We Need Eyes that See

We Need Eyes that See

by David Brenneman 

"Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 NASB95 

More often than not we stress over the details of what we don't see, hear, or know.  We only are like this servant of Elisha's and see only what we think we understand as the truth.

Truth says there's more.  Jesus says there's much more. 

We can easily take the off-ramp of a quick choice in order to find peace in a situation rather than see it through as the Spirit intended us to do.  We can point to this or that as reasons not to continue in either the persecutions or strife.  

Yesterday in my reading, the comments by Dr. Charles Stanley wrote said that Jesus prayed 3 times to His Father in the garden to -if possible- remove that cup from Him. Once He had it confirmed that it wasn't going to happen...nothing was going to prevent Jesus from taking that cup. Nothing would stand in His way from taking it.  

Jesus likely had spiritual forces assaulting Him unlike any we can fathom that probably escalated at praying that prayer. 

He probably had hundreds if not thousands of His former angels speaking all kinds of things against Him.  Trying to make this trip to the cross as harsh as possible.  Satan had Jesus right where he thought he wanted him and wanted to savor every moment.  Where do I get such thoughts on this?  Actually look at the material used in movies and television or streaming.  There's much evidence to convince that Satan was enraged at Jesus for turning his offer down and he would make him pay dearly for it.  That's the theme of the evil stereotypes in those things in Hollywood.  That's what evil does.

What Satan could never account for is the absolute truth of the power of God in the indwelling Spirit in Jesus Christ.  That same Spirit that came down and rested upon Him that John the Baptist testified to was still with Him.  

That same overwhelming power is still in the lives of those who Believe and are saved in Christ Jesus.  We just need clearer eyes to see. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB95 "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."

Oh that we would have eyes that see situations as God sees them!  

We often don't see the sense or the point of the trials that the Spirit leads us through.  What does Psalm 23 mean?  Means to follow and trust your Shepherd regardless of what our eyes see.  Don't get comfortable in the peaceful times or used to the distresses. 

Why do we often take the long way to get to some lessons that we are being taught by the Spirit?  Because the same Spirit who opened that servant's eyes is the same one that teaches you and I today. 

We can dodge the trials but we will suffer for it.  Those lessons that we need in order to find sanctification will still need accomplished. 

Am reminded of someone who ripped me because of them not seeing the truth of God in the trials they were experiencing.  Their life was indeed difficult but they insisted on choosing a path that deviated from their calling in Christ Jesus.  They refused to see.  

We probably have heard a phrase that isn't in the Bible. "There are none so blind as those who will not see".  As others have written, it's roots are in what Jesus said in Matthew 13:13.  

You and I cannot make people see what they choose not to see.  But we CAN pray that their eyes would be opened.  

Jonah proved that running from God's will gets you a boatload of trouble.  Or in his case, thrown off the boat.

When trials are done we look back and only think we see all that we went through to get to where we are.  But we will not know the hidden things from God's perspective. We don't always know what our dealing with trials and tribulations did to point someone else to understand something more about salvation in Christ Jesus. 

Prime example is the 80 years in the wilderness that the Israelites spent.  Generations that still had to have their experiences explained to them because they still didn't see.

We are going to go through things we will not understand.  Only after we leave this world will it be possible to ask Jesus further about them. 

To the best extent possible, pray that your eyes would be open to those things that will grow you in Christ.  Pray that you don't turn from a trial that the Spirit says you need in order to grow in Christ Jesus.  If indeed that cup you face isn't going to go away, let nothing stand in your way from taking hold of it. God lead you to it, He will see you through it.  Jesus said, before it had happened, that His hour had come.  He would let nothing stand in His way.

We CAN choose an easier route, but that lesson will still be on the plate.  

Pray that we have eyes to see God's truth and do not lean on our own understanding.  We will falter if we do trust only in what we think we see.

What You Leave Behind, What is in Store Ahead

What You Leave Behind, What is in Store Ahead 

by David Brenneman 

Yesterday I was reading of the final prayer and words Jesus spoke to His 11 Disciples.  It was certainly God's timing in that I had just reread of the ways that the Disciples died.  What Jesus said of them indeed came to pass. Those who killed them in all those various ways thought indeed that they were giving service to God.  

But all of them are safe in Heaven in this present moment.  Their exit from this world may have been intense, but none ever were denied entry into Heaven. 

All left a legacy that has lasted generations and the centuries since.  

When we all get to Heaven, those who have placed our faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, what will be our reception?  It's where our treasure is supposed to be right?  What is the treasure of Heaven but the people that Jesus died for?  Do you realize this?  

What we do in this here and this now is to either be cultivating the spiritual soil that others have planted seeds in or we are weeding that ground, or it just may be that we are present when someone is convicted enough to turn their lives over to Jesus Christ and receive salvation.  We do not save any, only Jesus saves.  It doesn't say that it's Jesus and you or I are the Way, the Truth and the Life.  

I have had someone tell me what they thought my legacy is.  Whatever it is isn't what I focus on.  My purpose in this here and this now is to be more than a just a hearer of the Word, but a doer.  I have a purpose to fulfill in Christ Jesus.  As a lesson I remember from a few decades ago once said, we need to simply dare to be an Andrew.  Andrew was one of the Disciples. Andrew loved bringing people to Jesus. Jesus took it from there.  

That's what we are to be doing.  Bringing people to Jesus and let Jesus take it from there. This is storing up our treasures in Heaven.  We know not who will or won't come to Christ. We know not the importance of a gesture, a word, an inaction, will do to bring someone to see their need for salvation in Jesus.  

I don't know about you, but my first day in Heaven, after I finally get to embrace Jesus, is to see what kind of difference I made to point people to Jesus. 

Our lives will either be spent indulging ourselves, others, or in living for Jesus. 

If indeed you are saved, is your life showing it?

It's possible to be saved and still be selfish.  Jesus said some will get to Heaven alright but just barely because while sealed in the Spirit, they had no fruits to show for it. When their lives were put on the altar and the flames rose up, nothing was left. 

I read a somewhat thought provoking story of a man who died and went to Heaven. As he entered it got painfully quiet.  He saw all kinds of people he recognized. He couldn't figure out how those people made it to Heaven.  He gets to Jesus and asks what's this all about.  He remembers those people.  He asks why it is so quiet. Jesus explains that they are all silent because none of them expected to see him.

In Heaven there's much rejoicing over one who turns their life over to Jesus to be saved.  I am not one who subscribes to the thoughts that people in Heaven can see us here on Earth.  That is an attribute of God to be able to see into time.  I believe it's angels who get to announce new Believers. Angels were the ones to announce to the shepherds about Jesus. 

We who are in Christ Jesus have a day coming when we all will be in Heaven.  Those who are not will not.  If indeed you have not placed your faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, my Dear Reader, you will never see Heaven.  If you knew people who did, you will probably never see them again.  

Our treasure in Heaven, that moth and rust cannot destroy, is the only truly valuable thing to the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Spirit.  It's people.  

Will people be silent at seeing you arrive  or will you find rejoicing?   We who are in Christ are supposed to live life in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  The world ought to know us by our faith, love, and conduct.  

We read that we are workers in His fields. Are you doing any work in those fields?

Is the light of Jesus Christ shining through your life?  

Many will get to Heaven expecting big things and find next to nothing. 

Many will get to Heaven expecting next to nothing but will find much much more than they ever expected. 

Are you living as a faithful worker in Christ Jesus or are you riding the fence between trying to satisfy yourself and satisfy Jesus?  Or have you the thought that you're saved, and are living however you want?  That last one comes with consequences.  

If indeed you are saved, what kind of reception will you find in Heaven?  Will you suddenly be ashamed of your life or will your thoughts be that you gave Him your all?

Customization Does NOT Apply

Customization Does NOT Apply 

by David Brenneman 

Many, both now and since the writing of it, have tried to rewrite the Bible to fit their own sins so that their lives wouldn't be sinful.   

God's Word says plainly that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.  Within Him there is no shifting shadow.  There's nothing but holiness, that which is right, true and pure.  

Throughout the decades the protector of the Word of God has been the Spirit of God.  People still try to create versions to fit their practiced sins.  They don't want to hear that what they do, how they live, is wrong in the eyes of God. 

Jesus plainly said that not one part of the Word of God would be nullified.  What's been written will come to pass. 

Instead of people trying to figure out how to keep on the clothing of the old self, they need to realize the truth of God's word and indeed remove it, cast it away, putting on the new in Christ Jesus. 

I so long for that day when my sin nature no longer messes with my heart and soul and my mind.  When it no longer clouds my judgment. 

Many people are falling into Hell screaming because of the realization that their lives were in vain.  That the things they perverted concerning the Word of God did nothing to prevent them from going to Hell.  That those verses they twisted to salve their seared minds did nothing to save them.   

Nothing has changed in regards to what a person must do to be saved since the word was spoken over 2,000 years ago. 

Horrified people are descending into painful torment only then realizing that the life they lived was a lie.  That they wouldn't be joining those who they knew who had truly been saved in Christ Jesus.  

God the Father didn't have God the Son go through the crucifixion in order to create a Baskin-Robbins 31 flavors way to get to Heaven.  

When a person does come to Christ to be saved life-change is supposed to occur.  Priorities are supposed to be different, not modified to stay as close to the same as before being saved. 

God does not compromise concerning sin.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all hate sin.  Sin, separates people from God.  Those who remain in sin cannot enter Heaven. Heaven is entirely holy ground.  If Abraham was to remove his sandals because where he stood was holy ground, how much more the very abode of God?

People mislead oh so many into believing that God isn't going to require them to give up their life of sin, that they can go on living the way they are. That they got their "get out of Hell free" card and can continue to live as they want.  

In Romans, Paul writes of a transformed life.  One that was in sin that's being transformed into the likeness of Christ Jesus.  Operative word is WAS.  Jesus said that once we truly come to Christ for salvation, that we become His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. 

What the Lord Jesus Christ has said is an abomination centuries ago is still the same today.  What He said was sin in what we read in Genesis is as real then as it is today.  What He said was true is still true today. 

Some try also to equate making physical priorities the same as Spiritual priorities.  While the physical needs of your body are important to a certain extent, nothing is more vital than your growth in Christ Jesus.  Take care of your body for sure, but do not make it an idol in your life.  Do not let the only things that people know about you are how you took care of your physical body and that they knew not that your Spiritual body was important to you. 

A man was a coach, this is a true story, and at his retirement celebration he gave a speech, thanking various people. Thanking God, and he took that opportunity to share of how his faith in Christ was at the heart of his coaching.  Afterwards the real talk was that throughout his career, nobody really knew he was a Christian.  His life never showed it...and this was from those whom he had coached. 

Regardless of how much a person loves their sins, when they truly come to Christ for salvation, they must severe ties with those sins, those desires.  There is no place for them in a life in Christ Jesus. 

People are supposed to see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

Not see our works and realize that they don't need a changed life to get to Heaven. We should never show people that we can go ahead and sin and it will be ok.  That we figure God will be ok with it. 

When sin bothers people it means the Spirit is getting to them. It's called conviction. 

When sin doesn't bother people it means they are shutting out the voice of the Spirit.  

When our thoughts do not align with God's, the problem is never with God. 

When our desires do not align with God's, the problem is never with God. 

When sin is revealed to be sin and we choose to keep it anyway, the problem is with us.

There is no compromise in regards to living life the way God intended for you and I to live after we truly come to Christ for salvation.  There is nothing in regards to what was defined as sin centuries ago that isn't still defined as sin today.  

So many millions of people in the world today who claim to be Christians are trying so hard to not let go of sin and sinful practices.  They are trying so hard to live as close to their old life they had before being saved as they can.  They are more in love with this world, sadly, than they really are in love with Jesus.  Jesus said that you cannot have two masters.  To try to live a life to disprove that statement will lead only to disappointment.

Let go of your life if you truly want to find it in Christ Jesus.  Regardless of how desirable any sin is that God has called sin, let go of it.  Cast it far from you.  

A life saved in Christ Jesus is to be on a path to becoming like Jesus.

Wrecking the Car

Wrecking the Car

by David Brenneman 

Being distracted behind the wheel these days is oh so easy.  Our vehicles move at speeds that the human brain isn't really comprehending.  The weight of these vehicles isn't part of the equation for those who do choose to drive recklessly.   

Add to it the truth that our brains cannot deal with multiple split second decisions. A text that comes in beckons a response while the vehicle travels at 65 miles per hour.  Distances longer than a football field are covered in the seconds people take to respond and someone dies.  Never understanding what just happened. 

People blame other things but what the cause actually was.  Human beings causing problems for other human beings. 

We cannot drive distracted, what makes us think we can live distracted?

If we keep looking at the past, our life's rear view mirror, we will miss the importance of the present. We will be ill prepared for the immediate future or the distant future.  Everything from memories of others or other places other things can flood our minds.  Some spend inordinate amounts of time, energy and effort to recapture the past, only to miss out on the things of the here and now. 

A life in Christ is meant to be in the here and now with a view towards the future, the finish line that we're to be racing towards. We have been told in the Scriptures to run the race as to win the prize. 

Those in a race ARE running for the purpose to achieve the goal of that race, to cross the finish line well.  

Paul taught to lay aside every encumbrance. Everything that weighs us down.  Every thought that distracts.  

I have repeatedly seen a video of a phenomenal comeback of a runner in a competition.  Several laps in and a competitor caught just enough of her foot to cause her to trip and down she went.  Rather than giving up, she got up, and took off.  She could have lamented her situation.  Could have just walked off the track. Could have said things or done something towards the one who ruined her race.  But she didn't. She was focused on that prize, to finish well, no matter what.  So she took off.  Competitor after competitor, she began passing people.  Her time kept getting better.  She passed her teammate.  Then won the race at the last step.  Literally by an outstretched leg.

Focused running of a race in spite of that obstacle.  A lesson for us about running this race called life.

Paul taught us to be focused. To run with endurance the race set before us.  To focus on what matters concerning what's needed to win.  Satan's trying to get Believers and the unbelieving to keep trying to grab souvenirs to hang on our running outfit.  To get us to put on backpacks and load them up.  To grab luggage on wheels to put more into.  

He wants to slow us down, to distract everyone from realizing the importance of finishing well.  

What are you being distracted by?  Don't lie to yourself and say that you are not.  Nobody who's in this life gets out alive. 

Everyone is in the fight of their lives. 

Believers are at war with the forces of Satan whether they acknowledge it or not.

Unbelievers are being blinded by the god of this world to stay away from the truth that can save them in Christ Jesus.  

Our past is the easiest place for Satan's attacks.  He plays on our emotions to get us to stumble, but will we get back up and keep running?  He convinces us through our emotions to make choices to walk away from God's calling in our lives.  Some, even think that those choices are from God when they certainly are not because they are not representing God well in them.  

God's got a specific, special, plan for us in Christ Jesus to run this race called life and to finish it well.   It's going to take determination in word, in deeds, in thoughts, emotions, prayer, to run with purpose and endurance.  It's going to take running in the present moment with the right heart attitude.  With the right frame of mind.  As someone said the past is a reminder, not a prison sentence.  It isn't there to define our lives. 

Are you running this race called life with the purpose of winning?  Are you removing things from your life that aren't helping you run well?  

Satan's going to use every bit of knowledge about what we think we "love" in order to get us to willingly pick up something from this world that will inevitably slow us down.  And he will get us to convince ourselves that what we have embraced from this world isn't a bad thing!  

The whole armor of God in Ephesians 6 isn't meant to be casual wear.   Really think about that.  Really consider what Paul wrote about our battle not being against flesh and blood.  Temptation is at our doorstep no different than it was at Peter's.  Satan would love to sift every single Believer.  He know more about us than we do.  He knows what memories will harm us the most.  He knows how a little distraction goes a long way. 

He doesn't tire nor does he take breaks.  

What's this to say?  Be alert, be set on the race set before us.  Keep the distractions to a minimum.  Let go of things like the past.  Ask God to reveal His plan and purpose for your life.  You were born in this here this now for a specific reason in Christ Jesus.  His workmanship in you goes much easier when we want what Jesus wants for us, in us and through us.

The longer we focus on the rear view mirror the more we miss what's in front of us.  We miss recognizing the blessings of God. We miss the friendships He's brought. We miss the lives we are meant to impact.  The more baggage we carry from this world the less we can see, the lessening of our impact on others. 

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?  

Paul admonishes us to lay aside every single thing that can be an encumbrance. 

To put off the old self and its practices. 

To put on Christ. 

To run as to trying to win the prize.  To hear Jesus say "Well done!" as we cross the finish line. 

Going in the Right Direction

Going in the Right Direction 

by David Brenneman 

Many in my life go on and on about what they know.  I don't know if it's a sign of maturity or of wisdom, but the older that I get the more apt I am to state that there's much more that I don't know. 

Right now, and I am perfectly fine in confessing it, I am at a loss about the true direction of my life.  Seems as though God's decided to use my life's situations as a basis of things to write about. Again I am not going to complain. Paul often wrote of deep things concerning his own life.  

Much of my thoughts revolve around Proverbs 3:5-6 these days, especially when I am seeking to know God's plan for my life.  In all reality I just don't know where to go from here. Employment wise or personally.  I have no dreams or ambitions ahead of me in this present moment.  Desires? Have plenty of those but God's response to those has been for me not to pursue them because they do not fit into His plans for mankind.  Yes, those thoughts and ideas are that big.  

I always look forward to my time praying on my way to work.  Just Jesus and me and almost nobody on the road.  No problems with being open and honest, more often than not just pouring out my heart.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  Try praying this...honestly if you dare to know the truth.  

Many are too happy with the compromises they have achieved with their own walk with Jesus and the world to do so. 

Unbeknownst to them that's exactly what Satan wants of Christians.  To establish compromises.  To permit things that God has unequivocally stated are sins in their lives and or to dismiss saying something to others about their practiced sins.

Do you want what Jesus wants of you and for you?  That's where I am at these days.  Unless Jesus changes His mind about my desires those things will sit on the shelf.  My mind has been both blessed and cursed with being able to troubleshoot problems.  I have solutions to several world issues in regards to various things and when asked, God's confirmed or has told me of whether or not they would have worked.  But in this present time I am not to pursue them.  With that said...I have already achieved most everything that I dreamed of being able to do in life.  I have no ambitions to do anything else. No dreams to dreams of something to accomplish that matters in light of eternity.  Which brings us back to prayer and Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Paul wrote of my being Christ's workmanship.   That I am created in Christ Jesus for good works that I might walk in them.  This means when I understand and when I don't.  Currently, I frankly, don't. 

I have several favorites of the giants of the faith, Daniel is my first, Joseph is next.  Many times during my life I can feel the parallels to his.  The years of not knowing how the vision given to me aligns with how life is going.  You read in Genesis about Joseph you read that the Lord was with him.  He was with him because he was keeping his heart set on the Lord.  You read in 1st and 2nd Chronicles and 1st and 2nd Kings of all the various so-called Kings over Israel and Judah who's hearts were not fully devoted or were devoted to the Lord. The Lord was with Joseph because of his devotion to the Lord. Regardless of how agonizing his life was.

Regardless of how completely confusing his life was.

Wrongly treated by family and sold off, several wanting to kill him.

Wrongly accused and sent to prison. 

Wrongly kept in prison and forgotten, or so he thought...for years. Yes, years. 

In all his ways, because of where his heart was, the Lord prospered him. He trusted in the Lord with all his heart and in all his ways he acknowledged Him and regardless of what his eyes saw, the Lord made his paths straight. 

My life isn't what my eyes see. 

My life isn't what my ears hear.

My life isn't to be about how I feel as my top priority. 

I will surely mess up life by putting those things first.  

Psalm 23...we walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death.  We do not take up residence there.  We don't book a hotel stay. We don't wallow in the misery of that moment. We are to press on. 

"And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5 NASB 

"Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 NASB 

Sometimes we acknowledge the idea of fight or flight. Joseph, Daniel, this wasn't an option in order to bring about the results that the Lord Jesus had wanted.

I still pray about my future. Praying for to be doing what He wants of me.  To be able to provide for my family.  To be of service to God.  To be found by Him doing that which He has in mind for me.  

Are you doing that?  Is what God wants of you a priority to you?  Are you a person who's been compromising, trying to do what brings you the least amount of pain in living life as a child of God?  Joseph and Daniel refused to compromise and the Lord Jesus blessed them for it.  

While I wait on the Lord, I will continue to do whatever He puts before me to do. 

That's what Joseph did.  He did his best at whatever God put before him.  

Satan loves to add off ramps to the path that God's put before us between us and Heaven.  All kinds of exits.  Jesus said to be alert.  Are you? We are to test things to see if what we are told are true by God's word.  Do you? We are to pray without ceasing.  Jesus knew the will of His Father because of His constant time with the Father.  

Proverbs 3:5-6.

When You Don't Know

When You Don't Know 

by David Brenneman 

It's been a prayer for some time now for me to be praying for God to show me His plan for my life.   As odd as it may seem I have no aspirations, no dreams, of things to pursue in life.  What I do have that remains are things that are more fantasy than a possibility of happening.

Was texting a friend last night about this dilemma of mine.  I am in the midst of searching and praying.  I have done so many things, tried many things, that confusion has set in. 

Then this morning I was reminded by way of this passage that He does know and as my friend had said as well, things will be revealed.

My journey in searching, as it is, began several years ago.  This isn't something that began recently.  What dreams that I had left are financially out of the question. Inventions that I have no ability to afford the time, energy or money to bear out.  In some of those, whether others believe it or not, God's shown me in conversations that the ideas would have worked or that they wouldn't have.

Some people struggle way more than I do at understanding their present and their future.  Praying is what I do because there's only One who holds my life in His hands.  It's not a matter of Jesus denying my desires because of this or that.  The heavy realization is that whatever is permitted to be has to fall into the plan and purpose for humanity, not just individuals. 

Speaking entirely hypothetically, suppose I or someone had an invention to eliminate something that's a global problem.  If such a thing were to arbitrarily be allowed because there were no constraints concerning the Word of God, it would be a free-for-all.  The truth is bound into what Jesus said.  Not one part of the Word of God would pass away as unfulfilled.  It would follow the Father’s timetable. 

What's this got to do with those times when you don't know?  Consider it well that the Spirit of God is very much active and working in this world.  Nearly 8 billion people being directed by the Spirit of God whether they believe it or not, that's what is happening.  8 billion puzzle pieces being maneuvered to fulfill the Word of God. 

And God knows every single detail of your story and mine that is happening and needs to happen.  Praying for what the Scriptures say takes on a higher meaning. 

Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  His will means paying attention to what He is doing and joining Him in it. 

My desire is to be doing whatever He has in mind for me to be doing, both in the Spiritual sense and the physical sense of providing for my family.  My desire also points towards hearing "well done!" from Jesus.  Is that your priority?

Love not the world nor the things of this world isn't a suggestion.  Yet so many people waste so much of their limited time on this planet trying to figure out how to love God and love this world's ideology. 

You cannot desire what the world does and obey the Word of God.  I am very leery of the things this world promotes in order to find "happiness" as defined by them.  

Jesus often got away from the world to spend time with His Father to know what He was to be doing.  That should be our practice too.  I don't know so I go and pray.

Praying is our heart speaking to His heart. 

While much has been said of our impact on the world at large concerning what is or isn't allowed according to the will of God and the fulfillment of God's word...remember that in the lives of every single Believer the Spirit is accomplished the work of Jesus in us to make us more like Christ Jesus.  

When we run after what the world offers we aren't able to obey the Lord Jesus Christ at the same time. 

Paul said to run the race as one who wants to win the prize.  Would that describe your life in Christ? Are you setting aside your desires to be able to finish well?  I have but that one desire...to finish well.  Money, fame, the approval of men and women, possessions, mean extremely little to me. It's just sadly taken way too much of my life to get to that point.  

When I don't know what to do...I just follow some old advice given to me. Keep doing whatever it is God's put in front of me to be doing until He changes things for me.  Keep praying, keep seeking to know.  The Spirit cannot direct feet that aren't moving.  

"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 NASB95. 

Don't be afraid to pour out your heart to Jesus.  When He prayed to His Father, that's what Jesus did too.  

"This day is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24 NASB95. 

If I Go...

If I Go...

by David Brenneman 

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.”  Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:1-6 NASB95. 

Somehow, when I read this, I get the impression that when Jesus DOES return that regardless of how impossible it may seem...that Jesus will embrace every single person who's been saved. Just as what has probably happened for every single person who's died in Christ Jesus over the last several thousand years.  

When I read "I will receive you to Myself"...This image of Jesus embracing comes to mind. 

Another is this: 

Oh how I do long for that day.  Jim Reeves had a song out "This World is Not My Home"...and oh how true it is. 

Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for not just me, but all who are saved in Him. 

My first use of two good eyes will be when Jesus gives me a glorified body.  A body free of the trappings of this mortal flesh and blood.  No more of anything that's plagued me all my life.  Much much more than this is that the mental restrictions will be gone.  Understanding on a level that I have never experienced will happen to me.  Truth will be in my heart, soul and spirit in ways never known before. 

Thinking on that day I find this world paltry in comparison. 

The world gets excited for this breakthrough or that achievement. 

This world gets excited over what they claim science or medicine has discovered.  Those things aren't even peanuts in comparison to knowing Jesus like we will when we do meet Him face-to-face. 

We indeed are going to struggle in this world and in our lives.  We are promised that that is going to happen. We've been encouraged by Jesus to persevere. To press on as Paul also said to do. 

It's been incredible to me in recent weeks to really consider Proverbs 3:5-6. Likewise Ephesians 6.  

So many people struggle with life because they ARE trying to push their own understanding on Jesus who interestingly enough already understands everything.

So many don't get the why behind the whole armor of God, or think that the enemy of God would grant them vacation time in this struggle called life that they live or would cut them some slack if they don't put the whole armor on. 

We're to suit up. To put the whole thing on.  To literally sleep with it on. The old self we read from Paul we are to put off. To remove those rags that did nothing for us spiritually, and to put on this armor, the new self in Christ Jesus. 

With it on we need to know and understand the purpose of each piece. 

I've come to realize that we aren't just to keep holding up the shield of faith to block the blows from the enemy of God all the time.  We are to follow up those blows with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  This way of thinking is certainly outside of our own understanding. 

See how that connected?

Jesus is coming to receive us to Himself. 

Will He find you suited up or half dressed?

I sit in peaceful silence each day that these posts are written. I long for the day that I get to hear Jesus cry out for me to come home...my place is ready.  My desire is that it would be at the Rapture.  

He's certainly burdened my heart to keep telling people that He's coming again, and soon.

That message means far more to me than my job, than my hobbies. Than anything else in life including unnecessary focus on even my physical health.  For those who had followed my time of weight loss, it's being maintained at a level that I feel is healthy for me.  It's certainly not what a doctor would want for me but I am where I feel is right.  

Should Jesus return today nothing more of it would matter. 

My hope is that someone, somewhere, through these posts might come to Christ for salvation.  That they too might realize the wonderful message shared here this morning.  That Jesus is coming soon.  

"and let us consider how ato stimulate one another to love and bgood deeds, not forsaking our own aassembling together, as is the habit of some, but bencouraging one another; and all the more as you see cthe day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB95.