Tag Archives: Forgiven

Buried In The Sea??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #26

05 Friday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Believe God?, Broken Hearts, Buried IN the sea, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Comfort, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fearlessness, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Knowing God's Word, Light In The Dark, Love, Peace, There is no condemnation, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus

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Buried In The Sea???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #26

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!  We got rain—a good rain last night.  Thank YOU, Jesus!!!  So, a brief word to encourage you this morning, that God’s precious physical rain is a blessing, yet there is HIS blessing of what I call “soul rain”—the renewal and joy that Jesus gives to us when we think we can’t go one step farther.  When we think we’ve ruined our lives!  When we think we have no recourse!  JESUS still changes hearts and lives TODAY!  And HE can and will change your darkness into light.  He died to forgive your sin and mine—and HE does it permanently!!!

“Who is a God like unto thee,

that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression

of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again,

he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins

into the depths of the sea.”  Micah 7:18-19

When we come to Jesus for salvation through repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, we also receive the forgiveness of our sins.  And I love what Corrie Ten Boom used to say about God casting our sin into the “depths of the sea”, she said not only were our sins cast into the sea, but God also puts up a “no fishing sign”!  Don’t let the enemy of your soul go fishing in your past—it’s just that PASSED—GONE!  Yes, we have memory, but we also have a Savior with a great big eraser that will help ease the pains of those past failures, mistakes, and sin.  He saves and FORGIVES!  They’re buried in the sea—don’t go fishing, but press on in God’s Kingdom work not regrets and fears but right thinking (a sound mind)!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“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

You are forgiven—redeemed—and a possession of the KING!  Don’t let that toothless lion disturb you, but “withstand in the evil day”—remember we win!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish, strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

Just remember whose you are!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

Amen and Amen!!!

But I Don’t FEEL Like It??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #694

27 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #694  But I Don’t FEEL Like It???

 

As we celebrate our attitude of “gratitude”, reality is ever present with us—we will invariably encounter those people who push our buttons, who are unkind, who say and do hurtful things—what then?  Well, I want you to know, I have those same people in my life and if we’re going to be real here, there are times I just don’t “FEEL” like being nice.  But God calls us to a higher plane, and I just want to remind each of us (especially me) that our feelings are to be kept under control by our heart and mind by the Holy Spirit!

“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

Paul reminds us so clearly, and even as I sit here typing this post, God is reminding me that I have the freedom, and privilege to choose how I will respond to others—even to those who hurt my feelings, wound my heart, or just irritate me seemingly at every turn.  Do you have any of those people in your life?  Well, God gives us the truth that we are called to live by—regardless of how others choose to behave!  We are called to remember—

the principle of sowing and reaping—

the constant conflict of the flesh-vs-the spirit—

the reality of ‘weariness’—

the encouragement to press on—to faint not—

we are called to “do good unto all men”

       –as God gives us opportunity—

       –especially to the family of faith!

So, as we consider these things, God will help us to function in HIS Spirit and not our flesh.  But it is a constant battle, yet a battle that we can prevail in with The Holy Spirit of God within us!  Oh, how I praise His name that we don’t have to do it on our own.

“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

We have a God who cares!  We have a redeemer who walked where we walk, and yet HE overcame sin and bought our salvation!  HE overcame not only death, but the power of sin in our lives; yet we must avail ourselves of the truths of HIS Word that we might fight the good fight of faith.  We can only do that when we walk in the power of The Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus/God The Father and feast on The Word!

“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.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16-18 & 25-26=

We must choose continually whether we will be filled with The Holy Spirit or the spirit of the world!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely; remember what we learned above, “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”!  What are you sowing?  Will you join me in committing to seek God’s ways, by HIS Spirit and remember, with me, a verse that I used to have my children quote when they were at odds with their siblings—it was good for them—and it is good for you and me. (Check out Galatians 5:19-24 too)

“And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:32

Amen!!!

Making Yesterdays Todays!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19

19 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Beauty For Ashes, Beauty of Holiness, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Forever, Walking With Jesus, What's The Word?, Who are YOU following?, Yesterday, Yesterdays made Todays!, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19  Making Yesterdays Todays!!!

 

“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

Many of us (really all of us) have a past that we aren’t necessarily proud of, but I want us to consider today God’s sufficiency to make our messed-up pasts, HIS new creation.  Satan keeps some of us so wrapped up in our past that we forget that God has given us a new future (TODAY)!  Oh, how I praise God for HIS power to make yesterdays todays!  He takes our messes and makes them HIS beauty!

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty

for ashes,

the oil of joy

for mourning,

the garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called

trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified.”  Isaiah 61:3

I am so grateful that God can take our ashes and make them into “beauty”—into the image of our Lord Jesus! It’s the truth that no matter how bad I /we have messed up–and believe me, I have messed up more than you know (but God knows!)—God is faithful to make something beautiful out of all that we will present to HIM, we don’t have to fret, we simply have to exercise our faith and watch God work!

“And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”   Romans 8:27-31

When we come to understand that God is sufficient to make us into the image of His Son, Jesus, and that HE is working “all things” not only for our good, but for HIS glory and the benefit of a lost and dying world!  He makes us into the building material of HIS kingdom.

“As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming,

as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,

5 Ye also,

as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past

were not a people,

but are now the people

of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.”  1 Peter 2:2-10

This precious Savior is ever working in us to grow us into HIS reflection.  Are you being a mirror of the glory and work of our Lord, or have you allowed the world to slip into your life so much that others see more of you than Jesus?  It’s a subtle thing but so harmful to our life with our Lord, and to those who need so desperately to see HIM!  And praise God it’s HIS WORK not yours or mine.  He is ever at work to complete the work of glory in each of His own!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day

of Jesus Christ:”  Philippians 1:6

All this because Jesus paid the price and performs an exchange in each believer—exchanging HIS righteousness for our sin.  He took on our sin (for He had none of His own) and gives to each born again believer HIS righteousness by the power of HIS Holy Spirit.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

 not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Even as the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

 and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

By God’s grace we can count on our Redeemer, Lord and King to transform us into His image, by HIS sacrifice and HIS grace!  Yet there is a work for us to do, and that is to faithfully, daily, humbly yield to HIS work in us—to die to self and live unto Jesus and let His transforming power be seen in all we do!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable

unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

What an amazing revelation and call to know that God is working “all things” for our good and His glory, and that He has told us that when we yield to His work in us, we can be transformed into a vessel of honor unto our Lord.  So, my question for us today is, “Are we living in the today of God’s work in us?”  Or, “Are we so caught up in the fears and shame of our yesterdays that we are of no use to our King today?”  May we ever remember the principles that our Lord taught us as He gave us the model for prayer; are we seeking: His face? His will? His glory?  His heart of forgiveness (both the receiving and giving of it)? His heart for holiness rather than evil?  His heart for dependence on the Father’s provision?  His heart and power for overcoming temptation?  HIS heart for the preeminence of HIS KINGDOM?  May we ever have eyes to see the true spiritual nature of our battles, our labors and find true victory in our Lord Jesus?  Only when we remember Paul’s mighty words of challenge to live the “crucified” life that lives to Jesus daily!

“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

And a simple reminder in closing—may we ponder its truths!

“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

And if you need another reminder, spend some time rehearsing Psalm 23 this week.  If HE is your shepherd, you will find that you can say with the Psalmist “I shall not want”! (Meaning “lack” not greed!). You/I can trust Him with the yesterdays and the tomorrows and live the crucified life with HIM TODAY!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

Not Perfect But Forgiven??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #533

20 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by in Forgiveness, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, Saved by grace

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #533   Not Perfect But Forgiven???

 

When we think about being a Christian, we often get so wrapped up in our own world, and activities (Albeit good works, but sometimes our ‘good intentions’ just turn into ‘busy’ness rather than God’s ‘business’!) that we can become proud in our self, rather than Jesus.  We must continually hold ourselves accountable to Jesus and His call; to remember that it is only by HIS grace that we are who we are, where we are, and able to do what we do—doing all for HIS glory, by HIS power, and with the presence of HIS Holy Spirit.  I am reminded so often of what God has done for me, where HE has brought me from, and what HE has brought me through, and the forgiveness that He brought to my heart!

I am not bogged down by false guilt from the past, but I am humbled when I recall the life of sin that God saved me out of.  No, I wasn’t a criminal in the eyes of the world, but I was a sinner in need of a Savior!  And much like Paul, when I remember what was in my heart, and what Jesus cleansed me from, I am humbled and often reminded that I’m not better than anyone else—I must keep my eyes on Jesus and HIS call and biblical standard; yet I must never compare myself to others, or lord it over those who haven’t seen HIM yet.  I ever seek to remember that “but for the grace of God, there go I”!

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,

who hath enabled me,

for that he counted me faithful,

putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer,

and a persecutor,

and injurious:

but I obtained mercy,

because I did it ignorantly

in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy,

that in me first

Jesus Christ might shew forth

all longsuffering,

for a pattern

to them which should hereafter

believe on him

to life everlasting.”   1 Timothy 1:12-16

Salvation is purely and totally initiated by God, we come to Him because He calls us, opens our eyes to see Jesus, and our ears to hear the convicting voice of His precious Holy Spirit calling us to Him! And what a blessed privilege to not only be called to be saved, but to be called, equipped and anointed to share His message with others—remembering that it’s HIM not me, even as John shares the testimony of Jesus!

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned

of the Father,

cometh unto me.

 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father,

save he which is of God,

he hath seen the Father.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that believeth on me

hath everlasting life.”  John 6:44-47

Oh, how much God loves us—and yet we are so easily distracted by the ‘one’ who seeks to destroy us!  Oh, precious Lord, help us to see with your eyes, to see the enemy for what he is!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.” John 10:10

Jesus has come, lived a perfect life, died for our sin, and arose victorious over sin, death and hell, and in His victory, He grants forgiveness of sin to all who will come to HIM! Today!

“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

And because I’m forgiven, I can extend grace and truth to others—even those who don’t want to receive it.  But I can only do His will through His power—with HIM, never on my own!

“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 15:4-5

I can choose to rely on myself and accomplish ‘nothing’ of eternal value, or I can choose to walk with Him, talk with Him, lean on Him, and follow Him to see and know HIS glorious grace and power.

“I can do

all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”    Philippians 4:13

And Paul tells us how we can maintain this blessed state, and I’ll leave you to ponder “these things” today!  Blessings on your journey!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things

are true,

whatsoever things

are honest,

whatsoever things

are just,

whatsoever things

are pure,

whatsoever things

are lovely,

whatsoever things

are of good report;

if there be

any virtue,

and if there be

any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Check every thought at the door, with this eight-fold test of The Word, and the enemy will be thwarted.

“Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee

from you.” James 4:7

Amen and Amen!