Tag Archives: Hebrews 13:8

How Far Is Too Far??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 26

11 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by in Discipline, Salvation, Sanctified, SIN

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 26  How Far Is Too Far???

 

My heart is heavy with the burden of the world that we live in, and yet even more, that those who claim the name of Jesus have accepted the world’s philosophy and lies over the truth of God’s Word and claim that it’s “OK”!  According to God’s Word—t’ain’t so!  While these are subjects to broach with humility and compassion, I believe that they are subjects that need to be addressed.

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers

of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers

of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”   2 Timothy 3:1-5

This list is pretty self-explanatory, even to the point of being something that could describe most front-pages of our news any day!  Yet what does this have to do with me/you/us?  A lot, I think, for we are there; yet many who claim to belong to Jesus, don’t seem to be recognizing it as such, but rather joining in with the world and adjusting The Word to meet their lifestyle choices, rather than ordering their “steps in Thy Word”. God has never changed—His character, His Word, or His call to salvation!  Jesus is still The Only Way—and His way will always align with The Word of God!

 “Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

When we come to Jesus—who never changes—HE makes a change in us; and The Word confirms that when we are ‘born again’ we are changed from the inside out—not one who works their way to heaven.  (See Colossians 1:12-14)

“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

Jesus came to save us “from” our sins, and while we must come “just as” we are, God never leaves us as we are—He is working to conform us to the image of His Son. Salvation reconciles us to God, changing us from the enemies of God to His own child.

“And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

 he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”   Romans 8:28-29

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

And when we are saved from our sins, we are made a “new creature” in Jesus, and God says His own won’t be left to ‘their own’ devices without His guiding hand, and His eternal work of redemption and sanctification in our lives.  Jesus disciplines His own, and if we don’t’ experience His work and discipline in our life, we better check out what we think saved us!

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation

which speaketh unto you as unto children,

My son,

despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,

nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth

every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you

as with sons;

for what son is he whom the father

chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh

which corrected us,

and we gave them reverence:

shall we not much rather

be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,

and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us

after their own pleasure;

but he for our profit,

that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present

seemeth to be joyous,

but grievous:

nevertheless afterward

it yieldeth the peaceable fruit

of righteousness

unto them

which are exercised thereby.”   Hebrews 12:5-11

The fruit of righteousness comes from God’s ‘training’ work in our lives, all to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ His Son.  And yet, I hear all around us of those who claim to be “Christians” and yet are continually “denying the power thereof”. I heard of an instance recently where a popular television program had two professing Christians on it (a reality show of sorts) and when one called the other to avoid immorality, he was rebuked and told that his opinion wasn’t valid –that God will forgive immorality when we ask, and that’s all that is important!  WRONG!  Yes, God will forgive when we seek His forgiveness, but it requires a repentant heart, a recognition of sin as sin, and not an arrogant refusal to accept God’s standard of life and morality but accepting the world’s standard while rejecting God’s truth!

“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 1:9-10

Jesus tells us that just ‘saying’ so doesn’t ‘make it’ so.  Are you talking a good talk, but living a different way?  How far have we been led astray, how far have you/I gone afield from God?  We must return to the “narrow road” if we truly belong to Jesus.  Jesus said it best; ask His words to truly speak to your heart!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:13-23

Just like Jesus continued on, we can have a house built on the rock–Jesus, or we can settle for a house that looks good but is built on the sand of the world.  So, remember, when the storms come–and they will come—the foundation determines the outcome!

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

 which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

 and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”   Matthew 7:24-27

Paul paints a wonderful word picture of our new relationship with God—and it’s not a relationship that minimalizes sin, or covers sin up, or calls wrong right, or right wrong.  Yet just as Paul told Timothy, those “perilous times” have come, we are surrounded by a world that proclaims a ‘modern gospel’ that is false, they have a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”!  They don’t want life-changing, transforming salvation that Jesus offers, but they simply want a “get out of hell free” card, that “cheap grace” that Dietrich Bonhoeffer talked about almost 100 years ago.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

 through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

 by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man some

would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us, in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And two final passages that I want to leave with you, are the quintessential revelation of God’s perspective on sin; passages that many reject today, but nonetheless, are still God’s truth, and I will simply list them here for you to ponder.  God’s opinion is the opinion that will matter. (See Hebrews 4:12-13 — God’s Word will be the defining Word of judgment!)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness and unrighteousness

of men, who hold the truth

 in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise,

they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God

into an image made like to corruptible man,

and to birds,

and fourfooted beasts,

and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up

to uncleanness

through the lusts of their own hearts,

to dishonour their own bodies

between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God

into a lie,

and worshipped and served the creature

more than the Creator,

who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up

unto vile affections:

for even their women did change

the natural use into that

which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men,

leaving the natural use of the woman,

burned in their lust

one toward another;

men with men

working that which

is unseemly,

and receiving in themselves

that recompence of their error

which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure

in them that do them.”   Romans 1:16-32

And lastly:

“Know ye not that the unrighteous

shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: (past tense)

but ye are washed,

but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified

 in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”   1 Corinthians 6:9-11

What’s your answer, “How Far Is Too Far”?  God will show you, if you really want to know!

“God forbid:

yea, let God be true,

but every man a liar;

as it is written,

That thou mightest be justified

in thy sayings,

and mightest overcome

when thou art judged.”  Romans 3:4

Amen and Amen!

Have You Heard The Latest??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 17

09 Sunday Jun 2019

Posted by in Have You Heard?, Nothing New

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 17   Have You Heard The Latest???                                                       (Or There Is Nothing New Under The Sun!)

 

Things seem to always be abuzz with the “latest”—the latest gossip; the latest technology; the latest movie, song or book.  The list could go on and on, but my point is when we really think about it, there is nothing new.  My husband found a couple of (new to him) series on one of the family friendly streaming services, and it’s amazing to find that no matter which one we may be watching they are all basically the same—people interacting with other people; and while the specific plot may change from program to program, the issues are the same—the good-vs-the ever; the lies versus the truth; morality (which is pretty non-moral these days) versus immorality (which is becoming more and more accepted by very subtle means of making it popular, convenient, and a speedy solution to whatever crisis may be at hand).

It grieves my heart to know that most in our culture have adopted their morality, lifestyle and perspective from the media—national, social, movies, music and sadly, often the educational establishment (although I am so thankful for the godly teachers on every level who share the truth of the Gospel in their realm of influence).  Yet this isn’t a new issue, but a very old one, as Solomon reminds us!

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing

under the sun.

10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said,

See,

this is new?

it hath been already of old time,

which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance

of former things;

neither shall there be any remembrance

of things that are to come

with those that shall come after.”   Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

Solomon reminds us that “there is no new thing under the sun”, for that which has been will be again; but the thing that struck me as I was posting this passage, is the last part of verse 11, “neither shall there be any remembrance”! What a true observation; we are a very short-sighted people, and we don’t remember from one election to another, the lies that we heard and the promises that turned into lies!  We forget to hold those accountable who pursue the responsibility of power, authority and prominence.  Yet the saddest thing of all, to me, is that we have forgotten God’s Word and His ways most of all!  We have been so deceived by the enemy that we no longer regard truth as “truth”!  We have come to accept perversion as normal; lies as necessities of business; moral turpitude as diversity; and murder as choice!

But this is not new—although it is a change for most of us who grew up in a different America—for there is nothing new “under the sun” or in God’s eyes!  Paul encountered a culture of similar “open-mindedness” as that which we face today.  His message was as true then as it is now—and the pivotal issue for Paul was the same as it is for us today—the cross of Jesus Christ and the resurrection through which Jesus triumphed over sin, death and hell.  But for most today, there is no such thing as sin, death has no consequence, and Hell is simply a by-word!

“And they that conducted Paul

brought him unto Athens:

and receiving a commandment

unto Silas and Timotheus

for to come to him with all speed,

they departed.

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens,

his spirit was stirred in him,

when he saw the city

wholly given to idolatry.

17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue

with the Jews,

and with the devout persons,

and in the market daily

with them that met with him.

18 Then certain philosophers

of the Epicureans,

and of the Stoicks,

encountered him.

And some said,

What will this babbler say?

other some,

He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods:

because he preached unto them Jesus,

and the resurrection.”  Acts 17:15-18

Paul’s heart was grieved as he encountered a culture totally steeped in idolatry; which Paul later equated with covetousness and greed in his letter to the Colossian church:

“Mortify therefore your members

which are upon the earth;

fornication,

uncleanness,

inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence,

and covetousness,

which is idolatry:”  Colossians 3:5

Paul understood what Jesus had taught, that what is in the heart will come out in our choices—and when greed, self, and lust fill our heart, they will come out in immoral, wicked and idolatrous behavior.  And like the Greeks, we need to hear the same message that Paul shared with the people of Athens; a culture of great sophistication, and wealth; but a culture also steeped in the throes of immorality and idolatry.  The conversation was fine until Paul clearly presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ—crucified, buried and risen for the salvation of sinners!

“And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying,

May we know what this new doctrine,

whereof thou speakest,

is?

20 For thou bringest certain strange things

to our ears:

we would know therefore what these things mean.

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers

which were there

spent their time in nothing else,

but either to tell,

or to hear

some new thing.)

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said,

Ye men of Athens,

I perceive that in all things

ye are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions,

I found an altar with this inscription,

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Whom therefore

ye ignorantly worship,

him declare I unto you.”   Acts 17:19-23

Paul was willing to speak the truth to any who would hear, which reminds us that, like much of our culture, the Athenians simply wanted to hear or tell “some new thing”!  Yet Paul wanted to share with them the ‘ultimate’ new thing—all the while sharing with them the “Old, Old Story” of Jesus—the Good News! And he continued his message.

“God that made the world and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life,

and breath,

and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood

all nations of men

for to dwell on all the face of the earth,

and hath determined the times

before appointed,

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord,

if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far

from every one of us:

28 For in him we live,

and move,

and have our being;

as certain also of your own poets

have said,

For we are also his offspring.

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God,

we ought not to think that the Godhead

is like unto gold,

or silver,

or stone,

graven by art

and man’s device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at;

but now commandeth

all men

every where

to repent:

31 Because he hath appointed a day,

in the which he will judge the world

in righteousness

by that man

whom he hath ordained;

whereof he hath given assurance

unto all men,

in that he hath raised him

from the dead.

32 And when they heard of the resurrection

of the dead,

some mocked:

and others said,

We will hear thee again

of this matter.”  Acts 17:24-32

The Athenians were with Paul until he spoke of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead; then they were skeptical and mocked.  Yet there were those who wanted to hear more.  Our job is to share the Gospel, not to force people to believe.  Like Jesus, Paul didn’t try to force anything on them, and if you go back and check, you’ll find that Jesus never explained Himself (except to those who asked for more understanding in sincerity, like the disciples who often didn’t get it!) or chased after anyone who walked away.  Paul did likewise.

“So Paul departed from among them.”   Acts 17:33

Trust God and remember that there are those who will respond, and we can help them when they do!

“Howbeit certain men clave unto him,

and believed:

among the which was Dionysius

the Areopagite,

and a woman named Damaris,

and others with them.”  Acts 17:34

We are called to be faithful witnesses, to share with those whom God places in our path; even speaking  HIS truth in all things; knowing that as we do, God will be glorified, we will grow, and the body of Christ (the church) will be strengthened.

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the

effectual working

in the measure

of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself

 in love.”  Ephesians 4:15-16

So, my friends, we must remember, “there is no new thing under the sun”—and that our God is ever in charge!  He is the sovereign God of all.  He gave HIS own Son to die for our salvation—the ONE way to know God and have abundant life!  It’s all about Him!  Have you heard the latest?  Have you read HIS Word!!!  It never changes (neither have the rules!)!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Jesus came for YOU and me!  Will you hear and receive the Good News, and walk in its truth?  The choice is yours, but remember, choose wisely—there is a test coming!  So, I’d simply like to close with one of the most beautiful and concise pictures of The Good News!  He loved you then—He loves you now, but you must choose!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”    John 3:14-21 Amen!

Where Are Your Dominoes??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12. No.11

04 Sunday Nov 2018

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.11  Where Are Your Dominoes???

 

I remember playing with dominoes as a child, not always the “game” of dominoes but laying them out in a line and then watching them fall on each other and thinking that was so amazing. And we’ve all seen those elaborate dominoes that take people hours and days to set up and then in just a few short minutes the dominoes fall in intricate patterns to amaze us all. But the dominoes that I want to talk about today are the cultural “dominoes” that are falling all around us—and the results are anything but happily amazing—they are tragic and frightening and we need to wake up and make some changes while we still can!

“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.” Galatians 6:7-9

We are reaping not the fancy, cutesy, domino stunts that we see on videos, but we are reaping Satan’s domino effect which is tragic—ruining our homes, churches, cities and our nation (besides the world at large!). Many of us bought the lies as young people (I am a product of the 50’s and 60’s and the end has been less than admirable—divorces, rebellion, child abuse, pornography, drugs, no work ethic, not even considering the rejection of God!), and made choices in light of our belief in and acceptance of those half-truths and lies (And just FYI—half-truths are lies!) and now we are watching the consequences of those choices, even we who have repented and returned to God. I must share the things that are on my heart. We bought into the “soap opera” mentality—that if we “love” anyone or anything then what we do for that “love” is all right! But that isn’t what God says—sin is sin and if we sow sin to our flesh, we will reap corruption and destruction. Even as Jesus told us:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.” Matthew 7:12-13

Jesus told us that there are two ways to go—a popular way, and a straight/narrow way (and I mean that any way you want to take it!) —and we have the privilege to choose which way we will go, but we aren’t privileged to set the consequence, for God has already set the consequences, and warned all that will receive His Word of the danger of sin, and the deliverance that HE has provided to all who will “hear what the Spirit says…” about the Son of God who gave HIS life for us! But what we must come to grips with is that we have created most of the problems that we are now facing in our country (and the world in general) by choosing the wisdom of men over the true wisdom of God.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 16:25

I’ve learned in reading and studying the Bible, that when something is repeated, we need to take note of—it is important—and God wants us to know that sin will look good in the beginning for Satan is the greatest advertising executive of all time—He can paint a picture of beauty and glory, but it is all gilded with lies, and the truth will come to light, but often too late to escape an inevitable consequence. Even scripture tells that there is “pleasure” in sin, but at what price? Let’s consider what the “faith” chapter tells us about the prophet Moses.

“By faith Moses,

when he was born,

was hid three months of his parents,

because they saw

he was a proper child;

and they were not afraid

of the king’s commandment.

24 By faith Moses,

when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction

with the people of God,

than to enjoy

the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect unto the recompence

of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt,

not fearing the wrath of the king:

for he endured,

as seeing him

who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:23-27

We see two examples of faith here; we see Moses’ parents, who hid him for three months “because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment”! The Pharaoh had commanded that all the baby boys should be killed, yet Moses’ parents kept him hidden from the king and later trusted him to God as Jochebed put him in a basket and placed him where he could be found by some Egyptian who would take pity on him. Then beyond imagination, Pharaoh’s daughter took Moses to be her own child, and paid his mother to nurse him until he was weaned. Yet when Moses became an adult (I can’t help but believe he remembered the stories that Jochebed shared with him as a child!) he recognized that there was a difference between God’s people, and ways and the “pleasures of sin for a season” in the Egyptian palace! Moses could have continued to live in opulent wealth, prestige and power, yet he saw that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the true God, and His ways were worth the cost! He had set his heart on the true Almighty God, and chose to follow Him “not fearing the wrath of the king”! Moses, unlike some of us, recognized the fleeting, seasonal nature of sin, and he chose God’s way.

And while it took forty years in the dessert for God to prepare him for the difficult task ahead, God had his heart. What about you and me? There is another man of God who made good choices in his youth but messed up in his latter years, who reminds us that Satan is no respecter of age—he tempts the young, the middle-aged, and the older generation. Sin has no age limit! We must choose to serve God, God’s way! He hasn’t changed the rules no matter what people may think. Sometimes it seems that people have more faith in their “check” than in God. And marriage is one of Satan’s main targets! Yet God has made His standard clear, and how He feels about marriage and adultery (and any sex outside of marriage is adultery—pre, current or post marriage!) is key! The author of Hebrews reminds us of how believers ought to behave before the world, and where our confidence ought to be—and it’s not in the government (checks or no checks) or the weather person!

“Let brotherly love continue.

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

for thereby some

have entertained angels unawares.

3 Remember them that are in bonds,

as bound with them;

and them which suffer adversity,

as being yourselves

also in the body.

4 Marriage is honourable

in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:1-6

The rules haven’t changed! And the other man I want us to look at is Solomon. A young man who started strong but fell into sin—and you might be amazed at what caused his demise!

“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said,

Ask what I shall give thee.

6 And Solomon said,

Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David

my father

great mercy,

according as he walked before thee

in truth,

and in righteousness,

and in uprightness of heart

with thee;

and thou hast kept for him

this great kindness,

that thou hast given him a son

to sit on his throne,

as it is this day.

7 And now, O LORD my God,

thou hast made thy servant king

instead of David my father:

and I am but a little child:

I know not how to go out

or come in.

8 And thy servant is in the midst

of thy people

which thou hast chosen,

a great people,

that cannot be numbered

nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good

and bad:

for who is able to judge this

thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord,

that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him,

Because thou hast asked this thing,

and hast not asked for thyself long life;

neither hast asked riches for thyself,

nor hast asked the life of thine enemies;

but hast asked for thyself

understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise

and an understanding heart;

so that there was none like thee

before thee,

neither after thee

shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee

that which thou hast not asked,

both riches,

and honour:

so that there shall not be any

among the kings

like unto thee

all thy days.

14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways,

to keep my statutes

and my commandments,

as thy father David did walk,

then I will lengthen thy days.”  1 Kings 3:5-14

Solomon knew that only God could give him a heart of wisdom and understanding to rule God’s people, and God was so pleased with his humble request, that He not only granted Solomon’s request, but God also granted him riches and honor. God also told him that if he would walk in HIS ways, like David had, He would “lengthen thy days”! The catch was Solomon’s heart of compromise toward the pagan women that he took as wives (and remember he had a lot of them—700 wives and 300 concubines!) who caused him to stumble and fall away from faithfully serving God. And to borrow from the NASB “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (See 1 Corinthians 15:33)

“But king Solomon

loved many strange women,

together with the daughter of Pharaoh,

women of the Moabites,

Ammonites,

Edomites,

Zidonians,

and Hittites;

2 Of the nations

concerning which the LORD said

unto the children of Israel,

Ye shall not go in to them,

neither shall they come in unto you:

for surely they will turn away

your heart

after their gods:

Solomon clave unto these in love.

3 And he had seven hundred wives,

princesses,

and three hundred concubines:

and his wives turned away his heart.

4 For it came to pass,

when Solomon was old,

that his wives turned away his heart

after other gods:

and his heart was not perfect

with the LORD his God,

as was the heart of David

his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess

of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil

in the sight of the LORD,

and went not fully after the LORD,

as did David his father.”   1 Kings 11:1-6

Solomon chose foolishly—he surrounded himself with pagan wives (“bad companions”, regardless of the reasoning—whether it was for political positioning, or lust, or seasonal pleasure) who turned his heart away from following God! And when we choose the way of the world, it will always be in a direction opposite from God’s way! We can choose that “broad way” and face the destruction, or we can choose the “narrow… way” and have life. Yet Jesus said, “few there be that find it”—it has never been popular to follow God’s way, and it never will be, but it IS the only way to God.

Who will you follow—what dominoes are you setting up? Who will follow you (and your dominoes)? Are you leading them to God, or will they be lead to destruction. Paul talks about those who willingly and gladly lead others down the wrong road, and our world abounds with such people!

“Because that,

when they knew (recognized) God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise,

they became fools…

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.” Portions of Romans 1:21-32

We/I/you can only turn our culture around one choice at a time—we must repent of our failures and wrong choices (our sin) which have demeaned the truth of the Gospel, and come back to The Word of God as our lodestar, before the dominoes completely crash around our feet. May we all seek to “stand fast in the evil day”, being a reflection of the glory of our Lord, not falling for the lies of the enemy, nor being drawn astray by the “pleasures of sin” for any season! Oh God forgive our failure to stand for YOUR truth in days gone past, as well as today, and help us to keep our eyes on JESUS—the only way, who is the same always.

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

Keeping our eyes on HIM, and abiding IN HIM, that His glory may be seen in us each and every day!

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken

unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”   John 15:1-5

When we belong to Jesus, we are empowered by His Holy Spirit to do HIS work, and by His power we can truly pray and see:

“Thy kingdom come……Thy will be done…”

Praying with a heart set on HIM, knowing HE will prevail!!!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

I’ll close with a passage from Psalms:

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:3-6

Marginalizing God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07

30 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Marginalizing God, Salvation, SIN

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07     Marginalizing God???

 

There have been deceivers since Eden, and they’re still alive and well in our midst today. Scripture is replete with God’s warnings to keep our hearts set on Him and The Son—but our culture is trying to undermine those who follow the Jesus of the Bible. We must cling to The One who saves and keeps us despite the draw of the world, or the ridicule that we may encounter.

I have watched of late the ugliness of hate, despite and disregard of the truth or the rule of law—we as a country stand on the precipice of anarchy! But why are we here? I’d like to share a few thoughts with you today from my perspective.

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

As we often hear today, “What you see is what you get.” yet we need to consider that much of what we “see” and “hear” is staged, orchestrated and promoted for an agenda—good bad or indifferent, it’s not real. When I think back many years I am reminded of the lies that we who were young in the 60’s bought—we believed and bought into the idea that all things are equal, and it doesn’t matter how you look, or how you act, or what you believe—just “love” everybody! After all, people are inherently good! WRONG! I remember a time when women (as a whole) were raised to be gentle, soft and kind, but now we have raised generations of “liberated” women—women who are liberated from restraint, respect, goodness, kindness, modesty, self-respect, and of course gentility! God created a man and a woman who were equal before Him and He gave them to each other, for companionship, communion and procreation.

We now live in a culture that is satisfied with women (and men) who are crude in their behavior, vulgar in their language, and more often than not, immoral in their ways. Women have won the right to cuss like the men, be as vulgar as the men, drink like the men, smoke like the men, lie and steal and cheat!!! I’d say we’ve lost way more than we supposedly gained. We have allowed the world to convince us that we are at war with one another, forgetting that God’s design was for the husband and the wife to become one–united together for their common good and the good of society.

“And the LORD God said,

It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.

19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field;

but for Adam there was not found

an help meet for him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep

to fall upon Adam,

and he slept:

and he took one of his ribs,

and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib,

which the LORD God had taken from man,

made he a woman,

and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said,

This is now bone of my bones,

and flesh of my flesh:

she shall be called Woman,

because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave

his father

and his mother,

and shall cleave unto his wife:

and they shall be one flesh.

25 And they were both naked,

the man and his wife,

and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:18-25

This is one of my favorite passages in scripture, and I love teaching the beauty of God’s plan for man and woman—God allowed Adam to name all the creatures—male and female—and see that they were “paired” up. God always brings us to see our need before He meets that need, and when God brought the woman to Adam, he knew God had “completed” him. God brought Eve to be a completer not a competer!

“It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.”

We have allowed our culture to convince us (for a great part) that men and women are by nature (of course the world teaches that we just ‘evolved’ from goo—go figure that out) enemies, yet God created “male and female” to compliment each other and bring fulfillment each to the other, to serve God jointly and share in the making and raising of families.

I know personally, I bought the lies from the world, and even in the 60’s and 70’s the church was buying into them also. I accepted the lie that my “happiness” was more important than God’s call to salvation, marriage or holiness, and I made choices that changed my life and the lives of my children, family and loved ones in ways that were beyond devastating ultimately, more than I could have imagined. My choices and their consequences still reverberate through the years. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and just like our first verse said today, just because something “seems” right in the moment, it doesn’t mean it IS right before God. And if it’s not right before God—IT IS NOT RIGHT! No matter what the world, our friends or our “heart” says. God hasn’t changed His mind, His Word or His principles of truth, right and morality.

“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.” Galatians 6:7-9

We live in a culture of “credit”—if you don’t have the money, just charge it. We have oft times chosen to live our lives that way—particularly our spiritual lives (and our lives are spiritual in nature, because we are created in the image of God, see Genesis 1 and Genesis 9:6)—by spending our lives in sin and depravity today and thinking we can fix it later. We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow, and God makes it clear that if we refuse to humble ourselves before Him, repenting of our sin, trusting in Jesus substitutionary, sacrificial atonement for our sin, we will pay that debt ourselves. And that debt is death and hell—and it will come due for those who refuse to accept Jesus sacrifice for sin.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

We will all die, and we will all give an answer for our choices –no matter if we were deceived or not. The question isn’t “Will you bow?” but when? You can choose to follow Jesus in repentance and faith now and be born again unto eternal life, or you will bow before Jesus at as your judge, with no opportunity for grace and salvation. It’s your choice, but choose wisely, for no matter what the world may say, God is still in charge, and Jesus is coming again (and I believe soon!), and YOU will bow and give and account of your choices!!! Jesus is the same—and so is sin, and God is the judge not you!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Sin is still sin, even if the legislature renames it and calls it good. There have always been those who try to change God’s ways, but God will judge righteous judgment; and regardless of whether it was my poor, sinful choices years ago, or your poor, sinful choices today, we will reap what we sow. I simply praise God for forgiveness and restoration that He can and will give when we bow before Him and confess our sin, repenting and seeking HIS cleansing.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 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.”    1 John 1:6-9

The world continually tries to marginalize God, His Word and His Ways, particularly the unique substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for sin, but it can never succeed, and we need to know the truth so we will recognize the lies. Oh, how I wish I had been willing to go God’s way instead of my own those many years ago. But I thank God for a godly daddy who loved me, even when I was at my worst, who prayed and asked God to grant me “crop failure”—and I know his prayers were answered in God’s mercy and grace working in my life, bringing me to my knees at the cross. I know that my poor choices were covered by the blood of Jesus “that cleanseth us from all sin”! Yet I must say, that even when we find personal forgiveness from God for our sin, it doesn’t mean that all the consequences will be erased. I watched those that I love the most, my children, and others go through horrific difficulties because of my sin, some lingering even still today. But at the same time, I know God has heard and answered my prayers for them and others who make wrong choices today. HE still hears and answers prayer today!

I say all this to simply say that we must stop letting the world dictate what we believe and practice in our daily living—God still says that morality is moral—and immorality is NOT! God hates divorce (but He loves those who have made poor choices in marriage and divorce)—God calls immorality, pride and selfish greed sin, and He will judge all sin. Marriage is still what God designed it to be, and parents are to love and care for their children. Yet we live in a culture that saves the trees, and puppies but kills the babies in the womb. There is nothing “right” about that. And just to clear the record, God says “marriage” is honorable, not co-habiting, or perversion, and it doesn’t matter if your 16 or 66! God hasn’t changed His mind (We must decide if we want to trust God, the culture, or the government for our needs!)!!!

“Marriage is honourable

in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:4-6

God gives us the ultimate definition of sin and salvation.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”   Romans 1:16-17

Paul goes on to make it clear to all who will hear the truth.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12

“For all have sinned,

and come short 

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

In closing, I would like to call each one of us to examine ourselves and see if we are walking in the light—His light; to see if we are doing things God’s way or the world’s; if we have accepted sin as ok, joining the crowd who are marginalizing God and His Word. It’s all around us, we must choose—but choose wisely, there is a test at the end!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

God still saves and changes lives today! He’ll do it for YOU, and His forgiveness and cleansing will free your soul! Amen!

First And Last??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 06

24 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by in The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 06 First And Last???

 

We talked a bit ago about Jesus being first in our hearts and lives, for those who have trusted in HIM! Yet it is a constant struggle to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus with all the distractions around us, and “wiles of the devil” calling us to abandon our “first love”.

Today I’d like us to consider why Jesus is the only One that is worthy of our “First Love”. HE alone is the one who loves us first, and gave Himself for our salvation, that we might be restored to “son ship” (We are made children of God when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith for salvation—when we are born again!)

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

             but of God.” John 1:12-13

We are born of God, restored to relationship with the Almighty God who created us; The One from whom we walked away shortly after creation—but God (one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture—“but God….”) had already made provision for our redemption through Jesus. His Son would be the first and last—the first and only God, man, Savior; the One who would provide the sacrifice for sin, and eventually even make an end of sin, and be the ‘last One’ to deliver the final blow to Satan, and make all things new! So let’s take some time today to consider the confidence that we can have in this One who is “the first and the last”, not because I say so but because God says so—and His Word is forever true, because He IS truth that never changes.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

This same Jesus is the One who was in the beginning with God, because He was God, and is God, and He leads His own, and knows us by name!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me, is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”   John 10:27-30

It’s kind of like a mom with her children in a crowed place, she can hear many unidentifiable voices all around her, but when one of her own cries out for help—that voice is totally recognizable to that mom, because it is one of her own! And her child knows her voice as well. When we belong to Jesus He knows our voice, and as we learn to intimately walk with Him, we will learn to recognize His voice more quickly and follow Him via His voice (His Holy Spirit within us) more consistently. Striving not for perfection, but for excellence, holiness, and intimate confidence in our daily living, all because we are children of God/Jesus who imparts The Holy Spirit to dwell within us. (See Ro. 5:1-11 & 8:9)

“For ye have not received

the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received

the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs

with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may

be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed

in us.” Romans 8:15-18

As His children, we are often called to suffer with/for Him, because the world doesn’t love our God, and therefore they won’t love us, HIS children. When we walk right before our God and Savior, most of the world won’t like it.

“Yea,

and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13 

I find it most interesting that while there has always been a natural affection between children and parents, we are seeing a phenomenon today, but a phenomenon that God told us would be one of the signs of the times when Jesus would return, a lack of “natural affection”. But it shouldn’t be so for us who are HIS children!

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate,

saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”  2 Corinthians 6:17-18

We are His children—what a blessing! But not everyone wants to know God or be His child, and we are living in a world that is rejecting Him more and more blatantly every day! Yet this is no surprise to God, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to us, for God has told us beforehand. Are we listening?

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”   2 Timothy 3:1-5

It’s amazing to me that this could have come out of any current morning newspaper! It is an accurate description of our culture—of the culture of the world—I see in my community, as you see it in yours, a microcosm of sin that breaks my heart, but remember Jesus still saves and changes lives today, and we can share the good news. Jesus—the first and the last—is still calling today:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

This One who created it all cares about you and me! I pray that you are looking to “Jesus….the author and finisher of our faith”—the “first and the last”! (See Heb. 12:1-2)

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body,

the church:

who is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead;

that in all things

he might have the preeminence.”  Colossians 1:12-18

He is calling us to Himself, because He is the Only Way to God! Only One Redeemer—Only One Way—Only One Jesus—The First and The Last!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:6

And this One, who loves us and calls us to Himself, is still calling today; The One who gave His life for our salvation—and for all who will believe–and His arms are open to you today! Open because HE IS the first-born from the dead, The One who overcame death and hell that we could live!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-29

This One who is the first and last, invites us to take “His” yoke—and we will never walk alone—for He will lead and direct our every step in that yoke, as we step with HIM.

“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

As we walk with Jesus, He guides us into all His truth and ways, as we heed the voice of His Spirit leading and teaching us as we delve into HIS Word.

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:133

“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

Jesus, our first and last, is the One who supplies our every need as we look to Him, depending on His care rather than trying to go our own way. We are in a constant struggle with our flesh and the world around us calling us to veer from the “straight and narrow” (not a popular way to go, but the way that God calls us to go). We must heed the warnings that He gives us in His Word—there is only One way that leads to God, and eternal life, and that way is Jesus! Be careful who you listen to and who you follow—make sure it’s the good shepherd and that you’re not being led astray by the “wolves in sheep’s clothing”

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you

in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”    Matthew 7:13-15

Don’t sacrifice “truth” for “trendy”—for wolves usually have the trendiest message, but it is the way “that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”! Just because it’s popular and fashionable doesn’t mean it’s right! We must be on our guard for the deceiving ones, and they are everywhere—even in the church—always have been, always will be, until the Lord comes and takes control of this world! Even so, come Lord Jesus! But we need to be ready to be found faithful to Him and not the world or self (and they are pretty hard to tell apart for the world will always appeal to your flesh and mine!). May we “withstand in the evil day”, and we can only do that by keeping our eyes on the prize—Jesus; remembering that He IS our soon-coming King! Let’s not fall asleep on duty, and miss hearing “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

“And, behold,

I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.”   Revelation 22:12-13

Even as Paul reminded his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, may we be found to be “vessels of honor” fit for the Master’s use? (For more see 1 Corinthians 3:7-16)

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name

of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels

of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

and prepared unto every good work.”   2 Timothy 2:19-21

Our first and last is coming—may we keep our eyes on HIM! The best is yet to come, and it will be worth the wait!

“And God shall wipe away all tears

from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death,

neither sorrow,

nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said,

Behold, I make all things new.

And he said unto me,

Write:

for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me,

It is done.

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end.

I will give unto him that is athirst

of the fountain of the water of life freely.”   Revelation 21:4-6

Amen and Amen!!!