Tag Archives: Look Up Not Around

It’s HIS Time, Not Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

15 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Doubt and Confusion?, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's got you and me!, God's ways are not our ways, HE makes all things beautiful, IN HIS TIME!, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Sovereignty, Stand Fast, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Love of God

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It’s HIS Time, Not Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #21

I have another brief word this morning—one that is precious to my life—my heart!  In fact, I have a painting in my home that has this very sentiment, and it is so true, and brings confidence, comfort, and assurance to my heart.  Assurance that GOD IS in control—that GOD IS still GOD—that GOD IS still good—and that I still love and trust HIM, no matter what my eyes may see, my ears may hear, or my heart may momentarily “feel”!  It’s those times when heartache, tears, confusion, and doubt assail our lives that we absolutely must stand—must camp—on what we KNOW to be true about our GOD, NOT what we “feel”!

We live in a culture that runs on ‘feelings’, ‘desires’, and ‘instant’ everything; from orange juice to happiness (so called)!  But to have the joy and confidence that only God can give, and HIS “peace that passeth all understanding” will get us through every issue that confronts us in this life.  Remember, We Win!

“I have seen the travail, which God hath given

to the sons of men

to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful

in his time……”  Ecclesiastes 3:10-11a

Nehemiah’s word of encouragement to the people of Jerusalem when their challenge had been provided by The Lord God Almighty, is the same word that you and I can camp on today.

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD

is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Amen and Amen!!!

My Strength Isn’t My Own! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 19

30 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Confidence, Contentment, Encouragement

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 19.  My Strength Isn’t My Own!

 

“The LORD is my strength

and my shield;

my heart trusted in him,

and I am helped:

therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;

and with my song will I praise him.”   Psalm 28:7

We have gone through some extreme changes in the last six weeks, and I have to admit, my body is totally weary and tired, but by God’s grace, strength, and power I have been able to do the things that needed doing.  We are in a new season, time, and place in our lives and yet our God is where HE has always been—in total, sovereign control, and I can’t tell you how much comfort, assurance, and confidence this gives to my heart.  It is my sustenance and I praise God for it.  I want to simply share a few passages of scripture to lift our hearts heavenward this morning.  The first may seem a little out of place but I hope you will consider the import of what it says—in fact I believe it is the foundational premise of the segment it begins.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”  Ephesians 6:10

This beginning of the “armor of God” passage is often skipped as we jump into the “important” list of the armor, but have you considered the import of this introductory statement that Paul makes?  As Jesus said in John 15, without HIM and HIS power, we “can do nothing”!  Whose strength are you relying on?

“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

And in closing this brief post with you today, I pray that you will look up and not depend on your own “grit” and “power”, but on The Lord God Almighty whom I know reigns.  Is HE reigning in you?

“And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6. Amen!!!

Whose Power Are You Trusting??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #709

12 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Broken Hearts, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Contentment, Dependence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Look UP, Our God Reigns, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #709  Whose Power Are You Trusting???

 

I want to veer off our “Daniel” track for today and just share a word of encouragement for each of us today.  As we’re in the deep freeze here in Oklahoma—and about to get even “freezier” in the next week, there is a warmth in my heart that only comes by knowing WHO is in charge—and for sure it’s not the government or the weatherman—and as the Apostle John recorded for us so long ago:

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God

omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:5-6

HE always has, and HE always will be The Lord God Almighty who reigns over all.  And as Zechariah reminded the people who were discouraged at the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, our strength isn’t from anything in this world!

“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

I quote this verse often to myself and others, and there is one other simple passage that I’d like to leave with you; and I know many of you already have it planted in your heart, but I just want to remind each of us that “our God reigns”!  Our job is to keep our eyes fixed on HIM and trust each of our days to HIS care.  That’s not always an easy task when our eyes, our hearts and our minds see such heartache, carry such heavy burdens in our circumstances, and see so much darkness and chaos around us—but remember, we are called to look up, not around!  I’m so often reminded to look up to our Lord and not around at the “lions”!  Take it to Jesus, my friends; HE is my hope—my joy—and my total confidence, and He’s there for you too; call on HIM today!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

Blessings on you and yours—and let “your little light shine” today….and today….and today!

Amen and Amen!!!

Our Sovereign God Still Reigns!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #660

17 Wednesday Jun 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Amazing Grace, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #660  Our Sovereign God Still Reigns!!!

 

“Thou art worthy,

O Lord,

to receive glory

and honour

and power:

for thou hast created all things,

and for thy pleasure

they are

and were created.”   Revelation 4:11

Our God, the creator and ruler of all is still in charge regardless of what is going on around us.  God calls us to not only keep our eyes on Jesus, but to look up knowing that our redeemer LIVES!  And HE is coming again!

“And then shall they see the Son of man coming

in a cloud

with power

and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption

draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:27-28

Amen and Amen!  And we could just stop there but I would like to share a bit of hope and encouragement with you in this disconcerting time.  We can be confident and secure in our Lord Jesus Christ!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

That “sound mind” means ‘right thinking’—and since Jesus is ‘truth’ we can think on the things of God and walk in victory—not ease—but victory!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Guard your heart and mind with The Word of God—it will prepare us for the battle that we are in.  And we can stand fast in the certainty of our God’s sovereign rule in truth and right!  His goodness is sure, and HE is worthy of our praise, for God sent His Son to give us life—and it cost HIM HIS!  HE IS WORTHY (as well as trust-worthy!)!!!

“And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us

to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings

and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld,

and I heard the voice of many angels

round about the throne

and the beasts

and the elders:

and the number of them was ten thousand

times ten thousand,

and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.”   Revelation 5:9-12. Amen!

You can rest in His care, for HE is ever the same, and HE cares for YOU!

“My help cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee

will not slumber.”   Psalm 121:2-3

I hope you find this post helpful and encouraging as you face uncertain days; but remember our God is NEVER unsure or uncertain—HE REIGNS!

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6.   Amen!!!

Are You Battle Fatigued??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #648

29 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Armor of God, Ask God For Wisdom, Believe IN Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Fatigue, Great is Thy Faithfulness, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Weariness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #648   Are You Battle Fatigued???

 

We talked last time about our Lord God being the One who fights our battles when we will rest in Him, take our hands off, and watch God work!  Yet, sometimes God sends us to take a sling and a rock and face our giants, but like David, we must, I repeat we must, remember that our confidence is in the God we serve, not in our own abilities, ideas, strength or wisdom.  We must learn to rely on the wisdom of God, the strength of our Lord, and trust to His direction, care and provision.

As Paul told the church at Ephesus, our armor is effective because of “The One” who empowers it!  Let’s peruse Paul’s encouragement to the believers who needed the armor of God, but even more importantly, they needed the God who empowers that armor!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.”   Ephesians 6:10-12

We often become weary because we forget that our enemy is most often unseen—but our God is ever present with us!  We see HIM with spiritual eyes, and hear HIS voice speaking to our hearts through the power of HIS precious Holy Spirit. So, I simply want to share a few scriptures that I pray will encourage you in your “battle fatigue” today.  May God’s Word be that “balm of Gilead” to sooth the troubled soul!

“But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”   John 14:26-27

Our peace and confidence come from our Lord, not our circumstances—rest in HIM.  And in closing one of my personal favorite passages; I pray that it will encourage and comfort you in your battles today!   This entire chapter is one of my “go-to” scriptures.

“Trust

in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight

thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires

of thine heart.

5 Commit

thy way

unto the LORD;

trust also

in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth

thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest

in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not

thyself because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease

from anger,

and forsake

wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

 to do evil.”   Psalm 37:3-8

I pray that this will encourage you today and lift your heart upward—remember you have a Savior who cares!  He is ever there for you!  Let HIM ease your ‘fatigue’!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

Amen and Amen!!!