Tag Archives: Hebrews 12:1-2

Choosing What To See??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 02

12 Monday Apr 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Crucified With Christ, Discernment, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 02  Choosing What To See???

 

I spoke recently at a ladies gathering to share my experiences of going through the murder of my daughter some sixteen months ago.  It’s not a pleasant story, but it is a story of hope and confidence in our God, and the fact that we can “stand fast in the evil day”!  It all comes down to knowing God through the Lord Jesus Christ and learning to see things through the lens of faith and a knowledge of God’s Word!  I can choose how I look at things and how I will respond to my circumstances.  I can choose to see things through eyes of faith in Jesus, or, as my former Pastor Brad McCoy used to say, “I can doubt, pout and drop out”!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  I choose to proclaim with Paul:

“Who hath saved us, and called us

with an holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to his own purpose and grace,

which was given us in Christ Jesus

before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest

by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who hath abolished death,

and hath brought life

and immortality to light

through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded

that he is able

to keep that

which I have committed

unto him

against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words,

which thou hast heard of me,

in faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 1:9-13

In fact, this is almost an addendum to what Paul reminded Timothy of in verse 7:

“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

It’s interesting that the phrase “sound mind” can mean “right thinking”, for we can choose what we think, and it is imperative that we guard our hearts and minds, and think biblically.  How?

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”   Philippians 2:5-8

Even as Paul reminded the Galatians, we are to live a crucified life of humble reliance upon God, trusting to His sovereign control in all things—and while God never said all things would be good, HE did tell us that HE is working IN all things for our good.  Will we trust HIM in all things?  Will we die to self and live for, by and through the power that Jesus supplies?

“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

But how do I live the crucified life? By the power of God and learning to control my thought life and the desires of our heart!

“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.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen

in me, do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”   Philippians 4:8-9

We must understand that the battle will almost always begin in our mind—and while we can’t control what comes into our mind, I can control what I will permit to stay in my mind!  As a friend says, check the devil at the door (of your mind!)!  If he can’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, give him the boot (so to speak).  Yield to God’s Spirit and find victory!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 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.”  James 4:6-8

Paul gives us great advice for these spiritual battles of the mind!

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”                                  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

The key is “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”, and I would encourage you to commit Philippians 4:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to memory—they are invaluable assets to have in your “memory” bank!  They help us to keep our “seeing” straight, as we keep our “eyes” on Jesus, and as I’m often heard to say, keep looking up not around at the “lions”!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

As we keep our eyes “Looking unto Jesus”, we can know that HE hears, HE cares, and HE is ever providing all that we need.  Just as I could trust HIM in the tragic circumstance of December 19, 2019, you can trust HIM to ever supply your needs and comfort and encourage your heart, your mind, and your decisions!

“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

Knowing that with Paul, we can boldly say:

“I can

do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me…

… “19 But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13 & 19

I pray that you will “see” through God’s lenses, and not let your circumstances distract you from running “the race that is set before” YOU!  Remember it’s God who set your race and mine, and HE is always there for YOU, with YOU, and before you and behind you, if we will but heed HIS voice.  Do you have eyes that see?  I pray that you will!

“Hear now this, O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes, and see not;

which have ears, and hear not:” Jeremiah 5:21

Open our eyes Lord—to see YOU!

“And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said,

What will ye that I shall do unto you?

33 They say unto him, Lord,

that our eyes may be opened.”  Matthew 20:32-33

Amen and Amen!

Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12

06 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Encouragement, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12 Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU???

 

I have a very brief and simple word for today—God’s is trustworthy, and we don’t have to fear what HE is doing.

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not

fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

Even when we are facing uncertain days, as we are now on every hand, we can count on God to direct our steps.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement for you and me!  While things in the world may alarm or distress us, it’s just natural to experience fear or alarm; when our health is less than stellar, or the people that we love are plagued by uncertain futures, our God is still in charge.

“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

Paul assured Timothy that God gives us what we need to be successful in His kingdom, and we don’t have to let fear rule our hearts, minds or our lives!  Fear is an emotion, not a sin, but when we let sin take control of us, it can lead us to sin.  That is why we must remember where we are grounded, and that is in Jesus Christ and Him alone; keeping our eyes on Him, and our hearts and minds steeped in HIS Word!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

Even the author of Hebrews assures us that wherever we go, or whatever we do, we are never alone, and we can walk in confidence with our God.  It’s been a little uncertain and precarious at our house lately, and maybe you are having uncertain things encircle you and yours; but I am here to remind you that we need not fear, but just keep our eyes on our Jesus for HE is always there.  And no matter the need HE knows—and HE cares.  You can trust to HIS care and come into HIS presence with confidence!

“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

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Chapter 13 of Hebrews continues with a powerful message of assurance!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

So, friends, my word to you (and me) is that we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that HE never fails, and we can trust that HE is working all things for our good and to His glory.  I trust HIM!!!  Do you???  Remember—He IS coming back—He wins, and so do we!  So, let’s serve Him fearlessly and faithfully in all we do, no matter the trials or difficulties that we encounter; remember don’t let fear rule your decisions and your life!  Instead, let Jesus rule—HE will always lead you rightly—without fear!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore,

my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

As God told Isaiah:

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

That kind of says it all….God’s got you and whatever your “it” is!  God’s got “it”—and “YOU”!!!  Trust HIM—HE never fails!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Does Choosing Matter??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 07

01 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, God Bless America, God Is In Charge, Good News, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Resting In Jesus, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 07  Does Choosing Matter???

 

This will be another short post this week, as I really feel like we need to all be called to prayer—for our own relationships, for the state of our homes, cities, states, nations, and even our world.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement to you and me to “fix” our eyes on Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

It’s all about Jesus—I have to keep my eyes on HIM—for it is HE that bought our salvation on the cross and gives us the new birth.  It is by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that I can be “born again” into the kingdom of God.  And when I am born into God’s kingdom, I can make a difference in the worldly kingdom in which I reside.  How?  The same way that Joshua did, by standing for Jesus and the truth of HIS Word!

“Now therefore

fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served that were

on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

And one of my favorite men of scripture, Daniel, made a choice in the midst of a hostile environment; a choice that made him one of the most important prophetic writers of all scripture.  All beginning with a choice to “fix his eyes” on God and His Word!

“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

If you’ll take note here, Daniel wasn’t concerned about what others would do, but what he would do to keep his relationship right with HIS God! (His 3 friends also apparently made the same decision by what we see of them in Daniel)!  The question is what will we do to keep our eyes on Jesus?

Here are some verses to ponder this week as we pursue our Lord and His Word; I hope this will encourage you and me as we seek to make a difference wherever God has placed you or me!

Being a living sacrifice unto our Lord Jesus!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

To “prove” is to show to the world the work of God in me—not I but Christ!

“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

The question was addressed by Jesus and we’ll take that as our closing thought, and I pray that we will all heed HIS words!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”    Matthew 16:24-27

I pray that you have a blessed week, and that God will move in a mighty way in our nation, and our world!  It’s all about JESUS!  For regardless of what we “see”—God’s still in charge!  (See Revelation 19:6)

“…Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth….”

Amen and Amen!!!

Does Your God See??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #658

10 Wednesday Jun 2020

Posted by in Blessed by God, Choose You This Day!, God Who Sees, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #658      Does Your God See???

 

“And Abraham called the name of that place

Jehovahjireh:

as it is said to this day,

In the mount of the LORD

it shall be seen.”   Genesis 22:14

God had called Abraham to go to a place he didn’t know, led by a God he wanted to know, through a journey of joy and sorrow, obedience and failure, to know God in saving faith, and finally receive the child of promise—Isaac!  Yet when Isaac was almost grown, God called Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice.  In this test we see that Abraham had learned to trust God to do whatever was right.  A place where we can’t arrive through a life of ease and pleasure, but a life of testing; a life of failure and successes that lead and grow us into a KNOWledge of God Almighty, and learning to KNOW His Son Jesus (for Abraham only saw Jesus’ coming by faith!)!  We can come to that place, and with Abraham, boldly call our God, Jehovah Jireh—The God who sees it all.  The God who sees the ending from the beginning!

The author of Hebrews makes it clear to us what Abraham believed!  What do you believe?  What are you willing to trust God with?

“By faith Abraham,

when he was tried,

offered up Isaac:

and he that had received the promises

offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said,

That in Isaac

shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able

to raise him up,

even from the dead;

from whence also

he received him

in a figure.”  Hebrews 11:17-19

When we dig into this amazing story of Abraham, we find that Abraham was called to offer his son on the same mount where God offered HIS “only begotten son” for our sin. Think about it—that is amazing—so amazing that Abraham not only received his son back, but he was living out a picture of what God was going to do to “bless” all nations through his descendant, Jesus (crucified for our sin, risen from the dead, and coming again).  He believed the promises of God, and clung to them in absolute confidence and trust, knowing that God keeps HIS Word!  Where is your confidence today?  What/who are you counting on?  What/who are you resting in?  Have you come to the place of trusting God with what you can’t see!  Or are you still choosing to walk by sight rather than faith!

“And God is able

to make all grace abound toward you;

that ye,

always having all sufficiency

in all things,

may abound

to every good work:”   2 Corinthians 9:8

Scripture testifies to Abraham’s faith, what does our faith testify of to those around us?  Are you wrestling with issues that you can’t let go of?  God wants to give you rest, if you’ll but come to HIM for answers and provision.  I know that is much easier said than done, but it is a ‘doable’ if we’ll but keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting in HIS amazing grace, power and all-sufficient Sovereignty; forsaking the world’s call to “do it yourself”, rather than walking in confidence with the ONE who can and will lead, direct and deliver us, if we will just look up—rather than around!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, letting go of the weight of the world, the draw of sin, and clinging to the ONE who knows the answers already.  Bring it to Jesus—He is ever waiting for your call!  We can rest in HIS faithfulness—for He will never fail—for HE sees tomorrow today!  You can trust to HIS care, and rest IN HIM!

“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 4:16

Amen and Amen!

Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #640

03 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Courage, Praise God Today!, Trials, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #640 Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize???

 

I would like to share a word of encouragement today for all of us as we continue to watch the world caught up in this pandemic.  Those of us who know Jesus, should have a confidence and peace that will cause others to see our Lord Jesus in us, rather than the worldly chaos that is all around us.  May you take heart in these reminders.

“Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling

of God

in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 3:13-14

When we recognize our calling to follow Jesus, rather than the call of the world, we will find that we have to “forget” something, and set our sights, if you would, “on things above”!  Remembering that we have a great testimony of the faithful to encourage us!  Not a cheering squad in heaven, but rather, testifiers to the faithfulness of our God.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

I encourage you to read through Hebrews chapter 11 for a boost to your faith, hope and confidence in The God Almighty of the universe, and His Son Jesus! Isaiah gave us a picture of God’s faithfulness even when we have great trials surrounding us!  God never said we wouldn’t have trials, or that simply speaking “His Name” would make us immune to the realities of life in a broken world, but  He did promise that He would be there with us, and He would accomplish His purpose in, with, and through us, if we will but trust to HIS perfect will and provision!

“But now thus saith the LORD

that created thee, O Jacob,

and he that formed thee, O Israel,

Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,

thy Saviour… ”   Isaiah 43:1-3a

God never said we’d never have difficulties—but He did say we’d never walk through them alone (and Isaiah implies here that these are not things of our own making or presumption).  May these words ring in your heart and mind as you face a broken, sick world that is going crazy around us.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

May God bless and comfort your heart; and may He also grant you wisdom in your decisions in this difficult time.

Amen and Amen!!!