Tag Archives: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A Thankful Heart??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #291

22 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, The Word

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A Thankful Heart???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #291

Today I want to share a message of gratitude; gratitude to each of you that have been a part of Bible Ballistics, you make my heart smile!  So I just want to share some words of gratitude from God’s Word!

“Grace be unto you,

and peace,

from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God

upon every remembrance of you,” Philippians 1:2-3

God is so gracious and kind to give us friends, acquaintances and loved ones to share our lives with, and I thank each of you for helping to make this blog beneficial, to those I haven’t yet met, as well as those I have known and loved for years.  May we continue to bless and encourage one another.

“I thank my God always on your behalf,

for the grace of God

which is given you by Jesus Christ;”  1 Corinthians 1:4

And more from Paul, and like many of you whom I have never met, Paul hadn’t been to Colossae either, yet because he had heard of their faith in Jesus, he prayed for them and sent an amazing letter to encourage them. (Read it today!)

“We give thanks to God

and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

praying always for you,

4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus,

and of the love which ye have

 to all the saints,” Colossians 1:3-4 

This theme of gratitude and praying for one another is found throughout scripture, and it is there to remind us that we are to care for one another as we have opportunity and pray for our fellow believers continually.  God hears and answers prayer—not always in our way or in our in our time, but I serve a prayer-answering God, I hope you do to!  I pray that you know Him as well.  As we develop and grow in our attitude of gratitude, it is amazing to see the blessings of God; for we are all blessed, we all aren’t always paying attention.  Look up my friends, Jesus loves you and so do I.

“Rejoice evermore.     

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

 for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Of course we couldn’t end a post on gratitude without a word from the Psalms; oh how replete are they with the joy of the Lord, comfort for the sorrowful, hope for the downtrodden, and the eternal message that our “God reigneth”!

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven:

for his mercy endureth for ever.”  Psalm 136:26

May your day be full of peace “that passeth all understanding” as you thank God in all things.  Remember, we win!

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him…”. Revelation 19:6-7a

Amen and Amen!!!

Called To PRAY??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #671

29 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Praise God Today!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #671       Called To PRAY???

 

While we are living in perilous time, it amazes me that we are so easily distracted from one of the most essential elements of our faith—prayer!  I know for me it is so easy to have that time set aside to be with my Lord, and it seems that nine million things creep into that time and space to distract me from my “prime directive”, if you would!  It is so easy to “intend” to do things and yet by default, or distraction, or urgency we are drawn into something else that seems so important at the time (and sometimes it is urgent, and God knows that, and let me add that prayer isn’t restricted to a “time” and “place” but it also includes having a spirit of prayer in all we do—driving, cooking, working, playing—all with that attitude of prayer in our heart!)!  I know that I have fallen so far short in this area of keeping that time to be with my Lord and my God a priority!  It is essential in these troublesome times that we as a nation—as God’s people—as the lifeline for lost souls—that we keep our eyes, our hope and our commitment focused on Jesus relentlessly!  Why?  Because HE IS THE only true hope, and also because HE calls us to be a people of prayer!

What is prayer?  It’s not just talking to God, but taking time to share our heart, our hopes, and our vision with The One who is our all in all!  HE is all that I can truly depend upon, and listening to HIM who indwells every genuine believer—regardless of our color, our nationality or our personality—for Jesus is “all” and “in all” of HIS own!

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian,

Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ

is all,

and in all.”  Colossians 3:11

The Holy Spirit in us is the evidence of whose we are!

“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

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to those who come to Him, and through the Holy Spirit we have continual access to our Father, and The Son!  He is our own personal 24-hour line to our Lord!

“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 8:26-27

Such a gift that the world cannot recognize, yet it is the power of God in the lives of His children, and we so often fail to avail ourselves of His gift to us, and the source of His persistent, overcoming power.  God calls us to come to HIM for He is ever listening for His children to call and come to HIM!

“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

Even when we fall short, we can know that our precious Lord Jesus is ever standing in the gap through our moments of weakness and confusion, for He not only saves but keeps and guards His own for our good and HIS glory!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Oh, how wonderful the work that Jesus has done for us and is ever doing on our behalf no matter where you /I are—HE knows, and HE is praying for us.

“But this man,

because he continueth ever,

hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession

for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25

And because He prays for us, we are called to pray for others by HIS power, HIS name, and HIS command!

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are called to pray, and I just want to leave you with a few passages that help us know how to pray, as well as some things that we ought to continually be praying for and about.  May God help us all to be more steadfast in seeking HIM in all things!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think

that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:7-10

“Therefore said he unto them,

The harvest truly is great,

but the labourers are few:

 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers

into his harvest.”  Luke 10:2

And in these perilous days in which we are living, may we ever pray that we would truly be seeking HIS Kingdom and not just our own; may we be praying to be useable and faithful; may we be praying that HIS will be done, that we would be vessels unto HIS honor and glory!  Always.

“But the end of all things

is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch

unto prayer.”  1 Peter 4:7

May the words of our Lord Jesus’ prayer for us ever ring in our hearts and minds.

“For I have given unto them the words

which thou gavest me;

and they have received them,

and have known surely

that I came out from thee,

and they have believed

that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them:

I pray not for the world,

but for them

which thou hast given me;

for they are thine.

10 And all mine

are thine,

and thine are mine;

and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

and I come to thee.

Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are…

…. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them

out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them

from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me

into the world,

even so have I also sent them

into the world.”  Portions of John 17:8-18

Amen and Amen!!!

May we pray on!!!

Good Citizens For Jesus’ Sake!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #664

03 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Attitude of Gratitude, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, God Bless America, Good Citizens

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #664  Good Citizens For Jesus’ Sake!!!

 

I would simply like to wish each of you a most blessed and “Happy Independence Day”-4th of July, here in the US!  And a blessed and joyous day to all!  I just want to share a message from God through the Apostle Paul in regard to our duty to our governmental leaders no matter where we live, no matter the perilous times we may live in!  We as believers and followers of Jesus, are called to follow God and respect the authorities that God has established.  I simply want to share a couple of passages for your perusal sometime this weekend as you spend time with family and friends, celebrating the blessings of God in establishing this great country!  And I pray that God will please “Bless America”, and “deliver us from evil”!  Amen!

“Let every soul be subject

unto the higher powers.

For there is no power

but of God:

the powers that be

are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God:

and they that resist

shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works,

but to the evil.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

do that which is good,

and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee

for good.

But if thou do that which is evil,

be afraid;

for he beareth not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of God,

a revenger to execute wrath

upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject,

not only for wrath,

but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also:

for they are God’s ministers,

attending continually

upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore

to all their dues:

tribute

to whom tribute is due;

custom

to whom custom;

fear

to whom fear;

honour

to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing,

but to love one another:

for he that loveth another

hath fulfilled the law.”   Romans 13:1-8

And from Paul’s letter to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy!

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made for all men;

2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life

in all godliness

and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto

the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God,

and one mediator

between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom

for all,

to be testified in due time.”   1 Timothy 2:1-6

And may we, each one, seek to please our Lord in all we say and do, letting our “little light shine”!

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May God’s blessing be seen at every turn in your life—He’s there—are we paying attention?  Let’s do!

Amen and Amen!!!

Grateful For What??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #567

28 Friday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Contentment, Gratitude, Kindness, Thankful

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #567   Grateful For What???

 

Just a short word this morning to remind each of us to never forget to be grateful!  An attitude of gratitude will affect our whole outlook; when we are grateful to God, when we show gratitude to our family members, when we express thankfulness to those we encounter.

A grateful heart will help us focus on others more than ourselves!  And that, my friends, is always a lesson worth reminding ourselves of.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

David rejoiced in his God because he had experienced His faithful provision, protection and power!  What do you have to thank God for?

“O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good;

 for his mercy endureth for ever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34

God in His love and mercy toward us has given us Jesus to save us, lead us, grow us in grace, truth and love into children of God who bring HIM glory.

“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.”   Romans 8:28-29

Oh, how grateful I am for God’s mercy and longsuffering toward us.  I can hardly go one day without thanking Him for touching me, saving me, and growing me in His Word, His grace, His power and His love!  Without Him I would have nothing to be thankful for!  But with Him, I can rejoice every day—in Who He Is and all He is doing in me, for me, through me—all helping me to “be conformed to the image of his Son”!  How could I not rejoice and thank HIM always?  All because HE loves me enough to send Jesus to pay for my sin!  And He’ll do the same for you—He isn’t slow, but He does want people to be saved!

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:9

Will you join me today in thanking HIM for all HE does for us?  And then don’t forget that special phrase as you encounter folks today!  Thank You!  You can use it at the bank, as you shop, at the local café, at home, to all as you have opportunity.

“And the Lord make you to increase

and abound

in love

one toward another,

and toward all men,

even as we do

toward you:”    1 Thessalonians 3:12

And we can do all this in HIS power, remembering that, “without me ye can do nothing.”  (See John 15:5)!  Thank YOU, and thank YOU Jesus!  Praying that each of you have a blessed day as you remember to express thanks to God continually, and others as you have opportunity.  There may be a waitress out there who needs a word of encouragement, or a bank teller, or a store clerk, or a co-worker, or employer (just because they’re the boss, doesn’t mean that they don’t need a word of encouragement or an expression of gratitude!)—so go to it!!!  And a smile helps almost everything!

“And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:32

 

Amen and Amen!