Tag Archives: Choose Wisely

Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

21 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, By His Grace, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Salvation, Take Up YOUR Cross

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Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you

the testimony of God.

2 For I determined

not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

It’s so easy these days for people to preach and share anything but the “Cross”!  It’s easy to hear a message of indulgence, no-demand salvation, almost anything but the call to “take up your cross and follow me” is dangled before the church and the world claiming to offer a “get out of jail free” card—fire insurance- with no regard for the price that Jesus paid for the salvation of those who would come to HIM by faith for forgiveness of sin, and a new birth.  I believe that we must cling to the cross of Jesus and all that it means, for without it there is NO salvation!

“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

We have been “translated…into the kingdom of his dear Son”, Hallelujah, Amen!  That means our heart is new born, our tongue speaks a new language, and our mind can be renewed every day by HIS power and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit who indwells each genuine believer, as we pursue HIS holiness through The Word of God.  Jesus explains it clearly:

“Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders

and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man

be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:22-26

Many say they can’t understand the “crucified life”, but it’s relatively simple: when we come to the cross of Jesus, we exchange our dead self for new life IN Jesus, a new life that leads us to glory with Jesus!  Paul made it pretty clear as he wrote to the believers in Ephesus; and my friends, if you’ve never been a lost sinner, it’s not likely that you’ve ever had any need for Jesus Christ the Savior, Lord, and King!  You might want to check out what you are depending on to take you to heaven, for there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun?  What are you pursuing?  Have you seen your sin?  Have you brought it to Jesus’ cross?

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power

of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires

of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 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 2:1-10

What are you “walking in”?  Jesus’ way or your own?  Jesus’ way or the world’s?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  For you see, our “works”, be they good, bad, or indifferent, won’t save us, but when we come to Jesus, God leads unto “good works” for God’s glory and our good!  I choose Jesus and have determined to pursue HIM each day!  Won’t you join me?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I pray that you will come to HIS cross today!  Amen and Amen!!!

Firecrackers Of Regret??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #18

01 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are You Ready, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Cleansed from all sin, Confidence, Doubt and Confusion?, Firecrackers of Regret!, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Renewing or Reviewing, Restoration, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Blood Of Jesus, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way

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Firecrackers Of Regret???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #18

It’s firecracker time in America, and while I don’t spend much, if any, time or money shooting fireworks, I do enjoy the light show; yet the money that is spent on fireworks always seemed to me like lighting a match to a hundred dollar bill.  We all make choices, and some choose to indulge in the fun and celebration with fireworks.  But I want to talk about the ‘firecrackers’ of regret that we will often endure for more than the few minutes that the firecracker or other fireworks may last—it’s a puff of smoke and it’s gone—yet our life choices can leave us with a continual barrage of regret more like a gatling gun going off in our heart and mind!

How many regrets will you have because you (like me) failed to make godly, biblical choices in life; and the regrets of tomorrow can seldom be erased, nor the fire put out for long.  Believe me, you may sit one day asking God to ease the pain of the choices you are making today, wishing that you had chosen more wisely.  You may find yourself praying for God’s intervention in the painful consequences of your choices—the ones you make in haste, or in anger, or in total rebellion to God and HIS Word, or just that fleshly indulgence that you wouldn’t let go of.  You’ll be praying for “crop failure” as my father (thank God for a praying, loving father) did for me many years ago.  What do I mean?  Well, I mean—you get to plant your crop, but God sets the harvest!

“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.”  Galatians 6:7-9

How interesting as I write this, God reminded me through the music I’m listening to, that no matter how bad we mess up—if we will look to Jesus, we can find forgiveness at the cross, for “Jesus Paid It All” (written by Elvina M. Hall in 1865)!  Yet, obedience will always prevail over regrets, when we are willing to follow HIS Spirit each step of the way (See Psalm 37:23, in fact you can read the whole Psalm for real insight into God’s plan)!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

…. 24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.  

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16-17 & 24-25

What are you sowing today?  The choice is yours but remember there is a test.  And for us adults—remember there are little eyes and ears watching and listening, and they WILL copy our actions much more often than just our words.  Again—we “reap what we sow”!  Yet as we think of all that God has done for us, for our nation, for our world—may we fall before HIM, asking Him to “forgive… and to cleanse” us from our “SIN”.  And I’d like to simply share some scripture for us to ponder today (and each day)!  I pray God’s Spirit will direct each of us to hear and obey!

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:9-10

“Righteousness exalteth a nation:

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

“For whosoever exalteth himself

shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself

shall be exalted.”  Luke 14:11

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6

Please don’t watch your life go up in smoke like the fireworks that will light the skies of America this weekend; remember it’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test—and a consequence!   Will yours be joy and delight as you see the blessings of God abound, or regrets beyond measure? You can try to justify your actions, but God knows your heart and mine, and HIS accounts are sure and certain!  Yet, praise God, HE heals hearts, HE forgives sin when we repent and receive HIS cleansing.  Look up today—Jesus is waiting for you!

“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.

….10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:7-10

I praise God that He has granted me the forgiveness, healing, and restoration that only the blood of Jesus can provide.  He has truly given the opportunity to “restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten”!  Thank you, Jesus!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

“And I will restore to you

the years that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army

which I sent among you.”  Joel 2:25

I pray God’s blessing on you and yours!  And—Father God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and precious Holy Spirit—Please bless America!

Amen and Amen!!!

What/Who Are YOU Waiting For??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23

02 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, There IS a Test!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23 What/Who Are YOU Waiting For???

We are all waiting on something; a package we have ordered, a new piece of furniture, a new baby (one of the greatest gifts that God gives us—be it child, grandchild or great-grandchild), moving into a new house, or a new season of life, and this time of year we see many new seasons—graduates going off to adult life, those taking off on summer adventures, and during the trials of the last 2 years, many have had to adjust to life changes, loss, and trying to deal with unexpected grief, physical trials and challenges that have caused us all to “wait” on one thing or another.  Changes are a part of life and so is ‘waiting’!  The key is to know what we are waiting for—or more importantly—WHO we are waiting for.  Some are waiting for a ‘prince charming’ who will solve all their problems, others for that job that will take them to new heights of power and fame; for some, it’s waiting for that ‘special someone’ to “make me happy”!  Well, my friends, happiness is a word related to circumstances, but JOY is the peace of mind, heart and soul that only Jesus can and does give to those who will choose HIM—and wait for HIS direction, will and provision, and it goes far beyond circumstance but is grounded in the security of The Savior who paid the price to redeem us to Himself, and will direct our way when we seek HIM.

“Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings

as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:28-31

Every person has a God-given freedom to choose, we can choose wisely, or we can choose foolishly.  Jesus gave a great lesson in this regard.  The choice is to believe and receive Jesus, or to go our own way, focused on ‘self’! You will choose the ‘rock’ or the ‘sand’—the lesson implies that each house ‘appears’ to the world to be the same, but the foundation makes the difference.  One person chose Jesus—The Rock; the other chose ‘self’—the sand.  You can impress the world or have peace with God—but most generally you can’t have them both at the same time; whether we look at coming to Jesus and accepting His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice; or the living out of either trusting and obeying Jesus or trusting and yielding to our own wisdom and fleshly wisdom.  (See Romans 5:1-11)

“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.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus

had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”  Matthew 7:24-29

Joshua gave one of the greatest summations of this personal dilemma of all time, for we must “choose” whom we will wait for, wait on and look unto for all of life’s issues, especially the salvation of our souls!

“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

Jesus is the “rock of my salvation” and HE will be yours if you will look to HIM! Oh, how I love Jesus!

“I will love thee, O LORD,

my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn

of my salvation,

and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved

from mine enemies.”  Psalm 18:1-3

The question is, what and who are you “waiting” for?  After many years of life, experience, disappointments, joys, and learning that there is only ONE person who is worthy of my focus, my continual devotion, and on whom I can depend, HIS name is JESUS!  And while I am blessed with many faithful and trusted friends, there is only ONE upon whom I place my total confidence, my best friend, JESUS!  And HE is worth waiting for—and I truly believe that His return is imminent!  Are you ready?

“I had fainted,

unless I had believed to see

the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD:

be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart:       

wait, I say,

on the LORD.”  Psalm 27:13-14

“Wait on the LORD,

and keep his way,

and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land:

when the wicked are cut off,

thou shalt see it.”  Psalm 37:34

As we wait upon “The Lord”, we can be assured that Jesus is “God”, not an imposter or just ‘one’ of many ways to God!  HE IS GOD, He said so Himself, and He also said HE is coming back again, and HE is trustworthy—and I’m looking UP expectantly!!!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 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

So, my friends, what/who are you waiting on?  You can choose to believe in the ONE who is coming back for HIS own, waiting with joy and expectancy. Or not?  Choose “you this day” to go your own way or God’s?  And just as a bit of reminder for some of you and news for others of you, let’s rehearse what scripture says about “who/what” Jesus claimed Himself to be from the Gospel of John—one of my favorite books about Jesus.  A great New Testament book to read if you want to know more about Him!  And note “the Word” is Jesus—the living WORD, as well as the author of the written Word, and here, as well as several other passages, identified as “creator”.  (See Colossians 1:16)

“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.”  John 1:1-5.  (See John 3:19-21 for more)

Jesus’ first express revelation of His deity was to the woman at the well:

“The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee am he.”   John 4:25-26

Yet sometimes “seeing” isn’t “believing”:

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not…

….48 I am that bread of life…

….51 I am the living bread

which came down from heaven:

if any man eat of this bread,

he shall live for ever:

and the bread that I will give

is my flesh,

which I will give

for the life of the world.”   John 6:35-36 & 48, 51

Without Jesus there is no way to God—you can choose to believe Him or reject Him, but choose wisely, there is a test, and a consequence.

“And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you,

that ye shall die in your sins:

for if ye believe not

that I am he,

ye shall die in your sins.”  John 8:23-24

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

I am.

59 Then took they up stones to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:58-59

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe

that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                       John 11:25-27

What do you believe?  Jesus spoke the truth and they wanted to kill Him, and we who follow Him won’t always be believed or accepted, and we need to know that Jesus prepared us for this truth (hard to accept sometimes, but true and becoming more and more evident every day!).  It’s important to remember that when we choose Jesus, and walk in obedience, we will suffer with HIM.

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not

him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

Paul also said something very similar to us—a verse that is often ignored, but much needed today!

“Yea,

and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

And in closing, are you, am I, willing to “live godly in Christ Jesus”?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Holy or NOT?  The choice is yours but choose wisely, there is a test!  And remember God’s call upon those who are His own.  Don’t wait too long!

“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 1:15.-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Righteousness Exalts A Nation??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20

11 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Look UP, Looking up Or around?, Righteousness, Righteousness exalts a nation, Unrighteous will not inherit, Unrighteousness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20   Righteousness Exalts A Nation???

“Righteousness

exalteth a nation:

but sin

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

Righteousness: 1. the quality or state of being righteous…2.  righteous conduct……3. the quality of state of being just or rightful…

Scripture gives us the most profound and insightful thoughts on the subject, let’s look and consider God’s Word!

“Thy throne,

O God,

is for ever and ever:

the sceptre

of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

7 Thou lovest righteousness,

and hatest wickedness:

therefore God,

thy God,

hath anointed thee

with the oil of gladness

above thy fellows.”  Psalm 45:6-7

A reference to not only God’s righteousness, but the righteousness of the Lord Jesus who would be exalted for the sacrifice HE made for our sin at Calvary.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:8-11

“And the heavens shall declare

his righteousness:

for God is judge himself.

Selah.”  Psalm 50:6

Jesus made a most profound and yet simple declaration about “righteousness”, and it is up to each of us how we will respond.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or,

Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

Will we pursue the “first” of God’s kingdom, or our own?  Will we be recipients of God’s “righteous” provision in Jesus, whose death, burial, and resurrection for victory over sin is our only hope; or will we choose our own unrighteousness, refusing God’s offer of love, forgiveness, and salvation? It’s your choice!

Even as Paul told believers to put on the “breastplate of righteousness” –Christ’s righteousness–imparted to us by God’s grace, and our response of faith to the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for SIN!  When individual sin spreads through the land unchecked, it erupts into a state of national “UN”-righteousness.  What will be the result?  Just look around us!   We can disregard the gift of God and reap the consequences or accept Jesus, spreading the good news everywhere we go!

“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 5:21

We can choose to be a part of sharing God’s truth of redemption through Jesus, or we can be a part of acerbating the problem of “UN”-righteousness!  And just a few more scriptures regarding those who choose unrighteousness.

“Woe

unto them that decree

unrighteous decrees,

and that write grievousness

which they have prescribed;

2 To turn aside the needy

from judgment,

and to take away the right

from the poor of my people,

that widows may be their prey,

and that they may rob the fatherless!”   Isaiah 10:1-2

Will you choose God, while HE may be found!  May we pray and live a life that promotes righteousness, affecting real change in our world!

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return

unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher

than the earth,

so are my ways higher

than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down,

and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing

whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:6-11

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test coming, and it may be soon.  Even as Paul encouraged us:

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

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!!!