A Comfort In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #31

24 Wednesday Aug 2022

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A Comfort In The Storm???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #31

If you read Monday’s post, I mentioned my friend who was nigh unto death; well, she has gone into the presence of our precious Lord Jesus, and while my tears are still flowing for my loss, my heart rejoices, and the peace of Jesus overwhelms my soul to know that my dear, dear friend is now whole and free from pain and struggles.  So, I’d like to share a bit of scripture to help those of you out there with struggles and sorrow this morning, for it is God’s Word and the truth of it that pervades my life and brings the comfort in sorrow that only God can give.

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

The Psalms are replete with comforting words that sooth the weary, troubled soul; and I am so grateful that tears aren’t wasted energy, but a language that God understands completely!

“The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:3-6

“Sing unto the LORD,

O ye saints of his,

and give thanks

at the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his anger endureth but a moment;

in his favour is life:

weeping may endure for a night,

but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:4-5

Tears are their own language—there are tears of personal sorrow over a loss to death—tears of regret over sin and failure in our life—tears of loss over the absence of people, places or even things—there are tears of exhaustion, frustration or even fear from the puzzlements of life—yet God sees, hears and knows our heartache and sends HIS comfort if we will but receive it, in Jesus!  Praise His dear name for the comfort and joy that HE brings to our hearts in the midst of our greatest trials, tests, and encounters of life!  How? Because of the gift of salvation that Jesus purchased at Calvary!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And while this is a lengthy passage, I felt that we needed to see it in its larger context than just the first five verses; for you see it’s all about Jesus and the peace that HE bought and paid for with His own blood—for you and me—for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  Please spend some time reading and pondering this passage phrase by phrase—it’s so amazing, and eye-opening, and brings me great comfort and I think it will you, if you will but take time to let it sink into your heart!  All because of that love of God and the payment for sin that Jesus made, we can come to The Father for salvation, peace, joy and hope for a future with HIM in eternity.  Are you ready?  Do you know HIM?  My friend did, and because of that I know I will be reunited with her (and so many more who have gone on before me) for all of eternity.  How about YOU?

In closing, a reminder that when we hurt too bad to know know to pray, God has that covered with His precious Holy Spirit who intercedes for us in those times (and times we aren’t even aware of!)!

“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.”  Romans 8:24-27

God’s got it!  Just let go of whatever you’re afraid of and rest in the arms of The Redeemer King and Savior, Jesus!

“All things are delivered unto me of my Father:

and no man knoweth the Son,

but the Father;

neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son,

and he to whomsoever the Son

will reveal him.

28 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 11:27-30

I pray that you will let Jesus turn those tears into a peace and joy that the world will never understand—but it will sure get their attention, and then we may opportunity to share Jesus with them!

Amen and Amen!!!

Thankful For Friendship??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 12

22 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Friends, Friendship, Jonathan and David, True Friendship

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 12   Thankful For Friendship???

I sit here this morning praying for a dear friend who may be near her time to leave this world, and as I think of the years that we have shared, I sit here with tears in my eyes, as I rehearse the precious value of a real, true, and loyal friend.  Do you have one?  If you have one, you are blessed greatly; if you have more than one you are abundantly blessed, for they are a treasure rare.

With that in mind, I’d like to spend our time today seeing what God has to say about friendship/friends and perhaps calling you and me to reach out to those we love while they are with us.  I certainly know the import of valuing each day with those we love, and I hope God can speak to each of us today to be more aware of our choices in how we spend our time, especially when we value things more than people, or even God Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ.

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard of my Father

I have made known unto you.”  John 15:12-15

Jesus is the greatest friend that we will ever have, and if you don’t know HIM, I invite you to call upon HIM today, for HE is ever waiting for you to open your heart and life to HIM in repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary (in our place), atoning (making my amends), sacrifice (paying our sin debt on Calvary).

“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

Oh, dear friend, it is a decision that you will never regret, for I have walked with Jesus for over forty-five years—through thick and thin—through laughter and tears—through failure and success—through every trial that you can think of, and HE has never left my side.  And besides all that, HE has sent me friends to share my walk, help me along my way, encourage me in the hard times, rejoice with me in the better times, and bless my soul beyond measure, and allowed me to share the same with them!!!  The scriptures are replete with examples and words of wisdom in regard to friendship; and I’m so glad that God never called us to walk alone—but with Him, and praise God, more often than not, to have a friend or two along the way!

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one

be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 As the old adage says, “Many hands make light work.”  May we appreciate the blessing of friends, and remember it takes “being” a friend, to “have” a friend to make things lighter—easier to bear!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend

that sticketh closer

than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24

Oh, how I praise God for those friends; the ones you can call at midnight, and they are there for you.  May we ever be that friend who is there/here for our friends who have a need—whatever that need may be.  But we must also ask God for discernment to know when we need to refer our friend/loved one to other sources of help.  Oh, how I regret not recognizing the need of one that I love who needed counselling that I wasn’t able to provide and I purely ‘missed the call’, so to speak…. We must always pray, and ask for God’s wisdom, direction, and insight to see beyond the exterior, and be ever remembering and relying on “Thy Kingdom come…Thy will be done…”!

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

 is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:5-6

May we be faithful and stand fast in Jesus, for our own sake as well as to “BE” a good and wise friend!  One of my favorite examples of a true friend is the story of Jonathan and David, and while we won’t take time or space for the whole account, we’ll simply look at what scripture records of true love among friends.

“And it came to pass,

when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,

that the soul of Jonathan

was knit with the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him

as his own soul.

2 And Saul took him that day,

and would let him go no more home

to his father’s house.

3 Then Jonathan and David

made a covenant,

because he loved him

as his own soul.”  1 Samuel 18:1-3

And as the Proverbs say:

“A friend loveth at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.”   Proverbs 17:17

I thank God for the dear ones HE has given me to love and to be loved by and have them to stand with me through the good and the bad—to love me “at all times”!  Treasure the gifts that God has given you in friends!  They are a priceless treasure, and worth our time and effort; and those who are brave enough to speak the “truth in love” at those times when we need a wise reprover, we ought to be doubly grateful for, for not everyone will be brave enough to speak!  May we be the “iron sharpening iron”, as well as the gracious recipient of it!

“A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold

in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold,

and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover

upon an obedient ear.”  Proverbs 25:11-12

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.

18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree

shall eat the fruit thereof:

so he that waiteth on his master

shall be honoured.

19 As in water

face answereth to face,

so the heart of man

to man.”  Proverbs 27:17-19

May God bless you in your walk as a friend, and may HE abundantly bless you with those in your life who will help you be a better person and friend.  May we each be a faithful ‘truth speaker’, and that “face answering face” to bring joy, ease sorrow, share the wisdom of God’s Word, as we lift the hearts of those who are down!

Thank YOU, Jesus, for the blessings of friends, both those I know personally, and those who are faithful followers and pray-ers for this ministry!  Will you join me in the pursuit of excellence in our reflection of The Savior to a lost and dying world—a world in need of a friend?  May we be that friend as God gives us opportunity.  To God be the glory!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Day Is It??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #30

19 Friday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Don't let fear of tomorrow ruin your today, Don't let regrets rule your today, Don't worry about tomorrow, Fret NOT!, Today IS Today!

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What Day Is It???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #30

Just a brief post today, for I feel impressed to remind us all that “today” IS just that, “Today”!  We must not let yesterday ruin our today, not make choices today that will be regretted tomorrow!  So often that is one of the slyest tools of the enemy, to either keep us drowning in the past, or fearful of the future.  God gives us some good advice in that regard, and I’d just like to spend just a few moments considering HIS WORD for “Today”!

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

“Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:10-11

And more advise from our Lord and Master!

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

And a final word from Paul and the author of Hebrews:

“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

“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 4:15-16

So, don’t fret over yesterday’s regret, or worry about tomorrow, but live today in light of the perfect provision of our precious Lord Jesus—and when you need to, run—yes run—to that “throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”!

Remember, we win!

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #29

18 Thursday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Time, Time Is Grace!, To Me To Live Is?, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Too Late To Call?

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It’s Time???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #29

Now is the time—now is the day; for this is the day “The Lord has made” and we never have assurance of tomorrow.  Make your choice 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

I pray that this post will encourage us to take advantage of today—it is what we have, and we don’t have a guarantee of tomorrow, or another opportunity to come to Jesus, or to serve HIM obediently.  Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry that there would be difficult days ahead, and “perilous times” would come; well, my friends, Paul’s message could have come off the front page of any newspaper in the world!

“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

It saddens my heart that we are not “turning away” but it seems that we are rather inviting the devil into God’s house and work!  I would encourage you to go over this list and look up these words of description of our world now!  Yet, we can avoid this by following some other advice that Paul gave to Timothy, and to us.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

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

Are you and I using God’s Word to discern or the world’s?  May we truly strive to use God’s Word for our “doctrine…reproof… correction…and instruction in righteousness…”!  And just FYI, “perfect” means maturity not ‘perfection’!

We can have confident assurance that our Lord Jesus is returning, and we are to “Occupy till I come”; yet it seems we have surrendered just as our victory is about to appear.  I would just like to leave us with some food for thought.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test, and it may be closer than you think.

“According to my earnest expectation

and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness,

as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:20-21

What is it “to you”?  (Don’t miss the “to me” in verse 21, as many quote it and leave that out—it is Paul’s declaration of his decision to be devoted to Jesus in all things—every day)!  Let’s join Paul in devotion to Jesus!!!

“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

Are we living by faith or by sight?  It all belongs to Jesus anyway!!!  Oh, precious Lord Jesus, help me to use my time wisely that I will be found faithful when you come……whenever that may be!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Incomprehensible Love??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, Grief, Incomprehensible LOVE, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11   Incomprehensible Love???

I want to share more of my personal observations than usual, which I just feel led to do today, as I had some amazing thoughts about my Jesus this week, and I’d like to share them with you.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:11-13

God cares for the “world”, and while His love is unconditional, his forgiveness is based on a personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice in repentance and faith!  God cares for mankind, so much so that HE “gave his only begotten son” to die that we might have eternal life!  And when we come to Jesus, we are called to emulate HIS loving, sacrificial heart!

“But love ye your enemies,

and do good,

and lend,

hoping for nothing again;

and your reward shall be great,

and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

for he is kind unto the unthankful

and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful,

as your Father also is merciful.”  Luke 6:35-36

We are called to a ‘higher’ calling than the world demands, for as Jesus said again in Matthew’s Gospel:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them

that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

As we consider all these thoughts from God’s Word, I want to share some insights that I had this week.  As I was thinking about what Jesus did for me and you, I was influenced by my own grief, and the grief of close friends who have dealt with great loss in recent days.  Most of us have dealt with more grief in the last two-plus years with Covid than we could have imagined; and as I have been face-to-face with the emotions of grief myself, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.  Jesus went to Calvary for you and me, and I want us to consider what HE felt as He walked up that hill—not just what He went through in the physical abuse that He suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman guards, or even the soldiers at the cross as He was crucified for your sin and mine—but the thoughts that must have filled His heart and mind as He was driven up that hill to Calvary.

You and I have all experienced sorrow and grief, and we all have family, friends, and loved ones who have left this world and left a hole in our heart; but think a minute with me, if you would, Jesus not only had friends and family whom He loved, but HE created the world—including you and me!!!  Jesus didn’t just have a few folks on HIS heart and mind as HE walked up that hill, He had you and me on His heart and mind, even “before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20)!  I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow that HE must have felt over the loss that sin brought into HIS world!  The enemy who deceived Adam and Eve, has continued to work his deceit in God’s world to this day!  BUT, praise God his end is in sight, and our Lord will return to claim HIS own; but until then, we need to consider the grief that our Savior endured not only for us, but for all!  I can’t help but think of the sadness that Jesus must have felt for the creation that HE loves—for the “the just and on the unjust”! He was going to die even for those who would reject HIM!  Oh, the love—the love that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—has for us!  I can’t even comprehend the grief and sorrow that HIS Spirit bore that day!

We grieve over the loss of maybe a hundred loved-ones and acquaintances, yet Jesus was creator of every human on earth!  HE loves them enough to have come to this earth, took on flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, and was headed to Calvary to ‘buy back’ the creation who had sold themselves into bondage to sin, for it would take HIS life to redeem our souls—ON PURPOSE!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

I’d simply like to close with two passages, one from the author of Hebrews to help us understand God’s work in sending Jesus to be the payment for our sin, and our deliverer!  All because HE loves us—and all who will come to HIM will find eternal life, and peace, hope and joy!  The other look, at the ultimate passage on thinking as Jesus thought (one of my all-time favorite passages in all of scripture!); I hope they will both be a blessing to you!

“But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom

are all things,

and by whom

are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation

perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth

and they who are sanctified

are all of one:

for which cause

he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying,

I will declare thy name

unto my brethren,

in the midst of the church

will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again,

 I will put my trust in him.

And again,

Behold I and the children

which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful

high priest in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself

hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour them

that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:9-18

 Paul’s great passage on the “mind of Christ”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 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.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:5-13

So, my friends, wherever you may be, whatever sorrow or grief you may be living with—take heart!  Jesus knows your pain and sorrow, the burden you bear!  Won’t you come and rest in HIS ‘Incomprehensible LOVE’ that is there for you today!  Don’t miss that unseen hand of mercy, grace, love and strength that is outstretched to you today!

Amen and Amen!!!