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Commitment With Character??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #703

15 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by Blanche in Approved Unto God, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's provision

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1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Character With Commitment, Commitment With Character, Daniel 1:8, Daniel's character, Decorum, Hebrews 5:12-14, John 15:17-21, Valor, Withstand in the evil day!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #703   Commitment With Character???

 

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not

defile himself.”  Daniel 1:8

Last time we talked about the circumstances that brought Daniel to Babylon; and while they were difficult things to deal with, Daniel was a young man committed to God, as well as a young man with dignity, integrity, character and a most godly demeaner—also known as decorum.

Decorum:  dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

WOW!  What a mouthful!  Many today don’t even know what decorum is, much less desire to exhibit it in their lives.  Daniel could have been the poster-boy for decorum in all his ways—especially his devotion to God and the ways in which he reflected his God to a lost, pagan culture who had taken him captive far from his own home.  For most of us, we’d have been ready to “doubt, pout and drop out”; in fact, I think most of his companions from Jerusalem did just that, for we never hear anything more of the others who were also chosen for training for service to King Nebuchadnezzar.  But Daniel and his three like-minded friends became men of honor and valor in a difficult place, through whom God made Himself known in a dark place.  A place where they were suffering the consequences of other’s choices.  But their valor was evident to many in amazing ways.

Valor:  boldness or determination in facing great danger….heroic courage; bravery.

Daniel and his friends determined to be faithful to their God with a heart of humility (not whining, pouting or blaming God for their situation!) that God used to make a difference; not only in their lives but also in the the lives of others, as they lived out their commitment to God with respect, and a character that set them apart from others.  We will see this as we continue this series and see see what God provided for them in ways made evident to those willing to really see!

All this began with Daniel’s decision to set “his heart” on God no matter the consequences!  Oh, that we could learn to have such faith, decorum and valor! Oh, how we need more “Daniels” today!  Godly men, women, boys and girls, who love Jesus and are willing to stand against the tide of popularity and greed and be humbly faithful to our Lord Jesus and Father God, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and truth!  Oh, God raise up Daniel’s to make a difference in our world today, and “let it begin with me”?

While Daniel had probably been ceremonially defiled already at the hand of his Babylonian captors, he made up his mind to never do anything to “defile” himself before his God!  What about you and me?  What have we decided to do about our lives in a world gone crazy?  Will we “withstand in the evil day” (See Ephesians 6:10+) or will we just throw in the towel and quit?  Will we cave to the pressure of our peers and join in the chaos or will we speak “the truth in love” (See Ephesians 4:15 & 1 John 3:18) regardless of the consequences.  Remember that Jesus told us that when we follow Him and live righteous lives, as HE called us to, we will often have to endure persecution and suffering!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world

hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

I remember years ago when we were helping to start a new church, someone gave us some advice on seeking a pastor; they told us that we needed to look for the “oldest godly young preacher-boy” that we could find!  I thought that was one of the most profound pieces of advice that I had ever heard; and we followed that advice and found a young man who had a great heart for God, and a wisdom beyond his “young years”—in other words we were blessed to find the “oldest godly young” man who served, blessed and helped us do God’s work in that little church!  Daniel fit that bill!  He was a godly young man with wisdom, devotion and character beyond his years.  What about you and me?  Now, I’m way beyond the “young” years part, but I know many my age who still have no wisdom and willingness to be “God’s” man and woman!  How about you?  Are you still stuck in what the author of Hebrews calls the “babies” of the faith?  Or will you “quit you like men” and “withstand in the evil day”!  And if you haven’t noticed, we are there!

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,

ye have need that one teach you again

which be the first principles

of the oracles of God;

and are become such as have need of milk,

and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk

is unskilful in the word of righteousness:

for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat

belongeth to them that are of full age,

even those who by reason of use

have their senses exercised

to discern

both good and evil.”  Hebrews 5:12-14

“Watch ye,

stand fast in the faith,

quit you like men,

be strong.

14 Let all your things

be done with charity.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

And in closing this session, Daniel gives us a great example in verse 8; “therefore he requested”!  Daniel didn’t pout, pitch a fit, or demand his way!  He simply made up his mind and set his “heart” on God and did right with humility, character, and respect for the authorities over him.  He “requested” permission to do that which would be acceptable to his GOD and left the results with his God!  Join us next time to see the results (or you could read ahead and see for yourself before then!)!  What an awesome God we serve—the same awesome God that Daniel served with commitment and godly character!  The choice is yours, but there is a test!

Amen and Amen!

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Whose Box Are You In??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 08

06 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by Blanche in Amazing Grace, Beauty of Holiness, Children, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Encouragement, Family, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Holiness, IN Jesus!, In The Beginning, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Not Of This World, Only One Way, Seeing Truth, Suffering With Jesus, That They May Know, The Father of Lies!, The Word Or The World?, Truth is True, Walking With Jesus

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1 Peter 3:1-9, Believing God's Word, Colossians 1:14-17, Following Jesus, God's Way or The World's?, John 15:12-13, John 15:17-21, John 1:1-5, John 8:42-47, Living For Jesus, Proverbs 31:30-31, The Deceit of The World, Titus 2:1-8, Whose Box Are You In?

Bible Ballistics: Vol.14 No.08     Whose Box Are You In???

 

I’m going to broach a subject that may cause me to lose some of you, but nonetheless, it’s a topic that I feel that Christian women need to consider, especially in light of what we are teaching our young girls and young women.  I think that we have allowed the world to dictate and sway our thinking about women.  Being a woman who was adversely affected by the tripe that was touted in the 60’s about ‘women’ being ‘liberated’, and “bringing home the bacon”, “cooking it up”, and being the “everything to everyone”—the sex-goddess without an apron in the kitchen.  Well, I’m here to tell you—we were lied to!  God’s plan is the only plan that will bring us joy, peace and the opportunity to influence our families, our world, so we can see mountains moved for Jesus.  What I’ve learned in these years of failures and successes is that ultimately, finding out what GOD said about us as women, the home, and our ‘true north’ of focus, is that the only ‘box’ that brings true fulfillment is knowing and pursuing God and His plan.

I read a story recently of a person who was given a fine Swiss watch, but it quit running.  After taking it to several repair shops, who said they couldn’t fix it, someone was going to be in Switzerland on an unrelated task, so they took it to the original manufacturer and told them it wasn’t running.  Sometime later the person received the watch back in perfect running order!  How?  Because the original manufacturer “knew” the watch and what it would take to fix it—for they had created it.  And the point?  God is the “original” creator and He  designed us male and female for a reason; He established marriage with a purpose (and it wasn’t to set up a race for ‘superior and inferior’ member of the union)—but rather that the home would be a place where love would abound, where a man and a woman could grow and blossom into the people that God created them to be—and ‘In Jesus’ we can blossom as we were created to do—male and female, truly becoming ONE—propagating life and the Gospel!

“In whom we have redemption

 through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

 or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him

all things consist.” Colossians 1:14-17

God is creator, and The Son was right there with Him, so we can trust in our God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—Creator and sustainer!!!  His plan is the best plan ever–still!

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things

were made by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him

was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

We live in a culture that at this moment is promoting “strong” women—but often what they are promoting as ‘strength’ is more like defiance of the God-given characteristics of men and women!  We women were never created or called to be men, nor vice-versa.  God created ‘male’ and ‘female’ with intent and purpose; woman was brought to the man as a “completer” not a “competer”, and God made us to encourage and strengthen one another by our unique differences!  God made us as the crowning glory of His work of creation; and the home to be the nurturing incubator to build the next generation—for better or for worse!  Instead of caving to the culture, God wants us to call the culture to the cross—not fall in the gutter with them!

We talked last week about those who were “past feeling”, and this fits in today; we are living amongst a people who have decided that anyone who considers God’s way as the right way, is out of touch with reality!  The truth is that God IS true ‘reality’; yet we often let the world trap, fool and deceive us into accepting and joining in with their rejection and revision of God’s order, forsaking the truth for a lie!  Jesus dealt with these same issues when He walked this earth, the more truth He spoke the more those in positions of authority defied, denied and demeaned Him.

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

 ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father

ye will do.

He was a murderer

from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin?

And if I say the truth,

why do ye not believe me?

 47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.”   John 8:42-47

One thing that we often forget is that Jesus warned us that if we choose to follow Him and go God’s way, then we would face the same things that he faced.  Many don’t like to consider this, for so many preach an ‘easy believe-ism’ that says if we follow Jesus we will always be accepted—healthy, wealthy, painless.  As I had someone tell me once, as I was teaching on suffering and persecution, ‘if you are nice to others, they will be nice to you’; and while that sounds really nice (and we are to be nice to others) it is not always true.  I’ll use the same answer now, as I used then, I simply asked about Jesus—did He always do right; yes!  Did He always respond in truth; yes!  Did He always speak the right thing, to the right person, at the right time, in the right way-yes!  Yet what did ‘they’ do to Him?  The “loved” Him to death—they cried out “crucify Him”!  Less than a week after Palm Sunday’s shouts of “hosanna”, they were crying “Crucify him…”.  We can expect the same—male and female!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

Back to our thoughts about women and the family, one of the things I want us to consider is, what/who are we holding up to our children as “heroes”?  Who are we teaching/allowing them to dress like, behave like, and listen to?  The people that saturate the media with their ungodliness, or those who lived for God in the past as well as those who are living for Him and honoring Him now.  Are we teaching our young men and women that building a home is a priority, or that it’s simply an ‘add-on’ to living life for your selfish desires, if it fits in?  Are we teaching and leading our children, both our sons and our daughters, to value and pursue godliness, or have we abandoned them to the world, it’s glitz and glamour, and its vile icons?  Are we helping them be like the world or to pursue holiness?  I truly believe that godly women—moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, neighbors, and friends—can still make a difference in the world!  And whether they know it or not, the world needs true, biblical, godly men and women to lead us into the future.  Scripture gives us some guidelines; the problem is we seem to be failing to make teaching our young ones The Word of God a priority.  If your son or daughter can pitch a perfect no-hitter, or make 3-point baskets all night, or if they are a ‘fashion plate’ of modern dress, if they don’t know Jesus, what do they have?  We can’t assure that they will always make good choices, but we are to help them learn the difference between godly and ungodly; and not just our own children, but those we have the opportunity to influence; as well as other adults God sends our way!

“But speak thou the things

which become sound doctrine:

2 That the aged men

be sober,

grave,

temperate,

sound

in faith,

in charity,

in patience.

3 The aged women likewise,

that they be in behaviour

as becometh holiness,

not false accusers,

not given to much wine,

teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach

the young women

to be sober,

to love their husbands,

to love their children,

5 To be discreet,

chaste,

keepers at home,

good,

obedient to their own husbands,

that the word of God

be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise

exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself

a pattern of good works:

in doctrine

shewing uncorruptness,

gravity,

sincerity,

8 Sound speech,

that cannot be condemned;

that he that is of

the contrary part

may be ashamed,

having no evil thing

to say of you.”  Titus 2:1-8

Paul says so much in these few verses, he is calling Christian men and women to live above reproach—that we don’t bring shame to the name of our Lord Jesus!  He calls us to pass on this ‘higher call’ to those among whom we have influence.  And whether we work outside the home or not, godly women should know that love is more importantly ‘acted out’ rather than simply ‘spoken’.  For to speak truth effectively, we must live it!  Continually!

And when we are living truth, we will be used by God to make a difference.  Why do we allow people with, to say the least, questionable character to be praised before our daughters?  Why have we abandoned the truth and power available through the ideal of godly, humble, powerful women of GOD?

It often escapes us that Paul’s admonition to the “older” women to teach the “younger” women, is a two-fold call; for every woman has someone in their life that is ‘younger’, and at the same time we have those who are ‘older’ than we are.  We are to share with one another the power of biblical truth for living!  Get off of your social-media and make a call, make a visit, connect with a real person—in person!  We are quickly losing the art of personal communication—and we need personal relationships NOT virtual ones!

What has happened to sharing with our young ones the call to be an ‘Esther’-a woman with an opportunity to rescue her nation; to be a Hannah, a praying woman and a self-less mother; to be a Ruth, a loving servant to her mother-in-law, and a humble convert and servant of God; to be a Deborah (and I’ll lose some of you here) a godly woman of God, used to be a powerful inspiration to encourage men to follow and accept God’s call to lead and overcome (not to take their place—oooops, I just lost some of you!)!  How about modern women of faith?  Corrie Ten Boom, a powerful woman of faith, truth and strength!   Amy Carmichael, a powerful woman of God who served tirelessly on the mission field! Elizabeth Elliot, who helped show the world that a godly widow can make a difference! Ruth Graham, a quite woman of faith, strength and courage, who supported her husband’s ministry and raised her children with dignity and truth to be servants of God!  The list could go on, but I think you get the point.  We often teach about the Daniels, and Josephs, and we should, but don’t forget God’s examples of godly women!  And one point I’d like to leave with you is to get your children and grandchildren into reading the biographies of the faithful servants of God from the past and the present!  May we be Proverbs 31 women who ‘fear The Lord’ and seek God’s praise over the praise of men, sharing with those around us?

“Favour is deceitful,

and beauty is vain:

but a woman that feareth the LORD,

she shall be praised.   

31 Give her

of the fruit of her hands;

and let her own works

praise her in the gates.”   Proverbs 31:30-31

Let’s stop binge-eating at the world’s table, and feast on The Word of God, and the company of other godly women! (or men as the case may be). Peter reminds us that God has a higher standard than the world—will we accept the challenge or fall for the lies of the enemy.  And note, Peter points out that our “life-style” of holiness (conversation) is more of a testimony than nagging (ouch!)!

Men and women are called to appreciate our respective differences, and pursue God’s work in our lives, as we share each with the other, and for the sake of time and space, I’ll only share a portion of 1 Peter 3.  I encourage you to read chapter 2 and 3 this week (In fact the whole book is a doable thing, and it’s all about suffering for Jesus—for living holy lives in a broken world!).

“Likewise, ye wives,

be in subjection to your own husbands;

that, if any obey not the word,

they also may

without the word

be won by the conversation

of the wives;

2 While they behold

your chaste conversation

coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning

let it not be that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair,

and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man

of the heart,

 in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament

of a meek

and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God

of great price…

….7 Likewise, ye husbands,

dwell with them

according to knowledge,

giving honour unto the wife,

as unto the weaker vessel,

and as being heirs together

of the grace of life;

that your prayers

be not hindered.

8 Finally,

be ye all of one mind,

having compassion one of another,

love as brethren,

be pitiful,

be courteous:

9 Not rendering

evil for evil,

or railing for railing:

but contrariwise

blessing;

knowing that ye are thereunto called,

that ye should inherit a blessing.”    Portions of 1 Peter 3:1-9

Let me close by saying, God created male and female—and we are to treasure the differences without yielding our God-given roles!  And yes, I believe we have “roles”—not subservient roles (either way) but roles of complementors and completers not competitors!  God calls us to love—agape love—to do that which is always for the other persons good, not just our own!  And sometimes it hurts to love that way, but I’m so grateful that Jesus loved me enough to give His life for mine.  How could I/we do less for one another, especially within a home!!!

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.”    John 15:12-13

Amen and Amen!!!

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Trendy Or Truth??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #494

26 Wednesday Sep 2018

Posted by Blanche in Follow Jesus, SIN, The Only Way, Trendy Or Truth, Trials, Truth is True

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Jesus Is Truth, John 15:17-21, John 8:32-36, Lies, Matthew 6:19-21, Romans 8:14-21, Trendy Or Truth, Truth

Bible Ballistics: BBs #494  Trendy Or Truth???

 

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free…….

34 Jesus answered them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Whosoever committeth sin

is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not

in the house for ever:

but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore

shall make you free,

ye shall be free

indeed.” John 8:32 & 34-36

This is a portion of the discourse that Jesus had with some of the religious leaders as well as some who believed in Him. It is one of my favorite chapters in John (Along with so many others—John is such an amazing book!). If you read it through, you’ll find that it is a great turning point in the ministry of our Lord Jesus, as He clearly delineates the difference between popular opinion and truth, and Jesus IS truth—in His person, His nature and His words—whether we believe and accept Him or not!

We live in a world that is much more concerned with “trendy” than with “truth”—and my friends we must be on our guard all the time for the lies that abound around us. Jesus clearly tells us that if we “shall know the truth”, and remember HE IS the truth (See John 1:1-14, and John 14:6), that He/Truth “shall make you free”! He didn’t say that we would be “set” free, but that He would “make” us free—in fact, in the change of our heart and relationship with God, that will be seen in our actions and reactions toward the things around us. He even goes on to repeat this principle in verse 36:

“If the Son therefore

shall make you free,

ye shall be free

indeed.”

When Jesus makes us His child (by being born again of His Spirit, See John 3:1-21) we are endued with His Spirit and His power to recognize, resist and reject sin—and while we can’t escape it’s presence, we can overcome its power through the power of His Holy Spirit. Paul gives us a great picture of this in Romans chapter 8, and we’ll peruse some portions of this letter. (Take some time and read the entire chapter for yourself for an amazing blessing!)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit

of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit

of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit

of adoption,

whereby we cry,

Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be

revealed in us.

……21 Because the creature itself

also shall be delivered

from the bondage of corruption

into the glorious liberty

of the children of God.”  Portions of Romans 8:14-21

Trendy says if you know Jesus and have enough faith you won’t suffer, you won’t be sick, you won’t have financial needs, your won’t be persecuted for your faith—Truth says:

“the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed

in us”

Jesus Himself gave us the truth that “the servant is not greater than his lord”! (See John 13:16)

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

Jesus reminds us that when we are His, we will experience the same rejection and ridicule that He did, because the world “hates” the things of God—including Jesus and His truth! So we must choose whose praise we are longing for and pursuing. If you want the world’s praise, then simply do the “trendy” new thing that the world promotes; but if we want the praise and approval of God we must live our lives pursuing holiness and truth in the power and provision of our Lord Jesus Christ—HE IS TRUTH!

We must take up our cross and follow Jesus wherever He directs our steps, regardless of the response or consequence. May we ever seek the rewards of heaven rather than the popular trends of the world!

“Lay not up for yourselves

treasures upon earth,

where moth

and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves

treasures in heaven,

where neither moth

nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”   Matthew 6:19-21

Where’s your heart? Fixed on the “trendy” or the “truth”?

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