Tag Archives: John 15:1-5

What Time Is It??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.15

20 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Dependence, Faith, For Such A Time As This, Holy Spirit, I Can Do All Things?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Made like Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Rest In The Lord, Safe In The Storm!, Sovereignty, The Lord Is My Shepherd, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, TODAY, Tomorrow, Trust God, Wait on the Lord, What Voice are You Listening to?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 15    What Time Is It???

 

We’ve been talking a lot about rushing and resting lately, and I’d like to continue in this vein of thought—from a biblical perspective. For without a biblical perspective we don’t have God’s perspective, and that’s how I pray that I/we can learn to view the world. As an old adage says, “Looking through ‘rose-colored’ glasses”, I’d like us to consider whether we are looking at the world with God’s view or the worlds’! Whose ‘glasses’ are we using?

“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

We must make it a priority to keep our eyes “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. And when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will enable us to see things through His eyes—to respond appropriately to any and every situation that we encounter. We can walk in the light that Jesus IS and that HE will provide to His own.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus is that light and HE will light our way, helping us see things as HE sees them, not as the world does—and there IS a difference.

“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

Jesus makes it more than clear, that when we walk in the Spirit—His Holy Spirit—we can accomplish HIS work rather than our own; just as Jesus was doing God’s will/work!

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat

that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him that sent me,

and to finish his work.” John 4:32-34

We can choose our own way or God’s! What about you?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…..

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”    Galatians 5:16 & 25

The problem we fight continually is the battle between our flesh and The Holy Spirit of Christ, which dwells within us! And it is a fight that we can win by the power of God alone. This has always been true and it’s still true now, and when we will walk ‘in The Spirit’, we are not only able to succeed in God’s work, but we can trust to HIS timing, and rest in His perfect grace and provision.

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”     Zechariah 4:6

Oh, what a wonderful promise fulfilled by the indwelling Holy Spirit given to us by the work of Christ Jesus at the 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.”    Romans 5:1-5

We can “glory in tribulations” because we know who we are ‘in Jesus’, and that His Holy Spirit is ever helping us know God’s will and God’s ways, and to walk in HIS peace! The “peace of God, that passeth all understanding”! We can truly learn to trust to, and rest in “His Time” in all things! And while it’s not easy, it is doable! Amen and amen! All by the power of God’s Holy Spirit!

Solomon shared this truth with us in such a beautiful way:

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:”     Ecclesiastes 3:11a

God’s timetable may not always match our expectations, but that’s what trust is all about—knowing that HE is GOD, and I am NOT! Ouch! Sometimes what looks good to us now, may not be the best for us and/or those around us.

“For man also knoweth not his time:

as the fishes that are taken in an evil net,

and as the birds that are caught in the snare;

so are the sons of men snared

in an evil time,

when it falleth suddenly upon them.

13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun,

and it seemed great unto me:”    Ecclesiastes 9:12-13

We aren’t always able to discern between appearance and what really is! But praise God Almighty, HE can and does see all things, and HE is at work on our behalf with one goal in mind, to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus. So, I simply want to close with one of my favorite passages from Romans, and tell you that for years I never knew that there was a verse ‘29’! God isn’t erratic or unfeeling—all those things that come into our lives, and their timing are in the hands of our loving God with one purpose in mind! All that He sends, allows, and permits to come into our lives is to make us more like Jesus—no ‘ifs’, no ‘ands’, and no ‘buts’! Remember HE makes all things “beautiful in his time”—not mine! I hope this will minister to you this week as it has to me in recent days. Faithful is HE that has promised—and if you have been born again, HE is at your side!!!

“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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?”   Romans 8:28-31

IN HIS TIME!!!!

Reward Offered??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #455

20 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Payday Isn't Today!, Reward Offered?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #455    Reward Offered???

 

“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

As Jesus finished the “Revelation” which He gave to John, He reminds us all that there are rewards. Throughout scripture we see that all will “give an account” before The God of God’s, and Lord of Lord’s—our soon coming King of King’s, Jesus!

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh

a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16

Our wonderful Lord Jesus is coming again, and makes it clear that “my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. We need to heed His words, and our ways, even as God reminds us through the Prophet Haggai:

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;

Consider your ways.

6 Ye have sown much,

and bring in little;

ye eat,

but ye have not enough;

ye drink,

but ye are not filled with drink;

ye clothe you,

but there is none warm;

and he that earneth wages

earneth wages

to put it into a bag with holes.

7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts;

Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5-7

God reminded those who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the Temple, to “consider” why they were encountering such difficulty! And told them that they had done “their work” and left “His work” undone, therefore He was causing their wheels to spin (Blanche’s paraphrase!). God called them, as He still calls us, to “consider” our ways and see if they align with HIS way! Who are we serving? Are we serving God or self? Whom we choose to serve will be reflect our affections. Do we love God, and others before ourselves? Or are we primarily focused on meeting our own needs first? The answer matters, and God knows the true answer, even if you’ve been lying to yourself.

When we belong to Jesus, our lives are to be a reflection of His glory, and be a ministry of His grace and truth to a lost and dying world. Are we working for and in Him or something else? Are we following the example and leadership of our Lord and His indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us? Are we doing HIS work? And before you answer quickly, remember that His work, is Spirit led, Spirit filled, and Spirit directed—only done by keeping our eyes on Jesus, and following His lead (See Heb. 12:1-3+)!

“In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat

that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him

that sent me,

and to finish his work.

35 Say not ye,

There are yet four months,

and then cometh harvest?

behold, I say unto you,

Lift up your eyes,

and look on the fields;

for they are white already

to harvest.

36 And he that reapeth

receiveth wages,

and gathereth fruit

unto life eternal:

that both he that soweth

and he that reapeth

may rejoice together.” John 4:31-36

God’s work IS the work that we are called to do, “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (See Hebrews 11:1-6), and our motivation comes from whose we are—for Jesus makes it clear, “without me you can do nothing” (See John 15:1-5)

And in closing, Paul reminds us that our works come out of our relationship to God, and the work of HIS Spirit; our own “works” will never bring us into relationship with God!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:8-10

How Much Good Is Enough??? Bible Ballistics: Vol.11 No. 07

11 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Follow Me, Grace, He That Is Without Sin, How much goodness is enough?, I Can Do All Things?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, My Grace Is Sufficient, No Sin No Need?, Repentance, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Time Is Grace!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.07 How Much Good Is Enough???

 

I was most encouraged by the message I heard this morning, as it reminded me of the awesome wonder of “Grace”—God’s “Amazing Grace” for sure! But what is grace? We’ve all heard the definition of grace, “underserved and unmerited favor”! But grace goes so much farther than this simple idea. What is it that saves us? It is God’s grace for sure, but what does that look like?

Let’s peruse some familiar passages in scripture and see what we can conclude. Is it our goodness that saves, or is it God’s goodness? Goodness which according to Paul’s letter to the Romans is totally underserved! But I praise God that HE has saved me anyway!!! That HE is willing to save all who will come to HIM through Jesus!

“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

We are “justified” by faith in Jesus; made right with God—we who were “without strength”, who were “the ungodly”; and yet God loved us “while we were yet sinners”—all who are apart from Jesus!!!

“while we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son“

There is “none righteous, (good before God) no, not one” –apart from Jesus’ righteousness, we are all lost! And that’s what we must come to understand! It’s all about the sacrifice that Jesus made, not how “good” we can be! We can’t be good enough to cover the sin we’ve already, committed, much less the sins that we fall to each and every day! Paul has even more to say to the Ephesians, which reiterates the truth that we are all “sinners”, in need of a Savior—and only God’s grace provides the solution to our need—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)!!!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power

of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children

of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew

the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness

toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10

Did you get that?

“we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them”

It’s all about HIM—not about us! We “are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus”! There aren’t enough good works that we can do to ‘save’ ourselves, and because of that—sin– GOD sent us Jesus to do what we could never do—save ourselves! There aren’t enough good works to make up for the sin that we have done, are doing and will do—never enough!

“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

God accepts Christ Jesus’ sacrifice—our sin placed on HIM–and credits to our account Jesus’ perfect righteousness! He who “knew no sin” took on my sin, because He loves me, and you; all so that you and I might be made “the righteousness of God in him”! And it’s only “in him”! Only One Way—Jesus! And as Paul also said in another of his letters, when we know Jesus:

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

As Jesus himself reminds us, when we “abide” in Him, He will supply everything that we need to live, grow and be of service to HIM!

“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

So, my question for us today is, how much goodness are you depending on? How much goodness must one have to be right with God? Whose goodness? How much grace must God show to you before you will believe that He has made provision for YOU?

“But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us”

Until we see ourselves as “sinners” we will never need a Savior! There is not enough ‘goodness’ in the world to save—but there is a ‘good’ God who has already paid the price to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.

“Testifying both to the Jews,

and also to the Greeks,

repentance toward God,

and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”    Acts 20:21

Amen and Amen!!! Grace at it’s best—IN Jesus!!!

Monuments Or Listeners??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 06

04 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Choose You This Day!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Me, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Love Is Action, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Walking With Jesus, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.06 Monuments Or Listeners???

 

In recent days there has been a lot of talk going around about building a monument to a recently departed man of God, and it occurs to me that we’ve missed the point! But even Jesus’ disciples wrestled with this “monument” mindset, yet God clearly redirected their focus!

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother,

and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them:

and his face did shine as the sun,

and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them

Moses

and Elias

talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter,

and said unto Jesus,

Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt,

let us make here three tabernacles;

one for thee,

and one for Moses,

and one for Elias.

5 While he yet spake,

behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:

and behold a voice out of the cloud,

which said,

This is my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased;

hear ye him.

6 And when the disciples heard it,

they fell on their face,

and were sore afraid.” Matthew 17:1-6

Jesus took three disciples, Peter, James and John, with Him up into the mountain and Matthew records the account for us. We find the disciples with the Lord at a most important occurrence—Jesus was “transfigured” before them: “his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light”! Jesus revealed a measure of His heavenly glory to these three disciples, and they must have been overwhelmed at the sight. But that wasn’t all! They also saw Moses and Elijah (Elias) as they were “talking with him” right before their eyes. What an awe-inspiring sight to behold and yet they allowed the ‘sight’ to distract them from their “focus”.

Once again Peter steps up and with his usual grace—seeming to open his mouth and inset his foot:

“Then answered Peter,

and said unto Jesus,

Lord, it is good for us to be here:

if thou wilt,

let us make here three tabernacles;

one for thee,

and one for Moses,

and one for Elias.

As we consider what Peter said, we see that he at least recognized that it was “good for us to be here”, and he asked for permission to build tabernacles/monuments to Jesus and the two men who appeared with Him. The writings of Solomon remind us that some things never change:

“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.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

As much as the enemy of our souls tries to convince us that this “new” thing will make life perfect—this ‘new’ gadget, this ‘new’ look, this ‘new’ job, this ‘new’ idea or that—anything that will get our eyes and our minds off of Jesus! Even the disciples had their focus taken off of Jesus (And He was right there!), and onto ‘monument’ building. God clearly reminded them, and us, that our work is to hear and obey.

“While he yet spake,

behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:

and behold a voice out of the cloud,

which said,

This is my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased;

hear ye him.”

God reminds us that our attention is to be on HIM and HIS SON, Jesus! HE wants us to understand that it’s Jesus who is to be our focus—He is our hope – our only hope–our everything!!!

“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

It’s all about Jesus not monuments to the accomplishments of man, no matter how godly and successful they are or were. Our monuments ought to be a godly life lived and given to God and His Son Jesus Christ our Lord to do with as HE pleases. We are to live for Jesus in all we do!

“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

We are saved to be the monuments to our God—not stone and metal. We are the living work of God. It’s what HE saves us for!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

It is God’s grace that saves us, and His power that makes us “new creatures” who are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works”—God’s workings made manifest in His own children—to His glory and for our good!!!

“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

We are saved to be God’s ambassadors to a lost and dying world—by living for Jesus rather than building monuments of wood and stone! So I ask of us all, are we seeking to build monuments or are we heeding God’s command as living monuments:

“This is my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased;

hear ye him”

We must keep:

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith.”

And as we look at Him, we will be all that He has saved us to be.

“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.” Romans 12:1-2

It’s all about HIM! So don’t worry about “monuments” being built for anyone—we’ll just set your eyes on Jesus and you and I can “be” the monuments that God is interested in using to display the grace, love and salvation that He has provided in the blood of Jesus. We simply need to abide in Him and allow His Spirit to produce fruit through us!

“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

So let’s not spend our time calling for monuments, but hearing the voice of God speaking to us and obeying His Son and His Word! Let’s determine to do things God’s way and not our own way!!! Let’s not be like Israel and do “that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6 & 21:25. In whose eyes are you doing right? God’s? Or men’s? Choose wisely there is a test at the end! Amen and Amen!!!

Blooms Are Worth The Wait!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 05

26 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Growing in Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Made like Jesus!, Perseverance, The Only Way, Time, TODAY, Wait on the Lord, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.05 Blooms Are Worth The Wait!!!

 

I love flowers. I love the beauty, the aroma (most of the time!), and the joy of watching those spikes and leaves pop up through the earth and produce the wonder of blooms. The daffodils, and crocus that peep through the cold ground to remind us that spring is on the way, are a delight to my soul. And then the forsythia and iris that make that amazing and wondrous show across the landscapes of our communities. I just love it!

Today, I thought we would take some time and consider the reality of blooming. Blooms are the yield of waiting—we plant many of the early-blooming bulbs in the fall, down in the earth—unseen, unnoticed—unaware of the growth that is going on ‘out of sight’. Yet while we can’t observe it with our eyes, those bulbs are putting down roots, nourishing that bulb to be able to bloom. We all love the show of the blooms, but seldom do we consider the cost of the wait—and if there isn’t the proper winter nourishment and time to develop, there won’t be much in the way of the beauty of blooms. The blooms are growing and preparing in that dark earth, the cold earth of winter—under the ground, under the snow, under the ice—doing what is necessary to be what God created them to be: flowers blooming where they were planted. Placed there for a purpose, placed there whether by design or just the propagation of nature—the blooms are still beautiful and the wait is still necessary. The same is true of our spiritual lives!

We can’t expect to be great, beautiful, awe-inspiring blooms if we’re not willing to endure the difficulty of the winter growing seasons! Yet oh my friends, it’s worth the wait! And while the blooms are often short-lived, we enjoy their beauty for that time, and God has a purpose and a plan for our ‘winter’ too, and our blooms can yield eternal results!

“The wilderness and the solitary place

shall be glad for them;

and the desert shall rejoice,

and blossom as the rose.

2 It shall blossom abundantly,

and rejoice even with joy and singing:

the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon,

they shall see the glory of the LORD,

and the excellency of our God.”   Isaiah 35:1-2

While the literal desert will bloom (And it is already blooming in God’s land of Israel—promises are being fulfilled!), we need to let God prepare the desert areas of our heart to begin to bloom. We must give Him our all, our dark places (and we all have them hidden from view—but not from God) so He can do His work in us, and no matter how long the winter, God can bring the blooms as we yield to His spiritual gardening skills.

“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

Jesus reminds us that only as we “Abide in me, and I in you”, can we grow as we ought, and see God bring forth the blooms. We so often try to “force” the blooms to come before the time, instead of learning to “abide in” Jesus! You can’t rush spiritual growth, although we are to pursue it and learn to yield to Jesus, and allow His Holy Spirit to take us to the heights of glory as we seek His face in His Word, in prayer and by spending time in His presence! It is only in dying to self, and living to, for, with, and through HIS Spirit that the blooms will abound—in HIS time!

“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

Jesus is the root, the provision and nutrition for our life! Will we allow His Spirit to accomplish HIS purpose and will in our hearts and lives, or will we keep on trying to “force” our blooms in our own way, with our own strength or “Miracle Grow”—which isn’t a miracle at all, but self-will. But when we don’t practice the “crucified with Christ” life, we miss the joy of genuine blooms; when we don’t practice the “abiding” life, we miss the joy of His presence and work in us; we miss the beauty of blooms that have been grown out of sight of the world, and then amazingly in HIS time, they come forth to bring truth, beauty and life to the dark and dreary winter of the world around us—JESUS in us!

Jesus told a parable dealing with the contrast between “self” blooming or the true work of God, of being His or being master of our own soul!

“And he spake a parable unto them, saying,

The ground of a certain rich man

brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying,

What shall I do,

because I have no room

where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said,

This will I do:

I will pull down my barns,

and build greater;

and there will I bestow

all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul,

Soul, thou hast much goods

laid up for many years;

take thine ease,

eat,

drink,

and be merry.

20 But God said unto him,

Thou fool,

this night thy soul shall be required

of thee:

then whose shall those things be,

which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure

for himself,

and is not rich toward God.

22 And he said unto his disciples,

Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat;

neither for the body,

what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat,

and the body is more than raiment.

24 Consider the ravens:

for they neither sow nor reap;

which neither have storehouse nor barn;

and God feedeth them:

how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought

can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able

to do that thing which is least,

why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow:

they toil not,

they spin not;

and yet I say unto you,

that Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass,

which is to day in the field,

and to morrow is cast into the oven;

how much more will he clothe you,

O ye of little faith?”   Luke 12:16-28

While Jesus isn’t saying not to be productive, He is telling us to trust our all to God, and not “fret” about tomorrow (or even later today!), but trust God to provide in those dark winter days, as well as the sunshine of the blooms! He’ll do HIS work in HIS time for HIS glory and our good! Oh, to be found faithful when He comes, or when He calls me to Himself! How about you

Jesus also had a message for those who claim to be “His” within the church, those who thought they had “it all” themselves, much like the rich man above! In my own vernacular—“saying so, doesn’t make it so”! Knowing the Master and Lord who is “the way….the truth….and the life…” is the only way to have a ‘genuine’ life that blooms for God!

“I know thy works,

that thou art neither cold

nor hot:

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither cold

nor hot,

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me

gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love,

I rebuke

and chasten:

be zealous therefore,

and repent.

20 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 3:15-18

Without going into all of the contextual interpretations of the “who” or “what” specifically in these verses, my purpose today is to simply see what Jesus said to some who claimed to be His own, and if I might amplify that part it for us today as we bring these thoughts to a close, I’d like to leave you some food for thought to ponder throughout your day and week. Who is your Lord? Where is your treasure? Are you in a dark time of winter, waiting for the blooms? If so Jesus is sufficient to the task, and God has a plan at work—don’t rush His timing (And oh, I know how hard that is to practice—that “waiting” is just about the hardest thing that God asks us to do, but with His grace we can “wait”, and the “Blooms are worth the wait!”) Are you running your own life, trying to save and provide for your own soul? Is God about to say to you what He said to the rich man we looked at? As Paul said to the Philippians “think on these things….” (See Philippians 4:8-9)

Jesus said, “I KNOW”–

“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.”   2 Timothy 2:19

Jesus said, “You say….but don’t know!”!

“….without me you can do nothing…”

You think you are self-sufficient, but you’re not!

Jesus said, “YOU are blind”!

What you say doesn’t match what I see or say!

YOU “knowest not” your real state!

Jesus said, “buy from me” what only faith buys!

 What you have isn’t equal to save anyone.

 “For by grace are you saved”

Not by works, wealth, power, prominence,

Self-righteousness, there’s IS only ONE way!

Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock”!

(He was on the outside of His church!)

Self-righteousness will never save anyone!

You measure by what you see, not what is!

Jesus said, “open the door”!

If you are on the throne, Jesus can’t be!

Is He on the outside?

Or have you invited Him in?

Jesus said, “I will come in”!

Jesus will come in to those who bow before Him!

“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.”

Jesus wants to help you bloom where you’re planted, but first we must bow before The “Master” gardener, and trust it all to HIM, that we might “be conformed to the image of his Son”, reflecting HIS glory as we bloom—right there where HE has planted YOU! The blooms are worth the wait!