Monday, March 18, 2024

Signs ARE There

Signs ARE There
by David Brenneman 

It's awesome to see and realize that today marks 5 years of post writing concerning this blog. Every single day that I showed up, the Spirit has been here to guide my writing as promised. The following is a post that started it off. Today this blog has been seen in 79 major locations in this world. 214,000 views. The most I have done has been to hand out business cards with the web address on it as well as post to Facebook. God's taken it where it's gone.

Signs of the Times 
In our time, I do believe that Jesus Christ is returning. 
As it happens, my Bible reading plan is in the book of Mark, at the point of just prior to the crucifixion but after the betrayal by Judas.
Jesus took all the humanly possible torture and torment that was meant for sinners like you and I, in order to obey His Father's will, to make a way for forgiveness of sin. In a moment on the cross, all the sins of all mankind for all time were heaped upon Jesus. In that moment even His Father had to look away. Can you imagine seeing the one you love going through all that Jesus did, and now you have to turn away? The Father did, because both He, Jesus and the Spirit knew that only a perfect sacrifice could ever remove the sting and stain of sin. 
But the story doesn't end there. Oh no. Yes Jesus died on a cross, but more importantly He came back. He paid the penalty for sin, He removed the sting of death. The free Gift was now available to all who call upon the Lord for salvation. It isn't about bunnies or chocolate or eggs. Easter is about God's perfect plan to enable man to be saved. 
But why all the evil in this world? God's enemy, Satan, wants to be God. He threw everything he had at Christ on the cross and lost. He is using and manipulating people to go after those who are true Christians. We see things escalating, wars, rumors of wars. Upheavals, hatred of anything Christian. The rise in the hatred of Israel. Sides are being formed. Christianity is under fire. How could such a wonderful gift of Salvation be so wrongfully taken by the world? Satan deals in lies in twisting and perverting God's Word. If he goes down he wants to take as many as he can with him. But, he is a created being. God is not. Jesus is not. The Spirit is not. Satan knows the Bible and is trying all he can to prove it wrong. To turn people away from God. To get people to hate those who God says are His. Death used to be Satan's greatest thing but Jesus removed the sting of it. Anyone who dies in Christ is instantly in Heaven with Him. No sting of death. 
As the very foundations of our country crumble remember there is no place in Scripture for America. The American Church would like it to be but there isn't. The Church is the enemy of Satan. To think that we are going to be immune to attack is ludicrous. Our standing up for what we believe is under attack every day. God isn't blind to it. We still have the mission to tell others about the free Gift of Salvation. Times are tough and they will get worse. I have always believed that either the USA is taken out of the world picture or we take ourselves out of it. The book of Revelation is only about Israel. It's coming. Jesus's gift of Salvation isn't simply a get out of Hell free card. It's giving our life to the one who gave His to set us free. To live as those alive in Christ. It's a relationship with God that isn't possible apart from Jesus. 
Time is short. The Church is being attacked by all kinds of groups from the left and right. Trying to silence the Church. If that wasn't enough wolves in sheep's clothing are trying to remove the message of Jesus Christ from within the Church. It’s all been foretold. 
If you haven't placed your faith and trust in Jesus's finished work on the cross. Today's a good day to do that. All this world is perishing. Christianity is not about the hate of this world or a group calling themselves Christians who protest in hate. It is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and spirit. To love your neighbor as yourself. Tell others of the great things that God has done for you. Read His Word, talk to Him. There you have it.
Now, do you have it?
---‐-----------------------------

The signs that the Spirit puts out there are for all to see. I have come to realize that it's certainly not just the Jews that seek for a sign...but everyone. People everywhere are wanting proof of God. Some, by searching, have indeed found Him.

Was reading in Colossians this morning of the words of Paul to them.  

‭‭"I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." Colossians 2:4-8.

There are warnings here and other places in the Scriptures against philosophy...I would include worldly psychology. People trying to influence the Church of Jesus Christ with psychology that isn't founded in the Bible. The Biblical terms is false prophets, false preachers, false teachers.  

Whereas in these days in which we live, there's no end to books, speakers, televangelists, etc. that teach the world that you need God AND their books...not just the Bible. Some teach that you need the Bible AND psychology. The Early Church only had the Bible as written in the Old Testament until enough copies of the Gospels and what we now call the New Testament were available. Testimonials of a changed life in coming to Christ were what lead people to salvation themselves. We aren't the ones who save people...the Spirit does. 

Are you striving to stand firm in Christ Jesus? Are you really aware that at any moment Jesus could return? Are you ready aware that in a heartbeat you could be standing face-to-face with Jesus? If you are sitting...simply standing up might usher you into the presence of God.  

My hope, in all these years of writing, is that people either come to Christ for salvation or find their way back to Him to cultivate a right relationship with Jesus. That prayer continues today. 

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

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Would it Happen to You?

Would it Happen to You?
by David Brenneman 

‭‭"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light." Colossians 1:9-12.

The opening passage is after the greeting that Paul and Timothy began with to the church in Colosse.  

Do people pray this way anymore?
Good question.  

Should people pray this way anymore?
Equally good question. 

Probably the answer is indeed found right there in this passage. If indeed people are walking in Christ as they ought to be, it shouldn't be taken for granted. If Jesus instructed us to be fruit inspectors then there should be a stamp of approval on both good fruits and likewise a stamp of disapproval on bad fruits. Silence shouldn't be the response.  

All too often people are personally feeling guilty regarding personal sins so they won't say anything to others when they very much ought to be speaking up.  

We're to be worker's in the fields of where we live. This work is to be done to its fullest. Complete. Regardless of how we feel about it. Regardless of how much it may look.  

Jesus didn't care what the world thought concerning how He addressed sins in the lives of people. 

A doctor doesn't care about public opinion when a patient needs care that he or she is obligated to give.

We also need to rid ourselves of the notion, truthfully, that we require the approval of others rather than of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Read the opening 3 chapters of the book of Revelation. Pay close attention to the letters to the Churches. 

What would you do if a letter showed up addressed to you from Jesus?  

Without a doubt such a letter would contain information so personal that it would quell any doubts as to its authenticity. 

These letters to the Churches...these Churches knew that they were being written to by Jesus.  

Would you take a letter seriously?

This opening passage is perhaps a great idea to pray for one another who are walking as they ought to be doing in Christ.  

In my Facebook memories it showed up yesterday and today that I made a statement of "The curses of God are as real as the promises of God".  

The reality of Hell is unquestionable to all who are there. Regardless of if they agree with Jesus as to their being there at all they know exactly what their reason for being there is. They rejected the Word of God. They rejected the authority of God. 
They rejected Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 
They refused the free gift of salvation available only through Jesus Christ...and for all eternity there's nothing they can do about it.

People will either be commended or they won't be by Jesus. The truth behind every thought and choice will not be hidden from Him. There are no Perry Mason techniques to use against the knowledge of God in defending our thoughts, actions or intentions. 

Praying for people probably ought to be more than a sentence or two about a situation that Jesus is already fully aware of, don't you think?  

Praying for more than the personal desire of the person requesting prayer ought to be on our minds as well.  

It's amazing to me how there's times when my prayer times get stretched on some people. Where it dawns on me that there's more going on than we know of.  

Jesus's definition of an answered prayer isn't ours in most cases. 

If we are praying for what Paul wrote here...it's going to change how and what we pray concerning others and as the lesson of Jacob and his brother Esau...it's going to change us as well.

We so quickly forget how much more important the Spiritual walk is than our physical walk is in our lives. 

People can be disfigured from birth yet come to Christ and seriously change their world for the sake of the Gospel. People who are ready, willing, members of the body of Christ are supposed to change the world.  

Praying for those things that are most important to Jesus...you cannot go wrong with that.

Thinking of others in the way that the Spirit is teaching you to think of others will indeed make your life more impactful for the Kingdom of God.

Many put a lot into the Gospel record of what Jesus answered when the Disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. That prayer is a fantastic model of how to pray. This prayer here is a fantastic addition to it in that it shows the fruits of what Jesus told them. Practical application. 

Consider how you pray. Every life is changed one person at a time. 

Would you like to receive such a prayer about you? I certainly would. Jesus wants us to get personal about our prayers. He had no good words to say about people doing little more than endless useless repetition. Mean what you pray. 

Are you walking in a manner worthy of your calling in Christ?
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

The Choices Available to You

The Choices Available to You 
by David Brenneman 
"There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30.

‭‭‭‭"Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts." Proverbs 21:2.

‭‭"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17.

‭‭"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:18-20.

The Spiritual life is serious business...period. 

There is no down time. 
There is no "me time" away from the Word of God. 
There is no acceptable division of time, energy or effort between any Believer and the Holy Spirit. 

There's not to be anything that we put in place that we hold higher than our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...again...period.

Our world is in the shape its in...spiritually...because of how lax or how active the Believer of today is living life. 

The call to stand firm...do you?
The call to at all times pray...have you tried?
The call to have no other things before Him...have you done this?
The call to...well keep on going as the Spirit shows you.

I have read such heresies coming from so-called preachers its scary. Such people will someday find themselves on the wrong end of the stick with Jesus. Misrepresenting Jesus to a lost world. 

It is royally annoying to read that some Believers think that those saved in Christ Jesus become angels when they die. This is ludicrous! It's no where in the Bible! We become spirit beings until we are rejoined with our glorified bodies at the return of Jesus. We do NOT get wings upon entering Heaven. Angels long to look into the things of God that pertain to mankind. 

In our society's abroad we have Believers who aren't adamant about praying for their children. We as a whole can see the results thereof. They aren't protected from the ravenous wolves in the administration running our school systems.  

In the workplace...employers aren't prayed for. In the world representatives aren't prayed for. These aren't prayed for and it shows. 

People doing what is right in their own eyes. Not seeking the will of God...and these from within the Church. Many churches a Sunday Morning is an hour plugging into God for a charge then off to try to do life with that single charge the rest of the week. Try using your phone that way. Bet you don't get past 1 day.

Do you, my Dear Reader, take the life in Christ granted to you, seriously? Are you at all interested, really interested in the things of God concerning YOU?  

You can't say that you indeed trust the Lord with all your heart And aren't leaning on your own understanding if He’s not hearing from you daily, many times a day even. You cannot say that in all your ways you are acknowledging Him yet you never seek Him in reading your Bible.  

We are in a war, a Spiritual war, that we cannot fight on our own. We cannot go a single hour without relying on the Lord to live life. 

We cannot afford to be lazy about checking what we're taught in Church. "Oh the Pastor preached it, didn't use a Bible, but it sounded ok...so that's good enough." isn't a good way to look at it.  

Most don't know that it's impossible to have women preachers. In the original language the wording is such that it is only men. If that is too much to grasp, it's written plainly that women are not to teach men. Nobody can say that they can do such things because of being under the authority of another. The only authority is Christ. Nobody, when they give an account of their lives is going to have others testify on their behalf. We who are in Christ will stand before Jesus by ourselves. Such false preachers and false prophets we are warned about in the Bible.

There are other things...but my Dear Reader...we are at all times to be in Christ. Being in Christ isn't a garment we get up each day and put on. We are never out of school with the Spirit of God. Class is always in session 24/7. Listening to the Lord Jesus through His Spirit is critical to a life lived such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. It's critical to a life lived in such a way that people want to know the reason for the hope that's within us.
It's crucial to be on our game 24/7 because of the schemes of the Devil.  

Jesus said that those who live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted. We're going to have battles because we are sealed in the Spirit. Satan's wanting Believers to twist and distort the Scriptures. The more Believer's do this, the less work he has to do. The more willing laziness is happening in the lives of Believers, the less effort he has to do to bring about such heresies.

Does the thought of hearing "Well done!" from Jesus appeal to you at all?

We are at war. Until our last breath or Jesus returns we are at war. It's a battle over what we think, what we say, what we do. Satan's in control of the information, it's on us to seek out God's Word to handle it properly. 

Are you thinking of just getting your favorite beverage and just running into your day?  

Are you thinking that there too much going on in your life to pray?

Are you at all thinking the ludicrous thought that the battle is somewhere else?

Are you at all thinking of how your thoughts and feelings, choices and decisions, are impacting the plan of God for you?  

We have NO golden tickets to now go off n do our own thing. If this were true why would JESUS say to take up our own cross and follow Him?

Much here to consider my Dear Reader. Much. 

What you do in your life DOES impact all the Believers alive today. 

What you do in your life DOES impact the unbelieving in the world today.

It's why you are in this point in human history...by God's desire...by God's design...by God's grace...for His purpose. 

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

Friday, March 15, 2024

The Day After

A Day After
by David Brenneman 

Today is a day of relief for some, a day unlike any other for others, and a day of mourning for many.  

The tornadoes that ripped through many states here in the USA left much devastation in their wake.  

There's another storm on the horizon that's been dismissed, been ridiculed, been mocked that is an inescapable reality because Jesus proclaimed it will be happening. The storm that will engulf this world when He returns to take His Church home to be with Him forever. 

We can even read in the days of the early Church that people were mocking God in asking where is this promised return?  

Today lives across many different states are changed. Lives are not and will not be returning to what had hitherto been their normal life. 

One report I read stated that a mobile morgue was requested. ODOT snowplow trucks being used to clear trees from the roads. 

This, my Dear Reader, is only an infinitesimal taste of the aftermath of the effects of Jesus returning.

Instead of horror stories from a few places, it will be on a global scale. 

Instead of a few thousand people without the essentials for a normal life, it will be likely billions. Millions will vanish in the twinkling of an eye when Jesus commands "Come!"

Jesus said to be on the alert. To be ready for no one knows the day nor the hour. After His resurrection of course He knew. He was one with His Father again.  

Are you really ready to meet Jesus?

Are you really striving to please Him in all that you do?  

Are you still on the fence about coming to Christ for salvation?

My Dear Reader, there will be no warning of Jesus coming back.  

Nothing to herald that great and fantastic moment in human history.

Nothing. Not a sound not a sign. 

Are you really going to risk it?  

The 7 years that follow that day will make all the World Wars look like an elementary schoolyard fight. There's nothing to compare those days to in all of human history. 100lb hailstones? Find any records of such a thing. The seas turned to blood? Nothing to be found there either. Vast amounts of biting insects that cause people to want to die but those millions of people won't be able to? Never been seen before.  

This day after ought to give rise to thinking that our days are not our own. Every single life is shown God's grace in that while we deserve the penalty of death due to our sins, we are blessed with a today. We all receive His mercy in not getting what we do deserve. 

Life isn't about personal identity...it's about being who we are meant to be in Christ Jesus. In this world I am David, son of Parke and Nancy. In His eyes, I am David, child of God. Joint heir to the Kingdom of God. In Heaven we will receive a new name from Jesus. In this world I am indeed shown love by family and friends. But nobody loves me as much as Jesus did when He died for me. Washing my sins away. Adopting me into His marvelous family. 

My Dear Reader this life in Christ is available to all who believe. To all who would come to Him. 

We don't know if we have a today let alone a next breath. 

Last night in the span of a few meager hours many people's lives were irrevocably changed. Some are wounded and require a hospital. Some were unscathed. Still others...either entered Heaven or Hell in an instant.  

There's countless billions of 'good' people in Hell. People who are in shock and disbelief that their lives weren't good enough to get them into Heaven. People who left this world in extreme pain and duress who quickly realized they were still in that after arriving in Hell.  

Sadly this happens every second of every day. 

Jesus Christ is waiting with open arms in Heaven for all who would come to Him for salvation who died believing and trusting in Him. They enter into His rest...as He promised He would. 

What people are waiting for is undeniably baffling. Waiting? Why? 

Everyone in Hell doesn't want to be there. They get no second chances. No do over.  

The storms in life should cause us to get real with our mortality.  

Jesus is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to Him for salvation. He doesn't want any to be going to Hell to pay for sins that He died for. But everyone must choose of their own accord.

Take a moment today to be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. If you haven't already chosen Him to be the forgiver of your sins and the Leader of your life...why wait?

Settle it today. Settle it now.

If indeed you are saved...are you living a life that says Jesus lives here?  

Time is coming that the global Day After is going to be the worst mankind has ever seen. Construction accidents, planes crashing, manufacturing disasters...horrific incidents on a scale that nothing Hollywood has ever tried to produce. 

Today could be that day Jesus Christ returns. Would you know it? Nobody will til after it happens. 

Global leaders will lie up a storm of their own as to what happened. 

I am ready for the shout that will take me out...are you?

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

Thursday, March 14, 2024

How's Your Day?

How's Your Day?
by David Brenneman 

‭‭"So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Ephesians 4:17-24.

How's your day going?  How did it start?  Last night, my thoughts were a mess, I am not going to lie about it.  My mind is always a train roundhouse with several thoughts going out while others are trying to get back in. A more modern way of saying that is that there's several tabs open on my browser and I have no idea which one the music is coming from.

It's when my mind and heart try to cling to prayer.  To reach out to my Savior when I really don't have the words to say that equal the grief and stress trying to beat down the door to my head and my heart. 

Those opening verses...walking like the Gentiles do in the futility of their minds.  It's referring to people with no hope, no one to pray to, no one to truly lean on.  Thinking that sheer determination and effort are enough to handle what life throws at them.  Thinking of self preservation.  Thinking of luck.  Thinking that somehow the cards are either in their favor or against them.  These are those who believe in the idea of karma. F u t i l i t y.

What a waste of existence. 
What a waste of time. 
What a waste of life. 

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.  He's out to do these 3 things in any way permitted by the restrictions placed on him by God.
Primarily he used to only be after God's chosen people, Israel. After the absolute loss at the cross of calvary, he set his sights on the Church of Jesus Christ as well.  

He isn't going away until even his part of the plan of God is finished.  

Yes, even that guy is part of God's plan for mankind.  

Part of our troubles in life indeed are attributed to him, the rest is on our sin nature itself.  

Who's in the driver's seat?  Who's flying the plane?  Who's directing the choir?  Who's calling the shots? How else can it be asked?  

Who's the leader of your life?

Some still use the phrase "the devil made me do it".  Not always.  We are the ones who either roll over or cry out to God.

We either choose to believe and do as the Spirit directs or we go another way.  Only we miss out in that His way is always the right way. 

In the futility of their minds, darkened in their understanding excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart.

When we listen more to the words of the world rather than the Word of God...it DOES do something to our hearts.  Matters not in this respect between Believers and the world.  The Word of God is what opens the hearts unto salvation in Christ Jesus.  It's also what sustains the heart. It's what grows the heart and causes the heart to yield fruits of righteousness.  Your heart is either going to bear fruit that is good or fruit that is bad. 

We learn from the words of Jesus that we will know people by their fruits.  The world loves to abuse that statement of "you shouldn't judge".  On the contrary, you must judge a person's fruits to know if they are saved or not saved.  You must judge a person's fruits to know if they are living as the ways of the world are or if they are living a life in Godliness in Christ Jesus.  To know if two people, a man and a woman since that is God's only acceptable marriage partnership, are equally yoked is by judgment of their lives before marriage. 

We need to judge between two options or opinions most of our days.  It's a requirement for Godly living. 

So how's your day?  Are you including your Savior in your day at all times?   As foolish as it sounds...do you leave Jesus at home while you go out into the world?

As foolish as it sounds...do you leave Jesus out of your life's achievements and decisions?

Your day...think about that...your day is not YOUR day.  It is as much a gift from God as the salvation that is offered to those who believe. 

Your day isn't yours.  It, along with everything else, belongs to God.

Your day is shaped by your obedience to the Word of God or the words of the world.  You cannot serve two masters as Jesus also said something about.

Are you getting the picture yet about your day?  As Ambassadors of God in Christ Jesus...are you a horder of the blessings of God?  As freely He gave to you, do you freely give?  Are you thinking only of your personal well-being rather than being a generous giver as the Bible says the Lord loves?  

How you look at your day shapes your day.  

Jesus said to pray, showed the Disciples and all of us the priorities in prayer, not some mantra to drone out as a prayer as if something magical exists in recitation of it.

Jesus said that when we pray to pray expecting. If we don't have an expectation of God hearing our prayers and acting on our behalf...then why pray?

How you pray has every single bearing on how your day is going to go.  How you look for God's provision let alone look for Jesus to show up in your day is going to shape your day. 

Millions of people waste their days aimlessly groping around in the darkness, the futility of their minds, because they are not believing that God's waiting on them to come to Him in faith to do something in their lives. 

I was taught long ago to have God sized prayers.  To not just think of the need of the moment but to remember that it says to bring what? EVERYTHING to God in prayer.  Not just what we foolishly and ignorantly think He can or may handle. 

How your day is going to go is how well your prayer life is.  

Success in your day certainly ought to be more than a consideration that you managed to get dressed so that made you a success for a moment.  Success is how God defines it. Not how the world does. 

I don't know what today's got going on in it...I just know that Jesus was always already here before I got here.   Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough trouble of its own. 
Jesus said to believe in God, to believe also in Him.

So how are you going to approach your today now?  As one of Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principles says...obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.  But you have to be listening to Him to know what it is He wants your obedience in.  Ananias surely thought that going to that man named Saul was ludicrous!  Yet he obeyed...left the consequences to Jesus...and in his obedience...Ananias changed the world just as much as the soon to be Apostle Paul. 

You do not know what your little amount of obedience is going to do for the kingdom of God in what you only think is an ordinary life, an ordinary day.

Your prayer might alter your life as well as the lives of others unimagined in your thinking. 

Look at the pattern of the life of Jesus...prayer was essentially spiritual mealtime.  It was his life in prayer with His Father that sustained Him going towards the cross.  There's nothing anywhere at any time that was going to be more difficult than that road to that cross. 

Prayer changes everyone.
Prayer changes everything. 

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

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Upright in Integrity with His Purpose

Upright in Integrity with His Purpose 
by David Brenneman 

‭‭"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." Ephesians 4:1-7

‭‭"for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:12-16.

One thing of late that seems to have caught my eye, my attention, if you will...are people claiming to be Christians yet are showing fruits of being profiteers.  Their hearts aren't in the ministry their wallets are.  Some run businesses and only like the apparent blessings of God when it suits their purpose.  

We have a purpose in the body of Christ regardless of our station in life.  Doesn't matter if we clean toilets for a living or are the CEO of a company.  We are to represent Christ wherever we are.  Even in the face of worldly opposition in rules, laws, ordinances, policies or directives. We will give an account of our lives before Jesus for what we did or didn't do in the body we were given for Christ Jesus.

Take note that Scripture doesn't point to denominational ideologies.  The Scriptures point to one body for the Church.  

In life, regardless of where you are, you who are in Christ, represent Christ to all who are around you.  

Take a page from the worldly example of an Ambassador. 

Every Ambassador of any country or institution is on duty 24/7 365 days a year.  There is no 'down time' no 'me time' that isn't met with extreme prejudice in the public eye.  From clothing to a hand wave given or not given can often cause problems for days, months or even years.  

When we come to Christ we represent Christ wherever we are.

There are no exceptions.  

Some have wondered why I stepped away from various things that I admit that I enjoyed in life.  Why?  Because it didn't and doesn't cause Christ to be seen in me.  Some of those things actually, from my vantage point, brought out the worst in me. 

Put it to you this way...if you're trash talking someone...regardless if you think it's all in 'fun"...are you walking in a manner worthy of your calling in Christ Jesus?  Hmm?  That's but one example.  You are an Ambassador of Jesus Christ.  What does this show either those weaker in the faith or even unbelievers?

If you're more concerned about appearances in how you're viewed in light of rules, regulations, laws, etc. that I listed earlier than adherence to the Word of God, what example are you setting in regards to who you respect more God or man?

The if's can go on and on.  We have a responsibility to be the Light of Jesus Christ to those yet still walking in this present darkness.  Nowhere in the Great Commission are there exceptions that provide 'outs' with regard to areas or situations where we are off the hook. 

Nowhere is it taught in the Bible that we aren't to be who we are to be in Christ.  In any of the Gospel accounts can you find a single span of time where Jesus decides that the Father’s business can wait, that there no hurry?  

The quoted passage says "we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love".

When we entered into adulthood...we find the truth of 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love."

It's a battle to stand firm. 
It's not often easy to hold on.

But Jesus says it will be worth it. 

Do you not want to hear "Well done!" from Jesus with regards to how you lived your life for Him?

Are those things in your life that you hold onto, are they keeping you from being the Ambassador that you are in Christ to your fullest?

Jesus said that what comes out of the mouth is what comes out of the heart of man.  Matthew 15.

What comes out of your mouth?

When people see you do they see Jesus?  Do they hear Jesus?   Are you growing up in all aspects into Christ?  

Food for thought for today.  We have a purpose, assigned by the Spirit, to be fulfilled regardless of our position in life, regardless of where we live. We are to be whatever body part we are in the body of Christ to the best of our ability 24/7 365 days a year.  

Take time today to really look at who you are living for.  It may mean conflict in order to live in the manner worthy of your calling in Christ Jesus.  Jesus said that would happen for all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus.  

Much more can be said about what the Bible says about integrity.  How God views you is what's more important than how the world does. 

As for me...as my t-shirt says "I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God."

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.

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

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Our Trappings

Our Trappings...
by David Brenneman 

‭‭"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21.

Dwelling in our hearts.  When I think of dwelling, my mind goes it's plural, dwellings.  From there I think of a place to stay...a house that becomes a home. 

We all long for a place called home that has specific things that make it our 'place'.  We take years to add and remove things in order to create our idea of a peaceful place to exist while here on Earth.

Trappings.  The dictionary defines trappings as "the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a particular situation, role, or thing.
"I had the trappings of success"".

Trappings is a way to describe your environment in which you live.  

What are you intentionally including in your house you call a home that includes Jesus?  So many people are hung up on keeping up with the Jones's.  Keeping up with people they call friends or acquaintances. Spending money they don't have to impress people they really don't like was how someone once said it.

When you DO invite someone into your home, do they know Jesus lives there?  When they enter your family room. What's the center of the attention in the room? The television or chairs that point people to face people?  Something to think about.  

To Jesus, worldly trappings meant nothing.  He was and is about people.  His ministry was about reaching the lost. His ministry, through the Spirit in the Church, is still about reaching out to the lost in this world.  The aim being to show everyone that He's not willing or wanting anyone to perish but that all would come to Him for salvation. 

Those who come to Him for salvation, He's wanting to cultivate a vibrant relationship with.  One where there's less of each of us and more of Him in our life.  

In our home, there are things you might notice.  Scripture on the walls, framed, to remind ourselves and those who visit who lives here.  
For us, we don't have a television in the living room. 

For myself, I get up early to be with Jesus in the morning. Get myself ready, get my coffee and spend time with Jesus in reading and writing.  Early mornings are peaceful and quiet. No thoughts of the day crowding in. Just the gentle sound of the cookoo clock on the wall.  

When you're intentional about time with Jesus...guess what?  Jesus shows up.  Jesus said that He would and He does.  

My drive to work in interlaced with prayer.  Jesus is there with me, so why not use the time wisely?

During my time at work my goal is to do my best for Him, not any earthly employer.  Colossians 3:23-24 says that I don't work for anyone here on Earth.  In another passage that I believe is relevant, "He that knows the good he ought to be doing and does not do it, sins."

Within you...is a house that's home not only to you but the Spirit of God if indeed you are saved.  Jesus takes up residence.  The question is...are you giving Him full reign in going anywhere in your life?  Are you foolishly locking rooms that you're putting parts of your life that you're not giving to Him yet?

Here's the crux of it all. Are you intentional or even interested in what makes Jesus happy?  Do you put what He wants ahead of what you want?  

I have read many meme's on this one: "Many people claim that God doesn't talk to them. Truth is, He does, but they've already decided that they aren't going to do what He says anyway".

Some people invite Jesus into their lived as their Savior but not as their Lord.  Can't have one without the other.  He’s not someone hired to save you so that you can continue to go do what you want.  

How serious is this?  My Dear Reader...it's as serious as the Savior Jesus Christ who endured beatings, whippings, lashings, mocking, humiliation...in your place.  Everything we deserved for our sins He took upon Himself.  

Should that not mean everything to us?  

Is that thing we elevate higher than we do Jesus really in its rightful place in our hearts?

Are we not blending into the world a bit too much rather than standing out in it?  

Don't you think that in all those times Jesus got away to be with His Father, that you were His reason for praying?  Interesting thought isn't it?  

As a line from a song says "while He was on the cross I was on His mind".  As another says "He took my place on calvary".

If your physical life had an incident where in the nick of time someone saved your life...wouldn't you be so grateful as to find out everything about that person?  Try to find some way to show gratitude to them for all that they did?

Do the trappings of your life show that gratitude?  Is this prayer in Ephesians relating to you?  

It amazes me how many people calling themselves Christians entertain idols without knowing that is what they are.  It doesn't matter if it's my definition of idol...what does the Bible say?  Do I have any?  I know that I do.  Throughout my life the Spirit has been kicking them out.  I can't kick yours out for you. 

Our heart isn't home to just us.  If we're in Christ, the Spirit of Christ is in us. The makeover of us began when we invited Him in as Savior and Lord.  We handed Him the keys. We signed over the deed to us to Him.  We gave Him the power of attorney to do everything on our behalf.  How else can it be said?

Take a look at the life you're living. 
Does it show you or those closest to you that Jesus is your friend? Your Lord and Savior?   Scripture says we are not our own, we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  

Do yourself a favor, when the Spirit prompts you to do what needs done in tossing things from your heart...join Him n doing so.  

When the Spirit prompts you to spend more time with Jesus...do it.

When your heart aches He is there for you.  When your heart wants to rejoice in Christ, He's there for you. 

Your trappings won't be.  Things aren't going to make you happy in Jesus.  

Be in prayer.  Talk to Jesus.  Let go of whatever He says needs to go.  

Of Israel it was written in many places...they honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me.  

Be careful that this isn't you as well. 

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