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?

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Letting Go and Letting God Handle It All

by David Brenneman

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him." PSALM 28:7

When people wrong us, we can be in danger of dwelling incessantly on what they've done, which can lead to bitterness. Angry thoughts can bombard us because of the injustice, vulnerability, and pain we feel. But rather than giving in to resentment, we must refocus our thoughts on God and His purpose for allowing the conflict.

Focusing on the Lord will help you rely on His ability to deal wisely and justly with your antagonists. You don't have to be afraid of being a victim of someone else's power plays or deception. Instead, you can be confident that your reputation, success, and security rest firmly in the hands of your sovereign God. Yes, people may hurt you and even set you back. But you don't have to fear or retaliate. You can forgive as Christ commands, and the Father will

protect you, vindicate you in due time, and give you insight into why people respond as they do.

The Lord is greater than all your enemies combined, and the power of the risen Christ can sustain and guide you through whatever rough encounters you face. So honor Him because He will certainly help you.

Jesus, You are my Defender. I trust You to help me and redeem this situation. Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

We live in a world where generation after generation is increasingly teaching the next that you have rights that are yours to demand others respect no matter what.

We live in times when revenge is often a matter of opportunity and time than a mere thought that can at some point be safely dismissed.

Consequences for revenge aren't even a consideration for those who engage in revenge because they cannot fathom how their thoughts and actions are in any way wrong.

Hatred and anger towards others is still a poison pill we take hoping the other person will either suffer for it or die from it.

Throughout my book that I am writing there's example after example of when revenge is what I wanted but wasn't for me to pursue. God said He would deal with these people and He most certainly did without my intervention. Just as this devotional and Bible passage refers to.

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20.

We shouldn't start taking on people whom were also people for whom Jesus died for. That's the root of things.

While my mind really wants some degree of satisfaction my heart ought to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We can and often do blind ourselves to the mission of the Spirit of God...Jesus came to save sinners. We are here, regardless of what we go through...to represent Jesus to a lost world so that they may see their own need for a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

We're never going to show Jesus to this world if all this world sees in us is our angry countenance.

Let go of it and let God go where you cannot to do His work in them as He once did in you who were also once hostile toward God yourself.

God's grace and mercy are new everyday else we would have seen the end of mankind right after Adam and Eve sinned.

We don't get what we deserve because of the grace and mercy of God. We have no right to sit in judgment, that is to take God's place in being the Judge, over others.

We are told how we must be when dealing with those whom have wronged us. First and foremost is we're to pray for them. If we're still engaged with them we're to return kindness where they are expecting retaliation.

God can and does go where we cannot. In my book there's a true story of how God made a bridge in my dreams between myself and my friend who at the time was estranged from me. The dreams had their effect and a day came when restoration happened and the dreams stopped.

Letting go and letting God isn't a sign of weakness it's the ultimate sign of strength. Scripture says that where it be possible to be at peace with all men. This implies that there's going to be times when there's going to be some that it won't be possible with.

God's resources are unlimited and unending. God's wisdom in seeing beyond what we do or ever considered is infinite.

Moreover there's some people who've crossed our path in an apparently wrong way- from our point of view- that were intentionally put there by God to redirect our path towards His plans for us.

We aren't here to merely survive.

We aren't here to get all we can get.

We aren't here to be all we can be for ourselves.

We aren't here to seek out everything to make our own paradise here on earth.

We are here, after coming to Christ for salvation, to grow in Christ. Become more like Jesus through our time with Jesus in prayer and the Word of God. To show the world the character of Christ Jesus. To point people to Jesus. To show the fruits of the Spirit to a dying world.

We gave up our rights when we came to Christ for salvation. We took up Jesus's words as our own "your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven".

Pray for those who persecute you.

Pray for those who tick you off.

Pray for those who have wronged you.

Take these people to Jesus in prayer. Let go of them at the feet of Jesus.

These people whom we might be so blindly enraged at just might be the last person who is going to be saved before Jesus returns.

Think about that.

You could be prolonging the wait for Jesus returning by not seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness by your blind desire for revenge.

Pray for these people and get out of God's way.

That's how you let go and let God do what needs done in His eyes.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Being Tired and Yet Pressing On

by David Brenneman

"He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake." Psalm 23:3.

Your Shepherd knows your every need. He knows you will grow weary in your pilgrimage with Him. He knows there are times when you need rest. Your Shepherd knows just what you need to be refreshed. At times you need to lie in lush meadows or beside quiet streams. Sometimes you need to be held by your Shepherd. At other times you need to enjoy the pleasures the

Shepherd provides. The Shepherd will not always replenish in the same way; His response to you will always perfectly correspond to your present need.

As you follow your Shepherd there will be times when your soul becomes exhausted, perhaps because of trials you are experiencing or temptations you are resisting. The persecution you face or the burdens you are carrying for others may be wearing you down. You may be weary from the discipline the Shepherd has brought upon you. There will be times when you feel you can go no further in your Christian pilgrimage. Your Shepherd knows when you have reached this point, and He always has a remedy! There are many ways He can strengthen you: through His word, through others, or through your circumstances. He knows what you need even better than you do.

Have you grown weary? Does your soul need to be refreshed? Don't attempt to recover on your own. Only God knows how to heal and rejuvenate a soul (Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 11:28-30). He will do it perfectly, sometimes in surprising ways. Ask Him to restore you, and then be prepared to respond to what He does next.

-Experiencing God Day-by-Day

"Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." Hebrews 10:35-36.

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21.

Oh well, I'm tired and so weary

But I must go alone

'Til the Lord comes and calls

Calls me away, oh yes

Well, the morning's so bright

And the lamp is alight

And the night

Night is as black as the sea, oh yes

There will be peace in the valley for me, some day

There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray

There'll be no sadness, no sorrow

No trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me

Well the bear will be gentle

And the wolves will be tame

And the lion shall lay down

By the lamb, oh yes

And the beasts from the wild

Shall be lit by a child

And I'll be changed

Changed from this creature that I am, oh yes

There will be peace in the valley for me, some day

There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray

There'll be no sadness, no sorrow

Oh my Lord, no trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me, for me

We read a lot this morning my Dear Reader. Much to take in and much to consider.

We really are like what the Scriptures say of us...we're sheep. We need, oh how we always ever need, our Great Shepherd. To hear His voice and obey His commands. To trust Him always and in everything.

We cannot really navigate a single hour let alone a single day without guidance through His Spirit in our lives if we but really consider our lives and the desired relationship between God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and ourselves.

We're also alike with sheep in that we often need to be made to lay down and rest. We don't have infinite reserves of energy. The more tired our minds the more we make mistakes that we're not even aware we're making.

Sheep are taught from the start to listen to their Shepherd.

Our world doesn't like being told what to do and when or why it should be done. Scripture says that we like sheep have all gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.

We're naturally inclined to try everything out our way first.

Scripture also says that the natural man does not understand the things of God because they are foreign to him. Without listening to and learning from the Spirit we're going to lack every bit of understanding in learning how to obey God.

We can and many times we do get wrapped around the axle before we stop to ask for His help.

We're sheep. Sheep do this sort of thing.

We need to daily be in the Word of God. Not sporadically. Not when we can cram it in.

We need to listen to the Spirit to learn the benefits of reliance on Jesus.

Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. The hymn writer has that nailed exactly.

Perseverance will bring fatigue and weariness but we can keep on in the Lord. Many times I am up late because my time in God's Word in the evening goes on that long. It took a bit to realize that I needed to do little tweaks here and there to remove distractions to get through.

We will often be lead through the hills and valleys of life to reinforce our reliance on Jesus.

Stay with the Great Shepherd.

"Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3.

"Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:5.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Rest in the Lord. Commit your ways to the Lord. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Monday, March 2, 2026

Turn to the Vine

by David Brenneman

"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" JOHN 15:5.

Would you like to be more like Jesus, but it just seems too difficult? Do you find yourself , falling short? Don't despair-you're not supposed to be godly in your own strength. Being Christ-like is a fruit that comes from God Himself.

There's a reason that peach trees bear peaches, not apples; why pear trees bear pears, not bananas; and why branches cut off from the vine wither away. It's because life is given through the vine, with the sap that flows into the branches determining the identity of the fruit. In much the same manner, God's life within you produces the

Christlike character you long for. As you spend time with Him and acknowledge Him as Lord, His "divine sap" - the Holy Spirit - produces the spiritual qualities that reflect His character in you.

This means that you are empowered to be and do all God created you to because He does it all through you. However, you must live in continual union with the Vine, Jesus. So stop struggling. Abide in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to reproduce His character in you.

Jesus, help me to abide in You so that Your life, character, and fruit may be produced in me, Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

“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 is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Abiding in...remaining in...choosing to be in...even not choosing at times...is for us to be doing in Christ.

Our cross, the one designed for us to carry by our Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ...is tailored to us. Not to others but us. What we have going on that needs expunged from us isn't the same as even the brother or sister in Christ that's nearest to us. While there's similarities in WHAT is coming out of us our walk will be slightly if not signficicantly different.

We have everything we need pertaining to life in godliness.

We have renewed mercies every morning.

We have immediate access to the Father through Jesus every waking moment of our daily life.

We often don't realize what we need because we don't see, feel, think, perceive, that anything is wrong with where we are currently standing in this journey called life.

Yet, our all-knowing Father, through the Spirit, sees our hearts, sees our process of sanctification all the time, rain or shine asleep or awake.

This remaining in the vine...I'm reminded of a story shared with me that has to do with sheep. Appropriately so since the Scriptures often refer to us as sheep. One in particular says that we like sheep have all gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.

Read on:

Every once in a while, an ewe will give birth to a lamb and rejects it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their necks. Their spirit is broken.

These lambs are called "bummer lambs". Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does?

He brings the rejected lamb into his dwelling, feeds it by hand, and ensures its warmth near the fireplace. Wrapping it in blankets, he cradles it against his chest, allowing the lamb to sense his heartbeat. When the lamb gains sufficient strength, he reintegrates it into the field alongside the rest of the flock.

But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first?

That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows his voice intimately.

It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it.

It's not that it is loved more, it just believes it because it has experienced that love one on one.

So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.

We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.

~ Author Unknown / Dawnings

While there's much that I could mention...this particular morning it seems that what the Spirt wants said has already been said in these exerpts.

There's times when i'm very tired and weary of this road that I'm on and times when I find it hard to hold my head up. I can relate to that bummer sheep. Others don't notice it, nor do they ask me if they do notice it. We were looking at the 'bear one another's burdens' passage last night. It amazes me how often people keep on walking, even in church, when they see someone with an obviously fake smile on their face. It's certainly happened to me. I will also admit there's times I'm not looking that intently upon those in my path in this life given to me.

What are you doing about remaining in the Vine? What are you doing about putting up boundries that are unshakeable, unbreakable, to keep your communion with Jesus set and established? What are you thankful for each morning? What are you doing about asking before doing each day from the Spirit?

As Ambassadors we have to keep in heavy, constant, communication with the One whom we represent in order to accomplish what He's wanting from us. When we break that communication...we will indeed feel it, whether or not we acknowledge it is something else.

I've had many times when I've felt like that bummer lamb and it went on for months and years. Others who supposedly knew me didn't see it. I didn't know how to cope with it. Yet, looking back, I can see where my Great Shepherd was there all the while.

We're to be in the Vine and we're to be listening for His voice. We're to be thankful, grateful, and seeking what He's wanting of us and for us each day.

"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

It's not seek after you give others and the world what they demand then His Kingdom. The branches seek first what the vine is supplying first.

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

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Do As Taught by the Spirit

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." 1 Peter 4:7-11.

A chief lesson to learn after coming to Christ is learning what our new spiritual gifts are and how the Father wants them employed in our part of the world.

We aren't to come to Christ, have these spiritual gifts bestowed upon us and then go hide them. We likewise are not to abuse them. Nor dismiss them in order to seek others that we weren't given.

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

"But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 1 Corinthians 12:11.

We can often be disappointed or dissatisfied with what our part of the body of Christ we are. Paul likewise addresses this.

"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 12:14-27.

We don't choose what our parts are or what they are to be employed as. Ours is to obey and do.

Jealousy, bitterness, strife, anger even, can come upon the heart subtly or even so quickly that it's not recognized for what it is.

There's millions and millions of people who were never mentioned in the New Testament or even the Old Testament that did wondrous things for the Lord Jesus Christ that will be rewarded for such in that day that is swiftly coming.

We live in a world where job descriptions are no longer what they used to be and have unfortunately tried using that particular lens to view the spiritual aspects of our life. In the working world people no longer are doing a simple set of tasks for 30 years. There's a grocery list of items on every job description posted where employment is needed.

In Christ we are to obey in doing what we were called to be doing.

"for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29.

Remembering as well: "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." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

This, I believe, is at the heart of seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness. We cannot know how best to employ what we were indeed given if we are not asking how, when and where they should be used.

In the parable of the talents we see that we must boldly employ what we were given to the glory of God. The one guy who did nothing with what he was given...well we read it didn't go so well for him.

Do you really want to stand before Jesus, likely soon, and have nothing to show for what He gave you to use for His glory?

These gifts are to be used to bring Him glory in reaching others for Christ. We show them the way to Jesus and Jesus saves. We do not. But unless people see our good works they will not glorify our Father in Heaven. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

Are you asking God what your gifts are? Have you been stung at a church and have withdrawn from the body of Christ? Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Have you possibly known about a gift or two but haven't used them? Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Have you not gone all in with your calling in Christ? Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Be satisfied with what you were given, what you were called to be doing. There were 12 Apostles yet we only have Biblical records in the New Testament of but very few. This does not at all mean that their ministries were any less holy or important.

You, my Dear Reader, might be that individual who introduces that last person to become part of the body of Christ, the Church, and in doing so usher in His return for His Church.

We don't need our name in lights. We are already famous in our Father's eyes. We are so adored by our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are loved by Him.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

Do what it is you were called in Christ to be doing.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Saturday, February 28, 2026

How We Should Be

by David Brenneman

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Philippians 2:1-16.

All too often, when you read what many post throughout social media and see in the news...is their reaction to their realistically selfish position being slighted. What so-and-so said or did and how that made them feel.

"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." 1 Peter 3:8-17.

"See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people." 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

We who are supposed to be those who are the saved in Christ Jesus really reveal heart that's not walking well with Jesus when our selfishness comes out of our mouth rather than them seeing and hearing God's love, grace and mercy.

We are going to have conflicts with others, but for those who are saved in Christ Jesus we are held to a higher standard. We are not to let a root of bitterness begin within us towards others in Christ. We aren't to sow dissension. We must be mindful of the Life Principle that you reap what you sow more than you sow and much later than you sow.

We who are in Christ ought to do our best to get along with others who are likewise saved in the here and now because eternity with them is going to be a very long time.

Our feelings are going to be tossed around and sometimes tossed away when we submit to what God's wanting for us in recovery and reconciliation.

Jonah was being taught to want what Jesus wanted but we read of how that didn't meet up with his expectations and how he had to learn to obey the Lord in it.

We are not to put down ultimatums with others as well that do not align with God's will for them or us.

Truthfully politics have no place in the hearts of Believers because our hearts and allegiance belong to Jesus Christ. We who are saved in Christ are no longer representing ourselves but Jesus Christ. While it is possible to be in politics and be saved its a difficult road to walk.

Leaders are to model how Jesus showed servant leadership to be. All of us are to treat others as more important than ourselves. Forgiveness is at the root of a right relationship with Jesus. If we don't forgive then we shouldn't expect to be forgiven.

We should be cultivating a life that shows Jesus to the world. Not us to the world. A life that shows the lost the light of Jesus so that they too may find salvation.

We are only still here not because of ourselves but because the Church of Jesus Christ isn't completely built yet. Once the Church is complete then Jesus will return.

We are given specific, special, spiritual gifts that are ours to employ in our lives to become more like Jesus. As the King gave out talents with the expectation that his servants would do something with them so is the expectation that we would do with what we've been given to use.

We are to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. We are to be intentional on learning more about Jesus so that our lives show Him.

Are you living for Jesus in all that you do? Are you sowing seeds that will result in others seeing Jesus or might cause them to ask about Him?

Are the words of your mouth spreading the fruits of the Spirit or is what people hear all about you?

We are going to butt heads with each other. But we are to take the path that Jesus says to take in order to display His character in each of us.

We don't realize just how easy it is to give the devil a foothold in our lives and he will even make it seem like it's our idea or make us think we shouldn't obey the Word of God because it will hurt worse.

Satan's schemes include subterfuge. They are hidden in plain sight. They're disguised as things and ideas that we're convinced are ours to keep rather than to see if God's word says should ever be a part of our lives.

We are to live life as Believers in the way Jesus showed us. We aren't to put self above what Jesus is wanting to do in an through us.

Let your light shine in your life in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Do you walk so closely with your Lord and Savior so that people recognize Him in you? That's our goal in this life. That's how we're all to be. Loving the Lord our God with our everything and loving others.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, February 27, 2026

God-sized Dreams and Us

by David Brenneman

A summer camp sky spreads above me. I’m in junior high and spending a few nights away from home. As I stare up at the stars, my little heart is already filled with longings for the future—to get married one day, to be a writer, to have someone to sit with at the lunch table. As I thank God for my blessings and express my desires, it seems I hear a whisper...

Always remember to love the Giver more than the gift.

I know instantly what those words mean. I’ve seen how easily my childish heart can look at God like a vending machine. But he’s beckoning me into intimacy instead. Through the years, whenever a dream or desire comes into being, that phrase echoes in my heart again.

Love the Giver more than the gift.

We have high hopes for our God-sized dreams. We think they’ll bring us joy, chase away our insecurities, soothe our fears. But there is only One who can do those things: the Giver.

We sometimes forget that truth on the road to our dreams. We start chasing what we want instead of the One who wanted us enough to come all the way from heaven to earth.

God-sized dreams make beautiful gifts but terrible idols. Only the Giver can offer us what we truly need, what our hearts have wanted all along.

Love the Giver more than the gift.

Go Deeper

Read Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:31-33, and James 1:17 as reminders of God's generosity.

God, you are the Giver of all that’s good—including the God-sized dreams in my heart. I recognize you are the true fulfillment of all I long for and truly need. Thank you for the invitation to go on this adventure, not because of where it will take me, but because of the joy of sharing it with you. I look forward to growing closer to you along the way. Amen.

- exerpt from a reading plan on the Bible app "God-Sized Dreams".

As I write my book "Memorial Stones of My Heart", indeed this story resonates with me concerning my youth.

As an adult, I and many many people in my life, we easily forget that last part.

"God-sized dreams make beautiful gifts but terrible idols. Only the Giver can offer us what we truly need, what our hearts have wanted all along."

As one who's been blessed with many many opportunities I can look back over my life to surely agree concerning that statement. Successes are very empty when achieved without God as being there with you through it. Successes sometimes even don't last a day if God's not in it. Something will fall out whether related to that success or something else but the joy won't last nor ever be as great as it would have been had we included God in it.

I know of a story of a business owner who likes to give the appearance that God's a part of their life, even in the business. Yet the reality behind the scenes shows a vastly different story where God's not honored. Where God's not honored no real Godly success story will ever be written.

We can't live lives that are only Godly on the surface. We are never to justify offering Jesus little bits here and there. We certainly should never take what graces and mercies He bestows upon us for granted.

"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.

We can really do harm to our relationship with Jesus by getting excited about our dreams for the present or our dreams for the future. We do this by running ahead without him. As the writer of that reading plan said, so have I lived and maybe you too--don't get ahead of God. Don't forget the Giver.

We can't live a life only giving an appearance of a life in Christ, it needs to be from the inside out. It must be genuine. We will possibly fool those around us but we will never fool the one with whom we have to do. Please do not forget that there will be a day when our lives will be tested by the fire of His Truth. We won't need to speak up to say what we were convincing ourselves that we meant because Jesus is already going to know.

My dreams, your dreams, God-sized or small, all should include Jesus from the onset, from the very beginning. If He's not going to be in it, why pursue it? As one who ran ahead of God, I can testify wholeheartedly that is a very very dark and bad place to be.

The dreams that I was shown for me by Jesus way back in the late 80's...I ran ahead of God in all my excitement and didn't realize it until it was too late. It was what I was to be doing but His timetable and mine certainly weren't the same. Remember that was the late 80's. Had I stayed with Him rather than run ahead I probably would have began being equipped for it rather than my false ideas that I already was ready. It delayed it a few decades. Until the opportunity returned and that was 7 years ago this spring. This time I was going into it with my Savior with me. It's this blog you're reading.

The God-sized dream for me was to reach people all over the world with what I would write for Jesus. As of the other day, it's been seen 1.65 million times and in 131 countries in this world. My thoughts way back then at what I thought I could accomplish and how it certainly didn't pan out compared to what God's done in 7 years...wow.

An now I am in the midst of the book that I was to write because it was to be a culmination of my life impacted by my life in Christ. My thoughts on books to write back in the late 80's couldn't possibly prepare me for what's to come now.

My Dear Reader, take today's message to heart. Don't run ahead of God just because you think you understand what it is that God's wanting for you. Do not be wise in your own estimation but understand what the will of God is for you. 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.

The wisdom we need to live life has to come from asking God for it, to accept it, to adhere to it, with Him by our side. Or perhaps more appropriately, us by His side.

It's something we need to recognize and to remember. We want Jesus holding our hand and not us holding His. If it's us holding His we will at times let go. If it's Him holding ours He will never let go.

Don't be afraid to dream God-sized dreams but make sure you indeed love the Giver more than the gift.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Time's Not on the World's Side

by David Brenneman

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

Confessing Christ is evidence of genuine faith (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 8:37; 1 Corinthians 12:3). Salvation comes through belief in Christ acknowledgeing that His is God and was raised...from the dead. Christ's death satisfied God's righteous demand for the penalty for sins and Christ's resurrection validated His claims and the Father's statements that He is God.

- Notes from the Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible on Romans 10:9,10.

10:8 The word is near you. Quoted from Deuteronomy 30:14. The journey of verses 6 and 7 is unnecessary because God has clearly revealed the way of salvation: it is by faith. Word of faith. The message of faith is the way to God.

10:9 confess...Jesus as Lord. Not a simple acknowledgement that his is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (James 2:19). This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's own master or sovereign. This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord. This is the volitional element of faith. believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead. Christ's resurrection was the supreme validation of His ministry (John 218-21.). Belief is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who He claimed to be and that the Father had accepted His sacrifice in the place of sinners (Romans 4:24; Acts 13:32,33; 1 Peter 1:3,4). Without the resurrection there is no salvation (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).

-notes from the MacArthur Study Bible.

We cannot simply believe that God is. As we read in the book of James, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19-20.

We have as convincing proofs that interaction of demons and the sons of one Sceva, a Jewish priest. Without the seal of the Spirit which only comes by faith alone in Christ alone, life is very much at your own peril.

What we believe must go beyond acknowledging God, beyond acknowledging that Jesus is.

Whereas the Scriptures state that faith without works is useless, dead even, there must be evidences of repentance. The turning away of us from sin we are born with to obedience in Christ.

I can remember few things with such utter clarity as the day I went public with my need for God's free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. I was in the Pastor's study, looking out a tall slender window up at the bright morning sun, knowing that my Savior was up there smiling down on me, welcoming me to His family.

Without your own personal decision, personal choice, to agree with God that you are in need of a Savior, the very son of God Jesus Christ, you are going to die in your sins. That is, you will spend eternity paying the excruciating painful price for rejecting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Every single demon is and will be paying in painful torment for all eternity. Some are bound in Hell right now, never to roam the universe again. Some are wandering the earth having possessed people. There's countless trillions of people in Hell right now because they too rejected Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. Hell was meant for demons. But ever since Cain killed Able humans have been arriving daily.

Centuries ago there was a global flood. We read about it in the book of Genesis. There's evidences a plenty all over the world that this flood took place. If the world's population was similar to now back before the great flood, billions of people died in that flood. In mere moments Hell surged with incoming people. People likely were beating on the sides of the Ark that Noah and his family were in while the floodwaters rose up. All wanted another chance. All wanted saved from the obvious wrath of God.

Jesus said that He would return and when He does, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the cry will be heard by those who HAVE placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation will be taken from the Earth. Yet again as it was in days of Noah people all over the world will cry out for Jesus to come back. To give them another chance. That now they really believe.

My Dear Reader everyone has everything they will ever need in order to be convinced of the validity of God's Word concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures say as well that even nature points people to Jesus.

Every single person will not have an excuse to stand on when they stand before Jesus in His judgment of them. There'll be no reason anyone will be able to give for why they didn't receive the free gift of salvation offered by God through His Son Jesus Christ.

My Dear Reader if you haven't come to the place where you've come to Christ for salvation, let today be that day. We, just like those living in the days of Noah, do not know when Jesus will come back. It could be this very morning or evening if you are reading this from the other side of the world.

Jesus stands with arms wide open ready to receive you.

You have to move past acknowledging that Jesus was or Jesus is, to make Him your own personal Lord and Savior.

If indeed you're ready to come to Christ, then talk to Him. Ask Him to come into your life to be the forgiver of your sins and to be the leader of your life. Turn away from the sinful life you've been living to receive the life in Christ that will indeed come to you.

If you're ready to or have more questions. Feel free to text or call (330) 264-9459. Text the word: Jesus to that number.

That's the number for Grace Church in Wooster, Ohio, USA.

All that remains before Jesus does return is for the last of this world who will come to Christ for salvation do so. Once the Church of God in Christ Jesus is complete then He will come back.

Will you be ready for Him in joy and thankfulness or will you cry out for Him to come back?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org