Bible Ballistics: BBs #203 My God Is More Than Enough!!!

As we talked last time about the safety of being in God’s hands, we can also rest assured in that place of safety because The Lord God Almighty is more than adequate to our every need—the very creator of the universe cares for you and me:

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 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 10:9-11

And Jesus has not only given His life for the sheep, but also given His life for us that we might have not just life, but “abundant” life. Eternal life that delivers us from the condemnation of SIN! All because of God’s abundant love:

“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

And when we believe in Jesus –coming to Him as the only “way…truth…..and the life…”—then we have not only eternal life, but abundant life!!! And His abundant life is sufficient to anything that we may face in this life. And when we come to understand and rest in that reality, we can say with Job:

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

I will trust Him—because HE IS trustworthy. He has been, is now and always will be faithful, and I join Paul in declaring the sufficiency of God—because God declared to Paul and to us that He is!

“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

So??? Won’t you place your hope and confidence in the ONLY ONE who is sufficient to your every need? He loves you and will provide!!! Will you join me, and Job and Paul and praise HIM for HIS faithful love and grace? Look up!!! Trust HIM!!! And press on!!! He is able!!!

The choice is YOURS!!!

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #202 I Am Safe In God’s Hands!!!

I’d like to share a word of encouragement with you all this morning. We all have things come up that

startle us,

things that frighten us,

things that alarm us,

things that rock our world.

But what are we to do in these times? We must, I repeat, we must look to the only sure source of comfort, courage, peace and strength—our Lord God Almighty.

He is our rock,

our defense

and our total supply for every need—

whether it is a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual need. He is God over all—for HE created it all. He is trustworthy and faithful! He is dependable for all those who come to HIM His way—and that way is Jesus, by grace through faith:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

And when we come to Him, we can rest assured in His total provision for us no matter the darkness of the night or the heat of the battle:

“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: ……………..

5 Fear not:

for I am with thee: ……………..” Portions of Isaiah 43:1-5

Isaiah reminded God’s people Israel that God was with them (and He still is), and we can rest in those same promises as those who trust in Jesus—the Redeemer of Israel and all who will believe and follow Him. The scriptures are full of assurances of the sufficiency and faithfulness of God. I’d like to share just a few to encourage and lift us up today, no matter what we may be facing. I have learned by God’s Word and experience that He isn’t hindered by time, space, conflict or crises! He doesn’t need a “cell signal”! He doesn’t need “high speed internet”! Nor does He require a “prime time” spot or a “half-time” announcement!!! God knows where you are, what’s going on, and because He never sleeps—He is there for YOU!!!

Psalm 121 declares God’s faithful ability to sustain us:

“My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper:

the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:

he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve

thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.”

Did you get it? God doesn’t need a nap (even though I do)! And Hebrews 13 reminds us again of this very thing, because God wants us to “get it”!!! To know that you can do the “this” in your life today—God has placed you where you are and He will grant you the grace, strength and courage that you need to persevere and overcome “in that place”. Press on dear ones, press on!!! You are NOT alone!!!

“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 13:5-6

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #201 Light Or Dark???

Just a brief challenge for us today:

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren,

ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly

that the day of the Lord so cometh

as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say,

Peace and safety;

then

sudden destruction

cometh upon them,

as travail upon a woman with child;

and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren,

are not in darkness,

that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light,

and the children of the day:

we are not of the night,

nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep,

as do others;

but let us watch and be sober.”   1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Simply put, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and “The Day of The Lord” is coming—of that we can be assured. But the question is just as simple for us all: Are we in the light or in the dark? Are you of the brethren who believe, or are you of “them” who have rejected HIM?

Those who:

Say peace and safety (but mean otherwise)—

Will receive destruction from God—

Shall NOT escape the Lord they have rejected.

Those of us who know the Lord Jesus and belong to Him, in contrast are NOT of ‘them’ but we are part of:

Those who are:

Brethren of the Lord—

Not in darkness—

Won’t be overtaken by the darkens—

Children of the Light—Not of the dark–

Children of the Day—Not the night–

Not to be sleeping—

To be watching and walking soberly!!!

So I have just a few questions for you today.

Do you know the Lord Jesus?

Are you walking in the light?

Are you in the light but asleep?

If you don’t know Jesus, will you come to Him in repentance and faith today? If you do know Him, won’t you wake from your sleep and be diligently alert to what God has for you and I to do—for the good of others, and the increase of God’s Kingdom.

Have a blessed week:

“Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Bible Ballistics: BBs #200 Where Is YOUR SECURITY???

Security: the state of being free from danger or threat; the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety.

We live in a world obsessed with “security”. Financial security, political security, familial security, retirement security, are all things that people are focused on. We all desire an environment that is safe, stable and “free from fear or anxiety” in every way. We depend on insurance, storm cellars, big bumpers, a strong military force, savings accounts, 401-K’s and/or any number of other things to “secure” our present and our future. But will these things assure our security? I think not.

Just look at history—the passengers on the Titanic were assured that “this ship” could NOT be sunk. Yet, sink it did. America was secure in it’s efforts toward peace with Japan on December 7, 1941. Yet by sundown on that “day that will live in infamy”, Pearl Harbor and much of the U.S. fleet were damaged, burning or sunk, as we were hurled into the midst of World War II. We can look at countless other things that have interrupted our state of security: October 28, 1929—Black Monday! October 28, 1987—Another Black Monday worked havoc! September 11, 2001—911, the number that we depend on for help in an emergency, became a number for chaos, loss and disaster to New York City and America. Security? Really? What are YOU trusting in today, to make, keep or pass on your sense of security?

There is only one ‘true security’ that exists!!! And HE is God—God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and His Holy Spirit who dwells in and directs those who belong to Jesus. As the Psalmist reminds us today, may we take heart and look “UP” rather than “Around” for our total security.

“O God,

thou art my God;

early will I seek thee:

my soul thirsteth for thee,

my flesh longeth for thee

in a dry

and thirsty land,

where no water is;

2 To see thy power and thy glory,

so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,

my lips shall praise thee.

4 Thus will I bless thee

while I live:

I will lift up my hands

in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied

as with marrow and fatness;

and my mouth shall praise thee

with joyful lips:

6 When I remember thee

upon my bed,

and meditate on thee

in the night watches.  

7 Because thou hast been my help,

therefore in the shadow of thy wings

will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee:

thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalm 63:1-8

There is only one true place of ‘security’ and that is in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and in the hands of HIS Father, and HIS Holy Spirit, who is dwelling within us who are born again and belong to Jesus. So why do we turn to everything else? I can’t give a definitive answer to that, but I can give us a definitive alternative—we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, our only hope:

“……which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27b

Jesus is our only hope, and when we belong to Him, and He dwells within us, our hope rests in Him—not our circumstances, our economy or our political situation.

So??? Get focused:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

So??? Set your confidence on the right thing! And that, my friends, is ONLY JESUS!

“Truly my soul waiteth upon God:

from him cometh my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation;

he is my defence;

I shall not be greatly moved.” Psalm 62:1-2

What are you ‘waiting’ on? Will ‘it’ make you truly secure? God can and He will—call on Him. Today!!!

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,

call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the Lord,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

Bible Ballistics: Walking By Faith Not By Sight!!! Vol. 6#21

Coming to Daniel chapter 8, we need to consider the context of this chapter. As we mentioned last week, Daniel is an older man at this point in the Book, and he tells us clearly that this vision is subsequent to the first dream/vision that he received in chapter 7.

“In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.” Daniel 8:1

This took place some two years after the vision of chapter 7, and we know from chapter 5 that during the reign of Belshazzar, Daniel was no longer in a leadership roll in the kingdom, but he was still in the palace service. And we lift him deeply grieved over the vision last week.

“Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.” Daniel 7:28

I don’t think we can fully understand the concern that Daniel had over the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2, and now the confirmation of that same dream from a different perspective, yet still the same picture of the four major nations of history and their relationship to God and Israel. In the dream that God gave to Nebuchadnezzar was from an earthly perspective in the spectacular statue of gold, silver, bronze and iron. Fascinating to the degree that King Nebuchadnezzar was taken away in pride with its splendor and the fact that Daniel had declared him to be the “head of gold”. Daniel, on the other hand was given a vision of the future from God’s perspective—as he saw the beastly nature of the world. But if you’ll remember in both visions of the future, the focus was on the fourth kingdom and in particular the ten toes of chapter 2, and the ten horns of chapter 7, and the latter days of those kings who will be in concert with a “little horn”. While we have the benefit of the intervening years of history, Daniel was receiving this picture in total faith in his God. He didn’t demand full understanding, he just accepted the truths that God had entrusted to him and recorded them for posterity—you and me, and I’m so glad he did. As we dig into chapter 8 we’ll see more confirmation of these events. Let’s go—

“And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.” Verse 2

Daniel is physically still in Babylon, but sees himself in the Medo-Persian capital (remember chapter 5).

“Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.” Verses 3-4

Daniel saw a ram:

with two horns—

high horns—

one higher than the other—

the higher came up last—

pushing west, north, south—

no beasts stood before him—

none could deliver out of his hand—

he did according to his will—

became great.

“And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.” Verse 5

As Daniel is watching the ram he sees a male goat coming from the west. He was moving so fast that he didn’t even touch the ground, and this goat had one ‘notable’ horn.

“And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken;” Verses 6-8a

Daniel sees this male goat who:

comes to the two-horned ram—

comes in the “fury of his power” to the ram—

is angry at the ram—

and smote him—

broke his two horns—

the ram couldn’t stand against him—

the male goat overcame—

with no one to deliver the ram out of his hand—

and the male goat became very strong—

but when he was very strong—

the great horn was broken.

Hold on to your hats—we’re about to uncover truth. God’s truth!

“….. and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.” Verse 8b

In the male goat’s place four notable horns arise, which have some relation to the four winds—the directions of north, east, south and west. But remember where the directions are from as we continue (keep your mind in the middle east).

 

“9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn,

which waxed exceeding great,

toward the south,

and toward the east,

and toward the pleasant land.

10 And it waxed great,

even to the host of heaven;

and it cast down some of the host

and of the stars to the ground,

and stamped upon them.

11 Yea, he magnified himself

even to the prince of the host,

and by him

the daily sacrifice was taken away,

and the place of the sanctuary

was cast down.

12 And an host was given him

against the daily sacrifice

by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth

to the ground;

and it practised,

and prospered.

13 Then I heard one saint speaking,

and another saint said unto that certain saint

which spake,

How long shall be the vision

concerning the daily sacrifice,

and the transgression of desolation,

to give both the sanctuary

and the host

to be trodden under foot?

14 And he said unto me,

Unto two thousand and three hundred days;

then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”Dan. 8:2-14

Here we have a unique parallel, a ‘little horn’ that parallels the other “little horn” from Daniel 7:8. We must note the parallels in behavior and character but also the unique differences for they cannot—I repeat—they cannot be the same. Let’s see the interpretation, which Daniel receives and then we’ll dig into the prophecy.

“And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said,

Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 17 So he came near where I stood:

and when he came,

I was afraid,

and fell upon my face:

but he said unto me,

Understand, O son of man:

for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

18 Now as he was speaking with me,

I was in a deep sleep

on my face toward the ground:

but he touched me,

and set me upright.

19 And he said,

Behold, I will make thee know

what shall be in the last end of the indignation:

for at the time appointed the end shall be.

20 The ram which thou sawest

having two horns

are the kings of Media and Persia.

21 And the rough goat

is the king of Grecia:

and the great horn that is between his eyes

is the first king.

22 Now that being broken,

whereas four stood up for it,

four kingdoms shall stand up

out of the nation,

but not in his power.  

23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full,

a king of fierce countenance,

and understanding dark sentences,

shall stand up.

24 And his power shall be mighty,

but not by his own power:

and he shall destroy wonderfully,

and shall prosper,

and practise,

and shall destroy

the mighty

and the holy people.

25 And through his policy

also he shall cause craft to prosper

in his hand;

and he shall magnify himself

in his heart,

and by peace shall destroy many:

he shall also stand up

against the Prince of princes;

but he shall be broken

without hand.

26 And the vision of the evening and the morning

which was told is true:

wherefore shut thou up the vision;

for it shall be for many days.

27 And I Daniel fainted,

and was sick certain days;

afterward I rose up,

and did the king’s business;

and I was astonished at the vision,

but none understood it.” Daniel 8:15-27

Daniel once again is concerned and grieved over the visions that God sees fit to reveal to him. Although he didn’t have full understanding of what he saw, he did have full faith in his God who revealed these things to him. Let’s just lay out the things that are clear and plain in this revelation and see what we can come away with for our lives.

Simply put, the ram was the Medo-Persian kingdom. A two-horned kingdom, but one in which the Persians became dominant in the latter times of the kingdom, and while they were a fierce kingdom, they over-stepped in the end of their glory and incurred the anger of the newly rising Grecian Empire, whose first might king we know as Alexander the Great. Many deny the veracity of Daniel’s prophecies here and in chapters 9-11 because they are so historically accurate that the critics insist that they had to have been written after the fact and not before! Our God is the author of “history”…. In fact someone has said that not only does He know the end from the beginning, but also that history is simply—Hi/s/tory! He began it and He knows the end that HE will accomplish!! Yet He has given us great insight to His work and plans. We just need to apply our hearts and minds to know HIM through HIS Word!

The difficulty that some have with this chapter, involves the “little horn” and whether or not it is the same as the “another little horn” of Daniel 7? We must simply put it out as the text gives us the pictures.

In chapter 7 the “another little horn” comes out of the fourth kingdom. Here the “little horn” comes out of the third kingdom. In fact, out of one of the four kingdoms that arise out of the Greek Empire after the death of Alexander the Great (with no heirs). After several decades of debate the kingdom is divided into four parts by and to four of Alexander’s Generals. The kingdom was divided into: Egypt, Syria, Asia and Macedonia (Greece). But the two main kingdoms that are dealt with in chapters 10-12 deal mainly with the conflicts that ensue between Egypt and Syria—and their import comes from the land that lies between the two–that precious land is Israel! So Daniel is told that out of one of these 4 nations will arise a wicked king who will be fierce and will fight against the people of God—Daniel’s people–and the God of Daniel’s people. While this ‘horn’ is not the ‘anti-Christ”, he is a fore-runner, and a picture of the ‘little horn’ that will arise out of the fourth kingdom in the days of the “ten toes” of the statue in Daniel 2, and the “ten horns” of the fourth beast in Daniel 7. I hope this will give some insight to help us understand this chapter in the context of the whole book of Daniel.

While Daniel is given more information that grieves his heart for his people’s failure to follow God and His Word, he still trusts to the faithfulness of his God, not his own ability to fully understand. He kept on keeping on, even though this burden was so heavy that he fainted under the weight of it, he was also physically ill from the burden for a time, yet he got up and carried on with his job in the kingdom and for his God! (Remember chapter 5 and 6)

What about us? Have we so much confidence in God that we can carry on when we don’t understand? When the grief and confusion makes us physically sick? When times are so hard that we feel like giving up? I think Daniel knew and treasured Proverbs 3:5-7, and we can join him there:

“Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the Lord,

and depart from evil.”

Daniel knew HIS God!!! Even as he mentions later in chapter 11:

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32

Do you know your God that well? Are we walking with the God who delivers us from sin? Is His life seen in us? The only way to do that is to walk in the power of the cross! Are we living in such a way that we can continually genuinely and sincerely pray with Jesus?

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

Who is living IN ME? Am I crucified with Christ or still living for ME?

“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

I’d like to close with a favorite passage of mine, if you would, a recipe for walking with God by faith? May God bless you to walk with Him in faith this week, no matter what you ‘see’!

“Trust in the Lord,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord:

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the Lord,

they shall inherit the earth.”    Psalm 37:3-9