Do You Try?

Do You Try?

by David Brenneman 

"‭And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.  And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’  Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”"

Luke 10:25-37.

We honestly have thousands of books, lecturers, movies, and more to teach every single generation how to justify their actions and life. 

Every single generation considers itself better than the one before it. 

Everything only appears to be getting more sophisticated and advanced. 

Yet, in all of this, the human heart has time and again, proven that what the God of the Bible has stated...is absolutely true about it. 

The heart is desperately wicked who can understand it?

We are born in selfishness.  Sin is in our DNA until our physical death.  Sin mars our hearts and distorts the truths of God's word and world.  

Mankind isn't going to space to seek out new life and new civilizations.  It isn't boldly going where no one has gone before.  Scientists have been trying to find a single shred of evidence to disprove the God of the Bible. 

We are all susceptible to the cancer of justification.  We want to justify our food cravings.  We want to justify an outfit that we bought.  We want to justify our attitude and behavior in public that we displayed for all the world to see. 

We want what we want when we want it.  We justify out ways and means of achieving it.

We justify even our turning away from the path that the Spirit has laid out before us to take. 

We are to what? Not lean on nor look to our own understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 just happens to be the verse of the day on the Bible app. The passage from Luke just happened to be part of my Bible reading today...coincidence? Hardly.  There are none in regards to growing in Christ. 

Many, I have seen, even changed their place in the body of Christ because of something that happened to them.  Otherwise they would still be doing what the Spirit set them in the body of Christ to be doing. They justified their leaving and even wrote what amounted to a resume of accomplishments to salve their conscience.  

We are experts at the game of justification.  We justify what we go after and wonder why it didn't work out.  We don't even question when it didn't...we look for ways to still go after what we never consulted God about.

There is the catch.  What else does the Bible say?  Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.".

There isn't a child who has ever not strived to grow up faster than was possible.  Trying to convince children that adage of the grass isn't always greener on the other side is nearly impossible.  

The very next passage in Luke, was about Mary and Martha.  Lesson being that waiting at the feet of Jesus was more important than even being busy.  

Look at your calendar.  Look back over your week.  How often have you just ran out into life and never once talked to Jesus about the world you were stepping into?

All your heart means all. Not the parts that you want Him to be involved in.  It's a very true statement that if King Solomon had held to this 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...that he would never have strayed from the Lord. The Bible certainly would have been different.

Solomon, for as wise as he was, let in this little justification and that one.  Look at the results.  Countless wives and concubines. His kingdom ends up in distress and division.  Civil War results. Nothing close to the righteous life that God desired for him.

The righteous life that God desires for you is wrapped up in our obedience to God's Word.  We're not to lean on our own understanding.  We should stop ourselves when we begin to see signs of justification that aren't God honoring.  

Many pursue worldly accolades, degrees, certifications, prestige...and sacrifice their place at Jesus's feet to obtain them.  They even appear to show all kinds of good results to God!  

But, and it's a big but, what did Jesus say as well?  Many will say they did many things in His Name. Yes they do and did...yet in reality Jesus had no part in what they did.

It's critical to be sure of your salvation. It's equally important to be sure that your life follows the path that God desires for you.  It may not look like what you envisioned. That's okay.  We are here to grow in Christ and to be who the Potter says we are to be. Set in the body of Christ as the Spirit sees fit. Telling others about the great things that Jesus has done and pointing people to the Savior. 

Standing firm isn't a suggestion.

That lawyer was seeking to justify himself.  We're all good at seeking to justify ourselves.  Both to do the supposed work of God and to avoid it.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. 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. 

Look at what motivates you. Be leery of self justification.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Who are You More Concerned with Pleasing?

Who are You More Concerned with Pleasing?

by David Brenneman 

"You and I cannot be useful if we want to be sweet as honey in the mouths of men. God will never bless us if we wish to please men, that they may think well of us." Charles Spurgeon.

Our society honestly has gotten so toxic that the "canceling" of individuals or groups is now a commonplace experience.  

Employers are now fearful of retaliation through lawsuits if they attempt to stand on the word of God in their businesses.  

People are attacked socially through social media for their beliefs.  

People either are forced into silence...or they stand on the Word of God, through the work of the Spirit of God, to be who they are meant to be in Christ Jesus. 

I have experienced more than one employer who's been more concerned about the fallout of interpersonal relationships than they were in keeping good people.  

In the day-to-day of life in some corners of the world if you don't socially comply with the government approved sins of other's, you're ostracized. 

As I have stated publicly in my social media posts I say again here. 

I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than to stand with the world and be judged by God. 

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”" Joshua 24:15.

What say you?

We are called to be salt and light. Not seasonings that don't affect those around us. As Jesus said...if the salt has become useless then what good is it?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16.

"And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it." John 1:5.

Don't be surprised when your life in Christ isn't understood by those who aren't.  

‭"But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." 1 Corinthians 2:14.

We are going to be offensive to the unbelieving at some point. Anyone getting a bright light shone in their face when they've been in darkness a long time is offended by the power of the light. 

Love God with our everything...heart, mind, soul and spirit. 

Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Doesn't at all mean to compromise your life in any way to appease them.

Time and time again we read of the admonition to stand firm in the New Testament. To stand firm absolutely means to not compromise. 

We're to be mindful that our compromises will be noticed by both those weaker in the faith as well as the unbelieving whereby they might feel empowered or encouraged to stay in their sins. 

My daily prayers include all those whom I used to work with as well as those I work with now who don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

My prayers often include those whom I just come across in life as well.  

"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.

We are still here because there's still plenty of people who need the gospel message preached to them.

Otherwise the Rapture of the Church would have already occurred. 

‭Romans 12:18 "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

It's not always going to be possible.  

Jesus said that those who wish to live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted. The light is going to most assuredly garner a reaction as salt garners a reaction to wounds.

It's our standing firm in Christ that gets the world's attention. Jesus compromised nothing in His life before His family or His Disciples. 

I really liked that quote from Spurgeon. It's a very apt reminder of a life in Christ. Our not standing firm in our relationship with Jesus sends the message that staying on the highway to Hell is ok.

Our people pleasing isn't going to help anyone.  

Pray for your relationships with those around you. I have some really complicated people in my life at this moment. I will not compromise my relationship with Jesus because of social convention or because of political reasons or policies at work because of laws passed. We are to be the light of Jesus Christ in this world...not the grayed or dim light.  

To be truthful...my prayers for these complicated people include some of the same things that King David prayed concerning those in his life. The destruction of their plans for their lives that keep them from the righteous life that God desires for them. To destroy their plans until they recognize their need for salvation in Christ Jesus.  

The prelude to the Great Flood was everyone doing what was right in their own eyes. 

Jesus said that it would be the same when He returns...and that's the world in which we live. 

Pray for those who persecute you.

This is part of God's will for you. 

Pray for those in authority over you. 

This is part of God's will for you. 

Stand firm. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation

What did you do with your Invitation?

What did you do with your Invitation?

by David Brenneman 

‭"And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”" Luke 9:59-62.

We're all invited...and we all have a choice to make concerning the invitation.  Did you catch the first words of this passage?  "And He said to another, "Follow Me".

In our world today as it has been for generations, excuses abound regarding listening to the call of God and not listening.  So many people embrace aspects of life that the Bible says is sin so they ignore the invitation...for now...or so they make themselves believe. 

My Dear Reader you do not have a promise of a today set before you. 

It's not a given that you'll even have the time to finish reading this post. 

How will you, in a moment, in a heartbeat, choose salvation in Christ and live for Jesus?

Your invitation wasn't lost in the mail.  Your invitation wasn't given to someone else.  Your invitation wasn't stolen.  Your invitation was personally delivered to you. 

Are you letting the words of others keep you from following Jesus? 

Are you letting something or someone in your life be a reason, be an excuse, to not follow Jesus?

We choose. 

We.

You.

It's not going to be acceptable for anything anyone says as to why they said no to the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  There's nothing that can be offered as a valid reason...nothing. 

Many have their own stories as to how and when they took their invitation to the Lord Jesus Christ to become a child of God.  

Mine day was back in 1974. Some would try to argue that I was just a kid. Didn't know any better.  Was easily persuaded.  Caved in to peer pressure.  Shouldn't have been allowed to make such a life altering choice.  The list can go on and on. 

"And He called a child to Himself and set him [b]before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:2-6.

As Jesus is the one speaking in both places, what have you to say about it now?

Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost.  His open invitation was taken to the world personally and through His Disciples.  

Jesus said as well that any who come to Him for salvation by no means would He cast out.  This, by true definition, means man, woman and child. 

So it did include people like me.  

It includes people like you as well.  While I wouldn't wish many of the things that have happened to me in my life to have happened...I can truthfully say that Jesus kept His word and was with me through all of them.  

Jesus is a promise keeper.  As Paul wrote of salvation in Romans 10:8-13, "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.”", so has that been true of millions of people since. 

Your invitation remains open and valid until that day you breathe your last.  

Are those things that you cling to in life that important to gamble your eternal destination for?

Are those things or people that you hold to rather than coming to Christ...are they really that good or are you thinking so little of the life that Jesus promised you would be yours after coming to Him to be saved?

It's been heard the world over about how people say they would miss out on living life.  That they wouldn't be able to have any fun anymore.  That they would have to give up this or give up that.

The truth is...you're never, ever, going to know the full life that is only found after coming to Christ for salvation that would be yours...until you do. 

You're never going to know. 

You cannot know.  Because until He removes your sin...and washes away everything to do with it...you're never going to have eyes that see or ears that can hear..

or even a mind that can know all that He has prepared for those who love Him.  1 Corinthians 2:9.

My Dear Reader...Jesus knocks. 

Will you invite Him in?

Drop the excuses.  Jesus kept His word and went to the cross. Died a death He didn't deserve. Paid the price for all the sins of all mankind...including yours...and wrote all the invitations for all mankind...in His own blood. 

Jesus did all that...and promised to return when His Father said He would to take all who have accepted that invitation home to forever be with Jesus. 

Your invitation is waiting...why not open it today?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Our Instruction

Our Instruction 

by David Brenneman 

‭"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age," Titus 2:11-12.

What do you see in this passage?

Me? A lot. Grace...have learned a way of remembering this long ago. God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God's unmerited favor.  Getting benefits in life that we absolutely do not deserve.

Bringing salvation to all men.  Living life in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  Your life is a testimony as to who you live for.  If you're living unto Jesus then it should reflect that.  I have heard it said that you should always be ready with your testimony...and if necessary...use words. 

Purpose.  Instructing us in a particular way.  Teaching as the Disciples were taught. As they were taught and taught others throughout the world for centuries, so we are to live move and have our being.  

What is being taught? To deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.  

Let's dig deeper if you dare. 

When worldly desires or ungodliness are present...do you ever put up a fight?  Sometimes someone confronts someone, they get ignored and it's called them getting denied.  Do you fight at all against the things that are after your time and attention that aren't Godly?  

Do you seek what it is that God's word says is beneficial to your life in Christ?

It's really ironic that the worn out phrase "I'm not hurting anyone" in fact hurts the speaker in ways that can't be measured.  "It's not that bad" comes in a quick second. "It's only being done in fun". "I know what I am doing" is a nail biter. 

We can and always will be our own worst saboteur of our relationship with Jesus.  It's not entirely the fault of Satan's minions.  

We do ourselves the most harm.

‭"And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.  But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23-27.

Perhaps it's in small ways in your life or perhaps you've done so much for so long without considering the truth of God's word regarding worldly desires and the conflict it brings with a life in Godliness that you're numb to it.  

Are you numb to the things of God?

Are you actively listening to the Spirit?  Are you even trying to list for the Spirit of God to talk to you?

Look around your world, your hobbies, your job, your things that you embrace that you call entertainment.  Do these things glorify God or you?  Are you seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness or your own?

Jesus said you can't serve two masters.  You will cling to one and abhor the other. Love one and hate the other. 

There's a single throne in your heart.  Who's sitting in it?  The throne of your heart is the pilot's seat.  The pilot is the absolute master of the plane.  What he says goes. He establishes the path, the altitude, the speed.

Get the picture yet?  It's not to be us.  We are struggling so much in life and much of it is avoidable. 

We're not to "give" God a few hours on a Sunday then run our own business the rest of the week.  

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." ‭2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Would you even recognize what ungodliness is?  Would you ever acknowledge what amounts to idolatry?  The teaching of the Spirit is timeless.  What He began teaching over 2,000 years ago is as absolutely relevant, is absolutely relevant today.

Taking inventory of your life is essential for a life in Christ.

Stop what you are doing and do more than give Jesus your leftovers and hand-me-downs. 

A life in Christ Jesus is a 24/7 365 day life.  

An instructed life in Christ will display the works of Christ in each of us.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Opening the Door is on You

Opening the Door is on You 

by David Brenneman 

‭"Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23

‭"For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” Ezekiel 18:32

‭“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” John 3:16-21

‭"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.

Was skipping through some videos last night and a supposed comedian was being as they were, making an exaggeration on the Bible and about God's views on people. 

The truth is there is no laughing matter concerning sin and eternal separation from Jesus Christ. 

But the door of opportunity must be opened by the person who seeks the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus. It's your heart that you are inviting Him into.  

Jesus isn't willing that any should perish. Reading it in the Old Testament earlier...here's the same in the New Testament. "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

He isn't going to force open the door to your heart.  

Throughout your life you open your heart to other people, places and things. So how to do this...you already know.

Jesus, not just through the Gospels, but recorded in historical records lived and died just as the Bible says.

A very old song has a very powerful statement in it. "While He was on the cross, I was on His mind".

My Dear Reader, that hasn't changed. You are still on His mind. Night and day, 24/7 365 days a year.  

It doesn't matter what choices you made or how dirty you think you are. Doesn't matter how you look to yourself or how you think others view you. You might be well off or you might feel like every day you are alive that it feels like you are drowning. Jesus is willing and able to reach down into those circumstances and pull you out. 

Time exists for mankind, not for God. The Bible says that at the right time...He was born of a virgin. At the right time. It wasn't just because of the lives of Mary and Joseph. At the right time in the development of humanity. God's timing is always perfect. Humanity was developing a commerce infrastructure. Roadways. Ship building techniques.  

Jesus's life was spent pointing people to Himself, both before His death, burial and resurrection, but afterwards. Over 500 people saw Him after the resurrection. Many came back to life and lived on for many years. 

Jesus is waiting at your heart's door for you. He cannot open that door since there's no knob on that side. 

Forgiveness is that close to you. 

The lifting of that weight is that close to you.  

So many people are weighed down by sins that they aren't even aware are sins. Until they came to Christ for salvation and said yes to it...they didn't know what true freedom felt like.  

A childhood song is as true today as it has been for many decades. 

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 

We over complicate coming to Christ for salvation. We have so many questions yet we don't realize they can all wait. Take that step and wait for Him to do what salvation requires and then see if there are any questions that remain. 

You don't need any special education. 

You don't need to fear what might happen next.

You don't need to worry about tomorrow either. 

You come to Christ for salvation and immediately your life is hidden with Christ in God. He takes responsibility for your life, its only on us to live in obedience to God's Word. 

"I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.” Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain...He washed it white as snow. " - Hymn 'Jesus Paid it All'.

Why fight for things, for feelings, for emotions, even for people that will not ever fill that God sized place in your heart?  

Jesus, while on the cross, thought of every single human being that ever lived or would live. Including you.

He is waiting for you.  

My Bible says there is a fixed day in which Jesus will return again and take all who have called upon Him for salvation. A day fixed by the Father’s own authority. We know not when other than when all pertinent prophecies have been completed. 7 years of the most raging Hell on Earth will happen soon afterwards. The final judgments upon mankind as written in the Bible. Billions upon billions of people will die. Many other billions will be deceived by a man the Bible calls the Antichrist. A man whom will demand that all worship him. A man who will claim to be God. You might think that as farfetched...however how much of what you have already seen in this world was farfetched to you only a few years ago?

Some might consider themselves as unworthy of this free gift of salvation. Newsflash: everyone is.

It's not at all about what you have done...but all on Jesus for what He's done to offer you eternal life in Him.

It is a limited time offer. Why wait?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

We Don't Need a Complicated Explanation

We Don't Need a Complicated Explanation 

by David Brenneman 

‭‭"‭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; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.

It's easily found in the Gospels where Jesus said that the Jews seek for a sign and the only sign they will be given is the sign of Jonah.  

But this isn't exclusive to the Jewish people. Many people who are Believer's are just as much looking for a sign as the chosen people of God. 

Much is said about casting aside doubts. Poor Thomas has been wrongly accused throughout history as the foremost in regards to doubts. 

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, 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. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8.

What typically happens is people couch seeking for a sign within a doubt. People want to have absolute certainty before making a decision. 

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Romans 10:17.

Let's dig deeper.  

Sanctification is the result of the work of the Spirit in each Believer.  

It's the prerogative of God to either explain why something is allowed to happen in your life or why something hasn't or will be kept from happening. 

We need to really consider the writings in the Bible concerning the potter and the clay.  

We come to Christ for salvation...and a new life in Christ. 

We come with certain expectations. 

We should realize that changes will be made by the Spirit of God concerning sins that have impacted our life to date. 

Sometimes His work in us requires our implicit trust...with no explanation given. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. This means when you understand and when you don't.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. 

Peter only stood on the water...a physical feat that's impossible by the laws of physics with regard to common man...but not impossible when faith in what Christ can do is applied. Did Peter get a sign other than to simply be told to come?

We often want a complicated explanation from God. News flash that's the same thing as seeking a sign.

We, in our coming to Christ, are learning how to live life in a way unseen and unheard of outside of salvation in Christ. It's ways are only understood by way of the Spirit. It's benefits are only understood in context of the Spirit. 

We are not just going about our day.  

We are learning daily how to do life. 

We are learning how to spiritually eat.

We are learning how to spiritually think.

We are learning how to spiritually clothe ourselves. 

We are learning how to spiritually crawl.

We get to the point of learning how to walk by the Spirit.

Many times we get an opportunity to have things explained to us. Many times trust is essential. 

Leaning not on my own understanding is essential, not optional. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.  

It may frustate you to no end to not fully understand the mind of Christ right now. My Dear Reader...you DO have eternity to learn. 

Our sin nature is at odds with our new nature in Christ.  

It's ok not to know. It's ok not to fully understand. It's something that I have been learning.  

The supernatural things of God are only that on this side of Heaven. 

The peace of God that passes all understanding...think about that. 

Martha just sat at Jesus's feet...listening and taking it in.  

King David wrote often of meditation on the word of God. 

Jesus spoke of His peace He brings to us, not as the world does. It's different because His peace is perfect and holy and complete. 

If your life is so complicated that you don't have time to sit down with Jesus...then don't be surprised by your frustration levels. 

Don't be surprised by what all you don't understand. Jesus may be wanting to talk to you about your concerns but He isn't on your schedule. 

Jesus said that we must come as a child. Adults complicate things. 

It's ok not to understand right now. 

In time you might gain understanding. You may not.

The key is to 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.  

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Do You?

Do you?

by David Brenneman 

‭"in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Thus they will be My people, and I shall be their God,” ’ declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 14:11

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27

Is it important to you what is important to Jesus?

In both the Old Testament and the New Testament we read examples of defilement of a life.  

We wrap our arms around what the world refers to as fun.

We embrace theologies that seem like they're from God but we've never checked with Jesus about them. 

We find our joy and happiness in things of this world and don't see our neglect of our relationship with Jesus.

What's both a wonderful thing and a n unknown curse is this digital world we are drowning in.  While answers to questions can be found in an instant...we blindly trust those answers. 

We blindly trust those answers yet both question what a sermon might be saying to our hearts.

We blindly trust the internet yet won't seek Godly counsel.

Most don't realize that our digital world is instantly modified.  You might have read a possible true story today that can be edited to reflect something else and you have no proof of your facts of today. 

Whole school texts are now digital only. History is whatever it's been edited to say.

This is a scary concept.  Defilement is that tiny pebble placed just so in our minds and hearts to redirect the person from the righteous life that God desires. 

Defilement is just as pertinent in today's world as it was in Jesus's day, as it was in Daniel's day, as Noah's, as King David's, as Adam's. 

This is a sin cursed fallen world that is saturated with defilement until after the 7 year Great Tribulation when Jesus Himself will rule and reign for a thousand years.  

We choose to follow something or someone each day.  We either are flying the plane or Jesus Christ is. 

We choose where our minds and hearts go.  We are often none the wiser when deception hits.

We don't seek the wisdom of God when life happens.  We first try to figure it out on our own. 

In the opening days of the children of Israel entering the Promised Land...where they sought the Lord first, they were successful. When they decided to not, they were unsuccessful.  In fact they were cursed beyond several generations because they made vows and sealed them in the name of the Lord. 

We often reject the notion of idolatry.  Why?  Because we don't want to learn that we were so deceived.  We don't want to give up whatever is bringing us such wondrous pleasure.  We want to fit in with other's.  We don't see the consequences of being defiled and we don't want to.  

We wear symbols of idolatry.  Ezekiel 13 mentions items worn that were idolatrous in nature. 

The Spirit wishes to open our eyes yet...we often choose to put our hands over them because of the pleasures they bring. 

‭"His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.  Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.  “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” Luke 8:9-18.

Confession before Jesus is to agree with Jesus.  If Jesus says something is wrong, then, it's wrong. No excuses or exceptions. 

Just because it makes you feel good doesn't mean it's wholesome or good for you.  

"It's harmless!" 

If it's separating you from the will of God for you...it's most definitely not harmless. 

Defilement is as valid a problem today as it was in the days of Noah. 

Everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.  See that in today's world?

What don't you see?  Christian lives that seek the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and spirit.  All means all and that's all that all means. Carving out time for Jesus is wrong...especially when we have no trouble with a movie night. When we have no trouble with concerts. When we have no trouble with spending gobs of time with sporting events. 

Defilement is as much a problem today as it has been throughout history since Adam and Eve.

We are to be holy as He is holy. 

Holy is to be set apart. 

Take a good look at your life.  Has any or all of this message applied to your life?

We're going to give an account of our lives before Jesus.  Will the activities of your life amount to anything in Christ?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.