Opening the Door is on You

Opening the Door is on You 

by David Brenneman 

‭"Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23

‭"For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” Ezekiel 18:32

‭“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” John 3:16-21

‭"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.

Was skipping through some videos last night and a supposed comedian was being as they were, making an exaggeration on the Bible and about God's views on people. 

The truth is there is no laughing matter concerning sin and eternal separation from Jesus Christ. 

But the door of opportunity must be opened by the person who seeks the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus. It's your heart that you are inviting Him into.  

Jesus isn't willing that any should perish. Reading it in the Old Testament earlier...here's the same in the New Testament. "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

He isn't going to force open the door to your heart.  

Throughout your life you open your heart to other people, places and things. So how to do this...you already know.

Jesus, not just through the Gospels, but recorded in historical records lived and died just as the Bible says.

A very old song has a very powerful statement in it. "While He was on the cross, I was on His mind".

My Dear Reader, that hasn't changed. You are still on His mind. Night and day, 24/7 365 days a year.  

It doesn't matter what choices you made or how dirty you think you are. Doesn't matter how you look to yourself or how you think others view you. You might be well off or you might feel like every day you are alive that it feels like you are drowning. Jesus is willing and able to reach down into those circumstances and pull you out. 

Time exists for mankind, not for God. The Bible says that at the right time...He was born of a virgin. At the right time. It wasn't just because of the lives of Mary and Joseph. At the right time in the development of humanity. God's timing is always perfect. Humanity was developing a commerce infrastructure. Roadways. Ship building techniques.  

Jesus's life was spent pointing people to Himself, both before His death, burial and resurrection, but afterwards. Over 500 people saw Him after the resurrection. Many came back to life and lived on for many years. 

Jesus is waiting at your heart's door for you. He cannot open that door since there's no knob on that side. 

Forgiveness is that close to you. 

The lifting of that weight is that close to you.  

So many people are weighed down by sins that they aren't even aware are sins. Until they came to Christ for salvation and said yes to it...they didn't know what true freedom felt like.  

A childhood song is as true today as it has been for many decades. 

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so 

Little ones to Him belong 

They are weak but He is strong 

Yes Jesus loves me!

Yes Jesus loves me 

Yes Jesus loves me!

the Bible tells me so 

We over complicate coming to Christ for salvation. We have so many questions yet we don't realize they can all wait. Take that step and wait for Him to do what salvation requires and then see if there are any questions that remain. 

You don't need any special education. 

You don't need to fear what might happen next.

You don't need to worry about tomorrow either. 

You come to Christ for salvation and immediately your life is hidden with Christ in God. He takes responsibility for your life, its only on us to live in obedience to God's Word. 

"I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.” Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain...He washed it white as snow. " - Hymn 'Jesus Paid it All'.

Why fight for things, for feelings, for emotions, even for people that will not ever fill that God sized place in your heart?  

Jesus, while on the cross, thought of every single human being that ever lived or would live. Including you.

He is waiting for you.  

My Bible says there is a fixed day in which Jesus will return again and take all who have called upon Him for salvation. A day fixed by the Father’s own authority. We know not when other than when all pertinent prophecies have been completed. 7 years of the most raging Hell on Earth will happen soon afterwards. The final judgments upon mankind as written in the Bible. Billions upon billions of people will die. Many other billions will be deceived by a man the Bible calls the Antichrist. A man whom will demand that all worship him. A man who will claim to be God. You might think that as farfetched...however how much of what you have already seen in this world was farfetched to you only a few years ago?

Some might consider themselves as unworthy of this free gift of salvation. Newsflash: everyone is.

It's not at all about what you have done...but all on Jesus for what He's done to offer you eternal life in Him.

It is a limited time offer. Why wait?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

We Don't Need a Complicated Explanation

We Don't Need a Complicated Explanation 

by David Brenneman 

‭‭"‭Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.

It's easily found in the Gospels where Jesus said that the Jews seek for a sign and the only sign they will be given is the sign of Jonah.  

But this isn't exclusive to the Jewish people. Many people who are Believer's are just as much looking for a sign as the chosen people of God. 

Much is said about casting aside doubts. Poor Thomas has been wrongly accused throughout history as the foremost in regards to doubts. 

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8.

What typically happens is people couch seeking for a sign within a doubt. People want to have absolute certainty before making a decision. 

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Romans 10:17.

Let's dig deeper.  

Sanctification is the result of the work of the Spirit in each Believer.  

It's the prerogative of God to either explain why something is allowed to happen in your life or why something hasn't or will be kept from happening. 

We need to really consider the writings in the Bible concerning the potter and the clay.  

We come to Christ for salvation...and a new life in Christ. 

We come with certain expectations. 

We should realize that changes will be made by the Spirit of God concerning sins that have impacted our life to date. 

Sometimes His work in us requires our implicit trust...with no explanation given. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. This means when you understand and when you don't.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. 

Peter only stood on the water...a physical feat that's impossible by the laws of physics with regard to common man...but not impossible when faith in what Christ can do is applied. Did Peter get a sign other than to simply be told to come?

We often want a complicated explanation from God. News flash that's the same thing as seeking a sign.

We, in our coming to Christ, are learning how to live life in a way unseen and unheard of outside of salvation in Christ. It's ways are only understood by way of the Spirit. It's benefits are only understood in context of the Spirit. 

We are not just going about our day.  

We are learning daily how to do life. 

We are learning how to spiritually eat.

We are learning how to spiritually think.

We are learning how to spiritually clothe ourselves. 

We are learning how to spiritually crawl.

We get to the point of learning how to walk by the Spirit.

Many times we get an opportunity to have things explained to us. Many times trust is essential. 

Leaning not on my own understanding is essential, not optional. 

“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.

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.  

It may frustate you to no end to not fully understand the mind of Christ right now. My Dear Reader...you DO have eternity to learn. 

Our sin nature is at odds with our new nature in Christ.  

It's ok not to know. It's ok not to fully understand. It's something that I have been learning.  

The supernatural things of God are only that on this side of Heaven. 

The peace of God that passes all understanding...think about that. 

Martha just sat at Jesus's feet...listening and taking it in.  

King David wrote often of meditation on the word of God. 

Jesus spoke of His peace He brings to us, not as the world does. It's different because His peace is perfect and holy and complete. 

If your life is so complicated that you don't have time to sit down with Jesus...then don't be surprised by your frustration levels. 

Don't be surprised by what all you don't understand. Jesus may be wanting to talk to you about your concerns but He isn't on your schedule. 

Jesus said that we must come as a child. Adults complicate things. 

It's ok not to understand right now. 

In time you might gain understanding. You may not.

The key is to 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.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Do You?

Do you?

by David Brenneman 

‭"in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Thus they will be My people, and I shall be their God,” ’ declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 14:11

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27

Is it important to you what is important to Jesus?

In both the Old Testament and the New Testament we read examples of defilement of a life.  

We wrap our arms around what the world refers to as fun.

We embrace theologies that seem like they're from God but we've never checked with Jesus about them. 

We find our joy and happiness in things of this world and don't see our neglect of our relationship with Jesus.

What's both a wonderful thing and a n unknown curse is this digital world we are drowning in.  While answers to questions can be found in an instant...we blindly trust those answers. 

We blindly trust those answers yet both question what a sermon might be saying to our hearts.

We blindly trust the internet yet won't seek Godly counsel.

Most don't realize that our digital world is instantly modified.  You might have read a possible true story today that can be edited to reflect something else and you have no proof of your facts of today. 

Whole school texts are now digital only. History is whatever it's been edited to say.

This is a scary concept.  Defilement is that tiny pebble placed just so in our minds and hearts to redirect the person from the righteous life that God desires. 

Defilement is just as pertinent in today's world as it was in Jesus's day, as it was in Daniel's day, as Noah's, as King David's, as Adam's. 

This is a sin cursed fallen world that is saturated with defilement until after the 7 year Great Tribulation when Jesus Himself will rule and reign for a thousand years.  

We choose to follow something or someone each day.  We either are flying the plane or Jesus Christ is. 

We choose where our minds and hearts go.  We are often none the wiser when deception hits.

We don't seek the wisdom of God when life happens.  We first try to figure it out on our own. 

In the opening days of the children of Israel entering the Promised Land...where they sought the Lord first, they were successful. When they decided to not, they were unsuccessful.  In fact they were cursed beyond several generations because they made vows and sealed them in the name of the Lord. 

We often reject the notion of idolatry.  Why?  Because we don't want to learn that we were so deceived.  We don't want to give up whatever is bringing us such wondrous pleasure.  We want to fit in with other's.  We don't see the consequences of being defiled and we don't want to.  

We wear symbols of idolatry.  Ezekiel 13 mentions items worn that were idolatrous in nature. 

The Spirit wishes to open our eyes yet...we often choose to put our hands over them because of the pleasures they bring. 

‭"His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.  Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.  “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” Luke 8:9-18.

Confession before Jesus is to agree with Jesus.  If Jesus says something is wrong, then, it's wrong. No excuses or exceptions. 

Just because it makes you feel good doesn't mean it's wholesome or good for you.  

"It's harmless!" 

If it's separating you from the will of God for you...it's most definitely not harmless. 

Defilement is as valid a problem today as it was in the days of Noah. 

Everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.  See that in today's world?

What don't you see?  Christian lives that seek the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and spirit.  All means all and that's all that all means. Carving out time for Jesus is wrong...especially when we have no trouble with a movie night. When we have no trouble with concerts. When we have no trouble with spending gobs of time with sporting events. 

Defilement is as much a problem today as it has been throughout history since Adam and Eve.

We are to be holy as He is holy. 

Holy is to be set apart. 

Take a good look at your life.  Has any or all of this message applied to your life?

We're going to give an account of our lives before Jesus.  Will the activities of your life amount to anything in Christ?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Are You One Who Listens?

Are You One Who Listens?

by David Brenneman 

"‭Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.” As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 8:8 

Jesus was teaching...and called out.  When you read Ezekiel...the key points of the words Ezekiel was given to say was to evoke listening. 

MercyMe had a song out called "Word of God Speak" (2002). 

"I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak

Would you pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That you're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In your holiness

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay"

Are you actively listening to the Spirit, or are you among those who casually listen and pick n choose what you will listen to?

Are you fully devoted to following Jesus or just whenever it feels right?

Are you only coming to hear what He has to say when you've nowhere else to turn?

If you are only coming to Christ for help when you think you're in trouble...then...my Dear Reader...you're in trouble. 

Jesus never taught a single thing for His own health. 

Jesus never spoke to anyone just to hear Himself speak. 

Jesus never went around to puff Himself up.

Jesus never spoke on His own initiative, but said whatever was important to His Father. 

What about you?  For me, it's a daily struggle.  Probably the most often prayer request that I have is for forgiveness for something that I either shouldn't have said, or should have.  For thoughts I shouldn't have thought or for missing an opportunity that was presented. 

Our lives are not in our hands. 

Let's get that straight right now. 

We come to Christ, we aren't now free to roam about the cabin, free to go and do whatever without consequences. 

We aren't receiving a get out of Hell free card and the perks being one who's now able to just go off n suit ourselves to any desires without consequences.

We come to Christ to be saved, and He starts the work of sanctification in us.  We, on our part, must be actively listening to the Spirit.  We must realize that to take up our own cross and follow Him wasn't a suggested course of action that was optional.  That if Jesus said something would happen, that it would happen. Those who wish to live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted.  Whether in big ways or small, it would happen. 

Jesus is our example on what the pattern of our lives is to be modeled after. 

He set the standard. 

A carpenter, and yes the irony is not lost on me, has a vision of a finished work in his mind.  That carpenter will likely sit down with a ruler, possibly a protractor, a means of measuring, with paper and pencil to formulate his ideas.  Then will take some forms of raw wood and create his ideas.  He works at it until that vision becomes the reality. 

You came to Christ, hopefully you did, and He saw the finished work already.  Then He began the good work in you. He will complete it someday.  Much will happen to remove and add to your life to accomplish your sanctification. 

Listening to the Spirit is part of that.

When the Spirit tells us of things that have no part in that process, that need to go, then they need to go.

When the Spirit teaches us anything, we need to pay attention. 

Regardless of how the world or family views it.  Our responsibility is to our obedience to God's Word and Will for our lives. 

Don't be a bit surprised if some or all of your walk with Christ isn't understood by others fully.  It's your walk with Jesus.  He has other things in mind for other people and their walk with Him. 

As Jesus told Peter when Peter was more interested in Jesus's comments about others..."What's that to you?  You follow Me!".

Are your deeds, your thoughts, your actions, indicative of a Believer?

Are you really following as long as it is in line with what you want?

Are you putting on a show for others and haven't really been listening all along?

Let today be the day of listening for you.  We may have plans for our lives but He has THE plan for your life in Christ.

The Spirit isn't going to yell in your heart and mind.  

Trust and obey...for there's no other way...to be happy in Jesus...but to trust and obey. 

ALL who sit at the feet of Jesus benefit from listening rather than doing all the talking. 

It may mean giving up an hour or two of television or streaming.  It may mean really stopping to actually pray an not just over the food you eat.  

It may mean letting go of your desires in order to achieve His desire for you.  

Are you listening?  A famous movie quote is:  there's a difference between knowing the path and walking it.

Constantly not listening leads to a hardened heart.  So much of the Old Testament explains the hardened hearts of the children of Israel.  Hard and insensitive to the things of God.  Putting things and even people above your relationship with Jesus is the falsely sweet candy of this world.  It's end is filled with bitterness while it's onset is sweet. 

All forms of idolatry begin with euphoric highs...yet end in bitter dispair because they never delivered. 

A listening life in Christ delivers. 

What are you doing to listen to Jesus today?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

What are You doing?

What are You Doing?

by David Brenneman 

"Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he com

will find so doing," He said (Matthew 24:46).

Denis Lyle, a Baptist pastor in Belfast, Northern Ireland, tells

a tourist who visited a beautiful mansion on a lovely lakeshore

Switzerland. The house was surrounded by well-kept gardens co

nected by tidy pathways. There wasn't a weed in sight.

How long have you been caretaker here?" the tourist asked

the gardener.

"I've been here twenty years."

"And during that time how often has the owner of the property been in residence?"

The gardener smiled. "He has been here only four times."

"And to think," the visitor exclaimed, "all these years you've kept this house and garden in such superb condition. You tend them as if you expected him to come tomorrow.

"Oh no," replied the gardener, "I look after them as if I expected him to come today."

Jesus is coming back-coming any minute, coming soon, maybe

coming today. These are some of His last words recorded in the Bible:

Durely I am coming quickly" (Revelation 22:20). The more aware we are of His impending return, the more motivated we'll be in our

work for Him in these last days.

The above is an excerpt from "Agents of the Apocalypse" by Dr. David Jeremiah.  

I began reading this book last night in addition to my other readings.  The example is what stuck with me. 

Will you be excited at the sound of the trumpet, should it happen in your lifetime, or will you be ashamed?  Will you suddenly realize that things you held onto weren't important after all?

We are taught to hold tight to the promises of God.  We are taught to cling to His Word. To find our purpose in the body of Christ wherever the Spirit has placed us.

But are we actually doing with the motivation that that gardener presented?  

Are you living two or more lives?

Are you living for work?

Are you living for Jesus?

Are you living for your own personal interests?

Are you living for Jesus?

Are you living for others demands for you?

Are you living for Jesus?

Are you living for what you can get out of life regardless of how others view it?

Are you living for Jesus?

A life in Christ is going to be, and by the Spirit's teaching and directing, different from the lives of people in the world. 

It isn't supposed to be some special blend of world and Spirit. 

It's not about feelings or emotions either.   If we rely on those, we'll never get to where we ought to be in growing in Christ Jesus. 

Why would that be said?  We are in training.  Look at any training that means anything in our physical world. Denying self is a requirement to reach the goal of completing the training. Seems to sound like what Jesus said.  If anyone wishes to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. 

We have a lot to let go of in this western world.  In other parts of the world there are other things to let go of that might be even more personal. 

The point of fact is to grow best in Christ is to not have anything hindering our race.  Paul wrote something of an example on being in a race.   

We are to race with the intention of winning.  None of this recreational stuff.  

Much, of not all, of the Christian life is built around being intentional, a life with purpose.  It's not about us, it's about showing people Jesus. It's to point people to the life saver.

We are also a really confused people with regards to contentment. 

There's Godly contentment and worldly contentment.  It's easy to find joy and contentment apart from God in a world of temptations.

Some find it in food, some in vacations, some in the work they do that gets them noticed. 

What are you doing?  Are you seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness?  Are you listening to yourself, to others, before listening for the words of Jesus toward you?

Many people get so convinced of their joy in their personal happiness that they're not listening for the words of Jesus. 

Earlier we started thinking about our reaction to Jesus returning. 

The Early Church lived as though it could be at any time.  It obviously wasn't, but they devoted themselves to the Word of God and prayer as if at any time it could be that time.

Dr. David Jeremiah, later in the same chapter that excerpt came from, mentioned a person attending a show that he really shouldn't have been at and left before it ever got going.  When asked he exclaimed something to the effect of "I don't want to have Jesus return and Him finding me there!".

Are you engaging in aspects of your life that in truth you will indeed be embarrassed to be found partaking in should Jesus return?

Are you hoarding rather than being generous?  

Are you engaging in various forms of what the world calls entertainment that Jesus certainly wouldn't?

Are you seeking your own self interests rather than the interests of others? 

People the world over are expecting a few seconds at least to prepare for leaving this world at His return. 

That's not Biblical. 

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...how fast is that?  Can it be measured?  I think not. 

The point of that gardener is the point of this post...be ready for you know not at what hour your Master will return. 

Take inventory of your heart and mind.  What has absolutely no business in you that you've not let go of?  

You can be in your own way with regards to growing in Christ. 

You.

Fact: a twinkling of an eye is thousands of times faster than the blinking of an eye. 

Living for Jesus a life that is true. 

Striving to please Him in all that I do. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

What are You Looking for?

What are You Looking for?

by David Brenneman 

‭"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age," Titus 2:11-12.

‭"How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart." Psalms 119:1-2.

In Psalms 119...ever notice the desires of the writer?

"Oh that my ways would be established..." v5

"Open my eyes that I may behold..." v18.

"Make me understand..." v27.

"I have chosen the faithful way..." v30.

"Teach me..." v33.

"Give me understanding..." v34.

"Make me walk..." v35.

"Incline my heart..." v36.

"Turn away my eyes..." v37.

"Establish your word..." v38.

‭"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.  ‭Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You." Psalms 119:9,11.

‭"How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart." Psalms 119:2.

The writer also says in verse 19 that they are a stranger in the Earth.   

Consider all this...with what we read of "He who knows the good he ought to be doing and does not do it, sins".

Consider this along with the words of Jesus in asking, seeking and knocking.  

Consider this with how much we seek out so much in life that isn't going to grow us in Christ.  

Jesus said that if anyone wishes to follow Him they must do what?  Take up their own cross and follow Him.  For at a minimum of their time with Jesus, the 12 learned how to let go of their desires at to want what Jesus wanted.  After the resurrection, with the empowering of the Spirit, they brought that teaching to thousands of others who taught thousands more. 

Our world is replete with desires that have no end in sight.  We are probably of all generations to date to be the most pitied. Jesus once said in a rebuke to a few of His Disciples that they know not of what kind of spirit they were.  That the people they were quick to condemn really couldn't tell their right hand from their left. 

Our world is overflowing with people who are so immersed in temptation and idolatry that they enjoy so much that to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness is less than secondary.  Even identities are treated as disposable. 

‭"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age," Titus 2:11-12.

Deny ungodliness and worldly desires.  In many people's lives its easier said than done. 

It's not easy to let go of what obviously feels so good.  It's not easy taking a stand that means going against the grain of worldly ideologies.  We easily get goaded with words like "you're missing out!".

Leaning not on my own understanding has to include when it looks so good to say no to it in favor of what the Spirit is saying about it. 

What are you reaching for in your life that, while it may be entertaining, may be pleasant, pleasurable, enjoyable, isn't going to grow you in Christ?  It can be anything, anyone, that actually...in all reality...separates us from the will for us in Christ Jesus.

A career...a car...a television...a hobby...a relationship...anything in this world has the ability to entice a heart away from the righteous life that God desires for us. 

Sometimes I wonder if things like bucket lists are really ways that we seek out things before we die that aren't healthy in having a right heart attitude in Christ.  

The Psalmist, sometimes King David, sometimes other people, are revealing the desire of the Lord for us to desire as well.  Here's what's important to desire when the world tries to teach you what to desire.

In Ezekiel 7-8 we read of things that the people of God were only thinking they were hiding from God. 

Consider your ways, your desires, are they what the Bible says are going to grow you in Christ Jesus?

Do you take what's holy and spend it elsewhere?  Think about it. 

We have a life hidden in Christ...a life that if indeed we're following Him that we take up our own cross. A life that's fraught with landmines of desires that aren't going to be easy to navigate on our own. 

"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.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

A Long Day or Week Begins with Jesus

A Long Day or Week Begins with Jesus 

by David Brenneman 

‭"The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him." Lamentations 3:22-25.

To say that a week is crazy or is going totally unexpectedly is probably more common than not in the lives of people everywhere. 

"And all my life you have been faithful

And all my life you have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God" (From Goodness of God - Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson).

Something that's been difficult for me is to accept that there are going to be things that I am not going to figure out. Troubleshooting is something that God's gifted me with the ability to do in most situations. Yet there are times when I have to accept that it isn't going to happen all the time. 

Each day is new. Really think about that. It has never existed before we stepped into it. It wasn't there waiting without Jesus already there before we arrived.

Satan cannot live ahead of God's purpose in time and space. He isn't omnipresent. He isn't omniscient. He can try to manufacture things or manipulate people but he is constrained to observe the laws of God. 

My life has had some crazy turns to it. The intensity level has gone down drastically since we moved.  

I sort of liken it to a family joke. A family friend had a propensity to drive rather fast. When the subject of Cedar Point and rollercoasters came up, I would decline. I had ridden with this friend and everything else is a letdown after that lol.

While I still face things each day, each day begins with coffee, preparing for the day, and Jesus. My mornings do begin rather early. 

But it's not on my schedule, it's when Jesus wants to meet with me.  

Preparation is key. You cannot just run into the day apart from Him. 

He wants your attention at the beginning of your day.  

His grace and mercy are available but you need to seek out Jesus as part of that. Our Saturday Group Leader has often said to stay in step with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Don't get ahead of Him, don't veer off in some other direction. Don't sit down if He's still moving. Keep pace with Jesus. 

I often use the phrase "I'm not surprised. I've seen this episode before." in referring to situations during the day. 

While my Wife and I have often compared our life in Columbus, Ohio as 20 plus years in the wilderness, it is our experience in those years that's prepared us for the here and now. 

The passage we started with today isn't just something nice to read. 

That passage is a promise of God. 

Interestingly enough Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principle for today is "Whatever you aquire outside of God's will eventually turns to ashes.".

When we jump into the day without regard to living it in Christ, it's not likely to turn out well.   

As a good reminder...most of the Old Testament is about the rebellion of the children of Israel. Their obstinate stiff-necked lives against the will of God for them. Totally missing the power of God that could have been manifested in them and through them by their obedience to God's Word. 

The Difference by Alan Grant 

I got up early one morning

and rushed right into the day.

I had so much to accomplish

that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me

and heavier became each task.

"Why doesn't God help me," I wondered.

He answered, "you didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

but the day toiled on, gray and bleak.

I wondered why God didn't show me.

He explained, "you didn't seek."

So, determined to be in God's presence

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,

"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning

and paused before entering the day.

I had so much to accomplish

that I had to take time to pray.

Before you get it in your head to start your day running...get to your knees first.  

If it's been a long time since you prayed before starting your day...why? Jesus didn't step away. Jesus didn't turn His back on you. Jesus didn't leave you for someone else or something else.   

I can't imagine a day where I don't talk to Jesus on my way to work. It's been now over 5 years of writing this blog. I can't write it if I don't show up when Jesus wants to meet with me.  

My day begins and ends with time in God's Word.  

Whatever you have made more important than what is important to Jesus is going to crumble. My Dear Reader, if you are indeed in Christ, He has a life prepared for you that begins and will be about discovery. He isn't going to reveal it all at once. He isn't going to turn the page before you are prepared enough to handle it. Eye has not seen nor has ear heard all that He has prepared for those who love Him. 

You can't imagine it...but you can eagerly look forward to it. 

My work life is crazy. No other way to butter that bread. It's crazy because of all kinds of things. But it's nothing that Jesus hasn't prepared me for. My anxiety level isn't high at all. For others it certainly is.  

All my life you have been faithful...

...oh I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God...

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.