Living By Grace In Faith!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #741

09 Friday Jul 2021

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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1 John 4:18-19, 1 John 4:4, 1 Peter 5:6-9, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Enduring Trials, Ephesians 6:10, Grace overcomes, Look up and press on, Overcoming Trials, Revelation 1:4-5, Trials, Trusting Jesus

Bible Ballistics: BBs #741 Living By Grace In Faith!!!

“And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance

of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 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 12:7-10

Oh, how often I praise God for this amazing testimony of Paul’s. Here we have one of the most powerful men of God, one who was called to be Christ’s Apostle, and yet HE had this trial, this burden, this affliction allowed to come into HIS life that HE could remind us that GOD is sufficient to any situation that HE sends, permits, or allows to come into our lives as well. What reassurance this brings to my heart, for much like all of you we have trials at our house also; and I am reminded of what Paul told us in his passage on spiritual warfare; an amazing reminder that I count on daily, especially in our present station of life. You may have noticed that I haven’t posted recently, for we took some time to get away and be refreshed by some dear friends; yet even that turned into quite the encounter as we drove home, but I praise God that HE is always with us. My mind goes to Ephesians 6, even as I sit here writing to myself as well as for you.

“Finally, (God always has the last word)–

my brethren, (for all saints IN JESUS)–

be strong in the Lord, (IN HIM NOT me)–

and in the power (IN HIS power not mine)–

of his might.”(BY HIS total provision)– Ephesians 6:10

When my body is in pain, or weary to the bone; when I just feel like I can’t go one step farther; when I feel like I’m drowning in the demands I face, or that if one more request comes, I will crumble; when all these things, feelings and thoughts come pouring in, I must look up—and so can you! And we will find our precious LORD sufficient to restore, refresh and renew our hearts, minds, and souls—even though the body may still hurt—God is ever working for our good and HIS glory.

I’d simply like to share a few passages to encourage your heart and mine today in the sufficiency of our Lord in ALL things—ALL the time!

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love

casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth

is not made perfect

in love.

19 We love him,

because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19

John also encourages us again in The Revelation:

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace be unto you,

and peace,

from him which is,

and which was,

and which is to come;

and from the seven Spirits

which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings

of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood,” Revelation 1:4-5

And remember our hope and secure assurance is totally in our Lord Jesus Christ. 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

In closing may these words resound in our hearts, that we may “stand fast in the evil day”!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

I pray The Lord Jesus lift, comfort and encourage your heart today, as we remember that our GOD IS sufficient in all!

“Not that we are sufficient

of ourselves

to think any thing

as of ourselves;

but our sufficiency

is of God;” 2 Corinthians 3:5

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus Said It–That Settles It!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #740

02 Friday Jul 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Are You Ready, Ashes or Reward?, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Humility, Judgment, Only Jesus, Only One Way, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Tried by FIRE!, Trust God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #740 Jesus Said It—That Settles It!!!

I am sorely grieved that social media has become the be all do all in many lives; even Christians are being swayed by what appears on social media rather than pursuing the Word of God and ordering our lives accordingly. We must return to the pursuit of not only holiness, but “truth” based on the Word of God not man’s opinions, posts, songs, or drama! Jesus has told us what to expect from the world, yet HE calls us to abide in HIM—not rant our opposition or agreement with various ideas and popular “hot buttons”! We are called to “take up our cross’ and “follow” Jesus not the latest buzz topics on the public forum! No matter how great a ‘debater’ we may be if we’re not living as obedient servants of Christ, we have missed the point.

I’ll just let scripture speak today. You can pick your topic and measure it by The Word of God!

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.” John 15:18-21

When we live like the world around us, they will never see a Jesus’ difference in us. If I dress like a slut (even if I don’t live like one), how can I reflect the Holy Lord; if I talk like a vile reprobate, how can I expect others to desire the Jesus I claim to follow; if I have no use for godly things, but cling to the worldly, how can I draw the lost to the cross? I could go on, but I think you get the point. Many would often rather be ‘fashionable’ than holy; rather be affluent than humble servants; would rather go their/our own way than suffer for going God’s way! There’s only one way to truly reflect Jesus in all we do and say, and Jesus said it better than I ever could.

“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

What kind of fruit are you and I bearing before not only the world, but before our Lord? Remember all that we do is ever before HIS eyes!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.” Romans 12:1-3

I simply want to leave you with Paul’s sober warning to us that there will be an accounting—and there won’t be any excuses or reasoning before The One who knows and will hold us accountable!

“According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 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.

16 Know ye not

that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:10-16

What will you present to your king? Gold, silver, and precious stones (all things that God created and that we must mine out as we live for Jesus by the strength, wisdom, and grace only HE can supply!); or will you see your wood, hay and stubble burn up before your eyes and HIS, as your only gift of service to your KING—by your own choice?

The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test—by fire! And I truly believe our King is coming soon—very soon!

‘Nuff said!

Amen and Amen!!!

Through All Things…HE IS Here!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #739

30 Wednesday Jun 2021

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Hebrews 4:14-16, Isaiah 43:1-3, Jesus Saves & Keeps, John 10:27-30, Philippians 1:6, Still I will trust HIM, Trusting God In All, Trusting to HIS care

Bible Ballistics: BBs #739 Through All Things…HE IS Here!!!

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee,

O Jacob,

and he that formed thee,

O Israel,

Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame

kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,

thy Saviour…..” Isaiah 43:1-3

I would like to share a few things this morning that I pray will lift our hearts and encourage us today in whatever trials we may be encountering. GOD IS ALWAYS HERE! THERE! EVERYWHERE! Just look up and call upon HIM!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them

eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Jesus IS God, and HE loves you and me and calls us to lean upon HIM in every situation; I have found HIM faithful, and HE has NEVER failed me—EVER! So run to HIS throne today, no matter how frightened, frustrated, confused, tired or weary you may be—HE IS THERE for you/me right now!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

We can come “boldly” to our loving Lord, not in arrogance or presumption, but with bold confidence, knowing that HIS open arms are ever waiting for us to run into, no matter the situation. He is ever working on our behalf, bringing us to glory—HIS GLORY to share!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it until the day

of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

HE IS my confidence and can be yours! Amen and Amen!!!

All About The Cross??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11

28 Monday Jun 2021

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, Crucified With Christ, If not now? When?, It's All About The Cross, Responding Rightly, REvival, Salvation, The Crucified Life, The Gospel

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:19, Born Again, Compromising The Gospel, Crucified With Christ, Galatians 2:20, It's All About The Cross, Jesus Saves!, John 1:29, John 3:16-19, Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 7:21-23, The Cross, The Crucified Life, The Gospel IS Jesus

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11 All About The Cross???

I have a few things to share with you today, and I feel that they are most important in relation to the veracity of the Gospel—the Gospel that is under such attack from compromise, ridicule and the supposed-need to make a Gospel that is “attractive” to the world; rather than the biblical Gospel that revolves around Jesus substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice—His blood shed for you and me on the CROSS of Calvary! I beg to differ with those choosing to compromise truth for any reason—success, numbers, popularity– and I think scripture plainly declares the sufficiency of the Gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the need to trust to the cross and not the modern version of man-made ways to God. Only Jesus can transform lives and give eternal life!

The Gospel isn’t props or programs or pretense—it is the greatest work of love that has ever been offered to the world—all mankind who will receive it: Jesus, The God-Man-Savior, came as God in the flesh to redeem fallen man—all mankind (except the God-Man-Savior, Jesus), for “all have sinned”! (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23)

“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

This is why HE came—to save us from SIN!

“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

John the Baptizer made the same proclamation of Jesus!

“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

I know some of you must get tired of this constant effort to rehearse the Gospel again and again, but it is the message that we bring, and without it we have no hope; it is all about SIN, what have you done with your SIN? The Gospel of Jesus never grows old to my heart, but as I see so many other “plans” to God offered around us, and proclaimed as truth, I must stand fast in God’s truth! And like Paul, it is the cross to which I cling, and ever shall. As a friend once asked me, “You have only one song, don’t you?”; and as I told her ‘Yes’ then, I still hold to HIS CROSS!

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

There is only ONE WAY to God, to heaven, and HIS name is JESUS CHRIST THE LORD; crucified, risen and sitting at the right hand of God Almighty until HIS return (and I don’t believe it can be very long before HE comes)! Paul put the Gospel in “a nutshell”, so to speak; may we heed it and be sure that our faith is in The Lord Jesus and not in some gimmick of man—not vain (imitation) faith!

“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

Please be sure that you are born again by The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God! You may fool others, you may even fool yourself, but you will never fool God.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

And one last call to examine ourselves to see if we be “crucified” with Christ, or if we are just playing games with God and man, the words of our Lord are the test.

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross

daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come

in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.” Lk 9:23-26

He Said I Could Come??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #738

25 Friday Jun 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Consider Your ways, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, God Who Sees, God's love, Good News, Gospel, Grace, He Died That We Could Live, He IS Alive!, He's Alive, Hearing God, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Only One Way, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #738 He Said I Could Come???

I’m borrowing some thoughts from a blurb I saw of Alistair Begg recently, and it spoke volumes to my heart, and I pray that it will reach hearts, minds, and souls today.

Alistair was talking about how we get into heaven, and he talked about the thief on the cross at heaven’s gate: he couldn’t pass a theology test, he couldn’t quote the doctrinal statement of his church, he couldn’t pass a biblical knowledge test, but when asked ‘why he should get to come into heaven’ he simply replied, “the man on the middle cross said I could come”! It’s all about Jesus! It’s not your/my credentials that get us into heaven; it’s not our “love” for God and country; it’s not our good works in the church, the community, or our governmental service! It’s only through the blood of The Lamb of God who came to pay for our sin. Only when we look to the cross in repentance and faith will we find salvation and the right to a place in heaven.

“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

Jesus came that we might have eternal life, abundant life here and now and for all eternity. He died so we could live!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

Jesus calls us to Himself, just as he invited the thief on the cross, “today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (see Luke 23:43), when he asked Jesus to “remember me….”! Have you asked Jesus to “remember me”? If you haven’t, regardless of all your self-acclaimed goodness, Jesus will one day say, “depart from me, I never knew you”! No sadder words have ever been written or will be spoken. Yet, the most amazing invitation in the world was spoken to you—and is still valid today!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-20

And I can say, much like the thief on the cross, when I fell on my face in repentance of all my self-righteous arrogance and confessed my sin to Jesus (for I finally saw MY SIN as SIN!) HE touched me, forgave me, and saved me—heart, soul, and mind by HIS power and HIS Holy Spirit, praise God from whom ALL blessing flow!), and I got up a changed woman, not a perfect one, but a redeemed, delivered and transformed one! How about you? The Gospel IS JESUS, and I’ll simply share Paul’s words in proclamation of it!

“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

Have you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart? Have you come toThe crucified, risen and coming again King of Kings? Don’t reject His call, for it’s the only way into HIS Kingdom! If God is calling to your heart, don’t delay—don’t deny Him—don’t defy HIS love for you!

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.” John 6:44

Don’t turn HIM away, today is the day of salvation—the devil’s greatest lie is, “You can wait until tomorrow…!”; don’t let today pass you by without Jesus.

“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

Don’t miss heaven by neglect, or procrastination, but receive Jesus today.

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold,

now is the accepted time;

behold,

now is the day of salvation.)”. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Won’t you receive HIM today?

“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

There is no other way but Jesus, and HE won’t call forever—don’t wait/waste your opportunity away!

“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

I’ll simply leave you with one more invitation from Jesus and pray that you will receive HIS love and gift of eternal life today—just as the thief on the cross, The invitation is for YOU too! Won’t you heed HIS call today—not any of us is guaranteed a tomorrow. It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

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