Bitter Or Sweet??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 15

26 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Words Matter

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 15   Bitter Or Sweet???

 

We all encounter changing circumstances, and while we can’t control change, we can choose how we respond to it. Let’s spend some time today considering what God’s Word says about facing change.  When Israel left Egypt for the promised land, they found that the journey wasn’t all “milk and honey”; and only a few days after watching God part the Red Sea, they were transformed into a murmuring crowd rather than grateful pilgrims!

“And when they came to Marah,

they could not drink of the waters of Marah,

for they were bitter:

therefore the name of it was called Marah.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying,

What shall we drink?

25 And he cried unto the LORD;

and the LORD shewed him a tree,

which when he had cast into the waters,

the waters were made sweet:

there he made for them a statute

and an ordinance,

and there he proved them,

26 And said,

If thou wilt diligently hearken

to the voice of the LORD thy God,

and wilt do   

that which is right in his sight,

and wilt give ear

to his commandments,

and keep all his statutes,

I will put none of these diseases upon thee,

which I have brought upon the Egyptians:

for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

27 And they came to Elim,

where were twelve wells of water,

and threescore and ten palm trees:

and they encamped there by the waters.”   Exodus 15:23-27

Israel, like us so often, came upon bitter waters, and their first reaction was to grumble and complain!  Ouch!  That sounds like what I often do, even when we know that God is totally in control, and we can trust HIM.  Paul shared this truth in his letter to the Romans.  (And while it’s a lengthy passage, I think it’s worthy of our consideration—it may help adjust our attitude of gratitude.)

“For we know that the whole creation

groaneth and travaileth in pain together

until now.

23 And not only they,

but ourselves also,

which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,

even we ourselves

groan within ourselves,

waiting for the adoption,

to wit,

the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope:

but hope that is seen

is not hope:

for what a man seeth,

why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

 but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know

that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up

for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us

all things?”   Romans 8:22-32

Our God is faithful and trustworthy, and we can trust HIM fully; yet sometimes we become distracted and sidetracked, forgetting that our God reigns.  Paul reminds us that our “hope” is sure and certain because our faith/hope is in Jesus, the One who gave HIS life for our salvation; and not for our salvation only but to guide our every step!  Paul assures us that Jesus is working “all things” for our good—no matter how our circumstances may look to us–for Jesus is at work with one goal in mind (and it’s not our comfort or ease), that we might “be conformed to the image of his Son”!!!  Oh, to learn to relish HIS work IN us!

Just as God was working to teach His people to “be” His people—He is working to conform us into the image of Jesus, His Son!  What more could we desire?  A wonderful Savior who gave Himself that we might have real life,  “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!!!  But we must be willing to receive Him as our Lord and Savior, and become His child, receiving His Holy Spirit to dwell within us!

“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

The question that we must deal with is, will we allow God to make our “bitter water sweet” or will we make God’s “sweet water bitter” by our disregard for His Word and His ways.  Jesus tells us that what is “in our heart” will come “out of our mouth”! James bluntly reminds us of the danger of a tongue out of God’s control—it’s a pretty ‘bitter’ pill for some of us—but a ‘pill’ we may need to take for our spiritual health!  So, Jesus’ message first, then we’ll consider James’ message also.

“8 This people draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth,

and honoureth me with their lips;

but their heart is far from me…

…11 Not that which goeth into the mouth

defileth a man;

but that which cometh out of the mouth,

this defileth a man…

…17 Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught? 

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”    Portions of Matthew 15:8-20

“And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity:

so is the tongue

among our members,

that it defileth

the whole body,

and setteth on fire

the course of nature;

and it is set on fire

of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea,

is tamed,

 and hath been tamed

of mankind:

8 But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith

curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge

among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

 his works

with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife

in your hearts,

glory not,

and lie not

against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above,

but is earthly,

sensual,

devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is,

there is confusion

and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above

is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle,

and easy to be intreated,

full of mercy

and good fruits,

without partiality,

and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness

is sown in peace

of them that make peace.” James 3:6-18

I can’t help but wonder how many times “hell” has spewed out of my mouth instead of “heaven”? I must check my heart, as we all do, seeking God’s face and wisdom to “order my steps in thy word”; oh Lord, help me to see what you see; to keep my heart pure before you—for only YOU can purify my heart and hence my tongue!

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

 in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

So, in closing, my question for us is, are our words, lives, testimonies a bitter dose for our God, or a sweet savor to His heart?  It’s a question that only you/I can answer before our God!  But remember—there is a test coming!  May we heed the admonition that Paul gave to the Ephesian church.  Blessings on your day!

“Be ye therefore followers of God,

as dear children;

2 And walk in love,

as Christ also

hath loved us,

and hath given himself

for us

an offering

and a sacrifice to God

for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication,

and all uncleanness,

or covetousness,

let it not be once named among you,

as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness,

nor foolish talking,

nor jesting,

which are not convenient:

but rather giving of thanks.”   Ephesians 5:1-4

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

Remembering With Gratitude??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #558

24 Friday May 2019

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #558.     Remembering With Gratitude???

 

As we here in the United States celebrate “Memorial Day”’–a day to honor those who have served our country in the military, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, they gave they lives in defense of freedom—I would just like to remind us all (for most of you in other countries also have days of recognition of those who have served your country) that God gave us a “rememberer” (as my granddaughter used to tell us, “somebody stole my ‘rememberer’!) for a reason!  God knew that we were forgetful, so He repeats the important things again and again.

I simply want to share a few thoughts with you as we think of others.

“Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.” Job 24: 2

Job was referring to those who encroach onto and into that which belongs to others, and I think that is very similar to what is happening in our culture, we have allowed others to take the honor of those who earned it, and mar its honor and dignity.  God also speaks in the Proverbs of landmarks.

“Remove not the ancient landmark,

which thy fathers have set.”  Proverbs 22:28

Our founding fathers laid a foundation of righteousness, freedom and respect, yet we are abandoning those for license, lust and legalized sin!  Moving the “ancient landmark” doesn’t’ change the facts but it does cause people to forget the facts and truths.  We must remind ourselves and those around us of God’s truth.  It’s what God called us to do in His instructions to Moses, and I believe they are even more needed today than then.  We are truly a forgetful people.  I simply challenge us each to “consider our ways” and “order our steps” in God’s Word and share that with those in our scope of influence.  Thank you, God, for those who were willing to give their lives for our freedom, and for Jesus who gave HIS life for our eternal freedom from sin—our salvation through the blood of the Lamb!  And. May we be faithful to share with those who follow us!

“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,

upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

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

Yet, we must consider the first part of this chapter (and I encourage you to take some time and read the whole chapter), we can only share that which we possess!  What do you possess?  Are you sharing truth with those who are watching you?  May God help us to do a better job of “remembering” and sharing with gratitude—not carelessly forgetting!  Blessings on your day!!!

Honoring Or Dishonoring??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #557

22 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Dishonor, Every Knee Shall Bow, God Is In Charge, Honor Or Dishonor?, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sanctified To Serve!, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #557    Honoring Or Dishonoring???

 

As much of our country is enduring difficult weather events, I am reminded of the truth that ‘man’ isn’t in charge!  And as we think of the God who is, I’d like to spend some time this morning considering our actions toward the God who Reigns! While the world can often be condescending to people who believe in Jesus, it is important to keep our focus on what God says, not what others, or even we ourselves, may think about Him, but what God says!  For truth is still truth no matter what is popular or accepted as ‘politically correct’! God has made clear that HIS standard is HIS Word—not ours!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

God is the creator and the judge!  And He will judge according to His Word not mine or yours!

“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.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.”  Revelation 20:12-13

God knows who we are, and He knows all “the thoughts and intents of the heart” of every heart and mind—yours and mine; and He has revealed through His Word, what we need for “life and godliness” (See 2 Peter 1:3-4)! The question isn’t the question that Pilate asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (See John 18:38), but rather what have we done with “truth”?  Jesus IS truth—in essence, in reality, in body and in eternity.  HE is the standard of judgment.

“Because he hath appointed a day,

in the which he will judge

the world

in righteousness

by that man whom he hath ordained;

whereof he hath given assurance

unto all men,

in that he hath raised him

from the dead.”  Acts 17:31

God raised Jesus from the dead to save us, to prove that HE is the only way!  Many say today (and have for years) that Jesus isn’t the only way to God, and that He never claimed to be God!  Well, my friends, I beg to differ—HE did both!

“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

“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.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them,

Many good works have I shewed you

from my Father;

 for which of those works

do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying,

For a good work

we stone thee not;

 but for blasphemy;

and because that thou,

being a man,

makest thyself God.”  John 10:29-33

The Jewish leaders clearly understood what Jesus was saying, and they were going to stone Him for blasphemy; but because He is truth, He spoke truth and declared to them—and to US—that He was, is and ever shall be God.  In fact, in another place He claimed His eternal being.

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

 I am.”  John 8:58

Jesus IS God, and HE is the standard of judgment for all, and all will bow before Him and acknowledge HIM for who HE is.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”    Philippians 2:8-11

So, my friends, the question isn’t “What is truth?” but “Who” is truth!  And the answer is, JESUS IS truth, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess.  The real question is “when” will you bow!  Will you bow before Him now as Lord and Savior of your life, in repentance and faith–giving your life to Him; or will you reject Him now and bow before Him ‘then’ as your judge, with no recourse for salvation.  Yet I want us to consider what you/I are doing with the life that He has given to us, and as believers the “life” that HE purchased for us—HIS abundant life?  Scripture is replete with admonitions to holy and faithful living for our Lord, for even believers will give an account of our actions (but at the judgment seat of Christ, not the great white throne, see Revelation 20, and Romans 14:10, and 2 Corinthians 5:10)! Let’s look at a few things for your consideration today:

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.”  Hebrews 13:4

Sex outside of God’s design for marriage (one man and one woman becoming one flesh—you get the picture) is sin.  Adultery is the umbrella term for all sexual deviance—sex before marriage, outside of your marriage; and whoremongers (a fitting word for our culture) are those who are consumed with sexual activity of every kind and sort (Read Ro. 1:18-32), yet “God will judge”!

“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.

20 But in a great house there are

not only vessels of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

and prepared unto every good work.”    2 Timothy 2:19-21

Is my/your life an “honor” unto our God, or a dishonor?  Are we continually purging ourselves of those things which dishonor our God?  Are we seeking God’s face and yielding to HIS work of sanctifying us?  It’s my choice and it’s yours, what will I/you do?  Or are you thinking, “I’m good enough”?  When is ‘good enough’ ‘good enough’?  Only one ‘goodness’ will do—the goodness or righteousness of GOD—the righteousness which only Jesus provides at the Cross!

“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 5:21

It’s all about Jesus! And when we know Him, when we are “in him” by His saving grace, only then can we live that new life!

“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.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Will we bring honor to our King, knowing the price that Jesus paid for our ‘reconciliation’—the forgiveness of sins—treasuring the gift of forgiveness of sin, and sharing this truth through HIS love with the world?  I pray that God will speak to our hearts through HIS Word—the written Word and Jesus, the living Word!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:14

Are You A Keeper??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 14

20 Monday May 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Family, Keepers At Home

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.14      Are You A Keeper???

 

It’s been a lovely weekend here in Oklahoma, the weather has been lovely, a bit of rain without dangerous conditions, although some near us were afflicted by damaging tornadoes.  Please pray for those throughout our country who are encountering damaging weather and trials.  I’d like us to consider prayerfully another area in danger—our homes.  We live in a culture that is not only minimalizing the import of the home but is continually bombarding and attacking the natural order of things—and the authority of parents to guide, teach and direct their children in living godly lives.

We need to “get back to basics”, as coaches often say to their teams!  We need to get back to God’s Word and teach and direct our families accordingly, regardless of what the world thinks or says. Jesus Himself, warned us to be aware of the reality of the conflict around us!

“Therefore said he unto them,

 The harvest truly is great,

but the labourers are few:

pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers

into his harvest.

3 Go your ways:

behold, I send you forth

as lambs

among wolves.”  Luke 10:2-3

We are Jesus’ sheep in the midst of a world full of wolves: Paul warned the Ephesian church of this very thing—and it is rampant about us—even among us.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.

29 For I know this,

that after my departing

shall grievous wolves enter in

among you,

not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves

shall men arise,

speaking perverse things,

to draw away disciples

after them.”  Acts 20:28-30

We often think that no one else has had to deal with sin the way that we have, but that is just not true.  Solomon clearly declared:

“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.”  Ecclesiastes 1:9

So, what are we to do?  We must heed the scripture, lean on Jesus, and follow His Holy Spirit’s leading and promptings. As we follow His voice in all our ways, we will find that God’s Word is liberating, not restrictive.  And while God has given each of us a free will, He has also revealed HIS will for each person, individually; for the family as a unit; for the church as His body; and to men, women, leaders, and children!  God has a plan for us all—and HE hasn’t changed the design, the rules, or the purpose of the family.  I read something the other day, that accused those who choose to believe and uphold the biblical teachings of morality and the family of ‘picking and choosing’ what scripture we upheld!  I find that totally amusing, especially in light of the fact that the scriptures that they used were out of context specifically and totally out of the context of the whole counsel of God!  Peter talked about this in his second letter warning us of those who would “twist” God’s Word for their own purposes and benefit.  But God gave us the plan, and Jesus Himself confirmed the sanctity of marriage, and the truth that it Is between one man and one woman, till death!

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them,

Have ye not read,

that he which made them

at the beginning

made them

male

and female,

5 And said,

For this cause  (marriage)

shall a man leave

father and mother,

 and shall cleave to his wife:

and they twain

shall be one flesh?

6 Wherefore they are no more twain,

but one flesh.

What therefore God hath joined together,

let not man put asunder.”  Matthew 19:3-6

Jesus makes several things clear here; God made “male” and “female”—nothing in between!  He made them “at the beginning”, and HE established marriage for the “man” and “his wife”; He also blessed them to be “one flesh”; and Jesus makes it clear that God created this “union” and man isn’t to ‘recreate’ it into something else!  This IS God’s plan, for the welfare of the man and the woman, for the benefit and well-being of the children in the home, and for society to flourish and continue to receive the blessings of God!  Yet we have become a culture with women lined up in the street demanding the “right” to kill their own children!  I never thought I could live to see this—but I have, so I must take that as an opportunity to speak His truth from The Word!  God has a task for us all, and for we who are women, whom HE created, designed and equipped to be “keepers at home” are blessed!  Uh-oh, I just lost some of you—who think that means every woman must be a stay-at-home mom—and while I do think that is the optimal design for the home, it isn’t the main thing that phrase is talking about!

“The aged women likewise,

that they be in behaviour

as becometh holiness,

not false accusers,

not given to much wine,

teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women

to be sober,

to love their husbands,

to love their children,

5 To be discreet,

chaste,

keepers at home,

good,

obedient to their own husbands,

that the word of God

be not blasphemed.”  Titus 2:3-5

Paul gives instructions to this young pastor, Titus, to call his church to right living before God and the world, and while his focus is to the church, these principles apply to any who will heed the true message.  Many become so distracted by the “keepers at home” that we miss the message.  Paul calls the “older” women (Every woman alive is ‘older’ than someone else and can teach, but by the same token, every woman is ‘younger’ than someone else, and can receive instruction!) to teach, but only after he admonishes them to live lives that are holy, truthful, sober (not controlled by external substances), teaching ‘good’ things, in contrast to being, by our living, a corrupt influence!  Godly women are to teach younger women to live holy lives—keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus—and considering things that are profitable (See 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:16-17, as well as Philippians 4:8) to them personally which will result in beneficial things for the family.  And I find it interesting that many who oppose what this passage teaches, get so caught up in the one phrase, that they miss the message—homes need godly mothers who can influence the next generation for God—not the world!

As women we are called to be:

Sober—not given to the control of external drugs

 “not drunk with wine…but filled with the Spirit”

Loving our husband—NOT someone else’s

Loving our children—more than our own pleasures

Discreet—being wise, gentle and quiet-spirited

Not the ‘drama queen’ of the block!

Chaste/Pure—in our speech, demeanor, and dress

 Keepers at home—We are the front-line of defense—

  ‘keeping’ our home safe in

  Mind—

  Body—

 Spirit–

Good—just doing right before God and our family

Obedient to their own husband—Pleasing our mate

before our in-laws, out-laws, neighbors or friends!

All because we have influence—and what we say and do will affect the atmosphere of our home—we can make or break our husband and our children!  What are you using your tongue and actions to do?

“A wholesome tongue

is a tree of life:

but perverseness therein

is a breach in the spirit.”  Proverbs 15:4

Ladies, we have the ability to influence our homes (and other people’s homes as well) by our life, our words and our actions IN our own homes, in the public arena and as God directs our steps, into perhaps greater arenas—but we must guard our heart and mind, and then set ourselves as “keepers” at home, and “keepers” of the home!  It’s not just what I do “at” home but what I do “with, for, in, around, and through” my home that will make a difference.  Many of you women have no other choice but to work ‘outside’ of the home to provide, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t work “inside” the home no matter where we are!  But it must be a deliberate choice of the will—to keep my eyes on Jesus, and meet the needs of my family by guarding, protecting, and training the young (and old) souls whom God has placed in my care!

There are false teachers/preachers/leaders around us everywhere, but if we will simply avail ourselves of the truth of God’s Word and stand in it, we can overcome and be victorious “keepers” at home as well as for our home!  If we don’t, who will?  If not now, when?  Time is fleeting and there are those all around us trying to steal the hearts and minds of our children; they are determined, malicious, and well-funded.  But by God’s power—we can overcome.  And dads this includes you too, your children are at risk!!!  We must act NOW to ‘keep’ our homes safe!

“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

 WE WIN!!!  We must stand fast!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Listening Anyway??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #556

17 Friday May 2019

Posted by in Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Elijah's Run, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fear, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Our God Reigns, Perilous Times Are Here, Persecution, Perseverance, Who's Listening Anyway?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #556. Who’s Listening Anyway???

 

Elijah is one of my favorite Old Testament figures; a fiery man with a heart for God, but a real man with fears, and emotions that we all share from time to time. Elijah had a great victory on Mt. Carmel over Jezebel’s prophets of Baal, yet after leading the people to see the power of God in the consumption of his water-soaked sacrifice, calling the people to follow God not idols, slaying the prophets of Baal, and then seeing God answer his prayer for the drought-busting rain, Elijah fled from the threat of death from Jezebel.

Just like us, Elijah was real flesh and bone, and when we humans—even, if not especially, men and women who follow Jesus—choose to follow God and have those mountain-top experiences, we will almost always encounter a great valley; and I think it would serve us well to rehearse the account of Elijah’s experiences today.

When Jezebel heard about Elijah’s overcoming encounter with her false prophets of Baal (some 800 of them), she was furious (as the enemy always is when we stand fast and see GOD move) and sent a real, genuine threat of death to Elijah.  And as the queen she had the might and the authority to do it (albeit, human authority not God’s authority)!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done,

and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

So let the gods do to me,

and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there.”  1 Kings 19:1-3

Elijah “went for his life” when threatened by the enemy, yet God knows where we live, and what we need; and I’d like us to consider God’s work with Elijah in this crisis of fear. One of the things that we need to remember is that fear is an emotion not a sin; yet we must not let sin rule and run us, but we must overcome our fears through God’s power!  Let’s see how God dealt with our victorious but fearful prophet!

“But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die;

and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree,

behold, then an angel touched him,

and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him,

and said,

Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb the mount of God.”   1 Kings 19:4-8

God didn’t rebuke Elijah but allowed him to sleep and rest (ignoring his request to die for the time being), and even sent an angel to bring him food and water to sustain him; then he journeyed forty days to Mt. Horeb.  God knew that Elijah was tired, and He provided him rest and sustenance—God knows exactly where you are, and He has provided what you need if you’ll but listen to His voice and follow His Holy Spirit.  You may be in your own wilderness, and think you can’t go on, but let God supply what you need and then you too can go “in the strength of that meat”!  God knows exactly where we are and He has called us to trust HIM, and His power as we seek the mind of Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 2:5-11)

“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

But God wasn’t through with Elijah!

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:

for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,

thrown down thine altars,

and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I,

even I only,

am left;

and they seek my life,

to take it away.

11 And he said, Go forth,

and stand upon the mount before the LORD.

And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind

rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks

before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire

a still small voice.

13 And it was so,

when Elijah heard it,

that he wrapped his face in his mantle,

and went out,

and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said,

What doest thou here, Elijah?”  1 Kings 19:9-13

I love this passage of scripture, and I can hear my mother, with her hands on her hips, saying, “What are you doing in there?”! And often I was where I shouldn’t have been, doing what I shouldn’t have done, similarly, God came to Elijah in this amazing example of how the work of God is often opposite to the clamor of the world!  God came to Elijah not in the spectacular (as the world might call it), but in “a still small voice”!

“Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”  Psalm 46:10-11

It’s so easy to be caught up in the ‘busy-ness’ of the world, and forget, or be distracted from the intimacy of our relationship with God!  Sometimes God is just calling us to “Be still, and know that I am God”!  But this isn’t all that God had to say to Elijah, yet HE hears and answers Elijah in a way that he wasn’t expecting.  Just like us, Elijah had been distracted by his circumstances, but God was about to readjust his vision!

“And he said,

I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:

because the children of Israel have forsaken

thy covenant,

thrown down thine altars,

and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I,

even I only,

am left;

and they seek my life,

to take it away.

15 And the LORD said unto him,

Go,

return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:

and when thou comest, anoint Hazael

to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi

shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel:

and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah

shalt thou anoint to be prophet

in thy room.

17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth

the sword of Hazael

shall Jehu slay:

and him that escapeth

from the sword of Jehu

shall Elisha slay.

18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel,

all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal,

and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

19 So he departed thence,

and found Elisha the son of Shaphat,

who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen

before him,

and he with the twelfth:

and Elijah passed by him,

and cast his mantle upon him.”   1 Kings 19:14-19

God answered Elijah’s earlier question about being the “only one” who was faithful to God, and we’ve all felt that way on occasion; as God told Elijah, and us as well,  HE is faithful, and HE knows those who are His!  The world around us may be enamored of the false prophets, but we can rest assured that God is still on HIS throne and HE knows HIS own!!!  And YOU and I my friend are never alone.  I leave with two simple passages of encouragement!

“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

“Let your conversation be without covetousness;

 and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”   Hebrews 13:4-5

Amen and Amen!