No Front Necessary No Pretending

No Front Necessary, No Pretending 

by David Brenneman 

"Because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise," says the Lord; I will set him in the safety for which he longs.?

Psalms 12:5

     The human body is an amazing creation. For example, when a person runs for a long distance, blood flow to the lower extremities increases to supply the muscles. When an infection attacks a certain part of the body, antibodies scramble to the site of the contagion.

      The principle that God teaches us through the body is that supply moves to the point of need- and there's a close parallel in the spiritual life. The Lord's help flows to those who admit their inadequacy. Self-reliant people, who may deny their need for divine intervention, are often blinded to their poverty of soul and spirit because of their self-sufficiency. But those who open their broken spirits and contrite hearts to the Lord are filled.

      Your need, whatever it may be today, is the signal for God's great and all-encompassing provision. And it isn't just for the obvious place of lack but for all the emotion, energy, and woundedness associated with it, So stop denying it. You don't have to pretend to be strong and invincible. Open your heart to Jesus. Admit you need Him. And watch as He shows you that He is indeed God.

Jesus, thank You for answering my need and ministering to my heart. Amen.

-Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

The subject line may be talking about no front or pretending necessary...but it also should include our not dismissing either.

We're living in a world of 'experts' and of frauds and of those choosing to be ignorant of situations and circumstances. People choosing to go on about their business because of the inconvenience of what stopping to do the right thing in God's eyes, according to God's plan, would mean for them.

People intentionally choosing to hang onto what they have rather than to submit to what God's wanting of them.

Abraham was commanded to take his one and only son to a certain place and sacrifice him to God.

This was to test Abraham.

Jesus told the following story:

"Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:30-37.

In Proverbs it says "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it." Proverbs 3:27.

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

We cannot afford to look at those around us in the same way that the world looks at those around them.

In the recent months of my unemployment we have seen God provide in ways we never would have guessed. Expected yes, guessed, no. But, my Dear Reader, those who listened to the Lord Jesus and came to our aid are the one's who will in turn be blessed by their generosity.   

We cannot afford to either put up a front, a good acting job, in front of others and yet still pray for God to provide for our needs. You need to be real with those whom God's put in your life. Cast aside your initial embarrassment. Cast aside anything to do with your pride. There are lessons to be learned by what we go through and there's glory to be had for our Living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by what we encounter along the way in this life we have been graciously given to live.

Many also pretend that nothing's wrong when most everything has gone wrong. Just hoping that nobody will find out...and that God would provide anyway.  

Then that third group...people who have indeed been amply blessed who keep it to themselves and or dictate how, when and where God's money, God's possessions (which is everything since it all belongs to God) should be utilized.  

In that parable of the Good Samaritan we read of people with a caring heart and those who did not possess one.  

We read of the right thing to do and those who completely did the wrong thing.

To steal a line from Star Trek, "Risk is our business". We must take risks with everyone we encounter in life. We don't know if they'll spiritually benefit from their encounter with us or not. That is the only real point of our interacting with others in our lives. We're to live lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. We're to go through various trials and tribulations, not being surprised by them, but to glorify God in them.

We're to point people to Jesus. We don't save anyone, only Jesus saves. We don't cleanse anyone's hearts, only Jesus cleanses the hearts of those who've come to Him for salvation.

We are supposed to, in all things, glorify our Father in Heaven. We are supposed to be INTENTIONAL about growing in Christ. We are NOT supposed to be intentional about fitting in with our world around us nor are we supposed to be consumed with creating our own slice of Heaven here on Earth at the expense of all else. We aren't still here to see our wants, desires, and dreams come true. God may yet allow them to come to fruition if they coincide with His plans for us but they are not on His list of priorities.  

The only chief priority of a Christian is to see Jesus glorified, and to join Him in pointing people to Him for salvation and see the Church of Christ grow into completion..which is when Jesus will return for His bride the Church.

My Wife and I have learned that we can do better at living life that glorifies our Savior Jesus Christ during these last 10 months. We can get along with less and we can learn how to get things under control to where we can bless others as we too have been blessed.

You, my Dear Reader, must always put what you're being lead by the Spirit to do ahead of everything else. Even if nobody else understands it, obeying Jesus no matter when or how you're to do it...just do it.

Part of my work life, and unfortunately a friendship, ended in June of last year but in the ensuing months since God's shown me that things are going to be ok. That He has had this planned out for a long time and He's got every detail worked out for my good. 

Some people in my life, our life, understood and supported us through these months, others stood at a distance.  

Some had eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit was saying to do. 

We choose who we will be in that story of the Good Samaritan.   

We choose if we're living for self or living for others as Christ did.

We choose to honor Christ in our everything or we don't.

We ALL will give an account of our lives before Jesus one day.

Our excuses won't hold water when we indeed knew what we were being lead to do and didn't do it.

Our excuses won't hold water when our hearts weren't into obedience even at the risk of sacrifice.

Our excuses won't hold water when selfishness took hold rather than obedience.

That day is quickly approaching for when we will stand before Jesus if indeed we're saved.  

Be true and honest in your walk with Jesus. When He speaks, listen and obey. When He directs, just follow and go. Be intentional about learning to be more like Him and see what He will do in and through you. 

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

Obey and do even if it means probably sacrificing to do so. If God so blessed you once to grant you such a blessing, don't you believe He can do so again? Didn't He say as much in the book of Malachi? Test God in this?  

Lastly, don't try to be wiser than God in what you have and how it should be used. As stated earlier...it all belongs to Him.

Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind and ALL you spirit. Love yoru neighbor as yourself.

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

Knowing, Believing, Walking

Knowing, Believing, Walking

by David Brenneman 

"but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31.

"I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” John 11:42.

"‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; For I am accomplishing a work in your days, A work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’ ”Acts 13:41.

"When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”" Mark 2:1-12.

"for we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.

"and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory," 1 Peter 1:8.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13.

The story told within the Gospels is there to show every type and kind of person in this world the truth about Jesus, pointing people to an inexorable conclusion that He indeed was the Son of God.

Even the guard, at the end of the day He was crucified cried out "Surely this was the Son of God!".

But do we live like this is true? Do we live like we know that we know that we know? Do we give here and there to the cause of Christ and yet live for self the rest of the time? Looking at the professing Church...do we see Jesus?

We're not here to satisfy our own desires after we come to Christ for salvation. We're still here in part for our sanctification. To grow with respect to our salvation. To see the world through the eyes of Jesus and not ourselves.

Scripture say that we are not our own, we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures say that we're ambassador's for Christ. Representing Him wherever we go and in whatever we've been given to do among men and women.

Do we live that out? Or do we continue to spend on ourselves and give only what salves our conscience in order to get a 'feel good about doing something' for Jesus then go back to spending it on ourselves?

Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean that we've arrived. We won't 'arrive' until either God calls us home or the Rapture of the Church takes place.

We're to listen to the Word of God.  

Listen in order to believe more fully today than we did yesterday. Do for Jesus more today than we did yesterday. Learn more of Him today than we had known of Him yesterday.  

I've whittled down a lot out of my life of what I now see were trivial things that were consuming my time, energy and efforts. I still have a ways to go. Jesus wants all of us, all of our hearts, all of our minds and all of our efforts.  

What are you doing with what you've been given from Him today?  

Today isn't just today because it came after yesterday. It's today because it's a gift from God for us to use appropriately for Him because it's the only chief reason we're still here. To do whatever He's called us to be doing until that yet future day when we stand before Him to give an account of our lives before Him.

Consider that well. You will give an account of your life before Jesus. Is it filled with trivial, non-Spiritual fruit bearing, things that you did, said or thought? Hate to break it to you but EVERYTHING we go after that isn't going to grow us in Christ, isn't going to let our light so shine before men and women so that they glorify our Father in Heaven is just that...non-Spiritual fruit bearing.

A waste of time and resources for the Kingdom of God. Yes there's things in this life meant to guide us into a rest and respite, we're not to let those things consume our time and attention.  

We have been given time to learn about Jesus. To learn how to have a character that stands up to anything the world throws at it because it's the character of Christ.

But if we aren't putting in the efforts...how do we expect to see results that will make Jesus proud of us? If we aren't giving our all, how will we ever expect to hear a "well done!" from Jesus?

Do you have a DAILY time in the Word of God? Do you DAILY talk to Jesus about what's weighing on your heart and mind? ARE you just telling Jesus what you think He wants to hear? You DO realize how foolish that is? He already knows and is waiting for you to be truthful and honest about it...it needs to come from you.

Are you realizing the theme of all the verses that you read earlier? Jesus gave many many convincing proofs of who He was. He went through all the firey judgements of God the Father upon Him on the cross. Shouldn't we do more to live for the One who gave up everything for to save us?

Are you digging into your walk with the same passion or more than you do the things you pursue in this world? Are you as fired up about what you learn in your Bible as you do that game you were whooping it up about? That movie that got you all fired up? That song that you heard that thrilled you?

We have just so much time in the day and more often than not, myself included, we waste so much of it on things that we've convinced ourselves that matter. Things that we've been pursuing that aren't at all adding to our story of Jesus in us.

Think about where your time and money is going. Are you hoarding the blessings of God given to you? Or do you seek out whomever the Spirit is wanting to use you to reach, to bless, or to lift up? Do you spend what you have been blessed with on your own pleasures? Do you set rules for 'your' money that are limiting what God can do with it? Do you set rules for your possessions? Doesn't all 'your' money, and possessions belong to God?

You've got to choose to whom you will follow, yourself or the Spirit. There's only one Captain's seat within us and only one can rightfully sit in it to guide our lives in the way that most honors what God's wanting to do in and through us.

We can talk a good talk about following Jesus...but in seeing all these evidences...and more...shouldn't we do more to really do it? As the Scriptures say...can anyone really out-give God? Can anyone really live a Godly-successful life with one foot in the world and the other in Heaven?

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

Are You? Do You? Why Don't You?

Are You? Do You? Why Don't You?

by David Brenneman 

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears." Psalms 18:6.

"I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord; I make supplication with my voice to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me." Psalms 142:1-3.

"From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place." Psalms 118:5.

"I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah." Psalms 3:4.

"O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me." Psalms 30:2.

"Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications." Psalms 130:2.

"It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24.

"I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications. [2] Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." Psalms 116:1-2.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears." Psalms 34:4.

"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.

Our walk with Jesus began with a prayer...would not it follow that we ought to continue in it?  

We are not going to go through a day where we shouldn't have been praying, be it for ourselves or others. Prayer ought to be like breathing when we get down to it. 

There's really only a few times when Satan's minions are going to make it seem like you're not needing to pray. When they've been ordered to leave you alone, or when you're already doing what they would rather you be doing.  

Many times we're going to be tested by a lack of trials and tribulations. When things are going so well, will you still stay focused on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world?

When we are in a very real situation and we find ourselves up against an apparent wall...are we praying to our God in Heaven or are we circling our own wagons waiting to figure our for ourselves on how to handle the situation? 

Our lives are in Jesus's hands. 

The sooner we truly get this the better life will be.

We have so many examples of those who cried out to the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the instruction to be crying out to Him. We have example after example of those who did and just what Jesus did for them.  

I will admit my prayer life isn't what it should be. In this I am a work in progress. Recognizing the signs of worrying vs praying is crucial. 

In the now going on 10 months, there were very few times when worry tried to get a foothold. In every way that mattered our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ heard us before we prayed and had a plan worked out before we were ever in that moment. 

Even now, with the new job on the horizon, we're a few weeks away from getting through April's bills. I know that my Savior has a plan for it all. I also know this has been both a blessing and a teaching experience for us. Both with regard to seeing His wonderful provision towards us but on how to be sensitive to the needs of others when we're prompted by the Spirit to provide for others.  

We aren't supposed to ignore the needs of others even if it's inconvenient. We're to obey the promptings of the Spirit of God at all times. 

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered...that's why I trust Him.  

Praying is to be a heart-to-heart communication between our heart and Jesus.  

Praying is also a tool to grow us in Christ. We cannot consider a life lived if it's avoiding that which we're instructed to live it like.

Honestly, if you're well off, seek out whom it is that the Spirit would have you help. Our wealth isn't necessarily for our good pleasure first. First, it all belongs to God. And if you were blessed once to get where you are, I would hope that you would believe that if you gave as prompted, that you believe He could bless you again.

Our lives are hidden in Christ. Our hearts should be learning to mirror His heart. Our desires should be learning to mirror His desires.  

All the 4 Gospels show clearly how reliant Jesus was concerning talking to His Father daily.  

If indeed you're seeking a peace that passes all understanding, you need to begin in heart-to-heart prayer. 

Jesus wants our heart-to-heart and will take care of our needs before we even ask. Note that wants aren't necessary a part of that equation. Wants are options not necessities. 

"Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6.

Right now is the time to be working on a right relationship with Jesus. 

Right now is the time to be real with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

Right now. Not later. Not when you have time. Because if you wait for when you have time you'll never have the time. 

Remember that Satan's minions are going to probably leave you alone if you're already doing what they would rather you be doing...not investing in your walk with Jesus.  

Not communicating with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Not making your walk with Jesus as important as it ought to be.

And before panic of any kind tries to set in...remember that Jesus is always on time. Not early, not late, on time...His time. Scripture says that we know He knows our needs before we do. Be thanking God for that.  

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine oh what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long...praising my Savior all the day long. 

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

A Song in Your Heart

A Song in Your Heart 

by David Brenneman 

"After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Mark 14:26.

      Praise is greatly honoring to God! In the Old Testament account of King Jehoshaphat, God's people faced a seemingly  insurmountable enemy who was determined to destroy them. Yet God assured them that they would "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:17). The people of Judah

believed God. Their army was led by singers, offering praises to the Lord for their promised victory, and the victory came. When King David led the procession bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, he praised God with all of his strength (2 Samuel  6:12-23). David's praise was pleasing to God, and God's powerful presence remained in David's kingdom to give him victory against every enemy.

      Jesus was about to go to Gethsemane and to the Cross, where God's greatest victory would be accomplished. He led His disciples to sing a hymn. The disciples were all about to fail Him, and Jesus was about to be cruelly executed, yet Jesus insisted that they praise God. Their praise looked beyond the cross to God's ultimate victory. Praise is rooted not in circumstances of the moment but in the nature and trustworthiness of God.

      You ought to rejoice when God asks you to proceed in the work of His kingdom because you know the victory is already secured. Don't focus on the problems and failures of others. Focus on God's assurance of victory. If you have trouble praising God with a song in your heart as you serve Him, it may be that your focus is not on God, but on your circumstances.

-Experiencing God Day-by-Day Devotional Blackaby and Blackaby 

There are days where I wake up with a song, a hymn or just a chorus playing in my mind. Sometimes, but not all the time.  

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:19-20.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16.

"Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts. Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy Before the Lord, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness." Psalms 96:1-13.

"O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him." Psalms 98:1.

Think there's more than a few places where this is where our hearts are directed?

These are but a few examples. In Heaven we read of praising Him all the time. Revelation speaks of the praising going on around the Throne of God.

When mowing season begins this is a special time of just taking an hour or so to listen to praise and worship music. I can sing along and it won't drive anyone away over the sound of the mower.  

In sickness and in health we often hear at times of a wedding vow. Yet when we read of the acts of the Apostles whether they were chained to a wall or on their own. Whether they were not doing so well or they were feeling good, they praised God in their circumstances. 

Note the timing of Jesus after the Last Supper...He had them sing before He was betrayed. Peter was on the ropes shortly thereafter. When you consider it, he went through a much shortened version of a Job experience. Both were sifted by Satan with restrictions. 

Paul, as we read later, saw the value of praising God in song. 

What can wash away my sin...nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again...nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow! No other fount I know. Nothing but the blood of Jesus!.

Hallalu, Hallalu, Hallalu, Praise Ye the Lord! Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O earth– His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory; strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children; in His arms He carries them all day long.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness.

Praise Him! Praise Him ever in joyful song!

These and so many more are those that can lift up a soul when life is listing to one side, where and when things aren't going as well as we would like. 

While there's something to be said for newer songs the old hymns reach deep inside where many of those don't seem to go.

When we're setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world...we find praise happening. 

We find a peace that passes all understanding. We find ourselves in a place we cannot explain yet love to be in because it feels like Jesus has His arms wrapped around us just as He did when the children came to Him. 

The when and where often can change the ways people see us and make them want to know why we are how we are being. 

"But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”" Acts 16:25-30.

Part of our testimony could be our joyful song at the right time to disarm those around us.  

While we may not see it, we often make a difference when we least expect it.  

In good times and not so good times it's often a song that can turn the tide in how we find success in our walk with Jesus. 

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 

When Silence is All You Have

When Silence is All You Have
by David Brenneman

"I called him but he did not answer me." Song of Solomon 5:6c.

      Prayer sometimes waits, like a beggar at the palace gate, until the King comes out to give her the blessings she seeks. The Lord, when He has given great faith, has been known to test that faith with long delays. He has allowed His servants ' voices to echo in their ears as if from a sky of brass. They have knocked at at the the golden gate, but it has been immovable, as though it were rusted on its hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, "You have hidden yourself in a cloud so our prayers cannot reach you (Lamentations 3:44 NLT).
      True saints have continued in long, patient waiting without a reply-- not because their prayers were weak or because they were unaccepted, but because it pleased Him as a sovereign Lord. He gives according to His own pleasure. Shouldn't He do as He chooses with His own people?  Beggars must not
be choosers as to the time, place, or form of God's answers.
      But we must also be a careful not to assume that delay in God's answers is denial. God's bills will be paid on time; we must not allow Satan to emphasize unanswered prayers and shake our confidence in the God of truth.
      Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers they are not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King's archives. There is a registry in the court of heaven where every prayer is recorded.
      Frustrated believer, your Lord has a bottle in which the tears of your sacred grief are stored, and a book in which your holy groaning is recorded (see Psalm 56:8). In time, your appeal will prevail. Can't you be content to wait a a little while? Won't your Lord's timing be better than yours? Before long He will appear, to your soul's great joy and comfort. He will make you put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put on the fine, scarlet linen of your prayers' realization.
-C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening.

We are absolutely going to go through seasons of life where we think that it's too quiet between us and Jesus.  That our prayers don't seem to be noticed by Him.  That maybe there's something wrong with us.  Down the rabbit hole of emotions we go.

Let's begin where we should, shall we?

"Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:5.

"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.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.  A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.  A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." Hebrews 10:36.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;  not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." Romans 12:10-13.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope." Psalms 130:5.

These passages, plus the keeping of their respective contexts, are from a search in the Bible app on trusting His timing.

Let us also not forget “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.

Reflect on this: "Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways." Proverbs 23:26.

As I am attempting to write down the testimony of my life in Christ for my book, it's important to recognize the fingerprints of God.

My Dear Reader if indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus His fingerprints are all over your heart and life.  There's nothing that involves your growing in Christ that doesn't have His finishing touches on it concerning you.

Whether or not we perceive His working in our lives, He is.  Whether or not we understand the delays or the no's, we don't need this perception or this understanding in order to trust and obey.

A family Doctor brought his daughter to work one day.  He had her stay in his office while he saw his patients.  An elderly man was being seen and they were talking about God and how He understands our needs before we know and we should trust Him in providing.  The elderly man wasn't quite getting it. After all we were indeed supposed to work at life.  There was a gentle knock at the door that lead to his office.  The Doctor bid them come.  It was obviously his daughter but he introduced her just the same.  She made sure to get her Dad's attention by pointing to her shoes.  He simply smiled and said ok, when he was done they would go take care of it.  She just hugged him and said goodbye to the patient and went back to playing in the office with the door closed.  The Doctor saw the somewhat confused look on his patient's face.  He explained that just like our going to the Father for what we're praying for such did his daughter just now.  She had let him know that she would like new shoes and he let her know that he would take care of her at a better time.  She believed me and is going about her day until my timing is right. 

In much the same way we need to recognize Jesus's supreme authority in our lives.  Not just as our personal Lord and Savior but as our provider.  We don't know what He has in mind for you and I.  There could be something greater in mind for us or that something He's planning would be disruptioned by our answer in that moment.

Remember, my Dear Reader, our personal comfort isn't His highest priority for us. His priority is that our lives would glorify His Father.  We are promised that only through various trials and tribulations that we would enter into Heaven.  We're simply not going to get everything we wish for nor should we expect to.  We're not going to get what we want when we want it just because we want it.

Our lives in Christ may seem quiet.  But we by no means should take that to mean that He's not working.

I love watching woodworking shows and videos.  Many times a woodworker must glue and clamp a piece and patiently wait until the time is right to go further.

We also sometimes ask in prayer for probably really good things.  In another time in history likely really really beneficial things.  But in the time in which we live the answer we want would conflict with the work of God in either our lives or the present or future lives of people destined for salvation in Christ Jesus.

I have actually had many opportunities denied and have been told by the Spirit in response to some of my desires in prayer that very thing.   While my ideas would in fact work they would mess up what He's doing with mankind.

Your life in Christ is destined to be an abundant life.  As Mark Lowry said, first you have to know what life is.  It's a running series of ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valley's.  When you come to Christ, everything is amplified.  Higher highs and lower lows, greater mountain peaks and lower valley's.  It's life more abundant. 

Silence isn't necessarily a no.

God answers all prayers.
It's either a yes, a no, a not right now or wait, I have something better in mind.

We must trust that core truth that Jesus is the promise keeper.

When we see His hands and when we don’t. 

We must really remember that in these seasons of potential uncertainty that His love for us has never and can never change.

As it's written, be sure of your salvation, then live it out.

We must trust that He knows best.
We must not walk by sight but by faith.
We must remember He has His best in mind for each of us whether we can comprehend it or not.

Don't give up praying.  Daniel prayed a long time before his response came.  Jesus eluded to much prayer being required to cast out some kinds of demons.  We are taught that the fervent prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much.  Fervent implies persistent, consistent.

Don't give up on God your Savior.  He will never give up on you.

Don't despair of your present condition but keep the right attitude in mind of praising Him in the storm. 

Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.

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

Are You Really Ready?

Are You Really Ready?

by David Brenneman 

Many THINK they might be ready for to hear that trumpet sound to call us all home to be with Jesus...but are you?

Jesus said that the Father has fixed a day, set a day, established a day when Jesus will arise from His Throne to call all of His Bride the Church home to be with Him forever. The dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive and remain will join them in the air. 

You who are saved in Christ Jesus believed in coming to Him to be saved...are you as firm in believing that any day could be that day of His return for you?

That day. Oh that wonderful glorious day. That day when the Church of Jesus Christ is all together in glorified bodies to forever be with Jesus!

No more pain, no more anguish, no more battles with sin to occupy our days. No more fears, no more sadness, no sorrows to see as the hymn says. 

Are you really ready for today to be that day? It could happen. Those in the early Church were taught to perpetuate the thought to all generations to be ready. To live life in such a way as to honor Jesus at all times in all ways. 

Our lives aren't our own. We were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Our lives are supposed to be transformed lives into the character of Christ. That workmanship that He began when we came to Him to be saved and to receive the free gift of salvation will be completed on the day of the Rapture of the Church.

We are not promised health, wealth or prosperity, we are promised to go through things, in all those areas and more in order to become more like Jesus Christ. We are going to go through everything we need to go through in order to have there be less of us and more of Jesus Christ. 

I saw a correlation between the first time Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments and way people will be, according to the Scriptures, when Jesus returns. They say pretty much the same thing. 

"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." 2 Peter 3:3-9.

"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Exodus 32:1.

Jesus likewise said that it would be like the days of Noah. People marrying and being given in marriage. People doing whatever was right in their own eyes.  

We live in those days. We are among those believing and saying the same things that both the children of Israel and those in 2 Peter's account are saying.  

Are you among those that live a life in Christ yet live it for yourself as well? Or are you daily looking for the return of Jesus, giving your best as unto the Lord in all that He gives you to be doing? Further, are you sure you are truly a Christian? As Dr. David Jeremiah said in a sermon, you aren't a Christian for anything you have done or grew up in. It doesn't matter if your parents or grandparents were Christians. Doesn't matter if you grew up in the Church. Doesn't matter. You must have come to the place where Jesus became the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. You must choose to ask Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior.  

If you really have not, then you are running out of time. There's no way that anyone has ever lived a good enough life to get into Heaven. Only those who have truly come to Christ for salvation have had their names written in His book of life. Countless billions of people who lived good lives are in Hell right now and that number is ever increasing every single day.  

Believers are to be praying for those yet lost souls in the world today because the day is drawing near to when the door of opportunity will be closed. 

My prayer for this blog is to help people to either come to Christ for salvation or maybe point them back to Jesus. 

You, my Dear Reader, are GOING to stand before Jesus either as a blameless child of God in Christ or as one forever guilty of your own sins. No one's names who aren't found in Jesus's book of life will ever see His Heaven.   

Are you really ready for today to be that day? Are you, who are reading this and have made that profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins, living life striving to please Him in all that you do?  

"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.

Salvation in Christ Jesus is the only way to not stand before Jesus guilty of sin.  

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

"Living for Jesus a life that is true,

striving to please Him in all that I do,

yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

this is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,

I give myself to Thee;

for Thou, in Thine attonement,

didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other master;

my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ, for Thee alone." 

- from Living for Jesus, 1917, Thomas Chisholm. 

No one knows when, but be assured, it's going to happen.

Just as assuredly as the sun rises and sets, there's a day set by the Father’s own authority when the Son of God will return for His Church. They will not see the cataclysmic judgments that will come shortly thereafter upon all who are alive and have rejected the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Church of Jesus Christ will not be here when Judgement will rain down on this Earth. 

Be sure of your salvation in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins. Live each day for Jesus and in Him. 

"My life I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ, for Thee alone."

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 

When You Pray, When You Are Under Fire

When You Pray, When You Are Under Fire
by David Brenneman

"But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.  I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about.  Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.  Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah." Psalms 3:3-8.

The truth of life for all Believer's is that you're going to go through many types of trials and tribulations in order to enter into the rest that's available only in Heaven.  Acts 14:22.

We shouldn't be surprised as we read that it says:  "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." 1 Peter 4:12-13.

Keeping these things in mind:
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4.

And then:

"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.  For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.  But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.  So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:5-17.

We CAN, through Christ who strengthens us, combat what the world and Satan's schemes drum up against us.  We most certainly should keep in mind we will NOT be immune to trials and the tribulations that are SUPPOSED to come upon us for our need is great to become purified in Christ to become more like Christ. 

We are, likely, hardly scratching the surface of our need for sanctification in Christ.  We are all different and on differing levels of growth in Christ.  We ought to be making it our goal in life to set our goals as being what Jesus wants for us rather than anything that anyone says otherwise.

So keep in mind you SHOULD be going through various trials and tribulations.  If you aren't, most certainly ask Jesus about it since His Word says that is the path we take to Heaven and His presence.

It's also how we are in Christ before others that shows them just what a victorious life in Christ looks like.

Temptations come to everyone, both the saved and the unsaved alike.  How we deal with them as followers of Jesus Christ shows where our hearts are.

What Paul wrote of in Ephesians 6 about the whole armor of God wasn't an optional suggestion meant only for 'front line' people in serving God.  Newsflash: EVERYONE who is saved in Christ Jesus IS on the front lines in spiritual warfare.  That whole armor of God is for everyone to be in at all times. 

Many in this world who are Christians, whether new or long-time, as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ are surprised when various things happen to them. 

While we live, we should expect them. As my Saturday Morning Men's Group leader is fond of reminding us: God has no problems, only situations.

You too WILL and SHOULD have situations in your life.  They're meant to grow you with respect to your salvation.  You face what YOU do when you do because WHAT you face the Lord’s prepared for you because in this here this now you're ready for it.  You may not think so, you may question it extensively, but you're ready for what He's allowed you to experience. 

Remember, my fellow Believers, everything we face in life has to be approved by our Savior and Lord before it gets to us.  We are in His hands. 

It's incredibly difficult at times to remember that.  In the moment we forget a lot of things. 

Just hold onto the truths of the promises of God in Christ Jesus.

There's no way that you can review your life and find a single instance of Jesus ever failing you by not keeping His promises to you.

When we pray, be thankful for what you are going through in your life.  Let it draw you closer to Jesus.  Remember He's allowing what you're experiencing to give you the opportunity to love Him even more.  Never to push you away.

And it's perfectly alright if none of what you are going through makes any sense at all. 

A very absolute truth is if God leads you to it, He will see you through it.

The Lord lead the children of Israel through all that Pharaoh did to them in His judgments.  He didn't lead them to the Red Sea to abandon them to die.  He split the sea and lead them through on dry ground.  Not even damp ground.  Not soggy ground.  Dry ground.  To the last detail they were cared for in their salvation from Pharaoh.

We will not be abandoned in whatever we go through in life by our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Be sure to thank Him when next you pray!

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