Tag Archives: Joshua 24:15

Joshua Fit’, How About You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01

23 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01   Joshua Fit’, How About You???

There’s an old Gospel song, “Joshua Fit’de Battle”, one of my favorites (an old Negro Spiritual of unknown authorship—yet a song of heartfelt trust in ONE who IS in charge, no matter what the circumstances look like) and while it’s usually a fun song, it has a great word of encouragement for me today, and I hope I can share that encouragement with you.

Joshua fought a battle that was out of the ordinary, as the new leader of the people of Israel, who had wandered for 40 years for their disobedience to God, and their lack of faith in HIS promises, Joshua had a great task ahead.  Yet, God gave Him what seemed like some most bizarre instructions.

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up

because of the children of Israel:

none went out,

and none came in.

2 And the LORD said unto Joshua,

See, I have given into thine hand Jericho,

and the king thereof,

and the mighty men of valour.

3 And ye shall compass the city,

all ye men of war,

and go round about the city once.

Thus shalt thou do six days.

4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark

seven trumpets of rams’ horns:

and the seventh day

ye shall compass the city seven times,

and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

5 And it shall come to pass,

that when they make a long blast

with the ram’s horn,

and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet,

all the people shall shout

with a great shout;

and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,

and the people shall ascend up

every man straight before him.”  Joshua 6:1-5

While these instructions were strange, they were specific and designed to encourage Joshua and the people he was trying to lead.  While I won’t focus much on the battle, I do want to spend some time today examining how we face not only the battles before us, but also the directions that God gives us.

I know how difficult it can be to trust God and obey in the midst of out-of-control circumstances.  I remember when my daughter was murdered some 2½ years ago, it was on a Thursday and I usually try to write and post on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and I told my husband, “I don’t think I can write and/or post tomorrow!”  And he wisely and simply told me to do what was right for me.  Well, during the night God would awaken me with a scripture and I’d put a note on my phone, and roll over and go back to sleep, then He’d do it again, multiple times during the night, and I knew what HE wanted me to do.  Yet, when I got up on that Friday morning, I told The Lord, “I can’t do this today!”, and God spoke to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard an audible voice, “YOU have hope, others do NOT! They need to know about your hope!”  And with that, I went into my den and wrote the things that He had given me in the night; while I always try to be listening to what God would have me say/write, I can guarantee you that the message that came together that morning was straight from my Father, sending His Balm of Gilead to my soul, and to all who would receive it.

My battle was much different from Joshua’s, but the decision to trust and obey was the same.  How about you?  What battle are you facing, are you trying to ‘Fit ‘de Battle’ alone, or your own way, instead of God’s.  It’s your choice, but God is still God—and you can trust to HIS care, or not.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.   

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

No matter your battle, no matter your circumstances, no matter your frustrations, fear, grief or sorrow—we have a “throne of grace” to which we can run, boldly run (not in arrogance or presumption, but in bold confidence in HIM who sits on that throne—God The Father, and Jesus Christ The Son of God who has boldly paid the price for our sin, and given us access into that throne room!) into the arms of the ONE who gave HIS life that we could have not only “life”, but “abundant life” IN HIM!

We can stand in Jesus, with complete confidence, just as Joshua did even at the end of his life—still knowing that God was all he needed, and that he would serve HIM boldly and faithfully—and he called all the people to recognize that it was their choice as to whom they would trust and serve.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Joshua didn’t force the people to choose God, and I can’t force anyone to believe in Jesus, but without HIM no person will enter heaven’s gates—we must be “born again”!  Jesus’ own words say it best.  Won’t you come to the One who died for YOU?

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily,

I say unto thee, Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

And when you belong to Jesus, you always have someone who can fight your battles, and lift you up when you are down!

“And he said, Hearken ye,

all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude.

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

I’ll share Jesus in the valley—I’ll share HIM on the mountain top—I’ll share HIM, by God’s grace and faithful provision, in all I do and say.  Jesus wants to care for YOU!  Won’t you repent of your sin and receive the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that JESUS made for YOU.  Then you can have what I have, and all who are HIS!  Your “fighting” days can be over!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!!!  Don’t fall for the lies of the enemy of your soul.  (Satan is a thief and a liar!). Even if your heart is breaking—remember, Jesus IS the heart healer!  Believe me, HE heals mine every day!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it      

more abundantly.”  John 10:10

Amen and Amen!!!

What/Who Are YOU Waiting For??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23

02 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, There IS a Test!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23 What/Who Are YOU Waiting For???

We are all waiting on something; a package we have ordered, a new piece of furniture, a new baby (one of the greatest gifts that God gives us—be it child, grandchild or great-grandchild), moving into a new house, or a new season of life, and this time of year we see many new seasons—graduates going off to adult life, those taking off on summer adventures, and during the trials of the last 2 years, many have had to adjust to life changes, loss, and trying to deal with unexpected grief, physical trials and challenges that have caused us all to “wait” on one thing or another.  Changes are a part of life and so is ‘waiting’!  The key is to know what we are waiting for—or more importantly—WHO we are waiting for.  Some are waiting for a ‘prince charming’ who will solve all their problems, others for that job that will take them to new heights of power and fame; for some, it’s waiting for that ‘special someone’ to “make me happy”!  Well, my friends, happiness is a word related to circumstances, but JOY is the peace of mind, heart and soul that only Jesus can and does give to those who will choose HIM—and wait for HIS direction, will and provision, and it goes far beyond circumstance but is grounded in the security of The Savior who paid the price to redeem us to Himself, and will direct our way when we seek HIM.

“Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings

as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:28-31

Every person has a God-given freedom to choose, we can choose wisely, or we can choose foolishly.  Jesus gave a great lesson in this regard.  The choice is to believe and receive Jesus, or to go our own way, focused on ‘self’! You will choose the ‘rock’ or the ‘sand’—the lesson implies that each house ‘appears’ to the world to be the same, but the foundation makes the difference.  One person chose Jesus—The Rock; the other chose ‘self’—the sand.  You can impress the world or have peace with God—but most generally you can’t have them both at the same time; whether we look at coming to Jesus and accepting His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice; or the living out of either trusting and obeying Jesus or trusting and yielding to our own wisdom and fleshly wisdom.  (See Romans 5:1-11)

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him

unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened

unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus

had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”  Matthew 7:24-29

Joshua gave one of the greatest summations of this personal dilemma of all time, for we must “choose” whom we will wait for, wait on and look unto for all of life’s issues, especially the salvation of our souls!

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Jesus is the “rock of my salvation” and HE will be yours if you will look to HIM! Oh, how I love Jesus!

“I will love thee, O LORD,

my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn

of my salvation,

and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved

from mine enemies.”  Psalm 18:1-3

The question is, what and who are you “waiting” for?  After many years of life, experience, disappointments, joys, and learning that there is only ONE person who is worthy of my focus, my continual devotion, and on whom I can depend, HIS name is JESUS!  And while I am blessed with many faithful and trusted friends, there is only ONE upon whom I place my total confidence, my best friend, JESUS!  And HE is worth waiting for—and I truly believe that His return is imminent!  Are you ready?

“I had fainted,

unless I had believed to see

the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD:

be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart:       

wait, I say,

on the LORD.”  Psalm 27:13-14

“Wait on the LORD,

and keep his way,

and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land:

when the wicked are cut off,

thou shalt see it.”  Psalm 37:34

As we wait upon “The Lord”, we can be assured that Jesus is “God”, not an imposter or just ‘one’ of many ways to God!  HE IS GOD, He said so Himself, and He also said HE is coming back again, and HE is trustworthy—and I’m looking UP expectantly!!!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

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

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 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

So, my friends, what/who are you waiting on?  You can choose to believe in the ONE who is coming back for HIS own, waiting with joy and expectancy. Or not?  Choose “you this day” to go your own way or God’s?  And just as a bit of reminder for some of you and news for others of you, let’s rehearse what scripture says about “who/what” Jesus claimed Himself to be from the Gospel of John—one of my favorite books about Jesus.  A great New Testament book to read if you want to know more about Him!  And note “the Word” is Jesus—the living WORD, as well as the author of the written Word, and here, as well as several other passages, identified as “creator”.  (See Colossians 1:16)

“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.  (See John 3:19-21 for more)

Jesus’ first express revelation of His deity was to the woman at the well:

“The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee am he.”   John 4:25-26

Yet sometimes “seeing” isn’t “believing”:

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not…

….48 I am that bread of life…

….51 I am the living bread

which came down from heaven:

if any man eat of this bread,

he shall live for ever:

and the bread that I will give

is my flesh,

which I will give

for the life of the world.”   John 6:35-36 & 48, 51

Without Jesus there is no way to God—you can choose to believe Him or reject Him, but choose wisely, there is a test, and a consequence.

“And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you,

that ye shall die in your sins:

for if ye believe not

that I am he,

ye shall die in your sins.”  John 8:23-24

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

I am.

59 Then took they up stones to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:58-59

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe

that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                       John 11:25-27

What do you believe?  Jesus spoke the truth and they wanted to kill Him, and we who follow Him won’t always be believed or accepted, and we need to know that Jesus prepared us for this truth (hard to accept sometimes, but true and becoming more and more evident every day!).  It’s important to remember that when we choose Jesus, and walk in obedience, we will suffer with HIM.

“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

Paul also said something very similar to us—a verse that is often ignored, but much needed today!

“Yea,

and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

And in closing, are you, am I, willing to “live godly in Christ Jesus”?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Holy or NOT?  The choice is yours but choose wisely, there is a test!  And remember God’s call upon those who are His own.  Don’t wait too long!

“But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:15.-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Close But Yet So Far??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #776

03 Thursday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Obedience, Obedient or NOT?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Samuel & Eli, The Word, The Word Or The World?, True Knowledge, Trusting God

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #776   Close But Yet So Far???

 

We talked recently about recognizing God’s truth, and I’d like us to revisit that thought with a bit of a twist.

“Have ye not known?

have ye not heard?

hath it not been told you

from the beginning?

 have ye not understood

from the foundations of the earth?”   Isaiah 40:21

Isaiah called his people to examine themselves and see what they had done with the truths of God.  That question is still pertinent for us today, in fact possibly even more urgent than it was back then, for we have spent so much time diminishing the import of The Word of God, perverting what God has said, and changing the truth for lies of convenience.  In fact, we have done the same thing that Israel had done during Isaiah’s day.

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

 in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!”   Isaiah 5:20-23

Woe is a strong word from God, and we need to be paying attention, whether we are genuine believers or those who claim the name of One they don’t know.  We find one of the most important warnings to both in the story of Samuel and Eli (the high priest).  If you remember, Samuel was the young son of answered prayer that Hannah received from God. She then gave him back to God for HIS service; when he was weaned, she took him to Eli as a servant of the tabernacle (the temple wasn’t built at the time)! Without listing all of the scriptures in this story, let’s peruse some of the highlights and see the danger of not walking “close” to our Lord, and thinking disobedience and neglect are OK.

“Now Hannah,

she spake in her heart; only her lips moved,

but her voice was not heard:

therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her,

How long wilt thou be drunken?

put away thy wine from thee.”   1 Samuel 1:13-14

This portion of the story is important to understand the outcome; Eli rebuked Hannah because he thought she was ‘drunk’, yet she was only deeply in tune with God in prayer for a child.  Eli missed what was going on, and Hannah had to correct him, and then he blessed her for her obvious devotion to seek God for her needs.  God did answer her prayer and when the time came, she returned the child Samuel to serve God for a lifetime. It would seem that Eli judged her by the standard of his sons.  In time God spoke to Samuel and called him into his service with a message of “woe” to Eli, and the reason makes what happened with Hannah, most ironic, puzzling, and very insightful as a lesson we should learn from.

“And she said,

Oh my lord,

as thy soul liveth, my lord,

 I am the woman that stood by thee here,

praying unto the LORD.

27 For this child I prayed;

and the LORD hath given me my petition

which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also

I have lent him to the LORD;

as long as he liveth

he shall be lent to the LORD.

And he worshipped the LORD there.”  1 Samuel 1:26-28

Hannah came to worship, as Samuel began his service to God, and when God called him personally, he replied in obedience to a hard task.  Yet Eli, on the other hand, was unwilling to correct his sons, who were reprobate before God, and he knew what they were doing!

“Now Eli was very old,

and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel;

and how they lay with the women that

assembled at the door of the

tabernacle of the congregation

23 And he said unto them,

Why do ye such things?

for I hear of your evil dealings

by all this people.

24 Nay, my sons;

 for it is no good report that I hear:

ye make the LORD’S people

to transgress.

25 If one man sin against another,

the judge shall judge him:

but if a man sin against the LORD,

who shall intreat for him?

Notwithstanding they hearkened not

unto the voice of their father,

because the LORD would slay them.

26 And the child Samuel grew on,

and was in favour both with the LORD,

and also with men.”  1 Samuel 2:22-26

Eli understood the principles of ‘obedient leadership’ but apparently not enough to deal with his own sons’ immoral and wicked behavior.  The New Testament confirms the call of obedience for all.

“And that servant,

which knew his lord’s will,

and prepared not himself,

neither did according to his will,

shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not,

and did commit things worthy of stripes,

shall be beaten with few stripes.

For unto whomsoever much is given,

of him shall be much required:

and to whom men have committed much,

of him they will ask the more.

49 I am come to send fire on the earth;

and what will I,

if it be already kindled?”  Luke 12:47-49

“My brethren,

be not many masters,

knowing that we shall receive

the greater condemnation.”   James 3:1

Eli had been given the title, the privilege, and the responsibility for the spiritual welfare of Israel, yet he didn’t even take care of the spiritual welfare of his own family.  Now, don’t misunderstand—we can instruct, train, and set a good example before our children and family, but as adults, each person is responsible for his/her own choices.  In fact, scripture says even children are accountable.

“Even a child is known by his doings,

whether his work be pure,

and whether it be right.”  Proverbs 20:11

But Eli was not just a parent, he was the high priest, and his sons were also priests by Gods’ call to the sons of Aaron, as spiritual leaders to Israel.  But Eli apparently did not take his responsibility seriously enough, and was allowing his sons to behave immorally, with complete disregard to the import of God’s instructions for the sacrificial system and its use in building a relationship to God, and yet he did nothing!  God’s Word settles it!

“So then every one of us

shall give account

of himself to God.”  Romans 14:12

God gave Samuel a heavy load for his first commission, and he proved faithful, for God had already been preparing Eli for the coming accounting!

“Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith,

I said indeed that thy house,

and the house of thy father,

should walk before me for ever:

but now the LORD saith,

Be it far from me;

for them that honour me

I will honour,

and they that despise me

shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days come,

that I will cut off thine arm,

and the arm of thy father’s house,

that there shall not be an old man

in thine house.

32 And thou shalt see an enemy

in my habitation,

in all the wealth

which God shall give Israel:

and there shall not be an old man

in thine house for ever.

33 And the man of thine,

whom I shall not cut off from mine altar,

shall be to consume thine eyes,

and to grieve thine heart:

and all the increase of thine house

shall die in the flower of their age.

34 And this shall be a sign unto thee,

that shall come upon thy two sons,

on Hophni and Phinehas;

in one day they shall die

both of them.

35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest,

that shall do according to that

which is in mine heart

and in my mind:

and I will build him a sure house;

and he shall walk before mine anointed

for ever.”  1 Samuel 2:30-35

A previous prophet gave a warning to Eli, then God sent Samuel—I think not only for Eli, but for Samuel to know that he was being called by God to lead Israel back to Himself, to restore truth and God’s presence before them.

“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD,

neither was the word of the LORD

yet revealed unto him…

…..8 And the LORD called Samuel

again the third time.

 And he arose and went to Eli,

 and said, Here am I;

for thou didst call me.

And Eli perceived that the LORD

 had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel,

Go, lie down:

and it shall be,

if he call thee,

that thou shalt say,

Speak, LORD;

for thy servant heareth.

So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called

as at other times,

Samuel, Samuel.

Then Samuel answered,

Speak; for thy servant heareth.

11 And the LORD said to Samuel,

Behold, I will do a thing in Israel,

at which both the ears

of every one that heareth it

shall tingle.

12 In that day

I will perform against Eli all things

which I have spoken

concerning his house:

when I begin,

I will also make an end.

13 For I have told him

that I will judge his house for ever

for the iniquity which he knoweth;

because his sons

made themselves vile,

and he restrained them not.

14 And therefore I have sworn

unto the house of Eli,

that the iniquity of Eli’s house

shall not be purged

with sacrifice

nor offering

 for ever.”   1 Samuel 3:8-14

What a heavy load for a young boy, but God reminds us of the sufficiency of HIS provision.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

 and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

 both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:12-13

While Samuel’s task was a difficult one, he pressed on with respect for Eli, and regard for the message of God.  We can learn a lot from these two men of God—one drew near to God as He heard His voice—the other had allowed his own permissiveness toward his children to cause him to fail his God!  Yet, I do believe God allowed him to ‘redeem’ some of the time he had wasted, to have a second chance with Samuel—a chance to make a difference in this young boy’s life—and it would seem that he used it wisely and set an example of humble submission to the judgment of God!  How about you and me?  How do we respond to the call of God, and/or his judgment and discipline?  Samuel revealed the truth of God to Eli—I believe with a broken heart, but a humble, submissive heart that spoke the truth in love!

“And Samuel told him every whit,

 and hid nothing from him.

And he said,

It is the LORD:

let him do what seemeth him good.

19 And Samuel grew,

and the LORD was with him,

and did let none of his words

fall to the ground.

20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba

knew that Samuel was established

to be a prophet of the LORD.

21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh:

for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel

in Shiloh

by the word of the LORD.”   I Samuel 4:18-21

So, my question for each of us today is, are we so compromised that we have missed the task that Jesus has called us to, or are you one who talks about the master but doesn’t know HIM personally?  The choice is yours, and truly there is a test.  Are you walking in God’s “way”—Jesus (See John 14:6)?  Or are you choosing to go your own way as Eli’s sons did.  Or maybe you’re a parent who has failed to correct and lead your children to know and do God’s truth. There is a word for each of us if we will but heed the message God is speaking to our hearts.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

“So then every one of us shall give account

of himself to God.”  Romans 14:12

Will your account be that of one drawn close to the Father, or have you walked so far away that you have lost sight of God and His truth, or never really known HIM?  I join with Joshua even today!  How about you?

“And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

 in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

 we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Paul sums it up concisely:

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:”   Ephesians 4:14-15

Amen and Amen!!!

Baskets And Palaces??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 23

26 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Baskets or Palaces?, Choose you this day?, Moses--

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 23  Baskets And Palaces???

 

Just a few thoughts on whether we are being willing to serve with ‘baskets’ if that’s where God has us, or if we are so busy pursuing ‘palaces’ on our own, that we reject and diminish the value of ‘baskets’!

“There be four things which are little

upon the earth,

but they are exceeding wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong,

yet they prepare their meat

in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk,

yet make they their houses

in the rocks;

27 The locusts

have no king, yet go they forth

all of them by bands;

28 The spider

taketh hold with her hands,

and is in kings’ palaces.”   Proverbs 30:24-28

There are good things of God’s creation that are small but powerful, and God wants us to learn from His creation.  Yet, there are small things of God’s creation that while small, they demand caution and care, and we often forget to beware of the difference.  James warns us of one of the greatest dangers we face daily—our words, our tongue!

“For in many things we offend all.

If any man offend not in word,

the same is a perfect man,

and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths,

that they may obey us;

and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships,

which though they be so great,

and are driven of fierce winds,

yet are they turned about

with a very small helm,

whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member,

and boasteth great things.

Behold, how great a matter

a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity:

so is the tongue

among our members,

that it defileth

the whole body,

and setteth on fire

the course of nature;

and it is set on fire

of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts,

and of birds,

and of serpents,

and of things in the sea,

is tamed,

and hath been tamed

of mankind:

8 But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.”  James 3:2-8

James goes on to tell us even more about our tongue—in a nut-shell— ‘we can control our tongue with God’s help and the work of The Holy Spirit’, or ‘we can allow our tongue to control us’!  Our words can bring life, peace and hope to others, or we can speak things that do more harm than a gun or knife could ever do!  How often have we wished we could take back “our words”—but once they are out, they are irretrievable.  How true is the proverb (not a biblical one, but a true one, nonetheless) that I have often quoted, “Watch your words and keep them sweet!  You never know which ones you’ll eat!”  What are you doing with your words?

“But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:8-13

Do our words reveal meekness and wisdom?  If our fountain is full of God’s Spirit, may our words reflect it!

You all remember Moses? Well, I’d like to consider Moses and his parents—scripture tells us that they had a heart to believe God and pursue HIS purposes, even if it meant relying on a small basket; even though it could have cost them their lives as well as the life of their tiny baby!

But God took that “basket” into the “palace”.  Many today are busy trying to push their children into “palaces” of fame, fortune, or popularity at any cost.  We dress them up like harlots, and immoral movie stars, actors, musicians, and other rabble, with no regard for what we are encouraging them to pursue.  We send them out with all their virtue uncovered and wonder why their morals fail.  We fill their lives with constant activity, yet we take very little time to teach them what God expects of them; and how to follow God’s Word.  May heaven help us see the import of teaching them about modesty, dignity, self-respect, and respectability!  Oh, please God our Father, open our eyes to see YOUR truth.

“And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

2 And the woman conceived,

and bare a son:

and when she saw him that he was a goodly child,

she hid him three months.

3 And when she could not longer hide him,

she took for him an ark of bulrushes,

and daubed it with slime and with pitch,

and put the child therein;

and she laid it in the flags

by the river’s brink.

4 And his sister stood afar off,

to wit what would be done to him.

5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down

to wash herself at the river;

and her maidens walked along by the river’s side;

and when she saw the ark among the flags,

she sent her maid to fetch it.

6 And when she had opened it,

she saw the child:

and, behold, the babe wept.

And she had compassion on him, and said,

This is one of the Hebrews’ children.

7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter,

Shall I go and call to thee a nurse

of the Hebrew women,

that she may nurse the child

for thee?…

… 10 And the child grew,

and she brought him

unto Pharaoh’s daughter,

and he became her son.

And she called his name Moses:

and she said,

Because I drew him

out of the water.”   Exodus 2:1-7 & 10

God knew where that basket would end up, and while Moses’ mother didn’t know that I believe she had an idea of the possibility of his rescue, especially since she sent his older sister to watch the outcome of her actions.  She acted in faith and knew her God would provide somehow!  I’m so glad that the book of Hebrews describes the events from God’s perspective that she didn’t have at the time—but she did know the God who did KNOW!!!  Remember that faithfulness to God produces obedience, and obedience will result in other’s seeing the faithfulness of GOD ALMIGHTY! And a mother of faith, changed the future of her son and her people—not by her own power, but by trusting in the God who did have the power!

Moses Parents:

“By faith Moses,

when he was born,

was hid three months

of his parents,

because they saw

he was a proper child;

and they were not afraid

of the king’s commandment.”  Hebrews 11:23

Moses the adult:

“By faith Moses,

when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction

with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect

unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith

he forsook Egypt,

not fearing the wrath of the king:

for he endured,

as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover,

and the sprinkling of blood,

lest he that destroyed the firstborn

should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea

as by dry land:

which the Egyptians assaying to do

were drowned.”  Hebrews 11:24-29

Both Moses and his parents chose to go God’s way even when it was unpopular, even when it was against the law for him to be kept alive as an infant, yet his mother and father believed that God had a plan even though it might cost them their lives as well as Moses’ life.  How is it that we would rather blend in than stand for what we say we believe?  I find it interesting that while most have read and stand by what they read in the first half of Hebrews 11, many often overlook the last half that describes those whose faith appeared to “fail” before the world—according to the “name-it-and-claim-it” folks.  God says faith is faith in HIM and HIS provision, not in how things may look, nor the opinion of the world!  When did we choose popular opinion over biblical obedience?  See what God says in the last part of Hebrews 11.

“And others had trial

of cruel mockings

and scourgings,

yea, moreover

of bonds

and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about

in sheepskins

and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report

through faith,

received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us,

that they without us

should not be made perfect.”   Hebrews 11:36-40

Whose approval are you after?  I think I’d rather seek God’s approval in a basket, than the world’s in a palace void of God’s presence.  God’s plan seldom matches what the world is expecting.  What do your kids see in your choices?  Are you leading them to trust in God or something or someone else?  What do those around you see in you?  God or the world?  We must choose!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

May we heed Paul’s call unto Timothy and see the import of God’s Word, and use it to “order” our steps; it will surely lead us into the ways of God—which the world will never do.  May we learn like Joshua to choose rightly, regardless of what others do.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

God’s rules have never changed—and they never will!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Will you stand with the unchanging Christ or the transient world around us?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“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 3:21

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Going With You??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #712

04 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Fickle or Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory of God, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #712   Who’s Going With You???

 

I just have a brief word to share this morning, but by way of “FYI”, I do want to let you know that the inconsistent schedule of postings is due to some personal issues here at home.  My husband’s health is not doing so good, and simply put, much of the “time”, my “time” isn’t my own.  So, I’ll keep on doing what I do when I’m able.  I hope to post at least twice a week and when I’m able to do more, I will.

This morning, I want to share a simple but profound reminder from one of my favorite Bible characters, Joshua.  The man who needed reminding to “be courageous”—but by the end he truly had learned to trust his GOD!  So, here’s a reminder for us all today to “be courageous” regardless of the size of the giants!

“The LORD thy God,

he will go over before thee,

and he will destroy these nations

from before thee,

and thou shalt possess them:

and Joshua,

he shall go over before thee,

as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them

as he did to Sihon and to Og,

kings of the Amorites,

and unto the land of them,

whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up

before your face,

that ye may do unto them

according unto all the commandments

which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage,

fear not,

nor be afraid of them:

for the LORD thy God,

he it is that doth go with thee;

he will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua,

and said unto him

in the sight of all Israel,

Be strong and of a good courage:

for thou must go with this people

unto the land which the LORD

hath sworn unto their fathers

to give them;

and thou shalt cause them

to inherit it.”  Deuteronomy 31:3-7

And again, as he was about to lead the people in, God reminded him of his commission and the “supplier”!

“There shall not any man be able

to stand before thee all the days of thy life:

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee:

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong

and of a good courage:

for unto this people shalt thou divide

for an inheritance

the land, which I sware

unto their fathers

to give them.”  Joshua 1:5-6

“Only be thou strong and very courageous,

that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law,

which Moses my servant

commanded thee:

turn not from it

to the right hand

or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.”   Joshua 1:7

“Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed:

for the LORD thy God

is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9

What has God commissioned you/me to?  Are we willing to go fearlessly?  It’s our call, yet our confidence is in the ONE who calls, equips and goes with us all the way; so that with Joshua we can proclaim in confident assurance:

“…as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD”. Joshua 24:15b

And put a bit differently by the author of Hebrews:

“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

Amen and Amen!!!