Tag Archives: Colossians 4:5-6

Be A Safe Place??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 13

18 Sunday Jul 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Evil will not win, Faithful, Kindness, Knowing God's Word, My Grace Is Sufficient, Place of Safety, Presumption, Safe Place, Seasoned with Salt

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 13   Be A Safe Place???

 

After some intense conversations this week, I have a few things I’d like to share today; in the crazy culture we live in, it’s often difficult to have a safe place to find solace, refuge, and counsel.  I think God has called us to express His love by being that safe place as we have opportunity.

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all

bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:29-32

If I can take a bit of liberty, I think we can say that while, “corrupt communication” may not proceed out every “mouth”, it does seem to me that much “corrupt communication” appears on social media, even by those who claim the name of Jesus!  How can we sing “Oh, how I love Jesus” on one day, and write and speak vile, mean, and harmful things to, about and in regard to people we may or may not know the next?  The lack of kindness grieves my heart, and we, as God’s children and followers of Jesus, ought to be shining the light of Jesus, and not the hatred of the enemy.   We are to be building each other up not tearing each other down; or expecting one thing of others and lesser things of ourselves!  We must remember that we are all “forgiven”!

Remember what Jesus said as HE taught us to pray.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

We are to be a place where others can find relief, safety and help to find the God who has the answers.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Just as the “righteous” run into God’s “strong tower”, we are to be a safe place for others to run to when they need to find hope and peace as well as safety.  Now we need to understand that being a “safe” place doesn’t mean that we compromise God’s truth—HIS Word—but it does mean that we share truth with grace and compassion.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.   

6 Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And I would simply ask you to think and pray about being God’s instrument of peace, grace, and truth to a lost and dying world; to extend kindness and grace as you speak God’s truth to those HE sends your way.

So, in closing I would simply remind each of us to guard our heart and our tongue; that we may be instruments of God’s service, for His glory and the good of those we encounter.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3

“Keep thy heart

with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee

a froward mouth,

and perverse lips

put far from thee.”  Psalm 4:23-24

Jesus summed it all up when He told us that the mouth doesn’t defile, but rather a defiled heart which is revealed by the words which come out of our mouth (whether they be oral, written, or acted out!)!  What is coming out of your heart?  Do you need to clean up your heart so that your mouth will reveal Jesus and not the world?

“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 15:17-20

The choice is yours but choose wisely.  There is a test.  I pray that we will each yield our heart to our LORD and let Jesus be seen in you/me; may we be a blessing and not a defilement!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Eyes Of THE Lord??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #711

24 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #711  The Eyes Of The Lord???

 

“A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words

stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:

but the mouth of fools

poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue

is a tree of life:

but perverseness therein

is a breach in the spirit.”  Proverbs 15:1-4

We live in a “media” culture and while it is most convenient to be able to “reach out” and connect with others near and far away, it can be a draw to behave unkindly, arrogantly or even be a “media” bully!  Our words matter, and I just want to remind us today that what we say, as well as how we say it, can make a difference.  Just because we “know” some miniscule piece of information, doesn’t mean that we have to speak it, write it, or post it to the harm of others.  God makes it very clear that we are called to a higher standard than what my mother used to call “gutter talk”!  Just because it’s popular, or stylish, or the “phrase-of-the-day”, doesn’t mean that it ought to come out of my mouth; and it certainly doesn’t need to be made public to “prove our point” or to “set the record straight”!   Dirty laundry doesn’t gain any appeal when hung in public! God speaks to these issues!

“Recompense to no man

evil for evil.

Provide things honest

in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing

thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome

of evil,

but overcome evil

with good.”  Romans 12:17-21

We seem to have forgotten that “our God reigns” and our job is to “speak the truth in love” not spew out vengeance to justify our own thoughts and decisions.  What is your/my standard of response to others—be they close or distant?

Jesus gave the ultimate answer to Pilate as He approached His own death on the cross.  Jesus knew WHO was in charge and why HE had come!

“Then saith Pilate unto him,

Speakest thou not unto me?

knowest thou not

that I have power

to crucify thee,

and have power

to release thee?

11 Jesus answered,

Thou couldest have no power at all

against me,

except it were given thee

from above:

therefore he that delivered me

unto thee

hath the greater sin.”  John 19:10-11

Peter helps us understand the reality of Jesus’ response.

“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 2:21-25

So, my simple question today is: who is in control of your mouth?  The culture or The Lord God Almighty?  To whom are you trusting your difficulties?  Your own wit, wisdom and ability to cut others down?  Or will you trust to God’s wise and loving Holy Spirit to grant you/me the words to speak.  I’ll simply leave you with some scriptures to ponder this week.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:13-15

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway

with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And in regard to vengeance—God speaks clearly:

“Thou shalt not avenge,

nor bear any grudge against

the children of thy people,

but thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself:

I am the LORD.”   Leviticus 19:18

“To me belongeth vengeance,

and recompence;

their foot shall slide

in due time:

for the day of their calamity

is at hand,

and the things that shall come upon them

make haste.”   Deuteronomy 32:35

“For we know him that hath said,

Vengeance belongeth unto me,

I will recompense,

saith the Lord.

And again,

The Lord shall judge his people.”   Hebrews 10:30

And in conclusion, a word from the Psalmist.

“O LORD God,

to whom vengeance belongeth;

O God,

to whom vengeance belongeth,

shew thyself.”  Psalm 94:1

May God open our eyes to see what HE sees.  May we say with the Psalmist:

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Amen and Amen!!!

Entrusting Or Erupting??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 06

25 Sunday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Giving Or Taking?, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 06   Entrusting Or Erupting???

 

I would like to share one main, but profound passage tonight, that we might consider our actions, reactions, and attitudes toward those around us.  Jesus called us to be salt and light; yet a lot of those of us who claim His name are behaving more like ‘brine’ and ‘floodlights’ rather than seasoning, preservatives or revealing light in the darkness.  Paul tells us to use our words wisely, not as weapons against those around us.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

The main thing I want to share with you this evening is a passage from Peter.  I pray that it will speak to you and we can each find courage, godly strength, and grace to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus before a lost and dying world regardless of our circumstances—any circumstances!

“Submit yourselves

to every ordinance of man

for the Lord’s sake:

whether it be to the king,

as supreme;

14 Or unto governors,

as unto them that are sent by him

for the punishment

of evildoers,

and for the praise

of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God,

that with well doing ye may put to silence

the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free,

and not using your liberty

for a cloke of maliciousness,

 but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.

18 Servants,

be subject to your masters

with all fear;

not only to the good and gentle,

but also to the froward.

19 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:

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 2:13-25

I simply close with a prayer that we will truly let God’s Word be God’s Word, and that we will behave like Jesus IS our LORD!

“For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye (we) should follow his steps…”

Are you entrusting your behavior to “to him that judgeth righteously”, reflecting your Lord?  Or are you erupting like the rest of our culture?  It’s your choice so choose wisely—there is a test!

Shopping Tips For Friday??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #534

22 Friday Feb 2019

Posted by in Fishes and Loaves, Helping The Needy, Kindness, Shopping Tips

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #534   Shopping Tips For Friday???

 

Well, it’s Friday and a lot of people do their shopping on Friday, so I thought we’d spend this  time sharing some “shopping” tips that we all can use!

“And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:32

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to run errands, find bargains, tend to crying children, or trying to balance our expenses with our income, that we forget that we are encountering others who may need a kindness.  It doesn’t take a lot to be kind—but it does require us to have a mind set to notice and pay attention to our surroundings.

A clerk may need a kind word—

because she just received bad news at home—

That cashier may need your smile and kind patience—

for she has just been hurt by an angry customer—

That person behind the deli-counter may need your understanding—

she didn’t notice that you should have been next—

So many people are hurting around us, and we can choose to be so consumed with our own problems, and schedules that we miss opportunities to make a difference.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.” Colossians 4:5-6 

We don’t have to be artificial to be kind, our words are to be “seasoned with salt” not ‘brine’!  It’s so easy to be sarcastic (and this is an issue that God is still working on in my life—He is helping this ‘natural born, smart aleck’ learn to think before speaking!) rather than take a minute to think before we speak.  Words can heal or they can hurt!  A simple kind word or thank you to a tired clerk may change his/her day, rather than another customer who doesn’t even see them!  We live in a culture of “invisible” people!  But we can change that –one face at a time—one person at a time—one experience at a time.

“For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth;

the poor also,

and him that hath no helper.

13 He shall spare the poor and needy,

and shall save the souls of the needy.”   Psalm 72:12-13

God cares about the ‘needy’, and so should we!  And shopping is an excellent opportunity to be God’s hands and feet to “deliver the needy”. I’m not ‘rich’ as the world measures wealth, but I am (and most of you probably) blessed with more than I need. So here are just a few tips to remind us of some simple things that we can do to reach out.

Buy an extra can/pack/case of whatever is on sale—

 donate it to your local food bank or shelter!

Buy whatever seasonal things are marked down—

Such as gloves, scarves, shoes—

Summer items at the end of the season—

Extra school supplies when they’re on sale—

Take them to a shelter, charity pantry, or clothes closet,                                      or a school teacher—(teachers always have students in need)

Buy several fast-food gift cards ($1,$2,$5)—

Use them to share with the homeless—                                                            (it’s safer than money and is for food only)

These are simple things that we can all do to share what we have.  There are people all around us who need a smile, or an encouraging word, or a simple meal.  God expects His own to be His hands and feet to those we encounter daily.  We are not to be, as they say, ‘so heavenly minded, that we are of no earthly good’.  While our mind is to be set on Jesus continually, our hearts, minds, eyes and ears are also to be tuned to the needs around us, seeing what we can do.  What are we doing with our“loaves and fishes”?

“What doth it profit, my brethren,

though a man say he hath faith,

and have not works?

Can (that) faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you  say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not

those things which are needful

to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17

Go!  Amen and Amen!!!