Tag Archives: 2 Chronicles 20:15

Joshua Fit’, How About You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01

23 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01   Joshua Fit’, How About You???

There’s an old Gospel song, “Joshua Fit’de Battle”, one of my favorites (an old Negro Spiritual of unknown authorship—yet a song of heartfelt trust in ONE who IS in charge, no matter what the circumstances look like) and while it’s usually a fun song, it has a great word of encouragement for me today, and I hope I can share that encouragement with you.

Joshua fought a battle that was out of the ordinary, as the new leader of the people of Israel, who had wandered for 40 years for their disobedience to God, and their lack of faith in HIS promises, Joshua had a great task ahead.  Yet, God gave Him what seemed like some most bizarre instructions.

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up

because of the children of Israel:

none went out,

and none came in.

2 And the LORD said unto Joshua,

See, I have given into thine hand Jericho,

and the king thereof,

and the mighty men of valour.

3 And ye shall compass the city,

all ye men of war,

and go round about the city once.

Thus shalt thou do six days.

4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark

seven trumpets of rams’ horns:

and the seventh day

ye shall compass the city seven times,

and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

5 And it shall come to pass,

that when they make a long blast

with the ram’s horn,

and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet,

all the people shall shout

with a great shout;

and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,

and the people shall ascend up

every man straight before him.”  Joshua 6:1-5

While these instructions were strange, they were specific and designed to encourage Joshua and the people he was trying to lead.  While I won’t focus much on the battle, I do want to spend some time today examining how we face not only the battles before us, but also the directions that God gives us.

I know how difficult it can be to trust God and obey in the midst of out-of-control circumstances.  I remember when my daughter was murdered some 2½ years ago, it was on a Thursday and I usually try to write and post on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and I told my husband, “I don’t think I can write and/or post tomorrow!”  And he wisely and simply told me to do what was right for me.  Well, during the night God would awaken me with a scripture and I’d put a note on my phone, and roll over and go back to sleep, then He’d do it again, multiple times during the night, and I knew what HE wanted me to do.  Yet, when I got up on that Friday morning, I told The Lord, “I can’t do this today!”, and God spoke to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard an audible voice, “YOU have hope, others do NOT! They need to know about your hope!”  And with that, I went into my den and wrote the things that He had given me in the night; while I always try to be listening to what God would have me say/write, I can guarantee you that the message that came together that morning was straight from my Father, sending His Balm of Gilead to my soul, and to all who would receive it.

My battle was much different from Joshua’s, but the decision to trust and obey was the same.  How about you?  What battle are you facing, are you trying to ‘Fit ‘de Battle’ alone, or your own way, instead of God’s.  It’s your choice, but God is still God—and you can trust to HIS care, or not.

“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

No matter your battle, no matter your circumstances, no matter your frustrations, fear, grief or sorrow—we have a “throne of grace” to which we can run, boldly run (not in arrogance or presumption, but in bold confidence in HIM who sits on that throne—God The Father, and Jesus Christ The Son of God who has boldly paid the price for our sin, and given us access into that throne room!) into the arms of the ONE who gave HIS life that we could have not only “life”, but “abundant life” IN HIM!

We can stand in Jesus, with complete confidence, just as Joshua did even at the end of his life—still knowing that God was all he needed, and that he would serve HIM boldly and faithfully—and he called all the people to recognize that it was their choice as to whom they would trust and serve.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Joshua didn’t force the people to choose God, and I can’t force anyone to believe in Jesus, but without HIM no person will enter heaven’s gates—we must be “born again”!  Jesus’ own words say it best.  Won’t you come to the One who died for YOU?

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily,

I say unto thee, Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

And when you belong to Jesus, you always have someone who can fight your battles, and lift you up when you are down!

“And he said, Hearken ye,

all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude.

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

I’ll share Jesus in the valley—I’ll share HIM on the mountain top—I’ll share HIM, by God’s grace and faithful provision, in all I do and say.  Jesus wants to care for YOU!  Won’t you repent of your sin and receive the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that JESUS made for YOU.  Then you can have what I have, and all who are HIS!  Your “fighting” days can be over!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:7

It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!!!  Don’t fall for the lies of the enemy of your soul.  (Satan is a thief and a liar!). Even if your heart is breaking—remember, Jesus IS the heart healer!  Believe me, HE heals mine every day!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it      

more abundantly.”  John 10:10

Amen and Amen!!!

GOD Needs A__Good__??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22

09 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Be not conformed to this world, Building on The Rock or The Sand?, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, He Died That We Could Live, IN Jesus!, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Broad or Narrow Way?, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22 GOD Needs A ___Good___???

 

Most of us have heard the slogan, “_____needs a few good men…”!  But I’d like us to talk about our God, and while God doesn’t “need” anything, there are some things that God says about what HE desires for His own, for all mankind.

“The Lord knoweth how

to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve

the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:”  2 Peter 2:9

“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

God truly desires for all to “come to repentance”, for His desire is that none “should perish” but come to Jesus for salvation.  Yet the thing we need to remember is that God isn’t looking for a “few”, nor is He looking for “good” men, He is calling to all who will hear and heed His message of salvation IN JESUS; recognizing that Jesus came to save sinners, not “good” men, those who think they can save themselves.

Paul talked about this ability to recognize our need of a Savior; and as long as we are “good” enough on our own, why would we need a Savior?  But when we see our sin, and understand that we can’t save ourselves, then we can see our need and come to know the One who can remedy our sin problem.

“And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.”  1 Timothy 1:14-15

Paul talked of this to the Roman believers to remind them of this very thing.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one…

…. 22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:10-12 & 22-24

God doesn’t need us, but we need Jesus; and just as Jesus said in Matthew 7, we must choose wisely for there is only one way—Jesus—and while the broad way may be appealing, it is deceptive.  So, we must consider God’s truth and receive His forgiveness for our sin, by choosing HIS path–JESUS!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it…

…. 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that

doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:13-14 & 21-23

Forgiveness is found only in Jesus, yet just as the song says, the truth IS “Jesus Saves” still! (Written by Priscilla Jane Owens).

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

Truly we only find that forgiveness when we humble ourselves before God, seeking His forgiveness in Jesus death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned

to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”   James 4:6-10

And as God wants us to know, and choose wisely, He is ever seeking those who will come to HIM!  Remember, as my former pastor says, “Jesus died for our sin, so we don’t have to die IN our sin!”

“The eyes of the LORD

are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.”  Proverbs 15:3

So then, who is the “good” one?  No one!  But when Jesus saves and transforms our lives, we are changed into the image of The Son; we are changed from lost sinners to saved saints (and saints aren’t perfect, just forgiven, redeemed and being transformed—see Romans 8:28-29!)!  One of my favorite passages, helps us understand this principle—Jesus saves us “from” our sin, so we won’t have to die “IN” our sin! (See Matthew 1:21)

“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;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

 to be sin for us,

 who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-21

It’s because of God’s saving work that we can understand with the Psalmist, that the “good” man mentioned by the Psalmist is only “good” by God’s saving grace! (Remember Romans 3!)

“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

So, my question for us today is simply this, “Are you one of those who will respond to God’s call?”  Will you recognize your true condition and come to the Savior in repentance and faith?  Will you allow God to save, redeem and transform you?  Or will you go your own way, choosing to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

By HIS salvation we can know the power of a truly transformed life, having a renewed heart and mind by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and His Holy Spirit.

“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.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3

I pray that you will find peace, joy and rest in this transforming power of salvation in Jesus.  For Jesus isn’t just seeking a “few good men/women”, but all who will see their sin and know that HE is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”!

Won’t you come to this loving Savior who died for you?  And if you already know Him, won’t you share this truth with those around you who don’t?  May God raise us up—the army of The Lord–remembering that:

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”    2 Chronicles 20:15

Blessings on you and yours.  I pray that you will be one of the “few there be that find it”!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Power And Love Over Fear!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #638

27 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by in Fear, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #638     Power And Love Over Fear!!!

 

“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

I love this verse, yet we so often just quote it and miss the message that Paul was giving to a timid young preacher boy; he was calling Timothy to remember that he was walking, working, preaching and ministering in the power, love and “right thinkingness” of God.  And to think right is to have our mind set on Jesus in all things. (See Phil. 1:6)

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2

Jesus paid the price for us—He saves us, He keeps us, He gives us His Holy Spirit to lead, guide, protect and direct our steps—that we might live for Him in righteousness and truth, with the spirit of HIS love.  Which by the way, He has imparted to us as well!

“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.”  Romans 5:5-6

Because we have received His love, we can walk in that love, and respond to our circumstances in confidence of His provision.  So, I encourage each of us to remember that we can walk in victory because our Lord is LORD and KING!  He is coming back, and I want to be found faithful—how about you?  But we can only do that in HIS power.

“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.”   Ephesians 6:10

God has always shown Himself faithful, and I’ll simply leave you with a couple of reminders of HIS faithful provision—for the ‘battle is the LORD’S”, and we who are “born of the Spirit” never walk alone!  Amen and Amen.

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah,

and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

   Thus saith the LORD unto you,

          Be not afraid nor dismayed

                 by reason of this great multitude;

          for the battle is not yours,

                 but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

“And all this assembly shall know

that the LORD saveth

not with sword and spear:

for the battle is the LORD’S,

and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:47