He Knows Your Ways, Knows Your Thoughts and Intentions

He Knows Your Ways, Knows Your Thoughts and Intentions 

by David Brenneman 

"The mind of man plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps." 

Proverbs 16:9.

     Some believers live in bondage to the idea that they should not plan ahead or look forward to the future because they don't know what God has in store for them. The good news is that God didn't design faith to operate that way. He instilled within you the desire to work and be forward-thinking; He wants you to anticipate His good plans for tomorrow.

     This doesn't mean you inflexibly set your agenda and expect God to bless it. Instead, goals are really a natural outgrowth of godly priorities, the things on which you place the most value. The first step in setting up a list of Christ-centered objectives is

to ensure that your focus lines up with His--you "seek first His

kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). God promises to fill your life with abundance as you learn to love Him first. Then, when your value system is shaped by His, you're on the positive road to godly understanding of what it means to set personal goals that fit His purposes. You're well prepared to make a plan based on His principles and to reach it through the strength, wisdom, and direction He provides.

Jesus, I want to carry out Your plans. Lead me, Lord, I seek

You first and foremost. Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7.

"I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:10.

"‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance," Revelation 2:2a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:9a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:13a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:19a.

"...I know..." Revelation 3:1a.

"...I know..." Revelation 3:8a.

"I know..." Revelation 3:13a.

"And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds." Revelation 2:23.

My Dear Reader...do you really consider your ways before striking out into the day set before you?

Do you really consider what all the Lord Jesus Christ has in mind for you to be doing, all that His Father and ours in Christ as for you to be doing?

Did you ever realize all those passages that you just read say about how much and how deeply the Lord really knows you?

You probably do have ambitions and desires to fulfill today. Did you think to pray about them? It matters not how little or how great those may be, a chief lesson from the Old Testament is those who didn't talk to God about them didn't fare so well. 

King David, for most all his life sought the Lord as to go to his right or his left in decisions he had to make. 

Are you willing to really put your desires, dreams and plans on the altar to let the Lord decide what you should or shouldn't do?

Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness? Are you desiring to abide by His will being done in your life rather than your own?

For these are paramount considerations for the Believer in Jesus Christ, for those whom call Him Savior and Lord.  

I do have a job to go to shortly. I did have a day to prepare for. But I know that I can't step outside my home without Jesus being with me.  

You can't trust you. You really can't and never should. Your trust should be in the Lord with all your heart. He has none of your impediments. None of your blind spots. No sin to tempt. No selfishness to get in the way. 

You may plan your way, but the Lord directs your steps because it is always to be His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven for those who believe. Your path may make no sense to you but in the Lord it makes sense to Him. 

Can you pray this prayer of David?

Can you truthfully and honestly pray "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Psalms 139:23-24.

We can and will fall prey to trusting ourselves because we don't see anything wrong with it.

Before you begin your day...go to the One who knows...knows you knows what's in your day.

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 

Press On, Even When You Can't

Press On, Even When You Can't 

by David Brenneman 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:18-19.

We can be lead to go through much in this life in Christ that we live.  

Perspective is everything in the life of a Believer in Jesus Christ. 

Remembering Psalms 23 and it's impact and importance upon your life in Christ is paramount. 

We often turn inward when various trials come upon us. We lose focus on the Lord Jesus and instead focus on the problems and the associated pains and circumstances.  

If we do truly believe that which we've covered repeatedly "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, then we should be believing the rest of the Scriptures. Not just the Scriptures that we want to accept. 

As a meme said that I found a long time ago "God is not going to rewrite the Bible for your generation. Stop trying to change Scripture when it's written to change you."

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4.

We do get put in some unique, often unexpected, unexplained, circumstances in life. Many, many of these we never would choose to go through. Constant, ongoing, physical pains and problems. Situations that seem to have no end and provide constant grief.  

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5.

Whether it's momentary or not...ours is to persevere and to press on towards the upward call in Christ Jesus for us.  

We must trust that the same God who parted the Red Sea, who saved Noah, his Wife, his sons and their Wives. We must trust, continually, He who went through all He did leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection. We must not give in to despair and fears.  

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5.

The reasons for joy, for exultation, in these things is the realization that in all of these we have Christ with us, in us, and we're never going through these alone. 

"Disappointments are inevitable. Discouragement is a choice." is one of Dr. Stanley's Life Principles.

We have to choose to stay in an unfounded state of discouragement when the Scriptures tell us we don't have to.  

While physical, maybe even mental as well, situations exist...we can still approach the throne of grace. We can still press on even when doing so is a severe challenge. We can because He did. Jesus prayed "yet not My will but Yours be done" when He was talking to His Father. 

Pray through your circumstances.  

Satan's schemes include inducing self-isolation. Self-pity. Self this and self that. Self self self.

Getting us to listen to anything other than the truths of God's Word. Getting us to listen to people other than His Spirit at times. 

Getting us to believe that these pains and circumstances are our world when Jesus is our world. 

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14.

Rejoice always in the Lord. Again I say Rejoice. 

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 

Oh the Wisdom of the Lord

Oh the Wisdom of the Lord 

by David Brenneman 

"Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

"My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; And my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way." Proverbs 23:15-19.

Prepared.  

God does prepare us for our next steps in life. He doesn't just dump a situation on us to see how badly we'll crumble. The work of the Spirit of God is to mold us into the character of Christ. Jesus went through every temptation and was victorious over them. Jesus faced great situations but never knuckled under them. John wrote that which he was lead to write about Jesus and said he easily could have written a whole lot more.

Desires can be either good or bad, depending on who is going to be honored as a result.  

Desires are often what drives us to do good or not. To achieve or to not achieve.  

Setting your desires on whatever we learn that God desires we will never go wrong.  

Solomon started out really well in his commitment to the Lord and over time completely lost his way.  

He let worldly desires push aside the life that the Lord wanted for him. In carefully reading the story of Solomon in 1 Kings you can see many many violations of God's Word. Things he acquired that the Lord said not to. From things to wives.  

We too can allow worldly desires push out God's desire for us. We're not immune to it and we had better understand that Satan's schemes include this particular battle for all who believe. 

Do you want what God wants for you? Even if you don't fully see it now?  

Do you read the letters to the Churches and consider how elements of those warnings and admonitions could be directed at you?

Interestingly enough...Solomon had this to say, even though he didn't live it out, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:23-26

The worst we do is to not pray before jumping into what we think isn't beyond our ability to handle. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:12-13.

This isn't directed just at evangelists, Pastor or teachers.  

This is directed to all Believers. 

The desires of Christ are towards those who are perishing. The desire of the Father is the same.

When the Church is complete...all these desires we see in this world...will be shattered from the ground up.  

So what good is it to crave what the world craves?  

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. These things are those things that will grow us in Christ. To make us better Ambassadors for Christ. To be lights in our dark world. 

In James we read "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 1:5-8.

It still is being asked: Do you desire what Jesus desires? Do you put that before your own desires?

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

That Cross, Our Cross

That Cross, Our Cross 

by David Brenneman 

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27.

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Matthew 6:9-15.

"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 3:2-4.

There is but there isn't a lot to unwrap in these three sets of the Scriptures. 

The point that's common is that this life we live...well read it here: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

We probably aren't ever considering just how much we're still trying to see our will being done, even in the smallest of ways, rather than that which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wills to be done. 

While having dreams is nice, might even be a good thing, they're not entirely necessary for a successful life in Christ.  

The core truth about OUR dreams is that they must fit in with GOD'S plans.  

What we dreams might indeed be great, wonderful, extremely plausible, beneficial to mankind let alone ourselves. Yet the truth is they're not going to fit in with the Father’s plans for humanity.  

There's still yet to come a 7 year great tribulation. There's still yet after this period a thousand year reign of Jesus Christ here on Earth. These are absolutely immovable points in human history that are going to be coming.  

So what's best? What's best is to check your dreams with God's plans for you. Check your desires with God's plans for you. Don't waste time, energy, resources, on what does not have His blessing. Don't fill your mind, heart, with the useless, fill it with what honors His plans for you.

I have, if it were measured as such, gigabytes and gigabytes of useless data in my head. Wasted time, wasted learning, because those things had nothing to do with taking up my own cross and follow Jesus. Of wasted ventures on both the selfish and perhaps the unselfish things of this world.  

The Disciples were taught to take up their own cross and to follow Jesus. Their lives were spent learning how to live in the character of Christ. They weren't taught to fit in doing their own thing. They were taught to fulfill their purpose in Christ...and to teach others to do the same. 

I am now a year and a half into a morning and evening commitment to spend time in God's Word and a few devotionals. It does mean saying no to many of the more common things the world indulges in. Sometimes it means losing sleep.  

When you read "Your kingdom come, your will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven." do you take that personally or are you just thinking good thoughts about it and perhaps trying to fit that in after you get what you want in life out of the way?

Daniel kept his commitment to pray 3 times a day. His was a heartfelt time of prayer.  

Jesus often got away to talk to His Father, our Father. 

We read in Hebrews 11 of those in the faith who did great things. These are the cloud of witnesses that have shown us all what a more excellent way looks like in the Lord.

My own cross may or may not look like your own cross but there is a cross to bear to follow Jesus. Jesus wasn't making a suggestion when He said it. He wasn't making suggestions when He taught what prayer should include from the heart. Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior never taught suggestions to live the righteous life that God desires for us all.  

It may indeed mean watching your dreams never coming to fruition. Many of mine will only exist in the land of what might have been only because God said no. Which is perfectly fine with me because His will being done is beyond far more important to me.  

Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness is what should be driving us. Prayer with a sincere heart. Keeping our commitment to meet with Him daily. This is the beginning of taking up that cross. 

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 

Where's Your Grace?

Where's Your Grace?

by David Brenneman 

"Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:9-10.

What do people see when they see you? Who do people see when they consider your life?  

Do they see the character of Christ or do they see something darker?  

It's either going to be the light of Jesus Christ or its not.

We certainly aren't a people who follow this: "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 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 1:19-27.

We sure can forget who it is we represent can't we? We sure can miss opportunities to show the light of Jesus Christ can't we?

I too miss opportunities. I too neglect to remember in the heat of the moment. 

This grace we have been given is for us to bestow upon others. 

We, like the one Jesus spoke of in our opening passage, have been forgiven much and should by all means remember this and forgive in the same manner, the same way.

We are not to keep the grace and mercy of God in our hands. We're to give it to those whom the Lord causes to cross our paths.

A year now and it doesn't escape me that the temptation was there and at times is there to retract the forgiveness that I knew that I had to bestow on those who did me wrong. Weekly I still pray for salvation for these people. A reputable source reassured me that I did nothing to contribute to what transpired. Additionally, I believe the Spirit when He too said it wasn't of me, that that situation a year ago was from God. The more important outcome of that particular situation is the continued prayer for the salvation of those involved. 

You may face deeper situations or not so deep. But in everything we face these are just situations in the eyes of Jesus Christ.  

You can either bestow grace and thereby glorify God in your situation or you can withhold it and deal with the consequences of a heart that isn't aligned with the character of Christ.

My personal example is but one. We face situations every single day of every type of thing. If we're walking with Jesus we should be acting in the character of Christ. 

There shouldn't be grumbling or complaining. Shouldn't be outbursts of anger. Shouldn't be us shaking an visible or invisible fist at people we encounter. We should have the mind of Christ. Should be setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. This extensive passage we opened with ties in directly with what Jesus used in His model prayer to teach the Disciples how to pray. If we do not forgive we won't be forgiven. 

Add this to your thoughts today: "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12.

You have the choice to let Jesus shine through you or to hide His light from others by withholding the grace, the unmerited favor, Jesus gave you. 

You.

Jesus forgave you of all your sins so you ought to wholly forgive others who sin against you.  

Give away the grace that was given to you...the Scriptures easily state that there's a lot more where that came from. 

Forgive as you've been forgiven. 

Give away as freely as you have received.  

Walk in the character of Christ. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

The Anger of Man...

The Anger of Man...

by David Brenneman 

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you."Ephesians 4:31.

     Are you struggling with memories of people who've treated you badly? Whether or not you deserved what they did to you, it may still hurt terribly and have continuing repercussions. And it may be difficult to stop thinking about it. Yet God instructs

you to cast off your anger and forgive. But how can you do so-especially if you've been disrespected, treated cruelly, or even outright betrayed? It's not easy, but it is necessary.

     The best way to keep your heart from succumbing to bitterness is to see the Lord's hand in every circumstance that touches your life. Believe that He can work through whatever has been done to

you for your good and His glory- and praise Him. Because when you say to God, "My times are in Your hand" (Psalm 31:15), you acknowledge His ultimate sovereignty over your life and His good plan. You take the power away from your destructive thoughts and give Him room to heal your wounds, deliver you from bitterness, and set you free from whatever bondage is in your life. So regardless of what others have done, forgive them, trust God to vìndicate you in His time, and be grateful that He always has the last word.

Jesus, I will obey You and forgive- -help me to do so completely., Amen. 

-Trusting God with Today. Dr. Charles Stanley. 

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 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 1:19-27.

"The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them." Proverbs 20:12.

"Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you." Proverbs 20:22.

It doesn't take much to find people bent on payback, bent on revenge, for even the most trivial of things. Look at how synonymous "Karen" has become concerning portraying women and now even men as dolts who's anger and self-righteous stances has become. 

Lest we forget: "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7. And: "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:10.

So so many Christians as well neglect these truths. Read how the story ends. Read the letters to the Churches in the book of Revelation.  

My Dear Reader what good is it to maybe gain personal satisfaction for a mere moment but lose out on what the Lord will have accomplished on your behalf that would be more than anything you could possibly have ever considered?

If we set aside whatever is going through our minds and do as commanded...praying for those who persecute you...we would do well. We would be going down the road towards the righteous life that God desires for us.

We likewise would do well to remember that what we read here as well as what else we received through God's Word on the subject aren't suggestions. They're not hints. They're not hacks to get what our sinful hearts are looking for.

We have what Jesus said.

We have to take up our own cross and follow Him. The character of Christ is to be our goal.  

When anger rises...and by far nobody including myself are immune to it...we need to keep firm hold of the word of God in our hearts.  

When we are letting unbridled anger rule we will always fail.

There is a thing as righteous anger. This isn't what we are talking about today. We need to really evaluate our situation before we are going to react or act in anger.  

People the world over put Christians under a microscope.  

People are ready to pounce on professing Christians for their behavior.  

Then we also, as we read earlier, have the Lord Jesus Christ who examines our hearts. 

For those who are saved...His Spirit resides within our hearts. He knows our thoughts and intentions.  

Practice your Spirit empowered ability to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger".  

Broken things from the physical to the relational are strewn about our lives because of anger not held in check. 

Consider before you take a step. 

Consider before you speak a word. 

Take up your own cross and follow 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 

What if You were the Recipient?

What if You were the Recipient?

by David Brenneman 

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:" Revelation 2:1.

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:" Revelation 2:8.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:" Revelation 2:12.

All in all 7 churches were written to and all 7 eventually vanished from the pages of history. 

But what they were written to about wasn't just for them...what they were written to about was words of encouragement and warning to the future church of Jesus Christ...and us.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." is repeated at the end of every letter that John was to write and to take to each church after his time on Patmos was completed. 

The early Church was getting both commendations and condemnation from Jesus. These churches all existed at the same time and yet in retrospect they mirror the various seasons that have come and gone with the universal church. 

You were written to in this final book of the Bible as well as I and everyone who's been a part of it and will be until the Rapture of the Church. 

You could, if you looked, find aspects of the condition of your heart in these letters if you're being honest with yourself. 

The whole of the Bible is a love letter to mankind. Of the rise n fall of mankind because of sin and the redemption plan of God the Father through Jesus Christ.  

Have you ever read through your entire love letter from Jesus?  

If you have not, why not? The Bible wasn't just written, it was inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.  

Your guesses at living the righteous life that God desires for you aren't going to cut it.  

Your reading in your Bible what constitutes the righteous life that God desires for you will.

Jesus loved you enough to die a horrific death to conquer sin, death and the grave and He wrote you all of that and more for you to enjoy and learn from. 

You see, if you have ears to hear, eyes to see, then you have what you need to begin to hear and see what the Spirit has to say to you. 

All Believers can hear and learn from the Spirit of God...if they but open up themselves to be taught. 

Who should care about what they think they'll miss out on should they put their life in Christ first?

Do you really ever consider the Word of God as 'optional' in living life for Christ? Do you ever commit to sitting down to read and then brush it aside because something came on tv or the computer or your phone instead? "I'll catch up tomorrow". Really, my Dear Reader, are you so fully certain that you have a tomorrow? What if God calls you home tonight? Are you really willing to stand before the Author of your life, of the Word of God, and ply an excuse for not taking the time to get to know Jesus better, to walk in His footsteps?

Your letter awaits. 

You were written to.

You are the recipient just as I have been.

You who have ears to hear, hear what is written to the Churches.

Nobody in Christ should be ashamed at His appearing when He returns for His Church...but Scripture indicates many will be.

Will you be among those or will you return to your commitment to learn from the Spirit on how to live a life approved by Jesus Christ?

You are the recipient. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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