Tag Archives: Hebrews 12:1-3

Perfect Peace Or Panic??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #260

16 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by in Daniel's choices, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faith, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Peace, Peace of God, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Perseverance, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Tuned In To Jesus, Weariness

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Perfect Peace Or Panic???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #260

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

 whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD

for ever:

for in the LORD JEHOVAH

is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace can be an elusive commodity—but it is ever found in Jesus and Father God when we determine to set our eyes on God!  To have this peace requires some effort—first of all we must know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and then to commit ourselves to making Jesus a priority.  That is so much easier to sit here and type into this post, than it is to flesh it out in everyday living.  I am committed to this discipline, but when life interferes—like from the moment my feet hit the floor!  Although my goal is to put Jesus first in all things, I get into the kitchen and instead of making my tea and getting to prayer time, I see dishes that need to be loaded into the dishwasher, or crumbs that need to be swept up, clothes that need to be put away, the trash needs to be taken out before the trash man comes, or a thousand other things of less import.  But being human, these things so easily drag me away, and my time is not used where I intended to use it–to be with my Lord.  Now, let me say that even when I’m taking out the trash or watering, or walking I walk with Jesus, but there is a commitment that we must make to see that our “mind is stayed on thee”!

Let’s use scripture to hopefully help us do a better job of keeping our mind stayed, fixed and tuned to Jesus!

“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

As we walk with Jesus and keep ourselves immersed in His Word, we can draw closer to our Lord than most people will understand; for many in our culture want Jesus to stamp their ticket to heaven but they have no desire to serve or follow Him in their life.  How about you?  Are you counting on a punched-ticket, or a personal relationship with the Lord of the universe?  If we know Him Paul reminds us that we can be faithful and successful in all the things that God leads us to.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:12-13

I can because Jesus Christ my Lord paid the price at Calvary and purchased my soul, heart and life—what less could I do but keep my heart and mind set on Him! No!  I don’t get it right all the time, but I do get up when I fall, repent and seek His forgiveness, cleansing and hope for now and forward, because His Word tells me I can do that!  (I encourage you to read all of 1 John, it’s only a few chapters yet they are powerful and life changing when we heed what John reveals Jesus more and more!)

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

 cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

In bringing these thoughts to a close for today, I want us to consider how we stay in that “perfect peace”; and the author of Hebrews gives us some solid advice, if we will but heed it (and Hebrews 12 is another chapter that I’d encourage you to read in its entirety!)

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And just FYI, this great cloud of witnesses is not referring to a great arena in the sky applauding loudly to cheer us on, rather (in my opinion) it is a reference back to chapter 11 which many refer to as the chapter of faith, recounting the faithfulness of God to His own, regardless of their circumstances—check it out!

As I want us to get back into the book of Daniel, we see that Daniel, and his friends, are excellent examples of having that perfect peace and how to keep it, in spite of their circumstances or the choices of their peers!  How about you and me?

“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…

…. 17 As for these four children,

God gave them

knowledge

and skill in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:8 & 17

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. Peace is an amazing place to dwell; so let’s be Daniel’s in a world of lions (and we’ll get to that as we go, Lord willing.)  What an amazing life of faith, peace and power Daniel and his friends lived—even though their circumstances were less than what we would call ideal.  Remember God is faithful to His Word in every single circumstance!  May you pursue the God of peace, keeping your eyes on the prize—Jesus!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Encouragement, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Longsuffering, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time Is Grace!, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?

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A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

Just a few scriptures to hopefully brighten your day and perhaps lift your load for a bit.  Here in Oklahoma we’ve been inundated with rain and abundant and often deadly and destructive storms and tornados; please pray for those around us who have lost so much, some everything (and if you’re not aware look up Sulpher, OK on the internet and see the devastation—a whole town wiped out overnight, and they’re one of several towns in such dire straits.). So, I thought it might be a good time to just rehearse the goodness and faithful blessings of our Lord!  And on more fronts that one, we know that our God has and will take care of His own, including the land of Israel, even if the world disagrees!

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:1-6

A lost and dying world is watching to see if Christians really live what they talk about!  We will either shine for Jesus or lose the opportunity to bring glory to our God!

“A merry heart doeth good

like a medicine:

but a broken spirit

drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Let’s spread some smiles around—not fakey pretend that you’re glad for difficult circumstances, but the joy of the Lord that brings joy from the inside out!  Let’s share both our resources and our godly spirit of joy as we go about each day—rain or shine.  Even as Nehemiah encouraged the people of Israel as they rebuilt during trying circumstances, let’s keep our eyes on the prize not the price!  After all Jesus gave the ultimate price for our salvation, His life’s blood!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

 for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Satan can rain on my parade, or cast rocks at my windows, he can even rob me of earthly possessions—but he can never steal my “joy of the LORD” when I keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

Let us walk in the light of our Lord Jesus, The Light of the world!  When we stay focused on Jesus no one or no thing can rob us of our joy and peace—that which comes from God for He has placed it in our heart (See Romans 5:1-11). So let’s determine to keep that smile which comes out of that very “joy of the LORD”!

“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.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And in closing one of my favorite reminders!

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Smile and press on my friends, for in Jesus we win!!!  Remember:

“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.”  1 John 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!

Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

25 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Weariness

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Looking Unto Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #190

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

I want us to consider a different turn on this passage today!  This passage follows the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, and what we find if we go back and look at that chapter, is a list of those who were faithful to hear, heed and believe the things that God said to them, both what He has said in His Word, and even to some, a personal message.  We have the written Word as well as The Living Word, Jesus, and what they were looking forward to, we have seen through the testimony of Jesus’ Apostles and followers in The Word of God as well as history!

One of the things I think we often miss, is that while there is to be an action to our faith, we are to “lay aside” sin, and “run with patience” (or endurance) the race that Jesus sets before us—my race, assigned by The Master, not anyone else’s race.  Yet we are not called to run on our own, but the key is to keep “Looking unto Jesus”, our Lord and Savior, King of Kings, who is also “the author and finisher of our faith”!  We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not the particulars of our individual race, but to follow HIM where ever HE leads, knowing that if we keep our eyes on HIM, He will not lead us astray, into exhaustion, or confusion!  While we may often find ourselves feeling exhausted or confused, we must remember to refocus and get our eyes fixed on Jesus, not our surroundings, the people around us, or the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.

Jesus had a word for His disciples after they had been sent out to do ministry.  We need to heed His words and know that we must also make time for rest.

“And the apostles gathered themselves together

unto Jesus,

and told him all things,

both what they had done,

and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them,

Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,

and rest a while:

for there were many coming and going,

and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place

by ship privately.”  Mark 6:30-32

Sometimes we have to stop, look, and listen—not for the train, but for the signs of running on our own, not The Master’s strength.  I say this because sometimes we just have to stop and ask God to speak to our heart about where we are; for sometimes we let our feelings, our tiredness (be it real or imagined) and our personal expectations to drive us to doubt, pout and think about dropping out!  I experienced this recently, and I just had to take a walk and ask God to help me realign my focus back onto my Savior, not my feelings—even the ones that some would call justified—but I’d rather be right with Jesus than to justify myself in the eyes of people.

We must also remember that we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and God has given us lots of instruction in His Word to know how we can deal with these spiritual battles.  Let’s consider a few today—and I pray that they will help you in whatever battle you are facing; for as I’ve heard it said, “We are either about to face a battle, coming out of a battle, or in the red-hot midst of one!”  So, remember always:

“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.”  1 John 4:4

When we belong to Jesus; when Jesus is within us; we are overcomers because HE lives within us.  It’s the essential!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

And to use another of Paul’s admonitions to us, we need to suit up in our armor—every day!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:10-12

Don’t miss this grand calling, to not only be strong, but to be strong “in the Lord” and “in the power of HIS might”!  I pray that you will consider these encouraging instructions to walk in victory with Jesus.

“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;

6 And having in a readiness

to revenge all disobedience,

when your obedience is fulfilled.”                           2 Corinthians 10:3-6

And one of my favorite passages from Paul, I encourage you to memorize at least verse 8 and check your thoughts at the door, and if the thoughts don’t pass the Philippians 4:8 test, slam the door in the devil’s face!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 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 4:6-9

May you find courage to walk in victory with your Lord, regardless of the fleshly battles.  Remember, with Jesus, We Win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Word from THE WORD!!! #3 Bible Ballistics

29 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in Evil and Adulterous Generation?, Faith, Faithful, Seeking Signs?

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A Word from THE WORD!!!  #3

 

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came,

and tempting desired him

that he would shew them a sign

from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them,

When it is evening,

ye say, It will be fair weather:

for the sky is red.

 3 And in the morning,

It will be foul weather to day:

for the sky is red and lowring.

O ye hypocrites,

ye can discern the face of the sky;

but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given unto it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas.

And he left them, and departed.”  Matthew 16:1-4

Are we seeking Jesus or what HE can do!  Satan tried to tempt Jesus to use HIS power to “do signs”; what are you asking Jesus for?  Are you seeking HIM or want proof of something?  Jesus makes it clear that His resurrection IS THE SIGN.  Don’t get caught up in the culture’s demand, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, for signs and wonders.  The deceiver who is coming will fool the people with false signs and wonders—salvation and faith are just that, not some magic show.  We need to stop tempting God with our “demands” and bow before the KING of KINGS and LORD of Lords!  See what Jesus said to Satan’s request for “signs”! (And remember Satan can quote scripture too!)

“And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge

concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

 It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt

the Lord thy God.”  Matthew 4:6-7

Seems we often forget who’s God!  Job said it best—with no request for a “sign” about his situation!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

All because:

“For I know

that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:”  Job 19:25

Do you KNOW JESUS today, or are you running around seeking for signs?  “I know”, and you can too!  Simply look unto Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” for you and me!  If HE is knocking at the door of your heart, won’t you open the door and let HIM in?  No signs, just the pure presence of The Master! (See Hebrews 12:1-3)

Amen and Amen!!!

My Hope Is Secure??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 21

12 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Fear, Fearlessness, Holy Living, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 21  My Hope Is Secure???

 

“As the hart panteth

after the water brooks,

so panteth my soul

after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsteth for God,

for the living God:

when shall I come

and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my meat

day and night,

while they continually say unto me,

Where is thy God?

4 When I remember these things,

I pour out my soul in me:

for I had gone with the multitude,

I went with them to the house of God,

with the voice of joy

and praise,

with a multitude

that kept holyday.

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

and why art thou disquieted in me?

hope thou in God:

for I shall yet praise him

for the help of his countenance.

6 O my God,

my soul is cast down within me:

therefore will I remember thee

from the land of Jordan,

and of the Hermonites,

from the hill Mizar.

7 Deep calleth unto deep

at the noise of thy waterspouts:

all thy waves and thy billows

are gone over me.

8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness

in the daytime,

and in the night his song

shall be with me,

and my prayer

unto the God of my life.

9 I will say unto God my rock,

Why hast thou forgotten me?

why go I mourning

because of the oppression of the enemy?

10 As with a sword in my bones,

mine enemies reproach me;

while they say daily unto me,

Where is thy God?

11 Why art thou cast down,

O my soul?

and why art thou disquieted within me?

hope thou in God:

for I shall yet praise him,

who is the health of my countenance,

and my God.”  Psalm 42:1-11

As we consider many of the things going on around us, we can often become what the Psalmist describes as, “cast down, O my soul”……and our souls may become “disquieted in me”!  Yet, we can take heart and have the same confidence that the Psalmist had, and surely “hope thou in God”.  We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith”!

“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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds”. Hebrews 12:1-3

Our call is to follow Jesus, keep our eyes on HIM, and to run the race that HE has set before us; all in the assurance that many have experienced the faithfulness of God before us—in believing the witnesses, laying aside sin and the weights of trials that surround us, running the persistent race, with our Lord and HIS Word in view!  We must recognize that the great “cloud of witnesses”, are not a stadium of spectators, but the faithful who have walked the journey of faith before us.  In fact, many of them gave testimony to God’s faithfulness in chapter 11—known as the faith chapter!  And as we experience more and more of God’s faithfulness we can truly learn to walk consistently by faith!  And oh, what a faithful GOD we serve!  Paul gave us great advise for pursuing excellence in following our God.

“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.

15 Let us therefore,

as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing

ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this

unto you.”  Philippians 3:13-15

As we pursue the prize of our calling in Jesus, may we truly learn to live the crucified life: crucified to self and alive unto Jesus our Lord and King in all our ways!

“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

So, my friends, where is your hope placed?  Don’t let the enemy deceive you into hoping in yourself or the world, for God truly is our “very present help in trouble”!  And if there was ever a world in trouble, we’re living in it!  But don’t lose heart—we win because our GOD wins!!!

“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

Oh, what a God we serve!  Will you serve HIM with your whole heart?  Will you walk in confidence of HIS grace and mercy toward us!  May your week be full of blessings and grace!

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

but of power,

 and of love,

and of a sound mind…

…. 9 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,”   2 Timothy 1:7 & 9

Amen and Amen!!!