Ordinary But Not

Ordinary But Not 

by David Brenneman 

We can easily think that we're not all that important in the scheme of things in the body of Christ. That our particular body part that we are isn't as crucial as others we know in Christ.  

My Dear Reader, if we accept that we were known before we were even born, if we accept that our lives even today are under His watchful eye and care, then we do have an important roll in this exact day and age in the present Church of Jesus Christ.  

We do have the opportunity to be a meaningful contributor to God's plan for His Church until He returns. 

In reading what Paul was saying in his letter to the Corinthian church...we need to take much of it to heart with regards to our own part in His plans.  

Quite often people in the professing Church don't do what they're called to be doing for whatever reason. Beit they don't think much of what the calling is or they don't want to do it or some other excuse. Then it falls upon others to fill the gap to keep order in the body of Christ. 

There's those as well who are intentionally doing what they want to be doing in the Lord only they weren't call for that purpose. 

While what we do might not be wholly visible to others, only known unto Jesus...that's ok.  

The call to all in Christ Jesus is to be obedient in our calling. Just do what you're called to be doing to the best of your ability. Scripture says that he who knows the right thing to do and does not do it sins.

Therein we have the caution of thinking too highly of ourselves. We shouldn't look at what we're called to be doing for the recognition that might follow. The only place where recognition should be sought is when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives. 

We are to trust and obey. Even if others don't get it or understand it.

Think of the plight of Ananias. Had he decided to stop and be concerned about what other's thought of this calling placed upon him to go to this Saul of Tarsus he probably wouldn't have gone.  

We're to only consider what it is that God's wanting for us to be doing and leave the consequences to Him. Regardless of what anyone thinks of whatever it is. Beit something huge or something seemingly insignificant. We're to do all things that we're called to do as though it were Jesus Himself we were doing it personally for.  

The more I read of that study book of John MacArthur on Job the more I see that friends and family can have all kinds of good intentions and can offer what they think is the right advice however these cannot replace obeying in faith. MacArthur's comments so far on the 4th guy making comments...at least in my opinion...are a bit off base. Elihu wasn't reprimanded by the Lord Jesus for anything he had to say to Job. Further, the Lord’s anger was kindled against the other 3 specifically.

We too can look to be in the minority when we look to obey God. 

We might even lose out on things in life. 

We might even have people mad at us because we obeyed. 

We don't answer to anyone in this world more than we answer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We may not see what we've been called to be as all that important but in God's eyes we are where we are doing what we're to be doing with our everything for His honor and glory not our own. 

We are to grow in Christ at every opportunity. We are to keep pace with Jesus and join Him in what He is doing.  

Think about your activities in your walk with Jesus. Are you pursuing what He's wanting of you or are you after what you want in hopes that it might look like what He wants. It's never about is praying for Him to join us but rather our joining Him.

We, all who are in Christ, have a Godly ordained plan and purpose to fulfill while we have the breath of life in us.  

We are to expect rough waters because of our living out that plan and purpose. 

We are to give of our best in whatever we're called to do. Whether it's cleaning or preaching or anything else. There's no bench warmers in God's economy of the body of Christ. There's nobody who's come to Christ for salvation who then have nothing important in Christ to accomplish for Christ. 

Dead cells and cancer cells and anything the like are the same as those who are actively trying not to be or do what they're called to be doing. We're here to glorify God in Christ Jesus. To make His Name known. That people would see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Anything else should be considered a waste. 

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness means whatever He wants, desires, needs done or said, comes first.  

Quite often my mind is cluttered with all sorts of things that aren't necessarily sinful but they are a waste of time and resources if I pursue them because they will do none of what I am here to be doing in Christ.

Obey God and leave the consequences to Him. 

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.

Don't expect to either understand in part or in the whole, just obey.  

You, my Dear Reader, if you're truly saved, were gifted by the Spirit, placed by the Spirit, for the glory of God in Christ Jesus. 

Keep that in mind, pray over that, obey in whatever it is.  

We may look to all the world as ordinary but in Christ we are anything but ordinary.  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

The Ordinary Men and Women

The Ordinary Men and Women 

by David Brenneman 

"Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh ... tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, "The land, which we passed through to spy it out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, He will bring

us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey."" NUMBERS 14.6-8

      On May 3, 1953, an airliner bound for London from Singapore crashed 22 miles northwest of Kolkata, India, with no survivors. Fred Mitchell, who had become the

of China Inland Mission ten years before, was traveling on that aircraft In his director biography, Fred was described as "an ordinary man from a village home with working-class parents, who spent the greater part of his life as a chemist in the provinces-and who

walked with God."

      Until Caleb the son of Jephunneh became a spy, appointed by Moses to scope out the land that God had promised to give His people, there was nothing to indicate that he was paricularly significant or distinguished, either. But it was almost certainly in those ordinary experiences, along the humdrum track of his life, that God forged and developed the character that is revealed in Numbers 14.

      Crisis tends to reveal character. When the Israelite spies came back to report on their discoveries in Canaan, they announced that the cities were fortified, and that "we are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we...we seemed to ourselves like

grasshoppers" (Numbers 13:31, 33). And the People responded by accusing God of bringing them to a land where they would be killed (14:3).

      Caleb's commitment to God stands out. He was prepared to resist the tide of popular opinion, When the spies recommended not entering the promised land, he stood against them, When everybody was rebelling against God, he would not join them. He, along with his faithful friend Joshua, were the only men to advise courageous obedience to God.

      Caleb was certain of what could be accomplished by God's power. He did not deny the truth of what the other spies had to say; he simply looked at it from a different perspective. He was confident not in his ability nor in the ability of the Israelites but in the power of God and the trustworthiness of His character. He was a man of faith in the midst of fear. He knew that a

grasshopper helped by God is a grasshopper that can do great things.

      Although we may feel that our lives are simply routine, we can always seek God in the ordinary. In the most mundane moments, He will forge our character so that we too can become people of courage in all circumstances. God is not looking for giants through whom

to achieve achieve His His plans. He is looking for ordinary people who are prepared to trust Him, step

in faith and courageously obey. There is nothing to stop you being that person today.

-Truth for Life Devotional, Allistair Begg. 

Years ago Pastor John MacArthur wrote a couple books, "12 Ordinary Men" and later "12 Ordinary Women". This devotional takes us to a more personal aspect...us the Ordinary People.

Yes, us Ordinary People. We are to bloom where God's planted us. Thrive where He's established us.

Keeping in mind the words of Jesus. 

"“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you." John 15:1-14.

"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." 1 Corinthians 12:18.

"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8.

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

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

That last one is probably one of the most potent in providing some motivation on top of living a quiet life unhindered before the Lord Jesus Christ. We are exhorted to do that in this world that clamors for attention at every turn. The most likes, thumbs up, subscribers, all the metrics for supposed success in a social media world...isn't the life in Christ that the Bible describes.

"Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

Our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:3.

Our lives are to be lived in full appreciation for all He's done for us in saving us in His love for which He loved us in going through the crucifixion in our place. 

Our lives in Christ do indeed have meaning...just not what the world teaches us that it means. 

Our lives have purpose...just not for the purposes the world says that it is.

There's a plan for us set by our Father in Heaven from long before we were born. Long before we were even considered to be coming into the world. 

You are special and precious in the sight of God in Christ Jesus. You have a specific, special, unique, life for you to live in your physical being until either you are called home to be with the Lord or the Rapture of the Church. It isn't anything that the world will get or understand because it's not of this world. 

What is ordinary in this world or has the appearance of umimportance in the world concerning people isn't that in the sight of God. People are the treasure of Heaven. As Daniel was described so are we. We are highly esteemed in Heaven.  

You may not think that your contributions to the Kingdom of God amount to anything but oh do they. Ruth did not know at all the hugely significant role her life would make in the lineage of the coming King of Israel...King David. Daniel would never know how many trillions of people would read his book and seek out more of the future plans of God. Job would never know how many people would find their lives not as unique as they thought when they too didn't understand why they go through what they did. 

The list of the ordinary person is throughout the Bible. We are in a race, as the Apostle Paul wrote. We are in it with Jesus. We are not alone no matter how we feel in any given moment. We have a hope that the world doesn't even recognize that it needs. 

Every single life in Christ has been born exactly when and where they were for God's glory and revelation to a lost world around them.

We are His Church with a divinely appointed plan and purpose to pursue in Christ.  

There's nothing more satisfying than fulfilling our calling in Christ. 

You are not insignificant. 

You are not unimportant. 

You are a child of God in Christ Jesus. 

You are the beloved of God. 

You are more than you think you are in Christ.

Your thoughts and dreams may not be what you think that they ought to be...and that's ok. Time is running short for this fallen world. Once the Church of Jesus Christ is complete our work on Earth will be done. Your seemingly unimportant life is anything but in the eyes of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Do your best, be your best in Christ. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Ordinary in the eyes of the world is extraordinary in the eyes of God. 

Read these lyrics to Tenth Avenue North's song "You Are More" (C) 2010, and know just how cherished you are in Jesus. 

There's a girl in the corner

With tear stains on her eyes

From the places she's wandered

And the shame she can't hide

She says, how did I get here?

I'm not who I once was.

And I'm crippled by the fear

That I've fallen too far to love

But don't you know who you are,

What's been done for you?

Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it

That she's been given new life

But she can't shake the feeling

That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers

And she's rehearsed all the lines

And so she'll try to do better

But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,

But what's been done for you.

This is not about where you've been,

But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,

But what He felt to forgive you,

And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

You've been remade

You've been remade.

You've been remade.

You've been remade.

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

Remembering The Race

Remembering The Race 

by David Brenneman 

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3.

We really don't know what we need and really don't know how our desires will affect our future. 

When we look at this particular Scripture we see something in place that should be what's shaping our world, but is it?

I do not pretend to speak for God with all certainty, all I know is to write as I am directed. 

I have seen my wants, dreams, desires, etc. change over the years. Right now I truly don't know what dreams to dream. I have yet to see where I am to be lead to serve in my local church...and that's going on 5 years. 

In my day-to-day life there's at least two portions of my daily living that have been rock solid in my commitment to reading and writing. What needs to yet be transformed or transformed better is those minutes in between what transpires in the morning and what transpires in the evening. 

We are in the race the Scriptures say whether we are fully recognizing it or not. We read it right there that we are runners in the Lord.  

I can't locate a cartoon of any kind that shows a runner of a race piling on more and more stuff and yet being determined to cross the finish line but likely you just got a good image of that idea. 

While our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus our daily lives from sun up to sun down should be at His discretion only. The Gospels do not at all show the Disciples getting PTO (Personal Time Off) days while being students of their Master and Lord Jesus Christ. Nor is it taught anywhere in the Bible that we're granted or encouraged to put our walk with Jesus on hold to pursue personal endeavors. No matter the situation, from CEO to the janitor, from any job or position upward or downward, there is no separation of the life of an individual from their life in Christ. 

We read in these life-giving Scriptures that the Spirit places each one of us in the body of Christ as He sees fit. Which means there's a divine purpose to every aspect of your life.  

We read in the first letter we have (there were others written to the Corinthian church that we do not have yet 1st Corinthians points to these letters) these two major points. 

"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1 Corinthians 10:23.

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.

We may have the ability to chase things that are desirable or want the things that we think we want, but we should first decide how these things are going to help or hurt us in what the Spirit has called us to do. 

You, if indeed you are saved, are not your own, you were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We're to honor Him with our bodies. We're running this race of life along side of Jesus. What moves He makes we make. When He goes faster we press on to keep up. When He slows down we slow down. If He stands still we don't keep moving. 

That's exactly what we see the Disciples doing in the Gospels. 

That and only that. We see them being taught what keeping pace with Jesus looks like and they were commanded to teach others the same. 

My calling at this time in my life might only be in attending my local Church while I pursue my studies that the Spirit has me doing...as well as this blog. Such, from my understanding, is the life of an evangelist. 

You have a placement in the body of Christ to fulfill. You are likewise a runner on your way to Heaven's finish line. We're to give it our all to be with whatever Jesus plans for our part of this race is to be. 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Colossians 3:23-25.

We who are in Christ are in it to win it. Casting aside those things that are hindering our running well with Jesus.

We need to choose obedience over obsession with wants and desires. There's absolutely no shortage of distractions in our world these days. We don't even know how deep or how far the intoxicating effects of the things we hold fast to that aren't beneficial for this run we're in are doing to us. 

From foods to deeds we can be trapped in anything that will attempt to slow us down from keeping pace with Jesus. We can because that's the stuff the schemes of the devil are about.  

As someone once said "know your enemy". Know enough to recognize but do not participate in those things. 

Do not compartmentalize your heart between what you want and what God wants for you. Don't attempt any kind of separation of Church and state within your daily living. Scripturally that does not exist. That is a lie of Satan.  

So how committed are you in this race that you now are really made aware of that you are in? 

What steps are you going to start taking to shed whatever is slowing you down from keeping pace with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ?

Remember: You will give an account of your life before Jesus. So choose wisely whatever you intend to include in your life.

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

Not What You Might Expect For Good Reason

Not What You Might Expect For Good Reason 

by David Brenneman 

"For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9.

      Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. Moses experienced this as he learned how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God told him He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Yet, the result was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised by them for bringing greater suffering. Moses returned to the Lord and asked, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?" (Exod. 5:22). Much of the frustration we experience as Christians has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do. It has everything to do, rather, with the false assumptions we make about how we think God will and should act.

      Have you ever done the will of God and then things seemed to become worse? Moses completely misunderstood what the results of His obedience to God would be. When things did not turn out as he anticipated, Moses became discouraged. God had told Moses what to do, but He had not told Moses what the consequences would be. It is foolish to attempt to do God's work using your own "common sense,' God does not eliminate

your common sense; He consecrates it. He gives you His wisdom so you can understand His ways.

      As you look back on God's activity in your life, you will recognize the supreme wisdom in how He has led you. As you look forward to what God will do, be careful you do not try to predict what He will do next. You may find yourself completely off the mark. 

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

Read that particular Scripture again. 

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9.

Now: 

"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.

And: 

"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.

Then this...

"Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." John 14:23.

How often do the things that have both benefited you and those that haven't appeared to made no real sense in the moment as to how they fit in your ideas of living life?

There in is our own understanding gone awry. The study book that Pastor John MacArthur did on Job has been really rewarding in helping me to understand just where Job's friends went wrong and where Job wasn't entirely right in his perception of things. 

Someone once told me that whatever people perceive, that is their reality.  

We need a more accurate perspective to achieve the right perception in Christ. 

What we see as adversity isn't. It's time spent in God's Spiritual Growth Class 101. When others don't get it but we are trusting in our Teacher through it...this too is our trusting in our Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit. 

I quoted this to a friend yesterday about someone else but it can apply to people who go through life without ever trying to see that everything must be viewed from God's perspective on personal life and on how that personal life is to be among those in our lives: "There are none so blind as those who will not see".

We cannot go through life and achieve what God views as success without only coming at life from His perspective.  

Likewise we will never really live lives as He intends for us unless we are all-in with living for Jesus with our everything, including how we think, speak or act in everything. 

This is to include our thoughts and dreams for what our lives are to look like. 

We are to live lives seeking that "Well done!" from Jesus when we stand before Him to give an account of our lives before Him.

A life given to anything else will be burned up with nothing to show for Christ. 

We are to live transformed lives. We're to learn to live in the character of Christ.  

There are no separate compartments within us, this area for our dreams, wants and desires and another for Jesus. Whether it's business or personal there is no separation.  

If you're not understanding but are still trusting then you're getting it. 

Right now I am living day-to-day in that moment. I am still unemployed yet employed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Doing whatever He has in mind for me to be doing until the new job He has in mind for me is ready. 

I wronged no one when my career took a turn into the unexpected. I was obeying God when I befriended someone. God's blessings have confirmed that indeed I did the right thing in my obedience in the moment. From a worldly perspective I didn't do right by others and was dealt with. God will be and is my Advocate. Perspective. 

Our perceptions are based on our perspective and we need to learn God's perspective to correct our perceptions. We need committed time in both prayer and the Word of God to know and understand this new perspective. We're not going to understand simply by osmosis.  

And even with that...we yet still might not be granted understanding. We aren't promised that we would understanding everything. We are instructed to obey regardless. 

When Ananias was sent to Saul of Tarsus to open his eyes...his own understanding was really hitting a wall. He confirmed his perspective and yet chose to obey regardless. Ananias opened the door for Saul to become Paul and turned on the career of Paul as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He had no idea what his simple obedience in going to this man was about to unleash into the Gentile world. 

We don't know what real impact we are having or will have for the kingdom of God unless we learn to obey and do as the Spirit directing us says to obey and do. Even if and especially if we don't understand it. 

I cannot rely on my own understanding of my current situation. I know not what spiritual battles are being fought on my behalf. I know not what but I know who does. My hope is in my Savior and whether or not my understanding is there...He is still on the Throne and is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is still my Advocate before the Father. He still is my Savior. His love for me is never-ending. My name is written on His hands. I am ever before Him. These things that I remember and keep reminding myself of are what's shaping my right perspective. 

You too my Dear Reader need a right relationship with Jesus to have a right perspective on life. 

Don't dwell on your own understanding when things are appearing to be going well or when they give you the appearance of not going well.

God's ways are higher than your ways. His thoughts than your thoughts. Only by living for Jesus in all that you do, say and especially think are you going to start gaining the proper Godly perspective and perception that is found only through obedience. 

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

His Child and Forever I am

His Child and Forever I am 

David Brenneman 

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

redeemed through His infinite mercy—

His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed, redeemed,

redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Redeemed, redeemed–

His child and forever, I am.

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,

no language my rapture can tell!

I know that the light of His presence

with me doth continually dwell.

Redeemed, redeemed,

redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Redeemed, redeemed–

His child and forever, I am.

I think of my blessed Redeemer;

I think of Him all the day long.

I sing, for I cannot be silent;

His love is the theme of my song.

Redeemed, redeemed,

redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Redeemed, redeemed–

His child and forever, I am.

I know I shall see in His beauty

the King in whose law I delight,

who lovingly guardeth my footsteps

and giveth me songs in the night. 

Redeemed, redeemed,

redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Redeemed, redeemed–

His child and forever, I am.

- Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim It by Fanny Crosby 1882.

While there's some attraction to contemporary worship music, there's just something certain more to the heart about the old hymns.

I consider it a wonderful testimony towards the church of my youth that I heard and sang this particular song so often that to this day it stays with me as a joyful song, one of hope and joy that I know so well. 

I spent 20 years of my life, yes 20, as an Audio Engineer at this same said church of my youth. It's been more than 20 that I have no longer been one. However this doesn't mean that old habits of what I did have faded. Recognizing the way people work a microphone for example. Or when the sound board is being ran by someone new or that they forgot a setting to adjust.  

Likewise I can recognize the reactions in an audience that are being missed by those doing the singing. 

On and off again over the years we have been in both Traditional Services and Contemporary Services. It is amusing to me that when a Traditional worship song is sang in a Contemporary service...the people 'wake up' for a lack of a better term to say it. Worship actually rushes over the place. While there's a place for newer songs it's these old ones that strike a chord in the hearts of Believers more than these others do.

Worship isn't just on Sundays or Saturdays or Wednesdays even. Worship can and should be breaking out throughout our day. 

This particular hymn started in what the Country group Alabama sang as "the jukebox in my mind" early this morning.  

I actually love waking up to hymns playing in my mind. Why not? Waking up to a joyful reminder of Jesus is a gift from God for sure. 

The Psalms have been the source of many a great Hymn. David singing out to the Lord. He loved celebrating the Lord before people. 

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

Those in Heaven are likely singing worship songs to Jesus in ways we can't fathom here. No distractions just a wonderful focus on the One who had sought them out and redeemed them. 

Those in this world who've not yet come to Christ for salvation...just can't and won't get it...that joy and happiness of singing with a grateful heart to Jesus for all He's done to make the way possible to be saved by Him. 

Redeemed...what a wonderful word.

When someone comes to Christ for salvation they receive a seal upon their soul that one day will be why, when Jesus returns or calls us home, that will redeem us. Showing the universe to whom we belong.  

This isn't a very profound post today but in a very real sense it is. We should be making melody in our hearts towards God. While in prison the Apostles sang and it changed the lives forever those who heard them.

My all time favorite song that isn't a hymn is "He Took My Place" by Charley Pride. It says it all to me...of my Savior's love for me. I love "Praise Him! Praise Him!" and "Amazing Grace". "Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!", "Standing on the Promises". "Grace Greater Than Our Sin". 

I was blessed to go to a Promise Keepers event once. We were a little late getting there and although we were late they hadn't started yet due to technical difficulties. We entered the arena and oh wow the taste of Heaven was palatable. 15,000 men singing hymns to fill in the time until they fixed the problem. Everyone, everywhere that singing could reach heard of the wonderful testimony to the God whom we were there to lift up. All those in the building and maintenance people to those in security and running the concessions. They heard us all praising the name of Jesus! Some day in Heaven I want to ask Jesus how many people were impacted for His Kingdom came from that technical difficulty happening. 

I'll wrap this up with pointing you to one last hymn. 

Sing the wonderous love of Jesus;

sing His mercy and His grace.

In the mansions, bright and blessed,

He'll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:

When we all get to heaven,

what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, w

e'll sing and shout the victory!

- When We All Get to Heaven, 1898 E. E. Hewitt.  

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 

Precious Lord...Blessed Lord

Precious Lord...Blessed Lord 

by David Brenneman 

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lorn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord

Lead me home

In my way grows drear

Precious Lord, linger near

When my life is almost gone

Hear my cry, hear my call

Hold my hand, lest I fall

Take my hand precious Lord

Lead me home

When the darkness appears

And the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river, I stand

Guide my feet, hold my hand

Take my hand precious Lord

Lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lorn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord

Lead me home (lead me home)

Written in 1932 by Thomas Dorsey, this is a song that I grew up to made famous at least to me by Jim Reeves, I know that Elvis Presley also sang a version of it.

Of late its been a very often used sound clip used in many many reels videos on Facebook that I see, the Jim Reeves version.  

The backstory of this song for Dorsey was of his writing this after getting the news that his Wife died in childbirth and his new son died a short time later. He was very withdrawn and hurting from going through and while just messing at a piano with a song he'd thought he'd forgotten kept saying over and over again "Blessed Lord, Blessed Lord" when a friend suggested he say something else. The suggestion was "Precious Lord" and the song was born from that. 

Throughout my life there's been many times when this song has come to my mind. Mostly when my heart and soul are just plain tired.  

These days this time in my life it has been certainly filled with days of feeling tired, weary and worn. The closest people in my life sometimes seem the most distant and I find myself just opening in prayer but not having the words to say. All that's there is a hurt that I know not how to talk to my Savior about. It's not every day but it is quite often that way.

The promises of Jesus in that I am not alone in this because He's there in it with me is a daily growing comfort. While people who are in my life miss the opportunities to really ask me how I am or even if I am alright the Spirit of God within me knows.  

This isn't any slight on others in my life. By no means. I'm unfortunately very adept at putting on a face much like everyone else in the world.  

While I wait upon the Lord for the answer to my employment situation I continue to go to Him every morning in my Bible reading and devotionals as well as my evening studies and devotionals. I heartily agree with what's written that when we don’t have the words that the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words.  

I know not why this has gone on for so long but I can't help but see and know that Jesus has been with us throughout it all. Just as it says in the Scriptures that He knows our hearts...because He is there within us.

The Bible also teaches us that through many trials and tribulations we will enter our rest in the Lord.  

I've been asked if what I am going through is not dissimilar to the scene in Heaven that we read in the book of Job. That I do not know. I know this blog has had a far reaching effect in this world. As He promised, every day He gives me something to write. Every day it goes out. For me, to God be the glory great things He has done with it. I might hand out business cards with the website address but 99 percent of those readers are those whom God's caused to discover it on their own. 

A Life Principle of Dr. Stanley's says that adversity only lasts as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.  

While I don't think that my race has been run its no where near the pace it used to be. I know not what dreams to dream of doing short of what I keep struggling to complete which is to become a published writer. Many have said that with this blog I've accomplished that but what I am after is to hold a paper copy of a book that I've written. To give a copy to my favorite English teacher as a bookend of sorts to the one who inspired me. 

You may be going through things too. Stand fast with your faith in Jesus. The Bible says to encourage one another with songs, hymns and spiritual songs making melody in our hearts to God. Songs are certainly one thing that my mind has no trouble remembering while I struggle with remembering day-to-day facts. 

Certainly 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. Even if you don't understand. Especially if you don't understand. Pray for each other. For some of us what we're going through is known mostly only by Jesus and ourselves.  

Pray on, Pray Over, Pray through. 

Even if it's just you and Jesus on the road you're on.  

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 

Looking for and Eager for His Return

Looking for and Eager for His Return
by David Brenneman

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.  Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!  But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:10-18.

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life." Jude 1:20-21.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Titus 2:11-14.

"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:1-4.

"For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:19.

How do you feel about the impending return of Jesus Christ for you?

As the few examples that I share this morning point to, the early Church was taught to and perpetuated to others to look for, and to live as though, Jesus was to return.

Do you live your life as if it were today? 

Hypothetical situation: a famous dignitary is visiting your city or town.  It's been well broadcast to all that he is going to visit random people during his stay.  You're notified that you are one of those whom he will spend time with.  How prepared are you going to try to be?   Part of the reason you're selected was because of the evidences of what you have done or are doing that align with what this dignitary stands for.  What are you going to show as proof of these things?  Is your house ready?  Are you ready for the inevitable conversations?

We too, like those then, are supposed to always be ready to go when Jesus calls us.  Either in our home-going or in our daily activities.  We are placed in the body of Christ exactly where we are by the direction of the Spirit of God for God's glory and not our own.  Are you sitting by idle with what you've been given or are you engaging in what you're to be involved with in Christ?

We live in a world of both insane surplus as well as insane poverty. 

Storage units are built almost as frequently as housing developments.  What's worse is the new housing markets are designed to not be affordable by a single income yet that isn't stopping people from decades of debt to a mortgage company.  And to add insult to injury these same people haven't the room for their stuff.  People obsessed with keeping stuff n keeping up with appearances...but not looking for His return.

The world is pushed more and more towards doing more for all that and more but they aren't looking at all for that particular promise to be kept. 

Jesus is coming.  My concerns with that are both for the lost of this generation as well as trying to understand the will of God for me in this moment of my life.  Keeping about the Father’s business as well as looking, as a few have described it as "an eye on the eastern sky".
I want to be found engaging in what God has me here for when Jesus comes back for me and all who have believed on His Name for salvation.  

The Word of God says that we are not our own, that we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  What we have left of our lives either in our years remaining until death or His return is to live for Jesus for all He's done for us.  It's not about stuff or about status or about isolation or about removing one's self from a work life for what the world calls retirement.  It's not about traveling for the sake of traveling for personal satisfaction and enjoyment. 

We don't at all get it from the Scriptures that these sorts of things were a part of their lives who had written to us on how to live a life of taking up our own cross and following Jesus.

Satan's best schemes involve us inviting and our investing in the things of this world so that we aren't at all effective for Christ...and to get us to look forward to it without realizing just what it is we got ourselves talking into.

To get us so wrapped up in this world that we're not in the Word as we should be or praying as we ought to be.  To get our talents and abilities we were given by the Spirit upon coming to Christ for salvation to sit and not be used for the kingdom of God.  To misuse them to get us to enjoy their misuse by redefining them. 

This last Sunday service we had we were taught of the truth that our words have weight.  Meaning there's a degree of value to us when these words we hear, say, think, come to our minds and hearts. 

What value do you place on knowing Jesus is coming and knowing that He's coming for you?

Soon after He comes we will give an account of our lives before Him for every single thought, intention, action taken action avoided that we've ever said, thought or done in our body.   Tried by the fire of His Truth, what might remain is to be a crown to give back to Jesus for all He's done for you. 

Will you have anything that will remain?

Are you so obsessed or absorbed in what you're doing or saying in life that your Godly priorities aren't on your radar?  That you will sadly be taken by surprise by His return rather than be expecting His return? That the instant you realize He did keep His promise of returning that instantly shame would overtake you?

We have our lives hidden in Christ.
We have our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ promising to return and He's specifically returning only for those who received His free gift of eternal life in Him. 

He said He is bringing with Him His reward in His hands.  Will He be bringing you anything?

We should be ever mindful of His return as well as be continually submitting to our training in righteousness, to grow in Christ, to be about the Father’s business.  Pointing people to Jesus for salvation.  We don't save anyone, only Jesus saves.

Related, we aren't to think more highly of ourselves as well.  Know what the will of God for you is in Christ Jesus.  Obey and do.  Pursue your relationship with Jesus above all else.  Seeking to please Him in all that we do. 

Are you ready?  Or are you among those whom the Scriptures say mock His appearing asking just where is it?  He will return just when the Father says so...when that last person who's to come to Christ for salvation comes and the Church of Jesus Christ is complete. 

I pray practically daily "Even so come quickly Lord Jesus".

I long for His return.  Not just because of my failing body but because I long for His embrace, telling me "Welcome home!  Come with me to the place that I have prepared for you!  You're going to love it!".

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