Tag Archives: Proverbs 16:25

Blinded To God’s Way??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 15

14 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Obedience, Our God Reigns, Salvation, SIN, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Love of God, What's In Your Heart?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 15  Blinded To God’s Way???

 

There’s a lot of talk today about being “color-blind” but I think we need to have a different conversation; we need to examine our own hearts, which will reveal our own needs; which will reveal our personal response to God and His Word!  And that my friends is the only thing that will make any significant change in lives, homes, neighborhoods, communities, towns, counties, states and a nation—much less a world!  We can riot, protest, and wreak havoc if we choose, but only Jesus can change a sinner into a saint.  And until we begin to preach the gospel to our world gone amuck, we will not see lasting change!  Jesus said it all!

“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

What we see going on around us is the outflowing of evil hearts; hearts set on satisfying themselves and trying to fill the desires of the heart with things that will never satisfy.  Only Jesus will ever satisfy the heart and give abundant life.  It’s what HE came to be and do—the redeemer of sinners.

“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

God’s people must learn to heed God’s Word and yield our hearts and lives to the obedience of The Word, and the leadership of The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God! Jesus is the only way to know God or His Word; and when we know we are obligated by love to reflect HIS glory to a lost and dying world.  A world set on going “to hell in a hand-basket”, and in a hurry to get there, it seems.

“There is a way

that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And while I’ve used this passage a lot in recent weeks, I just feel the need to rehearse it again, for the truth of what our Lord Jesus said is so needed today. The truth is the truth, and regardless of what the world says, only Jesus can change hearts and lives—and only changed hearts and lives can make significant change to social upheaval.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would

that men should do

to you,

do ye even so to them:

for this is the law

and the prophets.”  Matthew 7:12

Oh, that we could all practice this ‘golden rule’!  Yet Jesus made it clear that not everyone is on the same page; not all people are pursuing the good of others, especially in this day of the “me” culture that we have produced by our selfish ways and the abandonment of God and His Word!  Let’s spend some time perusing what Jesus told us about the choices that we are all free to make—but remember while we are free moral agents and God has given us the right to choose, He has not freed us from the consequences of our choices, and we don’t get to choose those consequences.  As Paul reminds us, be careful what you choose—you/I will give an account!

“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

And as Jesus makes perfectly clear, there are two choices—the narrow way or the broad road!  Which have you chosen to follow?  It makes a difference, and we are seeing the result of multitudinous wrong choices!

“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.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they

are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:13-19

And Jesus goes on to declare to all that there is a day of reckoning coming.  (And to see what false teachers and prophets look like, read 2 Peter chapter 2!). Are you ready to face that reckoning?  If Jesus came today (and He could appear any day) where would you stand?  Will you be a wise builder or a foolish one—this is truth, not just a simple children’s Sunday School song!

“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.”  Matthew 7:21-27

I find it interesting, that just at it is today, the people of Jesus’ day were astounded at His teaching!  How about you?  Will you be astounded and follow Him, or stay astonished and reject Him today?  He has the authority for HE IS GOD; what will you do with HIM today.   And remember just “saying so” doesn’t “make it so”!

“And it came to pass,

when Jesus had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”   Matthew 7:28-29

And one final word about the reckoning; it is coming, and there will be no appeal.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell

delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:11-15

May God open your heart and eyes to see Jesus.  He’s still calling today.  Burn with Satan or reign with Jesus!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

 in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear

what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”   Revelation 3:20-22

 (And just FYI, being in a church isn’t enough!)

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Is Violence Violent??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 21

19 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Teaching Children, Violence?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 21  Why Is Violence Violent???

 

What is violence?  We usually connect it with crime, and that is a suitable use of the word, but I think it goes beyond that, for it goes to the heart of man; and our culture is drowning trying to assign it to other things.  Most of you know by now, that my daughter was murdered recently, and just last week there was a conference held to discuss and try to avert the tide of violent crimes in a nearby city, particularly violence in the ‘domestic’ arena of our culture; and I’d like to address that issue today.  There are several definitions to “violent/violence”:

Violence: swift and intense force…

…rough or injurious physical force, action or treatment…

…damage through distortion or unwarranted alteration…

And I believe the most apropos for our day—

…rough or immoderate vehemence, as of feeling or language… 

The key here being “immoderate vehemence”–

Immoderate:  not moderate….  Exceeding just or reasonable limits; excessive; extreme…without bounds.

Violence is “violent” because it is the result of abandoning God’s Word, His ways, and His “bounds”!  Rather than peacefulness and moderation (which used to be taught as virtues to be pursued but are now ridiculed as unnecessary and restrictive) we have turned loose a culture with no moorings of reason at all, where hate is rampant, with or without warrant.  We have created a mindset of entitlement, which has bred at least two generations expecting to be fed, pampered, coddled, and entertained at any cost, with no regard to the affect it may have on others—even if they have to steal, kill and destroy!  That sounds familiar—there is an enemy to our life and souls!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.”  John 10:10

Just because it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duke—it may not be a “duck”; but you may need to “duck” for cover in Jesus!

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

Jesus referred to this very thing in His sermon on the Mount.

“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.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”   Matthew 7:13-20

Jesus warns us to beware of the ‘actions’ or fruit of the people around us, for there is that “way that seemeth right” that isn’t!  We live in a world gone crazy with listening to pretty talk that is in total opposition to God’s Word and God’s ways!  Yet it feels good, it appeases the flesh, and it leads to hell!  I know I quote this passage often, but it is an important message that we need to hear, for we live in the ‘evil day’!  What/who are you listening to?

“See then

that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools,

but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding

what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled

with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing

and making melody

in your heart

to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks

always

for all things

unto God

and the Father

in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves

one to another

in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:15-21

We must make a choice!  We must decide what “government” we will align ourselves with—The God who Reigns–or the god of this world?  Have you allowed the light of God to shine in your heart or are you blinded by the enemy of your soul?

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry,

as we have received mercy,

we faint not;

2 But have renounced

the hidden things of dishonesty,

not walking in craftiness,

nor handling the word of God deceitfully;

but by manifestation of the truth

commending ourselves to every man’s conscience

in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them

that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves

your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God,

who commanded the light

to shine out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.”                        2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Are you on the throne of your own heart or have you bowed before the Cross of Jesus Christ to receive His forgiveness and salvation—receiving HIS peace in place of the violence of the world?

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

It’s all about Jesus—not about you/me!  For you see we wrestle not against other people but against the forces of evil in this world.  And until we recognize that God is still God, and the rules haven’t changed—It’s why Jesus came–we will flounder without hope.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government

shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase

of his government

and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth

 even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Will you let Jesus rule in your heart; be at home in your heart or will you continue to pursue your own way and find yourself among the ‘violent’ ones who reject God.  Jesus has given His all—His own blood for our salvation—for you and me!  What have you done with His gift?  If you have received His salvation, does your life reflect His glory or the glory of yourself and the world?  We are to bow before Him and have His mind of holiness and servanthood on our lives.  Even though we live in a culture of selfishness and greed; a culture of me, me, me—”I will have my own way, and I don’t care what God says”!  How about you?  Do you know God and His Word?  God IS our only hope, and He enables us to walk in His Spirit and His Way, rather than the “way that seemeth” right (for now)!

“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.”  Philippians 2:5-12

So, my question for us today is, “Who’s in control of your heart and life?”  Are you living in excess and sin, or moderation by The Spirit of Christ?  Is your life so full of the world that there is no room for Jesus?  Or will you bow before Him as Lord of All?  Do you know God and His Word or are you walking your own way?  Will you get into God’s Word so that you will know what God says?  Or will you keep cussing, fussing, drinking and holding onto your ‘stinkin’ thinkin’?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test—and I can’t help but think that it is nearer than we can even imaging.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture

is given by inspiration

of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

And one last thing, remember that what you’re living is teaching more about life to your children than anything you can say, or any instruction that you can give them—as an old adage says, “What the parents do in moderation, the children will do in excess!”  If you live a life that marginalizes God, your children are likely to exclude Him totally and miss heaven all together.  That is the ultimate ‘violence’!   God gave Moses the perfect plan in Deuteronomy 6, I’ll share just a small portion of verses with you, and I recommend that you take some time to read and study the whole chapter.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

 6 And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates……

…20 And when thy son asketh thee

in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:”  Portions of Deuteronomy 6:5-21

If we’ll follow God truly and faithfully—others will ask why!  How about you—will you follow Him?  I pray that you will choose HIM!  What is your life telling others, especially your children?  Do they see Jesus or the world?

Amen and Amen!!!

A Month Of Gratitude? #10 Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 15

24 Sunday Nov 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Gratitude, IN Jesus!, Independence, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 15   A Month Of Gratitude??? #10

 

Dependent Or Independent?  I thank God, not only in this time set aside for gratitude, but every day, for His perfect provision!  What does that have to do with “dependence”?  Well, it is most significant to our successful walk with Jesus, yet we must make a decision of our will whether we will walk in obedience or rebellion.  It can affect our daily walk, as well as our prayer life, both of which are oft neglected and distorted, by the flesh today.

“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

Jesus told His disciples that prayer wasn’t for our own selfish whims, but for the glory of God, to draw us closer to Him, to seek to know HIS will, His desires, and to increase HIS kingdom—not our own!  Jesus told us that our desire in prayer was and is to praise God—”Hallowed be thy name”; we are to seek God’s glory as we praise Him, not our own ‘independent’way!

We are to pray for God’s kingdom to come—not our own! Yet so many today are being taught and led to believe that we can manipulate God by using certain words, by having enough, or a right kind of faith, or claiming what we want in a particular way!  But Jesus calls us to pray seeking God’s kingdom and God’s will to be accomplished in this worldly realm.  We are never called to pray for God to endorse our plans, but we are to pursue God’s will, His ways, being willing to wait for His timing.  Not the easiest thing to do; but the thing that will grow us into the “image” of Jesus!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Oh, how hard it is to learn to “wait upon the LORD”—yet it is the pathway to strength, courage, stamina, endurance—for God has a plan that we can never know except to walk in His light.

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

As we walk “in the Spirit”, we can avoid the pitfalls of the flesh; learning and pursuing God’s pathway of light, and His direction, as we yield to HIS Spirit’s work in us. (See Gal. 5:16,25)

“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.”   Matthew 6:13-14

Jesus goes on in this passage to remind us that just “saying so” doesn’t make it so; but a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ The Son.

“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 7:21-23

Just as the proverb told us, there is “a way” that seems right—our own way–yet God calls us to walk HIS way—the way of light.

“Thy word is a lamp

unto my feet,

and a light

unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

The Apostle John also called us to walk in God’s pathway of light.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God

is light,

and in him

is no darkness at all.

6 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.”   1 john 1:5-7

Oh, what precious words, ”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”.  One of my favorite passages clearly displays the contrast between walking in “dependence” upon God, and the “independent” person who chooses to forsake God and go his own way.  We are free to choose but remember there is a test!  Choose wisely—you can be independent and trust to your own “goodness” to save you—or you can trust to God’s provided salvation in Jesus. There is only One Way—and His name is Jesus!

“For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

 in exchange for his soul?”   Matthew 16:26

And the beautiful Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law

doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand

in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation

of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

And remember that the only righteousness that will give us a right standing with God is the Righteousness of Jesus, imparted by God, to those who come to Jesus, in repentance and faith!  It’s His blood that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Are you cleansed and depending on His grace; or are you living independent from God!  Thank YOU Lord, that we can depend on YOU!

“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 5:20-21

Jesus will be your righteousness, if you will depend on HIM:

“Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11:29

Amen and Amen!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #604 A Month Of Gratitude??? #8 Truth

20 Wednesday Nov 2019

Posted by in Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Only One Way, Our God Reigns, SIN, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #604    A Month Of Gratitude??? #8 Truth

 

I am grateful for God’s Word (which I already spoke about) and the fact that it is truth—truth, no matter what others may say about it, accept it or deny it—I thank God that HIS truth IS true, and that it never changes.  Times may change, people may change, opinions my change, cultural norms may change but God and His Word never change, and for that I am truly grateful.  I read some things recently that just grieve my soul, for the cultural attacks on our faith in The Word of God, and the God of The Word.  Regardless of whether you or I believe or accept God’s Word, it doesn’t change the fact that HIS Word is set!  It will be our judge—both the spoken/written Word as well as the Living Word, Jesus!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

Jesus Himself told us who He was, is and ever shall be—The Living Word—The Truth—The Light—the very hope of the world.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

 no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:65

Jesus was and is truth embodied, and He came that we might have life IN Him!  But we can’t hold to the lies of the culture and still claim to know truth—written or living!  We must stand upon The Word of God or perish!

“There is a way

that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

Jesus is the Only Way—The One Way to God—and His way will never contradict His own Word!  He is that Way, and He is the gate into God’s kingdom, and we can only enter by faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice.  And not to be rude, but “news flash” if you or I have never seen, nor do we now see our “sin” as “sin”, we may have never met the Jesus who died for SIN!  For Jesus saves us from our sin—and cleanses us “from all sin”!  But many claim that their behavior isn’t sin—it’s the way God made them, or it’s my right to choose (and it is but remember there is a consequence for every choice).  But when Jesus saves us, HE not only forgives our sin, but He cleanses us from it.  Jesus talked about this disparity that is so prevalent in our culture—our world—today.

“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.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.”  Matthew 7:13-19

And the Apostle John spoke to this as well.

“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

And just as food for thought today, as we think about The Word of God, and God Himself, one of the Ten Commandments comes to mind.

“Thou shalt not

take the name

of the LORD thy God

in vain;

for the LORD

will not hold him guiltless

that taketh his name

in vain.”  Exodus 20:7

While this is clearly referring to speaking God’s name lightly, in jest, in ridicule or disparagingly, it also means to use God’s name in a vain way!  What do I mean?  I mean this isn’t simply a command to refrain from what we call “cursing” (which is a command that we need reminding of today, for sure) it is a reference to the fact that GOD is GOD, and worthy of worship, and acknowledgment of His authority; yet we hear people on every hand claiming to speak for God—God wouldn’t send someone to hell—God would or wouldn’t do or not do any particular thing—yet their words are contrary to HIS Word.  That is also taking His name in vain!  It’s also laying the fault of our sin at the feet of the Holy God Almighty of the universe!  So many today are making unbiblical claims and charges for and against God that are contrary to His Word, His character and His standard!  God “will not hold him guiltless”!

Jesus said there is one cause for this kind of behavior:

“Then said they unto him,

Where is thy Father?

Jesus answered,

Ye neither know me,

nor my Father:

if ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also…

… 23 And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you,

that ye shall die in your sins:

for if ye believe not

that I am he,

ye shall die in your sins…

… 34 Jesus answered them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Whosoever committeth sin

is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not

in the house for ever:

but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore

shall make you free,

ye shall be free indeed…

… 38 I speak that

which I have seen with my Father:

and ye do that

which ye have seen with your father…

.. 42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth

and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 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.”  Portions of John 8:19-45

I know this is a lengthy passage but one that I thought necessary, and I’d encourage you to read John 6-8 on your own—Jesus’ message wasn’t always well received by the people, in fact they killed Him because HE spoke truth and they didn’t want to hear truth.  I simply want to remind those who are born-again children of God, our job is to live faithfully, speak truthfully and press on in the power of our Lord, knowing that as they rejected our Lord they will often reject us and our message (we are even now being called “haters” for speaking the truth of God!).  Jesus gave us a little jewel of advice and I’ll leave you with it.  And may I kindly remind us all (myself included) social media is a divider—intentionally—and we must not let the enemy trick us into “foolish debate” with those who have no desire to receive truth!

“If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not

of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:19-21

“Give not that which is holy

unto the dogs,

neither cast ye your pearls

before swine,

lest they trample them

under their feet,

and turn again

and rend you.”   Matthew 7:6

‘Nuff said!!!

Amen and Amen!

Sometimes You Need To Run??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #564

19 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, God of all comfort!, Holy Spirit, JESUS, SIN, Stand Fast

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #564    Sometimes You Need To Run???

 

Sometimes it is hard to see truth clearly.  I’m saddened by the nature of our culture, but even more so by the willingness of many who claim the name of Jesus to compromise truth to get along, to be entertained, or to fit in.  Truth is still truth, yet even sadder to me, is the fact that so few of God’s own know what His Word says, for it is our standard, our plumb-line, our only secure path for life.  Yet there is something else that I want to address, and while you may think it’s about ‘racing’, it’s about living a godly, victorious life in light of our past, present and future.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

 unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 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 4:12-16

While I love the first part of this passage, which declares the veracity and authority of God’s Word, I also find great wisdom, comfort and confidence in the last two verses—we have JESUS to run to!  No matter the situations or circumstances of our lives, we can take it to Jesus; we can bring it “boldly unto the throne of grace”—not arrogantly but boldly– knowing that our God is faithful to hear, and provide HIS mercy and grace in our “time of need”!  I don’t know about you, but I find myself in need of HIS presence, power and provision on a continual basis; and HE assures us of His willingness, faithfulness, and loving provision!  Don’t waste it by running to places where you won’t find Him!

But there are times that we just need to run away from some things!  That, my friends, is scriptural, and we ought to heed the warning that God has given us about harmful people, places, and things!  Paul warned his young ‘son in the ministry’ of that very thing and told him what to do!

“Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

Our flesh is always subject to lusts of the flesh, and young flesh particularly, partly because of inexperience, and partly because of the necessity to grow physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.  Yet there are times that we simply need to RUN from things that want to destroy us—whether they be substances, people or activities.  Even we older people get caught up in “youthful” lusts because of the the world we live in.  But we must all camp out on God’s Word and remember that every choice has a consequence; and while I am free to choose my actions, I am not free to choose or set the consequences that come.

“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 (be sure and read verse 9 too)

One of the most profound examples is Joseph, a fine godly young man who throughout his years of trial, held fast to The God he loved and served.  But he ‘ran’ when temptation came his way.

“And it came to pass about this time,

that Joseph went into the house

to do his business;

and there was none of the men of the house

there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment,

saying, Lie with me:

and he left his garment in her hand,

and fled,

and got him out.”  Genesis 39:11-12

Joseph ran from the seduction of his master’s wife, and while he still wound up being falsely accused, he did the right thing and ran/fled from the temptation.  Now I am not supporting the abundance of advice on social media about ‘cutting people out of your life because they are toxic’, I am saying that we need to learn to recognize temptation to sin, and to run from it.  God has called us to be salt and light in a world of corruption, sin and darkness; but He has never called us to participate in their actions to win them!  We are called to be (not just act) holy, and that only comes from the inside, from God, as we yield to the leadership of The Holy Spirit whom God has given to believers!

“Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21-24

How often have we found ourselves caught up in the throes of sin because we didn’t recognize it as sin—all the while God’s voice of warning was sounding off alarms that we ignored.  God is working to sanctify our whole being that His children may be “conformed to the image of His Son”!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

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

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And I can’t close without a word of encouragement and warning, that we may be prepared for the days in which we live—we must learn to measure everything in our lives by The Word of God. The world paints a most appealing picture, but they aren’t always true pictures.  Satan is the “father of lies” and he is good at his work!  Don’t’ “be deceived” by the lure of sin—and it does have a lure; and we must know truth so that we can stand fast “in the evil day”!  Let me simply say, there are places I don’t go because I don’t believe they are places that a child of God ought to be; there are words I don’t use because God has called us to “be holy” and not have “corrupt communication” come out of our mouth; there are relationships that I avoid (not to be mean, rude or act with disregard) because of the danger of temptation that they cause to my mind, heart and/or my soul (and while they may mean no harm to me, the fact is, they cause my heart and mind to go places it doesn’t need to go)!  While it isn’t always easy, and it surely isn’t always understood by others, I must follow my Lord, and draw near to Him regardless of what the world around me may think.  As things continue to spiral out of control in our world, we must choose to “be separate” to whatever degree God leads us (and that may not look the same in all particulars of my life and yours!).   Who are you allowing to influence your life?  Is it for the godly way, or the world’s way?  Only you can answer that question.  But remember, there is a test—an accounting—coming!

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.”  Matthew 15:18

 

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,”   2 Corinthians 6:17

 

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her, my people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”   Revelation 18:4

Amen!