Tag Archives: Choices Count

Harvest May Not Be Fun??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #690

06 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Follow Jesus, Judgment, Sowing and Reaping

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #690  Harvest May Not Be Fun???

 

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:7-10

I’ll have to confess; I don’t know if this article will be long or short!  As I sit here writing (typing) from the burden on my heart, I’m not sure where God will take us, but I pray that I’ll simply be a vessel for HIS truth, grace and the option of life or death that is given to every person on this earth.

Paul’s message to the Galatian church was a warning to choose wisely—with the facts in mind:

Don’t be deceived, which reminds us that deceit is abounding around us—

GOD won’t be mocked—HE keeps accurate accounts for all things, and all mankind–

What we choose to sow in our lives is our choice but—

The consequence is set to the choice, what you sow, you will reap—

If you choose to hear and obey God’s Holy Spirit, in choosing Jesus, and His “narrow” way, then you will reap life—

If you choose your own way and follow your selfish, fleshly lusts and desires, you will reap the corruption, and destruction the “broad” way yields—

Paul also cautioned those of us who belong to Jesus to beware that it’s wearisome to be faithful to God in the evil day and world we live in, but we are to not let the weariness overcome us, but he warns us to “faint not” in doing the things of God—His way!  Jesus Himself gave us this same warning, there are two options—two choices—which yield opposing results; and you might be surprised that He warned us that the right choice would not be the popular one!

“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.”   Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus’ warning is a message of great import to our nation and our world today—and what He said next is what we need to not only consider but be arming ourselves with The Word of God, that we will be able to discern between truth and error!  And believe me the “wolves” are howling right now!

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”  Matthew 7:15

We must arm ourselves with God’s Word, so that we will recognize the error, even within the church.  Jesus warned us of that also and reminded us that even those who may fool men regularly, our God knows and there is a day of reckoning coming where every man will receive that which his own choices have yielded.  (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,                                    The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man

which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept,

his enemy came

and sowed tares

among the wheat,

and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up,

and brought forth fruit,

then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came

and said unto him,

Sir, didst not thou sow good seed

in thy field?

from whence then

hath it tares?

28 He said unto them,

An enemy hath done this.

The servants said unto him,

Wilt thou then that we go

and gather them up?

29 But he said,

Nay;

lest while ye gather up the tares,

ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together

until the harvest:

and in the time of harvest

I will say to the reapers,

Gather ye together first the tares,

and bind them in bundles

to burn them:

but gather the wheat

into my barn.”  Matthew 13:24-20

One of Jesus’ most powerful words of warning is one that we all need to consider.  And as I share it in closing for today, my question is, “If Jesus called you out of this world, or if He returned today, what would you hear from HIM?”  And just FYI, the “day” He’s referring to is His time of judging that will come upon all men, and for the lost that will be at The Great White Throne. (See Revelation 20:11-15)

“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.

24 Therefore whosoever

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall

of it.”  Matthew 7:21-27

I pray that these words of warning will speak to your heart and that we each may take heed to our lives, our choices and the effect that we have on others.  It truly is a matter of “life and death”—for what you “reap” is dependent on what you “sow”—Jesus or?  Will your harvest bring joy or sorrow?

I’m praying for you.

Amen and Amen!!!

Choices And Clothing Affect Others!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #624

12 Wednesday Feb 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Bling, Children, Choices And Consequences, Clothed In His Righteousness, Compromise, Consider Your ways, JESUS, Modesty, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #624   Choices and Clothing Affect Others!!!

 

We talked last time about spiritual ‘clothing’—being clothed in Jesus, by the power of His Spirit whom we receive when we are born again.  I also mentioned then, that we are to be modest in our attire, and I’d like to take that a step farther today, as our choices do affect the world around us!  It seems to me that we have taken our cues of behavior and attire from the world rather than from our Lord and His Word; modesty has been relegated to ‘days gone by’!  But I caution each of us to remember that God’s standard never changes, and our choices bring consequences; and when we choose to disregard God’s principles, we will pay a steep consequence.  It is what has brought us to where we are today!  And, where are we?  Living in a culture that is removing all the boundaries and standards of righteousness that protect, and ought to mark the people of God.

“Righteousness

exalteth a nation:

but sin

is a reproach to any people.”  Proverbs 14:34

Whose standard are we buying into?  Is it affecting others?  The truth is that every choice has a consequence, and we seem to have allowed the media to dictate what is acceptable.  Scripture calls us to be modest and holy, and what the world is dictating is something totally opposite, yet we have embraced it and allowed our children to embrace it (if not led them to embrace it by our own choices).  While I don’t think there’s anything wrong with fashion or “bling” per se, when it becomes our source of significance, or import,  or leads us to do wrong, we might want to examine our motives.  Am I striving to please men or God?

“I will therefore that men

pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath

and doubting.

9 In like manner also, that women

adorn themselves in modest apparel,

with shamefacedness

and sobriety;

not with broided hair,

or gold,

or pearls,

or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness)

with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:9

I don’t think that Paul is saying that women can’t wear pretty things, but that “women professing godliness” ought to clothe themselves with “good works”, one of which is to dress in a manner worthy of our Lord, considering our influence on others rather than caving to the latest fashion.  Necklines to the navel, and hemlines to the buttocks are, to say the least, less than modest; not to mention, skin-tight, see-through, and seductive apparel ought not to be the choice of those seeking to please God.

“Likewise, ye wives,

be in subjection

to your own husbands;

that, if any obey not the word,

they also may

without the word

be won by the conversation (lifestyle)

of the wives;

2 While they behold your

chaste conversation (lifestyle)

 coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be

that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair,

and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man

of the heart,

in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament

of a meek and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God

of great price.”  1 Peter 3:1-4

Women, and men, are to adorn themselves with that “which is not corruptible”—and believe me (believe your own eyes) when we look at the things on the TV, in the movies, on the ‘award’ shows, talked about in the music we hear, how can we miss the corruption that is being not only accepted, but promoted in this world.  Whose example are you following?  What example are you setting for your children and grandchildren?  Are you buying the things of the world and in essence telling your sons and daughters that this is acceptable before God (and man)?  We allow our little children to idolize sin, wickedness, and immorality all in the name of “celebrity”!  Then wonder why they become worldly and promiscuous!

God calls us to a higher standard!  I’d just like to leave you with some food for thought today, scripture always says it best.  I pray that you will ponder the things that you are choosing to bring into your life, into the lives of your children and grandchildren.  I beg you to consider where you are leading those who are following you—and believe you me, someone is following you–whether you realize it or not!  Please choose wisely while there is still time to make a difference!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”   Romans 12:1-2                               (Read the whole chapter for even more insight!)

“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

And one last passage to speak to our hearts!  Amen and Amen!!!

“And make straight paths for your feet,

lest that which is lame be turned out of the way;

but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace

with all men,

and holiness,

without which

no man shall see the Lord:”  Hebrews 12:13-14

Believe It Or Not??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 12

05 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow, Follow Jesus, Gospel, Hearing God, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Not Of This World, Salvation, Seeing Truth, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.12      Believe It Or Not???

 

I have a brief message today, brief in the sense that I have little to say about the passage I want to share with you, but rather want to let you ponder the words of Jesus!  I truly believe that the day of His approaching return is very near, and we live in days when, like the people who heard and saw Jesus in person, men are unwilling to heed the voice of the Son of God.  And as Jesus said Himself, HE is the only way.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”   John 14:6

Jesus IS the only way to God, and regardless of what the world says, there is NO other way. And when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, we will find that HE is sufficient to our every need, and all that we do is dependent on HIM!  Even as His child, I am only profitable to God as I yield to and depend on the work of God in me through the Holy Spirit of Jesus!  How sad that so many who claim to know Him, preach a different gospel—one of self-reliance, greed, and prosperity—rather than the call of Jesus to “take up your cross and follow me…”!

“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 15:5

Without Jesus there is no future but death and hell, but with Him we can have eternal life through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ—for our sin! (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Jesus is our life, hope and assurance, and truly “without me ye can do nothing”!  But with Him we can truly say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Philippians 4:13)

The passage from John’s Gospel,  is Jesus’ own message to those who refuse to receive HIM! I simply ask that you read this passage and ponder its content, and the heart of the Messiah who spoke it to us all those years ago!  Do you know Him?  Are there those whom you love who need to know Him?  Will you determine today to be a reflection of The Savior to a lost and dying world?  Will you stand by the truth of The Word rather than the ‘gospel of convenience’ that is clamoring all about us?  The choice is yours, but remember, there is a test at the end!  His love is written in RED!

“Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that heareth my word,

and believeth on him that sent me,

hath everlasting life,

and shall not come into condemnation;

but is passed

from death unto life.

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

The hour is coming,

and now is,

when the dead shall hear the voice

of the Son of God:

and they that hear shall live.

26 For as the Father hath life in himself;

so hath he given to the Son

to have life in himself;

27 And hath given him authority

to execute judgment also,

because he is the Son of man.

28 Marvel not at this:

for the hour is coming,

in the which all that are in the graves

shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth;

they that have done good,

unto the resurrection of life;

and they that have done evil,

unto the resurrection of damnation.

30 I can of mine own self do nothing:

as I hear,

I judge:

and my judgment is just;

because I seek not mine own will,

but the will of the Father

which hath sent me.

31 If I bear witness of myself,

my witness is not true.

32 There is another that beareth witness of me;

and I know that the witness

which he witnesseth of me

is true.

33 Ye sent unto John,

and he bare witness unto the truth.

34 But I receive not testimony from man:

but these things I say,

that ye might be saved.

35 He was a burning and a shining light:

and ye were willing for a season

to rejoice in his light.

36 But I have greater witness

than that of John:

for the works which the Father hath given me

to finish,

the same works that I do,

bear witness of me,

that the Father

hath sent me.

37 And the Father himself,

which hath sent me,

hath borne witness of me.

Ye have neither heard his voice at any time,

nor seen his shape.

38 And ye have not his word

abiding in you:

for whom he hath sent,

him ye believe not.

39 Search the scriptures;

for in them ye think ye have eternal life:

and they are they which testify of me.

40 And ye will not come to me,

that ye might have life.

41 I receive not honour from men.

42 But I know you,

that ye have not the love of God

in you.

43 I am come in my Father’s name,

and ye receive me not:

if another shall come in his own name,

him ye will receive.

44 How can ye believe,

which receive honour

one of another,

and seek not the honour

that cometh from God only?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you

to the Father:

there is one that accuseth you,

even Moses,

 in whom ye trust.

46 For had ye believed Moses,

ye would have believed me:

for he wrote of me.

47 But if ye believe not his writings,

how shall ye believe my words?”   John 5:24-47

Whose words will you believe?  God’s Word both written, spoken, and the “living Word”, or will you choose to believe the one who will “come in his own name”?  And as John the Apostle wrote—there is “one” coming, but there are many of “his” already at work.  Be aware, be prepared, be saved while you still can!

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is not of God:

and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereofye have heard that it should come;

and even now already

is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3

Satan is alive and well on planet earth!  But we win because:

“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