Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Full Of HIS GLORY??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 21

14 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Glory of God, God's Faithfulness, Knowing GOD, Whole Earth Is Filled with HIS Glory

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 21    Full Of HIS GLORY???

 

We’ve been considering Daniel and his friends and their love for God as well as their character before God and man.  As I was considering this week, I heard a message on Isaiah chapter 6 when Isaiah saw “the Lord, high and lifted up”; and when we look up and draw near to God, we will see His glory as well.  But the thing I want us to consider is in line with something I often say as I greet people’s question of “how are you”, I usually respond by saying, “I’m blessed beyond measure”; and sometimes when occasion presents itself, I am able to remind someone of another aspect of being blessed, as I share this, “We’re all blessed, we’re just not all paying attention!”

Isaiah was paying attention, and I’d like to share just a few verses from chapter 6 that tie in with what we’re looking at today.

“In the year that king Uzziah died

I saw also the Lord

sitting upon a throne,

high and lifted up,

and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims…

…3 And one cried unto another, and said,

Holy, holy, holy,

is the LORD of hosts:

the whole earth is full of his glory.”  Isaiah 6:1-2a & 3

All we have to do is look at the world by the help of The Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit that has been given to every believer.  But the problem is most people are looking inward and toward other people rather than looking at The Creator of all things!  Do we truly desire to see The Glory of God?  Or are we satisfied with our “own point of view”?

“Give unto the LORD

the glory due unto his name;

worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD

is upon the waters:

the God of glory thundereth:

the LORD is upon many waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;

the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.”   Psalm 29:2-4

“The glory of the LORD

shall endure for ever:

the LORD shall rejoice

in his works.”  Psalm 104:31

The question is, will we give him “the glory due unto his name”?  Will we “worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness”?  Nebuchadnezzar had seen the “glory of The Lord” in Daniel and his friends, but instead of looking at The God of glory, he took God’s glory and reveled in it for himself.  But God knew how to humble this arrogant, ill-tempered king; and HE knows how to bring us to see truth if we ill but heed His Word and His work in our hearts and lives!  Let’s consider Nebuchadnezzar’s experience with the Lord God Almighty of all creation.  While we won’t go into detail of the dream and its meaning, we will look at the effect on this King of Babylon and see the difference in his testimony. May we learn to seek HIM in all we do!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king,

 unto all people,

nations,

and languages,

that dwell in all the earth;

Peace be multiplied unto you.

2 I thought it good to shew

the signs

and wonders

that the high God

hath wrought toward me.

3 How great

are his signs!

and how mighty

are his wonders!

his kingdom

is an everlasting kingdom,

and his dominion

is from generation to generation.

4 I Nebuchadnezzar

was at rest in mine house,

and flourishing in my palace:

5 I saw a dream

which made me afraid,

and the thoughts upon my bed

and the visions of my head

troubled me.

6 Therefore made I a decree

to bring in all the wise men of Babylon

before me,

that they might make known unto me

the interpretation of the dream.”   Daniel 4:1-6

Much like the encounter of chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him; hence he calls for his wise men who were unable to interpret his dream until Daniel came in and revealed the dream’s meaning to him.  While we won’t take time in this lesson today to consider the dream in particular, I do want to make sure we understand the heart of Daniel; the young man who has been in service to this king for some time—still captive in a foreign land—yet a man of compassion and concern for his superior.  Grasp the import of Daniel’s response to the king upon realizing the meaning of the dream.

“Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,

was astonied for one hour,

and his thoughts troubled him.

The king spake, and said,

Belteshazzar, let not the dream,

or the interpretation there of,

trouble thee.

Belteshazzar answered and said,

My lord,

the dream be to them that hate thee,

and the interpretation thereof

to thine enemies.”  Daniel 4:19

Daniel knew that the interpretation meant judgment for the king, and the interpretation would be difficult.  But we see two things here (two main things for our purposes) Daniel’s compassion toward King Nebuchadnezzar, and the integrity of a man whom Nebuchadnezzar trusted to speak truth.  What do others think about us?  Do they trust us (can they trust us) to speak the truth even when it is difficult or even seemingly hurtful to those to whom we minister?  Also, Daniel had the courage to call the king to repentance and to trust to God’s mercy and grace!

“This is the interpretation, O king,

and this is the decree

of the most High,

which is come upon

my lord the king:

25 That they shall drive thee from men,

and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts

of the field,

and they shall make thee to eat grass

as oxen,

and they shall wet thee

with the dew of heaven,

and seven times shall pass over thee,

till thou know

that the most High ruleth

in the kingdom of men,

and giveth it

to whomsoever he will.

26 And whereas they commanded

to leave the stump of the tree roots;

thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee,

after that thou shalt have known

that the heavens do rule.

27 Wherefore, O king,

let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,

and break off thy sins

by righteousness,

and thine iniquities

by shewing mercy to the poor;

if it may be a lengthening

of thy tranquillity.”  Daniel 4:24-27

God’s judgment was pronounced on Nebuchadnezzar to bring him to see and recognize “the whole earth is full of his glory”—to know Daniel’s God for himself.  Let’s go back to Nebuchadnezzar’s response to God’s prophecy—much like our responses to God sometimes—caught up in “self” not God!

“At the end of twelve months

he walked in the palace

of the kingdom of Babylon.

30 The king spake, and said,

Is not this great Babylon,

that I have built

for the house of the kingdom

by the might of my power,

and for the honour of my majesty?

31 While the word was in the king’s mouth,

there fell a voice from heaven, saying,

 O king Nebuchadnezzar,

to thee it is spoken;

The kingdom is departed

from thee.

32 And they shall drive thee

from men,

and thy dwelling shall be

with the beasts of the field:

they shall make thee

to eat grass as oxen,

and seven times

shall pass over thee,

until thou know

that the most High ruleth

in the kingdom of men,

and giveth it to

whomsoever he will.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled

upon Nebuchadnezzar:

and he was driven from men,

and did eat grass as oxen,

and his body was wet

with the dew of heaven,

till his hairs were grown

like eagles’ feathers,

and his nails

like birds’ claws.” Daniel 4:29-33

God’s judgment fell, and fulfilled its time, and by the King’s own testimony HE saw and acknowledged the God of heaven.

“And at the end of the days

I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes

unto heaven,

and mine understanding

returned unto me,

and I blessed the most High,

and I praised and honoured him

that liveth for ever,

whose dominion

is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom is from generation

to generation:

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth

are reputed as nothing:

and he doeth according

to his will in the army of heaven,

and among the inhabitants of the earth:

and none can stay his hand,

or say unto him, What doest thou?

36 At the same time my reason

returned unto me;

and for the glory of my kingdom,

mine honour and brightness

returned unto me;

and my counsellors and my lords

sought unto me;

and I was established

in my kingdom,

and excellent majesty

was added unto me.

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar

praise

and extol

and honour

the King of heaven,

all whose works are truth,

and his ways

judgment:

and those that walk in pride

he is able to abase.”  Daniel 4:34-37

So, my question for us today is, “Are we full of the glory of God—do we live with the “beauty of holiness”?  Or are we settling for the passing ‘glory’ of the world?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“Love not the world,

neither the things

that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father

is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.”  1 John 2: 15-17

I pray that God will draw each of us near to HIS heart, that we might see HIS glory, and reflect HIS glory in all we do.

“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

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,

 or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

Amen!!!

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

31 Sunday Jan 2021

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

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

 

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

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

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

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish with the rest

of the wise men of Babylon

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep

and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”   Daniel 2:18-23

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

“Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch,

whom the king had ordained

to destroy the wise men of Babylon:

he went and said thus unto him;

Destroy not the wise men of Babylon:

bring me in before the king,

and I will shew unto the king

the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel

before the king in haste,

and said thus unto him,

I have found a man

of the captives of Judah,

that will make known

unto the king

the interpretation.

26 The king answered and said to Daniel,

whose name was Belteshazzar,

Art thou able to make known

unto me

the dream which I have seen,

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

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

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

The secret which the king hath demanded

cannot the wise men,

the astrologers,

the magicians,

the soothsayers,

shew unto the king;

28 But there is a God in heaven

that revealeth secrets,

and maketh known

to the king Nebuchadnezzar

what shall be in the latter days.

Thy dream, and the visions of thy head

upon thy bed,

are these;

29 As for thee, O king,

thy thoughts came into thy mind

upon thy bed,

what should come to pass hereafter:

and he that revealeth secrets

maketh known to thee

what shall come to pass.

30 But as for me,

this secret is not revealed to me

for any wisdom

that I have more than any living,

but for their sakes

that shall make known

the interpretation to the king,

and that thou mightest know

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

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

“16 This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

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

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

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Consider Daniel’s actions:

He stated clearly

that the ‘wise men’ couldn’t do it—

(which the king already knew)

that there is a GOD in heaven who could—

who reveals secrets—

and that is revealing future things—

to Nebuchadnezzar—

and is revealing secrets to the king—

about what shall come to pass—

that the secrets weren’t revealed due to Daniel—

not for his deliverance alone, but

for the deliverance of the faithful.

 So, God could make it known to Nebuchadnezzar!

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

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

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

“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar

fell upon his face,

and worshipped Daniel,

and commanded that they should

offer an oblation

and sweet odours

unto him.

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said,

Of a truth it is,

that your God

is a God of gods,

and a Lord of kings,

and a revealer of secrets,

seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48 Then the king made Daniel

a great man,

and gave him

many great gifts,

and made him ruler

over the whole province of Babylon,

and chief of the governors

over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Then Daniel requested of the king,

 and he set

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego,

over the affairs of the province of Babylon:

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

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

Amen and Amen!!!

Wise And Harmless Or___??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #705

22 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Harmless As Doves, Life, Love, Love Is Action, Wisdom, Wise As Serpents

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #705  Wise And Harmless Or___???

 

I have a *comparatively* (ha ha) brief word today as we wrap up Daniel chapter 1; hopefully a reminder for us all that Daniel focused on obedience to his God, and his GOD exalted him in HIS time!  So many today are trying to change, arrange or manipulate the “times” for their own benefit or to prove a point.  Well, contrary to what seems to be popular today—we are called to be like Daniel and humble ourselves before our God—not exalt self.  I had a friend many years ago who had a saying that I often use in jest, but it really seems to reflect the mindset of our day.  She said, “He that ‘tooteth’ not his own horn, hath his horn not ‘tooted’!”  And we know almost everyone today wants their 15 minutes in the spotlight regardless of the cost in dignity, integrity or the feelings of others—and please don’t expect them to regard the truthfulness of their “boasts”!

Daniel chose to behave with integrity, honor and respect to those over him, but he took a stand for God and left the results to GOD!  And because of Daniel’s stand (and that of his three friends) God showed Himself faithful on Daniel’s behalf.

“Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all

was found none like

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”   Daniel 1:18-20

Jesus gave us some very good advice in this regard as well.  May we take heed in these difficult days and NOT use our difficult circumstances to justify bad behavior.

“Behold,

I send you forth

as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore

wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

We can respond with integrity, honor and truth because our God is always faithful!  We are called to walk in humble dependence upon our Lord Jesus and our Father God, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, not to depend upon our flesh, popular opinion or the “majority”!  “Our God reigns”!

“For whosoever exalteth himself

shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself

shall be exalted.”  Luke 14:11

 

“And the publican, standing afar off,

would not lift up so much as his eyes

unto heaven,

but smote upon his breast, saying,

God be merciful

to me

a sinner.

14 I tell you,

this man went down to his house

justified

rather than the other:

for every one that exalteth himself

shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself

shall be exalted.”   Luke 18:13-14

As Paul told the Galatian believers:

“And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.”  Galatians 6:9

And remember, the same God who was faithful to Daniel, is still GOD and HEnever fails.

“Nevertheless

my lovingkindness

will I not utterly

take from him,

nor suffer my faithfulness

to fail.

34 My covenant will I not break,

nor alter the thing

that is gone out of my lips.”   Psalm 89:33-34

Jesus also IS changeless:

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

Paul gives us the key to successful living with humility, obedience, and confidence in a fallen world!

“Charity never faileth:

but whether there be prophecies,

they shall fail;

whether there be tongues,

they shall cease;

whether there be knowledge,

it shall vanish away….

…13 And now abideth

faith,

hope,

charity,

these three;

but the greatest of these

is charity.”  1 Corinthians 13:8 & 13

Let’s stand like Daniel and trust the results to our faithful Lord!  May God’s love and holiness be seen in me/you in all we do

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

A County Fair Christian??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 15

03 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, By His Grace, Changed Lives, County Fair Christian, Faith, Faithful, Faithfulness, False Lives, God Knows His Own, God Who Sees

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 15  A County Fair Christian???

 

I love the county fairs in south Mississippi and try to go down at that time of year as often as I can.  While we have county fairs here in Oklahoma, I love the fairs in the deep south; but one thing they all have in common is that they usually include livestock shows.  A livestock show is where people (mostly young people) bring their livestock to show and compete against other’s animals.  You’ll find pigs, cattle, sheep and horses among other various animals all on display seeking a blue ribbon.  You will find cleaned up pigs, cows, and even household pets at the fair; but no matter how much soap, powder, spray and polish the owners use before the show, when they get back to the farm, guess what?  Those animals will be back in their normal habitat, for no matter how much they are “fluffed-up” for the show, they are still pigs, sheep or cows, and they are still what they are, they didn’t change their nature just their environment.

The same can be true of some professing believers in Jesus!  Peter talks about false teachers/preachers in his second letter, and his words are what I want us to consider today; as I am often wont to say, “saying so doesn’t make it so”!

“These are wells without water,

clouds that are carried with a tempest;

to whom the mist of darkness is reserved

for ever.

18 For when they speak

great swelling words of vanity,

they allure

through the lusts of the flesh,

through much wantonness,

those that were clean escaped

from them who live in error.

19 While they promise them liberty,

they themselves

are the servants of corruption:

for of whom a man is overcome,

of the same is he brought in bondage.

20 For if after they have escaped

the pollutions of the world

through the knowledge of the Lord

and Saviour Jesus Christ,

they are again entangled therein,

and overcome,

the latter end

is worse with them

than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them

not to have known the way

of righteousness,

than, after they have known it,

to turn from the holy commandment

delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them

according to the true proverb,

The dog is turned

to his own vomit again;

and the sow that was washed

to her wallowing in the mire.”    2 Peter 2:17-22

In fact, I believe this entire second chapter is the most succinct description of false teachers in scripture.  It’s why we are committed to sharing The Word of God, and helping others know truth; for while the times may change—God’s Word never does! (And without Jesus a pig/dog is still a pig/dog—county fair or not!)

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Jesus describes Himself as “the beginning and the end”, the very essence of God—ever working in His own.

“God,

who at sundry times

and in divers manners

spake in time past unto the fathers

by the prophets,

 2 Hath in these last days

spoken unto us

by his Son,

whom he hath appointed

heir of all things,

by whom also

he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things

by the word of his power,

when he had by himself

purged our sins,

sat down

on the right hand

of the Majesty on high;”   Hebrews 1:1-3

“I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning

and the ending,

saith the Lord,

which is,

and which was,

and which is to come,

the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8

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

In other words, Jesus is the final Word; He is creator, Lord, The Word—the spoken Word and the Living Word.  And HE never changes—and neither does HIS Word!

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was

in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

And “the Word” came to fulfill all that scripture declared about HIM—both His first coming, and HIS return; His timing is perfect in God’s plan!

“Think not that I am come to destroy

the law,

or the prophets:

I am not come to destroy,

but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you,

Till heaven and earth pass,

one jot or one tittle

shall in no wise pass from the law,

till all be fulfilled.”   Matthew 5:17-18

As we compare these things with what Peter penned in 2 Peter chapter 2, we see that God’s Word has stood the test of time and will continue to stand until “all” is fulfilled.  It also tells us that God knows those who are genuinely HIS; for God changes not only the outside, as cleaning a pig for a show, but HE makes all things new in HIS own.  And even when we stumble and fall, God is ever working to conform us into the image of HIS Son.  (See 2 Peter 1:19-21)

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

“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;”    2 Corinthians 5:17-18

“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?”   Romans 8::28-31

Paul told Timothy that God knows HIS own!  We may not be able to know, but God can and does!

“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

Our job, as God’s children, is to yield everything in our life to our LORD and accomplish HIS purpose; to give God the glory in all our life, is an evidence that I have been changed by the blood of Jesus and transformed into God’s child.

“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

Paul commands us to draw near to our Lord—presenting ourselves to Him as a “living sacrifice”—our life devoted to and focused on the Lord Jesus whose name we claim!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

So, are you a county fair Christian, who can wash off his “faith” when it’s unnecessary; or one who truly belongs to Jesus, and lives for HIM in all things—good, bad or mundane!  The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!

“So then every one of us shall give account

of himself to God.”  Romans 14:12.

Amen!!!

Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12

06 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Encouragement, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12 Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU???

 

I have a very brief and simple word for today—God’s is trustworthy, and we don’t have to fear what HE is doing.

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not

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

Even when we are facing uncertain days, as we are now on every hand, we can count on God to direct our steps.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement for you and me!  While things in the world may alarm or distress us, it’s just natural to experience fear or alarm; when our health is less than stellar, or the people that we love are plagued by uncertain futures, our God is still in charge.

“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

Paul assured Timothy that God gives us what we need to be successful in His kingdom, and we don’t have to let fear rule our hearts, minds or our lives!  Fear is an emotion, not a sin, but when we let sin take control of us, it can lead us to sin.  That is why we must remember where we are grounded, and that is in Jesus Christ and Him alone; keeping our eyes on Him, and our hearts and minds steeped in HIS Word!

“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

Even the author of Hebrews assures us that wherever we go, or whatever we do, we are never alone, and we can walk in confidence with our God.  It’s been a little uncertain and precarious at our house lately, and maybe you are having uncertain things encircle you and yours; but I am here to remind you that we need not fear, but just keep our eyes on our Jesus for HE is always there.  And no matter the need HE knows—and HE cares.  You can trust to HIS care and come into HIS presence with confidence!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 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 12:1-2

Chapter 13 of Hebrews continues with a powerful message of assurance!

“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

So, friends, my word to you (and me) is that we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that HE never fails, and we can trust that HE is working all things for our good and to His glory.  I trust HIM!!!  Do you???  Remember—He IS coming back—He wins, and so do we!  So, let’s serve Him fearlessly and faithfully in all we do, no matter the trials or difficulties that we encounter; remember don’t let fear rule your decisions and your life!  Instead, let Jesus rule—HE will always lead you rightly—without fear!

“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

As God told Isaiah:

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

That kind of says it all….God’s got you and whatever your “it” is!  God’s got “it”—and “YOU”!!!  Trust HIM—HE never fails!

Amen and Amen!!!