Tag Archives: Jesus IS Our Hope

Our Hope Is In Jesus–Always!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19

05 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Listening To God, Made like Jesus!, Only One Way, Salvation, Speaking The Truth In Love, Transformed life, Trusting Jesus?, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19 Our Hope Is In Jesus—Always!!!

 

The thing that I want to share with you all today, is very simple—my/our hope is truly IN Jesus!  Regardless of the tragedy that our family has experienced in these past weeks, I know that God is still God, God is still good, and I still trust Him!  People have asked how we can go on, and our answer has ever been and ever will be—our confidence is IN JESUS!  He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, and we pray that our lives will ever help others know that Jesus cares about them/YOU.  I’d simply like to share a few passages of scripture that I pray will encourage your heart today no matter where your life-journey has taken you.  Jesus is still in the life-changing, soul-saving business and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.  In fact, HE came, lived, died and rose again to save sinners just like me!  And I pray that HE is knocking at your heart’s door today!  Open the door and HE will come in to YOU!

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

Paul paints a most glorious picture of our hope in Jesus in his letter to the Romans, let’s peruse those words, and may they sink into your heart and bring you to HIS cross:

“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

Oh, how those words ring in my ears and my heart—one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture: “But God” loves you and sent Jesus to Redeem you, save you, and transform you into “the image of His Son”.  And how do we walk in Him?  Let’s see what the Psalmist has to say—what GOD has to say!

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

 neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 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.

7 Rest

in the LORD,

and wait patiently

for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease

from anger,

and forsake

wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

Amen and Amen—may we keep our eyes on the One who gave Himself that we might have “abundant life”!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily

oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies

would daily swallow me up:

for they be many

that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:1-4

And my total confidence in the promise of God have been, are and ever will be my eternal hope!!!  He is The God who never changes, and never lies!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

May you find the hope that God alone can and will give to YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus IS Our Hope–Then–Now!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #610

13 Friday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Holy, HOPE, Jesus IS The Gift!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #610   Jesus IS Our Hope—Then—Now!!!

 

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone

round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 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.”   Luke 2:9-14

I know we’ve heard this again and again, yet it ever rings true in my heart!  Jesus IS the “good tidings of great joy” and those of us who have trusted in His saving grace, ought to ever be a reflection of this “good tidings of great joy”!  Our families’ future depends on it!  Our churches’ future depends on it!  Our communities depend on it! Our nation and our world’s future rests heavy on us; you and I who have received this “great joy” in salvation need to be diligent to share it as we have opportunity!

And on that line, I’d like to share a favorite passage of mine; one that we so desperately need to rehearse and take to heart in these “perilous times”!  Our children and grandchildren’s future depends on it!  I pray that you will join me in seeking God’s face during this special time of remembrance of HIS great gift of Jesus to us—to the whole world!  HE IS our only Hope!  If Jesus isn’t our hope, we have little to none!

God has given us the greatest gift ever; yet if we have that hope and don’t share it with our children and grandchildren, we will have failed to give them hope or any kind of assurance of a future!  May this message from Moses ring in our hearts today and ever!

For this has been such a burden on my heart for so long!  Will you join me in prayer for our families—our extended families—our church families—and our opportunity to affect the lives of families that God sends our way!  May we see the need to stand for Jesus in all our ways and seek to encourage others with HIS truth.  Any time I think about or teach about families there is one main passage that always comes to mind, and I encourage you to read it and take it to heart!

The two main points are simple—firstly, we must love God and know HIM ourselves, before we can pass it on to our children, our grandchildren, or those whom God brings into our lives!  Secondly we must continually watch for those teachable moments in the lives of others (especially our children and grandchildren), walking a walk that matches what we talk, then God can use us to make an impact on the lives of those watching (and others ‘watch’ us way before they ‘listen’ to us)– living in such a faithful way as to spark their curiosity.   Then when they ask “WHY” do you/we live this way; we are able to share our testimony of what GOD has done and is doing for us!  Simple—yes!  Easy—no!  But by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we can make a difference.  It’s what our world is starving for—real believers living the truth that we talk about!

Me/You—”Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you,

that ye might do them in the land

whither ye go to possess it:

2 That thou mightest

fear the Lord thy God,

to keep all his statutes and his commandments,

which I command thee,

thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son,

all the days of thy life;

and that thy days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it;

that it may be well with thee,

and that ye may increase mightily,

as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised

thee, in the land

that floweth with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel:

The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.”  Deuteronomy 6:1-5

Me/You–“And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” 6:6-9

Them— “20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, 

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the Lord our God

hath commanded you?”

MeYou—”21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the Lord brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:

22 And the Lord shewed signs and wonders,

great and sore, upon Egypt,

upon Pharaoh,

and upon all his household,

before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence,

that he might bring us in,

to give us the land which he sware

unto our fathers.

24 And the Lord commanded us 

to do all these statutes,

to fear the Lord our God,

for our good always,

that he might preserve us alive,

as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness,

if we observe to do

all these commandments

before the Lord our God,

as he hath commanded us.”  6:20-25.

And the joy for us, is that JESUS becomes our righteous when we repent, believe and receive HIM—the Gift.  Jesus IS the gift!

Amen and Amen!

Hush Money Or True Hope??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03

01 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Free Indeed?, God's Faithfulness, Gospel, HOPE, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, If not now? When?, JESUS, Light In The Dark, Overcoming By His Blood, Salt & Light, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, Stand Fast, That They May Know, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03  Hush Money Or True Hope???

 

We talked last week about ‘DIY’ and I’d like to take off on that idea and look from another side of the issue.  We are living in a culture that is so full of an “it’s all about me” ideology, and even when we speak truth, we are seen as ‘haters’! I hope that we can let scripture reveal true hope, not placating people with ‘hush’ money, so to speak, by our silence, rather than helping them see Jesus as we speak and share truth!

“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

Jesus IS truth, and without Him, we have no hope, no truth, no opportunity to reach a lost and dying world.  Yet when we follow HIM, we can see great things accomplished in His kingdom (even though the world may disregard what we call great ‘in Him’!)

“I can do all

things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:13

In the way of the world, unless we have ‘riches’ we don’t have anything to offer; but God does things in ways that are so far beyond the ‘worldly’ way, that we can truly come to have hope and confidence in our Lord and HIS ways—and we aren’t to be ‘quiet’ about it, Jesus said the rocks would ‘cry out’ if men didn’t!

“And when the builders laid the foundation

of the temple of the LORD,

they set the priests in their apparel

with trumpets,

and the Levites the sons of Asaph

with cymbals,

to praise the LORD,

after the ordinance of David

king of Israel.

11 And they sang together by course

in praising

and giving thanks

unto the LORD;

because he is good,

for his mercy endureth for ever

toward Israel.

And all the people shouted with a great shout,

when they praised the LORD,

because the foundation

of the house of the LORD

was laid.”  Ezra 3:10-11

When we see God at work, we can truly learn to trust His hand as well as His heart toward us.  Here we have the children of Israel returning to Jerusalem and they are rejoicing that the temple is rebuilt.  And if you read the entire account, you see that some of the elders of the people wept for the remembrance of the original Temple of Solomon, yet God has restored them by His ‘outstretched arm’, and shown Himself faithful to a people (who much like us) had not been faithful to HIM!  They had suffered the judgment of God, and had truly reaped the ‘whirlwind’, yet God wasn’t finished with them!  His faithfulness is so much more than we can even fathom!  God had spoken truth through His prophets, yet they had listened to the false prophets, and ‘hushed’ up the men of God by ignoring them, persecuting them, and even putting many of them to death.  How sad that we are living in a very similar day.  Will we sell out to the purveyors of “hush money” or will we stand and speak God’s truth?

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”  John 8:32

Notice that He will “make you free” not ‘set’ you free—when Jesus saves us, He delivers us—especially from ourselves; and we are to give ourselves to Him, His way and His truth—all the way!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Jesus doesn’t simply issue a “get out of hell free” card; rather He saves and transforms lives to “be conformed” to HIS image.

“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

Jesus is ever at work conforming us into HIS image; but we have a part in that work as well, we are to yield to His Holy Spirit’s work in our heart and life, remembering that it’s ALL about Jesus. It’s not about ‘pride’ but humbly learning from HIM, following HIM, and touching the world as HE gives us opportunity.

“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

We can trust to HIS care, remembering what Jesus said!

“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 15:5

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, as we feast on His Word.

“Shew me thy ways,

O LORD;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth,

 and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait

all the day.”   Psalm 25::4-5

“For the word of the LORD is right;

and all his works are done

in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full

of the goodness of the LORD.”   Psalm 33:4-5

And to bring all of our thoughts together today, I’d like us to consider an encounter that Peter and John had, taking heart from these who had little in the world’s eyes, but who had JESUS, and they knew HE IS TRUTH—and they took no “hush” money!

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb

was carried,

whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple

which is called Beautiful,

to ask alms of them that entered

into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John

about to go into the temple

asked an alms.

4 And Peter,

fastening his eyes upon him with John, said,

Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them,

expecting to receive something

of them.

6 Then Peter said,

Silver and gold have I none;

but such as I have

give I thee:

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand,

and lifted him up:

and immediately his feet and ankle bones

received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood,

and walked,

and entered with them into the temple,

walking,

and leaping,

and praising God.”  Acts 3:1-8

Peter and John gave of what they had (who they possessed, and who possessed them), and yet they were tempted to cave!  And for time and space we’ll just jump to the response from the rulers.  (You can read chapters 3 and 4 for the whole picture!). They proclaimed Jesus at each turn, and when threatened they stood firm—and weren’t “hushed” up by threats; they were trusting to HIS care!  Remember not everyone is happy with God’s working in the lives of men, women, boys and girls!

“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people,

and preached through Jesus

the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them,

and put them in hold unto the next day:

for it was now eventide…

….16 Saying, What shall we do to these men?

for that indeed a notable miracle

hath been done

by them

is manifest to all them

that dwell in Jerusalem;

and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people,

let us straitly threaten them,

that they speak henceforth to no man

in this name.

18 And they called them,

and commanded them

not to speak at all nor teach

in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them,

Whether it be right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you

more than unto God,

judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things

which we have seen

and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them,

they let them go,

finding nothing how they might punish them,

because of the people:

for all men glorified God

for that which was done.”   Portions of Acts 4:1-21

So my challenge for us today is a call to be faithful to our Lord; to grow in His Word, to be bold—but not arrogant, to be confident—but not prideful, to be ready to follow HIM in all—no matter where HE leads us, or what the cost may be.  We won’t let the enemy ‘hush’ us up, but we will “stand fast in the evil day”!  We never know how God will use our willingness to obey!

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:15.

Amen and Amen!

Real Pilgrims??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #552

01 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in God's Faithfulness, Light In The Dark, Pilgrims, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #552     Real Pilgrims???

 

No, I didn’t time warp to Thanksgiving, and it’s kind of sad that we have relegated that meaningful word to a once-a-year reference.  I think it has great spiritual import, and I’d like to share a few thoughts about it with you today.

I was privileged to hear a young woman speak recently at a ladies’ gathering, and her testimony was gripping, and the point of the whole thing was that God brings light into the darkness—no matter what the circumstances may be.  We can truly trust our God to exchange our ashes for beauty.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;

because the LORD hath anointed me

to preach good tidings

unto the meek;

 he hath sent me

to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison

to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim

the acceptable year

of the LORD,

and the day of vengeance

of our God;

to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn

in Zion,

to give unto them

beauty

for ashes,

the oil of joy

for mourning,

the garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called

trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified.”   Isaiah 61:1-3

I love that phrase, “to give unto them beauty for ashes”! It is so picturesque, for I think most of us have faced a pile of ashes lying in front of us (often of our own making), yet God was speaking to our hearts to remind us to bring it to Jesus!

“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 11:28-30

As this precious young woman shared her story, she was so open and transparent about her struggle, and the sufficiency of The Lord God Almighty to bring her through, and help her see that ashes aren’t necessarily the end—or the ruination of our “picture”–for as she spoke she was drawing a picture that beautifully depicted the message that she shared!  And while she shared different scriptures than I’m sharing with you—the message was the same—our God is able!  Our God loves us!  Our God will provide!  Maybe not in the way we expect, or on our timetable, but HE will provide for His own!

What does this have to do with “Pilgrims”?  Well, let me tell you!  We are continually called in scripture to be aware of the pitfalls of this world—for it is alluring, and as scripture says, there is pleasure “in sin, for a season”, but there is a price tag for our choices.  As believers in Jesus, we are called to walk as “pilgrims” in this world, knowing our home and our reward is not “here”!  I pray that these verses will help us check our focus, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, no matter how big our pile of ashes may seem!

“These all died in faith,

not having received the promises,

but having seen them afar off,

and were persuaded of them,

and embraced them,

and confessed

that they were strangers

and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things

declare plainly

that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful

of that country from whence they came out,

they might have had opportunity

to have returned.

16 But now they desire

a better country,

that is, an heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed

to be called their God:

for he hath prepared for them a city.”   Hebrews 11:13-16

As an old song says, “this world is not my home” (By Albert E. Brumley), even as Peter calls us to pay attention!

“Dearly beloved,

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;” 1 Peter 2:11

Amen and Amen—Press on Pilgrim!

Jesus IS Our Hope!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #529

06 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #529    Jesus IS Our Hope!!!

 

Sunday’s post was a bit heavy, so I thought I’d simply like to share a word of encouragement and hope this morning.  So, buckle your seat belt, and let’s take our day to Jesus!

“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

James reminds us that it’s God who gives us grace to live by, but we must draw near to HIM and resist the enemy of our souls.  May our hearts be humble before Him, as we stand fast and resist the devil, as we draw nigh to God cleansing our hands, hearts and minds.  As we continue to draw near to Him, we can have the confidence of Job.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:”  Job 19:25

Our hope is in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—our soon coming KING—HE is our confidence and hope.

“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

Jesus shared this with the disciples after telling them of His leaving that would be followed by His absolute return.  Even Job knew that his “Redeemer” would stand on this earth—in victory as the King–only after coming as the suffering servant who would pay for our sin.

“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 14:2-4

Jesus gives us the confident assurance of HIS return; and while the disciples were baffled at this conundrum (look it up 🙂 ), Jesus assured them of who He was!  I can’t comprehend the sadness and disappointment that they struggled with for that three days between the crucifixion and Resurrection Sunday!  But WOW!  The riddle was no longer a riddle—just the power and glory of the resurrected Jesus, giving them the confident hope and assurance that helped them take the Gospel throughout the whole known world!  Powered by His Spirit to confident boldness, and courage to speak truth!

So, take hope today—Jesus is coming soon, and HE knows where you are today, and will make the way clear as you “draw near to” HIM! Blessings on your day!  Amen and Amen!