Tag Archives: God’s Judgment

Bowed or Bowing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #37

14 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, Idolatry, If not now? When?, IN HIS TIME!, Incomprehensible LOVE, Judgment, Just DO it!, King Jesus, King of KIngs, Not Of This World, REvival, Righteousness exalts a nation

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Bowed or Bowing???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #37

We can choose our way, by God’s gift of our own free will; yet this same God has shown us the way and given us the options!  We can choose to ‘bow’ (rhymes with tow) our necks and stand in stiff defiance to the God of all creation, or we can ‘bow’ (rhymes with cow) and bend our knee and heart before HIM in repentance and faith in HIS “only begotten Son”!  I hope that the scripture will pierce your heart and mine—that we who are already believers in Jesus, will seek to know God’s view of our lives and make whatever adjustments HE speaks to us, and that those who don’t know Jesus will be drawn to HIS indescribable love and be born again by JESUS’ precious blood!

“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 1:15-16

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be

any wicked way in me,

and lead me

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

 I pray that these scriptures will touch your heart and mine, and that we will hear The Holy Spirit’s whisper to our heart and kneel before our King for forgiveness, healing, and restoration of our souls.  May revival break out in God’s own—that we will know HIS presence and power in renewed love, humility and devotion to Jesus, our KING of KINGS!

“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.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter

be turned to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

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

There is an Old Testament example of God’s pure grace and mercy that I think will be beneficial for us to peruse this morning.  Josiah, a precious King of Israel who, when he heard the Word of God, saw truth, bowed before God in total humility and sent the leaders around him to seek the “words of God” from the prophetess Huldah.  I pray that this passage will move your heart and you will “hear the word of the Lord” and respond in faith, and obedience today.  Help me Jesus, to hear and obey, trusting to your work in me and these who are readying this post.  Be glorified in us!  Please bring a real Holy Ghost, Heaven sent revival to our hearts, our families, our churches, and our nation!  May we be willing to bow before you in earnest repentance and faith!

“10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book.

And Shaphan read it before the king.

11 And it came to pass,

when the king had heard the words

of the book of the law,

that he rent his clothes.

12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest,

and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,

and Achbor the son of Michaiah,

and Shaphan the scribe,

and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying,

13 Go ye, enquire of the LORD

for me,

and for the people,

and for all Judah,

concerning the words of this book

that is found:

for great is the wrath of the LORD

that is kindled against us,

because our fathers have not hearkened

unto the words of this book,

to do according unto all

that which is written

concerning us.

14 So Hilkiah the priest,

and Ahikam,

and Achbor,

and Shaphan,

and Asahiah,

went unto Huldah the prophetess,

the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah,

the son of Harhas,

keeper of the wardrobe;

(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;)

and they communed with her.

15 And she said unto them,

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,

Tell the man that sent you to me,

16 Thus saith the LORD,

Behold, I will bring evil upon this place,

and upon the inhabitants thereof,

even all the words of the book

which the king of Judah hath read:

17 Because they have forsaken me,

and have burned incense unto other gods,

that they might provoke me to anger

with all the works of their hands;

therefore my wrath shall be kindled

against this place,

and shall not be quenched.

18 But to the king of Judah

which sent you to enquire of the LORD,

thus shall ye say to him,

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,

As touching the words which thou hast heard;

19 Because thine heart was tender,

and thou hast humbled thyself

before the LORD,

when thou heardest what I spake

against this place,

and against the inhabitants

thereof,

that they should become

a desolation

and a curse,

and hast rent thy clothes,

and wept before me;

I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

20 Behold therefore,

I will gather thee unto thy fathers,

and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave

in peace;

and thine eyes shall not see

all the evil which I will bring

upon this place.

And they brought the king word again.”   2 Kings 22:11-20

While this may not seem to be a message for us, I think we can find great insight in it.  Josiah was granted grace, in what some might call a ‘special dispensation’ from God, in that he would not see the judgment of God on Judah but would die in peace.  And as we go on to read (and I encourage you to read the rest of Josiah’s story), we see that Josiah, in his humility before God and his burden for The Word of The Lord, brought revival to Judah.

He restored the Temple to a place where the people could worship in obedience to God’s commands, he destroyed the idolatrous worship that was taking place at every turn.  He also called the people to celebrate a Passover that scripture refers to as “unparalleled”!  And on a side note, I find it interesting that if you follow the years, it could easily be that the families of some guys we know well—named Daniel, Hananiah, Mishaal and Azariah—were a part of this revival and these young men were brought up by parents who were a part of this amazing time of revival.  And while the judgement of God did come, and these young men found themselves in Babylon as a result of the sin of their nation –not their own personal sin—yet were used by God to make an amazing difference in an unlikely place.

Oh God, please send a life-changing revival among us; and even if we still must endure your judgment, may those be raised up who can make amazing impacts on our world.  Will you bow or be bowed up?  The choice is yours but remember there is a test!

May God have mercy upon us today???

Amen and Amen!!!

Too Late To Call??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 22

21 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Are You Ready, Assurance or Arrogance, Be not conformed to this world, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Don't Wait, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father of lies, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Judgment, Knowing GOD, Nebuchadnezzars & Daniels, One Day Too Late?, Our God Reigns, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Saved by grace, Today is the day of Salvation, Too Late To Call?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 22    Too Late To Call???

 

As we continue our study of Daniel and his friends—men of character—we’ll look at Daniel chapter 5 from a perspective that you might not have considered.  I want to preface our study with some of my thoughts for you to consider as we delve into a new chapter and a new king.  A new king with a different perspective from Daniel, as well as a perspective that I think is urgent to share in our current circumstances.

We need to understand that while God is a God of mercy and grace, there is a time when God will not hear or respond to the call of men!  We can go too far, we can reject God too long, we can go beyond rescue! Noah saw this in his day, and I believe it is imminent in ours!

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive

with man,

for that he also is flesh:

yet his days shall be

an hundred and twenty years.”   Genesis 6:3

God was grieved with the way that men had chosen sin and self over their Creator!  We need to understand that this was a specific judgment on mankind of the hour, yet even with the impending judgment, God provided grace for one man who was willing to respond in faith and obedience.

“And the LORD said,

I will destroy man

whom I have created

from the face of the earth;

both man,

and beast,

and the creeping thing,

and the fowls of the air;

for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace

in the eyes of the LORD.”  Genesis 6:7-8

Why Noah?  Because he had faith—and his faith was seen in his obedience.  Other scriptures confirm this for us.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah,

being warned of God

of things not seen as yet,

moved with fear,

prepared an ark

to the saving of his house;

by the which he condemned the world,

and became heir of the righteousness

which is by faith.”  Hebrews 11:6-7

Noah became an heir of “the righteousness which is by faith”, and we can too!  The righteousness that Jesus has provided by HIS blood for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary (in my place), atoning (paying a rightful debt), sacrifice (dying in my place that I could live by HIS blood!) for “my” sin.

“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 5:19-21

I truly believe that the time is coming when God will bring things to a close—HIS closing scene in the events of this earth.  Paul warned us that in the coming of that time there will be those who will reap the consequence of their rejection of God’s salvation by grace.  Those who will have, if you would, “sinned away their day of grace”!  They will be condemned by their own choice, to believe the lies of the enemy who will step up to lead the world in that time.

“For the mystery of iniquity

doth already work:

only he who now letteth

will let,

until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

Without taking the time to go into details of this passage, I want us to notice the cause of judgment in verse 12: “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”!  Much like what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3, referring to Himself.

“He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:18-19

What does all this have to do with Daniel chapter 5?  Good question!  We see a new king, who had a worse problem than his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, who repented and acknowledged God, after suffering the judgment of God Almighty.  Yet, according to Daniel (who has been a palace official for almost 70 years) Belshazzar saw and knew this experience of Nebuchadnezzar and refused to learn from it, or to change his ways.  Let’s take a look; but first let’s lay a little background.  Belshazzar is holed up within the walls of Babylon (walls that could hold several chariots riding abreast across the top) throwing a party to boost the morale of his leaders because the armies of Medo-Persia are outside of the gates ready to lay siege to the city.  In fact, it is said that Belshazzar was so confident in his resources for he knew he could supply their needs for up to two years!  But notice what he does at this banquet/party!

“Belshazzar the king made a great feast

to a thousand of his lords,

and drank wine before the thousand.

2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine,

commanded to bring

the golden

and silver vessels

which his father Nebuchadnezzar

had taken out of the temple

which was in Jerusalem;

that the king,

and his princes,

his wives,

and his concubines,

might drink therein.

3 Then they brought the golden vessels

that were taken out of the temple

of the house of God

which was at Jerusalem;

and the king,

and his princes,

his wives,

and his concubines,

drank in them.

4 They drank wine,

and praised the gods

of gold,

and of silver,

of brass,

 of iron,

of wood,

and of stone.”  Daniel 5:1-4

Did you get it?  They took the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the Temple of God in Jerusalem, to not only use at their party, but to use to praise their own idols and exalt them—rejecting and blaspheming the God to whom the vessels belonged!  Guess what?  God seems to say, “enough is enough”; let’s just see who is in charge!

“In the same hour

came forth fingers of a man’s hand,

and wrote over against the candlestick

upon the plaister of the wall

of the king’s palace:

and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

6 Then the king’s countenance was changed,

and his thoughts troubled him,

so that the joints of his loins

were loosed,

and his knees

smote one against another.”   Daniel 5:5-6

Needless to say, the king had a change of demeanor!  And without listing all of the verses in between, Belshazzar called for those good ole’ “wise men” to read the writing.  But none of them could, yet God had a message and through the advice of his grandmother, he sent for Daniel.  Now remember Daniel is somewhere around 80+ years old and has apparently been out of active service for a time, but he was still a “civil servant” in the palace.  So, Daniel comes in and his demeanor was somewhat different than we saw in him under Nebuchadnezzar.  There was not the respect that he had for Nebuchadnezzar, but an honest and blunt response to this man of arrogance and disregard of the truth he knew about Daniel’s God.  He has gone too far with his arrogance against God.  God has a lot to say about pride and arrogance (virtual synonyms).

“These six things doth the LORD hate:

yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud

look,

a lying

tongue,

and hands

that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth

wicked imaginations,

feet that be swift

in running to mischief,

19 A false witness

that speaketh lies,

 and he that soweth discord

among brethren.”  Proverbs 6:16-19

And Jesus own message:

“For from within,

 out of the heart of men,

proceed evil thoughts,

adulteries,

fornications,

murders,

22 Thefts,

covetousness,

wickedness,

deceit,

lasciviousness,

an evil eye,

blasphemy,

pride,

foolishness:

23 All these evil things

come from within,

and defile the man.”  Mark 7:21-23

The Apostle John also said it clearly:

“Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father

is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.”  1 John 2:15-17

So, let’s see what God had to say to Belshazzar through our friend Daniel, and remember that “father” is used for any male ancestor, so Belshazzar is referring to his ‘grand’ father not his male parent.

“Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Art thou that Daniel,

which art of the children

of the captivity of Judah,

whom the king my father

brought out of Jewry?

14 I have even heard of thee,

that the spirit of the gods is in thee,

and that light

and understanding

and excellent wisdom

is found in thee…

… 16 And I have heard of thee,

that thou canst make interpretations,

and dissolve doubts:

now if thou canst read the writing,

 and make known to me the interpretation thereof,

thou shalt be clothed with scarlet,

and have a chain of gold about thy neck,

and shalt be the third ruler

in the kingdom.”   Daniel 5:13-14 & 16

The king who had gone from stiff-necked to “knocking knees” is ready for an answer and will reward Daniel for his service, but let’s consider Daniel’s response, and take it to heart.  Have you been like one of Paul’s listeners, and put off responding to God, claiming “almost thou persuades me”, or will you bend your knee and your heart before God?  Don’t wait too long.  There will be a time when it’s too late to call!  Don’t be like Belshazzar!

“Then Daniel answered and said before the king,

Let thy gifts be to thyself,

and give thy rewards to another;

yet I will read the writing unto the king,

and make known to him the interpretation.

18 O thou king,

the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar

thy father a kingdom,

and majesty,

and glory,

and honour:

19 And for the majesty that he gave him,

all people, nations, and languages,

trembled and feared before him:

whom he would he slew;

and whom he would he kept alive;

and whom he would he set up;

and whom he would he put down.

20 But when his heart was lifted up,

and his mind hardened in pride,

he was deposed from his kingly throne,

and they took his glory from him:

21 And he was driven from

the sons of men;

and his heart was made

like the beasts,

and his dwelling was with

the wild asses:

they fed him

with grass like oxen,

and his body

was wet with the dew of heaven;

till he knew

that the most high God

ruled in the kingdom of men,

and that he appointeth over it

whomsoever he will.

22 And thou his son,

O Belshazzar,

hast not humbled thine heart,

though thou knewest all this;”   Daniel 5:17-22

But Daniel wasn’t finished, his message of judgment was a hard one, and he gave no quarter to this arrogant king who refused to repent or respond to God in faith or regard. The message was final—take note of verses 30-31!

“But hast lifted up thyself

against the Lord of heaven;

and they have brought the vessels

of his house before thee,

and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines,

have drunk wine in them;

and thou hast praised the gods

of silver, and gold, of brass, iron,

wood, and stone,

which see not,

nor hear,

nor know:

and the God in whose hand thy breath is,

and whose are all thy ways,

hast thou not glorified:

24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him;

and this writing was written.

25 And this is the writing that was written,

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of the thing:

MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom,

and finished it.

27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances,

and art found wanting.

28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided,

and given to the Medes and Persians.”  Daniel 5:23-28

Please open your heart to the voice of God—it won’t call forever.  Today IS the day of salvation—not tomorrow.

“In that night was Belshazzar

the king of the Chaldeans slain.

31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom,

being about threescore and two years old.”   Daniel 5:30-31

“While it is said,

To day if ye will hear his voice,

harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation.”  Hebrews 3:15

“We then, as workers together with him,

beseech you also that ye receive not

the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

 behold,

now is the accepted time;

behold,

now is the day of salvation.)”.  2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Maybe Medo-Persia isn’t knocking at your door, but God’s judgment is at hand.  Are you ready?  How will you fare when it’s your turn to be “weighed in the balances”?  How sad to really come a day too late!

Be blessed and be prepared! Don’t be a “day late”!

Amen and Amen!!!

Disappointed Or Devoted??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #702

13 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Daniel's choices, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Job, King of KIngs, Nebuchadnezzars & Daniels, Reaping & Sowing

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #702   Disappointed Or Devoted???

 

Continuing in our examination of Daniel’s experiences with God, we will begin with a verse from Job that is one of my favorites, for it expresses the trust that I share with Job, and I believe Daniel and his friends.

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will

maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15. Amen and Amen!

May this ever be our heart’s cry and the delight of our life?  As we continue our look at Daniel, I would ask you to consider what you will do when we are called to be under a Nebuchadnezzar?  Will you be a Daniel, and trust to God’s perfect care, or will you “doubt, pout and drop out”?  The choice is yours, but the consequences won’t affect just your life; they will affect those around you, those watching your so-called life of “faith”!  Where does your faith stand?  In God or your ability to control you own circumstances?  Whom do you trust?  Can we proclaim with Job the truth of our Lord and Savior?

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see

for myself,

and mine eyes

shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Life or death can never separate a true believer from Jesus!

“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?”  John 11:25-26

Just as Jesus asked Mary if she believed, He is asking us today, “do you believe” me—not just “in” me, but believe “ME” for life, now and in the future?  Daniel was faced with the most extreme of trials, let’s see what he did.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim

king of Judah

came Nebuchadnezzar

king of Babylon

unto Jerusalem,

and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah

into his hand,

with part of the vessels

of the house of God:

which he carried

into the land of Shinar

to the house of his god;

and he brought the vessels

into the treasure house

of his god.”  Daniel 1:1-2

Here we have the background of the situation with Daniel and his friends; the people of Judah (the southern 2 tribes of Israel, upon the division of the nation after Solomon’s death).  The northern 10 tribes (called Israel) had already gone into captivity to the Assyrians some 100 years earlier, but Judah had been spared because of God’s grace and some good kings (the northern tribes never had a good king, although some were less wicked than others, they all rejected God).  But Judah had refused to respond to the preaching of Jeremiah the prophet to repent, so God’s judgment has come upon them, and God has given them into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Yet, there were those who were faithful to The Lord God Almighty of Israel and Daniel and his friends were a part of the faithful remnant within Judah, but you see—a principle that America needs to grasp—when God judges a nation, even the righteous are affected, and Daniel and his friends give us an awesome picture of the character of the godly when they suffer.  Peter had some things to say to us about this as well, it’s a bit lengthy, but I think it will benefit us to consider this important passage.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:19-25

And just as a reminder in the same letter, Peter reminds believers that our call is to faithful devotion, service and submission to whatever God may allow into our lives.  HE is trustworthy, and His purposes are often beyond what we can see, understand or comprehend!

“Beloved, think it not strange

concerning the fiery trial

which is to try you,

as though some strange thing

happened unto you:

13 But rejoice,

inasmuch as ye are partakers

of Christ’s sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed,

ye may be glad also

 with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached

for the name of Christ,

happy are ye;

for the spirit of glory and of God

resteth upon you:

on their part

he is evil spoken of,

but on your part

he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer

as a murderer,

or as a thief,

or as an evildoer,

or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer

as a Christian,

let him not be ashamed;

but let him glorify God

on this behalf.

17 For the time is come

that judgment must begin

at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be

of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly

and the sinner

appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”   1 Peter 4:12-19

This, along with Paul’s simple reminder that choices matter, of which we need to be mindful, continually.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.”  Galatians 6:7

So, as we look at Daniel’s situation, we can recognize that he was caught up in the “reaping” of the sin of his people, even though he and his friends were so obviously young men of integrity, and devotion to God.  Let’s consider what the next verses of Daniel 1 tell us.

“3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz

the master of his eunuchs,

that he should bring certain

of the children of Israel,

and of the king’s seed,

and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish,

but well favoured,

and skilful in all wisdom,

and cunning in knowledge,

and understanding science,

and such as had

ability in them

to stand

in the king’s palace,

and whom they might teach

the learning

and the tongue

of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them

a daily provision of the king’s meat,

and of the wine which he drank:

so nourishing them three years,

that at the end thereof

they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were

of the children of Judah,

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs

 gave names:

for he gave unto Daniel

the name of Belteshazzar;

and to Hananiah,

of Shadrach;

and to Mishael,

of Meshach;

and to Azariah,

of Abednego.”  Daniel 1:3-7

History tells us is that not only were these young men taken to Babylon for training in public service, but more than likely were also made eunuchs—after all they were under the “master of his eunuchs”, and while we see from our passage that they were outstanding and upstanding young men in the nation; chosen because of their looks and their intelligence; castration was in itself a ceremonial defilement to them (See Deuteronomy 23:1 & Leviticus 21:20). Yet, Daniel and his friends endured this shame, (this was common practice in pagan kingdoms—for many reasons), and while we don’t know how many were taken, (it could have been upwards of 100 young men) only these four are noted by God as faithful!

Consider the situation of Daniel and his friends for a minute, and then we’ll close till next time; Daniel was a young man (probably a mid-teen youth) with intelligence, good looks, and who had no defect.  He is being taken away from his home, his family, and friends to a distant place to learn a foreign language, to be put into service to a pagan king/kingdom, to be trained (literally brain-washed to accept the culture of the kingdom) for civil service; and on top of all that, they were each given a Babylonian name (look up their Jewish names in contrast to the new ones—you may be surprised by what you find)! That’s a boatload, of heartache, but that’s not all, these young men would be inundated with the king’s food and drink.  WOW, that sounds great to most of us, but here are young men with religious convictions in regard to food and drink—in particular, not only the food itself, but the fact that it would have been offered upon idolatrous, pagan altars before it was served to them.  What was Daniel to do?  His friends? Well, we’ll look at verse 8 and leave you to ponder Daniel’s choice, and consider the answer next time!

“But Daniel purposed

in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion

of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine

which he drank:”   Daniel 1:8a

Daniel could have been “dis-appointed” in his circumstances, but I truly believe that he was keeping a divine “HIS-appointment”!  Will you see your ‘disappointment’ as “HISappointment”, and stand devotedly with Job and Daniel, or be one who “doubts—pouts—and drops out”?   It’s your choice—but there is a test!

Blessings on your week!

Amen and Amen!!!

Love Or Hate–May Not Be What You Think??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 16

10 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Deniable Truth? Really?, Discernment, Faithful is He that has Promised!, False Lives, Father of lies, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, Hate, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, Holy Living, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Love

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 16 Love Or Hate–May Not Be What You Think???

 

This is the beginning article of a multi-week series in which I want us to consider the book of Daniel—not necessarily the prophetic emphasis, but rather a look at choices, character, honor, integrity, real courage, and devotion of Daniel (and his friends) to GOD!

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”   Daniel 1:8

Like many of you, I am just plain tired of the noise and clamor that is going on in our country—all the opinions, reports (true and false), and the voices all over the national media as well as social media.  Yet, contrary to popular belief haters may not be “hating” and those who claim to love may not truly “love”.  What I want to do is to lay out some foundational passages of scripture that will define the principles that I believe in and try to live by.  The other thing that must be set out in the beginning, and which I believe we must recognize and acknowledge, is that there IS the force of evil in the world, and it is “alive and well” in our culture, our world, yet there is coming a time of judgment by God’s standard not man’s!  I pray that you will consider these passages as we begin our series from Daniel.

“My little children, these things write I unto you,

that ye sin not.

And if any man sin,

we have an advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation

for our sins:

and not for ours only,

but also for the sins

of the whole world.

3 And hereby we do know that we know him,

if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith,

I know him,

and keepeth not his commandments,

is a liar,

and the truth

is not in him.

5 But whoso keepeth his word,

in him verily is the love of God perfected:

hereby know we that we are in him.”  1 John 2:1-5

“In this the children of God are manifest,

and the children of the devil:

whosoever doeth not righteousness

is not of God,

neither he that loveth not his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard

from the beginning,

that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain,

who was of that wicked one,

 and slew his brother.

And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren,

if the world hate you.”  1 John 3:10-12

“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.

5 They are of the world:

therefore speak they of the world,

and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God:

he that knoweth God heareth us;

he that is not of God

 heareth not us.

Hereby know we the spirit of truth,

and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another:

for love is of God;

and every one that loveth

is born of God,

and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not

knoweth not God;

for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God

toward us,

because that God sent his only begotten Son

into the world,

that we might live

through him.

10 Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he

loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us,

we ought also to love one another.”   1 John 4:4-11

“For this is the love of God,

that we keep his commandments:

and his commandments

are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God

overcometh the world:

and this is the victory that overcometh the world,

even our faith. ‘

5 Who is he that overcometh the world,

but he that believeth that Jesus

is the Son of God?”  1 John 5:3-5

Do you see how God’s “love” is manifest?  He sent Jesus to be the “propitiation” (payment in full for our sin debt—see Rom. 3:23 & 6:23) for sin.  Love takes a stand for truth and righteousness—love doesn’t compromise the TRUTH, for Jesus IS truth (See John 14:6)!  What ‘truth’ is our culture clinging to, while it professes “love—love—love” yet denies and defies GOD!   Another important passage that defines much of what I have to say is from the prophet Isaiah.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One

of Israel

draw nigh and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous

from him!”  Isaiah 5:18-23

While Isaiah’s words were addressed to the conditions in his day, they are totally apropos to our culture today—and I believe this is the root of the problem in our nation and our world—for men have redefined “evil” and “good”; the result is that we find ourselves with two sides who not only disagree but are diametrically opposed in the basic principles of truth, morality and decency.  How can we have meaningful, productive exchanges if we are speaking two different languages?  Not likely!  So as a follower of Jesus Christ, who has been born again by the blood of the Lamb, how are we to respond?  We MUST respond biblically, and with commitment to “stand fast in the evil day”—and yes there is “evil” afoot, whether you acknowledge and recognize it or not!  What does that look like?  Well, I hope to share my personal understanding of biblical truth and how we can apply it to our lives in these evil days.  I invite you to join me as we peruse and consider what God says, and while I will give my opinion and commentary, I pray that you will hear what God has to say, and study for yourself.  After all, it is God we will answer to, not men!

I would like to make some preliminary observations that are important to me and can hopefully be helpful and thought-provoking for you.

First and foremost, we have abandoned The God of The Word as well as The Word of God!  As a culture we no longer respect, honor or promote godly, biblical living, even within many of our churches.

Secondly, we have abandoned the biblical principle of the family.  What do I mean by “the family”?  I am referring to the God-established home of one man and one woman in marriage for life, to comfort, be companionable to one another, sharing life together, as well as to procreate the human race.  God makes it clear that from the “beginning” (which we have also abandoned—the very foundation of scripture, God, man, and the God-breathed creation of all that exists, we deny not only the Genesis account, but the many other scriptures replete with the truth that God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit were present at creation and all things hinge on their creative power and love!) God knew we would fail and sin, yet He created us anyway, and had already made provision for our salvation through the Lamb of God who “takes away the sin of the world”!  But we must recognize and acknowledge that SIN is the issue! (See Genesis 1-3: John 1:1-5: Colossians 1:12-17: Hebrews 1:1-4; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20 for more insight!)

In our homes, we have, as a nation, failed our children by teaching (by example if nothing else) our young people that sex is a toy—our young women can (and are almost encouraged to) have babies out of wedlock.  How can I say that?  Well, just look around you, we financially support these young women, yet if they choose to marry and live “moral” lives with the man with whom they are sleeping, they get no “support”, no “medical care” or other help.  But if they just “shack-up” denying the benefits of godly marriage, they will get their “check”!  One reason our country is falling apart with floundering children raised without fathers in the home, with no compunction (look it up) to live morally—yes biblical morality!  Also, we have not only accepted sexual perversion but promoted it, in our educational institutions—taxpayer funded institutions–as well as our churches.  I might also add, we have turned our children loose to the influences of “Hellywood” and in many cases exert no control or interest in what we allow to influence them—often because the parents practice the same things.  We allow (even encourage) our small children, as well as our teenagers, to dress like, act like, pursue and follow people of ungodly character, lude and immodest attire, with outright vulgar and wicked songs, actions, movies and other media influences.  Then we wonder what’s wrong with our culture!  Pardon my French, but “DUH”? Where have we put God?

“The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen

to nought:

he maketh the devices of the people

of none effect.

11 The counsel of the LORD ‘

standeth for ever,

the thoughts of his heart

to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD;

and the people whom he hath chosen

for his own inheritance.

13 The LORD looketh from heaven;

he beholdeth all the sons of men.”   Psalm 33:10-13

“Happy is that people,

that is in such a case: yea,

happy is that people,

whose God is the LORD.”  Psalm 144:15

“Happy is he

that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope

is in the LORD his God:

6 Which made heaven, and earth,

the sea,

and all that therein is:

which keepeth truth

for ever:”  Psalm 146:5-6

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”   1 Corinthians 15:33]

We can choose to honor, worship and obey The God Almighty of creation—The God of the Bible—or we can walk in the world’s ways and devices and reap the consequences.

The Proverbs speak so well to the fate of those who reject God and His ways.

“Turn you at my reproof:

behold,

I will pour out my spirit

unto you,

I will make known my words

unto you.

24 Because I have called,

and ye refused;

I have stretched out my hand,

and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought

all my counsel,

and would none of my reproof:

26 I also will laugh

at your calamity;

I will mock

when your fear cometh;

27 When your fear cometh

as desolation,

and your destruction cometh

as a whirlwind;

when distress and anguish cometh

upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon me,

but I will not answer;

they shall seek me early,

but they shall not find me:

29 For that they hated

knowledge,

and did not choose

the fear of the LORD:

30 They would none of my counsel:

they despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit

of their own way,

and be filled

with their own devices.

32 For the turning away of the simple

shall slay them,

and the prosperity of fools

shall destroy them.

33 But whoso hearkeneth

unto me

shall dwell safely,

and shall be quiet

from fear of evil.”  Proverbs 1:23-33

And Jeremiah’s word to Israel is so fitting for us today.

“And at what instant I shall speak

concerning a nation,

and concerning a kingdom,

to build and to plant it;

10 If it do evil in my sight,

that it obey not my voice,

then I will repent of the good,

wherewith I said

I would benefit them.

11 Now therefore go to,

speak to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

saying,

Thus saith the LORD;

Behold, I frame

evil against you,

and devise a device

against you:

return ye now every one

from his evil way,

and make your ways

and your doings

good.

12 And they said,

There is no hope:

but we will walk

 after our own devices,

 and we will every one

do the imagination

of his evil heart.”   Jeremiah 18:9-12

I don’t like to be all doom and gloom, but real love speaks truth; it warns of danger.  If I were to shout at people to not continue down a road where the bridge was out, you wouldn’t call it “hate”, you’d call it “love”; yet we have called “evil good….and good evil” and reject those who warn us of moral danger.  We can’t escape the consequences if we continually fail to recognize our error or turn to Jesus in repentance and faith!

Paul in his letter to the Thessalonian church, advises us that in the last days those who choose wrongly will reap the consequence of their choice—because God is righteous, holy, and just as well as “love”—and if you/I reject truth, He will allow each one who willfully rejects HIM to believe the lie.  Real love will warn you that sin is to your detriment; but you must decide what you will do with real love and truth, and remember, saying you won’t choose, is choosing!

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:   

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”    2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

Yet there is hope, if you will but turn to Jesus, who saves, transforms and delivers us from the penalty of sin, and its power over us!  And HE is coming to deliver us from the very presence of sin!  How about you?  Are you ready?  Will you believe the truth while you have the opportunity, or will you be deceived when the time comes and believe the lie and doom your soul (and probably the souls of those around you!)?  I pray that you will hear the truth from a loving heart, and come to Jesus today.  And if you belong to Jesus, please stop whining (perilous times are here) and “stand fast in the evil day” by keeping your eyes on “the prize”, Jesus, (See Phil. 3:13-15) and digging into HIS Word not the world’s words of deceit and delusion.  Paul gave the Thessalonians a powerful word of encouragement after the grave warning from his loving heart.

“But we are bound to give thanks

alway to God

for you,

brethren beloved of the Lord,

because God hath from the beginning chosen you

to salvation

through sanctification of the Spirit

and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you

by our gospel,

to the obtaining of the glory

of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren,

stand fast,

and hold the traditions

which ye have been taught,

whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself,

and God, even our Father,

which hath loved us,

and hath given us

everlasting consolation

and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts,

and stablish you

in every good word

and work.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Amen and Amen!!!

The Builder’s Guarantee!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #667

10 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, God's Judgment, God's love, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Guarantee, Master Builder, Salvation, Saved by grace

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #667 The Builder’s Guarantee!!!

 

“Praise ye the LORD:

for it is good to sing praises unto our God;

for it is pleasant;

and praise is comely.

2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem:

he gathereth together

the outcasts of Israel.

3 He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:1-3

Oh, how grateful I am that when we have the Lord as our Master Builder, He grants us grace, wisdom and sufficiency to live for HIM!   I would simply like to share a few passages of encouragement with you today, as we all wrestle with the crises at hand.  Remember, my friends, if God is your Master Builder (through Jesus Christ and the salvation HE provided at Calvary!) then you can walk in confidence—because our God reigns!

“Behold, the days come,

saith the LORD,

that I will sow the house of Israel

and the house of Judah

with the seed of man,

and with the seed of beast.

28 And it shall come to pass,

that like as I have watched over them,

 to pluck up,

and to break down,

and to throw down,

and to destroy,

and to afflict;

so will I watch over them,

 to build,

 and to plant,

saith the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:27-28

This was God’s message for Jeremiah to deliver to Israel—that though He would judge their sin, HE would also bring them back into HIS presence when their heart was repentant and open to HIS Redeemer.  Even as God told Jeremiah when He called him, that HE was about to judge the nation who had, as a whole, rejected Him and His Word.

“But the LORD said unto me,

Say not, I am a child:

for thou shalt go to all

that I shall send thee,

and whatsoever I command thee

thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid of their faces:

for I am with thee

to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand,

and touched my mouth.

And the LORD said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words

in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day

set thee over the nations

and over the kingdoms,

to root out,

and to pull down,

and to destroy,

and to throw down,

to build,

and to plant.”  Jeremiah 1:7-10

While I personally believe we are experiencing the judgment of God on our world (as well as setting the stage for the prophetic future of the scriptures which is close at hand), we can rest assured that the judgment of God is always tempered by His grace and mercy; but there is a step too far, and God does and will judge sin!  And that was the heavy message that Jeremiah was called to deliver to a people who, for the most part, refused to receive the message of God and repent.  Our God truly reigns and cares for HIS own!

“And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice

of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation. 19:6

“And the LORD said,

My spirit

shall not always strive

with man,

for that he also is flesh…”.   Genesis 6:1a

“Jesus saith unto them,

Did ye never read in the scriptures,

The stone

which the builders rejected,

the same

is become the head of the corner:

this is the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvellous

in our eyes?”  Matthew 21:42

So, what is our response to be to this Sovereign God of all?  Well, it’s pretty simple really (not easy, but it is simple), we must recognize our sin, repent (turn away from sin and turn toward God) of our sin, and believe in and receive Jesus payment for our sin—HIS substitutionary (in my place), atoning (paid my sin debit) , sacrifice (died and rose again  for my salvation)!  Once we receive Jesus, we become a new creature and are called to live in His power, grace and holiness –all by the power of HIS indwelling 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

And a message of encouragement from the Apostle Paul to lift your heart today (and while it’s a big lengthy, I think it worth our time).

“That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

the new man,

which after God is created

in righteousness

and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying,

speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members

one of another.

26 Be ye angry,

and sin not:

let not the sun go down

upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place

to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have

to give to him that needeth.

29 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.”   Ephesians 4:22-30

Amen and Amen!!!