Tag Archives: Psalm 37:23-24

Who’s Serving Who??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #722

16 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Power of The Cross, Seeing Truth, Servanthood, Service, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #722  Who’s Serving Who???

 

We often wonder why so many are so confused, frustrated and dissatisfied around us; well, one reason why is that many who “claim” the name of Jesus are walking in direct opposition to HIS Word.  We change the name of our “pet” sin, we listen to the world that says there is ‘NO” sin, or we follow the crowd that is going on that broad way to destruction.  But who am I?  Well, I am a Bible toting, Bible believing, Jesus trusting woman who still believes that God means what HE says!  He created Adam and Eve, He called their sin sin, and He had already provided a Redeemer to restore us to relationship and fellowship with God if we will but “repent” of our “sin” and give our all to Jesus.  Or, if you would, be willing to die to self and live to, for and through Jesus’ Holy Spirit which he has given to all who believe!  Paul said it much better than I can.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

 in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

We want heaven but we don’t want to get there God’s way!  Kind of like the old song says, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die…” (Lester Flatt words in the Bluegrass version of a country song written by Jim Collins and Mary Dodson, as best as I can ascertain), especially die to self!  Paul describes a different relationship with his LORD!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

And last but surely not least is Jesus’ warning to us all about divided loyalties.  Who are you serving?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 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 6:19-24

Jesus also told us the way to be a faithful servant to The Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

So, what will you do with Jesus?   Will you be born again (and if you are born again, will you live in obedience to Jesus and HIS Word?) and follow Jesus, or will you follow that “broad way…. that leads to destruction”?  Are you serving HIM?  Or expecting HIM to serve your lusts?  Just a few questions to pique your “thinking hat”:

What comes out of your mouth regularly?

Who are you sleeping with?

How are you treating those under you?

How are you parenting (and by that, I mean are you leading your children to Jesus or turning them over to a world that will take them straight to hell-post haste?)

How are you using your resources—for God or for self?

Who are you trusting?  Jesus or self?

What are you entertaining yourself with?

You get the idea; I pray that God will open our eyes and ears to see and hear HIS truth, and order our lives, our steps accordingly.  My prayer is that God will be “delighted” in me?  How about you?

“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

“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

And as Paul said so concisely, God knows!  Do you?

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Amen and Amen!!!

Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12

06 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Comfort, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Encouragement, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 12 Don’t Let Fear Rule YOU???

 

I have a very brief and simple word for today—God’s is trustworthy, and we don’t have to fear what HE is doing.

“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

Even when we are facing uncertain days, as we are now on every hand, we can count on God to direct our steps.  I hope that this will be a word of encouragement for you and me!  While things in the world may alarm or distress us, it’s just natural to experience fear or alarm; when our health is less than stellar, or the people that we love are plagued by uncertain futures, our God is still in charge.

“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

Paul assured Timothy that God gives us what we need to be successful in His kingdom, and we don’t have to let fear rule our hearts, minds or our lives!  Fear is an emotion, not a sin, but when we let sin take control of us, it can lead us to sin.  That is why we must remember where we are grounded, and that is in Jesus Christ and Him alone; keeping our eyes on Him, and our hearts and minds steeped in HIS Word!

“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

Even the author of Hebrews assures us that wherever we go, or whatever we do, we are never alone, and we can walk in confidence with our God.  It’s been a little uncertain and precarious at our house lately, and maybe you are having uncertain things encircle you and yours; but I am here to remind you that we need not fear, but just keep our eyes on our Jesus for HE is always there.  And no matter the need HE knows—and HE cares.  You can trust to HIS care and come into HIS presence with confidence!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Chapter 13 of Hebrews continues with a powerful message of assurance!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do

unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

So, friends, my word to you (and me) is that we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that HE never fails, and we can trust that HE is working all things for our good and to His glory.  I trust HIM!!!  Do you???  Remember—He IS coming back—He wins, and so do we!  So, let’s serve Him fearlessly and faithfully in all we do, no matter the trials or difficulties that we encounter; remember don’t let fear rule your decisions and your life!  Instead, let Jesus rule—HE will always lead you rightly—without fear!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore,

my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

As God told Isaiah:

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

That kind of says it all….God’s got you and whatever your “it” is!  God’s got “it”—and “YOU”!!!  Trust HIM—HE never fails!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

GOD Needs A__Good__??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22

09 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Be not conformed to this world, Building on The Rock or The Sand?, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, He Died That We Could Live, IN Jesus!, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Broad or Narrow Way?, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22 GOD Needs A ___Good___???

 

Most of us have heard the slogan, “_____needs a few good men…”!  But I’d like us to talk about our God, and while God doesn’t “need” anything, there are some things that God says about what HE desires for His own, for all mankind.

“The Lord knoweth how

to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve

the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:”  2 Peter 2:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,

as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering

to us-ward,

not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come

to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

God truly desires for all to “come to repentance”, for His desire is that none “should perish” but come to Jesus for salvation.  Yet the thing we need to remember is that God isn’t looking for a “few”, nor is He looking for “good” men, He is calling to all who will hear and heed His message of salvation IN JESUS; recognizing that Jesus came to save sinners, not “good” men, those who think they can save themselves.

Paul talked about this ability to recognize our need of a Savior; and as long as we are “good” enough on our own, why would we need a Savior?  But when we see our sin, and understand that we can’t save ourselves, then we can see our need and come to know the One who can remedy our sin problem.

“And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.”  1 Timothy 1:14-15

Paul talked of this to the Roman believers to remind them of this very thing.

“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…

…. 22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:10-12 & 22-24

God doesn’t need us, but we need Jesus; and just as Jesus said in Matthew 7, we must choose wisely for there is only one way—Jesus—and while the broad way may be appealing, it is deceptive.  So, we must consider God’s truth and receive His forgiveness for our sin, by choosing HIS path–JESUS!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it…

…. 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that

doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:13-14 & 21-23

Forgiveness is found only in Jesus, yet just as the song says, the truth IS “Jesus Saves” still! (Written by Priscilla Jane Owens).

“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

Truly we only find that forgiveness when we humble ourselves before God, seeking His forgiveness in Jesus death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned

to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”   James 4:6-10

And as God wants us to know, and choose wisely, He is ever seeking those who will come to HIM!  Remember, as my former pastor says, “Jesus died for our sin, so we don’t have to die IN our sin!”

“The eyes of the LORD

are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.”  Proverbs 15:3

So then, who is the “good” one?  No one!  But when Jesus saves and transforms our lives, we are changed into the image of The Son; we are changed from lost sinners to saved saints (and saints aren’t perfect, just forgiven, redeemed and being transformed—see Romans 8:28-29!)!  One of my favorite passages, helps us understand this principle—Jesus saves us “from” our sin, so we won’t have to die “IN” our sin! (See Matthew 1:21)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

 to be sin for us,

 who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-21

It’s because of God’s saving work that we can understand with the Psalmist, that the “good” man mentioned by the Psalmist is only “good” by God’s saving grace! (Remember Romans 3!)

“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

So, my question for us today is simply this, “Are you one of those who will respond to God’s call?”  Will you recognize your true condition and come to the Savior in repentance and faith?  Will you allow God to save, redeem and transform you?  Or will you go your own way, choosing to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

By HIS salvation we can know the power of a truly transformed life, having a renewed heart and mind by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and His Holy Spirit.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

 and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3

I pray that you will find peace, joy and rest in this transforming power of salvation in Jesus.  For Jesus isn’t just seeking a “few good men/women”, but all who will see their sin and know that HE is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”!

Won’t you come to this loving Savior who died for you?  And if you already know Him, won’t you share this truth with those around you who don’t?  May God raise us up—the army of The Lord–remembering that:

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”    2 Chronicles 20:15

Blessings on you and yours.  I pray that you will be one of the “few there be that find it”!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Bitter Or Sweet??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 15

26 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Words Matter

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 15   Bitter Or Sweet???

 

We all encounter changing circumstances, and while we can’t control change, we can choose how we respond to it. Let’s spend some time today considering what God’s Word says about facing change.  When Israel left Egypt for the promised land, they found that the journey wasn’t all “milk and honey”; and only a few days after watching God part the Red Sea, they were transformed into a murmuring crowd rather than grateful pilgrims!

“And when they came to Marah,

they could not drink of the waters of Marah,

for they were bitter:

therefore the name of it was called Marah.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying,

What shall we drink?

25 And he cried unto the LORD;

and the LORD shewed him a tree,

which when he had cast into the waters,

the waters were made sweet:

there he made for them a statute

and an ordinance,

and there he proved them,

26 And said,

If thou wilt diligently hearken

to the voice of the LORD thy God,

and wilt do   

that which is right in his sight,

and wilt give ear

to his commandments,

and keep all his statutes,

I will put none of these diseases upon thee,

which I have brought upon the Egyptians:

for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

27 And they came to Elim,

where were twelve wells of water,

and threescore and ten palm trees:

and they encamped there by the waters.”   Exodus 15:23-27

Israel, like us so often, came upon bitter waters, and their first reaction was to grumble and complain!  Ouch!  That sounds like what I often do, even when we know that God is totally in control, and we can trust HIM.  Paul shared this truth in his letter to the Romans.  (And while it’s a lengthy passage, I think it’s worthy of our consideration—it may help adjust our attitude of gratitude.)

“For we know that the whole creation

groaneth and travaileth in pain together

until now.

23 And not only they,

but ourselves also,

which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,

even we ourselves

groan within ourselves,

waiting for the adoption,

to wit,

the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope:

but hope that is seen

is not hope:

for what a man seeth,

why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

 but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession

for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know

that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up

for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us

all things?”   Romans 8:22-32

Our God is faithful and trustworthy, and we can trust HIM fully; yet sometimes we become distracted and sidetracked, forgetting that our God reigns.  Paul reminds us that our “hope” is sure and certain because our faith/hope is in Jesus, the One who gave HIS life for our salvation; and not for our salvation only but to guide our every step!  Paul assures us that Jesus is working “all things” for our good—no matter how our circumstances may look to us–for Jesus is at work with one goal in mind (and it’s not our comfort or ease), that we might “be conformed to the image of his Son”!!!  Oh, to learn to relish HIS work IN us!

Just as God was working to teach His people to “be” His people—He is working to conform us into the image of Jesus, His Son!  What more could we desire?  A wonderful Savior who gave Himself that we might have real life,  “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!!!  But we must be willing to receive Him as our Lord and Savior, and become His child, receiving His Holy Spirit to dwell within us!

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

 nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

The question that we must deal with is, will we allow God to make our “bitter water sweet” or will we make God’s “sweet water bitter” by our disregard for His Word and His ways.  Jesus tells us that what is “in our heart” will come “out of our mouth”! James bluntly reminds us of the danger of a tongue out of God’s control—it’s a pretty ‘bitter’ pill for some of us—but a ‘pill’ we may need to take for our spiritual health!  So, Jesus’ message first, then we’ll consider James’ message also.

“8 This people draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth,

and honoureth me with their lips;

but their heart is far from me…

…11 Not that which goeth into the mouth

defileth a man;

but that which cometh out of the mouth,

this defileth a man…

…17 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.”    Portions of Matthew 15:8-20

“And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity:

so is the tongue

among our members,

that it defileth

the whole body,

and setteth on fire

the course of nature;

and it is set on fire

of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea,

is tamed,

 and hath been tamed

of mankind:

8 But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith

curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth

proceedeth blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge

among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

 his works

with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife

in your hearts,

glory not,

and lie not

against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above,

but is earthly,

sensual,

devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is,

there is confusion

and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above

is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle,

and easy to be intreated,

full of mercy

and good fruits,

without partiality,

and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness

is sown in peace

of them that make peace.” James 3:6-18

I can’t help but wonder how many times “hell” has spewed out of my mouth instead of “heaven”? I must check my heart, as we all do, seeking God’s face and wisdom to “order my steps in thy word”; oh Lord, help me to see what you see; to keep my heart pure before you—for only YOU can purify my heart and hence my tongue!

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

 in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

“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

So, in closing, my question for us is, are our words, lives, testimonies a bitter dose for our God, or a sweet savor to His heart?  It’s a question that only you/I can answer before our God!  But remember—there is a test coming!  May we heed the admonition that Paul gave to the Ephesian church.  Blessings on your day!

“Be ye therefore followers of God,

as dear children;

2 And walk in love,

as Christ also

hath loved us,

and hath given himself

for us

an offering

and a sacrifice to God

for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication,

and all uncleanness,

or covetousness,

let it not be once named among you,

as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness,

nor foolish talking,

nor jesting,

which are not convenient:

but rather giving of thanks.”   Ephesians 5:1-4

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

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!