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Tidbits From Daniel #1 ??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Holiness, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Perseverance, The Only Way, Trials, Trust God, Walking With Jesus, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12 Tidbits From Daniel #1???

 

I just concluded teaching a two-part course on the book of Daniel, and thought I would like to spend the next few weeks considering some of the jewels that can be found in this amazing part of God’s Word. Many people avoid studying the book of Daniel because of the prophecies that it contains, yet there is so much practical information that we miss when we neglect this precious and practical portion of The Word of God, which shows us how to live a blessed and wholly holy life before God and man.

The account of Daniel begins at the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, and most believe that Daniel was a mid-teen, or thereabout; and with that in mind, it becomes even more impressive that this young man and his three friends had the impact on Babylon that they did.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand……..

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,

that he should bring certain

of the children of Israel,

and of the king’s seed,

and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish,

but well favoured,

and skilful in all wisdom,

and cunning in knowledge,

and understanding science,

and such as had ability in them

to stand in the king’s palace,

and whom they might teach

the learning

and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”   Portions of Daniel 1:1-4

Here we find Daniel and his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—taken captive by the Babylonians, not for imprisonment, but rather to be trained for service to King Nebuchadnezzar (we’d call it brain-washing). While Israel had rebelled against God, and were receiving the judgment that God had warned them of, particularly by the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel and his friends were found to be faithful servants of God Almighty, caught up in the judgment of their nation. So what did these four young men do in this situation? Well, this my friends, is an amazing account worth spending the next few Sundays considering.

While we in our culture, would expect them to be angry, bitter and uncooperative toward their captors, the picture that God gives us of these young men ought to be inspiring and call us to examine our own walk with God. What are we willing to endure for the sake of ‘faithfulness’ to our God? What circumstances do we ‘use’ to ‘excuse’ our bad responses to God and others—those who are watching us to see if we will really live what we say we believe Let’s continue looking at the recorded account—it speaks very clearly.

Remember that according to the parameters set by the king, these were outstanding young men—

skillfull in all wisdom—

cunning in knowledge—

understanding science—

having ability to serve the king—

teachable!

And on top of all of that, they were young men with—“no blemish….well favoured”! Some say there were dozens of them taken, and some accounts say it could have been a hundred, but regardless of how many there were, we do know that the record tells us that there were only four who stood fast before their God! These Jewish young men were taken to Babylon, offered the finest of the King’s food and drink, given the ‘royal’ treatment—but much of what was expected of them would have violate the Law of God.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank:

so nourishing them three years,

that at the end thereof

they might stand before the king.”    Daniel 1:5

It wasn’t simply the food that they were given, they were also given new names, to reflect Babylonian culture, in an effort to erase and replace their Jewish heritage. And this was especially note-worthy in light of these four faithful young men.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah,

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs

gave names:

for he gave unto Daniel

the name of Belteshazzar;

and to Hananiah,

of Shadrach;

and to Mishael,

of Meshach;

and to Azariah,

of Abednego.” Daniel 1:6-7

Daniel meant, “Judge of God”; Hananiah, “God has favored”; Mishael, “Who is what God is”; and Azariah, “God has helped”; so the Babylonians changed each of their names to a name that referenced a ‘Babylon god’ rather than Jehovah God of Israel! These young men had been transported hundreds of miles from their homes, their families and their Temple (which would later be destroyed by these same Babylonians); they are suffering the judgment caused by the disobedience of others, so what do you think they did? Well friends, we don’t have to guess! God tells us clearly what they did, not only Daniel, but his friends as well (How do we know? By their behavior and unity with Daniel, that’s how!)!

“But Daniel

purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion

of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile

himself.” Daniel 1:8

One of the greatest words in the Bible—“but”—reveals exactly what kind of young man Daniel was, as well as his three friends. Daniel in the same situation as all the other captives, made a decision—a determined decision—that he would “not defile himself”! Daniel’s heart was set on God—and he decided to trust to God’s grace and provision rather than the King of Babylon’s desires. But don’t miss what Daniel decided, “that he would not defile himself”; it is so important that we understand that Daniel had determined that while he was ‘ceremonially’ defiled already (because he had been castrated, the ultimate defilement for a Jewish male) he would do nothing, that was within his power to control, to defile himself! Daniel was determined to be right before God, and he sets an example that many of us need to learn from today. Notice what Daniel did with his decision, “therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. Daniel respected the authority of those over him. He didn’t jump and scream, he didn’t call for a demonstration, he didn’t throw down his marbles and try to leave—instead Daniel exhibited the godliness of a man totally dependent upon God! Daniel “requested” permission to do things differently than the rules called for, in order to be “undefiled” before his God! Daniel exhibits the character of a godly follower of God/Jesus, who walked in righteousness in the easy or the difficult. Why do we so often excuse our choices with our circumstances? Daniel shows us that when we put God and His ways first, He will meet us where we are—standing for HIM!

“Now God had brought Daniel

into favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel,

I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink:

for why should he see your faces

worse liking than the children which are of your sort?

then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar,

whom the prince of the eunuchs

had set over

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

12 Prove thy servants,

I beseech thee,

ten days;

and let them give us pulse to eat,

and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances be looked upon

before thee,

and the countenance of the children

that eat of the portion of the king’s meat:

and as thou seest,

deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.” Daniel 1:9-14

Here we have the hierarchy of politics, a leader who really liked Daniel, but he was afraid of the fallout of making a decision that might go sour! Yet Daniel and his friends continued on in their pursuit of the right way before their God, and asked the next servant in line, Melzar, to “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days”! These young men were willing to trust themselves to God’s total provision, and asked this servant to put them to “test” for 10 days, and that they would be willing to accept whatever decision he made, based on what ‘he’ saw in their appearance! No anger, no pouting, no demands, no bargaining with God—Daniel knew where he was situated; yet his faith was still in his GOD! He never wavered in his faith, because his faith was in GOD and not himself. And that is where we often go wrong—we continually try to be “self-sufficient”, and that is always temporary! Even as Jesus said, “without me you can do nothing”, Daniel understood that only God could deliver them out of their present dilemma, and that He would bring glory to Himself, and accomplish their ultimate good through His purposes for them in Babylon. Oh, what adventures they had in store! How about you and I—what are we missing out on?

“So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.

15 And at the end of ten days

their countenances appeared fairer

and fatter in flesh

than all the children

which did eat the portion

of the king’s meat.

16 Thus Melzar took away the portion

of their meat,

and the wine that they should drink;

and gave them pulse.

17 As for these four children,

God gave them knowledge

and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions
and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all was found none like

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians

and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”     Daniel 1:14-20

There is so much that is overlooked in this passage, because we often pass right over the beauty of what God was doing for four young men of faith, who exercised their faith, and saw God display His glory to them and through them in an amazing way!

“As for these four children, 

God gave them knowledge 

and skill 

in all learning 

and wisdom: 

and Daniel had understanding 

in all visions

and dreams.“

Did you get it? “God gave them”……these who stood for God in faith, and God stood by them and made His glory to shine in them! And not only did God bless them to excel in this time of training and instruction, but they came out and stood before the King, who found them:

“ten times better

than all …..”!

Did you get it again? Not only were they better than their peers, they were “ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm”! Ten times better—than all of the “magicians and astrologers” in service to the King! God had a plan for these young men, and the King of Babylon saw in them the extraordinary (the hand of God). Imagine that !!! God at work on behalf of His own! God at work in the midst of difficult circumstances! And that same God is at work for you and me, why would we choose to trust anything other than God The Father, and The Lord Jesus Christ? Glory!

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Hand Fed??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 11

15 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Drought & Patience?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Me, For Such A Time As This, God of all comfort!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Will Never Leave You, Knowing God's Word, Not By Bread Alone, Prayer, Rain, Rest In The Lord, Showers Of Blessing, Spiritual Drought, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trust God, Wait on the Lord, Weariness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 11 Hand Fed???

 

I know this is a bit of a strange title for a Bible post, but it just seems to fit what I’d like to share with you today, as we look as Elijah; a powerful and unique prophet of Israel, yet a man of flesh and blood just like you and me, one whom God provided for in unusual ways. Yet Elijah was a man often misunderstood, so let’s begin our consideration of him in the book of James.

“Elias was a man subject to like passions

as we are,

and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:

and it rained not on the earth

by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again,

and the heaven gave rain,

and the earth brought forth her fruit.”    James 5:17-18

James calls us to a life of humility, prayer and openness in our lives—not the “ranting and venting” that many are known for on social media—but an openness of our faith and dependence on our Father God, Jesus His Son and the directions and promptings of His Holy Spirit, which He has given to direct our steps from within! In this passage James gives us an example of Elijah (also called Elias in the New Testament) and his life of prayer and dependence on God.

When many people look at this verse they don’t dig deep enough—they read that Elijah prayed and things happened, or didn’t happen—and they often take this as a license to be presumptuous upon God! Many in our culture have twisted God’s Word to make prayer a way of ‘twisting’ God’s arm to get what we want; they have missed the call of our Lord Jesus to have a heart that is ready to “delight thyself also in the Lord…” even as Jesus put it in The Model Prayer:

“Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done….”

Elijah had a heart after God, but James already knew that, and when we read in this letter “he prayed earnestly that it might not rain”, James knew that Elijah hadn’t been presumptuous, but that he was doing what God told him to do. How about you and I? Have we allowed God to lead and direct our steps, or are we walking our own way?

“And Elijah the Tishbite,

who was of the inhabitants of Gilead,

said unto Ahab,

As the LORD God of Israel liveth,

before whom I stand,

there shall not be dew nor rain these years,

but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

God sent Elijah unto Ahab, the king of Israel (the northern kingdom, known as ‘Israel’, who had a continual string of kings who had refused to obey God for many years); Ahab was the most wicked of kings and you might remember his wife, Jezebel!

“And Ahab made a grove;

and Ahab did more to provoke

the LORD God of Israel to anger

than all the kings of Israel

that were before him.” 1 Kings 16:33

Elijah didn’t come to speak for himself, or to show off his “prayer prowess”, but he came to Ahab at the bidding of God, and relayed the message of God to a wicked king. Note, it wasn’t a message that Ahab or anyone else would have been eager to receive, but Elijah not only prayed, he took the answer, knowing it could cost him his life at the hands of this wicked, evil, idolatrous, un-repentant king!

“And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

3 Get thee hence,

and turn thee eastward,

and hide thyself by the brook Cherith,

that is before Jordan.

4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink

of the brook;

and I have commanded the ravens

to feed thee there.

5 So he went and did according unto

the word of the LORD:

for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith,

that is before Jordan.

6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh

in the morning,

and bread and flesh

in the evening;

and he drank of the brook.

7 And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.” 1 Kings 17:2-7

We often miss the fact that while God made provision for Elijah in unusual ways, Elijah was also enduring the drought that God had sent! Yet Elijah pressed on, knowing that his GOD was faithful, and the people needed to hear from God rather than their wicked kings and leaders. God wanted Israel to look to Him and trust Him. While we don’t have time to look at all the things that God did for Elijah, I do want us to look at the provisions that God made; in particular one that even Jesus confirmed.

“And he said, Verily I say unto you,

No prophet is accepted in his own country.

25 But I tell you of a truth,

many widows were in Israel

in the days of Elias,

when the heaven was shut up

three years and six months,

when great famine

was throughout all the land;

26 But unto none of them was Elias sent,

save unto Sarepta,

a city of Sidon,

unto a woman that was a widow.” Luke 4:24-26 (See 1 Kings 17:8-24)

Jesus validated the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath/Serepta, knowing that the people as a whole were only interested in what they “saw” and “ate”; like the account of the day after HE fed the five thousand!

“The day following,

when the people which stood on the other side of the sea

saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples,

they also took shipping,

and came to Capernaum,

seeking for Jesus.

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea,

they said unto him,

Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Ye seek me, not

because ye saw the miracles,

but because ye did eat of the loaves,

and were filled.

27 Labour not for the meat

which perisheth,

but for that meat

which endureth unto everlasting life,

which the Son of man

shall give unto you:

for him hath God the Father sealed.”    John 6:22-27

Much like these people, we get our eyes on the material rather than the spiritual—and Jesus calls us, as well as them, to seek “for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life”! Even as He told the disciples in John 4 as He encountered the ‘woman at the well’.

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat

that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another,

Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will of him

that sent me,

and to finish his work.” John 4:32-34

When we pursue God, He is ever making provision for us and directing our steps. Even as Elijah, so let’s look at one more account of His walk with God, and the other end of the “prayer” which James mentioned.

“And it came to pass after many days,

that the word of the LORD came to Elijah

in the third year,

saying,

Go, shew thyself unto Ahab;

and I will send rain upon the earth.

2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria……17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him,

Art thou he that troubleth Israel?v

18 And he answered,

I have not troubled Israel;

but thou,

and thy father’s house,

in that ye have forsaken

the commandments

of the LORD,

and thou hast followed Baalim.

19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.

20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.           

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said,

How long halt ye between two opinions?

if the LORD be God,

follow him:

but if Baal,

then follow him.

And the people answered him not a word.”    1 Kings 18:1-2, 17-21

Elijah wasn’t concerned with popularity, but with following and obeying his God, so he called the people together that they might see the hand of God and return to HIM! Most are familiar with the account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal and the challenge to call for a sacrifice to be supernaturally burned up proving who is the “true” God.

“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

Did you see the issue? Elijah was following and obeying God, with a purpose of manifesting the glory of God and calling the people back to God Almighty, who loved them! Same now as then—our prayers are to be Spirit led and not flesh led! Yet there is even more to the story! While Elijah had a great victory with God, and the people acknowledged God with their words—the challenge for us is the same today—will we simply ‘speak’ allegiance or will we “be” aligned and devoted to our God! But when we stand with God there will be those who hate us for it—and Elijah was no exception. He prayed and the rain stopped—he prayed again and the rain came—but only at God’s leading, direction and provision.

“And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink.

And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel;

and he cast himself down upon the earth,

and put his face between his knees,

43 And said to his servant,

Go up now,

look toward the sea.

And he went up,

and looked,

and said, There is nothing.

And he said,

Go again seven times.

44 And it came to pass at the seventh time,

that he said,

Behold, there ariseth

a little cloud out of the sea,

like a man’s hand.

And he said,

Go up, say unto Ahab,

Prepare thy chariot,

and get thee down,

that the rain stop thee not.

45 And it came to pass in the mean while,

that the heaven was black with clouds

and wind, and there was a great rain.

And Ahab rode,

and went to Jezreel.

46 And the hand of the LORD

was on Elijah;

and he girded up his loins,

and ran before Ahab

to the entrance of Jezreel.”     1 Kings 18:41-46

Elijah prayed, and it rained—but by God’s direction, and provision! Elijah knew whom he served, but the boom was about to be lowered by the enemy! Yet God was there with him even then!

“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.

4 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

Often times when we see great victories, we will encounter great spiritual warfare (often, before, during and after, it’s why we must put on the “armor of God” each day—see Ephesians 6:10-18) and yet even when it catches us by surprise, our God is always faithful to meet us where we are. There is no rebuke here, just a time of God’s provision for Elijah to be “hand fed” by angels, and given time to sleep and be refreshed; for our God knows that there are things that drain us not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and zap our strength and stamina. It’s not a sin to “REST”! We all need it, and God will provide if we will but listen to the voice of His Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts and minds!

God gives renewal, as Elijah went on the rest of his journey, he heard from God in a new and vibrant way (and while God sometimes speaks in new ways to us, we aren’t to base our decisions or choices on the spectacular, but on the historic faithfulness of God and HIS Word!)!!! God showed Elijah that HE wasn’t necessarily in the spectacular, but in the simple things from God, which speaks to our hearts!

“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.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it,

that he wrapped his face in his mantle,

and went out,

and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him…..

15 And the LORD said unto him,

Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:” 1 Kings 19:11-15

Whatever your need—rely on God’s provision today! Simply rely upon HIS faithfulness, stay in His Word, and put on that armor of God each day, and you can be ready for the battles that will come! Remember, God will meet you in those times of need: “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him”, (Psalms 37:7a)! Amen and Amen!!!

What’s Good About Friday??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #449

30 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Cross, He IS Alive!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Knowing God's Word, Love, No Sin No Need?, Repentance, Resurrection, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, Transformed life

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #449 What’s Good About Friday???

 

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him,

Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which?

Jesus said,

Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him,

If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.”   Matthew 19:16-23

We can choose to pursue religious activity, self-righteous works, and impressive philanthropy, but if we haven’t been born again into a personal relationship with Jesus, we will find ourselves just like the young man that Jesus encountered above. This young man was eager to meet Jesus, and he asked the right question, but he didn’t really want the answer that Jesus gave. Why? We’re not told his motives, but for our purposes today, I’d simply like to say that it appears that he was like many today; he simply came to be praised by Jesus for his “already righteous” life! It wasn’t that he was simply “rich”, but that he was self-righteous in his wealth—knowing something was missing in his life, but unwilling to give up “self” for the “Saviour”!

Paul reminds us that unless we come to Jesus as sinners in need of a Savior, we are seeking the wrong things, and they will disappoint every time. We can have religious interest but miss the relational intimacy that Jesus alone can give, when we come to Him in repentance and faith. I love the book of Romans and in the first three chapters Paul paints an amazing picture of the need for a Savior—and only Jesus fits that bill. He talks about the blatantly open sinners in chapter 1, the self-righteous sinners in chapter 2, and then reminds us that while the gospel is ‘good all the time’—“all have sinned”, in chapter 3!

“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

And that my friends is why Friday is good! That’s why any day is good when you belong to Jesus—for HE IS the One who can make sinners into saints (Not perfect people, but redeemed and transformed people!), and that is “Good News” any and every day, for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sinners! And then we can join with Paul in the amazing declaration of his devotion to the Gospel of Jesus:

“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

And while the gospel is “good news” on any day, on this special day when many focus on the crucifixion of Jesus, we know that this One, who was, is and ever shall be “God” in flesh, willingly lay down His life for our sins—when He had no sin to pay for of His own. He came that we could have life IN HIM!

“For he hath made him to be sin

for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness

of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:21

“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

And because this sinless Son of God gave His life for our salvation—we can rejoice every day!!!

And while Friday is ‘good’—

Sunday IS coming—

HE AROSE!  

HE IS ALIVE!

AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!

Amen and Amen!!! May The Lord God Almighty bless you and yours as you seek His face today and each day!

Commitment Or Convenience??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 09

25 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Holy Spirit, Perseverance, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, TODAY, Wait on the Lord, What Voice are You Listening to?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 09 Commitment Or Convenience???

 

We live in a world of rushing, pressure and stress, and often we get so caught up in the “hurry” of the minute that we forget that there are things that we are to set as priorities in keeping our commitments to God and others. But we often say, “I’m in a hurry!” And hurried we are, but have we allowed ‘hurry’ to excuse convenience over commitment? Let’s take a glimpse at a couple of people who show us that the hurried decision isn’t necessarily the right decision!

Let’s start with Abraham (Also known as Abram). Abram had been called by God to leave his country and his people to go to a place that God had for him. Abraham started on a journey of the “unknown” by faith, but a faith that wasn’t the faith that he would come to have. When we read of Abram starting in chapter 12 we find him called by God—and it is always God who initiates our relationship to Him—it was then and it is now. Salvation is never our idea, but God’s!

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up at the last day.”    John 6:43-44

It’s the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to God, and keeps us when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith! That’s why the author of the book of Hebrews describes Jesus in the way that he does:

“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 12:2

God by HIS Spirit convicts and calls us to the cross, and then leads us by the power of Jesus’ cross!

“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:” John 16:7-8

We must understand that God’s work is done by God, and God alone. Only God can bring a sinner to see his sin, and cover that sin with the blood of His “only begotten Son”! We don’t receive salvation at our discretion but at the call of God. But back to Abraham’s call—he was called of God and came to be a believer in the coming Messiah (which is how anyone is saved—by believing in Jesus’ work of atonement for our sin, by His death, burial and resurrection for our sin—whether Old or New Testament believers! They in believing it was coming, us in believing in its accomplishment!)

“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

6 And he believed in the LORD;

and he counted it to him

for righteousness.

7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”   Genesis 15:5-7

Paul helps us to understand that salvation was, is and always will be by grace through faith!!!

“For what saith the scripture?

Abraham believed God,

and it was counted unto him

for righteousness.

4 Now to him that worketh

is the reward not reckoned of grace,

but of debt.

5 But to him that worketh not,

but believeth

on him that justifieth the ungodly,

his faith is counted

for righteousness.”    Romans 4:3-5

“Even as Abraham believed God,

and it was accounted to him

for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that

they which are of faith,

the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture,

foreseeing that God would justify

the heathen

through faith,

preached before

the gospel unto Abraham,

saying,

In thee shall all nations

be blessed.” Galatians 3:6-8

It is by faith that we are God’s, and by faith we walk with HIM—Jesus is that blessing, The Savior! But faith isn’t perfect, and even Abraham had a major faith failure simply because he was “in a hurry” and he and Sarah decided that God needed “help” in bringing His promises to fulfillment. This man who received the promise of God that The Messiah would come through his descendants! But like us, Abraham got into that “I’m in a hurry!” mode!

“Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said unto Abram,

Behold now,

the LORD hath restrained me

from bearing:

I pray thee,

go in unto my maid;

it may be that

I may obtain children

by her.

And Abram hearkened

to the voice of Sarai.” Genesis 16:1-2

Abraham “hearkened to the voice” of his wife, instead of waiting on God’s provision of that ‘child of promise’; yet even in his failure God still had a divine purpose for Abraham and a time for this ‘child of promise’!

“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo,

Sarah thy wife shall have a son.

And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age;

and it ceased to be with Sarah

after the manner of women.

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying,

After I am waxed old

shall I have pleasure, 

my lord being old also? 

13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying,

Shall I of a surety bear a child,

which am old?

14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?

At the time appointed

I will return unto thee,

according to the time of life,

and Sarah shall have a son.”   Genesis 18:10-14

Did you get that? “At the time appointed” God said that HE would return to perform HIS promise, and Sarah would bear a son at 90 years old, fathered by a man 100 years old. And God kept His Word! I find it most interesting that the book of Hebrews, once again, confirms what God promised and fulfilled—beyond the boundary of human ability (The ability to conceive and bear a child after the “child-bearing” years have passed, as well as a man’s ability to father a child!) And even as God asked Abraham, He asks us today, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” Yet so often, our answer is, “But Lord, I’m in a hurry?

“Through faith also

Sara herself received strength

to conceive seed,

and was delivered of a child

when she was past age,

because she judged him faithful

who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one,

and him as good as dead,

so many as the stars of the sky

in multitude,

and as the sand which is by the

sea shore innumerable.”    Hebrews 11:11-12

And one thing we need to remember in these volatile days is that we are still reaping the results of Abraham’s “hurried” decision! And when we hurry and go for convenience rather than commitment and devoted “faith” we too will have consequences—some small and some with generational effects! We could go on with our study of Abraham, but there is another man in scripture that I want us to look at today, for while Abraham rushed in and didn’t walk by faith, this other man let “hurry” push him to the point of destroying his own life, testimony and heritage. What about you and I, what are we doing when we get in a “hurry”? Are we waiting on God or rushing in “where angels fear to tread”? Are we more concerned with our own fleshly convenience? Or are we waiting on God to work out HIS will in our lives, in HIS time? Oh, I’ve just got to tell you, this is much easier to write than to practice, especially as we are seeing the need to apply this every day going through a major move in our lives—but the principle is true no matter the test!

Let’s take a look at the first King of Israel, Saul.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” 1 Samuel 10:1

Saul was anointed King of Israel, and went forth to serve God and lead the nation of Israel. Yet he faltered rather quickly, and while we will only consider one instance of his “faith failure” in this article, you can read of the compromise that he continued to exhibit as he went forward, giving more import to convenience rather than commitment to “wait on the Lord”! (You can read about another instance in 1 Samuel 15!) Oh that we would learn to trust to HIS timing in all our ways! That is my prayer for each of us!

“When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

8 And he tarried seven days,

according to the set time

that Samuel had appointed:

but Samuel came not to Gilgal;

and the people were scattered from him.

9 And Saul said,

Bring hither a burnt offering

to me,

and peace offerings.

And he offered the burnt offering.

10 And it came to pass,

that as soon as he had made an end

of offering the burnt offering,

behold, Samuel came;

and Saul went out to meet him,

that he might salute him.

11 And Samuel said,

What hast thou done?

And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me,

and that thou camest not

within the days appointed,

and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not made supplication

unto the LORD:

I forced myself therefore,

and offered a burnt offering.

13 And Samuel said to Saul,

Thou hast done foolishly:

thou hast not kept the commandment

of the LORD thy God,

which he commanded thee:

for now would the LORD have

established thy kingdom

upon Israel

for ever.

14 But now thy kingdom

shall not continue:

the LORD hath sought him a man

after his own heart,

and the LORD hath commanded him

to be captain over his people,

because thou hast not kept

that which the LORD

commanded thee.”   1 Samuel 13:6-14

Presumption and what seemed to be the convenient thing brought an end to a dynasty that Saul could have had, all because of his presumption and “I can’t wait!” attitude. Hurry can do that! When we choose convenience over obedience it will never end well. And just a portion about another ‘bad choice’ of Saul’s, may help us understand the import that God places on obedience and commitment to Him—regardless of timing or convenience!

“And Samuel said,

Hath the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings

and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice

of the LORD?

Behold, to obey

is better than sacrifice,

and to hearken

than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion

is as the sin of witchcraft,

and stubbornness

is as iniquity

and idolatry.

Because thou hast rejected

the word of the LORD,

he hath also rejected thee

from being king.

24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

26 And Samuel said unto Saul,

I will not return with thee:

for thou hast rejected

the word of the LORD,

and the LORD hath rejected

thee

from being king over Israel.”    1 Samuel 15:22-26

What are you afraid of? Will you choose commitment or convenience? The choice is yours! Don’t miss HIS voice!!!

“And the LORD said,

My spirit shall not always strive with man…..”

God’s Grace In God’s Own??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #444

14 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Follow Me, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Repentance, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #444 God’s Grace In God’s Own???

 

We talked last time about the grace of God that offers salvation to those who will come to Jesus; grace that saves, transforms, and supplies all we need for living. God knows His own and we can know Him, and grow in grace and intimacy as we feast on His Word. Then we are enabled and equipped to be a reflection of HIS glory, grace and love to a world in desperate need. But remember our message won’t always be welcomed, but we are to respond with the grace and dignity of the Spirit of Jesus that dwells within us!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be

alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.” Colossians 4:5-6

Words and actions that are “seasoned with salt”; and salt makes things palatable! But don’t miss “seasoned”—not brined, but “seasoned”. We are to be a preserving agent—preserving the good and godly things and drawing people to the “Good Shepherd”, not drowning them in brine! YUK! Our life and our words should express “wisdom”, as we are “redeeming the time” by God’s grace; and when we are walking in His ways, He will help us to “know how ye ought to answer” anyone who asks. Peter says the same thing in a different way.

“But sanctify the Lord God

in your hearts:

and be ready

always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed

that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.”    1 Peter 3:15-16

And to give an answer we must know the answer—JESUS—who gives us all we need to succeed in our walk with HIM!

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge

of him that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”     2 Peter 1:2-4

He has given us to all we need do HIS work—right where you are! Remember God knows who you are, and where you are—He hasn’t said “oops”! So let’s pursue the things of God so that the world will see Jesus in us—God’s grace lived out day by day as we walk through this world of darkness and corruption. We are to be spreading the grace of God everywhere we go, leaving the harvest to the Father! He knows those who are His, and He is at work in us!

“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

Even as Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:” John 10:27

And if you don’t know Jesus, my friend, you can. If you hear His voice speaking to your heart, simply recognize that you have sinned—and can’t fix it; that Jesus died for that very sin—and He will fix it; repent and believe in His substitutionary (He took your place), atoning (He paid the penalty for your sin with His own blood), sacrifice (He paid the debt He didn’t owe, so we could have life that we didn’t deserve)! That my friend IS God’s grace. Amen and Amen!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20