Godly Perspective

Godly Perspective
by David Brenneman

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

"He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly,  Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:29-31.

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

"Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?" Proverbs 20:24.

"For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4.

Life Principle 14: God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

In this hurry-up world, waiting for anything can cause us to lose our temper and our good sense more often than we care to admit. Yet the Word of God insists we learn some of life’s greatest lessons while we wait. Though waiting rooms can be hard classrooms, God promises vast reward to those who wait for Him.

When we wait on God …

We discover His will.
God does not allow delay in giving us the desire of our hearts to lead us along. Rather, even as we wait, He reveals His will to us and works all things together for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).

We receive supernatural energy and strength.
As God deepens our relationship with Him through times of waiting, He also increases our energy, faith, endurance, and strength (Isa. 40: 29-31).

We’re victorious in battle.
When we do things our way in our time, we end up defeated. But when we wait on God and obey His commands, He ensures our victory (Prov. 20:22).

We see the fulfillment of our faith.
Though others may encourage us to forge ahead instead of waiting on the Lord, we must remember He’s the only One who can truly help us and who will never let us down (Is. 49:23).

We witness Him working on our behalf.
While we actively wait, God actively works (Is. 64:4). Every single day, we have the greatest Mediator working on our behalf. And even when things seem to go wrong, He’s making sure that everything works according to His purpose. What a wonderful promise!

Although waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the Christian life, it’s not wasted time. God gives us instructions through periods of actively waiting, keeps us in step with His will, prepares us for His answers, and uses the time to sift our motives and strengthen our faith. When we choose to wait on Him, God will use the long pauses in our lives for our blessing—both large and unexpected—if we let Him. - Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Devotional.

Waiting.  I myself as well as most people I have ever met or known do not like the idea of waiting.

For several generations now there are billions of people who detest waiting.  These generations are often referred to as the microwave generations.  Even with the speed of life they’re impatient about how long things take to get done.  2 minutes in a microwave to many is an eternity.

We often go to appointments, from Doctor's offices to tire or brake shops and we check-in and are instructed to wait. 

We get unexpected news and the unfortunate next steps are waiting.

We get to building something new and learn that part of the process the video we followed said is that to get the right results you do these things then wait.

Yet we read in the Bible that we're to wait upon the Lord.  We are to exercise patience.  We are not to make hasty or rash choices or decisions.  Me? Guilty as charged.

In this season of my life waiting has been appointed by God for me.

Ever really consider it that way?

You are driving to an appointment and there's delays and many times frustration sets in.  Then after some time you're moving again with no explanation.  My Dear Reader, that too was of God if you're willing to accept it.

You are having a great day and then all the sudden the unexpected call comes from a friend in need.  This too was from God if you'll accept it.

The things in our lives from the small to the great all come through the hands of Jesus Christ before they get to each and every single Believer in the world.

I am unemployed at this time because of nothing I did wrong.  It has been because My Savior says this is for me right now.  I will indeed be employed again as He sees fit in His timing.  It's on me to keep busy with whatever He puts before me to be doing.  Colossians 3:23-24 tells us that whatever you do, do as unto the Lord because it's Him who we serve.

God always answers prayers with only a certain set of ways.

Yes, No, not right now and wait, I have something better in mind.

Throughout the Scriptures this had always been the way things are. 

Our impatience never speeds up what God had ordained on our behalf.  We can choose to patiently wait upon the Lord or we can literally push Jesus out of the driver's seat and resolve things ourselves.

What a visual huh?

Our impatience is quite literally our pushing Jesus from the driver's seat.

Scripture says that those who wait upon the Lord will be saved. 

Before you take further steps in deciding this or that today, stop and ask Jesus about your next steps.  If He’s not involved you're on shakey ground.  

We are to be followers of Jesus Christ not leaders of Jesus Christ.  He leads, we follow.  Regardless of whether or not it makes sense to us at all.  Job's whole ordeal made no sense.  Daniel spending the night with a bunch of lions made no sense.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in a firey furnace made no sense.  Yet they all kept Lord Jesus as the one leading and all saw the victory.

Perspective is everything.  Praying for and keeping a Godly perspective means everything.

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

Never Forgotten

Never Forgotten
by David Brenneman

"Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.  For each one will bear his own load. The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:2-10.

How far do we as individuals let alone the Church go in bearing one another's burdens? 

Scripturally it's connected to the standard that we reap what we sow more than we sow and much later than we sow.

In Christ, we certainly need each other for uplifting and encouragement, to bestow wisdom and help in times of difficulty. 

Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principle #6 is entirely about the concept of reaping what you sow, more than you sow and much later than you sow.

In our lives we go through things that make absolutely no sense whatsoever.  We are going along in life and all the sudden out of nowhere we're derailed.  The train and cars have left the track.

Was God taken by surprise?  Hardly.
Was God off somewhere else and not doing His job of keeping His promises to us?  Not at all.

The body, as well as the individual cells that make up the body, require situations that make them work together.  In the human body when what is designed by God to do something isn't, muscular atrophy sets in.

We go through times in our lives both for our own growth in Christ as well as others who are in Christ to grow as well.  We can see changes in the here and now and will see things in the future and in retrospect.

It's rather an interesting and yet oftentimes painful prospect and process.  I don't know how my situation in my life right now is going to get set back on the tracks of life.  It is on me to fulfill my obligations to search for a job that my Savior has in mind for me and whatever else needs to be done in our world.  Reaching out to the body of Christ for support and encouragement is necessary when trials come, when adversity happens.  No one in Christ is to go it alone. 

I will admit this has had an impact on my prayer life.  I do find myself pouring out my heart more in my prayers. 

I have partly cloudy days in my clarity of thought in walking in each day.  I know not what each day holds, I only know who holds my days in the palm of His hand.

When we keep pressing on as the Bible says that we are to do, God can and does work with that.  When we collapse in despair rather that seek first His kingdom and His righteousness we lose sight of the Savior.

I would be lying if I said that this wasn't painful.  A dozen or more relationships have been severed all at once in my life.  I have a great difficulty dealing with broken relationships let alone severed relationships of which I have no control over.  Yet in this my Savior has been with me.  I still meet here in the morning to read and write.  I still meet with Him in the evenings to read my Bible studies.  I still pray throughout the day.  Whether or not people call or text, my Savior is but a cry away from my heart.

There's several who have been keeping tabs on me.  Offering what they can in advice and other things. 

My heart will eventually heal and things will eventually change for the better.  Jesus is, after all, the promise keeper.  Always has been always will be.

What Satan's meant for evil God will turn for my good.  My Jesus has never failed and never will. 

Standing on the Promises of God.

In Christ we still have work to do.
We are to be active workers in His fields. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.

At some point in eternity I will understand why all this happened but for the moment I don't and it's ok.

My Dear Reader...it's ok.
It's ok if you don't understand either.
It's ok if you are just making it through today.  Jesus gets it.
It's ok.  Keeping our eyes fixed on the Author and Perfecter of our faith is what we are to be doing.
Jesus has never stopped loving us even for a moment. 

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

All or a Pittance?

All or a Pittance?
by David Brenneman

Life Principle 4: The awareness of God’s presence energizes us for our work.

If you're a Christian, Jesus Christ is the supervisor at your place of work—and He not only watches you from afar, He’s right there with you. You and I need to give a full day’s labor, regardless of whether we think management is fair. Jesus is ultimately the One we serve, and He’s always on site. You and I should do our very best because the Holy Spirit is present, equipping, and energizing us.

We make a terrible mistake by segmenting life. We may think that Monday through Friday we go to work, Saturday we play, and Sunday we worship. God has not designed life that way. If Jesus Christ is our Savior, we can’t exclude Him from any part of life. It isn’t right to teach a Sunday school class with everything we have, then meander into work the rest of the week—we must honor and glorify Him in everything we do. It eliminates the temptation of doing our work merely to be seen by men when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to Jesus (Matt. 6:24).

Do I mean that your mundane job is also the Lord’s work? Yes! Ministry is not just what you do at church. You worship God every day of the week—on Sunday, you do so in church; on Monday through Friday, you show your devotion to Him by doing a good job at work. Your exalted status as a child of God dignifies your labor, and your office or place of employment should be better off because you are there.

You serve the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 3:24). Do you have a good testimony in the marketplace for Him? Are you one of your company’s most faithful employees because you serve God? Does your attitude reflect the joy you have in considering Him the real CEO? If so, then you are truly getting the most out of your work.
- Life Principles Devotional, Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's been something that I had struggled with earlier on in my life.  Where did the Christians that I knew and grew up with get the idea that they were only to do what we'll call Christ-like things on a Sunday or a Wednesday evening?

To find this from Dr. Stanley is something that should really be addressed more often in Church. 

We have within all of us the heavy propensity to do what is right in our own eyes.  It's been a historical problem since Adam and Eve. 

I have seen other Christians, sometimes even in myself, do the my way or the highway at living life.

We don't fully apply the standards taught by the Spirit to all areas of our lives.  We want to keep things in our lives that Scripturally we know that the Word of God says is a snare, a trap.

We know that deep down these things we have been enjoying aren't glorifying God.

We have indeed been doing as the rest of the world in doing whatever is right in our own eyes.

We never read of the double lives of any of Christ’s Disciples.  We read nothing of them being taught that it's ok not to give their all to Jesus.

We have hymns that say "all to Jesus I surrender all to Him I freely give." The question is do Christians really believe that or do they put on a show for themselves as well as others including Jesus?

The days are drawing to a close before Jesus returns.  Every day the world finds a today is one day closer to that day set by the Father’s own authority...that day in which we give an account of our lives before Jesus.  All that had nothing to do with the work we were supposed to accomplish in Christ Jesus will be burned up. 

Sundays are a special time and place for corporate worship.  Perhaps even for specific special ministry, however our ministry is 24/7 365.  All of our lives belong to Christ Jesus for all He did to save us. 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.  But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;  yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,  so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.  Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.  For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me." Philippians 1:21-30.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

"I Surrender All"
Author: Judson W. Van DeVenter (1896)

Do you live life as though Jesus were watching over you AND that what matters to Him matters to you? 

Are you living a dual life?  One lived for you and another when it suits you to live for Jesus?

There is no separation between living for Jesus and not.  The Scriptures teach us to honor God in everything we do, say or think.  

We are visiting this world after coming to Christ for salvation. 

We aren't permanent residents anymore. 

We represent Christ to this fallen world. 

What will you say to all that was your life being turned to ashes before Jesus? 

Really consider your days ahead and how you're living life and this folly of only giving Jesus a tiny portion of your days. 

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

Come Jesus Come

Come Jesus Come
by David Brenneman

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done." Revelation 22:12.

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.

"But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;  and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.  For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;  and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;  and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men  (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),  then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties,  whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.  But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;  forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.  These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved.  For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.  For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.  For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.  It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:1-22.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

What are we to be doing in life after coming to Christ?  There's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus for sure, but what comes next?  The living for Jesus.  The becoming a disciple of Christ Jesus.  To live life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  The letting go of the walking down the selfish road of our lives in favor of the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.

We are being trained in righteousness.  We are in the school of the Spirit of God.  We are never on a summer vacation from this.  We are not on a break from living life in Christ in any way other than to glorify Jesus.

So then...with all this in mind do you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?

Do you dedicate time in the Word of God daily?  If you were in school in this world there would be homework.  Why wouldn't there be in the Spiritual work of God in our spiritual lives?

Do you consider today as being the possible day that Jesus returns?

Jesus said it can be at any moment.  It will happen so fast that it will be in the twinkling of an eye. 

You believed Him in coming to Christ for salvation didn't you?  You believed the Word of God with regards to your need to be saved did you not?  Did you believe the rest of the Scriptures?

We believe that He was born of a virgin.  We believe He lived a sinless life.  We believe that He performed many convincing proofs that He indeed was the Son of God.  We believe that He took our punishment upon Himself and was cruelly crucified on the cross.  We believe that He arose from the dead 3 days later.  We believe that He appeared to the Disciples and over 500 people.  We believe that He ascended to the right hand of God the Father. 

So why aren't more people eagerly waiting for His promised return?  Why aren't there more who are driven to be more obedient in Christ?  More that will indeed love His appearing? 

Someone pointed out that indeed Christians are spiritual campers.  We aren't here to make a mansion on a hill for ourselves.  We are to more or less be minimalists and be about the Father’s business as Jesus passed that down for us to be doing after He ascended. 

Many people aren't receiving blessings from God because those who have it within their lives to be that blessing have kept it for themselves.  They spent it on their own selves.

How will that look when Jesus returns and sees that? 

It truly appears that there's many who claim the Name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior who are not living as though today could be the day they face Jesus.

The same Jesus who blessed such people can remove such a blessing as well. 

We are not here for our own sake.  We are to grow in Christ.  We are in training as we read yesterday.  Learning the discipline of the Lord.  Learning what the Word of God says with respect to our lives.  We are to shine in this world with the light of Jesus Christ.  Not going out of our way to hide it.  Not trying do the bare minimum in obedience to God's Word.

We were bought with the blood of Jesus Christ...living life in full appreciation to Him for that life debt is what we're to be doing.

Do you groan within your heart for Jesus to return as if the separation is painful to you?  Or do you treat it as though He were some acquaintance you haven't seen in a while that perhaps you might run into?

In my heart of hearts my soul anxiously awaits my Savior's return.  For me His face will be the first I get to see with two perfect eyes.  I long for that embrace that tells me that I am loved by my Savior.  That the journey is over that indeed I've come home at last.  I long for that day when the surprise attacks of my sin nature are no more.  I long for to hear my Savior say that I am home.

"Come Jesus Come" is a song you can look up on YouTube.  Cece Winans sings it and you should listen to it often. 

Are you really ready to see Jesus today?  Are you really living with open hearts and open hands to those whom Jesus has put in your life or are you hoarding the blessings bestowed upon you?

If Jesus blessed you once don't you believe He can do it again?

Setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

Oh come Jesus come...

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

We're in Training

We're in Training 

by David Brenneman 

Life Principle 29: We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops.

Adversity, anguish, trials, tribulations, and heartaches operate as lessons in the school of experience. They bring us to a place of new insight and understanding. They can alter our perceptions of the world, our views of God, and lead us to change our behaviors. The Lord, of course, is the ultimate Teacher. He’s the One to whom we must look for the meaning of any lesson related to adversity.

God allows adversity for at least three reasons:

1. To Get Our Attention

The Lord uses a wide variety of methods to gain our attention when necessary—and adversity is one of them. Don’t delay in responding to the Lord when He moves to get your attention. Respond quickly and humbly. Hear what He has to say to you.

2. For Examination

At times, God allows adversity to motivate us to self-examination. The winds of adversity blow away the surface issues and force us to cope with things on a deeper level. Nothing has the ability to drive us closer to God than tribulation. It removes the cloak of denial and reveals who we really are, as well as what we believe about God, His deity, and faithfulness.

Paul encouraged the Corinthians, “A man must examine himself” (1 Cor. 11:28). In other words, “Take a straight forward look inside and discover what’s driving, motivating, and enticing you.” If it’s anything but God, then it’s not right. He needs to be your motivating factor at every turn in life.

3. To Change Behavior

It isn’t enough that God desires to get our attention or encourage us to take a truthful look at our lives. We must also allow His Spirit to have free access to every area. Unless we change our response and behavior, we’ll never benefit from adversity or grow as a result of it. God provides a challenge, and we have an opportunity to obey or disobey Him. The choice is ours, and the consequences that come belong to us as well.

If you’re willing to allow God to surface the inner rubbish of your life—and if you’re willing to change what needs to be changed—you’ll emerge from adversity closer to Christ, more mature as His child, and with far greater potential to reflect the love of God to the world around you.

- Life Principle Devotional Dr. Charles Stanley 

If looked at from a different perspective we see that much of the Bible is written from the valley's of life of most writing them. A great deal of the book of Psalms is of what was going on in David's heart and life while under various trials and difficulties. 

Last night it wasn't too bad outside and I had completed my studies for the evening so I went outside for a short walk around our property. I was reminded of that day several years ago when our realtor and I had finished seeing this place. I remember the prayer that I prayed in the same spot I was standing last night. That if He wanted us living here, He would have to make it all happen. The next words that came out of my mouth at that time was that we would take it. 

Never could I have thought the days in which I find myself right now would be happening. I read something last night in a short video that said that there are those that God removes from your life for a reason. It wasn't you being removed from theirs. That was very painful but true. There's people there whom I really liked working with but for His reasons they were removed from my day-to-day life. 

Looking ahead there's something more for me to be doing somewhere else that them being in my life would cause me to miss. 

God's perspective isn't our perspective. We look at the cross for hope in salvation through Jesus Christ. When approaching the cross Jesus prayed that if it be possible that the Father would take that suffering away, but not His will but the Father’s be done. 

We see taking up our own cross as a singular burden. Jesus sees it as freedom for us.  

We see the Spirit having free reign of our lives as something to be nervous about. We get anxious about what He might ask us to do. 

The Spirit sees the workmanship of Christ Jesus in us and works in us to bring about more growth in Christ. 

Many people won't come to Christ for salvation because of the fears of the unknown concerning that one aspect of salvation...the unknown of what God might call them to do.  

I am not the same person I was even several months ago let alone years ago. The truth is neither are you. Jesus is never going to leave us as He found us. We are very much those who live in denial for most of our lives concerning how life really is to be lived. It can't possibly be what the Spirit is directing us towards because we can't see how it could possibly work. Then, the Spirit does what only God can do, and we find ourselves on the other side of what happened and maybe a little wiser for the situation.  

What God does allows, and take that completely to heart, ALLOWS to happen in our lives is always going to be for our good and His glory.  

Our understanding of the why's behind these things is inconsequential. It's unnecessary. Not required for our obedience. 

As Peter was told after Jesus reinstated him, you follow Me!

We also read that what Jesus wants is obedience not sacrifice. 

We can wallow in despair or we can keep moving. I for one know that I must keep moving. Proverbs 16:9 says that that the mind of man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps. He can't direct feet that aren't moving. 

I can be intentional in my relationship with Jesus and He will keep His promise to take care of my life. So can you.  

You need to drop your excuses for not living a fully devoted life in Christ. I preached a sermon once asking the question are you a quitter? Have you quit trying to live your life your way?

Adversity is a part of proper discipline to change a behavior or activity. Without the types of things involved there would be no adversities in a training obstacle course.  

You were never meant to come to Christ and be a stick in the mud until you die. You were to grow up in all aspects of Jesus Christ. To be firmly rooted in Christ. To be a worker in His fields. It takes training in righteousness to accomplish His purpose in you and I. 

As a song says...it's time to lay our all on the altar of Jesus 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 

Our Justice isn't God's

Our Justice isn't God's
by David Brenneman

"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 12:16-21.

"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-42.

People today believe that justice is owed, that it should be in such a way that there's a sense of overwhelming satisfaction to the person or people demanding it.  Oftentimes at such a cost to whomever the offendee is that the repercussions go on for months, days or even years.

The problem with knee-jerk reactions is the consequences that have never entered the minds of those attempting to exact their form of justice.

The Bible, as we read in part going into this post, teaches quite a different way.

"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell." Matthew 5:22.

Our reactions in life as Believers shouldn't follow the world but rather as Christ-followers we are to mirror Christ.

There's evidence a plenty on various perceived outcomes when mercy is presented rather than retribution.  Some see hearts that implode and finally come to Christ for salvation, others don't see any changes at all.  Maybe not in that moment or ever.  However the Bible teaches that the Word of God never returns void.  That person upon whom mercy was bestowed might not be whom needed to see what mercy was but someone else nearby.  Ours isn't to doubt results when we don't know how far reaching the obedience we have in Christ is going to go.

We are never to determine who is or isn't worthy of forgiveness or who is or isn't worthy of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Those are the aspects of not judging that are not to be found in the hearts and minds of Believers.

Jesus also spoke to how many times we should forgive someone.  7 times? No, 70 times 7.  As many times as a person comes to us asking for forgiveness. 

How many times in our own lives have we repeatedly gone to Jesus asking for mercy and forgiveness for the same thing we keep doing over and over?  What if indeed Jesus didn't say that about forgiveness?  Perhaps most all of mankind would have been dead and gone by now as a result.

The best way to not let the sun go down on your anger is to take the situation to Jesus to deal with.  Get it out of your mind out of your hands. 

We all cannot ever consider every ramification of our thoughts on justice.  We have no capacity to understand every single outcome of our notions on what is the right thing to do in the heat of the moment when our anger burns brightest.

Jesus sees all, knows all, and always does what is right in the sight of His Father’s will.  Jesus will work out everything in accordance with His plans for both the individual and the plans of God for mankind.

In Proverbs 11:14 we read: "Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.".

Seek other Believers who are solid in the faith.  Pray for those who persecute you as the Bible says that you are to do.

You cannot pray with hope and maintain an angry disposition for very long.

I am not angry at those who have done to me what they did.  They foolishly believe they did what they did for their reasons.  I know what the Bible says.  God sets up rulers and He removes them.  My days are all in His hands.  My heart and theirs is laid bare before Him with whom we have to do.  He searches the hearts.  Jesus says to back off and do nothing then that's what I do.  In other sort of recent events Jesus said to not speak to those raging against us because He will deal with them.  So we remained silent and indeed Jesus is dealing with them.

We do not need instant justice.
We do not need to have our rights to anything ahead of a lost soul coming to Christ for salvation.

Jesus died for all people past, present and future.  Regardless of how evil they are, were or will be.  Even the Stalin's, Hitler's, Judas's and every generational Antichrist who has lived.  Including all those who are against each and every single Believer.

Pray for those who persecute you.

You may be the person who's prayers are what turns the tide in their lives and they find themselves giving in to their need to be saved.

You may be a seed planter.
You may be a person weeding the ground.
You may be a person watering a seed that's been there a while.

The Spirit causes the growth.

Remember that. 

Remember that we are not here for health, wealth and prosperity.  We are here, growing in Christ with respect to our salvation.  We are here as workers in His fields.  We aren't going to always have it all joy all the time.  Someone said Christians are only here camping and their real home is elsewhere in Heaven.

In His time, not ours, God always deals with those who come after His children.  In His way not ours, to His glory not ours.  He STILL isn't willing that any should perish but that all might be saved.   That is why you are to pray without ceasing for those who persecute you as well as everything else that comes to mind.

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

Praying for...Walking in

Praying for...Walking in.

by David Brenneman 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48.

“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. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 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 6:27-36.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Romans 12:14.

"He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out." Proverbs 10:9.

"As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever." Psalms 41:12.

"and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." 1 Peter 3:16-17.

In our world in which we live, move, and have our being, we are those who want instant justice, instant gratification, instant peace, instant joy, instant well-being. 

The reality is much different from the truth that oh so many people deceive themselves into believing. 

It's not a well accepted thing these that we just read from the Bible. 

Many grow up with the concept of an eye-for-an-eye. To crave, to demand, justice and make an offending party pay for their crimes. 

People get stunned when forgiveness is mentioned rather than harsh judgment.  

Forgiveness doesn't sell in the headlines. Raging people sell in the headlines. People protesting vigorously make the headlines. 

People seeking stories of people who dole out vigilante justice and its received as heroism. 

But to forgive. To walk in integrity regardless of the opinions of others. To pray for those who have or are persecuting you. 

That's what we're told, what we are commanded, to do.  

It's rather hard to do if we're being honest yet the more it's done the easier it does get.

The real deal is getting out of God's way in dealing with those who persecute us. Regardless of any reason...Jesus died for everyone. He died and arose again in order to save people. All people. Including those who have done oh so much wrong in this world. 

And forgiveness does bring freedom. It really does. 

Where many still mess up is in forgetting. We are commanded to forgive no matter how many times a person asks us to. Part of our problem is we get to a point where it's too tempting to dish out some kind of judgment when it's not for us to do. 

We can forget in the sense that the pains associated with remembering are placed at the foot of the cross.

We often cross the line, however, and permanently attach forgiveness and forgetting. Whereas the person who should forgive no longer is.

We're to grow in Christ. Grow up in all aspects of Jesus Christ. To forgive as He did. To forget as He did. We so easily forget ourselves that when we came to Christ for salvation that He cast our sins as far as the east is from the west, doing what??? Remembering them no more. 

While we can be those seeking personal gratification at justice being served...we really should not.  

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him. Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked; For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out." Proverbs 24:17-20.

Pray for those who persecute you. 

Pray for those who mistreat you. 

It's where I certainly find myself these days. If I were to give in to self-righteousness in thought or deed things wouldn't go well. Bitterness would spring up and be most difficult to be rid of. 

By the Spirit I know of what to pray concerning those who did me wrong. That is what I shall do.

"As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever." Psalms 41:12.

This is entirely what Jesus meant by stating that we shouldn't judge. I do not have the right to condemn someone to Hell because of something they did to me. I should not pray for their destruction. As King David said of King Saul, far be it from him that he would stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed. Regardless of the opportunity or the intent there's always someone who would know...King David. 

My prayers have to be for salvation for those who did me wrong. Nothing less than what Jesus wants for them. My desires for these people must be what Jesus desires for these people if I am to exhibit the character of Christ in me. 

We are to live out life in the character of Christ. That's what we see in the Disciples turned Apostles. They were taught the character of Christ and walked in the character of Christ after the resurrection. 

Pray for those in your life who aren't treating you like you ought to be treated. The Scriptures warn of letting any root of bitterness taking hold in our lives. 

Want for people what Jesus wants for people. He's not willing that any should perish but that all might be saved. 

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