Tag Archives: Philippians 3:13-14

Seizing Jesus, Or…..??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 11

06 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Amazing Grace, Before the foundation of the world, Believe IN Jesus, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, seizing Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 11   Seizing Jesus, Or……???

 

“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.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

This is one of my favorite passages, for it is so chocked full of instructions that we can apply practically to our lives.  Hebrews 11 is nicknamed “The Hall of Faith” for it not only describes what faith “IS”—”the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”—it also tells us what ‘faith’ looks like in the lives of believers.  Yet, all the pictures aren’t the same, contrary to a lot of popular teaching; not everyone who is listed in this “Hall of Faith” was rich, not all were famous, some men, some women, children; and the last part of the chapter deals with those who suffered persecution, did without, died without fanfare but they loved their God, and HE found them faithful!  That’s what matters, not just what other people think of us!  While we are to care about and preserve our testimony, we are to do that by “looking unto Jesus”!  Why?  For a lot of reasons, but the author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus IS the “author and finisher of our faith”—that’s reason enough!

That means more than just what HE did at Calvary, but also that it was God’s plan from “before the foundation of the world”—in other words, HE (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) created us knowing that we would “sin” yet had already made a plan for our salvation that would cost “His only begotten Son” on a cruel Roman cross! All so that we could have life—abundant life here and eternal life with HIM later.  And in the interim (here on earth), we are instructed to remember those who set the examples that are mentioned in chapter 11, to “lay aside” the sin that trips us up, running our own race—the race that JESUS sets before us—with our eyes on the prize, JESUS!  All knowing the price that my salvation cost Jesus, with gratitude, love, and devotion to serve my KING!  The ONE who was “the plan” from “before the foundation of the world”!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him

in love:  

5 Having predestinated us

unto the adoption of children

by Jesus Christ

to himself,

according to the good pleasure

of his will,” Ephesians 1:3-5

What a joy and delight to know that HE chose you/me to be HIS children, it’s the only way to heaven! To seize JESUS and HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for our salvation!

“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

Jesus is the joy of my heart, and I truly want to please HIM, yet I fail so miserably some days, but Praise His name, HIS grace is sufficient to make me more and more into HIS image, when I cling to HIM and HIS Word.

“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

As we seek Jesus, we will find that others don’t always like what we’re doing, and not everyone who brags on you has your best interest at heart.  Not everyone who smiles, or seems to be listening to you, is necessarily really hearing what you have to share, or wanting to learn what God has called you to teach, or follow the Jesus that you follow.  And in our culture, believe me, everyone doesn’t follow the “biblical Jesus”—or HIS cross.  But we must keep our eyes on the prize—our Lord’s pleasure, His grace, and His glory when we seek HIM—not worldly popularity, or financial prosperity, or positive “press” coverage!  Where are my/your eyes?

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

What are we treasuring; seizing; focusing on?  Let’s press on together for our King Jesus!  HE is my Lord and King?  How about you?  Are we acting like it?  Let’s commit to “deny…self, and take up…(my) cross daily, and follow…(Jesus).”

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s What I’m CALLED To Do!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 09

23 Sunday Jan 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Cross, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father of lies, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Glory To God, Responding Rightly, Resting In Jesus, Roaring Lion, Strength-vs-weakness, The Call of God!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 09   It’s What I’m CALLED To Do!!!

 

My call is to service—whether teaching, or serving others to meet their physical needs, their material needs, their spiritual needs, or their dying needs—it is what God has saved, called, and equipped me to do.  Even when we become weary—God is faithful to meet our needs.  Jesus became weary, but HE knew HE was doing the will of HIS Father—yes, HE rested, but HE walked up that hill regardless of HIS weakness—HE even fell, but God sent HIM help to get up and go on.  It’s the example that JESUS left for me/us!

“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 2:20-25

While weariness is often hard to bear and work through, trusting to the sovereignty of God/Jesus, IS the source of my confidence, strength, and power!  Yes, I can get weary sometimes and be ‘driven’ instead of ‘lead’, but my absolute lodestar is the Cross of Jesus! For He died for me, and I am called to die to “ME” and live for HIM in weariness or strength, no matter what others may think.  When I am asked, “How do you do this or that, or how do you go on?”, my answer is and must always be ‘through my Lord and King’s power and Spirit’!  For I KNOW that HE is working all these things out for my good, and HIS glory.  Little else matters!

“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 8:28-29

Because Jesus is working “all things” to conform His children, including you and me—and all who have been born again, into HIS image, Paul could assure the Philippian believers that they could do “all things” regardless of what they may have been facing.  All by God’s grace and power—the power of the Cross, and the risen LORD Jesus–including ‘resting’ in Jesus (I will give you rest, see Matthew 11:28!) when HE says “come… apart… and rest” (See Mark 6:31), I just need to work on the listening.

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

While it is often hard to do the things that Jesus calls, leads and directs me/you to do, I must—I must press on, for HIM, through HIM and to HIS glory—praying with the Psalmist, “order my steps in thy word” (see Psalm 119:33), not my flesh!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

 in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Of primary importance, as I pray the armor of God on each day, and put on that “helmet of salvation”, is, I believe, the call to have the “mind of Christ Jesus” my Lord in all these things—even when I don’t like it—even when I fail by trying to do it in my flesh—when I don’t understand the strain—it IS THEN that I must go back to the cross, pursuing that “mind of Christ Jesus” to be able to serve with total trust in the sovereign control of God my King, and my Lord Jesus Christ!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who,

being in the form of God, thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more

in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”   Philippians 2 :5-13

I almost always come back to what Paul told the Corinthian believers when I fail, or become distracted, or forget my focus.

“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

In contrast to what Satan is ever using to pull us down, we are to rehearse all the truths of whose I am/you are, and determine to walk in that truth, especially when I’m weak, weary, or worn.  It’s His Person, His truth, His power, and His Spirit, that carry me, as the song says, there’s often “one set of footprints in the sand” (‘Footprints In The Sand’, by Margaret Fishback Powers)! Yet, remember we do have an enemy of our soul, but he is a defeated foe, a ‘toothless lion’—one who roars loudly, but his end is certain by the blood of Jesus, our victorious King!

“Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father

ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not…

….47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.”  Portions of John 8:44-47

I must hear and believe God’s truth—JESUS— not the lies of the enemy!  So, in considering a difficult question, “How am I to take care of ‘myself’?”; I do try, but I often simply forget what that looks like, and I need to remember that my Father will direct me to rest, if I will but listen to HIM, and let go of the perfectionism, the desire to control, the false need to ‘correct all wrongs’, and the plain old “FLESH”!  I MUST learn to more consistently “walk in the Spirit” not “the flesh”!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

….25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

And to me, the greatest call of all is to “abide” in the right person, place, and things!  JESUS and HIS WORD!

“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

May I sing ever in recognition of my weakness becoming strength in HIM: “TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS” (by Helen Howarth Lemmel); truly learning to lean on HIS strength, obeying in all things—whether in service or in rest! Even as God told Paul, “my strength is made perfect in weakness”! ‘Nuff said!!!

“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.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Amen and Amen!!!

I Wish I’d Known The Cost??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11

29 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Darkness or Light?, Let You Light So Shine, Lies

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11 I Wish I’d Known The Cost???

 

I would like to share some things that have been on my heart and mind lately.  As most of you know (those who follow my blog) it’s coming up on a year since my daughter was murdered, and while I miss her terribly, my thoughts have gone in a different direction recently, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.  I pray that my insights will bring hope, help and healing to some besides myself.

I was raised in a Christian home, and was blessed to have parents who loved me, taught me and had expectations for my life.  I was a young woman in the 60’s and 70’s and I bought into many of the lies of the enemy—the “me” lies—that my wants and desires were the most important thing in life.  I made some poor—no sinful—choices that followed that mindset; and while I chose to follow my “heart” in a fleshly sense, at the same time I defied the principles of God.  Sadly, many of the people I listened to (even faithful believers and pastors) counseled me unbiblically that “God” wanted me to be “happy”, and if a divorce would make me “happy”, then I should “go for it”.  I chose to pursue my selfish, fleshly lusts and desires dragging my children along for the ride—to their detriment and mine.

Without going into all the gory details, suffice it to say that God’s Word proved true when the counsel that I chose to follow didn’t!  Just like God’s Word said!

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin

will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

Much like the prodigal son (or daughter), I learned the hard way that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also pure and holy, and we must face our sin, repent and come to Jesus, as the song says, “Just As I Am”!  But praise God, HE never leaves us “As” we were!  But there are consequences to our sin; and while we have quoted this verse again and again, it is ever true and apropos in our culture today.

“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

My choices caused my children harm that I can’t forget, but by God’s grace I have tried to face them with truthfulness and hope for the future.  But one of the choices I made led to an abuse of my daughter, the effects of which followed her and me into her adulthood and ultimately led to some poor choices that ended in her death.  I can’t describe how I have wrestled with these issues of my past; and maybe you’ve had issues from your past that haunt you as well.  I’m here to tell you that God forgives, heals and restores as we yield to HIM, giving God the opportunity to transform us into the image of our Lord Jesus.  There is a verse in Joel that has brought me such comfort and courage on this journey of life, because as God promised Israel a time of restoration, HE gave that same assurance to me many years ago.  Many have asked through the years, how I can go on serving God so faithfully with a past that was so checkered, and I always reply, “It’s God’s grace!”, and I can go on because of God’s righteousness, power and grace as HE enables me to be and do all that HE saved me to be/do.  I can walk in the light of HIS forgiveness and cleansing, knowing that He forgives and cleanses as I keep the lines open between HIM and me!

“And I will restore to you the years

that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD

your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”  Joel 2:25

I have a relationship with Jesus based on His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin—and HE has imparted to me HIS righteousness, and called and equipped me to walk in it—in confidence of HIS adequacy not my own!

“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 5:21

Do you know Jesus?  Have you made a mess of your past? Is your present questionable?  Well, my friend, when you belong to Jesus, HE is ever working to make you a vessel of honor in HIS kingdom!

“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 8:28-31

If you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today.

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

When we belong to Jesus, we are called to march to the “Jesus” drumbeat and not the world’s.  So, my friends where ever you are in life—look up—walk forward—and press on for, with and through Jesus.  He has won the battle for our LIFE, and in HIM—we WIN!

“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.”   Romans 12:1-2

In closing, a mighty word from the Apostle Paul!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—yes, I wish I’d known—but God did, and HE has picked me up, dusted me off (by the blood of Jesus) and sent me forth in HIS service.  But the price of choosing poorly can be high.  I wish I’d known, yet I know that HE is still waiting for you, and HE is a forgiving, life-changing God!

I simply remind us all to please choose wisely, so that you won’t have to live with regrets of the past.  If you listen to God today instead of the enemy of your soul, the regrets will be few, and the blessings abundant (and even if you’ve already made those poor choices—God is here to lift you up, restore you to usefulness, and glorify HIMSELF in YOU!). Jesus still saves and changes lives today—

HE is ready to transform your life today—

Because of His sacrifice on the cross!

Open that door—HE will come in!   Amen and Amen!!!

Give It A Rest! Yes YOU!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #715

19 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Encouragement, Press ON!, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #715   Give It A Rest!  Yes YOU!!!

 

I truly have a simple and brief word for us this morning: take a breath, look up and rest in The Lord!  For only by resting in HIM do we find our strength.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”  Ephesians 6:10

As the Psalmist put so aptly:

“In God is my salvation

and my glory:

the rock of my strength,

and my refuge,

is in God.

8 Trust in him at all times; ye people,

pour out your heart before him:

God is a refuge

for us. Selah.”  Psalm 62:7-8

As the stresses of life often leave us dry, drained, and down-hearted, we need only lift up our eyes to the ONE who is our hope, our sustenance and our safe place. May we all take the advice of another of my favorite Psalms today, and just rest “in The Lord”!  I’m so grateful that HE is always there!

“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

We can rest in Jesus when we keep our eyes on HIM—pressing ever onward in HIS power, strength and grace.

“Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

 in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on by resting IN JESUS!  Blessings on your day my friends!

Amen and Amen!

I Wish I’d Known The Cost??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11

29 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Children, Choices And Consequences, Darkness or Light?, Let You Light So Shine, Lies

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 11 I Wish I’d Known The Cost???

 

I would like to share some things that have been on my heart and mind lately.  As most of you know (those who follow my blog) it’s coming up on a year since my daughter was murdered, and while I miss her terribly, my thoughts have gone in a different direction recently, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.  I pray that my insights will bring hope, help and healing to some besides myself.

I was raised in a Christian home, and was blessed to have parents who loved me, taught me and had expectations for my life.  I was a young woman in the 60’s and 70’s and I bought into many of the lies of the enemy—the “me” lies—that my wants and desires were the most important thing in life.  I made some poor—no sinful—choices that followed that mindset; and while I chose to follow my “heart” in a fleshly sense, at the same time I defied the principles of God.  Sadly, many of the people I listened to (even faithful believers and pastors) counseled me unbiblically that “God” wanted me to be “happy”, and if a divorce would make me “happy”, then I should “go for it”.  I chose to pursue my selfish, fleshly lusts and desires dragging my children along for the ride—to their detriment and mine.

Without going into all the gory details, suffice it to say that God’s Word proved true when the counsel that I chose to follow didn’t!  Just like God’s Word said!

“But if ye will not do so,

behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:

and be sure

your sin

will find you out.”  Numbers 32:23

Much like the prodigal son (or daughter), I learned the hard way that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also pure and holy, and we must face our sin, repent and come to Jesus, as the song says, “Just As I Am”!  But praise God, HE never leaves us “As” we were!  But there are consequences to our sin; and while we have quoted this verse again and again, it is ever true and apropos in our culture today.

“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

My choices caused my children harm that I can’t forget, but by God’s grace I have tried to face them with truthfulness and hope for the future.  But one of the choices I made led to an abuse of my daughter, the effects of which followed her and me into her adulthood and ultimately led to some poor choices that ended in her death.  I can’t describe how I have wrestled with these issues of my past; and maybe you’ve had issues from your past that haunt you as well.  I’m here to tell you that God forgives, heals and restores as we yield to HIM, giving God the opportunity to transform us into the image of our Lord Jesus.  There is a verse in Joel that has brought me such comfort and courage on this journey of life, because as God promised Israel a time of restoration, HE gave that same assurance to me many years ago.  Many have asked through the years, how I can go on serving God so faithfully with a past that was so checkered, and I always reply, “It’s God’s grace!”, and I can go on because of God’s righteousness, power and grace as HE enables me to be and do all that HE saved me to be/do.  I can walk in the light of HIS forgiveness and cleansing, knowing that He forgives and cleanses as I keep the lines open between HIM and me!

“And I will restore to you the years

that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD

your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people shall never be ashamed.”  Joel 2:25

I have a relationship with Jesus based on His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin—and HE has imparted to me HIS righteousness, and called and equipped me to walk in it—in confidence of HIS adequacy not my own!

“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 5:21

Do you know Jesus?  Have you made a mess of your past? Is your present questionable?  Well, my friend, when you belong to Jesus, HE is ever working to make you a vessel of honor in HIS kingdom!

“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 8:28-31

If you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today.

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

When we belong to Jesus, we are called to march to the “Jesus” drumbeat and not the world’s.  So, my friends where ever you are in life—look up—walk forward—and press on for, with and through Jesus.  He has won the battle for our LIFE, and in HIM—we WIN!

“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.”   Romans 12:1-2

In closing, a mighty word from the Apostle Paul!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth

unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Press on dear ones—yes, I wish I’d known—but God did, and HE has picked me up, dusted me off (by the blood of Jesus) and sent me forth in HIS service.  But the price of choosing poorly can be high.  I wish I’d known, yet I know that HE is still waiting for you, and HE is a forgiving, life-changing God!

I simply remind us all to please choose wisely, so that you won’t have to live with regrets of the past.  If you listen to God today instead of the enemy of your soul, the regrets will be few, and the blessings abundant (and even if you’ve already made those poor choices—God is here to lift you up, restore you to usefulness, and glorify HIMSELF in YOU!). Jesus still saves and changes lives today—

HE is ready to transform your life today—

Because of His sacrifice on the cross!

Open that door—HE will come in!   Amen and Amen!!!