A Scribe on the Wall

Several years ago now, I believe that God gave me a message, He would be telling me things and it was up to me to tell others. To me, it's much like the Watchman on the Wall as described in the Old Testament. The Watchman was told that it was on him to warn others about any approaching dangers. God's apparently gifted me with being able to type and write. So I put the old definition of a writer along with the concept of a watchman together. Jesus is coming soon...are you ready?

Friday, July 3, 2026

You Do Not Know When But Should Believe It's Coming

by David Brenneman

"(“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”)" Revelation 16:15.

*Life Principles Bible Study Notes for 16:15-We must be ready for Christ's return, whenever He comes back. We are to remain faithful, completing whatever tasks He gives us, so that "we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming"

(1John 2:28).*

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 24:42-51.

"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 3:8-9.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Would you be ready right here right now to go to be with Jesus?

Would you be among those screaming at the top of your lungs for Him to come back? Because that indeed is what's going to happen 1 second after the Rapture of the Church takes place.

People so bent on living life like that day won't happen in their lifetime or think that they'll have enough time before they die to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ...are the foolish of this world.

Read a bit earlier in 2 Peter from where we just read and you'll find this "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." 2 Peter 3:3-7.

What preparations could you possibly make to get ahead of the twinkling of an eye?

The human eye blinks from between 100 to 400 milliseconds. The time it takes light to hit the eye and reflect back is measured in picoseconds. A trillionth of a second.

There's no humanly way possible to have that kind of accuracy to know when Jesus will come back.

The best way is to give up putting off coming to Christ for salvation and receive His free gift.

My Dear Reader you must choose to receive it. You must ask Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. Your Aunt, your Grandmother, your Father, your siblings, your Grandfather even...your best friend or Pastor cannot save a single person. Only through faith and trust in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross of calvary through His sinless death, and resurrection from the dead, saves.

Why this delay in His coming? Because there's yet still people who are still coming to their senses and are coming to Christ for salvation.

"For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14.

You have but to admit He's right, that you are a sinner in need of salvation. To ask Him to forgive you and to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.

Why be foolish and keep putting off what you cannot possibly get ahead of? Why keep ahold of a life that isn't going to save you? Why resist the perfect love of Christ who is waiting for you?

My Dear Reader my purpose in writing all of this is to help you understand that Jesus loves you and wants to be saved. He wants to share the love of His Father with you. Wants to show you and give you a life that your wildest dreams could never prepare you for.

Jesus loves you, but you too must come to Him to be saved in order to receive that to the full as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

As we've been reading...so it is in reality...what's causing His return to be delayed? Possibly you. Until the last person who is to be saved is saved He will delay His coming. After this last person comes to Christ for salvation...the wrath of God will be descending upon the world as written in Revelation, Ezekiel and other places in the Scriptures. This truth is as rock solid as His crucifixion and resurrection.

Only you can ask for you to be saved.

Only you can choose life in Christ.

For you do not know the day or the hour...so...take it from Jesus Himself:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Matthew 24:36-39.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

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Thursday, July 2, 2026

That Which Will Matter Before Jesus

by David Brenneman

"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:4-27.

There's going to be no acceptable excuse before Jesus when we give an account of our lives before Jesus for not following through with utilizing the gifts we were given by the Spirit. There's going to be no acceptable excuse for not taking the time to grow in Christ as well.

Many times it's going to take time to draw out these we were gifted with in order to use them properly. We can expect great opposition to their proper use. The last thing the enemies of the cross of Jesus Christ want is our living in the truth.

Some do not like the tools of finding out what your spiritual gift or gifts are but they can make your ability to obey in them all the more applicable.

Being extremely careful in our world today to not use the potential tools of our world with reckless abandon should be of great concern to each of us in Christ.

We should always keep in mind that it's not our standard of measurement that will be used when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives...but it will be Christ who is truth who will only use God's own truth to see things properly.

Many in this generation and the few generations before are running after short-cuts to obeying God.

Anything worth doing is worth going through at the pace and intensity the Spirit is directing.

When we know what we've been gifted with in the Lord we most certainly should be believing we should not be wise in our own eyes as to how to use it.

Prayer is required before jumping in. In this I speak from experience. While it is possibly expected to have a level of excitement about knowing, my Dear Reader, don't get ahead of God. I did and for over 10 years I was going through a life that I wished wouldn't go on anymore.

Praying to know and being wise enough to ask how Jesus wants it to be used is paramount.

Again because we will one day stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives, of what we did in our lives for Jesus. Of how we used what we were blessed with.

Remember the parable of the talents. Remember what Jesus said of those who obeyed in His instructions and those who didn't.

My encouragement is for you to pray to understand and once you have understanding to do whatever you've been given as unto the Lord.

Being careful to walk in your integrity in Christ. Remembering that which is coming for all who believe.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

The Way...of Life in the Lord

by David Brenneman

"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 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. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:4-21.

Some like or even love "Bible" to mean "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth".

There's more to it than just the basics. It contains everything pertaining to life in Christ Jesus in all godliness. A life approved in Christ.

Temptations the world over exist to take shortcuts to living a life in Christ. Countless books written on how to "just do this and you won't have to do that" kind of thinking.

What's of great concern is being on the lookout for our walk with Jesus being what it should be, not what we think it should look like. Of being ever watchful of the apostasy that the Bible says is GOING to infiltrate the Church.

We have to be living life in Christ in the way that the Scriptures say, not necessarily what people say, it should look like.

If our endeavors aren't glorifying God why are we pursuing them? If what we do is potentially sacrilege why are we risking it?

Am reminded of something I read the other day of how much and how often people's prayers are wrapped around God getting them out of situations rather than seeing them through them. Of how what God brings into our lives is meant to change us for the better in Christ.

We are part of His body if indeed we are in Christ. Yet people do try to create divisions within it where the Spirit says there are none to be had.

We aren't looking deeper into the things of God that make for growing in Christ because they will mean we need to change.

We would rather see those around us happy, at times, than our Savior who wouldn't be pleased with what we've embraced in life.

Scripture says to examine ourselves to see if we're really in Christ. Looking for the fingerprints of God on us.

The Way is supposed to be different.

The Way is going to be the less traveled road because the world isn't traveling it. The world is on the fast-track to Hell.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14.

Would a Godly review of our life reveal how well its interwoven with Jesus or would there really be a severe absence of Him?

Are you looking forward in your days to your walking with Jesus or to what you will accomplish for you?

The narrow road is ours to walk.

A life in Christ is meant to and is supposed to be different.

When Jesus reviews your life it will be what you did from your heart for Him that was in accordance with the instructions you were given through the Spirit that you obeyed in that will matter.

Which road are you on?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Be Different

by David Brenneman

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either." Luke 6:27-29.

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-36.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

Our online world has been putting kerosene, gasoline and every other kind of combustible material on people's ability to rage against people.

Even professing Believers are sucked into the fray and malign the reputation of Jesus Christ by doing so.

Jesus spoke these words and through the Spirit, Paul wrote what he did...as both warning and instruction.

Never will you find any instance in the life of Jesus Christ where He ever uttered the words "I hate you" or any such thing towards anyone.

Never would you find Him stirring the pot, so to speak, concerning those whom His Father placed in authority over Him during His time here on Earth. Nor do we ever find it in the Scriptures as a teaching to behave in such an ill mannered way.

We just read what we're to do and be like. To behave in any other such way is to grieve the Holy Spirit since we're soiling the reputation of Jesus Christ by words and deeds.

This is one particular reason why I do not participate in political discussions. Because people become inflamed over this person or that person.

To behave in such a way is to throw out the Word of God! You and I just read what we're to be doing: Praying for those who are in authority over us.

Take it down a different path and this covers road rage, and bitterness towards another human being of any kind. Regardless of what circumstances, Christ died for those whom cross our paths just as He did for us. To place ourselves above others is exactly what He meant by not judging others. We are all sinners before a Holy God. Those who are saved are only righteous by the imputed righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We tarnish that righteousness when we join the world in our treatment of others.

In this our 250th anniversary as a nation we need indeed to remember that this nation was founded on prayer. Prayer forged the Declaration of Independence. Prayer framed the Constitution.

This deviciveness, this dividing and not building up of others, this raging towards those whom Christ died for...is the work of Satan. Satan's schemes involve separation of people by whatever means he is allowed. To spread lies. To deceive. To keep people from the knowledge of the truth of God in Christ Jesus. He is the destroyer of families and relationships.

We are aiding and abetting the enemy of God by participating in such behavior!

You cannot profess to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit or your neighbor as yourself if you are raging or are choosing to be embittered against, looking down upon, people.

Consider your ways is what the Scriptures say, which by direct reasoning, means the Spirit is telling us to consider our ways.

The Spirit is trying to work the works of God in Christ Jesus in us and can only do so through our obedience to God's Word.

We are all tempted to rage, to get upset, to deal with others in anger. We laugh at what 'content' people are creating to laugh at people raging against people.

Consider your ways...would Jesus appreciate or approve?

We're called to be different.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Monday, June 29, 2026

Growth Through Relationships

by David Brenneman

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Proverbs 27:6a.

One of two things is true about the person who has never received guidance from another person: either that person is perfect and has never needed guiding or correcting, or that person doesn't have anyone in his or her life willing to risk the possibility of a negative response from the "correctee." Since we know there are no perfect people, guess which one is true?

The book of Proverbs says, in more than one way, that we are

fortunate if we have a friend who loves us enough to guide and correct us. No one would allow another person to unknowingly make a serious mistake, like taking the wrong turn on a long car trip.

Yet how often do we fail to give guidance to others when they are

threatening to derail their own spiritual journeys? When we need

guidance, we should ask someone who has been where we are or

has a deeper knowledge of God and His Word. We should receive it gently, humbly, and with love. Guidance especially unsolicited

guidance should be given with the same characteristics

Do you need guidance or know someone who does? God gives "parts" to the body of Christ so the whole may be healthy. Don't fail to do your part when it comes to guidance-whether giving or receiving.

- Walking with God, Dr. David Jeremiah.

We often are in need of help...but can be too stubborn to ask or honestly too stupid to listen. Dr. Jeremiah is spot on with this devotional.

In my life there's been several whom actually tried to get to know me who were this close as friends. Of late that isn't as deep a pool as it once was. The irony is those whom still do know me well live a great distance away. Some who did, it appears, that God's moved on from my life either for my good or for theirs.

But my Dear Reader we do need to hear from Godly people. Be it Godly men teaching, mentoring, men or Godly women teaching, mentoring, only women for Scripture is clear that women aren't to be teaching men.

We need our circles. Jesus's pattern was Peter, James and John, then the next was the whole 12, then those outside of these.

We are here, after all to grow in Christ until our time on Earth is through. We are here, the midst of this, to help others grow in Christ as well. As some have taken to saying it: disciples making disciples.

We are to put what the Spirit is teaching us as our highest priority.

These of whom I speak are both knowledgeable enough about me to be completely honest and truthful but they also do it in love.

Many whom I know are somewhat close but not near as close as those whom I refer to who are far away.

One of the worst examples that had happened in my life decades ago was people willing to literally judge my life's journey and start on me about how this and that needs to change without ever truly knowing me.

To be truthful with you, I sorely miss the close company of several men who used to be involved in my life. Without going into details the separation just is honestly painful. Time passed can be as bad or worse than distance without communicating. A few have an excellent excuse...the Lord took them home to be with Him.

My Dear Reader find the Godly men for men, women for women, that He has placed in your life to help you to grow in Christ.

Scripture says "For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 3 John 1:3-4.

We provide great joy to Jesus when we are walking in His truth.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Love one another enough to help one another grow in Christ.

Be in each other's lives as Christ would be. My long distance brothers in Christ are often communicating more than those nearby but that's ok.

My Savior says that He will never leave me nor forsake me, and the same goes for you if you're among the saved in Christ Jesus.

Longing for what used to be takes your eyes off of what the Spirit is doing right now in our lives.

Paul refers to this as a correct attitude in Christ: "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 3:13-14.

Spend your time with Jesus if there's no one close enough to share your life with. I miss nothing by taking more time in my evenings studying God's Word. I miss nothing by getting up early to read His Word and to write these posts.

While I still miss the kind of companionship I used to have, I will rejoice in the Lord that I have Jesus...as should you.

We are still here to grow in Christ and to point people to Jesus for salvation. "Come and see!" should be interwoven into our lives in Christ.

"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.

"A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Sunday, June 28, 2026

What God Has Planned Vs Your Plans

by David Brenneman

"The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."

1 Corinthians 12:11.

Do you realize that there's a ministry that God has planned in advance for you to accomplish? That may sound like it's true for people called to be pastors, ministers, and missionaries, but perhaps you are doubtful about yourself. Yet the Father has opportunities to serve designed especially for you-where your unique mix of talents, personality, and spiritual giftedness would be perfect for the task. He has placed you in this specific time and among specific people to be His representative. That's why He grows you spiritually-so that you'll be able to minister to others with supernatural wisdom, compassion, and generosity.

Do not miss the important word used in that last sentence: supernatural. That's because God Himself inspires and empowers you for the job by His Spirit. Stay connected to Him and He will

show you what to do. And when you serve others under the Lord's guidance and by the power of His Holy Spirit, their lives will be transformed eternally.

So how has the Lord directed you to represent Him to others? Do not fear what He's calling you to do. Depend on the Holy Spirit to work through you and trust Him to bring Himself the glory.

Jesus, I will serve as You desire. Work through me, Lord.

-Trusting God with Today.

We like to think we're in charge of our destiny. That we can direct our lives towards whatever dreams may come to us.

Yet, in the Lord, this isn't to be so. We come to Christ, we bow before His Throne to have His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

We come to Christ for salvation and then begin the real journey of life in what He's prepared beforehand so that we may walk in the path of life He now reveals to us.

As we go through school we get encouraged to dream and to eventually choose a career path. Then we graduate and maybe go onto further education or right into the job market.

The real deal is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

We need to firmly understand what it is He's given us to be doing and then to do it as unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

In my life I have had many jobs and have learned many things that are unique. In my current job I am using elements of those past experiences to yes perform the job and for the pay they give me. However, my real God-given reason for being there are the people more than the job. The mission of the Spirit of God is to continue what Jesus began that He first received from the Father. Point people to Jesus. Show them a still better way. Build relationships that may indeed be eventually eternal.

Your God-given purpose will include reaching people for Christ. It will include you living out loud for Christ your Savior.

I certainly went through a bit of heavy training while unemployed. Just not what most think of. Spiritual training. Learning more of what it is that I am here for and what my purpose under Heaven is to be and how to embrace my calling in the Lord.

Building relationships begins the process of showing them Jesus and why He's so important to our lives.

To be doing what I do is amazing in and of itself but who I get to build relationships with is more important.

You are given people to build relationships with. Be they Believers or the as yet undecided you do have a God-given purpose of building relationships. Read the Gospels...all throughout these we read of that being one of the highest priorities of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We aren't to compromise or decide who is or isn't worthy of a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are to have the character of Christ, to follow in His footsteps. While there will be people who reject Christ its never for us to decide for them.

Prayer is where you put the divinely given key to unlock the door of your purpose in Christ. You have to seek what yours is and then once you have it, do it to the best of your ability, as unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture says "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.".

No one who is among the saved in Christ Jesus has nothing to do in Christ. Not a single person.

No one is to go it alone in Christ either. No one is to avoid following Christ in building relationships.

You want to bring joy to Jesus? Do what you're here to be doing in the Lord to the best of your ability in order to please Him.

If what you're doing in life isn't honoring these truths, you really need to reconsider your ways and see if you've been denying or rejecting your spiritual calling that you HAVE been called to be doing.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Obey Rather Than Avoid

by David Brenneman

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8.

"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4.

Conflict and confrontation are probably the two biggest things that people try the hardest to avoid. They try to steer conversations and situations towards a peaceful resolution.

But what if that kind of resolution isn't what will glorify God?

Quite often we look for a peaceful option rather than to fully obey what the Spirit is telling us to do.

There's times when confrontation is necessary and needed in order to bring about the righteous life that God desires for us and others.

There's also what we read here: "Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22.

There will be times when you are to stand your ground in the Lord and not give way to popular thinking. Just because going with the flow can appear appealing doesn't mean that it is the right thing to do.

To do as our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...we must be prepared to take the hard road to reach people for Christ. Our taking a firm stand in the Lord might be what some on-the-edge unbelieving person needs to see in order to become a believer.

We who are in Christ are being watched and not just by God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are being watched by a world destined for the wrath of God.

Over and over again in the Old Testament we find king after king failing to obey the word of God because they thought that they knew better than God. Essentially that is what they did. They didn't think to ask the Lord so went their own way.

We read of these apparently harsh words in the book of James but as harsh as they may be they're there to evoke a godly response.

We are to work at building relationships but not at the expense of our relationship with Jesus.

We are to, as much as it is possible, to live at peace with those in our lives, but in standing firm in the Lord that may not be possible.

We are to work at growing in Christ by the Word of God and prayer. Making these our highest priority.

We are to let our light shine in this condemned world to attract people to Jesus.

Doing our best at what we're lead to be doing as unto the Lord first and foremost. Regardless of what we think of the worthwhileness of what we're doing is. The value is found in the obedience not in the work itself.

If it's doing something other than what we were hired to do and it's breaking no policies or laws, do your best at it as unto the Lord.

There's to be a definitive separation between our lives and the world.

Our conviction in what we believe and our adherence to the Word of God should be what the unbelieving world should see.

If the unbelieving world around you cannot see a difference between you and them then my Dear Reader you're not representing Christ.

Resisting the devil is what we're called to be doing. The verse doesn't say "if it sounds good or feels alright in the moment steer clear of the devil if you can do that it would be great". Expect to have a confrontation with the forces of darkness around you.

You're to be representing Christ in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven...they're there to make it more difficult to do that. They're there to ruin your testimony before men and women. They are there to shut you up. More than that they're there to ruin any future good you might be doing in the Lord.

Dear Reader, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. We are going to run up against those who are against our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We are victorious only in the Lord.

We take such matters to the Lord in prayer.

We aren't to compromise and do what feels good in the moment in order to get away.

We're to do as the Spirit directs us to be doing in our lives in all things in all our ways...as it says elsewhere...it is the Lord God whom we serve.

This world needs to see Jesus in us. This world is perishing. This world's days are numbered. This world isn't getting any better its progressively getting worse. The Rapture of the Church is coming soon and the Church needs to stand firm in the Lord in the face of such battles that are here now and are coming.

Lastly, avoiding what it is that the Spirit is directing you to go through, will mean that you will keep repeating the same thing until you obey.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

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