Category Archives: Victory IN Jesus!

You Can Do This!!! But How??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #791

27 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance or Arrogance, Changed Lives, Comfort, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, TODAY, Today And Tomorrow, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Trendy Or Truth, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Under His Wings, Unexpected Interruptions, Victory IN Jesus!, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #791   You Can Do This!!!  But How???

I have a word to share this morning, a word that we all can use on most days and probably today!  And to set just a bit of context before we dive into this first passage, Paul was talking about Israel in the wilderness (and yes, we are to study the Old Testament as well as the New, so we might learn from the testimonies that God recorded for us!), and how we can learn from their choices.  We can know that God is in charge, and our ‘temptations and trials’ are filtered through His fingers of love; we just need to look up, knowing that HE will provide!

“Now all these things happened unto them

for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition,

 upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth

take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Paul is teaching us to not only live in the truth of God’s written Word, but to remember the examples HE has recorded for us to learn from as we walk through this world of chaos and confusion.  But we need not be either of those things as those who have seen the promise fulfilled of the Messiah who delivered salvation on the cross—salvation for all who will believe and receive the Gospel that Jesus paid for sin—my sin and yours!  And not only has HE paid for our sin but has given HIS gift of The Holy Spirit, just as HE promised to all those who are born again by His power, His provision and His purposes through The Holy Spirit/The Comforter—the source of God’s provision to His own!

So, let’s peruse some references about who the Holy Spirit is, and what HE would accomplish.  First of all, HE is the one who brings us to faith in Jesus (and the “HE” in this passage from John 1 is a reference to Jesus–“The Word…The Creator…The Light of the world!”  The One who promised to send HIS precious Holy Spirit to HIS own!

“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.

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 1:10-14

God brings us to the cross via the conviction (the work of the Holy Spirit in man to bring them to see sin as sin, and Jesus as the only cure, see John 14:16-18 & 16:6-8) of sin which HIS Holy Spirit reveals to man!  He leads to the truth of the gospel—on which I stand like Paul, and you can too!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

The gospel that Paul declared and stood on is the foundation of our faith—JESUS, and HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for sin– the truth we stand upon! Paul also gave us the “Gospel in a nutshell”, if you would allow me to call it that!  Consider how concisely He proclaims Jesus!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you

the gospel which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached

unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

 5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

The Gospel IS JESUS:

It can only be shared by those who have “received” it—

Christ died for our sins—the only way (See John 14:6)-

 ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

Christ Jesus was buried—HE WAS DEAD—

HE AROSE—on the third day—victorious over—

Sin, death, and hell—

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

HE was seen alive by many witnesses!

Jesus paid the price that only the Lamb of God could pay.  Have you come to HIM in repentance and faith?  I pray that you have and if you haven’t, that you will come to HIM today!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:16-19

There is so much more that I wish I had time (and finger strength left) to share here, but I pray that God will open our hearts to receive HIS truth as truth—that we will respond in faith and obedience—and share that which we have received, in whatever ways God provides and leads us to!  I would like to share a few passages to encourage and assure us that Jesus died for you and me—for our sin—but when HE died, rose again, and ascended to heaven (until HIS return), HE sent us the amazing gift of HIS Holy Spirit to reside within and lead us into HIS truth, equipping us to minister truth to a lost and dying world.  Jesus promised that The Holy Spirit would bring us into all truth if we will but receive and heed HIS leading in our lives—our every day, our walking about days, our tear-filled days, our laughing days—our EVERY hour days! Jesus promised us all we would need to press on.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

 I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world

of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

 because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.”  John 16:7-11

And some more from Paul’s letters that I pray will help and encourage each of us to look up, walk straight and press on!  (See Acts 1:1-8)

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed with that holy Spirit

of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance

until the redemption

of the purchased possession,

unto the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:13-14

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

 unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:29-32

And the message to the Galatian believers:

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

….. 24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16 & 24-25

Are we walking in The Spirit, or our own ways?  Oh, Jesus, please do your work in our hearts through this precious Holy Spirit which you have imparted to all who are born again by HIS work of conviction and awakening to the debt of sin we owed.  Thank you, Lord, for your love, your sacrifice, and your forgiveness of my sin—for paying my ‘sin debt’!

“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

Jesus gives forgiveness of sin, and we should be recognized by actions which reflect the ONE who lives in us.  How about me?   How about you?  Will we honor the One who saved us—the ONE who calls us to walk in “holiness”?  While it’s simple to remember that God “has it”, it’s not always easy to remember how that looks.  Remember that God filters everything that comes into our lives, and whether its “Job” like tragedy and strife, or blessings—He is working “all things” for our good!

“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,

but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7

“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

‘Nuff said!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Empty Chairs??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17

23 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Cross, Perseverance, Polluted by the world?, Power of The Cross, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redefining Christianity?, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Stand by ME!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Truth, Tuned In To Jesus, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17      Empty Chairs???

 

I heard a message some years ago with an object lesson about three chairs, representing the generational obligation of those who believe in God.  The first chair was occupied by the one who believed God and followed Him in obedient devotion, much like Joshua and his declaration:

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side

of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

I saw a post recently reminding us that our job as born-again believers, is to not only believe the gospel that Jesus Saves, but to live the life-changing transformation that the new birth produces, and to share the Gospel at every opportunity, especially when others inquire of the reason we live ‘differently’ (See 1 Peter 3:15).  Yet, it seems to me that we haven’t joined Joshua in living, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”; but have rather caved to the compromising influences of the world allowing our homes and families to be so attached to the world, that our children and grandchildren have refused or ignored the call to take the next seat.  Often, even when they do fill the second seat, they are so compromised with the world that their children and grandchildren see no difference between the church and the world.  But to me the saddest part is that we have been so negligent of The Word of God, that we have brought our small ones to accept the things that the world calls good, even though God calls them evil.  We have become like the people of Isaiah’s day and are due the same “woe” that God pronounced on them.  Perhaps it’s why we are where we are?  What about that chair?  Are we leading the little ones to know and love Jesus?

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:20-21

Repetition usually notes importance of an issue, and Paul addresses this same issue—we cannot rely upon the “wisdom” of men over God’s—we must fill our “chair” with the same determined boldness that Joshua did; Joshua, who called all Israel to “choose you this day”, is our example of godly obedience rather than worldly compromise? We must stand fast on God’s Word?  Yet, what I observe today is the message to just “add Jesus” to your life—no repentance—no change—no transforming salvation; but rather a call to just add Jesus to whatever else you’re leaning on for fulfillment, satisfaction, prosperity, financial success, making Jesus an “addendum” rather than THE Savior and Redeemer!  Salvation requires the recognition of our own sin, then total reliance upon the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin—hell, and the transformation that the cleansing blood of Jesus works!  We must heed God’s plan—simple but true (and I note ‘Blanche’s paraphrase’ of Jesus’ own words).

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…. 5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3 & 5

“As you go about your daily living,

teach all nations

(Anyone and everyone

God may place in your path),

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost

(Leading them to identify with Jesus

and His church

through the obedience of baptism):

20 Teaching them to obey/observe

all the things that I have commanded you

to do:

and, take heart,

I am with you always,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Blanche’s paraphrase of Matthew 28:19-20

Even as the Apostle Peter proclaimed in the book of Acts:

“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

Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers is also profound, yet so simple!  We must NEVER abandon the message of the cross—which is, that sin cost Jesus His life, so that we could have eternal life!  Paul puts it so much better than I do!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy

the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews

a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks

foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-25

So, what about the third chair?  If the first chair fails to impart truth to the next generation, then the second chair may be filled, but often by one with weak faith, or even vain faith (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), leaving the third chair empty; for the truth of God’s plan has been disregarded for the plans of men—so like Israel of long ago, we will see the judgment of God fall upon our nation as well; all for the want of faithful moms and dads, teachers and preachers, and believers willing to stand by the cross—Salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith in JESUS alone—”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”!  Amen and Amen!!!

This, my friends, will hopefully lead us to call upon our God and to pray the prayer of Daniel 9; a hard prayer to pray, but the loving prayer of a humble man of God who loved his people enough to identify with their sin and spiritual failure, yet interceding, asking God to move and spare us because of HIS mercy not our merit.  I know this is a lengthy passage, but too powerful to shorten!  I pray that you will ponder its import.

“And I prayed unto the LORD my God,

and made my confession, and said,

O Lord,

the great and dreadful God,

 keeping the covenant

and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

even by departing from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people

of the land.

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries

whither thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed

against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned against thee.

9 To the Lord our God

belong mercies

and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed

the voice of the LORD our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law,

even by departing,

that they might not obey thy voice;

therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written

in the law of Moses

the servant of God,

because we have sinned against him.

12 And he hath confirmed his words,

which he spake against us,

and against our judges that judged us,

by bringing upon us a great evil:

for under the whole heaven

hath not been done as hath been done

upon Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses,

all this evil is come upon us:

yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God,

that we might turn from our iniquities,

and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil,

and brought it upon us:

for the LORD our God is righteous

in all his works which he doeth:

for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God,

that hast brought thy people forth

out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand,

and hast gotten thee renown,

as at this day;

we have sinned,

we have done wickedly.

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,

I beseech thee,

let thine anger and thy fury

be turned away

from thy city Jerusalem,

thy holy mountain:

because for our sins,

and for the iniquities of our fathers,

Jerusalem

and thy people are become a reproach

to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God,

hear the prayer of thy servant,

and his supplications,

and cause thy face to shine

upon thy sanctuary that is desolate,

for the Lord’s sake.

18 O my God,

incline thine ear,

and hear;

open thine eyes,

and behold our desolations,

and the city which is called by thy name:

for we do not present our supplications

before thee

for our righteousnesses,

but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear;

O Lord, forgive;

O Lord, hearken

and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake,

O my God:

for thy city

and thy people

are called by thy name.”  Daniel 9:4-19

May we recognize as Daniel did, that only God can do the work of salvation—yet God gives us the responsibility to recognize the need for compassionate hearts to see the sin that has caused our demise, and seek God’s mercy, grace, and love for restoration; by asking for HIS forgiveness in our own lives, and conviction of sin unto repentance for those around us.  Amen and Amen!!!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Let’s fill our chair and prepare those around us to continue to pursue God and fill the next chair.  May God have mercy on America—on our world!

Amen and Amen!!!

Today’s Hope–Jesus!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #725

30 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Fear, Fearlessness, Trials, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #725  Today’s Hope—Jesus!!!

 

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:3-4

We all have fears at times, and that is not a sin!  Fear is an emotion, and it can be a good thing—if you see a poisonous snake or insect, fear tells you to “make tracks” to be somewhere else!!  If you smell smoke in inappropriate places, fear tells you to check it out.  But when fear grips our hearts over things that only God can control, over the past sorrows and failures, it’s time to give those often-irrational fears to The God who cares about us; and HE is worthy of our trust in all things, and as believers in and followers of Jesus we have the confidence to know that Paul was speaking truth when he encouraged the young pastor, Timothy to not let fear rule him.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

God has given us some things better than fear:

Power:

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

Love:

“We love him,

because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

“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 5:5

Sound mind:

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:”   Philippians 2:5

I encourage you to spend some time thinking on “these things” and God will help you to overcome the fear that tries to cripple us in His service.  Remember, we win!

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

And in closing some encouragement for that thought life that often let’s fear rule—we have control of our minds when we fix them on Jesus.  Amen and Amen!!!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

Rewarded To Serve??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 19

31 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Ask God For Wisdom, Be not conformed to this world, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Walk in the Spirit

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 19    Rewarded To Serve???

 

We left off last week with Daniel receiving the answer to the prayers of he and his three friends.  We have seen the integrity, character and faithfulness to God of these four young men who exemplify the response of a godly servant of God!  We are all called to faithfulness; and the example that we find in Daniel ought to encourage each of us to righteous living and the courage to pursue godliness, and character that reflect God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit before a world in desperate need of a Savior and Redeemer!  Daniel was certainly in the minority!

Let’s review not only Daniel’s prayer and his praise to The God who hears and answers prayer, but compare these, as we go. to the things that Daniel shared before the King!

“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish with the rest

of the wise men of Babylon

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep

and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”   Daniel 2:18-23

Daniel and his friends made a habit of prayer, and so should we; as we said last week, prayer should be our first line of defense, not our last resort.  How’s your prayer life?  Are you developing a true and intimate relationship with The Almighty God of the universe and His Son, Jesus, or are you running your own ‘show’?  Are we willing to pursue real intimacy with God and learn to trust to His care and direction in all our ways?  Not just for ‘results’, but for the glory of our God and the increase of HIS kingdom!  Let’s consider Daniel’s behavior after he receives the answers that he and his friends asked of God.  Remember the decorum with which Daniel inspired the king to grant him the time to pray and give him the answer to his ‘dream dilemma’.  He went through the “powers” that be, and even when he received the answer he still behaved with godly decorum.

“Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch,

whom the king had ordained

to destroy the wise men of Babylon:

he went and said thus unto him;

Destroy not the wise men of Babylon:

bring me in before the king,

and I will shew unto the king

the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel

before the king in haste,

and said thus unto him,

I have found a man

of the captives of Judah,

that will make known

unto the king

the interpretation.

26 The king answered and said to Daniel,

whose name was Belteshazzar,

Art thou able to make known

unto me

the dream which I have seen,

and the interpretation thereof?”   Daniel 2:24-26

Here we see that Daniel honors those who have the authority over him and the decree to kill all the ‘wise’ men; instead of storming the castle with the answer, he goes through Arioch, the captain of the guard, and allows him to take some credit for finding the answer for the king.  It never hurts us to share kindness and opportunities of glory with others.  So, Daniel is brought in before the king, and is asked if he can help.  Let’s continue to look at Daniel’s response to the king (considering that he has the opportunity to take all the credit unto himself); while remembering that Daniel is a captive and openly acknowledging his GOD could be dangerous.

“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said,

The secret which the king hath demanded

cannot the wise men,

the astrologers,

the magicians,

the soothsayers,

shew unto the king;

28 But there is a God in heaven

that revealeth secrets,

and maketh known

to the king Nebuchadnezzar

what shall be in the latter days.

Thy dream, and the visions of thy head

upon thy bed,

are these;

29 As for thee, O king,

thy thoughts came into thy mind

upon thy bed,

what should come to pass hereafter:

and he that revealeth secrets

maketh known to thee

what shall come to pass.

30 But as for me,

this secret is not revealed to me

for any wisdom

that I have more than any living,

but for their sakes

that shall make known

the interpretation to the king,

and that thou mightest know

the thoughts of thy heart.”   Daniel 2:27-30

I encourage you to rehearse Daniel’s prayer, his praise to God for the answer, and then his response to the king; consider all that you learn about this young man (and remember he is probably barely 20, if that) and his character, as well as his confidence in his God.  What is your ‘confidence quotient’ toward God?  Are you walking in the flesh or the spirit?  Paul reminded us that we are to walk in the power of The Spirit who lives within every true believer in and follower of Jesus Christ our Lord!

“16 This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

Daniel’s character is such an encouraging standard for me, oh, that I could attain to such integrity, and dependence upon our Lord!  Let’s consider Daniel’s choices before this pagan king; he still held to and uplifted his GOD above all.  He desired no credit for himself, only that God would be glorified.  Even as Paul told us in his letter to the Galatian believers.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Consider Daniel’s actions:

He stated clearly

that the ‘wise men’ couldn’t do it—

(which the king already knew)

that there is a GOD in heaven who could—

who reveals secrets—

and that is revealing future things—

to Nebuchadnezzar—

and is revealing secrets to the king—

about what shall come to pass—

that the secrets weren’t revealed due to Daniel—

not for his deliverance alone, but

for the deliverance of the faithful.

 So, God could make it known to Nebuchadnezzar!

Do you see the connection between what Daniel knew as he proclaimed the character of God in his praise to God for the answered prayer, and what he shares with Nebuchadnezzar?  We can only share what we know and have come to trust in our God by experience!  The more you know HIM, the more you will come to trust HIM, and the more you trust HIM the more you will have to share.

“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

Daniel knew HIS God and that nothing done for Him, in Him or through HIM would be in vain.  While we won’t be going into the prophetic import of the dream at this time, we do want to look at the results at the end of the revelation.

“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar

fell upon his face,

and worshipped Daniel,

and commanded that they should

offer an oblation

and sweet odours

unto him.

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said,

Of a truth it is,

that your God

is a God of gods,

and a Lord of kings,

and a revealer of secrets,

seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48 Then the king made Daniel

a great man,

and gave him

many great gifts,

and made him ruler

over the whole province of Babylon,

and chief of the governors

over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Then Daniel requested of the king,

 and he set

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego,

over the affairs of the province of Babylon:

but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.”   Daniel 2:46-49

What is amazing, is that this encounter between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar brought glory to God, promotion for a faithful servant, and his friends.  And hopefully we’ll get into chapter 3 next week and focus on a different “four” friends.  May God bless you and encourage your heart and draw you near to Him and grow you in grace, faithfulness, godly character and integrity!  It is important, and it could be the difference between heaven and hell for those around you!

Amen and Amen!!!

Nothing New??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13

31 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Be not conformed to this world, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Darkness or Light?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Judgment, Justice, Light In The Dark, Nothing New, One Day Too Late?, Our God Reigns, Righteousness, Seeing Truth, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM, That They May Know, Thy Kingdom Come, Time, Time Is Grace!, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13    Nothing New???

 

King Solomon said it most eloquently:

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing

under the sun.

10 Is there any thing

whereof it may be said,

See,

this is new?

it hath been already of old time,

which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance

of former things;

neither shall there be any remembrance

of things that are to come

with those that shall come after.”    Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

Sadly, it seems, each generation forgets the lessons of the past.  And our world has not only forgotten the faithfulness of our God, but the countless times and ways that He has stood by us through trials and conflicts.  Our culture, our world, has chosen to forsake God, and exercise hatred, greed and jealousy, which ever seem to follow close on the heels of God’s faithfulness since mankind chooses to sin by his own will.  While we often blame others, the times, the culture, the temptations—the truth is, we have each chosen to go our own way!  Will you choose Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice or your own way?  God has given us the freedom to choose, but each choice will bring a consequence, so choose wisely, there is a test!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 14:12

The very first parents saw their poor choices affect their children—one chose God’s way, the other chose to go his own way; and the consequence was disastrous!

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:

and it came to pass,

when they were in the field,

that Cain rose up

against Abel his brother,

and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain,

Where is Abel thy brother?

And he said,

I know not:

Am I my brother’s keeper?

10 And he said,

What hast thou done?

the voice of thy brother’s blood

crieth unto me

from the ground.”   Genesis 4:8-10

Sin never escapes God’s sight, and HE WILL bring justice to light in HIS time!  He created this world and HE will bring all accounts to their right judgment—in HIS time (and I can’t believe it’s very far away!)!  Abel chose wisely!  How about you?

“Through faith we understand

that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen

were not made of things

which do appear.

4 By faith

Abel offered unto God

a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,

by which he obtained witness

that he was righteous,

God testifying of his gifts:

and by it

he being dead

yet speaketh.”   Hebrews 11:3-4

“Whosoever is born of God

doth not commit sin;

for his seed remaineth in him:

and he cannot sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God

are manifest,

and the children of the devil:

whosoever doeth not righteousness

is not of God,

neither he that loveth not

his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard

from the beginning,

that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain,

who was of that wicked one,

and slew his brother.

And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren,

if the world hate you.”  1 John 3:9-13

We see those who have seemingly gone crazy, those who have taken the opportunity to run amuck, using any excuse to do so; what is the difference between them and me?  When the causes we claim to follow and support turn into wreck, havoc and riot, what do we do?  We must come back to the principles of God and remember that sin is sin, and when we abandon God’s ways, there is a price to pay; compromise with sin/evil will never produce good results!  And our culture has given itself over to pursue sin and evil with a vengeance; rejecting the principles of God and His Word;  using the name of Jesus for a by-word, not the name of the Son of God; are we standing fast with our Lord, or delighting in the sinful ways of those around us.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel

of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away

the righteousness

of the righteous

from him!”  Isaiah 5:18-23

There always have been evil men, and today is no exception, even as Paul warned us of those who are not only evil but take pleasure in doing evil and causing others to follow in their evil schemes.  The choice is yours—who will you follow?  Whom will you believe?  Will you join evil people or “withstand in the evil day”?  (See Ephesians 6:10-19).

God gave you the freedom to choose, but you do not have the freedom to set the consequences!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenantbreakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.”  Romans 1:28-32

And this is scripture—not off of the front page of the newspaper!  We live in a culture that is like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, only the results are far more deadly—it is destroying lives and property—the very means by which we can live and be productive.  Yet we see rack and riot on every hand, produced not by those who have suffered offense, but by those who desire to cause more offense, and take pleasure in the sin that is rampant, for we have chosen a disastrous course!  But one that God has told us beforehand would come.

“Be astonished,

O ye heavens,

at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:12-13

We, the culture and our world, have not only chosen broken cisterns over living water, but we have walked head-long into the perilous times that God warned us would come!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

So, my question for us today is, will we choose to stand for the right, to be (not just talk about, but “BE”) true reflections of the glory and truth of GOD?   It is our calling—a calling that only the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us can accomplish!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called

in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us

is given grace

according to the measure

of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:1-7

Even as Jesus reminds us, it is by HIS Power—our abiding in HIM that produces fruit.  Are you abiding in Jesus?  If not, what are you abiding in?

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken

unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:1-5

If we will ‘abide” in HIM, HE will produce fruit—HIS fruit in and through us!  Paul also made it clear for us all—we must choose to let GOD work in us, by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“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…

… 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16-17 & 25-26

Yet rather, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, provoke one another to good works; as our Pastor Brad always says, “good, good works” (not just ‘good works’ to impress or gain for ourselves, but doing good things for the right reasons!)!

“Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised😉

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love

and to good works:”   Hebrews 10:23-24

May we truly be those who are found faithful, regardless of what the world says or does.  And the day is coming, rapidly I believe, when we will be the scape-goat—but may we be found to be “busy about my Father’s business”!

“So then every one of us

shall give account of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!