The Word of God, and we can take great comfort and encouragement in the faithfulness of our God and HIS Word!

“For the word of the LORD

is right;

and all his works

are done in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full of the goodness

of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD

were the heavens made;

and all the host of them

by the breath of his mouth.”  Psalm 33:4-6

God is creator and Jesus, The Son, was the conduit of HIS creation—for HE is also creator.

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image

of the invisible God,

the firstborn

of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before

all things,

and by him

all things consist.”  Colossians 1:14-17

ALL THINGS!  Did you get it?  Paul reminds us that “all things were created by him, and for him”!  And who is “HIM”?  John answers that question for us—and helps us understand that Jesus is the Living WORD, as well as the essence of the Written Word of GOD.

“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…

….. 14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:1-5 & 14

The question is, “What will we do with The Word?”; both the written Word and The Living Word–JESUS?  God tells us through the Apostle Paul how we ought to use HIS Word!

“Study to shew thyself approved ‘    

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

In line with our title, the thing we have to consider is whether we accept The Word of God as “inspired” or “expired”?  So many today disregard God’s Word, call it irrelevant, outdated or not applicable to our lives today.  Yet God’s Word, as Jesus said, will not pass away; and while Jesus fulfilled much of the law and prophets, especially those regarding HIS first coming, HE will also bring all of the remaining prophecies to fulfillment with HIS return.  While all these things are important—they are part of HIS Word—it all boils down to what YOU have done/are doing with God’s Word—both His written Word and HIS crucified, buried, risen and ascended Son, Jesus.  And the message is clear, The Word is what we need to know “what we believe”; “what is wrong”; “how to correct the wrong”; and “how to walk right and prevent the wrong”!  Paul also gives us instruction to help us live out what we have received from Jesus—the NEW Birth!

“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 1:10-13

Another of Paul’s words to help you and me.

“Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear

and trembling.

13 For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things

without murmurings

and disputings:

15 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 2:12-15

What are you “working out”?  The salvation that God has offered to you.  Or the worldliness that pervades us on every hand?  Jesus, The Lamb of God, is not only our Lord but HE left us such an amazing example.  Now don’t misunderstand—HE came to be our sacrifice, not just “an example”; but in HIS coming HE left us the greatest example of all.  But notice the context—the context is about suffering for Jesus.

“For this is thankworthy,

 if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

 this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:19-25

If you don’t know HIM, you can; He gave HIMSELF for your salvation.  Won’t you trust to His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine.  He’s still calling men, women, boys and girls to HIS cross.  He died for YOU!  It’s what HIS Word reveals throughout the pages of all scripture.  You can receive His “inspired” Word of truth or you can reject it as an “expired” myth and pay for your own sin.

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 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.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:6-11

Will you answer HIS call upon your heart?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

The test:

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth

and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place

for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works…

…. 15 And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

 was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-12 & 15

I pray that you will receive the “inspired” Word of God—Jesus—the conduit of the written Word and the Living Word Himself, who laid down His life for you and me!

“Hereby perceive we the love of God,

because he laid down his life

for us:

and we ought to lay down our lives

for the brethren.”  1 John 3:16

“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 3:18

Amen and Amen!!!

Revisiting Deuteronomy 6??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #724

28 Wednesday Apr 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Born Again, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Decency, Obedience, Only Jesus, Only One Way, The Crucified Life, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done, Yesterdays made Todays!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #724  Revisiting Deuteronomy 6???

 

We shared last time about God’s plan for man, the home and life, and I’d like to spend our time today taking a closer look at the passage from Deuteronomy 6; it is worth our time to consider the power of the truths in this Word from God about the home.  And if we ever needed to consider God’s plan for the home, it is surely now.

“Now these are

the commandments,

the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD your God

commanded to teach you,

that ye might do them

in the land whither ye go to possess it:

2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God,

to keep all his statutes

 and his commandments,

which I command thee,

thou,

and thy son,

and thy son’s son,

all the days of thy life;

and that thy days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel,

and observe to do it;

that it may be well with thee,

and that ye may increase mightily,

as the LORD God of thy fathers

hath promised thee,

in the land that floweth

with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel:

The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

 shall be in thine heart:”   Deuteronomy 6:1-6

This passage begins with a call to all, but particularly the parents, before launching beyond to the family.  We can never pass on what we don’t possess; be it money, love, truth, morals or most importantly a personal relationship with God through His Son—and for the contextual accuracy of this passage, their belief was in the coming Messiah who would bring in the New Covenant, The Holy Spirit who would save and dwell in them (See Jer. 31:31-34 & Ez. 36:25-27)!

God calls us to recognize that these are HIS precepts and principles for godly living—for successful living—for the passing of the baton to the next generation. We cannot ignore and violate the principles of God and expect to be successful and content in our lives, much less to pass the baton faithfully to our children and grandchildren.  We cannot pass on what we do not possess!  So, we must acknowledge God’s right to lead, and be willing to rely upon the truth of HIS Word for our life, our belief system and our practices of life—otherwise we are just hypocrites and no one see’s hypocricy more quickly than children—especially our own offspring!

God calls us to:

–recognize HIS WORD—we must dig into THE WORD—

–DO IT—obey GOD’S WORD—

–FEAR HIM—in reverential awe and love—

–KEEP HIS COMMANDS—not forsaking HIS way—

(“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”   Isaiah 30:21)

–Share these commands with our offspring—

–Hear them and observe them—

–to be blessed and receive the goodness of God—

–in the land of God’s promise—

And God’s prime directive to all:

— thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might—

And how do we do this?  By having HIS WORD—

— in thine heart—

The bottom line is, I must love GOD myself, and have Jesus, and HIS Holy Spirit, in my heart!  Pretend won’t work.  As a parent I can only impart to my children what I personally have, know and live by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  Paul describes this much better than I can.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

…. If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

And while those to whom Moses gave these commands were not blessed to have the indwelling Holy Spirit yet, we have the power of God’s Spirit to be able to accomplish God’s ways.  We can be victorious, but we must be born again ourselves in order to have a personal relationship with God and to have HIS Holy Spirit to lead and guide us—HE IS this “new covenant” which Jesus died to impart to us.

“I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

 is come,

he will guide you

into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”   John 16:12-14

So, we have an empowerment that the Old Testament saints did not all have; for the Holy Spirit was not imparted to each believer continually then, but to chosen individuals, at chosen times, for specific purposes of God.  We are truly blessed beyond measure.

“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

The question is, have you received this “love of God” which “is shed abroad” in YOUR heart?  We can never share Jesus with others, if we don’t have Jesus in our own hearts—if we haven’t been born again by the Holy Spirit of God.

“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

And as we go back to Deuteronomy 6, we find that with God’s power, and a willingness to walk in HIS ways, we can pass on our love of God to those who walk behind us.  God’s ways are dependable.  Let’s consider what God’s plan was and still is.

“And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates…

….. Then beware lest thou forget the LORD,

which brought thee forth

out of the land of Egypt,

from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God,

and serve him…..”  Deuteronomy 6:6-13

We are to teach, instruct, serve God, and lead our children to know God and do the same—we are to use teachable moments to share the truths of God with our children and the children we are privileged to have in our lives; we are to live it, teach it, and share it in all our daily activities—walking, sitting, resting, preparing for sleep, or rising up; we are to adorn ourselves with ornaments of godliness rather than the ornaments of worldliness.  We are to have our homes adorned with godly evidence of what we believe and who our GOD is—and what HE means to us; our homes can have great impact on those who enter there—what does your home advertise?  Yet God doesn’t stop there, HE goes on to tell us the ultimate progression of this way of life.

“And when thy son asketh thee

in time to come, saying,

What mean

the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore, …

… 23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land

which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the LORD commanded us to do

all these statutes,

to fear the LORD our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do

all these commandments

before the LORD our God,

as he hath commanded us.” Deuteronomy 6:20-25

In Blanche’s paraphrase:  if we lead our children in truth and righteousness before God, when we behave differently than the world, the time will come that our child will ask “why do we do these things, or don’t do other things?” Then we can share the truth of what God has done for “ME/US” and lead them to the cross (for we are on this side of the cross!) where they can find Jesus for themselves.  But our words must match the life we live, or we will have little ability to influence those whom we love the most.  You decide!  Will you live for Jesus and lead those around you to the cross or will you lead them straight to hell by your faithless choices?  The choice is yours!  But choose wisely, there is a test.  And in Jesus own words we find the import of our choices!  For “what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world” or loose “his own children”?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny

himself,

and take up

his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

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

May God open our eyes and work in our hearts to help us realize the serious times in which we are living:

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:28

Amen and Amen!!!

Used Where They Were? Really?? Bible Ballistics: BBs #707

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Under His Wings, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #707 Used Where They Were?   Really??

 

I would like to take some time today taking a preview look at Daniel chapter 3. Why, you might ask; and the answer would be that there is so much to consider besides the exciting story of the “fiery furnace” which is often missed when we just read the story and go on to the next chapter.  I want to give you some homework, if you would, that I think will make our next session together of more benefit to you and me both!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,

whose height was threescore cubits,

and the breadth thereof six cubits:

he set it up in the plain of Dura,

in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together

the princes,

the governors,

and the captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

to come to the dedication

of the image which Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up.

3 Then

the princes,

the governors,

and captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

were gathered together

unto the dedication

of the image that Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up;

and they stood before the image

that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then an herald cried aloud,

To you it is commanded,

O people,

nations,

and languages,

5 That at what time ye hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,

and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down and worship

the golden image

that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

6 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth

shall the same hour

be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:1-6

Here we have an encounter that involved three of the four young men that we have been following; and I’ll just tell you up front, we don’t know where Daniel was, but he, at the very least, isn’t mentioned in this account; now whether he was away on government business or assigned to keep charge of the palace in the King’s absence, we just don’t know.  But his three friends are the subject and the object of this account.  If you take a few minutes to go back and review chapter 2’s prophetic part, you’ll find that the emphasis was on a statue, of which King Nebuchadnezzar was represented by the “head of gold”!  No matter what else the king heard from this dream’s interpretation from Daniel, it would appear that his own “head” has been puffed up with the thought of this “head of gold”!  So, he has built and erected a 90-foot-tall statue of “gold”!  And I have no doubt that the likeness of this statue was very likely the likeness of King Nebuchadnezzar—a man of pride, and temper.

The king has not only built this giant statue, but he has also called everyone of import to the ‘reveal’ of the image of gold; and not only a ‘reveal’ but a call to “worship” this image he has set up!  How ‘coincidental’ that he has called all the people to worship this image—including our three friends!  What I want us to consider today is the fact that our three friends find themselves in a dilemma of choosing how to respond to the king’s command!  There’s an old southern gospel song that sums it up: “They Wouldn’t Bend, They Wouldn’t Bow, They Wouldn’t Burn” (Written by Arthur Smith)!  But when did these three choose?  When will you choose?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”    Daniel 1:8

Daniel and his friends made up their minds at the beginning to follow and serve their God no matter where they were!  They knew God and they trusted HIM to care for them one way or another!  Their faith and devotion was in their GOD not ‘religion’!  They had already chosen to trust God and follow HIM no matter where it led; whether it was pleasant, convenient or fair—they determined before the crises came that they would not do anything to “defile” themselves; and remember they had already been ceremonially defiled by their captors!  They weren’t filled with hate, but they were filled with love for and trust in the Almighty God of creation, their GOD, knowing that HE would use them whereever HE placed them.  God can use YOU/ME right where we are (or where ever HE may lead us) if we will repent of our sin, turn to Jesus and give our lives to HIM for HIS service where ever we are!  When we decide to follow Jesus any–where HE leads and to trust to HIS care, we will find that God will do amazing things—no matter whether the circumstances are pleasant or not—no matter if it is convenient or not—no matter if it seems ‘fair’ or not!  Our God reigns in all!  Here are some reminders for us to consider.

“God reigneth over the heathen:

God sitteth upon the throne

of his holiness.”  Psalm 47:8

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth

peace;

that bringeth good tidings

of good,

that publisheth

salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:7

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

So, as we wind down for today, I would like to ask you to spend some time this week reading through and pondering the content of Daniel chapter 3 and noting what these men did, how they did it, why they did it and in whom their trust was secured!  How could they be so bold (never arrogant) as to face a raging king and respectfully stand fast trusting God!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

How will you respond when you are under a Nebuchadnezzar who challenges your faith?  If we are ever called to ‘civil dis-obedience’ will we behave with godly civility or be arrogantly uncivil.  And if you need to see even more of an example ponder this with deep humility.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable

with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow

his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:” 1 Peter 2:19-23

May you hear from God as you ponder these things.  I pray that we will each bow before our God not the world!

Lord willing, we’ll take this back up Sunday!

Amen and Amen!!!

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God

and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“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

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”   1 Corinthians 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“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

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“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

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour

is not in vain

 in the Lord.”   1 Corinthians 15:57-58

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

Why Have YOU Come??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #516

21 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Come And Worship?, Come To Worship HIM, Consider Your ways, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #516  Why Have YOU Come???

 

People think a lot of different things about Jesus, and at this Christmas time I’d like to share a few tidbits to challenge us to examine our hearts and see why “I” have come to Jesus. Or have I truly come to Him?

“Saying,

Where is he

that is born

King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star

in the east,

and are come

to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

The wise men came to worship HIM, but as they brought what they thought would be great news to Herod, his wicked heart was interested for another reason.

“Then Herod,

when he saw that he was mocked

of the wise men,

was exceeding wroth,

and sent forth,

and slew all the children

that were in Bethlehem,

and in all the coasts thereof,

from two years old and under,

according to the time

which he had diligently enquired

of the wise men.” Matthew 2:16

While Herod feigned a desire to “worship” the newborn King, his real motive was to eliminate any competition to his own position. And while most people today wouldn’t kill the babies (but wait a minute—that’s exactly what our culture is doing to the inconvenient and untimely ones!) we do kill the work of conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit as He calls us to Jesus. How often do we “kill” the work of Jesus in our hearts as He tries to direct our heart and steps in His ways? Refusing to heed His call, kick down doors that He has closed to us, pout and throw tantrums because we don’t get “our” way in things? If you’re like me, at my best I act this way far too often, and I have to repent and seek His face to restore my joy, even as David taught us so long ago.

“Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy

of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted

unto thee.” Psalm 51:9-13

Oh, to delight in serving HIM with joy and zeal—not because of what we can get, but to express our gratitude for what we have received from HIM. Jesus came that we might “have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!

“And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.

15 John bare witness of him,

and cried, saying,

This was he of whom I spake,

He that cometh after me

is preferred before me:

for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness

have all we received,

and grace for grace.” John 1:14-16

Jesus came to save us because we couldn’t save ourselves! He IS the greatest gift of all time! Have you received HIS gift to you? If you haven’t come to HIM in repentance and faith, won’t you make this your best Christmas ever, by receiving this King who came for you, and died for you?

“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

God desires us to “come to worship HIM”! Will you come to Him as the wise men; or will you reject Him and kill His voice, which is speaking to your heart, even right now! Or will you put it off until it’s “One Day Too Late” (A gospel song written by Lanny Wolfe)! Even as King Agrippa told Paul:

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me

to be a Christian.” Acts 26:28

Please join me in seeking our Lord’s heart, making sure that we have “come to worship HIM”, not simply come to Him as our ‘heavenly slot machine’ to get what we want, when we want it. May our prayer truly be that of our Lord Jesus!

“And he was withdrawn from them

about a stone’s cast,

and kneeled down,

and prayed,

42 Saying, Father,

if thou be willing,

remove this cup from me:

nevertheless

not my will,

but thine, be done.”   Luke 22:41-42

May we truly worship HIM and not the trappings! Blessings on your day!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13