Tag Archives: Matthew 6:9-13

Be A Safe Place??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 13

18 Sunday Jul 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Evil will not win, Faithful, Kindness, Knowing God's Word, My Grace Is Sufficient, Place of Safety, Presumption, Safe Place, Seasoned with Salt

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 13   Be A Safe Place???

 

After some intense conversations this week, I have a few things I’d like to share today; in the crazy culture we live in, it’s often difficult to have a safe place to find solace, refuge, and counsel.  I think God has called us to express His love by being that safe place as we have opportunity.

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all

bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:29-32

If I can take a bit of liberty, I think we can say that while, “corrupt communication” may not proceed out every “mouth”, it does seem to me that much “corrupt communication” appears on social media, even by those who claim the name of Jesus!  How can we sing “Oh, how I love Jesus” on one day, and write and speak vile, mean, and harmful things to, about and in regard to people we may or may not know the next?  The lack of kindness grieves my heart, and we, as God’s children and followers of Jesus, ought to be shining the light of Jesus, and not the hatred of the enemy.   We are to be building each other up not tearing each other down; or expecting one thing of others and lesser things of ourselves!  We must remember that we are all “forgiven”!

Remember what Jesus said as HE taught us to pray.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

We are to be a place where others can find relief, safety and help to find the God who has the answers.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Just as the “righteous” run into God’s “strong tower”, we are to be a safe place for others to run to when they need to find hope and peace as well as safety.  Now we need to understand that being a “safe” place doesn’t mean that we compromise God’s truth—HIS Word—but it does mean that we share truth with grace and compassion.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.   

6 Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And I would simply ask you to think and pray about being God’s instrument of peace, grace, and truth to a lost and dying world; to extend kindness and grace as you speak God’s truth to those HE sends your way.

So, in closing I would simply remind each of us to guard our heart and our tongue; that we may be instruments of God’s service, for His glory and the good of those we encounter.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3

“Keep thy heart

with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee

a froward mouth,

and perverse lips

put far from thee.”  Psalm 4:23-24

Jesus summed it all up when He told us that the mouth doesn’t defile, but rather a defiled heart which is revealed by the words which come out of our mouth (whether they be oral, written, or acted out!)!  What is coming out of your heart?  Do you need to clean up your heart so that your mouth will reveal Jesus and not the world?

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things

which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

The choice is yours but choose wisely.  There is a test.  I pray that we will each yield our heart to our LORD and let Jesus be seen in you/me; may we be a blessing and not a defilement!

Amen and Amen!!!

Perhaps A Simple Thank YOU? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 12

11 Sunday Jul 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Walking With Jesus, Walking Worthy

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 12 Perhaps A Simple Thank YOU?

 

I’d like to turn our attention to gratitude for a few minutes this evening—and yes, I know it’s not November; but gratitude is an attitude that we ought to cultivate every day of the year, not just in November, or on Thanksgiving Day! Gratitude is a biblical mindset, and we ought to pursue it daily.  Paul gives us a list of godly characteristics that we are to cultivate, and I pray that we can be encouraged through the scriptures.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”   1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

We can hardly rejoice and pray effectively when we don’t have a grateful spirit; for we can find ourselves caught up in a spirit of resentment, bitterness, and selfishness when we allow our attitude to forget to have scripture as our guide and not the world around us.  We must reject the mindset of the world which most often is one of greed, lust, and self-gratification; rather than one of joy, prayer, and gratitude, and not “quenching” the Spirit of God!  Ouch!  There is an Old Testament passage that I think gives some great insight into this dilemma.

“The LORD liveth;

and blessed be my rock;

and exalted be the God

of the rock of my salvation.

48 It is God that avengeth me,

and that bringeth down the people under me,

49 And that bringeth me forth

from mine enemies:

thou also hast lifted me up on high

above them that rose up against me:

thou hast delivered me

from the violent man.

50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee,

O LORD,

among the heathen,

and I will sing praises

unto thy name.

51 He is the tower of salvation

for his king:

and sheweth mercy to his anointed,

unto David,

and to his seed

for evermore.”  2 Samuel 22:47-51

“I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen”!  We are to give “thanks unto” The Lord, “among the heathen”, living a life of gratitude among a world of self, greed, and lust!  We are to live a life that reflects WHO our “tower of salvation” IS!  Part of the 100th Psalm reminds us of the awesome power of our Creator—our Lord—our Redeemer—our Savior!

“Make a joyful noise

unto the LORD,

all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD

with gladness:

come before his presence

with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD

he is God:

it is he that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates

with thanksgiving,

and into his courts

with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good;

his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth

endureth to all generations.”   Psalm 100:1-5

Even as John recorded in the Book of the Revelation:

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

which was,

and is,

and is to come.

9 And when those beasts

give glory

and honour

and thanks

to him that sat on the throne,

who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down

before him that sat on the throne,

and worship him

that liveth for ever and ever,

and cast their crowns

before the throne, saying,

11 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 4:8-11

And as John continues, regarding The Lamb of God “who takes away the sin of the world”, the only One who IS worthy to open the scroll/book.

“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.

13 And every creature

which is in heaven,

and on the earth,

and under the earth,

and such as are in the sea,

and all that are in them, heard I saying,

Blessing,

and honour,

and glory,

and power,

be unto him that sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb

for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said,

Amen.

And the four and twenty elders

fell down and worshipped him

that liveth for ever and ever.”   Revelation 5:9-14

As God is “worthy” of our praise and our gratitude, we are to live worthy lives unto The One who loves us, and cares for us, and gave HIMSELF for our eternal life!  Paul makes it clear that we are called to “walk worthy” of HIM who died for us.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;”  Ephesians 4:1-2

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;”   Colossians 1:9-10

“As ye know how we

exhorted

and comforted

and charged

every one of you,

as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy

of God,

who hath called you

unto his kingdom and glory.”   1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

And as we are thinking about gratitude, and walking worthy of our Lord, I simply want to direct our hearts and minds to that which our Lord taught us about a life of prayer—prayer that is focused on God, in His Word, and pursuing HIS will and HIS Kingdom in all we do.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine

is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

When was the last time you/I said “thank you” to our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?   May God truly help us to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude”, walking worthy of the blood that cleanses us from all sin!  May others see a grateful heart reflecting The Lord who transforms lives!

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,

and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:

but we know that,

when he shall appear,

we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself,

even as he is pure.”  1 John 3:2-3  Amen!!!

My Sufficient GOD!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #674

07 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, Sovereignty, That They May Know, TODAY, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Walking With Jesus, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #674       My Sufficient GOD!!!

 

I want to talk about pronouns today!  There is a conflict between the “me” culture and the “we” culture, one of which is wrecking our world.  But in contrast our relationship with God is determined by the “ME” issue.  “I” must have a relationship with God—for it’s “my” God or no God!  You can’t choose “my” God, any more than I can choose “Your” God.  Yet, let me make it clear, when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith and are born again, we enter the “we” of the family of God, but the ‘we’ only comes when we belong to Jesus.  For example, if you’ll consider the model prayer of Matthew chapter 6, look at the pronouns:

“Our Father who art in heaven….

 Give us this day…

 Our daily bread…

 Forgive us….

 Our debts….

 As we forgive…

 Lead us…

 Deliver us…”   Portions of Matthew 6:9-13

Remember that only Jesus can change a “me” (selfish) heart into a transformed “we” heart!  Then our prayers can be focused on a ‘we’ heart, concerned with Jesus and how we can shine His light before those HE sends our way!  But if there is no relationship between “me” and God, there will be no substantial “we”.  That’s the reason that I titled this post “My” sufficient God—for because of what God has done, is doing and has promised to do, I can have confidence in His total sufficiency; on the other hand if you’ve not been willing to hear, heed and grow in The Word of God, you’ll lack sorely in confidence of HIS sufficiency.  That’s why we so often fail in our own devices and ways.  I/we must lean on HIM.

Consider the familiar Psalm 23 of David and ask yourself if you can say this about “your” God?  We can never lead others to know and love a God that we haven’t come to trust and follow faithfully ‘myself’—the GOD of “my” salvation!

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

for ever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

While this Psalm is praising God, David is identifying with The God on whom HE has come to depend.  He trusts Him, because he has walked with Him.  David knows his God personally—the “me” that he is speaking of is secondary to the “HE” that he trusts.  What are we trusting to today?  A government check?  A job?  A friend or spouse?  Financial success (as the world defines success?)?  Yet when we walk with God, that brings a success beyond measure! And while the world may not consider me a success, that’s ok; because my desire and goal is to to be successful before ‘my’ God and hear HIM say “well done thou good and faithful servant”!  What about you?

May we join with Thomas and declare whom we will believe, love and serve. While I’ve never physically seen the nail prints in His hands (I know they are there because HE loved me enough to die for my sin, so I could live with HIM), I have seen His hand in my life continually, especially in recent months!

“And after eight days again his disciples were within,

and Thomas with them:

then came Jesus,

the doors being shut,

and stood in the midst, and said,

Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas,

Reach hither thy finger,

and behold my hands;

and reach hither thy hand,

and thrust it into my side:

and be not faithless,

but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him,

My Lord

and my God.”  John 20:26-28

Let’s consider the Apostle Peter after the resurrection and his failure, Jesus didn’t ask him if “they” (all the other disciples there) loved HIM but do “YOU” love me.  I believe HE is asking us that same question today, what would my/your answer be?  What answer does “my” life and “yours” give every day?  May you/I faithfully live in the confidence of HIS total, sovereign, sufficiency, and be His salt and light before a world in desperate need of The Savior?  (See Matthew 5:13-16)

“So when they had dined,

Jesus saith to Simon Peter,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me more than these?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

Peter was grieved

because he said unto him the third time,

Lovest thou me?

And he said unto him,

Lord, thou knowest all things;

thou knowest that I love thee.

Jesus saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

Is your/my life good food for the sheep, or are we so caught up in the “pronouns” of the world that we only have ‘leftovers’ and ‘junk food’ to share with the sheep and lambs of Jesus’ flock?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  And the master is coming soon!

Amen and Amen!!!

Making Yesterdays Todays!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19

19 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Beauty For Ashes, Beauty of Holiness, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Forever, Walking With Jesus, What's The Word?, Who are YOU following?, Yesterday, Yesterdays made Todays!, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 19  Making Yesterdays Todays!!!

 

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”   Matthew 6:31-34

Many of us (really all of us) have a past that we aren’t necessarily proud of, but I want us to consider today God’s sufficiency to make our messed-up pasts, HIS new creation.  Satan keeps some of us so wrapped up in our past that we forget that God has given us a new future (TODAY)!  Oh, how I praise God for HIS power to make yesterdays todays!  He takes our messes and makes them HIS beauty!

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty

for ashes,

the oil of joy

for mourning,

the garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called

trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified.”  Isaiah 61:3

I am so grateful that God can take our ashes and make them into “beauty”—into the image of our Lord Jesus! It’s the truth that no matter how bad I /we have messed up–and believe me, I have messed up more than you know (but God knows!)—God is faithful to make something beautiful out of all that we will present to HIM, we don’t have to fret, we simply have to exercise our faith and watch God work!

“And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 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 8:27-31

When we come to understand that God is sufficient to make us into the image of His Son, Jesus, and that HE is working “all things” not only for our good, but for HIS glory and the benefit of a lost and dying world!  He makes us into the building material of HIS kingdom.

“As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming,

as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,

5 Ye also,

as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past

were not a people,

but are now the people

of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.”  1 Peter 2:2-10

This precious Savior is ever working in us to grow us into HIS reflection.  Are you being a mirror of the glory and work of our Lord, or have you allowed the world to slip into your life so much that others see more of you than Jesus?  It’s a subtle thing but so harmful to our life with our Lord, and to those who need so desperately to see HIM!  And praise God it’s HIS WORK not yours or mine.  He is ever at work to complete the work of glory in each of His own!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day

of Jesus Christ:”  Philippians 1:6

All this because Jesus paid the price and performs an exchange in each believer—exchanging HIS righteousness for our sin.  He took on our sin (for He had none of His own) and gives to each born again believer HIS righteousness by the power of HIS Holy Spirit.

“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

Even as the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us:

“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

By God’s grace we can count on our Redeemer, Lord and King to transform us into His image, by HIS sacrifice and HIS grace!  Yet there is a work for us to do, and that is to faithfully, daily, humbly yield to HIS work in us—to die to self and live unto Jesus and let His transforming power be seen in all we do!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable

unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

What an amazing revelation and call to know that God is working “all things” for our good and His glory, and that He has told us that when we yield to His work in us, we can be transformed into a vessel of honor unto our Lord.  So, my question for us today is, “Are we living in the today of God’s work in us?”  Or, “Are we so caught up in the fears and shame of our yesterdays that we are of no use to our King today?”  May we ever remember the principles that our Lord taught us as He gave us the model for prayer; are we seeking: His face? His will? His glory?  His heart of forgiveness (both the receiving and giving of it)? His heart for holiness rather than evil?  His heart for dependence on the Father’s provision?  His heart and power for overcoming temptation?  HIS heart for the preeminence of HIS KINGDOM?  May we ever have eyes to see the true spiritual nature of our battles, our labors and find true victory in our Lord Jesus?  Only when we remember Paul’s mighty words of challenge to live the “crucified” life that lives to Jesus daily!

“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

And a simple reminder in closing—may we ponder its truths!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.”   Matthew 6:9-13

And if you need another reminder, spend some time rehearsing Psalm 23 this week.  If HE is your shepherd, you will find that you can say with the Psalmist “I shall not want”! (Meaning “lack” not greed!). You/I can trust Him with the yesterdays and the tomorrows and live the crucified life with HIM TODAY!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

Why Have YOU Come??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #516

21 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Come And Worship?, Come To Worship HIM, Consider Your ways, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #516  Why Have YOU Come???

 

People think a lot of different things about Jesus, and at this Christmas time I’d like to share a few tidbits to challenge us to examine our hearts and see why “I” have come to Jesus. Or have I truly come to Him?

“Saying,

Where is he

that is born

King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star

in the east,

and are come

to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

The wise men came to worship HIM, but as they brought what they thought would be great news to Herod, his wicked heart was interested for another reason.

“Then Herod,

when he saw that he was mocked

of the wise men,

was exceeding wroth,

and sent forth,

and slew all the children

that were in Bethlehem,

and in all the coasts thereof,

from two years old and under,

according to the time

which he had diligently enquired

of the wise men.” Matthew 2:16

While Herod feigned a desire to “worship” the newborn King, his real motive was to eliminate any competition to his own position. And while most people today wouldn’t kill the babies (but wait a minute—that’s exactly what our culture is doing to the inconvenient and untimely ones!) we do kill the work of conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit as He calls us to Jesus. How often do we “kill” the work of Jesus in our hearts as He tries to direct our heart and steps in His ways? Refusing to heed His call, kick down doors that He has closed to us, pout and throw tantrums because we don’t get “our” way in things? If you’re like me, at my best I act this way far too often, and I have to repent and seek His face to restore my joy, even as David taught us so long ago.

“Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy

of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted

unto thee.” Psalm 51:9-13

Oh, to delight in serving HIM with joy and zeal—not because of what we can get, but to express our gratitude for what we have received from HIM. Jesus came that we might “have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!

“And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.

15 John bare witness of him,

and cried, saying,

This was he of whom I spake,

He that cometh after me

is preferred before me:

for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness

have all we received,

and grace for grace.” John 1:14-16

Jesus came to save us because we couldn’t save ourselves! He IS the greatest gift of all time! Have you received HIS gift to you? If you haven’t come to HIM in repentance and faith, won’t you make this your best Christmas ever, by receiving this King who came for you, and died for you?

“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

God desires us to “come to worship HIM”! Will you come to Him as the wise men; or will you reject Him and kill His voice, which is speaking to your heart, even right now! Or will you put it off until it’s “One Day Too Late” (A gospel song written by Lanny Wolfe)! Even as King Agrippa told Paul:

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me

to be a Christian.” Acts 26:28

Please join me in seeking our Lord’s heart, making sure that we have “come to worship HIM”, not simply come to Him as our ‘heavenly slot machine’ to get what we want, when we want it. May our prayer truly be that of our Lord Jesus!

“And he was withdrawn from them

about a stone’s cast,

and kneeled down,

and prayed,

42 Saying, Father,

if thou be willing,

remove this cup from me:

nevertheless

not my will,

but thine, be done.”   Luke 22:41-42

May we truly worship HIM and not the trappings! Blessings on your day!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13