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Please Don’t Quit??? We Win! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Confidence, Consider Your ways, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25 Please Don’t Quit???  We Win!

 

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

This is for YOU my friend, for I know you are aching.  God knows, and I care!  I want you to know that you are loved by the creator of the universe—the ONE who died for YOU—no matter how many of Satan’s lies you have allowed to put you down—GOD LOVES YOU RIGHT NOW!  And so do I!

I know the pain of walking alone, of the disappointments of those around you who are supposed to love you.  I know the frustrations of being disappointed with yourself.  I know the pain of loss of the dearest things to your heart.  But my dear one, please know that you have those around you and those in heaven above who have led the way, who have left the example for us of faithfulness, and Job is just one, one of the most amazing ones, but there are so many, and the greatest of all is our Lord Jesus, who is standing right there, right now just waiting for you to run into HIS arms and find the healing, restoration, comfort and peace that will dispel the work of the enemy of your life and soul!  JESUS cares!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely

give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

But sometimes he is working, testing and pruning in our lives to do amazing things that we can’t understand!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in to the one who hates YOU and wants to destroy you and the the amazing things that God has in store.  He wants to destroy the work that you have poured out laboriously for so long.  Don’t give up—but look UP!  Look to The ONE who paid the price, who did all that HE did for you and me.  And don’t forget that I love you—that HE loves you—that there is one standing by you that LOVES you and is suffering to the core for, with and because of your pain.  Don’t give up—but look up.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:19-25

Please hear the cry of my heart, the tears that are flowing even right now—the tears of love, care and concern for you.  The tears that have cried over my own loss to the enemy of one so dear to me (just as you are), who lost the battle and was taken from me too soon.  My heart can’t bear the thought of watching you walk down a path of wrong choices as she did.  Even as I did, so many years ago; and still suffer from the scars, the sorrows and the consequences of those lies that I believed.  But praise God Almighty, HE rescued me before it was too late.  Please, my dear one, don’t give in to the enemy!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10: 9-11

And this good shepherd, my friend, is calling to you in that mountain of lostness that you are in right now!  Please stop what you’re doing and listen to that voice that is calling so gently to YOU!

“And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

 4 What man of you,

having an hundred sheep,

if he lose one of them,

doth not leave the ninety and nine

in the wilderness,

and go after that

which is lost,

 until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it,

he layeth it on his shoulders,

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home,

he calleth together his friends

and neighbours,

saying unto them,

 Rejoice with me;

for I have found my sheep

which was lost.”   Luke 15:3-6

All this because YOU are HIS!

“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

Even as Job knew, I know that you know truth—don’t let your pain hide that truth, don’t forget the goodness that God has poured out on you for so long, because of the troubles of recent days (long days, months and even years, yes, but not compared to the glory HE has for you!)!

“Then said his wife unto him,

Dost thou still retain thine integrity?

curse God, and die.

10 But he said unto her,

Thou speakest

as one of the foolish women speaketh.

What?

shall we receive good

at the hand of God,

and shall we not receive evil?

In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”  Job 2:9-10

Job knew—even in his pain, sorrow and confusion—he knew that his God never fails; that even when we can’t see what HE is doing, we can trust that HIS work is always for our good and HIS glory!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Just as Paul recorded for us, he asked for relief, yet God reminded HIM that HE ‘had this’; that HE is trustworthy—HE never fails—He never says “OOPS”!

“And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

You will never know how I long to carry this burden for you, and while I can help carry it with you, only you can decide to “stand fast in the evil day”!  Only you can decide to pursue the restoration of the JOY of HIS salvation—the salvation that HE has given you; not the salvation that we earn, or deserve, or work for, but the salvation that was paid for at Calvary with the precious blood of our Redeemer, King and Savior, Jesus!  And while HIS grace is sufficient, YOU must avail yourself of it, or keep on trying to reason things out in your own way.

Just remember that God knows your name, and so do I—and I keep it before HIS throne.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold

and of silver,

but also of wood

and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself

from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet

for the master’s use,

and prepared

unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:19-22

Please, my friend, don’t lose heart—but rather take heart in The One who LOVES YOU, and this one who loves you and prays for you even in this wee hour of the morning with tears, love and confidence in The ONE who hears and answers prayer.

“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

And I share just some final things that hold me fast and have held me for these many years.  May you and all to whom this reaches out, find hope, help and deliverance today!  My prayers rest on this message!

“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

And Paul’s amazing declaration of our blessed hope!

“Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather,

that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”   Romans 8:24-29

With prayers and tears—you are loved.  We win!!!

“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 51:10-13

Amen and Amen!

What’s A Remnant??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23

16 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Born Again, Consider Your ways, Salvation, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 23 What’s A Remnant???

 

I’ve heard a lot lately about a “remnant”, and I think I’d like to share a few things about a/the remnant that we may not have considered.  The first thing I want us to consider is the English meaning of remnant.

Remnant:  “a small remaining, usually small part, quantity, number or the like;  a fragment or scrap; a trace; vestige .…”

For our purposes today we could even refer to ‘remnant’ as the “remainder” in the Greek language used in the New Testament; in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, it is defined also as remainder or residue (something that remains after a part is removed).  So, the issue is the remainder (in general) of something, but we must let the context determine what the scripture is saying about ‘a’/’the’ remnant.  And just in general, the remnant, as mentioned in the Old Testament is almost always referring to the nation and/or the people of Israel, except where it is used in a simple general way of anything or anyone that “remains” of something (sometimes specific, sometimes just a general, unspecific people or thing).

Why is this important?  Because we must base our conclusions, teachings and our doctrines on the whole counsel of God, not a bit here or a bit there without continuity.  We must let The Word of God speak truth to our hearts.  God has made promises, that is sure and certain, but all of the promises are not for everyone—there are specific promises, that were made to specific people/s, times, events and/or nations and we must remember that “Context Is King”!  So, let’s consider some scriptures and see what conclusions we can make; letting scripture interpret scripture.

Paul spent all of Romans 9-11 explaining to us the promises and future of Israel in regard to the Gospel; we’ll just consider part of chapter 9 and hear what God has to say!  The context begins with Paul relating the words of Elijah—a prophet of God who had his ups and downs just like we do.  (See James 5:16)

“God hath not cast away his people

which he foreknew.

Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?

how he maketh intercession to God

against Israel, saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets,

and digged down thine altars;

and I am left alone,

and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him?

I have reserved to myself

seven thousand men,

who have not bowed the knee

to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then

at this present time also

there is a remnant

according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace,

then is it no more of works:

otherwise grace is no more grace.

But if it be of works,

then is it no more grace:

otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then?

Israel hath not obtained

that which he seeketh for;

 but the election hath obtained it,

and the rest were blinded

8 (According as it is written,

God hath given them

the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;)

unto this day…..

11 I say then,

Have they stumbled that they should fall?

God forbid:

but rather through their fall

salvation is come unto the Gentiles,

for to provoke them

to jealousy…

…20 Well; because of unbelief

they were broken off,

and thou standest

by faith.

Be not highminded, but fear:…

… 25 For I would not, brethren,

that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,

lest ye should be wise

in your own conceits;

that blindness in part

is happened to Israel,

until the fulness of the Gentiles

be come in.

26 And so all Israel

shall be saved:

as it is written,

There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer,

and shall turn away ungodliness

from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them,

when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel,

they are enemies for your sakes:

but as touching the election,

they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

29 For the gifts

and calling

of God

are without repentance…

…33 O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Portions of Romans 11:2-36

While Paul is talking about Israel coming to faith in Jesus, that time has not yet come when Israel (as a nation) will come to Jesus, but it will!  Paul refers to individual Jews who have believed, but as a nation there is a time coming when Israel will repent and believe in the Crucified Lamb!  And only a diligent study of scripture will give us true insight into the times and seasons; so, we have to be careful of our conclusions and be sure that they line up with The Word!  Let’s consider some passages and I’d like to simply give my opinion/conclusion of the immediate context/subject being mentioned as a/the ‘remnant’!  We are living in a time of deceit and disregard of God, His Word and HIS SON!

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”    2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

While ‘remnant’ isn’t used here, Paul makes it clear that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  There are those who claim the name of Jesus, but have not made a true commitment to Jesus, in repentance and faith—there are those (I know them and so do you) who are familiar with scripture, who have been in church their whole lives, but put off committing their lives to Jesus in saving faith.  They know enough about scripture to claim that when the ‘anit-christ’ comes they will choose to follow Jesus; Paul says that won’t happen; for if they have chosen to reject (and putting off salvation is rejecting) Jesus until some other time, then God says that HE has a different plan, “for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”!  They will fall for the lie because they “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”!  God said it, not me—I’m simply one of the messengers!  We who are God’s must look up and press on, knowing that the times are speeding upon us!

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21:28

And while the time is late, you can still respond to God’s convicting call on your heart; but remember, that time will not go on forever. As God also told Noah:

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh:”  Genesis 6:3a

It is only God’s grace that has given us the time that we have.

“The Lord is not slack

concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing

that any should perish,

but that all

should come to repentance.”   2 Peter 3:9

God is ever working to bring men and women, boys and girls to Himself, but we must understand and recognize that the enemy of men’s souls is ever at work to ‘steal..kill…and destroy’, and He uses lies and deceit to fool and blind the eyes of mankind and keep them from the cross.  So, we must be careful what we believe and always measure our beliefs by God’s Word!  In other words, let The Word of God be your plumbline.  God will lead us into truth if we will but “study to shew thyself approved unto God”!  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:15-16). Satan is ever at work sabotaging truth—God’s truth; but his time is short!

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself is transformed

into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also

be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be

according to their works.”   2 Corinthians 11:13-15

The apostle John addresses an issue, reminding us that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Are you following the world, or Jesus?  Do you just have ‘words’ or do you have the Savior?

“For all that is in the world,

the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes,

and the pride of life,

is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away,

and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever.

18 Little children,

it is the last time:

and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,

even now are there many antichrists;

whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us,

but they were not of us;

for if they had been of us,

they would no doubt have continued with us:

but they went out,

that they might be made manifest

that they were not all of us.

20 But ye have an unction

from the Holy One,

and ye know all things.”  1 John 2:16-20

Even as Jesus said in Matthew 7:

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?                                      and in thy name have cast out devils?                                     and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”    Matthew 7:20-23

I love what the author of Hebrews challenges us to pursue, the life of focus—focus on Jesus not the world.  And our lives can be encouraged by the testimony of those who have gone before us—and our lives ore to be an encouragement to those who are following in our footsteps.  Where are your footsteps leading those around you?  If there is a remnant of the faithful, are you part of it?  Or are you failing to lead down the narrow way?  Will you run YOUR race or God’s?

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”   Hebrews 12:1-3

We can endure!  We can lead others to the cross where Jesus still saves, and changes lives today!  Today is the day of salvation!  Will you come to HIM?  If you are already HIS, won’t you live for HIM— by HIS power today.  There is a lost and dying world that needs to see Jesus in you and me!

“We then,

as workers together with him,

beseech you also that ye receive not

the grace of God

in vain.

2 (For he saith,

I have heard thee in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now is the accepted time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.)”.    2 Corinthians 6:1-2

It is by HIS Power we are saved; and it is by HIS power that we are kept in HIS ways, and whatever God may say about a remnant, we can walk close with HIM by HIS power, and for HIS glory!  Don’t be one of those who walks away to be made manifest “that they were not all of us”!  For God knows, no matter what others may think!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that

nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:9

“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

“Now unto him that is able

to keep you from falling,

and to present you

faultless before the presence of his glory

with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory

and majesty,

dominion

and power,

both now

and ever. Amen.”   Jude 1:24-25

And just for reference sake, here are some New Testament passages on ‘remnant’ for you to consider.  Let’s base our conclusions on God’s Word/words and “stand fast in the evil day” so that “having done all” we may stand and be found faithful!!!  If you are interested, you can find others with the aid of a concordance.  Most of the Old Testament references are either specific to Israel or used in general reference and conversation of persons or things other than Israel.

Romans 11:5– (a remainder) of Israel

Romans. 9:27—of Israel

Matthew 22:6–(Remaining ones) parable—in general

Romans 9:27–of Israel

Revelation 11:3.–Of Israel & General

Revelation 12:17—of Israel @ tribulation

Revelation 19:21—of the ‘beasts’ army” & general

I hope this will bless you and encourage you to consider studying God’s Word regularly, always keeping context in mind for “Context IS King”!

Amen and Amen!

Called To PRAY??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #671

29 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Praise God Today!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #671       Called To PRAY???

 

While we are living in perilous time, it amazes me that we are so easily distracted from one of the most essential elements of our faith—prayer!  I know for me it is so easy to have that time set aside to be with my Lord, and it seems that nine million things creep into that time and space to distract me from my “prime directive”, if you would!  It is so easy to “intend” to do things and yet by default, or distraction, or urgency we are drawn into something else that seems so important at the time (and sometimes it is urgent, and God knows that, and let me add that prayer isn’t restricted to a “time” and “place” but it also includes having a spirit of prayer in all we do—driving, cooking, working, playing—all with that attitude of prayer in our heart!)!  I know that I have fallen so far short in this area of keeping that time to be with my Lord and my God a priority!  It is essential in these troublesome times that we as a nation—as God’s people—as the lifeline for lost souls—that we keep our eyes, our hope and our commitment focused on Jesus relentlessly!  Why?  Because HE IS THE only true hope, and also because HE calls us to be a people of prayer!

What is prayer?  It’s not just talking to God, but taking time to share our heart, our hopes, and our vision with The One who is our all in all!  HE is all that I can truly depend upon, and listening to HIM who indwells every genuine believer—regardless of our color, our nationality or our personality—for Jesus is “all” and “in all” of HIS own!

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian,

Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ

is all,

and in all.”  Colossians 3:11

The Holy Spirit in us is the evidence of whose we are!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”   Romans 8:9

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to those who come to Him, and through the Holy Spirit we have continual access to our Father, and The Son!  He is our own personal 24-hour line to our Lord!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 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.”  Romans 8:26-27

Such a gift that the world cannot recognize, yet it is the power of God in the lives of His children, and we so often fail to avail ourselves of His gift to us, and the source of His persistent, overcoming power.  God calls us to come to HIM for He is ever listening for His children to call and come to HIM!

“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

Even when we fall short, we can know that our precious Lord Jesus is ever standing in the gap through our moments of weakness and confusion, for He not only saves but keeps and guards His own for our good and HIS glory!

“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

Oh, how wonderful the work that Jesus has done for us and is ever doing on our behalf no matter where you /I are—HE knows, and HE is praying for us.

“But this man,

because he continueth ever,

hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession

for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25

And because He prays for us, we are called to pray for others by HIS power, HIS name, and HIS command!

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are called to pray, and I just want to leave you with a few passages that help us know how to pray, as well as some things that we ought to continually be praying for and about.  May God help us all to be more steadfast in seeking HIM in all things!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think

that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 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.”   Matthew 6:7-10

“Therefore said he unto them,

The harvest truly is great,

but the labourers are few:

 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers

into his harvest.”  Luke 10:2

And in these perilous days in which we are living, may we ever pray that we would truly be seeking HIS Kingdom and not just our own; may we be praying to be useable and faithful; may we be praying that HIS will be done, that we would be vessels unto HIS honor and glory!  Always.

“But the end of all things

is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch

unto prayer.”  1 Peter 4:7

May the words of our Lord Jesus’ prayer for us ever ring in our hearts and minds.

“For I have given unto them the words

which thou gavest me;

and they have received them,

and have known surely

that I came out from thee,

and they have believed

that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them:

I pray not for the world,

but for them

which thou hast given me;

for they are thine.

10 And all mine

are thine,

and thine are mine;

and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

and I come to thee.

Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are…

…. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them

out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them

from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me

into the world,

even so have I also sent them

into the world.”  Portions of John 17:8-18

Amen and Amen!!!

May we pray on!!!

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!!!

 

 

Big “IF”s In God’s Word??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 04

29 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Be not conformed to this world, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Crucified With Christ, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, Gospel, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Knowing God's Word, Light In The Dark, Living Right, Power of The Cross, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Take Up YOUR Cross, That They May Know, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 04  Big “IF”s In God’s Word???

 

As I begin this post, I’m not sure if it will be long or short, for I’m not really sure where this will take me but it’s been on my heart for a long while, and today is the day to pursue what I believe God may have to say to us.  I have seen a lot of information on social media and a lot of scripture posted—some in context, some not so much.  Because of that I want us to consider one of the passages that I have seen and what it may be saying that we don’t want to hear.

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him,

I have heard

thy prayer,

and have chosen this place

to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command

the locusts to devour the land,

or if I send

pestilence among my people;

14 If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn

from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.

15 Now mine eyes

shall be open,

and mine ears

attent unto the prayer

that is made in this place.

16 For now have I

chosen

and sanctified

this house,

that my name may be there

for ever:

and mine eyes

and mine heart

shall be there perpetually.”  2 Chronicles 7:12-16

This truth was given to Solomon as he was in the midst of the dedication of the temple that he had completed in Jerusalem.  God came and told Solomon that this place would be a place that represented HIS very presence, and that when the people strayed and forsook Him, they could come to this place (or even look toward it) to seek Him again.  But there are some ‘if’s’ here that we often ignore or try to diminish their import.

The first is “if” “my people” will do…., then what?  Who are God’s people?

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”   John 1:12-13

And Jesus Himself told Nicodemus “who” was His!

“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…

… 17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:3-7, 17-19

Jesus came that we might have life—eternal life—new life IN Jesus!

“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.”  Romans 8:28-29

Jesus did the work, we receive the work, God glorifies the work as He conforms us to HIM.  Whose are YOU?  Who are you allowing to work in your life?  God or Satan? (See Eph. 2:1-10)

“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

When we come to Jesus, we are “born again” of His Spirit, and He imparts to us not only His precious Holy Spirit, but also His love which “is shed abroad in our hearts” (see in Romans 5:1-11), but what have we done with that gift?  Are we living in His love or the fear of our circumstances?  Are we living in the Spirit or the flesh?  Is our life identified with Jesus or is there so little resemblance to our Father God and Jesus The Son, that people can’t tell any difference between us and the world?  That “if” that God mentions to Solomon is referring to “my people”—for Solomon that meant the true worshippers of Jehovah God, who looked forward to the coming Messiah who would deliver them from sin not just cover it up from year to year.  We who are on this side of the cross have seen and received the completed work of salvation, and we don’t have to go to Jerusalem or a physical temple—for we are the temple by the redeeming power of Jesus’ blood shed for us.  But how are we treating that temple—His temple?

“What?

know ye not that your body

is the temple

of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”   1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We who have received Jesus’ saving grace, ARE the temple of God—yet we see professing believers, who claim to know Jesus, adopting the so-called ‘morality’ of the world—they say it’s ok to “shack-up” without benefit of marriage, everyone is doing it!  They condone promiscuity, for who can live without sex—it doesn’t have an “on and off” switch to use only when we’re married, does it?  Well, in a word, YES it does—it’s called “self-control” and obedience to God; and God calls His own to live holy and pure lives.  Many people who claim the name of Jesus have justified almost all things that once were seen as sin—drunkenness, immorality, foul language (I am so tired of hearing vulgar words come out of the mouth of those who claim the name of my precious Savior—even taking His name and The Father’s name in vain!), dishonesty (it’s ok to steal, lie, cheat, fudge on the truth, lie on reports, steal from your employer {and not doing your job, is the same as stealing the wages you say you are ‘earning’ when you don’t work}), bullying, treating others with disrespect, mistreating others, cruelty….the list could go on endlessly.  Yet, God called HIS people to recognize their own sin, not just the sin of others, and turn from it and draw near to HIM!

God calls us to “humble” yourselves.  That means to ‘bow’ before God, recognizing that HE IS the Sovereign God of my heart—of all creation for that matter.  And to bow, is to acknowledge that HE IS God and I am not!  We are called “by (His) name”, but we aren’t called to BE HIM!  Yet much that is going on in Christendom today is simply idolatry of “self” dressed up in ‘church clothes”!  Humility means I recognize my own inability and depend on HIS ability working in me.  Taking up my cross—which means dying to self and living unto Jesus in all I/you do!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life

which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Have you been “crucified with Christ”? (See Matthew 16:24-26) Or are you living your own life, and trying to tag His stamp of approval on it?  When we are saved, we ought to recognize our own “death” to sin and self for we are “raised to new life”!

“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

Let’s go on; the next thing God calls us to do is to “pray”—seeking God’s way not mine.  Prayer isn’t dictating to God, rather it is seeking to know my Father and what He desires; Jesus told us how!

“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.”  Matthew 6:9-10

Prayer is seeking to glorify God in all we do; seeking God’s Kingdom; seeking God’s will on earth.  Rather than seeking our own will and wanting it continually– stamped with God’s heavenly approval, of course….that is totally NOT prayer!

God calls us to seek HIS face—that’s real prayer and earnest recognition of who God IS?  Then, God steps on the real issue—we are to “turn from” our “wicked ways”!  That means “ME” and that means “YOU”!  We can’t erase God’s Word with the ‘vote’, or popular ‘polls’, or by “legalizing sin”.  God says sin is still sin, and we MUST turn from it.  Believers must stop sinning and calling it something else—God says we must turn from it—agree with Him that it is sin and STOP IT!  That’s what the Apostle John meant!

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship

one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:6-10

To “confess” here means to agree with God about our sin—and as long as we deny our sin, we will not repent (which means to turn away/turn around from; an about-face, if you would!)  As long as we keep justifying our sin with whatever excuse we are using; we will never find forgiveness and cleansing.  Just as John goes on in verse 8 to remind us, to say we have no sin, is to deceive ourselves; and if I may say so, we live in a culture that is doing its best to erase sin by ‘legalizing’ it.  God’s way has never before, still hasn’t and will never, ever change!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

So, the question is the same today as it ever has been, are you willing to “turn” from your way and go God’s way?  Or will you cling to your own sin and reap the consequence.  Isaiah dealt bluntly with this same issue!

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities

have separated

between you and your God,

and your sins

have hid his face

from you,

that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood,

and your fingers with iniquity;

your lips have spoken lies,

your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice,

nor any pleadeth for truth:

they trust in vanity,

and speak lies;

they conceive mischief,

and bring forth iniquity.”  Isaiah 59:1-4

Sound familiar?  Even as Paul told the church at Galatia, and God told Solomon, when we pursue God and do things His way, then HE has promised to “heal their land”.  And folks, our land certainly is in need of healing, and I don’t mean just the COVID-19 virus!  We are in need of a real heaven-sent, sin-forsaking, heart changing, move of God!  A revival of God’s own, that the lost may see Jesus in us and come to His cross in repentance and faith to be saved from their sin.  But that’s not likely to happen until God’s own start sowing righteousness and love for God and His way, rather than the lust of the flesh!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  Galatians 6:7-8

I’d like to bring this all to a close with one of my favorite passages, where Jesus makes it clear that “saying so” doesn’t “make it so”!  Are you talking a ‘talk’ that you can’t walk because you don’t possess Jesus?  Have you been born again, yet you are not walking in “the light”?  Or are you burdened for the broken, lost and suffering world that we live in?  May we truly search our hearts and build our “house on the rock” of Jesus Christ The Lord—the only way to God.  Jesus Christ The Lord, who gave Himself to be our substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin; it’s what He came to be and do!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”   Matthew 1:21

Yet Jesus’ warning to us is still valid today, what will you choose, The Rock or the sand?  Have you been saved “from” your “sins”?  Jesus saves, delivers and transforms?  What about you?

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it…

 .. 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 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.”                                    Portions of Matthew 7:20-27

So, as you read or post things from scripture, especially 2 Chronicles 7:14, you might want to take some time and be sure you are living what you’re posting!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”  2 Corinthians 13:5

Are you calling others to do the same and:

“…speaking the truth in love…”  Ephesians 4:15a

What “ifs” are you wrestling with?  May God do HIS work in us, that the world may KNOW that Jesus is Lord and King!!

Amen and Amen!!!