Tag Archives: Proverbs 16:25

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!

Where Are Your Dominoes??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12. No.11

04 Sunday Nov 2018

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Commitment Or Convenience

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.11  Where Are Your Dominoes???

 

I remember playing with dominoes as a child, not always the “game” of dominoes but laying them out in a line and then watching them fall on each other and thinking that was so amazing. And we’ve all seen those elaborate dominoes that take people hours and days to set up and then in just a few short minutes the dominoes fall in intricate patterns to amaze us all. But the dominoes that I want to talk about today are the cultural “dominoes” that are falling all around us—and the results are anything but happily amazing—they are tragic and frightening and we need to wake up and make some changes while we still can!

“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.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.” Galatians 6:7-9

We are reaping not the fancy, cutesy, domino stunts that we see on videos, but we are reaping Satan’s domino effect which is tragic—ruining our homes, churches, cities and our nation (besides the world at large!). Many of us bought the lies as young people (I am a product of the 50’s and 60’s and the end has been less than admirable—divorces, rebellion, child abuse, pornography, drugs, no work ethic, not even considering the rejection of God!), and made choices in light of our belief in and acceptance of those half-truths and lies (And just FYI—half-truths are lies!) and now we are watching the consequences of those choices, even we who have repented and returned to God. I must share the things that are on my heart. We bought into the “soap opera” mentality—that if we “love” anyone or anything then what we do for that “love” is all right! But that isn’t what God says—sin is sin and if we sow sin to our flesh, we will reap corruption and destruction. Even as Jesus told us:

“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 7:12-13

Jesus told us that there are two ways to go—a popular way, and a straight/narrow way (and I mean that any way you want to take it!) —and we have the privilege to choose which way we will go, but we aren’t privileged to set the consequence, for God has already set the consequences, and warned all that will receive His Word of the danger of sin, and the deliverance that HE has provided to all who will “hear what the Spirit says…” about the Son of God who gave HIS life for us! But what we must come to grips with is that we have created most of the problems that we are now facing in our country (and the world in general) by choosing the wisdom of men over the true wisdom of God.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 16:25

I’ve learned in reading and studying the Bible, that when something is repeated, we need to take note of—it is important—and God wants us to know that sin will look good in the beginning for Satan is the greatest advertising executive of all time—He can paint a picture of beauty and glory, but it is all gilded with lies, and the truth will come to light, but often too late to escape an inevitable consequence. Even scripture tells that there is “pleasure” in sin, but at what price? Let’s consider what the “faith” chapter tells us about the prophet Moses.

“By faith Moses,

when he was born,

was hid three months of his parents,

because they saw

he was a proper child;

and they were not afraid

of the king’s commandment.

24 By faith Moses,

when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction

with the people of God,

than to enjoy

the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect unto the recompence

of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt,

not fearing the wrath of the king:

for he endured,

as seeing him

who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:23-27

We see two examples of faith here; we see Moses’ parents, who hid him for three months “because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment”! The Pharaoh had commanded that all the baby boys should be killed, yet Moses’ parents kept him hidden from the king and later trusted him to God as Jochebed put him in a basket and placed him where he could be found by some Egyptian who would take pity on him. Then beyond imagination, Pharaoh’s daughter took Moses to be her own child, and paid his mother to nurse him until he was weaned. Yet when Moses became an adult (I can’t help but believe he remembered the stories that Jochebed shared with him as a child!) he recognized that there was a difference between God’s people, and ways and the “pleasures of sin for a season” in the Egyptian palace! Moses could have continued to live in opulent wealth, prestige and power, yet he saw that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the true God, and His ways were worth the cost! He had set his heart on the true Almighty God, and chose to follow Him “not fearing the wrath of the king”! Moses, unlike some of us, recognized the fleeting, seasonal nature of sin, and he chose God’s way.

And while it took forty years in the dessert for God to prepare him for the difficult task ahead, God had his heart. What about you and me? There is another man of God who made good choices in his youth but messed up in his latter years, who reminds us that Satan is no respecter of age—he tempts the young, the middle-aged, and the older generation. Sin has no age limit! We must choose to serve God, God’s way! He hasn’t changed the rules no matter what people may think. Sometimes it seems that people have more faith in their “check” than in God. And marriage is one of Satan’s main targets! Yet God has made His standard clear, and how He feels about marriage and adultery (and any sex outside of marriage is adultery—pre, current or post marriage!) is key! The author of Hebrews reminds us of how believers ought to behave before the world, and where our confidence ought to be—and it’s not in the government (checks or no checks) or the weather person!

“Let brotherly love continue.

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

for thereby some

have entertained angels unawares.

3 Remember them that are in bonds,

as bound with them;

and them which suffer adversity,

as being yourselves

also in the body.

4 Marriage is honourable

in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:1-6

The rules haven’t changed! And the other man I want us to look at is Solomon. A young man who started strong but fell into sin—and you might be amazed at what caused his demise!

“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said,

Ask what I shall give thee.

6 And Solomon said,

Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David

my father

great mercy,

according as he walked before thee

in truth,

and in righteousness,

and in uprightness of heart

with thee;

and thou hast kept for him

this great kindness,

that thou hast given him a son

to sit on his throne,

as it is this day.

7 And now, O LORD my God,

thou hast made thy servant king

instead of David my father:

and I am but a little child:

I know not how to go out

or come in.

8 And thy servant is in the midst

of thy people

which thou hast chosen,

a great people,

that cannot be numbered

nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good

and bad:

for who is able to judge this

thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord,

that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him,

Because thou hast asked this thing,

and hast not asked for thyself long life;

neither hast asked riches for thyself,

nor hast asked the life of thine enemies;

but hast asked for thyself

understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise

and an understanding heart;

so that there was none like thee

before thee,

neither after thee

shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee

that which thou hast not asked,

both riches,

and honour:

so that there shall not be any

among the kings

like unto thee

all thy days.

14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways,

to keep my statutes

and my commandments,

as thy father David did walk,

then I will lengthen thy days.”  1 Kings 3:5-14

Solomon knew that only God could give him a heart of wisdom and understanding to rule God’s people, and God was so pleased with his humble request, that He not only granted Solomon’s request, but God also granted him riches and honor. God also told him that if he would walk in HIS ways, like David had, He would “lengthen thy days”! The catch was Solomon’s heart of compromise toward the pagan women that he took as wives (and remember he had a lot of them—700 wives and 300 concubines!) who caused him to stumble and fall away from faithfully serving God. And to borrow from the NASB “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (See 1 Corinthians 15:33)

“But king Solomon

loved many strange women,

together with the daughter of Pharaoh,

women of the Moabites,

Ammonites,

Edomites,

Zidonians,

and Hittites;

2 Of the nations

concerning which the LORD said

unto the children of Israel,

Ye shall not go in to them,

neither shall they come in unto you:

for surely they will turn away

your heart

after their gods:

Solomon clave unto these in love.

3 And he had seven hundred wives,

princesses,

and three hundred concubines:

and his wives turned away his heart.

4 For it came to pass,

when Solomon was old,

that his wives turned away his heart

after other gods:

and his heart was not perfect

with the LORD his God,

as was the heart of David

his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess

of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil

in the sight of the LORD,

and went not fully after the LORD,

as did David his father.”   1 Kings 11:1-6

Solomon chose foolishly—he surrounded himself with pagan wives (“bad companions”, regardless of the reasoning—whether it was for political positioning, or lust, or seasonal pleasure) who turned his heart away from following God! And when we choose the way of the world, it will always be in a direction opposite from God’s way! We can choose that “broad way” and face the destruction, or we can choose the “narrow… way” and have life. Yet Jesus said, “few there be that find it”—it has never been popular to follow God’s way, and it never will be, but it IS the only way to God.

Who will you follow—what dominoes are you setting up? Who will follow you (and your dominoes)? Are you leading them to God, or will they be lead to destruction. Paul talks about those who willingly and gladly lead others down the wrong road, and our world abounds with such people!

“Because that,

when they knew (recognized) God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise,

they became fools…

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.” Portions of Romans 1:21-32

We/I/you can only turn our culture around one choice at a time—we must repent of our failures and wrong choices (our sin) which have demeaned the truth of the Gospel, and come back to The Word of God as our lodestar, before the dominoes completely crash around our feet. May we all seek to “stand fast in the evil day”, being a reflection of the glory of our Lord, not falling for the lies of the enemy, nor being drawn astray by the “pleasures of sin” for any season! Oh God forgive our failure to stand for YOUR truth in days gone past, as well as today, and help us to keep our eyes on JESUS—the only way, who is the same always.

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

Keeping our eyes on HIM, and abiding IN HIM, that His glory may be seen in us each and every day!

“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

When we belong to Jesus, we are empowered by His Holy Spirit to do HIS work, and by His power we can truly pray and see:

“Thy kingdom come……Thy will be done…”

Praying with a heart set on HIM, knowing HE will prevail!!!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

I’ll close with a passage from Psalms:

“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.” Psalm 37:3-6

Marginalizing God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07

30 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Marginalizing God, Salvation, SIN

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07     Marginalizing God???

 

There have been deceivers since Eden, and they’re still alive and well in our midst today. Scripture is replete with God’s warnings to keep our hearts set on Him and The Son—but our culture is trying to undermine those who follow the Jesus of the Bible. We must cling to The One who saves and keeps us despite the draw of the world, or the ridicule that we may encounter.

I have watched of late the ugliness of hate, despite and disregard of the truth or the rule of law—we as a country stand on the precipice of anarchy! But why are we here? I’d like to share a few thoughts with you today from my perspective.

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

As we often hear today, “What you see is what you get.” yet we need to consider that much of what we “see” and “hear” is staged, orchestrated and promoted for an agenda—good bad or indifferent, it’s not real. When I think back many years I am reminded of the lies that we who were young in the 60’s bought—we believed and bought into the idea that all things are equal, and it doesn’t matter how you look, or how you act, or what you believe—just “love” everybody! After all, people are inherently good! WRONG! I remember a time when women (as a whole) were raised to be gentle, soft and kind, but now we have raised generations of “liberated” women—women who are liberated from restraint, respect, goodness, kindness, modesty, self-respect, and of course gentility! God created a man and a woman who were equal before Him and He gave them to each other, for companionship, communion and procreation.

We now live in a culture that is satisfied with women (and men) who are crude in their behavior, vulgar in their language, and more often than not, immoral in their ways. Women have won the right to cuss like the men, be as vulgar as the men, drink like the men, smoke like the men, lie and steal and cheat!!! I’d say we’ve lost way more than we supposedly gained. We have allowed the world to convince us that we are at war with one another, forgetting that God’s design was for the husband and the wife to become one–united together for their common good and the good of society.

“And the LORD God said,

It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.

19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field;

but for Adam there was not found

an help meet for him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep

to fall upon Adam,

and he slept:

and he took one of his ribs,

and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib,

which the LORD God had taken from man,

made he a woman,

and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said,

This is now bone of my bones,

and flesh of my flesh:

she shall be called Woman,

because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave

his father

and his mother,

and shall cleave unto his wife:

and they shall be one flesh.

25 And they were both naked,

the man and his wife,

and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:18-25

This is one of my favorite passages in scripture, and I love teaching the beauty of God’s plan for man and woman—God allowed Adam to name all the creatures—male and female—and see that they were “paired” up. God always brings us to see our need before He meets that need, and when God brought the woman to Adam, he knew God had “completed” him. God brought Eve to be a completer not a competer!

“It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.”

We have allowed our culture to convince us (for a great part) that men and women are by nature (of course the world teaches that we just ‘evolved’ from goo—go figure that out) enemies, yet God created “male and female” to compliment each other and bring fulfillment each to the other, to serve God jointly and share in the making and raising of families.

I know personally, I bought the lies from the world, and even in the 60’s and 70’s the church was buying into them also. I accepted the lie that my “happiness” was more important than God’s call to salvation, marriage or holiness, and I made choices that changed my life and the lives of my children, family and loved ones in ways that were beyond devastating ultimately, more than I could have imagined. My choices and their consequences still reverberate through the years. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and just like our first verse said today, just because something “seems” right in the moment, it doesn’t mean it IS right before God. And if it’s not right before God—IT IS NOT RIGHT! No matter what the world, our friends or our “heart” says. God hasn’t changed His mind, His Word or His principles of truth, right and morality.

“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.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.” Galatians 6:7-9

We live in a culture of “credit”—if you don’t have the money, just charge it. We have oft times chosen to live our lives that way—particularly our spiritual lives (and our lives are spiritual in nature, because we are created in the image of God, see Genesis 1 and Genesis 9:6)—by spending our lives in sin and depravity today and thinking we can fix it later. We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow, and God makes it clear that if we refuse to humble ourselves before Him, repenting of our sin, trusting in Jesus substitutionary, sacrificial atonement for our sin, we will pay that debt ourselves. And that debt is death and hell—and it will come due for those who refuse to accept Jesus sacrifice for sin.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

We will all die, and we will all give an answer for our choices –no matter if we were deceived or not. The question isn’t “Will you bow?” but when? You can choose to follow Jesus in repentance and faith now and be born again unto eternal life, or you will bow before Jesus at as your judge, with no opportunity for grace and salvation. It’s your choice, but choose wisely, for no matter what the world may say, God is still in charge, and Jesus is coming again (and I believe soon!), and YOU will bow and give and account of your choices!!! Jesus is the same—and so is sin, and God is the judge not you!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Sin is still sin, even if the legislature renames it and calls it good. There have always been those who try to change God’s ways, but God will judge righteous judgment; and regardless of whether it was my poor, sinful choices years ago, or your poor, sinful choices today, we will reap what we sow. I simply praise God for forgiveness and restoration that He can and will give when we bow before Him and confess our sin, repenting and seeking HIS cleansing.

“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.”    1 John 1:6-9

The world continually tries to marginalize God, His Word and His Ways, particularly the unique substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for sin, but it can never succeed, and we need to know the truth so we will recognize the lies. Oh, how I wish I had been willing to go God’s way instead of my own those many years ago. But I thank God for a godly daddy who loved me, even when I was at my worst, who prayed and asked God to grant me “crop failure”—and I know his prayers were answered in God’s mercy and grace working in my life, bringing me to my knees at the cross. I know that my poor choices were covered by the blood of Jesus “that cleanseth us from all sin”! Yet I must say, that even when we find personal forgiveness from God for our sin, it doesn’t mean that all the consequences will be erased. I watched those that I love the most, my children, and others go through horrific difficulties because of my sin, some lingering even still today. But at the same time, I know God has heard and answered my prayers for them and others who make wrong choices today. HE still hears and answers prayer today!

I say all this to simply say that we must stop letting the world dictate what we believe and practice in our daily living—God still says that morality is moral—and immorality is NOT! God hates divorce (but He loves those who have made poor choices in marriage and divorce)—God calls immorality, pride and selfish greed sin, and He will judge all sin. Marriage is still what God designed it to be, and parents are to love and care for their children. Yet we live in a culture that saves the trees, and puppies but kills the babies in the womb. There is nothing “right” about that. And just to clear the record, God says “marriage” is honorable, not co-habiting, or perversion, and it doesn’t matter if your 16 or 66! God hasn’t changed His mind (We must decide if we want to trust God, the culture, or the government for our needs!)!!!

“Marriage is honourable

in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:4-6

God gives us the ultimate definition of sin and salvation.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”   Romans 1:16-17

Paul goes on to make it clear to all who will hear the truth.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12

“For all have sinned,

and come short 

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

In closing, I would like to call each one of us to examine ourselves and see if we are walking in the light—His light; to see if we are doing things God’s way or the world’s; if we have accepted sin as ok, joining the crowd who are marginalizing God and His Word. It’s all around us, we must choose—but choose wisely, there is a test at the end!

“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

God still saves and changes lives today! He’ll do it for YOU, and His forgiveness and cleansing will free your soul! Amen!