Tag Archives: 2 Timothy 2:15

Really Knowing God??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #777

11 Friday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Courage, Daniel & Hannah--Faithful Servant's, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Have You Heard?, He Died That We Could Live, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Leading Or Mis-Leading?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #777   Really Knowing God???

 

I would like to share a few examples from God’s Word today that I pray will help us see what confidence in God really looks like.  Two of my favorite Bible examples of purity, integrity and knowledge of God are Daniel, (an amazing young man, who had a confidence in God based on his knowledge, and apparent experience trusting in The God Almighty that he had walked with for some time, even though he was just in his late teens or at the most, early twenties when the account we’ll look at took place) and Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who also exhibited a great faith and faithfulness to Almighty God!

I pray that this will be an encouragement and help to you, for it is imperative that our confidence is based on the truth of God’s Word—the written Word and the Living Word, Jesus—which we can, we must, choose to stand on.  Paul reminds us of our part in developing this kind of relationship with our God and Lord Jesus, through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

“Study to shew thyself

approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun

profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

We must pursue God and HIS Word to be able to recognize and avoid the “profane and…vain” things that Satan uses to lure us into sin and stumbling.  And one of the things that I believe that Daniel and Hannah knew without a doubt, is that we must choose to believe truth, not the lies.  And believe you me, there are lots of lies floating all around us, for Satan is the great “father of lies” (See John 8:44), and he is always dangling them in front of us, like a carrot to lead the donkey!  We can choose to build our house on the sand of lies, or the Rock of truth; it’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  If we’ll choose to dig into God’s Word, we can be confident and secure in HIS truth!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

 and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

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

God’s Word is what prepares, equips, and reveals (to ourself and others) who and what we are as we live by the power of God daily so that others see Jesus in our lives in all we do and say.  Daniel was a great example of this.

This young man was taken captive by a foreign, pagan king and moved far from home, yet he made the decision to be faithful to his God regardless of the outcome!  When confronted with a threat of death, Daniel and his friends sought God’s help in prayer to reveal the King’s dream.  While we won’t look at the entire story today (you can read Daniel chapter 2 and see the whole scene play out) I do want us to see Daniel’s understanding of WHO was in charge, even in this situation that threatened death—BUT GOD!  Oh, praise you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the truth of “BUT GOD”; you have been so faithful to me, and I pray that my life may ever reflect Your work and power!

“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 2:17-23

WOW!!!  Is God good, or what?  GOD is so faithful to “all who call upon HIS name”! (See Deuteronomy 4:7). Daniel and his friends not only had their prayers answered but as you read the rest of the story, the answer brought not only deliverance from the ‘death sentence’, but Daniel and his friends were promoted to positions of prominence in the Kingdom of Babylon.  All because they had decided to trust their God in all things!  What about you and me?  What are we “not” trusting God for?  Why not?  If we belong to Jesus, we have the privilege of coming into HIS presence with not only our love and adoration (which Daniel did in response to answered prayer, we can learn from his example) but with our burdens, our grief, our sorrow, our needs (real or perceived), our fears, and our uncertainties—God is never unavailable, too busy, asleep, nor does HE ever say “oops”!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;   

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

Oh my, if we could just remember this regularly!  We can come to our Father, Our Lord Jesus, always in confidence, not arrogance or presumption, but in confidence that HE knows how we feel.  Jesus walked this earth with all its pain, sorrow, temptation, grief, and meanness, but HE did it without sin and then died willingly that we could live victorious lives of confidence in HIM—the risen LORD—victor over sin, death, and hell!!!  Don’t forget this truth.  Hannah didn’t—and she was simply looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah!

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk.

Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul,

and prayed unto the LORD,

and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said,

O LORD of hosts,

if thou wilt indeed look

on the affliction of thine handmaid,

and remember me,

and not forget thine handmaid,

but wilt give unto thine handmaid

a man child,

then I will give him unto the LORD

all the days of his life,

and there shall no razor

come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying

before the LORD,

that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart;

only her lips moved,

but her voice was not heard:

therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her,

How long wilt thou be drunken?

put away thy wine from thee.”  1 Samuel 1:9-14

Now most of this is for background, but I want us to note that sometimes when we are doing right, others will not see it for what it really is!  Yet Hannah spoke up for truth!

“And Hannah answered and said,

No, my lord,

I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit:

I have drunk neither wine

nor strong drink,

but have poured out my soul

before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid

for a daughter of Belial:

for out of the abundance

of my complaint

and grief

have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said,

Go in peace:

and the God of Israel grant thee

thy petition that thou hast asked

of him.

18 And she said,

Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight.

So the woman went her way,

and did eat,

and her countenance

was no more sad.”  1 Samuel 1:15-18

Hannah was blessed and knew that she had honored God and answered Eli truthfully, also, that he believed her and blessed her desire.  We won’t look at the rest except for Hannah’s prayer, much like Daniel’s, that praised and honored God for His faithful provision.  For Daniel, it was deliverance from death, for Hannah, it was the provision of life—the life of a Son, whom she had promised to God and did in fact return Samuel to God’s service at the proper time.  How amazing that this precious woman knew her God so well.  Her prayer became scripture—what will our prayers write in our future.  Let’s pray on—we serve a God who hears and answers prayer!!!  In HIS way, and in HIS time!

“And Hannah prayed, and said,

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,

mine horn is exalted in the LORD:

my mouth is enlarged

over mine enemies;

because I rejoice

in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy

as the LORD:

for there is none

beside thee:

neither is there any rock

like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly;

let not arrogancy

come out of your mouth:

for the LORD

is a God of knowledge,

and by him

actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men

are broken,

and they that stumbled

are girded with strength.

5 They that were full

have hired out themselves for bread;

and they that were hungry

ceased:

so that the barren

hath born seven;

and she that hath many children

is waxed feeble.

6 The LORD killeth,

and maketh alive:

he bringeth down to the grave,

and bringeth up.

7 The LORD maketh poor,

and maketh rich:

he bringeth low,

and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor

out of the dust,

and lifteth up the beggar

from the dunghill,

to set them among princes,

and to make them

inherit the throne of glory:

for the pillars of the earth

are the LORD’S,

and he hath set the world

upon them.

9 He will keep

the feet of his saints,

and the wicked

shall be silent in darkness;

for by strength

shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the LORD

shall be broken to pieces;

out of heaven

shall he thunder upon them:

the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;

and he shall give strength unto his king,

and exalt the horn of his anointed.”   1 Samuel 2:1-10

I pray that this will bring hope, confidence and a truly encouraging word for you today.  I know some are grieving, some are wondering which direction to take, others are running from God so hard that you are out of breath; so, take a minute and listen to the voice of God speaking to your heart!

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Remember, Jesus has this!  God has this, and if you are HIS, HE’s got YOU!!!  I believe—do you?

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father

are one.”  John 10:26-30

Amen and Amen!!!

 

A Confidence Beyond Weariness!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #773

07 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Approved Unto God, Beauty of Holiness, Choices And Consequences, Doubt and Confusion?, Trials, Troubles, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Walking With Jesus, Weariness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #773 A Confidence Beyond Weariness!!!

 

While I haven’t posted much lately, I have had the faithfulness of God on my mind.  We’ve had some severe health issues facing us lately, and through all of the strain and the weariness, God is ever faithful.  On that I will ever stand, for with Job I count the faithfulness of God above all things

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

 and not another;

 though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

I shall see GOD, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Job knew it, and so do I.  How about you?  We who belong to Jesus shall behold HIM, and yet even more importantly, in this earthly life, is the necessity that we “behold” God here and now, that through HIS Word we come to know HIM more and more personally and intimately!  James reminds us that it is by beholding the reality of God’s person, character, and truth that we can know and behold HIM more and more, here, and now!

“Wherefore

lay apart all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh

 into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed

in his deed.”  James 1:21-25

As you/I know more and more of God’s Word, and learn to trust to His faithfulness, we can come to know more and more of our/my GOD, my Lord, and my KING.  We can simply glance at truth, without considering its import.  As Paul told his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, we are to “study” to know God’s Word that we might find ourselves approved before GOD, knowing that God’s Word is perfectly sufficient unto all our needs, especially teaching us of Himself!!!

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

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

In our vernacular, mature (not sinlessly perfect), and equipped for all that God calls us to be and do!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

As Paul also tells us about salvation and good works—they work together, by God’s faithful provision.

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And as we draw near to HIM, we can learn to be more of what God calls us to be, HOLY, and able to fulfill the “good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. (And you’ll note below that our call is to “holiness” not “happiness”, not a very popular thought today!)

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

 at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-16

It is this confidence in God, HIS Word, and HIS call, that sustains me and will sustain you, if you will but delve into it, and take the truths of God into your heart.  Much like what the Proverbs say:

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

So, if I may sum it all up, we are all faced with trials, crises, difficulties, and times of extreme weariness; we must each choose what we will do with our crises—will we keep our eyes on Jesus, or on our own resources.  It’s your choice, but remember, there is a test.

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher of our faith;”  Hebrews 12:2a

Amen and Amen!!!

Searchlight Of HIS WORD??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 24

04 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 24  Searchlight Of HIS WORD???

 

I would like to challenge us today to examine our lives in light of what God’s Word says we are to ‘be’ and ‘do’.  We are bombarded with so much conflicting information and choices, that it is imperative that we know what God says.  I am truly weary of misinformation which some proclaim to be God’s Word, and people just take it as truth; and while God’s Word is truth not everything that is attributed to God, or His Word is actually from God’s Word.  Please, understand that we MUST get into God’s Word for ourselves, so that we will KNOW what God has said for ourselves, only then can we truly judge our lives and behavior by God’s standard instead of the world’s!

“Search me,

O God,

and know

my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

We are to seek God’s favor not man’s, and the Psalmist knew that we must open ourselves up for God’s searchlight of truth; and while it is often (almost always) somewhat painful—it is always a work of God’s grace, love, and purification of His own, for our good and HIS glory!

“Hearken unto me,

ye that know righteousness,

the people

in whose heart is my law;

fear ye not

the reproach of men,

neither be ye afraid

of their revilings.”  Isaiah 51:7

Paul often shared the import of examining our own lives according to God’s Word and standard, may we heed his advice!

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat

this bread,

and drink

this cup of the Lord,

unworthily,

shall be guilty

of the body

and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself,

and so let him eat of that bread,

and drink of that cup…

…. 31 For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”  Portions of 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Hebrews gives us one of the clearest messages about how God views our life choice, and how urgent it is that we don’t fail to receive truth and obey it, for God will act and discipline His own, for their good and HIS glory!  I encourage us to ponder the truths contained in this message!

“And ye have forgotten

the exhortation which speaketh unto you

as unto children,

My son,

despise not thou the chastening

of the Lord,

nor faint when thou art rebuked

of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth

every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.

9 Furthermore

we have had fathers of our flesh

which corrected us,

and we gave them reverence:

shall we not much rather

be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,

and live?

10 For they verily for a few days

chastened us

after their own pleasure;

but he for our profit,

that we might be partakers

of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present

seemeth to be joyous,

but grievous:

nevertheless afterward

it yieldeth the peaceable fruit

of righteousness

 unto them which are exercised

thereby.”   Hebrews 12:5-11

Not a passage that we hear very often, but it is God’s Word and we need to not only heed it, but also take note of what God is doing in our lives—especially when HE is correcting us (even if we say ‘ouch’!).  And just FYI, the words in this passage from Hebrews 12, ‘chasten’ and ‘chastise’, are forms of a word that means “child training”, which includes all those lessons that are necessary to help a child learn and grow to maturity!  How many of us are ‘growing’?  How many of us are ‘mature’ users of God’s Word, those who are “approved unto God”?

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

And Paul also told Timothy that God’s Word and the study of it is ever profitable—and that is true for us today as well.  What are we doing about it?  And FYI, ‘perfect’ in this passage simply means ‘mature’ not sinless!  And there is also an implication that we need to keep in mind, if we are called to be “rightly dividing the word of truth”, it implies that we can (as many today do) “wrongly divide” God’s Word! We must let The Word say what it says, and heed and obey it!

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

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

Oh, that we would dive into the word of God like we do into our favorite sport, or novel, TV program, or other pleasures. Which can cause us to neglect God’s Word and HIS very presence (oh, Father forgive me for the neglect that marks so many of my days, may I draw near to Thee to hear Your voice and heed Your direction in my life?)!  Oh, may we remember the declaration of the Psalmist:

“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

May our cry be:

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

May we truly pursue the face of God and His holiness in all we are (to be more like Jesus every day) and all we do—for what we ‘do’ comes out of our heart and reveals who/what we ‘are’!  May our heart pursue steps that HE is ordering, for us, day by day!  (See Hebrews 12:1-3)

“And Jesus said,

Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”   Matthew 15:16-20

And again, Jesus said:

“Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”   Matthew 12:33-35

And one last thing to measure by: a question for us all, “What’s in my heart?  The love of God, and Word of God, or not?”   Remember what’s hidden in the heart will come out in word and deed!  What will HIS searchlight find in my/your heart?  God’s light is true!  Am I?

“With my whole heart

have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word

have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin

against thee.”  Psalm 119:10-11

What’s hiding in my heart?  In yours?

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Baskets And Palaces??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 23

26 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Baskets or Palaces?, Choose you this day?, Moses--

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 23  Baskets And Palaces???

 

Just a few thoughts on whether we are being willing to serve with ‘baskets’ if that’s where God has us, or if we are so busy pursuing ‘palaces’ on our own, that we reject and diminish the value of ‘baskets’!

“There be four things which are little

upon the earth,

but they are exceeding wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong,

yet they prepare their meat

in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk,

yet make they their houses

in the rocks;

27 The locusts

have no king, yet go they forth

all of them by bands;

28 The spider

taketh hold with her hands,

and is in kings’ palaces.”   Proverbs 30:24-28

There are good things of God’s creation that are small but powerful, and God wants us to learn from His creation.  Yet, there are small things of God’s creation that while small, they demand caution and care, and we often forget to beware of the difference.  James warns us of one of the greatest dangers we face daily—our words, our tongue!

“For in many things we offend all.

If any man offend not in word,

the same is a perfect man,

and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths,

that they may obey us;

and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships,

which though they be so great,

and are driven of fierce winds,

yet are they turned about

with a very small helm,

whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member,

and boasteth great things.

Behold, how great a matter

a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity:

so is the tongue

among our members,

that it defileth

the whole body,

and setteth on fire

the course of nature;

and it is set on fire

of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts,

and of birds,

and of serpents,

and of things in the sea,

is tamed,

and hath been tamed

of mankind:

8 But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.”  James 3:2-8

James goes on to tell us even more about our tongue—in a nut-shell— ‘we can control our tongue with God’s help and the work of The Holy Spirit’, or ‘we can allow our tongue to control us’!  Our words can bring life, peace and hope to others, or we can speak things that do more harm than a gun or knife could ever do!  How often have we wished we could take back “our words”—but once they are out, they are irretrievable.  How true is the proverb (not a biblical one, but a true one, nonetheless) that I have often quoted, “Watch your words and keep them sweet!  You never know which ones you’ll eat!”  What are you doing with your words?

“But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:8-13

Do our words reveal meekness and wisdom?  If our fountain is full of God’s Spirit, may our words reflect it!

You all remember Moses? Well, I’d like to consider Moses and his parents—scripture tells us that they had a heart to believe God and pursue HIS purposes, even if it meant relying on a small basket; even though it could have cost them their lives as well as the life of their tiny baby!

But God took that “basket” into the “palace”.  Many today are busy trying to push their children into “palaces” of fame, fortune, or popularity at any cost.  We dress them up like harlots, and immoral movie stars, actors, musicians, and other rabble, with no regard for what we are encouraging them to pursue.  We send them out with all their virtue uncovered and wonder why their morals fail.  We fill their lives with constant activity, yet we take very little time to teach them what God expects of them; and how to follow God’s Word.  May heaven help us see the import of teaching them about modesty, dignity, self-respect, and respectability!  Oh, please God our Father, open our eyes to see YOUR truth.

“And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

2 And the woman conceived,

and bare a son:

and when she saw him that he was a goodly child,

she hid him three months.

3 And when she could not longer hide him,

she took for him an ark of bulrushes,

and daubed it with slime and with pitch,

and put the child therein;

and she laid it in the flags

by the river’s brink.

4 And his sister stood afar off,

to wit what would be done to him.

5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down

to wash herself at the river;

and her maidens walked along by the river’s side;

and when she saw the ark among the flags,

she sent her maid to fetch it.

6 And when she had opened it,

she saw the child:

and, behold, the babe wept.

And she had compassion on him, and said,

This is one of the Hebrews’ children.

7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter,

Shall I go and call to thee a nurse

of the Hebrew women,

that she may nurse the child

for thee?…

… 10 And the child grew,

and she brought him

unto Pharaoh’s daughter,

and he became her son.

And she called his name Moses:

and she said,

Because I drew him

out of the water.”   Exodus 2:1-7 & 10

God knew where that basket would end up, and while Moses’ mother didn’t know that I believe she had an idea of the possibility of his rescue, especially since she sent his older sister to watch the outcome of her actions.  She acted in faith and knew her God would provide somehow!  I’m so glad that the book of Hebrews describes the events from God’s perspective that she didn’t have at the time—but she did know the God who did KNOW!!!  Remember that faithfulness to God produces obedience, and obedience will result in other’s seeing the faithfulness of GOD ALMIGHTY! And a mother of faith, changed the future of her son and her people—not by her own power, but by trusting in the God who did have the power!

Moses Parents:

“By faith Moses,

when he was born,

was hid three months

of his parents,

because they saw

he was a proper child;

and they were not afraid

of the king’s commandment.”  Hebrews 11:23

Moses the adult:

“By faith Moses,

when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction

with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect

unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith

he forsook Egypt,

not fearing the wrath of the king:

for he endured,

as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover,

and the sprinkling of blood,

lest he that destroyed the firstborn

should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea

as by dry land:

which the Egyptians assaying to do

were drowned.”  Hebrews 11:24-29

Both Moses and his parents chose to go God’s way even when it was unpopular, even when it was against the law for him to be kept alive as an infant, yet his mother and father believed that God had a plan even though it might cost them their lives as well as Moses’ life.  How is it that we would rather blend in than stand for what we say we believe?  I find it interesting that while most have read and stand by what they read in the first half of Hebrews 11, many often overlook the last half that describes those whose faith appeared to “fail” before the world—according to the “name-it-and-claim-it” folks.  God says faith is faith in HIM and HIS provision, not in how things may look, nor the opinion of the world!  When did we choose popular opinion over biblical obedience?  See what God says in the last part of Hebrews 11.

“And others had trial

of cruel mockings

and scourgings,

yea, moreover

of bonds

and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about

in sheepskins

and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report

through faith,

received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us,

that they without us

should not be made perfect.”   Hebrews 11:36-40

Whose approval are you after?  I think I’d rather seek God’s approval in a basket, than the world’s in a palace void of God’s presence.  God’s plan seldom matches what the world is expecting.  What do your kids see in your choices?  Are you leading them to trust in God or something or someone else?  What do those around you see in you?  God or the world?  We must choose!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

May we heed Paul’s call unto Timothy and see the import of God’s Word, and use it to “order” our steps; it will surely lead us into the ways of God—which the world will never do.  May we learn like Joshua to choose rightly, regardless of what others do.

“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

God’s rules have never changed—and they never will!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Will you stand with the unchanging Christ or the transient world around us?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.”  Revelation 3:21

Amen and Amen!!!

Inspired NOT Expired??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09

13 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Approved Unto God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09  Inspired NOT Expired???

 

I have a word for today that I pray will speak to hearts and help each of us take confidence in God’s Word—our Lode Star—it IS God’s standard!!!

“Heaven and earth

shall pass away,

but my words

shall not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

The Psalmist rehearses the import of The Word of God, and we can take great comfort and encouragement in the faithfulness of our God and HIS Word!

“For the word of the LORD

is right;

and all his works

are done in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full of the goodness

of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD

were the heavens made;

and all the host of them

by the breath of his mouth.”  Psalm 33:4-6

God is creator and Jesus, The Son, was the conduit of HIS creation—for HE is also creator.

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image

of the invisible God,

the firstborn

of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before

all things,

and by him

all things consist.”  Colossians 1:14-17

ALL THINGS!  Did you get it?  Paul reminds us that “all things were created by him, and for him”!  And who is “HIM”?  John answers that question for us—and helps us understand that Jesus is the Living WORD, as well as the essence of the Written Word of GOD.

“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…

….. 14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:1-5 & 14

The question is, “What will we do with The Word?”; both the written Word and The Living Word–JESUS?  God tells us through the Apostle Paul how we ought to use HIS Word!

“Study to shew thyself approved ‘    

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

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

In line with our title, the thing we have to consider is whether we accept The Word of God as “inspired” or “expired”?  So many today disregard God’s Word, call it irrelevant, outdated or not applicable to our lives today.  Yet God’s Word, as Jesus said, will not pass away; and while Jesus fulfilled much of the law and prophets, especially those regarding HIS first coming, HE will also bring all of the remaining prophecies to fulfillment with HIS return.  While all these things are important—they are part of HIS Word—it all boils down to what YOU have done/are doing with God’s Word—both His written Word and HIS crucified, buried, risen and ascended Son, Jesus.  And the message is clear, The Word is what we need to know “what we believe”; “what is wrong”; “how to correct the wrong”; and “how to walk right and prevent the wrong”!  Paul also gives us instruction to help us live out what we have received from Jesus—the NEW Birth!

“He was

in the world,

and the world was made

by him,

and the world

knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

Another of Paul’s words to help you and me.

“Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear

and trembling.

13 For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things

without murmurings

and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst

of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:12-15

What are you “working out”?  The salvation that God has offered to you.  Or the worldliness that pervades us on every hand?  Jesus, The Lamb of God, is not only our Lord but HE left us such an amazing example.  Now don’t misunderstand—HE came to be our sacrifice, not just “an example”; but in HIS coming HE left us the greatest example of all.  But notice the context—the context is about suffering for Jesus.

“For this is thankworthy,

 if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

 this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:19-25

If you don’t know HIM, you can; He gave HIMSELF for your salvation.  Won’t you trust to His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine.  He’s still calling men, women, boys and girls to HIS cross.  He died for YOU!  It’s what HIS Word reveals throughout the pages of all scripture.  You can receive His “inspired” Word of truth or you can reject it as an “expired” myth and pay for your own sin.

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:6-11

Will you answer HIS call upon your heart?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

The test:

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth

and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place

for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works…

…. 15 And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

 was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-12 & 15

I pray that you will receive the “inspired” Word of God—Jesus—the conduit of the written Word and the Living Word Himself, who laid down His life for you and me!

“Hereby perceive we the love of God,

because he laid down his life

for us:

and we ought to lay down our lives

for the brethren.”  1 John 3:16

“He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:18

Amen and Amen!!!