Character Revealed

Character Revealed
by David Brenneman

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.  You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.  The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.  But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37.

The character of people is seen in your interactions with others.  Be it a good thing or a bad thing it reveals to whom your heart belongs. 

We read the words of Jesus a moment ago and straight from Jesus we know what being fruit inspectors is all about.  Here and in other Scriptures we read of what we are to look for and how we're to react or maybe interact with others. 

We all too often utter the phrase "you shouldn't judge!".  That is a grossly incorrect perception of what we are to be doing and in most cases its a cop out to keep from utilizing the Scriptures as the Spirit intended in order to: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

We are supposed to help one another, by way of the Word of God, towards love and good deeds.  Towards the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Towards growing in Christ rather than backsliding.  You're either pressing on towards the upward call of God for you in Christ Jesus or you are sliding backwards.  This too is the reason Paul admonishes Timothy,  and by extension all of us, to fight the good fight, finish the race.

Oh how Satan's schemes play on the emotions of people.  Getting Believers to not do what we are called to do.  If this "you shouldn't judge!" thing was a real teaching of the Spirit of God...why is it written that Paul confronted Peter to his face?  Why is it written of Paul facing people when he visited them to do better, to be better in Christ?

It's nothing but a cop out.  A means of never learning how to view a person's character. 

We learn who we can trust and who we shouldn't by their character.  We are to walk with Jesus to learn His character and to grow that into our lives.

We are supposed to confront and condemn sin in our own lives.  We read in Matthew 18 of what to do when it's within the Church. 

What we are never to do either by way of decisions not to forgive or by choice of mind, to condemn a person as unworthy of the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Regardless of who it is, the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone is for everyone.  We have no right to sit as a judge and deny anyone the right to become a child of God in Christ Jesus.

THAT is what shouldn't be judged.

What if someone decided, my Dear Reader, that you were unworthy of eternal life through Jesus Christ?  Where would you be?

We are to forgive others as many times as it takes.  If we don't forgive then the Bible is clear, we won't be forgiven.

This cop out goes down the real path of responsibility.  We find that we might get invested in either restoring such a one to a right relationship with Jesus or we might get invested in leading such a one to salvation in Christ Jesus.  Hate to break it to everyone, aside from personally growing in Christ, we're here to point people to Jesus for salvation.  We aren't saved in order to create a personal utopia and await the Rapture of the Church, free from the troubles of this world.

We are told that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted.  We are going to have troubling days.  It's us who are behind enemy lines. 

Pray for those who persecute you.
Does this sound like we should retreat from people?  Absolutely not.  It's prayerful engagement. 

Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.  The things that are above are people and Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of God the Father.

Harboring bitterness of any amount is self-destructive.  It's taking poison with your vitamins each day.   Even trace amounts will eventually kill you and never the person whom you won't forgive or help.

You cannot possibly "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit.  Love your neighbor as yourself" if you're unwilling to view a person's character in light of the character of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus sees every single thought and intention you and I make or have.   We get away with nothing.

Pray for your heart and mind to be tender towards the word of God.  Pray for those difficult people in your life. 
Pray for those whom you harbor ill feelings about.
Pray for the people in the fields in which you are working for the Lord.

Our rights don't matter.  In Christ we gave them up. 

Your character is revealed in how you approach others and your interactions with them.  Either it shows a person growing in Christ or it shows a person bent on self.

Who will be honored when you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.  
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
www.lockman.org

Mired in a Worldview

Mired in a Worldview 

by David Brenneman 

"At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions, how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent? But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse Him. And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to tell who He was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory. And in His name the Gentiles will hope.” Matthew 12:1-21.

Many times well meaning people unknowingly or unwittingly establish legalistic ideas in churches by way of wrongful opinions rather than by viewing the proper administration of the Church of Jesus Christ from a truly Scriptural basis.  

Much conflict arises at times about what to wear at a church service. What translation of Bible to read. What should or shouldn't be done on a Sunday. Should people work on a Sunday.  

Sad to say it's these areas of conflict that some are so convinced of that are not drawing people to Jesus but rather in their observation of these Christians they want nothing to do with those types of Christians. As it was in Jesus's days so it is in ours.

Our society has businesses that work on Sundays. It's a fact of life in the world in which we live. It's not Biblical to sit out in protest of having to do so. The Scriptures say whereas it is possible be at peace with all men. Nobody is sinning by being required to work. As Jesus pointed out who doesn't do good on the Sabbath? 

Bible translations are up to the reader's understanding as well as on them to want to read one they understand and that has a reputation for accuracy. My personal preference is the New American Standard Bible pre-1995. I also read the ESV and CSV versions while studying. I was given a King James version after I came to Christ for salvation but always found it confusing to me.  

Using a reputable version that allows understanding of God's word is fine.

Clothing also doesn't matter much because it's not our outward appearance that matters more than our inward appearance. Modesty should be a defining factor but nothing else matters more than a person's soul. I have heard of stories of people being turned away from entering a church because of what they were wearing. 

Would Jesus turn such a person away? Absolutely not. 

Would Jesus turn someone away because of what Bible they held in their hands? Absolutely not. 

Would Jesus condemn someone who had to work? Absolutely not. 

Our relationship with Jesus is paramount, not our strict adherence to rituals or ideals. 

Jesus wants a vibrant growing relationship with you. He's not seeking people who only know how to do things or look a part.  

If you're going to a church that pushes ideas that an outward appearance matters more than a right relationship with Jesus...leave it. It is a place that has no blessing of God upon it.

If you're going to a church that looks down upon you for using a version of the Bible that differs from what they teach and preach from...question it. The Heaven we are going to inhabit is not based upon any particular denomination. It's not going to be only NASB people or KJV people or ESV people. Truth isn't a translation it's a person, the person of Jesus Christ.  

If people are more concerned with your appearance than your soul, leave. It only means that the Spirit isn't a part of that so-called church. 

Jesus Christ looked to who a person was on the inside so must we too.

Compromises and restrictive ideals are what formed the basis for denominations. The truth of the Gospel message is what's the only thing that is important for people to receive. 

Christians are supposed to be living in the character of Christ Jesus in this world.  

Where the raw people aren't welcomed...those who can't afford anything more than to bring themselves as they are to a church service...then Jesus isn't welcome either.  

There's a well circulated story of a guy who looked like a bum who went into a church. He didn't smell the greatest, certainly didn't look the greatest either. He entered and very cautiously took a seat in one of the pews. Many many parishioners avoided him. Wouldn't go near him. The church had been cleaned up particularly well for that particular day. The new pastor was beginning that day. Many were embarrassed to have this man in their midst. The service started and this man tried to smile at those looking his direction. He sang with them as best he could. Then one of the Deacons went to the pulpit and made mention that the new Pastor was there and would be giving the sermon. This smelly disheveled man got up and approached the pulpit and introduced himself as the new Pastor. The service took a rather different turn when this truth came to light. He pointed out how he was treated from the moment he came in. He made mention that their Deacons and Elders were in on this charade.  

We are in this world but are not to be of this world.  

Doing churchy things doesn't save us nor make us look more religious. We need a right relationship with Jesus. A bona-fide real relationship with Jesus. One where He has full reign in our hearts. One where the Spirit can go anywhere in our hearts. One where we are Christ to those around because the character of Christ is so prevalent in our lives. Praying for those whom we encounter in our world. People whom others turn their faces from.  

What needs to change in your life?

Are you being legalistic as those Pharisees and Sadducees were in Jesus's days?  

How many people turn away from the professing Church all because worldly ideas meant more to those going to that Church than changing lives for Jesus Christ?

We don't need to adapt the church to attract people to Jesus. We just need to be who we are supposed to be in Christ. Be that part of the body of Christ that is ours to fulfill. 

Be.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Seems Like...What is...

Seems Like...What is...

"Wait patiently for the LORD.

PSALM 27:14 NLT

It may seem like it should be easy to wait. But it is a lesson the Christian soldier doesn't learn without years of teaching. Marching and double-time marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still. There are perplexing times when the most willing spirit, anxiously desiring to serve the Lord, doesn't know what role to play. What should that person do? Lose hope? Shrink back in cowardice, or rush forward in presumption? No-he or she should simply wait. But wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty and plead His promise of assistance. When the dilemma is a choice between one duty or another, it is good to be as humble as a child, waiting with simplicity of soul on the Lord. It will surely be well with us when we feel and know our own folly, and are heartily

willing to be guided by God's will. But wait in faith. Express your ironclad confidence in Him, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is an insult to the Lord. Believe that, even if He keeps you waiting late into the night, He will come at the right time; the vision will come and will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3).

Wait in quiet patience, not rebelling because you are under affliction but

blessing God for it. Never murmur against the second cause, like the children of Israel did against Moses; never wish you could go back to your old world again but accept the case as it is-put it as it stands, simply and with your

whole heart, without any self-will, into the hands of your covenant God. Say to Him, "Now, Lord, not my will, but yours be done. I don't know what to do-I am brought to the breaking point, but I will wait until you divide the waters or drive back my enemies. I will wait, if you keep me here for many days, for my heart is fixed on you alone. My spirit waits for you in the full conviction so that you will be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong

tower." Experiencing God Day-by-Day Devotional Blackaby and Blackaby. 

It's been a lesson for me that isn't quite over yet. The waiting and the learning in this season of my life. Add to this that we read the knowledge of Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5-8.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:1-6.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8.

What to do when you don't know what to do? Keep on keeping on.  

My eyes have to stay on Jesus.  

My recent physical problems...look to Jesus. 

My need to know what to do and when to do...look to Jesus.

My need to make sense of things...look to Jesus. 

My battles in my mind...look to Jesus. 

It's appearance of complexity is just that...what things appear to be. 

He makes me lie down beside still waters. He restores my soul. He owes me no explanation other than these things are being worked out for my good because I love Him and He promised. 

Dear Reader...be assured that our walk in this world...isn't in hopeless abandon. We who are in Christ have all hope. We are promised these necessary things by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are promised both that our needs would be met, our lives would have persecutions, troubles if you will, and that He would never leave us or forsake us. We are not promised a full understanding of the why's behind what we experience. We are to fight the good fight, finish the race.  

We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. Stop at that one. Do you really realize how easy it is for Satan's minions to convince you that you don't need to ask Jesus if something or someone is good or bad in your life? We judge what's coming or what thoughts we entertain as good by our own standards and thereby give heartily agreement to compromises. 

Our understanding gets us into a world of trouble.

Our understanding causes us to not wait upon the Lord. 

Our understanding gives really good excuses for spending time watching a game rather than intimacy with Jesus in the Word of God. No, you won't catch up later. No, you don't deserve those few hours to satisfy you. Not when the Spirit quietly asks for a moment of your time and that's when He wants to meet you. 

Are you really wanting to make Jesus happy or you happy apart from Jesus? If it's you then you are leading your life and not Jesus. 

Looking at this post as a whole...rub your spiritual eyes. Are you walking with Jesus or are you trying to skate through the life you've been given? Are you dedicated to a life in Christ, using the spiritual gifts you were given or are you leaving them on a shelf while you go and do what you want to?

Are you a compromiser? Have you allowed things to infiltrate your mind, having convinced yourself that there's nothing wrong?

Are you patiently waiting on the Lord when life happens or do you get to a point n rush ahead of Jesus? My Dear Reader...been there done that...DON'T do it! It took over a decade to bring my heart back around and it almost ended in suicide. Thinking at that low point in my life that I was utterly worthless to Jesus for anything, having seen my wretched condition more clearly. Jesus reached down into my abyss and pulled me out. Set me back on my feet. He reassured me that I was His.  

You may be thinking that your life has stalled, that its not going anywhere. That you don't want what's happening and don't know how to move forward. Pray. And then pray and then pray some more. For me, back then, I figured I had 3 choices. End it all, go on living the nightmare I was living, or fully give Jesus free reign in my life to do whatever was necessary. That was in May of 1999. 26 years later you're reading the results. 

Call out to Jesus. Tell Him what's on your mind and heart that's troubling you. As we read, plead His promises.  

We all aren't going to grow the same in Christ. We all aren't going to be the next Billy Graham, John MacArthur, Charles Stanley or any other of the great men of God of our day. We are to be who the Spirit says we are, where we are. We aren't to compare ourselves to others in the faith because we are at different places in growing in Christ. 

Use what you were given in Christ that's yours to nurture and use. Keep your commitment to Jesus first. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Stand firm. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Saved and Obedient or Saved and Not

Saved and Obedient or Saved and Not 

by David Brenneman 

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:24-42.

"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:7-10.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

There's those who call themselves Christians who walk their talk.  

There's those who love being in their present darkness of life yet being near to those who have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. 

There's those who have a true walk with Jesus in and are in a real relationship with Him. 

Churches throughout the world have millions enter who really don't have a relationship with Jesus. 

They went forward, prayed a prayer, but never followed through with the commitment. They get out of church, when it's not interfering, and go on living as they had been. 

Many professing Christians unknowingly cater to these people by not living out their faith. They don't know what their spiritual gift or gifts are and have no conviction to help.

We who are in Christ have all been given a special spiritual gift from God through the Spirit of God when we came to Christ for salvation.  

If the person truly meant it in asking Jesus to be their personal Lord and Savior, the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives, they have indeed been endowed from on high with a plan and purpose for their lives by God for God and ourselves. 

It may take us down the path our lives have been going or it may mean a life change to a newfound direction. 

We learn from the Spirit when we're open to hearing from the Spirit. 

We have that as a promise from God in Christ Jesus.

Are you saved? Are you making it a priority to learn more about Jesus Christ your Savior? Are you listening for His still small voice? Are you making all of your heart an open book to Jesus and the work of the Spirit of God in you?

We can be hearers only, deluding ourselves or we can be doers who aren't. We can be open to the prompting of the Spirit or we can shut Him out. We can see idolatry in our lives if we actually agree with the Spirit as to what idolatry is. We can see the fruit of the Spirit if we use our spiritual eyes to see.

Someone once said that one if opens up a world of limitless opportunities.  

We choose to live life in Christ as He intended for us or we don't.  

Is Jesus the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life?

Are you acknowledging the truth of the spiritual forces and battles of this world or are you thoroughly enjoying being ignorant of them? Oh my Dear Reader don't be ignorant of them!

Satan's loving it when Christians think that he's leaving them alone. 

He loves it when we dismiss what goes on in our lives as mistakes or karma or coincidence...when it's really sin, it's consequences, and his minions or our sin nature. 

Every single human being will stand before Jesus either to receive reward for what we did in the body we had for Him - using the gifts we were given - those who are saved, or will see Him as Judge and be condemned for unbelief not having believed the many convincing proofs He provided. 

Paul told Timothy, and by extension, all Believers to fight the good fight. Run the race with endurance. Finish well.  

Are you saved in Christ Jesus? Live it with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. With all your strength. It's going to mean saying no to things you currently love in this world. But it will either get you using your God given Spiritual Gifts or it will show you how you're falling short. 

Those reading this who aren't saved...Jesus wants to save you. The darkness you are in can't possibly show you the truth in its fullest extent without coming yourself to the cross of Jesus Christ to receive the free gift of salvation. 

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

Believing or unbelieving the day of Jesus Christ returning is going to happen. Could be even today. Could be next week. Lord only knows. Will He be your Savior and Lord or your Judge?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

In the Thick of It

In the Thick of It

by David Brenneman 

The Christian life is not always easy. There are joyful moments of walking with Jesus, but there are also times when nothing makes sense and when your world seems to be crumbling. The world will mock your Lord, and you may grow

discouraged. At those times, you need to peer into the empty

tomb. It is the abandoned tomb that gives you hope, for it symbolizes the life that is yours from your risen Lord. The empty tomb promises that nothing, not even death itself, can defeat the purposes of your Lord. Are you weeping beside an empty tomb? - Experiencing God Day-by-Day for August 15th. Blackaby. 

"Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Each day we live we are to: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

We are not given a suggestion concerning the truth about life but a command. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20.

Remembering that: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

My Dear Reader we're in the thick of it, the battle of the ages, the battlefield being our minds. 

There is no point in time where our guard can be let down. When we awake we should be ready for what's to come.  

Our enemy takes no vacation days. 

Our enemy is constantly obsessed with observing us.

Our enemy does not want anyone who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation to succeed in one iota of progress in growing in Christ. 

Our enemy is restless.

In reading through the New Testament much slower this year its made it more easy to see the constant, daily, aggressive, difficult, challenging, battles that Paul faced. Yet we read earlier of him telling Timothy to fight.  

These words are for us as well. 

Taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. 

We must be on our guard at all times. Our enemy is always looking for an opportunity. 

Even in our thoughts of "doing the right thing" might not be what God wants to have happen. The Bible says: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.

To also "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6 eludes to not trusting yourself. 

All who are breathing are at war. The unbelieving just haven't had the light of Jesus Christ to see the true state of their lives. 

While Satan was defeated at the cross of Jesus Christ, he still is deluded enough to believe he can still get his victory against Almighty God. 

Fight back against the excuses for not being alone with God in prayer. 

Fight back against the excuses for not being daily in the Word of God. 

Fight back against the excuses for not living in obedience to God's Word. 

Fight back. 

Every single reason we can give for not obeying God is an excuse. 

What will you say, what will you feel, on that day you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life before Him? Everyone in Christ has been given ample opportunity to make full use of the Spiritual Gifts bestowed upon them as their part of the body of Christ.  

There are no conscientious objectors in this Spiritual War. 

There are none who have no fight to fight.  

Satan's against all who claim that Jesus Christ is their personal Lord and Savior. 

Fight the good fight, finish the race. Paul's admonition to Timothy is ours.  

So what that you'll miss a television show, a movie, a game, a this or that in your life. You're in training in righteousness by the Spirit of God. Get off the bench and fully realize you are in the game.  

Satan's schemes include feelings of utter satisfaction in life coupled with no cares in the world. Because such people aren't digging into the Word of God. They see no reason to rely on God in Christ Jesus for anything. They have it covered in their own strength and their own mind. 

Satan's a liar and the father of lies. 

Satan's the great deceiver. 

Satan's minions do not rest.

Get back into the whole armor of God. You're in the thick of it whether you want to be or not or think you aren't but really are. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

The Harvest is Almost Complete

The Harvest is Almost Complete 

by David Brenneman 

"While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples. And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well. When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute-players and the crowd in noisy disorder, He said, “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. This news spread throughout all that land. As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus *said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They *said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: “See that no one knows about this!” But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout all that land. As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him. After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:18-38.

Throughout this passage there's a whole lot of seeing going on by Jesus. What is meant by the title of this post today? The time of His return draws near...

"Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:3-10.

There IS an appointed time for Jesus to come back. Jesus Himself said so that it was set by the Father’s own authority. Obviously this wasn't revealed to Jesus at that point because of the probability it was conditional on His obedience to the cross.  

But rest assured there is such a day coming and my Dear Reader...there's no preparation anyone can do for it other than to come to Christ now while He may be found.  

How long shall people be put up with by Jesus? How long will they be allowed to vacillate between two opinions? If He is indeed God, Christ and Savior...then run to Him to be saved! There will be no moment to know, to digest, to contemplate, that the return of Jesus is happening. It will simply happen and be over without any public fanfare. No announcements no instructions nor any such thing. 

Jesus saw people as sheep without a shepherd. He saw this world as we can see it today. In need of more workers in His fields. To that end those who are saved ought to be fulfilling their ministry in Christ. There are no true Believers who do not have a Spiritual gift that shouldn't be used to God's glory. We all will be asked to give an account of what we did with what we were given. 

This world separates people based, ironically, upon their definitions of protected classes of people...and leaves out the real distinction. Those who are saved in Christ Jesus and those who are not. 

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and *settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 25:14-30.

As Jesus said so it shall be. 

A time of His return was expected even as Paul, Peter and others wrote the New Testament. We have seen extraordinary things happening in Israel in these recent years. There's nothing left, prophetically, for Jesus to come back other than 1 single thing.  

That last person who is to be saved to complete the Church of Jesus Christ.  

We await that but the truth is those who are saved should be shining their light in such a way that people see their good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. They are still to be workers in His fields until that day He calls out for all to come home that are saved in Christ. There should be no bench warmers, couch potatoes, those on the sidelines in the work of the Lord. 

I do indeed agree with Mike Wingfield of www.ptnews.org that Jesus is standing at the door of Heaven getting ready to call for an end of the workday of the centuries. Calling in all who are and have been in the fields. It's almost time to go home and enter into His rest.

My Dear Reader...be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sins. There is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved. Jesus must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. Otherwise you will be left behind when the call comes from on high. You will be immersed in horrors this world has never known. 

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

The harvest is before the eyes of the Believer's of this world just as it was 2,000 plus years ago. 

The harvest is about done. The Church is about complete. Are you the missing one?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

He is ahead of You, With You

He is ahead of You, With You 

by David Brenneman 

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

It's always been the easiest of things for Satan's minions to say to any Believer...and especially to the unbelieving. "Did God really say...".

We mustn't forget the promises of God in Christ Jesus. We are to rely on them in spite of what our feelings say or what our eyes see or ears hear.

Right now in my life the day to day is certainly in the forefront of my mind that my every breath is in His hands. Breathing itself is sometimes a difficult thing depending on how I am sitting. 

Jesus, as I remind Him in my prayers, is my Physician. I am unemployed so very much so He needs to be.  

Being IN the Word of God dispels the tricks of the devil. Being IN the Word reveals how much apostasy has been taking over in many so-called churches. Being IN the Word reveals where and when legalism has reared its ugly head in some of the local churches we find. 

Being IN the Word opens our hearts and minds to the Will of God for us in Christ Jesus. It destroys speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.  

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The Word of God. Without it we also won't know what the Spiritual gifts we have been given really are. Nor how to use them properly for the Father’s business here on Earth. Churches themselves should indeed be ran in an orderly fashion but they are not businesses. As the early Church proved out there's no limits on how many times the saints were to be helped. In today's so-called churches administrators determine set limits as if it's in their purview to speak for God in this. If it's true in the life of a Believer to give unconditionally as Christ did...then so should the Church.  

In all that's being said this day...take a step back and look at it all. Jesus is ahead of us in every single way. 

He is already in our today before we are there. He's already in our tomorrow. He's not caught unawares of the plights in which we find ourselves.  

The professing Church is supposed to reflect the character of Christ Jesus. Not the ideals of a business culture. Our day to day should reflect a life in Christ. It's our light that's supposed to shine in such a way before men and women that they see what we are doing in Christ that causes them to glorify our Father in Heaven. Not the merch we market to sell in a lobby. Not by anything other than being in the character of Christ Jesus. Things like this are food for thought. Do you see Jesus in such things? 

Are you fighting the good fight? 

You who are in Christ are in a fight. 

We are being transformed and trained by the Spirit of God for the purpose for which we are here. We have our personal growth in Christ as His plan for us in Christ Jesus. We have our part in His global plans for humanity until His return to take us home to His Heaven. 

Jesus is there with you at all times. Are you trying to understand what it is He has for you to be doing for Him? Are you keeping as your primary focus keeping pace with Him? Are you keeping in His Word in order to know what there is to know about your relationship with Him?

In the last days much of the professing Church will look more like the world than what it is supposed to be. We will only know by being in the Word of God and in prayer. We're going to be tempted to lean on our own understanding. We are going to be tempted to give in to what sounds good without investigating.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

Nobody learns in the physical world by osmosis. Nobody who's claimed the name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will ever learn by osmosis either.  

Pray. Read. Listen. Repeat.

Our obligation is to obey Jesus...not the people in our lives when it comes to spiritual affairs. Are you limiting God by your limited obedience? Think about it...do you set aside time dedicated to watching TV, listening to podcasts, streaming, reading books, but do not set aside dedicated time to be with Jesus?  

Jesus sets aside every moment of every day to be with you.  

Turn your eyes upon Jesus...look full in His wonderful face...and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org