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?

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Open Your Eyes, Wake Up

by David Brenneman

Have we become so technology minded that we're losing what we've been given?

My Dear Reader...this post is likely to be different than you might be expecting. I was reading a study yesterday about how it's been proven that this heavy shift to trade textbooks for Chromebooks and Apple I-pads has rather backfired.

"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4.

We have more means at our fingertips than anyone since the days before the Global Flood written of in the book of Genesis.

Our ability to have so much knowledge is actually something that staggers the imagination.

Average, everyday people can create greater masterpieces than multi-billion dollar corporations and these corporations are feeling the threat very well.

In this all people are increasingly drifting farther away from the study of God's word. These things that are the creation of the hands of mankind are consuming mankind.

AI, artificial intelligence, is now everywhere. It's been integrated in most applications in the Windows operating system. Amazon has it throughout their website. Google, and others have their own take on AI for their own websites.

People are very quickly immersing themselves, their lives, in all this knowledge and are leaving no time for the Way, the Truth and the Life.

People aren't even aware of how it's they who are being programmed.

Satan's schemes are all over what's going on in our world and people aren't even questioning it.

My Dear Reader when was the last time you completed reading through the Bible? When was the last time you just shut off the information and went to God in prayer from your heart? When was the last time that you sought the Lord? When can you point to where you really were denying yourself and were taking up your own cross and following Jesus?

Temptation is everywhere and it's about everything that can be used to take us away from the path of sanctification that the Spirit is here to bring about in all who are saved in Christ Jesus.

We read of not quenching the Spirit...don't we recognize that's what we do when we pursue our desires more than we pursue what it is He's trying to teach us?

When we are more interested in the things of the world than the things of God then we're on track to be swallowed up by the world.

Someone once said that you don't have to attend every argument you're invited to. Same should be said about temptations. The same wisdom applies.

We should be avid students of God under the teaching of the Spirit of God.

Our world is on a breakneck pace for the beginning of the Great Tribulation. We should NEVER forget that is still coming and will not be shaken from occurring.

The Rapture of the Church IS still going to happen. We ARE going to give an account of our lives before Jesus. All that we did in our lives that was in obedience to God's Word.

We are to both be consistently learning from the Spirit and also to be about the Father’s business here on Earth. We are to be working in His fields. Paul considered all things as loss in view of His relationship with and work in the Lord.

We also, whether you realize it or not, delay the coming of the Lord when we are not obedient in our lives in reaching the lost of this world. Oh you may indeed be praying what it says in the end of the book of Revelation for Jesus to come quickly...but if you're not helping to seek and save the lost then the Church will not be getting completed so that He CAN come.

Our sanctification is the highest priority of the Spirit of God for all who are saved in Christ. Not granting wishes. Not giving us everything to make life all we want it to look like and be.

When we're praying for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven that's what we are praying for: our sanctification. Our becoming more like Jesus Christ. The removing of what isn't and replacing with what will make you more like Christ. Through whatever means are necessary for that to happen. That's what you get when you pray for when you pray for what Jesus said to pray for...His will to be done.

As ironic as my post today is about, I do know much about technology and computers etc. But these latter years of my life I have been retreating as it were to physical books. There's no advertising to distract me while studying. There's nothing to pull my mind away from where my Savior is leading me to learn.

Citing that study, they have now proven that the cognitive abilities of a generation handed knowledge like almost no other generation before it...has done way more harm than good. All that knowledge at their fingertips and they are worse off than those who had to learn how to learn and seek for themselves.

Simpler is better. Removing distractions is necessary. Jesus often took the Disciples away from everyone to teach them and to recharge them.

We are in more dire need for this than they.

It's a struggle at times to unplug.

We can and will justify what we're doing, what we are consuming. We will lie to ourselves with many convincing proofs as to why we have in our lives what we do. So much so that we won't consider asking God to remove whatever it is that's between us and the righteous life that God desires for us.

We, even as Christians, can be exactly like the world in wanting what we want when we want it.

We can have idols in our homes and do like the world and simply call them something else less offensive to us. Justifying their place in our hearts and minds...same as the world.

We can pursue things in life that we believe will make our lives complete just like the world. Mainly because we never asked God if those things should be in our lives. We can pursue them then after we do we ask God to bless our lives. All the while we should be joining Jesus in what He's doing in the world instead.

We also along with the world don't question all this knowledge. AI is so prolific these days in whatever has been created that it's confusing itself as to what is truth and what isn't.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Be in the Word of God daily. Pray without ceasing. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Want what God wants for you. Remove whatever is hindering your running the race set before you.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Having Ears to Hear

by David Brenneman

Listening to the Spirit when you are prompted by the Spirit is always best.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15.

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:25.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14.

"Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30.

"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 5:3-5.

Many have seen and the rest who have not can easily find video clips on YouTube of NCIS, the original, with Anthony DiNozzo. Look for the plethora of examples of Gibbs's smack to the back of his head.

Perhaps the most profound time in the show was when Tony messed up so bad that he fully expected that to happen but Gibbs didn't and it bothered him enough to talk to Gibbs about it.

We too get promptings by the Spirit and should at all times listen and do as instructed. We may not feel like it but we certainly should obey in it.

Of late, of late being most of the last 8 months, I have been needing to listen in order to know what I needed to do with myself. Some of the results being many minor projects around the house and personal organization have been accomplished.

Something that probably lead to a greater success in this began way back in December of 2024. Turning to the Spirit in a new way, at least for me it was new. I felt the need to learn how to study God's Word, let alone learning how to study in general. I have not missed a day since officially starting down this road on January 1st, 2025. It does take around an hour or so each night but I am learning.

He has added to my study materials early in 2025 and its been consistent since at least March of 2025.

Yesterday I was contemplating a course of action for this morning and as I said to one of my best friends last night...I felt the tap to the back of my head to reconsider. The subtle hints were definitely clear if I were paying attention.

We who are in Christ shouldn't be stepping out ahead of God in what we're considering doing, let alone saying.

He, the Spirit, is to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance all that Jesus commanded.

Then it's on us to trust and obey.

Ananias is only spoken of concerning his part in helping Saul become Paul, mainly because he obeyed when the Spirit spoke to him.

Fear of what the Spirit may ask of us immobilizes oh so many people from being what Jesus wants them to be in their lives.

Much of our listening, if not all, is taking us down this road here. We're going to have tribulations, difficulties, and will go through all things in-between. We aren't going to fare very well if we're not listening to hear which way we should go. Last night I was given pause to understand something of what this 8 months has done with me in my life in Christ. This passage was part of my study reading last night and I understood because it's what the Spirit was saying and I was open to listening.

We can't let fear of what we might be asked to do stop us from going deeper in our relationship with Jesus. We can't let fear get in our way. Go back and review Psalm 23.

Review Proverbs 3:5-6.

Our desires for things of this world can and often are distractions to keep our obedience at bay. To keep us from continuing to listen and obey.

We honestly can't trust ourselves with regards to living a life approved by Jesus if we aren't listening to what's to be in that life and what needs to go. Never assume that you fully understand because sanctification is a lifelong teaching by the Spirit.

What are you being prompted by the Spirit to hear, say, or do today?

What are you being prompted by the Spirit to NOT, say or do today?

Are you listening for Him to speak at all?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, February 20, 2026

In Everything He's There

by David Brenneman

"I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalms 16:8.

So often, we ask the wrong questions of the Lord. We say, "Where are You, God? Why don't You show up? Can't You see how I am struggling-the pain I'm in?" The Lord's answer, of course, is, I'm right here with you. I know exactly what's going on." Instead, our questions to the Lord should be, "What is hindering me from seeing You? What would you have me do and learn? Help me to see You and to experience Your presence."

Jesus is always with you through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. The fullness of His almighty, all-wise being is always present and active in your life-every minute of every hour of every day. He will never be more your Savior, Healer, Mighty Warrior, or Deliverer than He is at this moment. He is the same yesterday,

today, and forever. So no matter how exhausted, battered, bruised, devastated, or even dead you may feel inside as the result of your struggles, realize that Jesus has not abandoned you but is working

in you and for you. He is raising you up into the newness of the abundant life. So don't give up. Keep seeking Him.

Jesus, thank You for being with me in all I experience. Amen.

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34.

It would be really easy to turn and panic if I didn't know that Jesus was right now, rights here, in this season of my life.

That passage from Matthew 6 begins with a therefore...it's semi-hidden in the wording but it's there just the same. "For this reason" equals "therefore". So look before at what Jesus said. He was referring to those who those who were pursuing wealth and serving two masters.

We either live lives that are obeying God or lives that are going for what we want.

It's been a ride for sure these last 8 months learning much of saying no to wants and desires. Have to in light of attempting to make sensible decisions and choices to live through these particular times.

Throughout these 8 months we have yet still seen God's hands in our circumstances. Just like other times in our lives when we didn't know what to do or what was coming next. We've just been seeing it back to back sometimes day to day.

We sometimes just don't take God's Word personally enough...we don't realize it's truth applies to us.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:1-6.

We cannot live a wishy-washy, lukewarm, life in Christ. We either live believing He will do what He said or we don't. Look at what Jesus said to the Churches in the book of Revelation. He spits out such people.

We can't take God's truth, His grace, His mercy, as a half-measured, half-hearted, thing then wonder where is God in what we're going through.

We also cannot set out on doing something we see to be wanting to be doing then ask Jesus to bless it after the fact. We're to join Him in what He is doing.

We are to keep in mind during the times we struggle and are afflicted that this is for our sanctification in Christ Jesus.

Read a story about a woman wondering about her afflictions, the struggles she perceived she was going through. She walked down a country road and saw a vineyard that was getting overgrown. Wondering why it wasn't getting taken care of. It was then that God spoke clearly to her about the necessity of pruning. If the gardener chose not to prune then there would be no good to come of the vineyard. She was being reminded of the truth of God that He is the one who prunes to make His vine more fruitful...these were the things she was going through. God asked her if she wanted Him to stop. She, with this new understanding, cried out "No!"..

That story is another way to look at what Paul says "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 5:3-5.

We need what God, through His Spirit, is doing in our lives whether or not we understand it.

We are not alone when we encounter various trials and tribulations.

Further, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.

"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." Colossians 3:2-3.

So, my Dear Reader, take God at His word. I don't know where the money will come from for our bills and mortgage for the next month. I just know that God always has made a way where there was no way in these last 8 months and He's still on His Throne still intercedes on our behalf. "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.

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2 Not a burden we bear,

not a sorrow we share,

but our toil he doth richly repay;

not a grief or a loss,

not a frown or a cross,

but is blest if we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

3 But we never can prove

the delights of his love

until all on the altar we lay;

for the favor he shows,

for the joy he bestows,

are for them who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

4 Then in fellowship sweet

we will sit at his feet,

or we'll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Trust and Obey, John H. Sammis 1887.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, February 19, 2026

His Love is Personal and True

by David Brenneman

"There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord."

ROMANS 8:39 GNT

Consider the profound, personal nature of how the Lord cares for you. God loves you. The most magnificent person in the universe delights in you. The Godhead-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-cherishes you. Immeasurably and eternally, the Sovereign of the universe has set His affection on you. You are the apple apple of His eye, the crown of His creation.

God loves you. This is not mere sentiment. His infinite goodness is directed to you in myriad ways- through how He created, saved, indwells, guides, and protects you. He listens to your petitions, gives you new mercies every morning, sustains you each day, and watches over you every night. And nothing in all creation can stop Him.

God loves you, He cares for you uniquely as an individual. No one knows you like He does, He knows your dreams, desires, and potential and wants to see you succeed. He calls you by name and speaks to you through His Word in the most intimate way.

"God loves me'" Begin and end each day with this affirmation Rehearse it in your soul, And may you come to know in the most personal way how true it is.

Jesus, keep me mindful of Your love always. Amen

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley

God Loves You

"As the Father has loved Me, I have

also loved you; abide in My love."

John 15:9

Do you realize how profoundly God loves you? If not, you may feel discouraged and unfulfilled in your walk with Him. I can say this by experience. When was in my mid-forties, I was a very frustrated Christian. I'd been a believer for more than thirty years, and yet something was missing from my fellowship with the Lord. But I didn't know what it was. I knew God. I prayed daily, read Scripture regularly, and served Him. But I didn't have the divine joy promised in Scripture.

However, a transformation began as grasped the love the Lord has for me. God loves me. As simple as that may seem, I'd never truly understood its profound significance. He cares for me

personally. God revealed His powerful, bountiful, intimate, unconditional love to a very grateful Charles Stanley, and He's become more real, joyful, satisfying, and glorious to me every day since. That is what I pray for you. So please, take a pen or pencil and finish the sentence by writing in your name. God loves ___________.

Think about that statement. Close your eyes and say it to yourself several times each day. And accept it as true. God loves you. Personally. Completely. And He will never stop. Praise His wonderful name.

Jesus, thank You for really loving me. Amen

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39.

At the risk of repetition...oh the depths that we really don't realize that God loves us!

Yes these are two of Dr. Stanley's entries from "Trusting God with Today".

But when life is getting difficult this is where we need to position ourselves. To be ever mindful of this core truth of our life in Christ: we are loved by God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.

We may not gain understanding as to why our lives took the turns that they have. The rock solid truth is that we are loved by our God and nothing is ever going to change that.

We may not see it but it's as an absolute truth as you needing air to breathe.

These particular devotionals from that book just hit me so close to home. Right up there with how the song by Phillips, Craig and Dean "When God Ran"...the part where it's saying "son! he called me son! Do you know I still love you?!".

God's love is eternal and as many have taken to saying: He can't love you any more than He does and can never love you any less.

Many have taken to writing worship songs about the love of God. MercyMe's 2002 song "The Love of God" is one of my favorites.

What always hits me hard is knowing what I DO know about my utter sinfulness...and He still loves me. Likewise I am fully aware that there's other aspects of my life where the sinfulness of me isn't something that I am fully aware of but know is there. He still loves me. I know all too well of the very very dark moments of my life where I was drowning in darkness that He still was there and still pulled me up out of that pit of despair. Those times when all I knew was my perception of how great a distance my sin nature said was between God and I. He still pursued me.

If there's anything of value to be displayed from my life is that singular truth: God loved and loves me.

He loves you too my Dear Reader. Go back up to that one devotional and put your name in that blank spot. No matter how your circumstances appear to be: Jesus still loves you.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves you, loves me. Satan and all the demons at his disposal cannot separate us from the love of God.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9.

Do you see it yet?

Do you know it yet?

Jesus loves us and will never separate Himself from us.

The world both doesn't get this nor seeks this but it's on each of us who are counted as His beloved to tell them...to show them.

That old song "Jesus loves me" isn't just words on a page. They're at the core of our taking up our own cross and following Him.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

We truly shouldn't even joke about hatred or hating someone else. God is never glorified in us behaving in any way that doesn't show that God loves people.

Regardless of how evil people can be: Jesus still died for them.

Regardless of how we can be: we need to remember His love for us.

Our lives in Christ are eminently personal to Jesus. We read of how He is a jealous God. "Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? James 4:5.

Me, personally, as he suggested in that devotional I find myself needing to remind myself that God loves me. I need that because life's situations want me to doubt that truth. Interactions with people sometimes can be difficult and I need reminding that God loves me. Situations with things, with a job, happen and I need reminders that my God loves me. People abandoning me...and I need to look to my Savior who promised He never would leave me or forsake me.

We need to be like the sheep that David wrote about in Psalms 23. Jesus is our Great Shepherd.

Someone once wrote of an interaction with Jesus. Asking how much does He love them. Jesus answered "this much!" and He stretched out His hands and died.

Do you take the seriousness of the cross to heart? The depth of His love for you? The desire that should be within you to live lives in such a way that honors that love that bled and died for you?

God loves me, God loves you.

We will have eternity to scratch the surface of that truth if indeed we are saved in Christ Jesus.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

What We Are To Be Doing

by David Brenneman

"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." 1 Peter 4:7-13.

If indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus by His finished work on the cross of calvary...you've got a purpose in Christ that He's planned since before you were born to be doing to glorify His Name.

The war going on in our world today may be called many things. Then President Bush referred to a war on terror. Others make reference to wars on various ideologies.

Believer's everywhere are at war with the members of their bodies.

We must look within to the battleground of our hearts and minds.

"You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we." 2 Corinthians 10:7.

But you may say you don't think you've done anything wrong.

"For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord." 1 Corinthians 4:4.

Think that you're the first to mount a defense such as that?

Consider the truth that you and I are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

Consider the following:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

"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." Ephesians 6:12.

"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 12:12-27.

There IS a plan and purpose to your life in Christ if indeed you are among the children of God, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The war these days is for our attention. For our desires. For our thoughts. Does any of this reflect in these Scriptures we just read? Certainly does.

Your affiliation with a denomination means nothing. No where in the passage we just read about the Spirit placing us in the body as He sees fit are denominations even a consideration. We are to be in Christ first and foremost of all in everything. We are part of the body of Christ, not part of anything else on Earth.

We are to engage in that which grows us in Christ to become more like Jesus. There's a war to entice us to spend our time, energy and effort on anything but that.

A few minutes here and there add up to a wasted time in our daily life.

Are you committed to living life for Jesus who saved you? Does what your average day show reflect that?

Are you committed to time in the Word? Are you at all praying? Have you done anything to weed out the garden of your heart? Removing things that aren't going to glorify God? Are your attitudes and actions showing yourself and others that Jesus IS that important to you? When you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life...will it show a life spent striving to please Him in all that you did or will it reflect something less honorable?

My Dear Reader...there IS a plan and purpose to your life in this place in human history for you to be doing. Retirement does not exist in God's economy while the breath of life is still in our lungs. Nothing pleases our Lord Jesus Christ more than to be found walking in this life in obedience and the love of God in Christ.

Was reading in a devotional last night and something was said that was absolutely true. We should join Jesus in what He is doing and not do what we think is the best use of our talents according to our plan and then ask God to bless it.

We must remember what we read here today. We are placed in the body of Christ as the Spirit sees fit. Put where He believes and knows we will do the most good for us personally and our part in the mission of God for mankind.

Life isn't about settling goals for ourselves and giving God the glory after it works out. Life is about living the life we've been given however He wants it lived.

"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.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Seek Not Justice on Our Terms

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.

"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 12:14-21.

"Did not He who made me in the womb make him, And the same one fashion us in the womb?" Job 31:15.

We who have read the Gospels know of how Jesus was with His accusers throughout His life and ministry. Of how He teaches us, through His Spirit, to do the same.

But oh how we're fooled into thoughts of revenge. Thoughts of payback. Thoughts of ill will towards those who wronged us in so much and in so many ways.

But we must return to what Jesus wants of us in this life in which we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself up for us.

It doesn't belong to us to go after anyone. Vengeance is His to deal with. We're to pray for those who persecute us. We're to go to our Father in Heaven in prayer asking for Him to deal with what we will most assuredly mess up if left to our own understanding and devices.

We only THINK we know what sweet justice looks like.

We fool ourselves in our hubris and pride to think we can be the architects of truly appropriate justice.

We don't know what God knows. Plain pure and simple.

What I CAN promise you is this: Regardless of how you feel in this moment: Christ died for the one you have a problem with. Just as assuredly as He died for you in all your utter sinfulness.

We never ever come out on top in the revenge game. We lose every single time.

One of Dr. Stanley's Life Principles says we stand tallest and strongest on our knees.

You and I can easily be so arrogant to believe that we're in a position in our morality to be able to rightfully administer justice that would be appropriate.

However, my Dear Reader, what if the conflicts you are experiencing, are there for reasons you're to enraged to see, hear or understand?

What we go through in life might seem completely wrong because of where it leaves us at the end of the day. But we can never understand in our rage and pain that in everything He's going to cause all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

That person or people whom we can be so angry with and distraught about...what if they came to Christ for salvation because of how we treated them as Christ wants us to?

What if our behavior mirrored Christ so much that it causes them to drop to their knees to ask why we are being the way we are?

God gives us who are saved His grace and mercy every single day. It's fully arrogant presumption to think we're well off enough in our walk with Jesus that we've arrived at being able to condemn others with a fully righteous judgment as God would do.

To be blunt: I can't trust me and you shouldn't trust you. We are not omniscient, we are not omnipresent, we are lights shining in the world reflecting the light of Christ towards others.

Rage and bitterness are poisons we ingest with the desire that it takes out those whom are so wrong towards us. We will harm ourselves first.

Pray for those who persecute you.

Literally, GET OUT OF GOD'S WAY.

You can't love God with your everything and love others and at the same time play the revenge game intent on justice on your terms.

Newsflash for everyone: regardless of how evil people have been in this world and will be: Christ died for them as well as us. All the sins of all mankind were heaped upon Jesus on the cross. Not just the sins of those who would eventually believe and come to Christ for salvation.

We pray because God can and will deal with those who wrong us. Not can and might, can and will. Throughout Proverbs we read of how it ends for those who are wicked or evil. Those are the facts of life for those who persecute others.

Those who die in their sins never win. They spend eternity forever separated from God.

What if you turned your anger and need for revenge in prayer instead? What if your prayers were the catalyst that brings another to Christ for salvation and then the Rapture of the Church takes place?

All revenge and retribution thinking is and does is all a short-sighted mentality. Even if in the moment you succeed that feeling won't last. It won't. What was done can't be undone. Forgiveness is a command not a suggestion for us. We cannot expect God to forgive us if we don't forgive others. Jesus specifically said as much.

Take everything to the Lord in prayer. Even if we don't feel like it or don't have the words for it.

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.

That verse looks a little different now doesn't it? Focus in on that part where it says: In all your ways.

Jesus wants to see Himself displayed in you. He wants to see it displayed in me.

Pray on, pray over, pray through life.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Monday, February 16, 2026

He Remembers to Forget

by David Brenneman

"And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” ’ So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’ ” Luke 15:11-32.

Eden, he still sees the flowers there

Noah kept safely in his care

Moses walks the red sea part

David, after his own heart

Every moment in history

Still there in his mind so it amazes me

He remembers to forget what mercy forgave

The past that I regret is forever washed away

The king who knows it all could easily recall and yet

He remembers to forget what mercy forgave

Calvary, he still smells that dusty air

And years past he can hear that one thieve's prayer

That hillside where we broke His heart

The earth shook and the world with dark

It's all still fresh in his mind

But wonder of all wonders, it overwhelms me every time

He remembers to forget what mercy forgave

The past that I regret is forever washed away

The king who knows it all could easily recall and yet

He remembers to forget what mercy forgave

The king who knows it all could easily recall and yet

He remembers to forget what mercy forgave

It's a story taught and preached by hundreds throughout the last 2,000 plus years for sure. But to me, the connection between the song the Hoppers brought out and seeing it in the Prodigal Son story happened last night.

The part many may not get was how harsh the son who left was being. It wasn't as simple as saying he wanted his inheritance and was going to leave. He essentially told his Dad he would rather that he was dead so that he could go do what he wanted with what was to be his.

Rather than fight him on this he gave him what he wanted. Seeing that he wouldn't be persuaded otherwise.

But the key part is that his father never stopped praying for and hoping for his son to return.

Stop right there. This too is each of us in God's eyes. His invitation to come home has been spread far and wide in probably every language and in most every way on our planet. Whether or not we listen and realize all He's wanting is for us to turn around and come to Him just as we are...that's on us.

Now this part of the father's reaction is what I had missed. His father chose to forget the harsh cruel words his son, his own flesh and blood, said to him.

Inheritance or not, his changed heart was what his father latched onto.

We often don't consider and perhaps you have never considered that when you came to Christ for salvation that part of that imputed righteousness that is Christ that the Father sees when He sees you...is God choosing to forget all our unrighteousness.

He knows it all and chooses to forget it. Casting our sins as far as the east is from the west...remembering them no more.

It's mind blowing to me. Last night as well in our group we remembered another song "When God Ran". A few have taken to singing it but my favorite version is by Phillips Craig and Dean.

The song never fails to choke me up. Never fails to probably cause my heart to skip a beat.

Almighty God the great I am

Immovable rock omnipotent powerful

Awesome lord

Victorious warrior commanding king of kings

Mighty conqueror and the only time

The only time I ever saw him run

Was when

He ran to me

He took me in his arms

Held my head to his chest

Said my son's come home again

Lifted my face

Wiped the tears from my eyes

With forgiveness in his voice ge said

Son do you know I still love you

He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home

I knew I'd broken his heart

And I wondered then if things could ever be the same

Then one night

I remembered his love for me

And down that dusty road ahead I could see

It was the only time

It was the only time I ever saw him run

And then

He ran to me

He took me in his arms

Held my head to his chest

Said my son's come home again

Lifted my face

Wiped the tears from my eyes

With forgiveness in his voice ge said

Son do you know I still love You

He caught me by surprise

And he brought me to my knees

When God ran I saw him run to me

I was so ashamed all alone and so far away

But now I know that he's been waiting for this day

I saw him run to me

He took me in his arms

Held my head to his chest

Said my son's come home again

Lifted my face

Wiped the tears from my eyes

With forgiveness in his voice

I felt his love for me again

He ran to me

He took me in his arms

Held my head to his chest

Said my son's come home again

Lifted my face

Wiped the tears from my eyes

With forgiveness in his voice

He said son

He called me son

He said son do you know I still love you

He ran to me (When God ran)

(I saw him run to me)

And then I ran to him

(When God ran)

When God ran

Knowing my own sin depraved heart and mind as I do...knowing that in that instant that I asked Jesus to save me...that He ran to me...took me in His arms...head my head to His chest and declared that I had come home.

That overwhelms me every time.

I can't understand why He loves me so when I know how, throughout my life, I wasn't the righteous man I should have been. I have been that Prodigal Son. Perhaps more times than I can recall.

Everyone is a single step away from Jesus running to them. Ready to keep His promises to them. Life can and will be harsh. But those saved in Christ are never alone. We don't need to lean on our own understanding. He's ready to lead, to provide, to handle life with us and for us.

We need to come to Him and simply ask Him to save us. To be the forgiver of our sins and the leader of our lives. Jesus said that we must come as a child. Simply believe. Believe that which the Gospels proclaim. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life. Was cruelly punished for our sins and the sins of mankind on a cruel cross. Died for our sins, arose 3 days later conquering sin, death and the grave. Now the risen Lord Jesus Christ. He died for me. He died for you. More importantly He arose to become our Savior and Lord.

We can and likely will struggle with the knowledge of our past sins. We can and should be comforted by knowing He chooses to forget.

There's been times when I thought I was oh so far away from God. It's something that I have learned and know to be true...it's not just some saying that I said earlier. I have never been more than 1 step away from His loving embrace. He will always be ready to run to anyone who's turned their hearts to Him.

Think about these things today.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org