Tag Archives: Psalm 119:133

Godliness Will Be Opposed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #730

20 Thursday May 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Conviction, Courage, Fear, Fight or Faith?, God Knows, Godliness will be opposed, He IS Alive!, Help Thou My Unbelief, Holy Living, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, IN Jesus!, Opposition

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #730 Godliness Will Be Opposed???

 

Elijah was one of the most powerful and amazing prophets of God, yet we find that even in great victory there is opposition– to God’s people and God’s ways; so, we shouldn’t be alarmed or discouraged when we face opposition for speaking God’s truth or doing God’s will in our lives and ministries.  Yet God knows our hearts and even Elijah was plagued by discouragement (what some call depression) and ran from the death-threats of Jezebel.  What kind of Jezebel are you facing today?  A spiritual one?  A physical or health-scare one?  A Jezebel of grief or sorrow?  Or one of fear over financial issues, the future, or family issues?  God was still God when Elijah encountered the abominable evil of Ahab and Jezebel—and my friends, God is still God in the midst of your greatest fears, uncertainties, and confusion of how to deal with your weariness and burdens over the things surrounding you!

“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice,

that Elijah the prophet came near, and said,

LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel,

let it be known this day

that thou art God in Israel,

and that I am thy servant,

 and that I have done all these things

at thy word.

37 Hear me, O LORD,

hear me,

that this people may know

that thou art the LORD God,

 and that thou hast turned their

heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell,

and consumed the burnt sacrifice,

and the wood, and the stones,

and the dust,

and licked up the water

that was in the trench.

 39 And when all the people saw it,

they fell on their faces:

and they said,

The LORD, he is the God;

the LORD, he is the God.”  1 Kings 18:36-39.

(Take some time and read chapters 18 & 19 for even more insight into Elijah and his God!)

Here we have a mighty man of God in what many consider to be his greatest victory over the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.  God proved Himself mighty to save and bring the people to proclaim their allegiance to God (though it often proved to be a short-lived devotion) and much like people today, words come easy, but faithfulness comes with much drudgery and, as Oswald Chambers calls it, the mundane.  It’s why I believe that Paul gave us great advice for such situations—advice that I often have to remind myself of by quoting these verses to myself; for I need reminding as much as the Galatian and the Thessalonian believers did.

“And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”           Galatians 6:9-10

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”                             2 Thessalonians 3:13

Don’t stop serving God, even when you need to take a rest—even Jesus called His disciples to come aside and rest (See Mark 6:31)!  And just FYI, I haven’t written since last week for that very reason, we took some time away to rest and recoup from a very trying season of our lives.  I hope you know that I pray for you, that God will use my words always to glorify HIMSELF and be an encouraging word to you!  If I can depend upon HIM for what HE has called me to be and do—SO. CAN. YOU!  But back to Elijah—great victory is no assurance of ease!  Quite the contrary, when we find great victory in Jesus, there is usually a trial lurking just around the corner, but when we are informed (by God’s Word) and prepared (by The Holy Spirit), we learn to rely upon God’s faithful provision; especially in the midst of trail, or when we need rest from the weariness of our body and soul.  God knows, God cares, and GOD will always provide, when I’m ready to be still and listen and obey!  Elijah faced just such a trial!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

 So let the gods do to me, and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there…

…But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die; and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

 5 And as he lay and slept

under a juniper tree,

behold, then an angel touched him,

and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

 7 And the angel of the LORD came again

the second time,

and touched him, and said,

Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

 8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

And as we go on, we find that Elijah learned that God doesn’t always speak in the “loud” miracles, but quietly.  I want you to also note that God didn’t reprimand Elijah for being weary, instead GOD provided sleep, his meat and drink for a long journey ahead—my friend, know that GOD knows where you are and HE will supply, if you will but hear and heed HIS voice.  God took Elijah to a special place for a special word of encouragement!  How about you?

“And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount

before the LORD.

And, behold,

the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind

rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks

before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.”  1 Kings 19:11-12

That still small voice that is ever present with me/you in good days and in difficult ones (for all my days are blessed, even the ‘so-called’ bad days!) is a constant strength, and life-giving hope to press on with my LORD!  The Psalmist also knew this voice, and that sometimes we just need to (as we used to teach the schoolchildren) “stop”, “look”, and “listen”!

“Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:10-11

MY God is faithful to the load—the task—the trial—the fear—the difficulties of life that are unspeakable to others—HE IS MY GOD!  How about you?  Have you found HIM faithful?  Have you learned to trust HIM with your burden?  I’m learning every day that HE is ever faithful, not just when I am weary, but especially when I am weary, tired, sorrowful, or just overloaded in my own mind!  How about you?  Will you learn to lean on HIM?

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

 acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.

 7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

And a couple of encouraging words to close this post for today—and I must tell you, this is not the article I sat down to write, but I believe it is the article God desired from me.  I pray that it will be used by HIM to help YOU today!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

 and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion

 over me.”  Psalm 119:133

Amen and Amen!

When I Can’t See The Way??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #653

20 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, For Such A Time As This

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #653   When I Can’t See The Way???

 

“What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:3-4

Just a few words today to encourage our hearts in difficult times.  We must remember and rehearse what we KNOW about our God—yet how do we KNOW about God?  We can only come to KNOW God through Jesus Christ, HIS Son, and once we are born again by faith in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary, we are born into God’s family and kingdom.  Then we need to avail ourselves of the love letter that God has given us in HIS Word!

It is in The Word of God that we find the revelation of God to our hearts, all that HE wants us to know about Him and our walk of faith with Him.  Yet so many are floundering for lack of knowledge about their God.  When we don’t have the wisdom, insight and vision of God’s perspective we will lack the ability to press on in confidence—for God IS our confidence; and HE has given us The Word to direct our steps!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:133

Paul directed the young preacher, Timothy to be “in The Word”…it is our source of truth and equips us to accomplish God’s purpose for us each and every day!

“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 3:14-16

How do we acquire this ‘knowledge’—by the commitment of our time to ‘study’ the whole counsel of God!

“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

Oh, how grateful I am for The Word of God, for even when I am afraid, I continually return to what I KNOW, and that is that God keeps His Word, He’s still God, He’s still good, and I will trust HIM!  I have walked with HIM for forty-plus years and HE has never failed me.  I have failed him again and again, but He has always worked in my life to restore me to fellowship with Him, and I thank Him for His love for me—because of HIS character not mine!  And the judge will always be the plumb-line of HIS Word!  What are you setting as your standard?

“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

Where is your heart and mind?  Fixed on Jesus, or on your own abilities to run your life?  God has given us His precious Holy Spirit to guide, direct and convict us; we have but to yield to His voice, study to know God through His Word, then we can choose wisely, trusting to His care without fear. As the Psalm we started with reminds us, we all have times of fear (and remember that ‘fear’ is simply an emotion, but by God’s power we can rule it, rather than let it ‘rule’ us!), but God has given us the ability to deal with our fears!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”    2 Timothy 1:7

The “sound mind” here, means right thinking—thinking with the “mind of Christ Jesus” (See Philippians 2:5-11) which we need to think on!  So, walk forward, look up, love God, think right by dwelling on The Word—not the world!  God’s Son IS truth, and HIS Word IS truth recorded for us to grow by!  Think ON the things of God, not the fears of the world around you!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”   Philippians 4:6-8

Blessings on your day!

Amen and Amen!

Who Are You Inspiring??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #572

19 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Influence, Inspiring Others, Just Jesus!, Listening To God, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #572   Who Are You Inspiring???

 

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:33

As I write this, my mind goes to those who touched my life—those who helped me walk right before God; and what I find amazing, is that many of them weren’t intentionally trying to influence me, they were simply living for God and making a difference that they were often unaware of! And that ought to be the goal of our life, to touch others as God uses our faithfulness to Him, and our desire to please HIM—Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  And I can only do that as I seek to allow God to “Order my steps”! But did you catch the rest of that phrase?  God will order our steps in HIS “word”!  I must immerse myself in The Word of God, to know it intimately, that I can discern between true and false, right and wrong, good and bad.  In fact, this was one of the things that Solomon asked God for, and it has been my verse for this year.

“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?”  1 Kings 3:9

I would simply like to share my personal paraphrase of this passage.

I am the servant—God is my LORD and master—

(See Exodus 20:3)

I need to seek God’s understanding not my own—

(See Proverbs 3:5-6)

I am to judge/discern people’s behavior—

(but I am not The Judge who will pass sentence—

 (See Matthew 7:15-20 & Revelation 20:11-14)

I am to seek God’s standard of ‘good and bad’ not man’s—

(See Micah 6:8)

I am to recognize that only God/Jesus can help me lead—

(See John 15:1-5)

Just as Jesus told us in John 15, I must depend on Him, abide in Him, and rely upon His presence and power working in me through His precious Holy Spirit.  May we walk His way that others may be drawn to HIS love, salvation and provision by our life of devotion to JESUS, for “without me ye can do nothing”!

“That we should be to the praise of his glory…”.    Ephesians 1:12a

Remember we are influencing others, but are we leading them to Jesus or to Hell? There is generally no in between. Jesus made this clear.  May you ponder His words as we wrap up our time together, and may we truly pray “open our eyes Lord….”, that we might see YOU and follow YOUR way, influencing others for good!

“No man

can serve

two masters:

for either he

will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he

will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Our path before others is revealing whom you/I are serving.

Basics Of Bible Study??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 09

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bibe Study, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.09 Basics Of Bible Study???

 

While this may seem a little ominous, it’s really quite simple, and I hope to encourage us all to “dig in” more diligently!  First of all, we are called to study The Word, and we can rest assured of its veracity (truth)!

“Study

to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun

profane

and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”    2 Timothy 2:15-16

Paul told Timothy, that he was to “study”—dig in—to show himself as a proven servant of God—a workman, who has no need for shame before his God, or men.  And while this is a familiar verse, I want us to catch the, often missed, verse that follows.  While we are to draw near to God, there are some things that we are to not only, avoid, but we are to “shun” some completely—and things that are very current.  Paul was instructing this young preacher to avoid things that will “increase unto more ungodliness”!

I find it most curious that Paul realized something that many today have forgotten or overlooked; and while many seem to think that the profane is alright, it is most harmful!

Profane: characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things….to defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily….to treat with irreverence or contempt…

And without even trying, I believe most of us could think of venues in our culture that often tend to be “profane and vain babblings”!  And while my focus in this article isn’t to attack others, it is to call us to consider what we are willing to allow into our lives; and not only allow into our lives, but in many cases to influence our choices.  God, on the other hand, has called us to dig into His Word to know Him and reflect it before the world—not be influenced by the profane!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”    Proverbs 3:5-8

Learning to walk with God is the greatest adventure that we can experience.  And He has given us the guide that we need—HIS Word!  Not only does God assure us of His care in the Proverbs, but He also gives us assurance that HIS Word is dependable for all our needs, for it is all inspired by GOD.

“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

So, what does all this have to do with Bible study?  It is the basis of our total dependence upon God and His ways!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

God wants to unveil His way for us if we will but yield to His Spirit and dive into His Word as the guide for our lives.

“How sweet are thy words

unto my taste!

yea, sweeter than honey

to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts

I get understanding:

therefore

I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp

unto my feet,

and a light

unto my path.”   Psalm 119:103-105

Oh, that we can learn to feast on The Word/Words of God and discern our choices according to it!  And when we feast on God’s Word, we must learn, develop and practice good observation skills. There are a few things that will help each of us hone these skills.  Firstly, we must observe the text with integrity, by letting the word say what it says, and by being willing to order “our steps” by it!

“But they have not all obeyed

the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith

cometh by hearing,

and hearing

by the word of God.

18 But I say,

Have they not heard?

Yes verily,

their sound went

into all the earth,

and their words

unto the ends of the world.”    Romans 10:16-18

It is God’s Word that brings the “gospel” to us, and it is hearing the truth of God’s ways and laws that bring us to see our own sin.  And until we see our sin, we will see no need for a Savior—Jesus!  That is the truth of God’s Word, and without it we have no hope!  But when we seek to know God’s truth, He will always lead us to the cross.

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard

the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed

with that holy Spirit of promise,”    Ephesians 1:13

As we study and observe the text, we must honor its context by asking the 5 W’s and the H; by asking, who said it, why, when, and to whom;  always seeking to know what it truly says, that we may be able to interpret what it means.  To do this accurately, we must understand that scripture isn’t a regular book—it is a Spirit-written message from God to His own!  To understand it fully, we have to depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us into truth.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them

unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit

which is of God;

that we might know

the things that are freely given

to us

of God.

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words

which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things

with spiritual.

14 But the natural man

receiveth not the things

of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness

unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual

judgeth all things,

yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,

that he may instruct him?

But we have the mind of Christ.”     1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Just as we rely upon the Spirit of God to bring us to salvation, we must rely upon Him to also bring us to understand and be able to interpret The Word!  For even if we learn to make perfect observations, and accurate interpretations, if we fail to apply it, we have missed the point.

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

As we learn to depend upon The Lord in all things, He will lead us into all truth, by the work of His Holy Spirit.  We can lean on Him and depend upon Him to direct our steps as we seek to know God’s truth!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you

that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart,

I will send him

unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak

of himself;

but whatsoever

he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath

are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it

unto you.”   John 16:7-15

I pray that you will find these things helpful as you pursue God through His Word! May HE bless you as you study!

And in closing, a few words to encourage our hearts in the pursuit of God and His Word:

“That we henceforth

be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

 which is the head,

even Christ:”   Ephesians 4:14-15

Don’t be deceived by not knowing truth, as Jesus said:

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”    John 8:32

By depending on HIS Spirit:

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.”  John 14:16-17 Amen!

Blessings On Your Day!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #524

18 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in Iron Sharpens Iron

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #524   Blessings On Your Day!!!

 

Just a brief word this morning to encourage us all as we press on with and for Jesus. I pray that we will always find ourselves being that “iron sharpening iron” to strengthen and help one another on our journey with Jesus!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth the countenance

of his friend.

18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree

shall eat the fruit thereof:

so he that waiteth on his master

shall be honoured.

19 As in water face answereth to face,

so the heart of man to man.”    Proverbs 27:17-19

While Proverbs is written as “tidbits” of wisdom, and they don’t always come in order, these three verses seemed to flow, so I’ve shared all three.

I love the picture of iron sharpening iron—the thought that sometimes when we need sharpening it comes through conflict! When you sharpen something, two pieces of metal must encounter each other, and that’s sometimes painful. I know I have needed the sharpening of a friend sometimes, but sometimes God has used those who weren’t my friends, to show me my shortcomings and/or sin; and while that is painful and totally humbling—it is a necessary part of our spiritual growth and maturing in our walk of faith and obedience.

We also see a picture of horticulture—tending to the living things and then sharing in the joy and delight of seeing them grow—in the earth as well as in the lives that we are able to influence to growth, fruitful service, and joy—all done in faithful service to our Master and Lord!

And in closing we have the privilege of serving The Lord and each other as if we are looking in the water and seeing our reflection. In talking about this very thing, James reminds us that we must keep our eyes on Jesus without forgetting what He has shown us, but receiving and heeding His Word with an earnest desire to be “doers of the word”.

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face

in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh

into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed

in his deed.” James 1:22-25

May we strive today to live and walk in His Word and be that iron sharpening—helping others, and receiving the sharpening that God sends to us! Amen and Amen!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:133