Striving for More

Strive for More
by David Brenneman

We're often conditioned to settle for this or settle for that. We're given just enough to satiate but little more and we've been taught that that's ok and that we shouldn't push it.

The problem with this way of thinking is its left no room for striving for more.

With our walk with Jesus there should always be our striving for more.  We have a spiritual race that is set before us...therefore it shouldn't be ran like running in our world does things.

An example of really not doing something strictly for the Lord is found in the story of Gideon.  Even with his affirmations he still voiced "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!". 

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17.

When we all do get to Heaven it will only be our directing our praise to the Lord and not including ourselves.

In life we also take this wrong conditioning and apply it to our prayers.  We don't bring up certain prayer requests because we judge them in ways that aren't ours to do.  The Scriptures tell us Jesus said, an since He is the Word, to bring everything to God in prayer.  Jesus taught on asking, seeking, and knocking. 

We aren't here to settle.  We have a God who's ready to give us a life that's more than we could ever ask for or Imagine.  He's ready but we self-depreciate and don't ask, don't seek, don't knock.

Some people fear what they perceive are the potential ramifications of their prayer requests so they don't ask.  Sometimes yes God does give us answers to prayers we probably should have thought better about asking for.  So why would He?  To learn how to get it right in the future.  To learn how to pray an how to really look at what's driving our prayers.

Sometimes as well we are asking with wrong motives.  That's found in the Scriptures too.  We ask n don't receive because we're really wanting to spend it on our own pleasures.

Strive for more in Christ.  I am at a crossroads with this on a non-possession level.  My prayers are around seeking consistent weekly fellowship with others in Christ.  Quite often many groups take parts of the year off.  For a family with no kids and don't have the money to spend to go places this isn't good.  We cherish our times we meet and it becomes a severe drought when we aren't.  Add to this that in spite of writing as I have learned to do, I am not one to strike up a conversation with most people even if I might know them. 

So I am seeking, striving, for more.  Last January my striving for more began with evening Bible studies. That's been wonderful. 

Jesus in all His 3 1/2 years of teaching the Disciples never took a break from it.  In my understanding I fail to see why any church should go with the ways of the world and take breaks when Jesus didn't.

Jesus ran the race set before Him and endured it all to win the prize of salvation for all in His Name.  Never once letting the things of this world hinder His running it.

Satan's schemes cannot get Believers in Christ unsaved but he can influence them to stop giving Christ their all.  He can influence them to water-down their life in Christ.  He can convince Believers to settle for less in areas of their lives where they should not.  He can convince people that it's ok not to get together. 

Matthew 18 tells us that wherever 2 or 3 are gathered together in Jesus's Name there He is in their midst.  Scripture tells us to not forsake the assembly of Believers on other occasions. 

We're either going to learn God's way of running this race or choose our own way n settle for less.  We're either going to get to that point of standing before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him showing we gave it our all, our everything, or we won't show we gave it our all, our everything..

Paul taught us to lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us in Christ that we may run the race set before us.

Don't settle for less in Christ, strive for more.

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

Letting It Go

Letting It Go 

by David Brenneman 

"Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding." Proverbs 9:6.

      While it is comforting comforting to to know that our heavenly Father will never forsake us, it is challenging to accept that that following Jesus as our Lord means we'll have to abandon some things we cherish-relationships, goals, material possessions, and sources of earthly security that God has required we leave behind for Him.

      It is sometimes very painful to forsake that to which we've become attached. It is even more difficult when our attachment is not necessarily sinful but something our Lord compels us to give up for His own good reason. The great aim of the Holy Spirit is to help us surrender to Christ in every area of our lives. Then and only then can His power flow unhindered through us into the lives of others

       Is there any possession, habit, role, behavior, or relationship in your life to which Christ does not have complete access and control? Is there some area that you have reserved for yourself? Following Jesus requires that you abandon all to Him. Can you truthfully say to your Lord, "All that I am and all that I have is Yours"? I hope you can because that is true freedom.

Jesus, I surrender everything I am and all I have to You. May You be glorified in me. Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

When we consider the words of Jesus when He said "And He was saying to them all, "If anyone shes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." - Luke 9:23.

This particular devotional is one that many, it appears, do not wish to talk about. However, mine isn't to add to their silence but rather to add to those who do bring it up.  

There's no wrong in realizing that this is a difficult subject. Note as well that this is a daily thing for all who are in Christ Jesus to partake of. This isn't for that phantom day of the week called "Someday" or it's cousin "One day". 

Waiting for the "right time" to do this...you will never get to it. The choice to stop and take it up is always right before you to be doing. No matter what direction you turn, there it is. No matter how you try to cover it up, it always shines through. No matter how you try to redefine it, it's true colors always prevail. Why? Because it's exactly what you're to be doing in your life.

You may have goals, ambitions, strong desires, of what you think you want out of your life.

They will likely get in your way of taking up your cross. Go further into the New Testament and you'll find "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.

I have had dreams, ambitions, desires, and have had to learn that many of those are in the way of what the Spirit says that I'm here to be doing for the Kingdom of God in Christ.

There was, from my determination, nothing "wrong" with those things. However, in His wisdom, some of those grander things that crossed my mind...He said would conflict with His plans and purpose both for me and for mankind. I am, after-all, not just a writer, but an inventor. 

It's good to set goals, but before they are set, check with He who is in charge. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them...that HE prepared.

You being born where you were, when you were, was no mistake. Even HOW you came out to be upon being born. My big example is myself. I was born with some of the effects of toxoplasmosis. It can cause all sorts of birth defects. Some things that have impacted me don't bother most people. However, this is how He created me and this is the body that's been made this way to glorify God. Nothing about how I was born was a mistake. 

You were born with glorifying God in all that you do on His mind. His desire is for you first to come to Christ for salvation, then to live a life that exemplifies that to the world around you. To shine your light in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. These good works are what was referred to in Ephesians 2:10. 

It's painful to let go of things or thoughts that we 'enjoy'. But, in my case, I look back now after pursuing what it is that the Spirit has directed me to...I can see the waste. The waste of time, of money, of the superficial joy that wasn't joy at all in those things. This is on top of the waste of years saying I was living for Jesus when I wasn't really. MANY go into churches every week saying they are living for Jesus who are absolutely not. They are as selfish as the world is going into church as they are when they leave.  

Letting go and letting God do what it is that He's desiring to do in each of us is what taking up our cross daily has in mind. You can't hold onto anything else but that cross because it takes your all to do so.

Your desires, your hobbies, your forms of entertainment, could very easily be incompatible with the righteous life that God desires for you. Now this is also to say that there might be elements of these that CAN be God honoring but first you need to pray and find out first. Never assume. Never attribute your definitions of what is right and true with what the Spirit say is right and true. Never base your feelings as His answer either.  

Take up your own cross daily. This, I believe ties in with something else that Jesus said "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

A very popular song many decades ago was "One Day at a Time". That is how we take up our cross, one day at a time. That is how we should focus on living, one day at a time. That's how we should approach carrying our own cross, one day at a time.

Life isn't complicated when our own cross is what we're carrying and following Jesus.

Whether it's big things or small things, take them all to the Lord in prayer. Jesus also said "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke i seasy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

We make it much more complicated in considering what all MIGHT be asked of us to give up.

Before you go there...find out first through prayer. Don't be worrying about the MIGHT be's.

You'll never see just what kind of things that God will do through you until you surrender to taking up your own cross daily and following Him.

I look back on things...and I don't miss anything that I've given up. The fears I had at the time were beyond unfounded.  

Let go and let God do in you what you're here to be doing. Take up your own cross and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

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

Develop the Practice

Develop the Practice

by David Brenneman 

Habits handle the small stuff. They're automatic actions triggered by context: think flossing your teeth or grabbing keys on the way out. Practices handle the hard stuff. They are deliberate, effortful actions that require attention and judgment: working out, managing a team, writing a book, learning Spanish.

A habit is an automatic, unconscious action triggered by a cue, like brushing your teeth. A practice is a deliberate, mindful activity requiring continuous focus and a goal to improve, like playing an instrument or writing.

Key Differences Mindset: Habits run on autopilot with little thought; practices need active attention, judgment, and choice. 

Effort: Habits save brain energy for simple tasks; practices demand ongoing willpower and energy. Growth: Habits maintain a routine; practices aim to build skill, depth, or mastery over time.

Triggers: Habits happen because of a specific context or prompt; practices happen because of a personal choice or commitment. Examples of both, Habits: Locking the door, putting on a seatbelt, or taking daily vitamins. 

Practices: Learning a new language, meditating with awareness, or training for a sport.

"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.

How intentional are you in living out your life in Christ? How often do you "practice what you preach"? How often are you really intentional on taking up your own cross and following Jesus? 

Are your practices aligned with growing in Christ? Or are the things you're intentional about doing nothing to aligned your life with the will of God for you, which is your sanctification?

I can hear some of your excuses now, for I had the same thoughts roll off my tongue as well.  

May I remind you of the very words of Jesus Christ Himself?

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26.

"And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:34-37.

"And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25.

So here we have a point made by our Savior and Lord that's intentionally repeated three times in the Gospels.  

If we're living out in practice what Jesus said for us to be doing, there should be viable evidence to support it.  

I began in January of 2025 to set a practice of intentional time studying God's Word in the evenings. This I highly recommend if indeed your desire really is to grow in Christ as His will is for you. This will involve more than you think. Shut off the radio, the podcasts, the streaming videos, the television, your phone on silence. Remove distractions from this intentional time with the Spirit of God. Essentially treat this time as Holy unto the Lord. I allow only 2 people to be able to interrupt this time with Jesus in the Spirit. Outside of these...the rest of the world can wait. 

As part of this practice, which as we've defined isn't merely a habit, I keep a notepad and pen for stray thoughts and ideas to be addressed later.  

It's been well over a year and to be honest, I can't imagine a day without meeting Jesus in this way. Additionally, this is in addition to my practice of intentional time in the morning, both before work and on weekends before anything that happens then in order to write about whatever God brings to mind to write about for the blog.  

God's blessed these practices because they indeed are the will of God for me in Christ Jesus. Just as they will be for you in Christ 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." John 15:1-11.

Think about it. The parable of the talents. You are meant to not just survive this physical life but to thrive in Christ. You are meant to shine, not merely glow in Christ. You can't conceive in your wildest imagination what He's prepared for you when you're all-in with your daily practice of meeting with Jesus every day. I had other blogs before this one. The only entry of one that had any traction in views was my personal testimony concerning coming to Christ for salvation. Now that caught my attention. Then Jesus revealed to me what you read in the header information of this blog. He would give me things to write and it was upon me to do it. The viewership of this blog has passed 2 million views. That's God's work in bringing people here to find what He's given me to write in His Name. That's beyond my imagination. 

You can't know what will honor Him by your commitment to having a dedicated practice of meeting with Him every day and shutting out the world. Jesus often got up early to leave the world around Him to go be with His Father. Jesus taught the Disciples to have the practice of following Him with their everything. 

Turn your on again off again habit into a dedicated practice of meeting with Jesus. I promise you, my Dear Reader, that He will meet you there every single time. 

Unlock your potential in Christ by allowing the Spirit of God to grow you in Christ. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

In Everything

In Everything 

by David Brenneman 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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 4:4-9.

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." Philippians 4:11-12.

Are you thankful for everything that happens in your day? Shouldn't you? Is that not what we're told is the right thing to do in the Lord?

All the good, the bad, and the ugly, give thanks. Praying concerning everything that we encounter in our days on the Earth. Essentially that's what we read here. Even if it seems mundane, repetitious, boring...all that impacts your heart and mind is important to your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. We mean that much to Him. 

Something that I have no proof concerning but rather believe because of His nature and who He is...is that in the day of the great marriage supper with Jesus is that somehow He will be able to sit with everyone at one time. All of us are that important to Him as His bride the Church. From the greatest to the least of these.

In our lives today we already mean that much to Him. He's ready to hear from all who believe at the same time because He is who He is. Nobody gets lost in the shuffle. Nobody gets forgotten. He intently listens to our prayers as if we were the only one's praying to Him. 

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice! It actually has taken some time to get used to thanking God for everything in my day. Even for what didn't go right. Even for when I didn't get enough sleep. Even for...fill in the blank. Scripture says that in everything give thanks. 

We serve a personal Savior. Who cares about us personally. That's why I believe that at the marriage supper of the Lamb He will be with each of us celebrating with each of us because we mean that much to Him. 

We are highly valued because of what we have as adopted sons and daughters of God through what Jesus did on the cross to save us.  

Regardless of what our days look like, He's there in the midst. Regardless of how life feels, He's there in the midst. 

Regardless of what others think, He is there in the midst knowing the truth. 

We have great reason to rejoice. Even with aches and pains. Even with infirmities. Even with illnesses.  

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Again, another reason to rejoice.  

Turn from thoughts that aren't going to allow you to rejoice in the Lord.  

Satan's schemes include you taking your eyes off of Jesus and onto your circumstances, your situations, your emotions, anything but on the truths of your position before your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

"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.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29.

Nothing going on in your life today is insignificant to your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. From before you were born you were on His mind. He loved you with an everlasting love.  

Let's live like these truths are true in our lives today. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

We Are the Apple of His Eye

We Are the Apple of His Eye

by David Brenneman 

"Hear a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry; Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Let my judgment come forth from Your presence; Let Your eyes look with equity. You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped. I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings." Psalms 17:1-8.

It's amazing to think, but how true it is in fact, that there are Believers who aren't praying what's on their minds and hearts because they think that God is busy with everything else going on in the world and with other Believers. 

My Dear Reader are you one of these? Are you at such a level of feeling inadequate that you're withholding coming into the presence of God in prayer? Are you maybe even so comfortable in your life's situations that you think that your requests would be too much?

Such thoughts of our Savior Jesus Christ cannot be farther from the truth.  

Jesus Himself said to come to Him. Said to ask in His Name. To bring whatever is on our hearts and minds to Him to take care of.  

We do not yet realize just how much we are the ones who are restricting or restraining the power of God in Christ Jesus for us by entertaining such thoughts!

How can the One who endured the cross for our sakes and who proved that He overwhelmingly conquered sin, death and the grave, ever be out of touch with any who called upon His Name to be saved?  

Our sin nature as well as the schemes of the devil are what introduce such fallacies to our thinking and way of life. 

Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Our rags were exchanged for His holy garments. Our unrighteousness was exchanged for His righteousness.

We have all the rights of adopted children to the riches of God in Christ Jesus. It matters not how big or how small those requests are that are on our hearts!

I even pray "bullet prayers" when I lose something that I need to find. I pray for things that way when others whom God has caused to cross paths with me utter. 

I pray over things that we need done here at home. 

I am glad that my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ has all the time in the world, so to speak, for whatever is on my mind. From the beyond joyful thoughts to those that grip my heart and I can't find the words for.  

The lies of Satan and his minions as well as the lies of our sin nature should be put in perspective: they are lies, they are deception, they should be dealt with accordingly. 

As the song goes "Take it to the Lord in prayer...".

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 

Anxieties and Relief

Anxieties and Relief 

by David Brenneman 

"When I am afraid, Iwill þut my trust in You." PSALM 56:3.

     Do you realize that you can turn your worries into something

positive? God repeatedly commands you not to fear-to

make a deliberate decision whenever you experience apprehensions. So rather than allowing anxiety to take up residence in you, you view your worries as warning flags or triggers that directly drive you to the Father's throne of grace. In this way, your trepidations can serve to grow and strengthen your faith because you consciously make the choice to trust Him in them.

     You see, prayer, infused with thanksgiving, is where the battle

is fought and won against fear. When you go earnestly and boldly

to the Lord regarding your concerns the moment they arise, you

immediately focus on His power, wisdom, and sufficiency. And

because He can handle anything that comes at you, fear's hold on

you is weakened.

     So when you are afraid, choose to trust in the Lord and commit yourself to Him in prayer and praise. Magnify the presence and power of God-think about what He has done in the past and what He's promised to do in the future. Not only will your anxieties flee, but the peace of God will certainly strengthen your heart.

Jesus, please remind me to turn to You as soon as fear arises

so I can immediately express my trust in You. Amen.

-Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

This exerpt is actually today's reading that I will read again tonight. I was but wasn't looking for it but considering what's been happening with me in recent weeks it appears to be a God moment for me and for me to share with all of you. 

I have no explanation for the high levels of anxiety that have been trying to get a grip on me. I do know that each and every time I run to my Savior in prayer to deal with it.  

It's not to the point of paralysis but it can be marginally debilitating. It gets in the way of trying to get work done.  

Cody Carnes had a song out called "Run to the Father". The chorus goes like this: "I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

My heart needs a surgeon

My soul needs a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

And again and again".

This, my Dear Reader, is the appropriate response to fears, to anxieties, to things that try to disturb the path of life in Christ Jesus...and it works. Time and again it works without fail. 

I know, logically, that there is no reason to be gripped by anxieties or panicked thinking. Yet there's times it just happens and knowing what to do in the Lord is more than half the battle.

We do ourselves much harm by thinking that He's too busy with the universe to help us in our lowly estate.  

Jesus is never too busy to run to us. He ran to us when we turned to Him for salvation and He promised to always be there throughout all our growing in Him. 

We are also not defined by what frightens us. We are not defined by what might be called success either. We are defined as children of God. Adopted heirs to the throne. Ambassadors of God in Christ Jesus. We are not defined by our sin but rather by our Savior who is Christ the Lord. 

My prayers concerning this repeated anxiety is to keep running to my Savior no matter what until they cease to be a problem for me. 

Running to the Father in times like this or any time that the world is closing in on us or threatens to disturb what we have in Christ is always the right thing to do. 

Long ago I used to have people in my life who knew me well enough to sense things in me that I wasn't seeing myself. Some have gone on to be with Jesus, others moved to other cities or just plain fell away from the relationship we had because of their life's circumstances. Moving from my hometown to another city then to the city we live in now often doesn't help much when it comes to relationships that are deep and meaningful. You do tend to be alone in a crowd for a long time, in my case many years.

But the sole constant has and always will be is my Savior Jesus Christ. So regardless of who is or isn't in my life my relationship with Jesus is what I continue to cultivate. He's always there to calm my fears. Always there to listen. His Word is always there to comfort. 

Lean into that way of thinking yourself when life feels like a great mass of unknowns that hit you all at once or even a little at a time. 

Run to the Father through Jesus the Son, give Him the glory great things He has done.  

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

Open Eyes Open Heart

Open Eyes Open Heart 

by David Brenneman 

These are some notes and questions that were memorable enough for me to keep from several years ago.

"Jesus replied:'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment..."

What gets your attention and affection more than God?

What gets the attention in your week more than God?

What are you chasing, hoping that it will satisfy you that isn't God?

What are you going after thinking its going to provide a soul level happiness that isn't God?

How often do you prefer to choose your way instead of God's way?

What area of life are you most tempted to choose your way instead of God's way?

Jesus said that your life journey is now to surrender and go all in with with your heart your soul and your mind. Not to earn the love but because you received the love. 

Not trying to get it but live out of it.

Christ followers are being baited into fighting people and not ideas. 

When the culture tries to get you to fight people and not ideas don't take the fools bait. 

Consider what these questions are asking you and I.

In our world where status is becoming the driving force of acceptance, making critical decisions based on that and emotional responses is becoming more the norm. 

Look at the plethora of videos both real and imagined using AI to display the folly of people in just traffic incidents. Of how people aren't thinking or considering the ramifications of their thoughts, emotions and actions. 

Look at what drives you. What has become the most important thing in your life? Is it still in pleasing Jesus or has that been slacking?

Are you going with the flow or are you resisting what the world is offering? Have you started putting your relationship with Jesus lower in your priorities? 

No catastrophic change to your relationship with Jesus is going to happen overnight.  

You'll compromise a little here, a choice there.  

There's great significance in heeding the warning to stand firm in the Lord!

Our lives are not our own. This we must never forget. 

The early Church was radical and different. Much different and easily much better than the Church of today. Their priorities were each other and growing in Christ. Daily they went about house to house. As a Church they were living out what the Disciples had learned of putting their all on the altar. Of giving up everything to live in obedience to God's will. 

There was a video that I watched yesterday that wasn't the first of its kind on the subject for me to hear. 

It was of someone asking AI if it was the devil what would it do.

The thing is while I don't know if this person in this video actually went through with this supposed conversation with AI, the things stated were actually accurate. 

Of how subtlety would be the hallmark of its work. In getting people to just turn away from God even for a moment to something a little more attractive. To get people to pay more attention to this or that and to make these things more interesting. 

We can't be too careful!

Indeed our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus but our hearts must stay there too!

We are needing to call things as God's Word calls things and to not redefine things to make them less offensive to ourselves. 

We need to be as committed to helping others grow in Christ as the early Church did.  

We need to turn away from the allure and seductive ways of the world and back to living for Jesus with all that we do.  

When we use worldly excuses to not come together and it's acceptable to those in the Church then the devil has a foothold. 

Jesus called the Disciples to be fully devoted followers of Him.

Not part-time. Not when they could fit it into their schedules. 

Review those opening questions. 

Are you comfortable with doing lesd and less with Jesus? If so, you ought to be terrified at the notion!

Are you striving to please Him in all that you do or have you decided that it was ok to do less? Again this should shock you if it's true!

Consider well what choices and decisions you made based on emotions rather than God's Word that has directed your life away from His plan and purpose for your life. 

Pray that your eyes may be opened to the truth about you. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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