Tag Archives: Hebrews 4:14-16

Humbly Trusting Our God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 14

26 Monday Jul 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Conformed to HIS image, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, Humility, I Know Whom I Have Beleived

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 14  Humbly Trusting Our God???

 

I want to let you know that posts may be a bit sporadic for a while, as we are making some life changes at our house and for the next couple of weeks, we’ll have things going on that may keep me from writing on my regular schedule.  I am so thankful for each of you, and thank you for your prayers, encouraging words, notes, reactions, and replies to our work.  My prayer is that God will always be lifted up, HIS Word exalted, and hearts and lives encouraged and drawn nearer to the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord.  So, for today a brief word that is an encouragement to me, and I pray to you!

“Let nothing be done

through strife

or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other

better than themselves.

4 Look not every man

on his own things,

but every man

also on the things of others.

5 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.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory

of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:3-11

May we each choose to seek Jesus’ face, and humble ourselves before God and be like Jesus; it’s what God is working into our lives in every circumstance!  We can trust to HIS care.

“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 just a little side note in closing, for many years I had heard Romans 8:28 “all things”, and it seemed rather flippant and often made God seem erratic or unfeeling to just flip out this or that to whomever!  BUT—then I found out there was a verse 29 in this amazing chapter of Romans!  Oh, praise God, HE has a purpose in all our trials, suffering, stumblings, even in our successes and failures!  OH, praise God—HE has promised that HE is at work in every situation that we might be “conformed to the image of his Son”!  I can’t tell you what joy and confidence that brought to my heart, and I hope it will do the same for you today!

May we seek HIM continually, humbling ourselves before God regardless of our circumstances, life changes, heartaches, or trials, and especially in the successes of life that can often build our “ego” rather than build our humble faith!

Be blessed and rejoice in all that God IS, not just what HE IS doing.  He is truly our “strong tower” and we can “run into it” any time.  Run to Jesus!  (See Proverbs 18:10)

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Through All Things…HE IS Here!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #739

30 Wednesday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #739 Through All Things…HE IS Here!!!

 

“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 43:1-3

I would like to share a few things this morning that I pray will lift our hearts and encourage us today in whatever trials we may be encountering.  GOD IS ALWAYS HERE! THERE!  EVERYWHERE!  Just look up and call upon HIM!

“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

Jesus IS God, and HE loves you and me and calls us to lean upon HIM in every situation; I have found HIM faithful, and HE has NEVER failed me—EVER!  So run to HIS throne today, no matter how frightened, frustrated, confused, tired or weary you may be—HE IS THERE for you/me right now!

“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

We can come “boldly” to our loving Lord, not in arrogance or presumption, but with bold confidence, knowing that HIS open arms are ever waiting for us to run into, no matter the situation.  He is ever working on our behalf, bringing us to glory—HIS GLORY to share!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it until the day

of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

HE IS my confidence and can be yours!  Amen and Amen!!!

Thank YOU Jesus??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #723

22 Thursday Apr 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, HOPE, Humility

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #723  Thank YOU Jesus???

 

Just a note to end the week on a positive note of encouragement (and yes, I know it’s not Friday, but this will be the last post for the week) lifting our eyes upward—to Jesus, where they need to be!

“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

As we face challenges each day, may we remember that God calls us to walk in faith, knowing that HE is ever faithful to those who believe in HIM, and follow HIM faithfully. Just as Hebrews 11 tells us:

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…. 5 By faith Enoch

was translated that he should not see death;

and was not found,

because God had translated him:

for before his translation

he had this testimony,

that he pleased God.

6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”              Hebrews 11:1 & 5-6

This is why it is so important to be in The Word of God—to know who HE is, and what HE says.  It is my hope and total confidence; and I want to always share that confidence with you.  Not confidence in my ability or judgment, but in God’s eternal sovereignty, knowing that HE never changes, and that HE is ever working for our good, and HIS Word is true!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

And in HIS “sameness” of total holiness, righteousness and truth, we can know that our God is at work in and through us!  Oh, how I praise HIM for HIS faithful work in our lives in all things; all to conform us to the “image of His son”!

“But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that

all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”            Romans 8:25-29

Because God is ever working in we—you and me—who are following Jesus, we can confidently come into HIS presence for aid, hope, and answers from The One who took on flesh, lived, died and was raised for the payment of our sin, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

“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

HE is always ready to grant us grace, wisdom and hope.

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:5-6

I pray that we will each be encouraged to keep “looking unto Jesus” rather than self, others, and especially not the world’s ideas for solutions.  Satan is still the “father of lies” who only wants to destroy us.  Look up friends, to Jesus, not around at the “lions”!  We are victors not “lion food”!  Stand fast in JESUS!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:6-8

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!

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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!

By HIS Grace–Each Day??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24

07 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory To God, God Who Sees, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 24.  By HIS Grace—Each Day???

 

“Therefore by the deeds of the law

there shall no flesh be justified

in his sight:

for by the law

is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God

without the law is manifested,

being witnessed

by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all

them that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth in Jesus.”  Romans 3:20-26

It’s God’s grace that saved me, and it’s God’s grace that keeps me and is ever at work in me and by His sovereign grace, He can be seen in me, through all I say and do, as I yield myself to His Holy Spirit and power within me!  Being a living sacrifice, as Paul describes to the Roman and the Galatian believers as well.  All because it is Christ IN me!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”   Romans 12:1-3

The key is remembering that it’s all about “Who” is living in me—or, if you would, who is sitting on the throne of my life?  Me or Jesus?  I must die to self and live to Jesus by the grace that HE imparts to HIS own for every-day victory!!!

“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.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:

for if righteousness come by the law,

then Christ is dead in vain.”  Galatians 2:20-21

God’s ministry of grace in us—to minister to others!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”    Colossians 1:25-27

All by HIS grace—unmerited favor–bought by the blood of Jesus which “cleanseth us from all sin”! (See 1 John 1:7)

“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.”  Romans 5:1-2

It is all about Jesus—and I’m so glad!  For as Paul said so aptly, “no good thing” dwelleth in me!  It has to be all about HIM, even Jesus made this very clear.

“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 5:1-5

So, the question for each of us is, are we abiding in “the vine” and therefore able to “bring forth more fruit” or are we trying to bear our own fruit?  The choice is yours, but Jesus said plainly that “without me ye can do nothing”! And Paul describes this issue in 1 Corinthians 3—are we working with our own resources or God’s?  The test is by fire—are you working in “wood, hay and stubble” or “gold, silver and precious stones”!  The fire will reveal our real work!  It has to be ALL “of HIM…through HIM…and to HIM”!

“According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

 but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?”  1 Corinthians 3:10-16

It all depends on the foundation—Jesus!  Am I abiding IN HIM, relying ON HIM, and using HIS supply?  Or am I settling for less—and what the world offers is always LESS?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.  We can be found faithful as we continue to abide IN HIM!

“Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am,

 therewith to be content.

12 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.”

HOW?  Only one way! 

“13 I can do all things

       through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:11-13

And to put all of these things in perspective, I’d like to remind each of us of Jesus’ instruction for our prayer life—while I am free to come to God with all my requests, burdens, troubles and trials, I am not free to dictate to God in the name of “faith”; I can trust God to do right no matter what is going on!  And I do!  How about you?  We can hold on to the assurance that OUR GOD reigns, and HE invites us to come to HIM in all things.

“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

Let’s stay before HIS throne in humble gratitude for the grace that supplies our every need if we will but cling to HIS cross.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:9-10

May God bless you as you seek HIS face in confidence and total reliance upon HIM, shouting: (See Revelation 19:6)

“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!

We win!!!  Amen and Amen!!!