Tag Archives: 1 John 4:4

A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Encouragement, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Longsuffering, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time Is Grace!, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?

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A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

Just a few scriptures to hopefully brighten your day and perhaps lift your load for a bit.  Here in Oklahoma we’ve been inundated with rain and abundant and often deadly and destructive storms and tornados; please pray for those around us who have lost so much, some everything (and if you’re not aware look up Sulpher, OK on the internet and see the devastation—a whole town wiped out overnight, and they’re one of several towns in such dire straits.). So, I thought it might be a good time to just rehearse the goodness and faithful blessings of our Lord!  And on more fronts that one, we know that our God has and will take care of His own, including the land of Israel, even if the world disagrees!

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 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 126:1-6

A lost and dying world is watching to see if Christians really live what they talk about!  We will either shine for Jesus or lose the opportunity to bring glory to our God!

“A merry heart doeth good

like a medicine:

but a broken spirit

drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Let’s spread some smiles around—not fakey pretend that you’re glad for difficult circumstances, but the joy of the Lord that brings joy from the inside out!  Let’s share both our resources and our godly spirit of joy as we go about each day—rain or shine.  Even as Nehemiah encouraged the people of Israel as they rebuilt during trying circumstances, let’s keep our eyes on the prize not the price!  After all Jesus gave the ultimate price for our salvation, His life’s blood!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

 for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Satan can rain on my parade, or cast rocks at my windows, he can even rob me of earthly possessions—but he can never steal my “joy of the LORD” when I keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

Let us walk in the light of our Lord Jesus, The Light of the world!  When we stay focused on Jesus no one or no thing can rob us of our joy and peace—that which comes from God for He has placed it in our heart (See Romans 5:1-11). So let’s determine to keep that smile which comes out of that very “joy of the LORD”!

“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.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And in closing one of my favorite reminders!

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Smile and press on my friends, for in Jesus we win!!!  Remember:

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

25 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Weariness

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Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

I want us to consider a different turn on this passage today!  This passage follows the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, and what we find if we go back and look at that chapter, is a list of those who were faithful to hear, heed and believe the things that God said to them, both what He has said in His Word, and even to some, a personal message.  We have the written Word as well as The Living Word, Jesus, and what they were looking forward to, we have seen through the testimony of Jesus’ Apostles and followers in The Word of God as well as history!

One of the things I think we often miss, is that while there is to be an action to our faith, we are to “lay aside” sin, and “run with patience” (or endurance) the race that Jesus sets before us—my race, assigned by The Master, not anyone else’s race.  Yet we are not called to run on our own, but the key is to keep “Looking unto Jesus”, our Lord and Savior, King of Kings, who is also “the author and finisher of our faith”!  We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not the particulars of our individual race, but to follow HIM where ever HE leads, knowing that if we keep our eyes on HIM, He will not lead us astray, into exhaustion, or confusion!  While we may often find ourselves feeling exhausted or confused, we must remember to refocus and get our eyes fixed on Jesus, not our surroundings, the people around us, or the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.

Jesus had a word for His disciples after they had been sent out to do ministry.  We need to heed His words and know that we must also make time for rest.

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we have to stop, look, and listen—not for the train, but for the signs of running on our own, not The Master’s strength.  I say this because sometimes we just have to stop and ask God to speak to our heart about where we are; for sometimes we let our feelings, our tiredness (be it real or imagined) and our personal expectations to drive us to doubt, pout and think about dropping out!  I experienced this recently, and I just had to take a walk and ask God to help me realign my focus back onto my Savior, not my feelings—even the ones that some would call justified—but I’d rather be right with Jesus than to justify myself in the eyes of people.

We must also remember that we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and God has given us lots of instruction in His Word to know how we can deal with these spiritual battles.  Let’s consider a few today—and I pray that they will help you in whatever battle you are facing; for as I’ve heard it said, “We are either about to face a battle, coming out of a battle, or in the red-hot midst of one!”  So, remember always:

“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

When we belong to Jesus; when Jesus is within us; we are overcomers because HE lives within us.  It’s the essential!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

And to use another of Paul’s admonitions to us, we need to suit up in our armor—every day!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:10-12

Don’t miss this grand calling, to not only be strong, but to be strong “in the Lord” and “in the power of HIS might”!  I pray that you will consider these encouraging instructions to walk in victory with Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness

to revenge all disobedience,

when your obedience is fulfilled.”                           2 Corinthians 10:3-6

And one of my favorite passages from Paul, I encourage you to memorize at least verse 8 and check your thoughts at the door, and if the thoughts don’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, slam the door in the devil’s face!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both

learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

May you find courage to walk in victory with your Lord, regardless of the fleshly battles.  Remember, with Jesus, We Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Greater IS HE??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #139

04 Wednesday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Hear ye HIM!, Hearing God

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Greater IS HE??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #139

It is so easy to become dependent on our own strength, wisdom, and strength, but in truth I am so aware of the truth that Jesus spoke in John 15, that I remind myself (my often self-willed and self-determined self) that it is ALL because of Calvary and the ONE who gave Himself for my salvation!  He is my hope, help and supply in all things—not just in so-called “spiritual” things but in all things!  I need to listen to HIS voice and pursue HIS will in ALL things.

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch

cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

There is so much that I could write on this subject, but suffice it to say, we must –yes, we must abide in JESUS—every day, every step of the way, in ups and downs, in good times and difficult ones, whether we understand or not!  All I need to know is that JESUS is my King, my Lord, and my Guide in all that I will release to HIM!  All things!  It’s what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 3, where he contrasts the difference between “wood…hay… stubble… gold…silver….and precious stones”; just as he wrote to the Galatians to “walk in the Spirit” not the flesh!  It’s one of the hardest things to do consistently, walk in HIS SPIRIT and not our own earthly wisdom; but the results call us to strive for God’s will—it will result in eternal, indestructible results that will withstand the judgement of fire before our KING!  And there is a day coming (and very soon, I believe) when we will stand before The Lord Jesus and answer for our decisions, our life, and our work!  Oh, how I want to please HIM, but it means I must learn more and more to “Abide in me, and I in you”!  Right here–right now!  Will you join me in the pursuit of holiness in our Lord Jesus, that we might truly hear HIM say, “well done, thou good and faithful servant”!

HOW?  How do we stand fast and follow?  Well, it’s not easy, but it is doable because we do it “IN HIM”, and John makes it clear for us in his letter to encourage and help believers.

“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

John goes on to say:

“If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater:

for this is the witness of God

which he hath testified of his Son.

10 He that believeth on the Son of God

 hath the witness in himself:

he that believeth not

God hath made him a liar;

because he believeth not the record

that God gave of his Son.

11 And this is the record,

that God hath given to us eternal life,

and this life is in his Son.

12 He that hath the Son

hath life;

and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.”  1 John 5 :9-12

Are you running your own show?  Or have you come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for YOU?  He IS able—and HE will keep you, for truly “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”, for those who are HIS own!  I’m so glad HE saved me!  How about you?  John said it all:

“He that hath the Son

hath life;

and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Christmas Ponderings #6??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 07

12 Sunday Dec 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Obedient or NOT?, Patience and Longsuffering?, Wait on the Lord, Wait upon the Lord

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 07   Christmas Ponderings #6???

 

This may seem like a strange “Christmas Ponderings” topic but the thought hit me between the eyes and I’ve learned that if it hits me, it will probably hit others, so I’m going to share this brief word and pray that it will help and encourage each of us!

“Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint

and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings

as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:28-31

Let’s just walk through this and see what we can draw from God’s word to encourage, help, and strengthen us for the days before us.

What’s your answer to these questions?  Have we “not known”?  Have we “not heard”?  Have we allowed the hustle and bustle of life to rob us of what we truly know about our God?  I find it amazing that so often I am distracted by the struggles of life, by the issues that come upon us when we least expect them, by things that I want to change but are often out of my control, or my realm of responsibility.  It’s so easy to allow the happenings of life to rob us of the joy of “living” life to the full!  God reminded Israel just as He’s reminding us today, that we need to remember WHO HE IS, and WHAT HE can do!  HE is truly our “all in all”; and I’m so glad that “Christ is all, and in all.” (See Colossians 3:11b)

Peter says is nicely:

“Grace and peace be multiplied

unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

that hath called us

to glory

and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious

promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4

We have great promises that God has made and given to us who will believe –will you trust and believe God’s Word to you?  I pray that we will each examine our hearts, minds, and lives to see if we are living in obedience to God’s Word or flying by the seat of our own way (pants)—our own emotions—our own ideas—our own plans and designs?  How easy it is to be swayed by those around us—be it the people around us, the media influences or just plain old ‘our own’ personal stubbornness—rather than relying on the truths of God’s Word!

Oh, Lord, teach us to lean on your “power…and… …strength” for all those things that assail us and try to get us off kilter—even more importantly—off balance from YOUR Word!  Oh, how I want to learn to “wait upon the LORD”, to live with the confidence in my God that expresses itself in what Paul prayed for the Colossians:

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks

unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints

in light:” Colossians 1:10-12

As we think of being one who will “wait upon the LORD”, I find Paul’s admonition pretty doable, in part; I’m ok with the “might” and “power” of The Lord, and I can even make progress on the “patience and longsuffering”, but I do find a hitch sometimes in the “with joyfulness”!  Maybe you have problems with being joyful in the areas that demand patience and longsuffering; while many think these two things are the same, there is a subtle difference and I think it worth mentioning so that we can understand that God understands humanity!  All of it—remember, Jesus came and lived a sinless life amongst all the trials and temptations of real life; so, one of these words is dealing with difficult circumstances and the other with difficult people.  Which do you have in your life right now?  I just want to remind each of us that God is still faithful to every trial.

Will you join me in committing to strive to be more diligent to “wait upon the LORD” in every situation.  To let God direct not only our “steps”, but our words, our actions, our desires, and responses in every situation—regardless of whether it involves circumstance or people or both!  And remember:

“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

Praise God!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

 

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

09 Friday Jul 2021

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

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

“And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance

of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

 the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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

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

my brethren, (for all saints IN JESUS)–

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

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

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

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

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

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love

casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth

is not made perfect

in love.

19 We love him,

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

John also encourages us again in The Revelation:

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace be unto you,

and peace,

from him which is,

and which was,

and which is to come;

and from the seven Spirits

which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings

of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood,”  Revelation 1:4-5

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

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he

that is in you,

 than he

 that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

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

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

 because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

 9 Whom resist

stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

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

“Not that we are sufficient

of ourselves

to think any thing

as of ourselves;

but our sufficiency

is of God;”  2 Corinthians 3:5

Amen and Amen!!!