Tag Archives: Truth

My Sufficient GOD!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #674

07 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, Sovereignty, That They May Know, TODAY, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Walking With Jesus, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #674       My Sufficient GOD!!!

 

I want to talk about pronouns today!  There is a conflict between the “me” culture and the “we” culture, one of which is wrecking our world.  But in contrast our relationship with God is determined by the “ME” issue.  “I” must have a relationship with God—for it’s “my” God or no God!  You can’t choose “my” God, any more than I can choose “Your” God.  Yet, let me make it clear, when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith and are born again, we enter the “we” of the family of God, but the ‘we’ only comes when we belong to Jesus.  For example, if you’ll consider the model prayer of Matthew chapter 6, look at the pronouns:

“Our Father who art in heaven….

 Give us this day…

 Our daily bread…

 Forgive us….

 Our debts….

 As we forgive…

 Lead us…

 Deliver us…”   Portions of Matthew 6:9-13

Remember that only Jesus can change a “me” (selfish) heart into a transformed “we” heart!  Then our prayers can be focused on a ‘we’ heart, concerned with Jesus and how we can shine His light before those HE sends our way!  But if there is no relationship between “me” and God, there will be no substantial “we”.  That’s the reason that I titled this post “My” sufficient God—for because of what God has done, is doing and has promised to do, I can have confidence in His total sufficiency; on the other hand if you’ve not been willing to hear, heed and grow in The Word of God, you’ll lack sorely in confidence of HIS sufficiency.  That’s why we so often fail in our own devices and ways.  I/we must lean on HIM.

Consider the familiar Psalm 23 of David and ask yourself if you can say this about “your” God?  We can never lead others to know and love a God that we haven’t come to trust and follow faithfully ‘myself’—the GOD of “my” salvation!

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

for ever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

While this Psalm is praising God, David is identifying with The God on whom HE has come to depend.  He trusts Him, because he has walked with Him.  David knows his God personally—the “me” that he is speaking of is secondary to the “HE” that he trusts.  What are we trusting to today?  A government check?  A job?  A friend or spouse?  Financial success (as the world defines success?)?  Yet when we walk with God, that brings a success beyond measure! And while the world may not consider me a success, that’s ok; because my desire and goal is to to be successful before ‘my’ God and hear HIM say “well done thou good and faithful servant”!  What about you?

May we join with Thomas and declare whom we will believe, love and serve. While I’ve never physically seen the nail prints in His hands (I know they are there because HE loved me enough to die for my sin, so I could live with HIM), I have seen His hand in my life continually, especially in recent months!

“And after eight days again his disciples were within,

and Thomas with them:

then came Jesus,

the doors being shut,

and stood in the midst, and said,

Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas,

Reach hither thy finger,

and behold my hands;

and reach hither thy hand,

and thrust it into my side:

and be not faithless,

but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him,

My Lord

and my God.”  John 20:26-28

Let’s consider the Apostle Peter after the resurrection and his failure, Jesus didn’t ask him if “they” (all the other disciples there) loved HIM but do “YOU” love me.  I believe HE is asking us that same question today, what would my/your answer be?  What answer does “my” life and “yours” give every day?  May you/I faithfully live in the confidence of HIS total, sovereign, sufficiency, and be His salt and light before a world in desperate need of The Savior?  (See Matthew 5:13-16)

“So when they had dined,

Jesus saith to Simon Peter,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me more than these?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

He saith unto him,

Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

Peter was grieved

because he said unto him the third time,

Lovest thou me?

And he said unto him,

Lord, thou knowest all things;

thou knowest that I love thee.

Jesus saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

Is your/my life good food for the sheep, or are we so caught up in the “pronouns” of the world that we only have ‘leftovers’ and ‘junk food’ to share with the sheep and lambs of Jesus’ flock?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  And the master is coming soon!

Amen and Amen!!!

God Always Knows??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21

02 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Comfort, Compassion, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sovereignty, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 21     God Always Knows???

 

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps,

his way have I kept,

and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”   Job 23:10-12

HE knows….   What an amazing truth on which I stand and take great comfort.  It has been a difficult day, and the comfort in my soul knowing that God has not only me in His hands, but those whom I love dearly.  Just as Job, in the midst of trials—trials that were allowed by his God—Job knew that God was in charge!  And with Job, I proclaim as he did:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”   Job 13:15

We all make choices—choices to trust God or not.  To believe in Him or not; to trust God or the world and its lies instead!  Yet through all of the grief and sorrow of these recent months (after the loss of my daughter) my confidence is not in my own strength, but in the solace and comfort that God continues to supply!  God’s comfort is the strength of my heart, soul and mind, and I thank Him for the many reminders of His presence and His provision.

While I have good days and difficult days, God is ever at work to remind me of His faithfulness.  I have noticed that it has made me more sensitive to the losses and trials of those around me, and I have to say I am grateful when the tears come, whether for myself or in prayer for those I love and care for.  I am so grateful that God knows where I am and where those are whom I love and pray for; and while there is much suffering and many trials for the faithful going on around us, we can take comfort with the Psalmist that our God knows.  Let’s peruse the insight that David shares in Psalm 139.

“O LORD, thou hast searched me,

and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting

and mine uprising,

thou understandest my thought

afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path

and my lying down,

and art acquainted

with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue,

but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me

behind

and before,

and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high,

I cannot attain unto it.”   Psalm 139:1-6

David reminds us that God is–as he said elsewhere— “a very present help in trouble”!  I am so glad that I am not alone, that God knows not only what I have been through, but what I face today and even tomorrow.  Praise God, I know “who holds tomorrow”—and today, and the yesterdays that I have entrusted to His healing grace!

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit?

or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven,

thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness

hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth

as the day:

the darkness and the light

are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

thou hast covered me

in my mother’s womb.”   Psalm 139:7-13

David so clearly reveals to us his unwavering faith in the true nature of God Almighty, The One who not only knows our past, but our present and our future; and He is ever the sovereign God over all—the good, the bad and the unpleasant.  He is sufficient to our every need.

“But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever

and ever. Amen.”  Philippians 4:19-20

David gives us even more insight as we continue with Psalm 139:

“I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

when I was made in secret,

and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance,

yet being unperfect;

and in thy book

all my members were written,

which in continuance were fashioned,

when as yet

there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

O God!

how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them,

they are more in number than the sand:

when I awake,

I am still with thee.”   Psalm 139:14-18

You/I are truly “fearfully and wonderfully made” by this amazing God of Gods, and King of Kings.  I pray that you will join me and rejoice in the glory of our sovereign Lord of all.  He can be trusted, and as David said, “marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”!  I hope you know this God who loves you and me, and that you will find comfort and peace in His presence!  He loves you more than you can imagine.

“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.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Will you love HIM?  He loves you enough to die for YOU!  And HIS comfort is unparalleled!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:3-5

May I simply say, as God comforts me, He enables me to help bring comfort to you and others, so that we can share HIS comfort with those He brings across our path!  Won’t you receive of His consolation and pass it on!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

Amen and Amen!!!

Speaking Truth??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #672

31 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Speaking The Truth In Love, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #672       Speaking Truth???

 

I have only a brief word for today for I think we can often narrow things down to a few important principles, and I’d like to share just one principle with you today, but one that is much needed—especially by us who are believers in Jesus Christ The Son of God.

“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:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which

every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase

of the body

unto the edifying of itself

in love.”  Ephesians 4:14-16

May we ever strive to pursue God, His Word and His perfect will in all things. Praying that we will all ponder this truth—and share it in HIS love!  Amen and Amen!

Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #663

02 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #663  Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping???

 

I just want to share a word of encouragement today as we see so much going on around us.  God has called us to stand fast—but we can only do that as we “stand” in HIM!  Here’s my presentation of the passage that I go to daily.  I pray that it will help to adjust your focus!

“Finally, my brethren, (now—2 Corinthians 6:2)

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of

his might.  

(in God’s Spirit and power-Gal.5:16 &25)

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

(His provision—Philippians 4:13)

that ye may be able to stand

(persevere—James 4:7)

against the wiles of the devil.

(resist—1 Peter 5:8)

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but (not ‘when’ but continually in the battle–

       1 Peter 5:9-10)

against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

(the unseen things—Ephesians 2:1-3)

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand.

(persist in God’s light—Romans 13:12)

14 Stand therefore,

(Don’t quit—1 Corinthians 16:13)

having your loins girt about

with truth,

       (Jesus—John. 14:6)

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

(Jesus—2 Corinthians 5:21)

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

(Jesus—Romans 5:1-2)

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

                             (Jesus—John 12:46)

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

(Jesus—Philippians 2:5-8)

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

       (Jesus—John 1:1-5, 14 & Hebrews 4:12-13)

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

              (In Jesus—John 15:16)

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”   Ephesians 6:10-18

(Through Jesus our intercessor—John 16:26 & Hebrews 7:25)

May God open our eyes to see beyond this world and “withstand in the evil day”?  Suit up my friends, the only victory is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen and Amen!!!

Which God Do YOU See??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #659

12 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Forgiveness, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's love, Salvation, Seeing Truth, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #659      Which God Do YOU See???

 

We talked last time about “the God Who sees”, and I’m so grateful that we can serve The God who is the sovereign ruler over all—The Lord God Almighty!  Yet, the question comes, “Do you see the real God?”   We live in a culture that has created its own ‘god’—a ‘god’ that conforms to the lusts, greed, and permissive desires that seem to rule our world.  A world that says, “if it feels good, do it”, while God is calling us to a new life through Jesus.  John 3:16 is called the ‘gospel in a nutshell’ (and it is), yet we often forget to share the rest of what Jesus told us in this passage.

What many fail to understand is that while the love of God is totally unconditional (God loves us because HE cares for HIS creation, and He desires the best for us not because we deserve His love or the sacrifice that Jesus made to pay for our sin) His forgiveness is NOT unconditional!  God made a way for us to be restored to a relationship and fellowship with Him through Jesus.  We must remember that while God’s love for mankind is unconditional, His forgiveness is conditioned on what we do with Jesus—The only way to God!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

 rather than light,

because their deeds

were evil.”  John 3:15-19

Jesus came to be the sacrifice for sin, that we might be saved from our sin, and have eternal life with HIM; but it is conditioned on our repenting of our sin, and believing in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection from the dead for “MY” sin!  Is Jesus the One you have turned to?  Or have you chosen your own ‘gods’ that fit with your lifestyle; rather than receiving this gift of love and salvation that God has provided in The Risen Lord Jesus?  Jesus made it clear that there is a day of accounting coming, and HE will be the One to whom we will give an account.  But remember, “saying so”, doesn’t make it so!  Are you seeing clearly yet?

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not

prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

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

“And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”   John 6:40

What are you “working” at?  Do you see and know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or have you settled for your own “gods”!  The choice is yours but remember there is a test.  Do you know the forgiveness of Jesus?

“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

We can have life, and peace with God, in Jesus.  Are you seeing the world through God’s eyes, or seeing God through the world’s eyes?  It makes a difference, Jesus died for YOU!

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Amen and Amen.