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. So what I hear I type and share with others.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Where to Begin

by David Brenneman

Prayer is a very powerful tool for believers—through it, the Lord blesses us and frees us from bondage. In prayer, we profess our need of Christ and ask for His solution to our problems. We also learn to worship Him and grow spiritually in His loving presence.

As we spend time with Him, God lovingly teaches us how to communicate with Him and listen for His still, small voice. Through it all, we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Devotional, #Life Principle 17: We stand tallest and strongest on our knees.

"Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God." Daniel 6:10-11.

Some who were in my life are probably scoffing at our circumstances, however, as the Bible says our lives were ordered-ordained-from before we were even born.

Prayer has been a central point and part of my life since I knew enough to know that I needed a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Prayer is our most formidable weapon that the enemy of God cannot do anything about.

Prayer connects the hearts of those in the body of Christ with our Father in Heaven.

We aren't defined by out circumstances. We aren't involved even in problems since nothing is a problem to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. There are situations that He's been fully aware of since before we were considered to be even a glint in our parents eye.

In Christ things happen. They happen for His purpose and our good. We aren't promised a full understanding of those things we go through.

Job was totally unaware of the things pertaining to himself that went on in Heaven until possibly years later...if ever in his lifetime.

Daniel couldn't be persuaded even for a moment to cease praying to God. Didn't matter the consequences He obeyed God.

Life is going to quite often be more than we are capable of. Look at what the Apostle Paul wrote.

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

We will often be pushed due our circumstances to grow in Christ.

While the world often ridicules us for what we find ourselves in, God's causing it to work together for good because we love Him and we are called according to His purpose.

The world sees my employment circumstance as guilty until proven innocent by some. To God, He decided my time there was done and it was absolutely time to move on. He orders my steps. He sets up Kings and removes them. He is working the events in my life and the lives of billions towards the day of His return to take home all who have called upon His Name as their personal Lord and Savior.

Jesus is My Savior and Lord.

Jesus loves me with an unconditional love.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We aren't the recipients of the judgments of God.

So no matter what we see, perceive, or think we know, God is working all things together for us because we love Him. We love Him because He first loved us.

It begins with prayer and continues in prayer. As Dr. Stanley also reiterates, we must choose to pursue this as a permanent part of our lives. Opening our hearts wholly and completely to the One who loves us so.

Choose a time, choose several. Meet with Jesus and be yourself. Open your heart and tell Him whatever is concerning you and what worries you. You are beloved by the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He absolutely can relate to all you are going through. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

Pray on, pray over, pray through your life in Christ.

Sunday, June 22, 2025

God's Word, God's Help Revisited

by David Brenneman

God sent help, did you get it?

I heard a very good story this morning on the radio on my way to work. It was of a Christian artist who had a friend who, shall we say, made some questionable choices in life. This friend saw him reading his Bible and wanted to know just why he was doing it, what was so interesting about it? So he begins to tell a story from his childhood of a woman.

This woman was in a storm, rain was coming down hard. She hasn't left yet. A truck sees her and stops to ask if she needs help getting out, the water was rising. She said no, God's going to save her.

The water is rising and she's not left yet, enough so that a boat sees her and stops to see if she would like a lift. She said no, God was going to save her.

The water was getting way too high and she sees a helicopter and it stopped to help her. She said no, God was going to save her.

The water became too much and she drowned.

Facing God she asks Him why didn't He do something!

Why didn't He save her!

He said "I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter, what more did you need?"

This man's friend eventually ended up in jail. With not much to do, he remembered that story. So he found a Bible and began reading it.

A very large black man saw what he was reading and smacked the Bible out of his hands. Asked him why? What was so interesting in it? He remembered his friend's story and began telling this man about the woman in the storm...

There's another good story that I used in a sermon many years ago. (Yes I preached up in Elyria a couple times).

There was a man who's boat was caught up in a storm. The boat was battered and was taking on water. He decides to jump ship and swim to the little island nearby that he had seen.

He gets to it and makes a small shelter and eventually the storm left. He was getting hungry and he couldn't find anything to eat on the small island.

He decided to do something he hadn't done much of before, and that was to pray to God for help.

The next day a barrel can be seen floating on the water and he goes out and brings it into shore.

The end that he can see facing him says "Open other end".

He figures one end is as good as the other and breaks through only to find manure. Ripe stuff. He gets mad and shakes his fist at God. "Is this some sort of joke!?!" He gets mad and goes to the other side of the island.

He doesn't go back to the barrel and eventually does die from starvation.

A month later, a ship stops by the island. It had seen the barrel on the shore and decided to check to see if anyone needed rescuing. They had found the man. It was too late for him. The Captain found the bottom of the barrel and the words "Open other end". He turns the barrel over and opens it.

Inside he finds a letter.

"Dear Son.

Within this barrel you will find seeds, and tools to plant to make food until the ship I am sending arrives to rescue you.

These are very good special seeds and I provided really rich soil to plant them in. Don't worry, I will make them grow so that you will have enough.

Love, God."

Many times we don't see what God has put right in front of us.

Salvation in Christ is not complicated.

God is not complicated. Really. Look at what Jesus said about it. You must come as a child. A child.

Adults cry out for complicated answers to simple questions.

A child accepts and believes.

Has God been sending you help but you aren't seeing it?

Has God shown you all about Himself and you're just not accepting it as real?

Nothing in this life that we have or ever will do will EVER surprise God. So don't think you are so dirty that He would never accept you. On the Cross ALL the dirtiest deeds of mankind were HEAPED upon Him.

Remember Jesus was a fisherman before a fisher of men.

But the rules are the same, we catch em and He cleans em.

Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life.

Nobody gets to the Father but through Him.

Nobody will ever see Heaven except through Him.

Don't ignore the signs that are right in front of you.

--------------------------

The above section was a post from many years ago. The truths apply to today's world more than ever.

We live in a world of entitlement. People being told they deserve this or that. That their inherent goodness is why they deserve this or that from others as well as from God.

What did Jesus say? There is no one good, no not one.

There's many going into so many churches who will remain behind at the Rapture of the Church. Probably on the order of millions of people. People who were only there to get from God, not there to serve our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These, in this moment will maybe only then, realize the error of their ways. Only then see that they never knew Jesus.

We are to examine ourselves to be sure of our salvation. Are we loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit? Are we loving our neighbors as ourselves?

Do we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?

Are we setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world?

Are we at all longing for the shout from Heaven calling us out from this sin cursed world?

Jesus is returning as promised.

Jesus provides a way for everyone to come to Christ for salvation if they but acknowledge Him.

Jesus is waiting by the doors of many hearts the world over.

Don't look at others for your reason to get into Heaven. Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. Not some earthly priest. Not your parents or grandparents. Not your best friend.

You must choose, you must decide.

Alistair Begg essentially said once in a sermon that to answer with anything other than because of Christ as to why you should be allowed into Heaven will condemn a person to Hell.

The thief on the cross did nothing but believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that was enough to be with Jesus forever. He was the first Christian.

You cannot ever do enough good to erase the judgment against you that's already there. Everyone who breathes apart from receiving the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus alone is a walking dead person. Dead while they live. The sentence is merely waiting to be carried out at their moment of leaving this world.

You can't live a life, apart from the one you get from asking for the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and receiving it, that will ever be accepted by God.

The return of Jesus Christ is one day closer. The things happening in the world are centered around Israel once more. There's nothing left prophetically that needs to happen before Jesus shouts from Heaven for all His sheep to come home.

Jesus said His sheep hear His voice. If you do not, now is the time to find out why. Not after He comes back. There is yet coming a series of judgments that will make all the wars ever fought to look like minor school yard brawls. Billions of people will die in a single day.

Be sure of your salvation.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Trust n Truth and my Savior's Arms

by David Brenneman

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine

He's been my fourth man in the fire, time after time

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

And what He did for me on Calvary is more than enough

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps

So this is my story and this is my song

I'm praising my risen King and Savior all the day long

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

He didn't fail you then

He won't fail you now

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him

That's why I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

Oh, I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I sought the Lord

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord (and He delivered me from all my fears)

I sought the Lord (from everything)

And He heard and He answered, oh

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in God

- 2023 Elevation Worship "Trust in God".

I would be lying if concerns for the day aren't trying to permeate my thoughts when I wake up.

It's just where I find myself when I know that I have yet to find the new job that my Savior has in mind for me.

I have heard my Wife say several times something that I have always said, "You always have said that you stay where you are for a job until God makes it impossible to stay".

This has been the truth since my working career began pushing a lawn mower.

I don't know where this next step of employment is going to be. My Jesus has my life in His hands to deal with as He sees fit to deal with. I have indeed been busy around the house since spending what money we do have is being reserved for bills and food.

While this goes on there's the thoughts that someone I once thought of as a friend turned his back on me as well when this all went down at work. He owned the business where I worked. I would have thought he would have wanted at least a conversation about it. But that's evidently not meant to be.

My heart tries to succumb to my way of dealing with this situation. But thankfully my Savior leads me by still waters for His name’s sake.

We shouldn't jump on the panic button when He allows life to take a turn.

Jesus is the Author and perfecter of our faith. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. We are going to find ourselves within various adversities in order to be refined and made into the likeness of God in Christ Jesus.

This is life for the Believer. We cannot go about this life as if once we are saved to continue in our lives being our way and not His to live.

People are going to come and go from our lives. People will sometimes turn their backs on us. In most cases it's not a reflection on us, but on them. Their priorities are not right in Christ. In my case recently I have to wonder if in truth I was a friend of convenience rather than a brother in Christ.

The pain is still the same.

I have others whom I thought were close friends who wandered away. Some still within reach, others whom I can't get a hold of anymore.

In some ways I do see these struggles of life as what the Bible says comes upon the life of a Disciple of Christ. It's probably the Godly perspective that the Spirit is teaching me.

Peter, Paul, Luke, James, these writers through the Spirit's work in them, speak of these various adversities, difficulties as they are.

My Savior is faithful in all things.

People may come and go but He has never left me once.

I have seen many sayings in recent days that while AI generated in the Facebook Reels, speak of God's love for me and that I should keep the faith in these trying times.

Friends and family are reaching out to us. People are praying for us. God's provision is still happening.

My prayers are not just for this new job for myself but in part are for this friend who has treated me so. My God deals with those who have wronged me in ways that I have never considered nor thought possible. This too is within the tapestry of my life, not just God's often miraculous provision and faithfulness to me and my Wife.

I have been shown all too well that the Scriptures are right and true that vengeance is His...keep my fingers out of it.

God is greater than all my fears.

Jesus is my Savior, my Protector.

There's nothing that surprises Him.

There are no obstacles greater than He can deal with. His love for me will never fail, never end. I love others because He first loved me.

When you consider your ways, as the Scriptures teach us to, consider your relationship with Jesus. Is it superficial, shallow, in name only, or is it rich and vibrant? Knowing the Bible isn't what saves a person its the right relationship with Jesus, as your personal Lord and Savior, that saved a person. He must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. You don't get this by any physical actions of your own. It doesn't come through baptism nor any works of your hands. It comes by faith in the Son of God, in Christ Jesus, who gave Himself up for me and you.

Be sure of your salvation. Then 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.

My path right now isn't crooked.

He is making it straight.

He makes me lie down beside still waters. Because on my own I wouldn't lie down. I would be anxious.

Jesus will take care of us.

He promised and He always keeps His promises.

While I am saddened at how this chapter of my life has turned out, I trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail He will never fail.

He holds me in His arms and tells me it will be alright.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Noahs in Our World

by David Brenneman

Although waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the Christian life, it’s not wasted time. God gives us instructions through periods of actively waiting, keeps us in step with His will, prepares us for His answers, and uses the time to sift our motives and strengthen our faith. When we choose to wait on Him, God will use the long pauses in our lives for our blessing—both large and unexpected—if we let Him. - Life Principle #14 Devotional, Dr. Charles Stanley.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Isaiah 53:1.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:36-42.

"Perhaps in the providence of God, we need to be reminded that we're living in the days of Noah. Both Jesus and Peter compare the days before the flood to those preceding the return of Christ. Jesus says, "They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all" Luke 17:27. Peter says, "The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water." In the same way, he said, the current earth is facing imminent judgment by fire 2 Peter 3:6.

We are Noahs--preachers of righteousness in an evil age, warning others of the judgment to come. Noah persevered in his day, and we must do the same. Let's flood the world with gospel truth! Today is a good day to share the Good news." - Dr. David Jeremiah June 19th devotional Walking with God.

We aren't to just silently live out a life of self-indulgent living until we die. We aren't to hoard God's blessings to ourselves when we know His Word says to pass it along to others. He who blessed you can do so again. We aren't to be silent while this boat of life taked on water and the ship threatens to sink.

Noah preached over a hundred years about the pending judgment. Noah, even after that time, was still the only worthy person to survive the judgment but was given his wife and his sons and their wives. Great mercy and grace was given to his wife and his children. They were just like the rest of the world, unworthy.

We live our daily lives striving to live an acceptable life in Christ. That's our purpose, that's our mission. Not to create our own Heaven here on Earth. Not to give sparingly to those in need but to give as the Spirit of us in Christ Jesus. The parable of the Good Samaritan. The man was given whatever he had needed in order to be saved from his current state.

The early Church gave in unrestricted abundance in order to help whomever had need.

We have the gospel to tell and show others, but are we being the Noah that we are to those in our world?

We wait during the difficult times of our lives at times in order to put us in the path of someone who needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We wait sometimes because we need to heal before WE can help others.

We have a purpose under Heaven that's ours to fulfill.

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:10-16.

"So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.

Are you being a light in this present time or are you trying to be the one who dies with the most toys?

Do those around you know of the salvation that you found in Christ Jesus?

There will be those who reject it. So it was in the days of Noah.

Jesus is returning soon. Will He find you at work in His fields or sleeping on the job?

You have a calling in Christ Jesus. The Word of God says that the gifts and callings of the Spirit of God are irrevocable. You WILL give an account of what YOU were given.

We're to be doers of the word and not just hearers only who have deceived themselves.

"For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:14-17.

There's quickly coming a time and date when Jesus will give a shout that will call all Believers to leave this world to forever be with Him. In that moment Judgment comes upon the world. The second great flood that is by fire.

"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Our Purpose is Bigger Than Our Understanding

by David Brenneman

I don't want to run from the will of God

I don't want to hide or hoard what He's giving me to do with what He's given me

Our purpose after coming to Christ is going to be much bigger than our thoughts considering what it might be.

For some it could be a journey towards becoming the next Billy Graham, the next Alistair Begg or the next small town preacher who is open to God's will for them in reaching people who otherwise wouldn't be if they hadn't heard the call themselves.

For some it's entirely behind the scenes. Living out Christ and Him being seen without words being said to people. Some may be involved with just being a light in this world.

So whatever your calling is, give it your all. We're called from the first, to take up our own cross and follow Christ. We read from Paul just what it means to be in the body of Christ. Some are feet, some are hands, arms etc.

Such it is, so we are, in Christ.

It isn't a matter of being a well known by the world Christian.

It's about your personal relationship with Jesus that the world gets to see and hopefully want to know more about.

You who are saved will one day stand in Heaven and will be surrounded by so many people who wouldn't be there if it weren't for your example in Christ.

Do you give your all to your life in Christ or only what you feel comfortable with letting go of?

Dr. Charles Stanley's example of his camera equipment is a famous example from his life experiences.

Some come to Christ and inadvertently learn to be hoarders of God's blessings...and the world sees it and knows. Reading in the book of Acts it wasn't this way in the early Church.

Some come to Christ and are just stubborn on various levels as to what they say they will or won't do as a Christ-follower.

Our all must be going on the altar.

All our hearts, hopes, dreams, everything. You're not going to hold onto anything that is so vital to you in your own mind and heart AND Christ too. There is no Christ AND anything for salvation as well as Christ AND possessions.

We are to submit to the will of God for us in Christ. Whatever it is. My job doesn't define me. My marriage doesn't define me. I am defined by my relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior.

Take a look at your life and how far you've shown yourself that you're willing to go to show yourself a follower of Jesus Christ.

Would Jesus be pleased by what you have been holding off in doing for Him? Would He be pleased by how many blessings He’s given you that you're not passing on to others? We do read that God loves a cheerful giver.

Self examination is health only if you are going to do something positive with the results.

The very word Amen means to agree with God.

Would you agree with Jesus regarding how you're living your life in Christ?

Do you actually run from Jesus rather than towards Him when He’s telling you what you must do?

Is your lifestyle more important than your full obedience?

A life in Christ costs. Anything from time to possessions to status to family and friends.

Our weaknesses will be seen by you and those in your world. We have a Savior who is well acquainted with grief. A man of sorrows. We have a mediator who knows how we feel and how we need to grow to be more like Christ.

We aren't here after coming to Christ for our comfort but rather for our sanctification and our witness to others about the changed life in Christ we have received through faith in Christ.

Try opening up your heart to God's whatever and see what He will do with a willing heart.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Makes Me Lie down

Makes Me Lie Down

by David Brenneman

In the midst of my unexpected employment hiatis has been a few things that, for me, have been rather new to realize during this time. We're still studying in Psalms 23 a book called "A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23" by Phillip W. Keller. Chapter 3 seems to be part of my season in life right now.

It starts this way "The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.

Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear.

Because of the social behavior within a flock of sheep they will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind.

If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not like down ONly when free of these pests can they relax.

Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel the need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.

It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences.

Later in this chapter (3) he writes "In the course of time I came to realize that nothing so quieted and reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master and owner and protector put them at ease as nothing else could do, and this applied day and night.

"He maketh me to lie down"

In the Christian's life there is no substitute for the keen awareness that my Shepherd is nearby. There is nothing like Christ's presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown. We live a most uncertain life. Any hour can bring disaster, danger and distress from unknown quarters. Life is full of hazards. No one can tell what a day will produce in new trouble. We live in a sense of anxiety, fear and foreboding, or in a sense of quiet rest. Which is it.

This is where I am finding myself this week. Hard to believe that I'm on day 3 of being unemployed yet there's this peace that I cannot describe with words that's been comforting me every waking moment. Telling me not to worry. Telling me that He's got this. That no matter how things appear, He's still working all things to gether for my good and His glory. Remembering passages that tell me not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough trouble of it's own.

It starts with prayer. It leads to a better disposition. It must include time in the Word of God. Regardless of this situation I am not going to sacrifice any time with God. That's non-negotiable.

I don't get up AS early in the mornings but I still am with my Savior in the mornings before writing a post that He brings to me to write. That's just how life has been and He's not indicated at all that it should change. The rest of my day has changed but not that. I still am in my evening studies. School is certainly NOT out because of this.

This time through something like this...there's been many many as of now countless...reminders that God's got this. That there's more going on than meets the eye and He is THE promise keeper.

We choose to stay close to our Great Shepherd or we wander off and then He's going to come get us.

Take a good look at the story of leaving the 99 to find the 1 who wandered.

Even our cats know that I'm not stressed over all of this. Adelle has returned to being a lap kitty with me and will sleep for as long as I stay in my chair on my lap. In the past my stressful times have kept our 'kids' away from me because they couldn't stand it. My blood pressure is still in the acceptable range.

Sleep isn't fleeing me. That peace that passes all understanding.

Nothing can get to a Believer unless it's been approved to do so by Jesus and our Father in Heaven. We're in Jesus's hands and He's in the Father's hands.

The stress that I had from work I was doing has been fully removed from me. I've taken PTO before and never felt this good during it. This is my God in action. These are the undertones and signs that He's working on things for me. I look for jobs and apply to what sounds like 'me' and keep up with what all He does give me to be doing. That's life. Jesus loves me this I know.

The Rain Must Come as Well as the Sun

by David Brenneman

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30.

Life Principle 12: Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

It’s a known fact that into every life a little rain must fall. No one is exempt from the difficulties that have a way of showing up when we least expect them. And chances are when adversity does strike, one of the first questions we’ll ask ourselves is why. We may even begin to fret about the impact it will have on our lives. While reactions such as these are normal, we also need another response—and that is to turn to the One who holds all comfort and security firmly within His grasp.

Paul admonishes us to “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” (Phil. 4:6-7).

How can we change the feelings of anxiety when we come under pressure? One of the first steps is to recognize anxiety for what it is—the opposite of peace. It’s the fan that flames the fires of doubt and confusion, and it has the ability to leave us helplessly bundled in worry and fear. When we cave to thoughts of anxiety, we lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key to overcoming anxiety is found only in the presence of God.

Accepting God’s timetable and the limitations He places on a given situation help to dispel rising anxiety. Therefore, let Him provide for you in His timing. When you accept life as a gift from the hand of God, there you will find mercy and grace, forgiveness and hope, peace and everlasting security.

Let His peace fill your heart—today and every day. Tell Him all you’re feeling. God understands and knows life can be difficult—but He has a solution. Our peace resides in our Savior who loves us unconditionally. And He’s promised to keep us and deliver us into the Father’s loving arms.

- Life Principle 12 Dr. Charles Stanley devotional.

I am still trying to wrap my mind around the events of the last week. I have been on carnival rides that were easier to make sense of.

While unfortunately there's probably never going to be known what exactly happened, I move forward with whatever God puts before me to be doing.

"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.

"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." Philippians 4:4-7.

I have read and have said that I know not what the future holds but I know who holds my future.

I am processing many emotions. Have used the word flabbergasted several times in the last few days more than probably any other time in my life.

Where I worked had a coexisting company in it that was about building trust, both in the workplace as well as outside of it. Yet those guiding principles evidently don't apply to whatever situation that I find myself in. The owner of the company's book he wrote on that very subject certainly isn't what I am living today with regards to all of this.

My heart and mind are striving to not give ground to roots of bitterness. It would be very easy to do. To do so would cause my life more trouble than it's ever worth.

There's no growth if there are no storms in this world. Old trees don't get to be that way unless they've been through more than a few.

Their roots get deeper because of those things.

In the storms of life our roots should go deeper in the Lord.

I find it very interesting that my blood pressure has been normal. I am not racing in my mind about things. The peace of God is indeed enveloping me. While I have concerns I know that Jesus always keeps His promises.

Every rain isn't forever. Jesus still eventually brings about a sunny day. Jesus said something that we need to remember.

“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Matthew 10:26-31.

And...

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

Satan's schemes are such as whatever he thinks it will take to get us to entertain a single doubt about God or the promises of Jesus Christ.

His schemes are to get us to stop whatever we are doing to grow in Christ, with respect to our salvation, our sanctification.

We all will go through 'Job Moments'. Moments where life is disrupted in ways we never thought possible or ever expected to experience. People whom we had known for years all the sudden turning on us...who ought to know better. People we don't know at all whom we thought we did. Health issues. Work issues. Economic times.

Things which we have no earthly explanation for that are being permitted by God to grow is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Rain and sun, sun and rain. We know not but we are to trust the One who does.

The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

That's the truth. Gutters on a house is the truth. Stopping a semi truck from killing me is the truth. Being able to preach a sermon or two is the truth. These things that Jesus took us through so that we both grow in Christ and for Him to be glorified are truth. Never once has He ever failed. Never will He ever fail.

Satan's no fan of my new Bible study habits. Part of this season of my life is to stop that. Not happening.

Satan's no fan of this blog. Partbof this season in my life is to stop that. Not happening.

Satan's trying to get me to doubt my present and my future provisions from My Savior are part of this season of my life. Not happening.

You too will face seasons or maybe mere moments of these seeds of doubt. Don't entertain them for a moment. Cast them far away from you. Remember the promises of God for you.

His plans include a hope and a future for us that is in Christ.

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.