Tag Archives: Hebrews 4:15-16

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Death, Father's Way!, GET READY, Glory To God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's love, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, Power of The Cross, The manger leads to the cross

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will

toward men.

15 And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them

into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known

unto us.

16 And they came with haste,

and found Mary,

and Joseph,

and the babe

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-16

Just as this amazing news of The Messiah was told to shepherds, they went to see this child and found him “lying in a manger” because “there was no room for them in the inn”; amazed, like the shepherds, we come to the manger during this wonderful season of celebrating Jesus our King!  Yet we must not be distracted from the truth that Jesus didn’t stay in that manger.  He grew to be the man who was nailed to a cruel Roman cross for my sin and yours!  That is why HE came!  This precious baby endured the trials of all flesh without sin, HE was/is the perfect “lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!  He came to be born that He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin–He was Born to Die–for our sin, to be raised from the dead, and ascend back to heaven where HE ever intercedes for His own!

“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 4:15-16

Yet, there’s more–more that points us to the pain of the cross, so let’s go back to Luke’s account, and while this is a bit lengthy, I think it worth our time and effort!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him

by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen

the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit

 into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant

depart in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them,

and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set

for the fall and rising again

of many in Israel;

and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through

thy own soul also,)

that the thoughts of many hearts

may be revealed.”  Luke 2:25-35

Then we see this prophecy played out at the foot of the cross!

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus

his mother,

and his mother’s sister,

Mary the wife of Cleophas,

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother,

and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,

he saith unto his mother,

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple,

Behold thy mother!

And from that hour that disciple

took her unto his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing

that all things were now accomplished,

that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith,

I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:

and they filled a spunge with vinegar,

and put it upon hyssop,

and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,

he said,

It is finished:

and he bowed his head,

and gave up the ghost.”  John 19:25-30

Like some of you, I have experienced the death of a child, and it is like a sword piercing your heart, leaving a hole that seems to always be there–even when the immediate pain subsides, the hole in your heart is ever-present with you!  I can’t imagine the pain that Mary felt, knowing that this was God’s plan for her own salvation; the wonder and questions that flooded her soul, are the same questions that often come to our hearts!  BUT GOD!  God was working His perfect plan for the redemption of mankind, for all who would repent of their sin and trust in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus offered at Calvary.  It’s all about the cross, so don’t linger at the manger and miss the cross, but trust to the sacrifice that this baby came to BE!  And as Paul so clearly reminds us, and which I try to convey in all I write and teach:

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

And Paul’s words ever resound in my heart as my hope, my goal, and my encouragement! May it ever spark us on to greater hope and victories as we walk in the power of the precious Holy Spirit whom Jesus imparts to each of His own!

“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

May you draw near to the cross, remembering the greatest gift of all, Who was laid in that manger in Bethlehem; enjoy your celebrations but don’t forget the price that baby came to pay for you and me!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

HE Remains Faithful In ALL??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Comfort, Grace, Grief, Sorrow

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14   HE Remains Faithful In ALL???

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

 I have a brief word to share with you this morning as I think of Jeremiah; for Jeremiah is often called ‘The Weeping Prophet’, and I think someone besides me may need some help and encouragement that you are not the only one who is “still” grieving….   I’ve helped enough friends and loved ones through the years to deal with the idiosyncrasies of grief; it is an unpredictable emotion, and it reveals itself in strange and unique ways to each of us.  So often people feel guilty or ashamed of the ways or timing of their grief, sometimes to the point of not even trying to share it—yet we all need a safe place to share our grief.  Some people even shame or judge others for the ways or timings of their grief, but scripture is replete with the expressions of the emotion of grief in God’s own people, and grief is never criticized or condemned!  (See John 11:35)

This is one of the reasons that I mentioned Jeremiah, for he was a man of God who was called to the hard task of prophesying and calling God’s own to repent or be judged by captivity of the Babylonians.  Well, for the most part Jeremiah was ignored, ridiculed, and even tortured for his faithful service to God, and his preaching of God’s truth to a people who didn’t care to listen.  He did this hard task for some 40 years, and when Israel fell to the Babylonians, he was totally broken hearted and grieved to his soul.  You can read the short book of Lamentations, which was just that, a record of his lamenting—grieving—for his people; and it is a comfort to see how God helped him to see the hope that is found in the faithful Lord God Almighty.

“And I said,

My strength and my hope

is perished from the LORD:

19 Remembering mine affliction

and my misery,

the wormwood

and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,

and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion,

saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good

unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good

that a man should both hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation

of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:18-26

We serve the living Lord, and as Paul said, we can grieve but praise God, not without hope!  For our hope is not in the grave, but in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal “LIFE” that He gives to those who come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  As Paul says, grieving not as those “which have no hope”, for our life, hope and future is grounded in the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord! (And sleep mentioned here in Thessalonians is a reference to death.)

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,

concerning them which are asleep,

that ye sorrow not,

even as others

which have no hope.

14 For if we believe

that Jesus died and rose again,

even so them also which sleep in Jesus

will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you

by the word of the Lord,

that we which are alive and remain

unto the coming of the Lord

shall not prevent them

which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend

from heaven

with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel,

and with the trump of God:

and the dead in Christ

shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain

shall be caught up together

with them

in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air:

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another

with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And a reminder from Jesus, as He reminded His own disciples, that our hope is in HIM, our soon coming king, and our eternal home!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.”  John 14:1-4\

Because of our KING, we have hope that sustains us in those moments (albeit sometimes looonnnnnggg moments) which are a great hope for the soul; we must simply keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

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

So, let us remember Paul’s words of encouragement and challenge, knowing we can make it by HIS mercies which “are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”!  His faithfulness is ever with us, even in our grief!!!  Remember, God watched HIS own SON die for you and me!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

 forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:13-14

Jesus understands your grief—His arms are open wide for you—day or night!!!  Run to Jesus!

“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 4:15-16

 And in closing, a verse you may have missed:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears

into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?”  Psalm 56:8

Amen and Amen!!!

Really Knowing God??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #777

11 Friday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Courage, Daniel & Hannah--Faithful Servant's, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Have You Heard?, He Died That We Could Live, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Leading Or Mis-Leading?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: BBs #777   Really Knowing God???

 

I would like to share a few examples from God’s Word today that I pray will help us see what confidence in God really looks like.  Two of my favorite Bible examples of purity, integrity and knowledge of God are Daniel, (an amazing young man, who had a confidence in God based on his knowledge, and apparent experience trusting in The God Almighty that he had walked with for some time, even though he was just in his late teens or at the most, early twenties when the account we’ll look at took place) and Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who also exhibited a great faith and faithfulness to Almighty God!

I pray that this will be an encouragement and help to you, for it is imperative that our confidence is based on the truth of God’s Word—the written Word and the Living Word, Jesus—which we can, we must, choose to stand on.  Paul reminds us of our part in developing this kind of relationship with our God and Lord Jesus, through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

“Study to shew thyself

approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun

profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

We must pursue God and HIS Word to be able to recognize and avoid the “profane and…vain” things that Satan uses to lure us into sin and stumbling.  And one of the things that I believe that Daniel and Hannah knew without a doubt, is that we must choose to believe truth, not the lies.  And believe you me, there are lots of lies floating all around us, for Satan is the great “father of lies” (See John 8:44), and he is always dangling them in front of us, like a carrot to lead the donkey!  We can choose to build our house on the sand of lies, or the Rock of truth; it’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  If we’ll choose to dig into God’s Word, we can be confident and secure in HIS truth!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

 and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s Word is what prepares, equips, and reveals (to ourself and others) who and what we are as we live by the power of God daily so that others see Jesus in our lives in all we do and say.  Daniel was a great example of this.

This young man was taken captive by a foreign, pagan king and moved far from home, yet he made the decision to be faithful to his God regardless of the outcome!  When confronted with a threat of death, Daniel and his friends sought God’s help in prayer to reveal the King’s dream.  While we won’t look at the entire story today (you can read Daniel chapter 2 and see the whole scene play out) I do want us to see Daniel’s understanding of WHO was in charge, even in this situation that threatened death—BUT GOD!  Oh, praise you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the truth of “BUT GOD”; you have been so faithful to me, and I pray that my life may ever reflect Your work and power!

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

 to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish with the rest

of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed

unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed

the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God

for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth

the times and the seasons:

he removeth

 kings,

and setteth up

kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom

and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:17-23

WOW!!!  Is God good, or what?  GOD is so faithful to “all who call upon HIS name”! (See Deuteronomy 4:7). Daniel and his friends not only had their prayers answered but as you read the rest of the story, the answer brought not only deliverance from the ‘death sentence’, but Daniel and his friends were promoted to positions of prominence in the Kingdom of Babylon.  All because they had decided to trust their God in all things!  What about you and me?  What are we “not” trusting God for?  Why not?  If we belong to Jesus, we have the privilege of coming into HIS presence with not only our love and adoration (which Daniel did in response to answered prayer, we can learn from his example) but with our burdens, our grief, our sorrow, our needs (real or perceived), our fears, and our uncertainties—God is never unavailable, too busy, asleep, nor does HE ever say “oops”!

“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 4:15-16

Oh my, if we could just remember this regularly!  We can come to our Father, Our Lord Jesus, always in confidence, not arrogance or presumption, but in confidence that HE knows how we feel.  Jesus walked this earth with all its pain, sorrow, temptation, grief, and meanness, but HE did it without sin and then died willingly that we could live victorious lives of confidence in HIM—the risen LORD—victor over sin, death, and hell!!!  Don’t forget this truth.  Hannah didn’t—and she was simply looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah!

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk.

Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul,

and prayed unto the LORD,

and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said,

O LORD of hosts,

if thou wilt indeed look

on the affliction of thine handmaid,

and remember me,

and not forget thine handmaid,

but wilt give unto thine handmaid

a man child,

then I will give him unto the LORD

all the days of his life,

and there shall no razor

come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying

before the LORD,

that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart;

only her lips moved,

but her voice was not heard:

therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her,

How long wilt thou be drunken?

put away thy wine from thee.”  1 Samuel 1:9-14

Now most of this is for background, but I want us to note that sometimes when we are doing right, others will not see it for what it really is!  Yet Hannah spoke up for truth!

“And Hannah answered and said,

No, my lord,

I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit:

I have drunk neither wine

nor strong drink,

but have poured out my soul

before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid

for a daughter of Belial:

for out of the abundance

of my complaint

and grief

have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said,

Go in peace:

and the God of Israel grant thee

thy petition that thou hast asked

of him.

18 And she said,

Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight.

So the woman went her way,

and did eat,

and her countenance

was no more sad.”  1 Samuel 1:15-18

Hannah was blessed and knew that she had honored God and answered Eli truthfully, also, that he believed her and blessed her desire.  We won’t look at the rest except for Hannah’s prayer, much like Daniel’s, that praised and honored God for His faithful provision.  For Daniel, it was deliverance from death, for Hannah, it was the provision of life—the life of a Son, whom she had promised to God and did in fact return Samuel to God’s service at the proper time.  How amazing that this precious woman knew her God so well.  Her prayer became scripture—what will our prayers write in our future.  Let’s pray on—we serve a God who hears and answers prayer!!!  In HIS way, and in HIS time!

“And Hannah prayed, and said,

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,

mine horn is exalted in the LORD:

my mouth is enlarged

over mine enemies;

because I rejoice

in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy

as the LORD:

for there is none

beside thee:

neither is there any rock

like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly;

let not arrogancy

come out of your mouth:

for the LORD

is a God of knowledge,

and by him

actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men

are broken,

and they that stumbled

are girded with strength.

5 They that were full

have hired out themselves for bread;

and they that were hungry

ceased:

so that the barren

hath born seven;

and she that hath many children

is waxed feeble.

6 The LORD killeth,

and maketh alive:

he bringeth down to the grave,

and bringeth up.

7 The LORD maketh poor,

and maketh rich:

he bringeth low,

and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor

out of the dust,

and lifteth up the beggar

from the dunghill,

to set them among princes,

and to make them

inherit the throne of glory:

for the pillars of the earth

are the LORD’S,

and he hath set the world

upon them.

9 He will keep

the feet of his saints,

and the wicked

shall be silent in darkness;

for by strength

shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the LORD

shall be broken to pieces;

out of heaven

shall he thunder upon them:

the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;

and he shall give strength unto his king,

and exalt the horn of his anointed.”   1 Samuel 2:1-10

I pray that this will bring hope, confidence and a truly encouraging word for you today.  I know some are grieving, some are wondering which direction to take, others are running from God so hard that you are out of breath; so, take a minute and listen to the voice of God speaking to your heart!

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Remember, Jesus has this!  God has this, and if you are HIS, HE’s got YOU!!!  I believe—do you?

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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 10:26-30

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Christmas Ponderings!!! #4 Bible Ballistics: BBs #769

08 Wednesday Dec 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Choose you this day?, Christmas, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Confessing Sin, He was born to die for our sin, The Manger To The Cross

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: BBs #769   Christmas Ponderings!!! #4

 

Why Christmas?  Why do we really get excited about Christmas?  Why do other get depressed, or sad, or just feel that there is no hope?  Partly, I think, because we are human creatures of emotions, fears and hopes, and we choose each day, sometimes moment by moment how we will walk in this world; we decide if we will choose to believer and receive the hope that is in this great story of the love of God!  While others may fail us, they may disappoint our greatest expectations, or the loss of ones held dear drains us of the desire to press on—I’m here to remind us all, myself included, that God is still ruling today—whether we choose to recognize it or not.  And Jesus IS the greatest gift ever given to mankind!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

And HE was reigning when Jesus willingly took on the form of a human in Mary’s womb—yes, Jesus was incarnate God in her womb—all for you and me.  And He’s still calling people to Himself.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

It’s why HE came—“save His people from their sins” (see Matthew 1:21)—it’s why HE still delays HIS return.

“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.”   John 3:16-18

The choice has been given to every person, and refusing to choose, is choosing; even while God is calling to you today, because HE loves you and wants you to come to HIM in repentance and faith and find the abundant life that Jesus can and will give to HIS own.  He wants YOU!

“The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

Oh, how I sit here amazed that God could love me that much—me, a sinner who couldn’t save herself, any more than you can, but HE reached down some 45+ years ago and called me to Himself and made me face my sin—not my supposed goodness that I had done!  Oh, how I praise HIM for HIS truly amazing GRACE to reach down to an angry, selfish, disobedient child (woman) and save my soul, and set my feet on a new path.  And, no, I didn’t get it all right after that, but all that I have done (both good and bad), HE has taken and used it to grow me more into the likeness of Jesus and allowed me to help others see Jesus.  If you don’t know HIM today, I invite you to reach out to Jesus—He is truly knocking at your door right now.  Don’t turn HIM away?

“Forasmuch then

as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself

likewise took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is,

the devil;

15 And deliver them

who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took

not on him

the nature of angels;

but he took

on him

the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things

it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be

a merciful

and faithful

 high priest

in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself

hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour

them that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:14-18

“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 4:15-16

And one last thought in closing for today:

“Pilate therefore said unto him,

Art thou a king then?

Jesus answered,

Thou sayest that I am a king.

To this end was I born,

and for this cause

came I into the world,

that I should bear witness

unto the truth.

Every one that is of the truth

heareth my voice.”  John 18:37

WHO “is of the truth”?  Only those who have come to God through Jesus Christ, The SON!!!

“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

Won’t you open your ears and your heart today!!!  Remember, that baby didn’t stay in the manger, HE went to Calvary for you and me:

“Behold,

I stand

at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do I Do In The Trial??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Harmless As Doves, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Iron Sharpening Iron, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Only Jesus, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Praise God Today!, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Sovereignty, Strong Tower, Suffering With Jesus, That They May Know, The Lord Is My Shepherd, TODAY, Troubles, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wait on the Lord, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, You can overcome

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25  What Do I Do In The Trial???

 

I would like to simply share a bit of biblical insight today that I pray will be a useful tool of encouragement that we can all keep around for a boost when we need it.  I’m trying to make it short and in a form that can be copied and kept.

When you don’t know what to do—Ask God—

“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.”  James 1:5

When you don’t know where to go—Run to God—

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

When you don’t know how you’ll make it—Bow—

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6

Where will your confidence settle—in GOD’s peace—

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

When your mind seems to be out of control—think praise—

“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.”  Philippians 4:8

When the way is blocked before you– Be still—

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

When you’re afraid of what lies ahead—Look up—

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

When your flesh is raging with confusion and anger—Come—

“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 4:15-16.

When the cupboard/checkbook is empty—seek God’s face—

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

God is sufficient to every need, when we will keep our “eyes fixed on Jesus”!

Don’t be like the man in the flood, who prayed for God to save him.  A neighbor came by and offered to take him to safety, and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  The flood waters rose to the second floor and a boat came by to take him to safety and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  He finally climbed up on the roof as the waters rose, and a helicopter came by to rescue him, and you guessed it, he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”. Well, the man died and as he came before The Lord, he asked “why didn’t you deliver me?”  The Lord quickly replied to his question, I sent you a neighbor, a boat and a helicopter—what did you want?

Remember we are God’s— and HE will supply, just not always in the way that we expect!

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

As Solomon prayed as King of Israel, may we pray in our individual lives for the same understanding in our lives and trials.

“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?”   1 Kings 3:9

And as Paul reminds believers on many occasions, may we remember that God is always at work to lead and deliver us.

“There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10-:13

“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 Peter’s great instruction and encouragement to we who follow Jesus.

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-24

Amen and Amen!!!