More than You Recognize or Realize

More than You Recognize or Realize 

by David Brenneman 

"So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way." Romans 14:12-13.

"but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." 1 Peter 4:5.

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37.

"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:13.

Dr. Charles Stanley has a Life Principle that says that you reap what you sow much more than you sow much later than you sow.

Was reading in my "Walking with God" devotional last night and read this "The same, of course, is true in the spiritual life. Through the books we read, the company we keep, the movies we watch and the music we listen to, we are sowing either to the Spirit or to the flesh. When we sow to the Spirit, we set our affections on the things above--seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness. By praying, studying God's Word, sharing our faith, and bearing one another's burdens, we sow to the Spirit. But if we sow our lives and money to the flesh, according to the Apostle Paul, we reap corruption. 

   Holiness is a harvest gained by careful sowing. Will you reap the reward of holy sowing? Or will you be surprised by what your harvest yields?" Dr. David Jeremiah, Walking with God. 

When you stop in this moment of your day. Just think about the last 5 to 15 minutes. What did you sow or reap? Was your mind honoring to Christ or was it focused elsewhere on things less than appropriate for a child of God?

Would you even recognize what kinds of seeds you are planting in your life?

Many do not. Many try to white wash their sins. Many have been desensitized for so long that they don't recognize a sin from holiness.

Think about that. Would you really recognize the difference? Do you justify the so-called pleasures in your life? Are you running with the crowd to fit in by compromising or are you doing as Paul said and are standing firm in what you were taught?

Have you reaped the seeds of fear?

Letting fear turn you away from what God intended for you to be doing for Him?  

Have you reaped the seeds of anger?

Are you reading books that aren't Biblical? Are you listening to music or people that are, shall we say, less than Godly examples?

Would you be described as one who sought after God's purpose in your life or described only in terms of worldly accomplishments and achievements?  

Will there be people who stand up to point to your life and testify that it's because of you that they came to Christ for salvation?

Nobody is going to care about anything else when they die.

One second after you die your destination is determined by your choice to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ or your rejection of Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  

For those saved in Christ, your treasure in Heaven isn't at all to do with any achievements beyond bringing others to see Jesus and their decision to follow Jesus too.

Degrees, diplomas, certifications, all the letters possible after your name means nothing in Heaven...or in Hell. 

What are you cultivating in your life?

Are you looking for the return of Jesus? The Bible says we should. 

Are you vetting out ungodly teachers from your life? The Bible says that you should be. 

Are you adding to the soil of your heart Godly music and song? It's in there too.

Are you showing fruits of the Spirit?  

The world justifies their actions. 

"It's ok, that kind of thing doesn't bother me. I just like to listen to it. I'm just curious as to what they have to say, I don't really believe any of it." These actions are putting a hole in the soil of your heart to plant seeds that are not going to grow you in Christ. 

Garbage in Garbage out. 

Are you going to be one of those who's lives, that after being exposed to the fire of truth, have little to nothing to show of a life in Christ?

"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these." 2 Timothy 3:2-5.

 "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32.

What seeds are you sowing?

What harvests are you reaping?

What's your future harvest looking like?

You will, not you might, you will reap what you sow, much more than you sow, and much later than you sow.

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

It is these that Testify

It is these that Testify 

by David Brenneman 

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life." John 5:39-40.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24.

Regardless of what life has been like for you, how it's going right now, or even what it looks like in your future, knowing that you are saved by the only begotten Son of God -Jesus Christ- is more important than any of that. 

As stated in many other posts this blog exists not to just be out on the internet but rather to either point people to Jesus to be saved or to point the way back to Jesus for healing and restoration into the right relationship with Jesus that they've been needing. 

Our world wants people to listen to psychology or be dependent upon drugs to maintain their lives apart from Jesus.  

Don't get me wrong. In some cases medication is a good thing. But when abused people can and only will be on the highway to Hell. 

Taking medication to maintain a lie is one such abuse.  

Jesus isn't going to address anyone by whatever they've turned themselves into. 

Jesus is going to address them as He created them to be.

Many people are twisting the Scriptures to get them to say whatever they want it to say to support their perverted lifestyle. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  

He is Truth. He sees beyond anything we can conceive.  

Our definition of truth is corrected at the moment we pass from this world.  

"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him." John 5:22-23.

It matters not what we can devise as a defense. The truth of God stands. 

Jesus fulfilled all Scripture concerning Himself.  

In doing so He also proved that His statements about Himself were and are true. 

Jesus is patiently waiting for that day that His Father set before returning to gather all who have truly believed in Him. 

Is Jesus Christ the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life?

Do you live as if this were true or are you living no differently than before you laid claim to this?

A life change has to happen. 

A life transformation has to have begun. 

A life in Christ is supposed to be different from the world. 

The Scriptures will testify about you if indeed you're saved.  

The characteristics of Jesus will show in your life to you and those who see you.

Another aspect of a life in Christ is the world won't understand why you are the way you are. The Bible says that the natural or unsaved man or woman cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. 

You have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, He must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life first. 

Then the Spirit of God comes into your life and teaches you all things, just as Jesus promised would happen. 

Are you sure of your salvation?

Have you a real relationship with Jesus?

Has there been a definite time when you know that you gave your life to Jesus Christ and asked Him to be your personal Lord and Savior?

It doesn't matter how far you may be thinking that you are from God. 

He is always one heartbeat away from you. 

It doesn't matter what you may have done to your body. 

He is still ready to save you. 

It doesn't matter what you have done. Doesn't matter what you have thought. What words came out of your mouth. 

Jesus still waits for you. 

"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.

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

Grace and Redemption

Grace and Redemption 

by David Brenneman 

"Every adult has experienced it-being a dispenser or recipient of grace. Your child acts up and deserves to be punished, but you break his or her rebellious spirit with a loving hug. Or you treat your spouse badly but receive a smile and an "love you" in return. Or you feel your actions displeased God, and then read in your Bible that His mercies are new every morning.

When God extends His grace to us-sinners and enemies it ought to melt Our heart. It's hard to be angry with someone who has every reason to turn away from us but who comes toward us with open arms instead. The Prodigal Son's heart melted when he experienced the loving arms of his father rapped tightly around him in a welcoming embrace (Luke 15:20-21). Grace is receiving a present we know we don't deserve, we never thought we would receive, and we never saw coming, Grace is a gift, pure and simple. The love of God is shown in His grace to people who deserve nothing." Dr. David Jeremiah "Walking with God" 365 Devotionals Copyright 2019.

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy,

His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

His child, and forever, I am.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,

I think of Him all the day long;

I sing, for I cannot be silent;

His love is the theme of my song.

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

His child, and forever, I am.

I know I shall see in His beauty

The King in whose law I delight,

Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,

And giveth me songs in the night.

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed by Fanny Crosby 1882

That devotional really was uplifting to me last night. I highly recommend it if you can get your hands on a copy. 

Good enough doesn't cut it.

There you have a simplified statement from the Bible concerning why people need saving, why they need a Savior who is Christ the Lord. 

Our society is replete with people thinking their opinions on right and wrong are as valid as God's Word when it speaks to right and wrong. 

What did the Lord say in Isaiah?

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!" Isaiah 5:20, 23

Our thoughts and considerations, our conclusions and insights, mean absolutely nothing in light of what God has said in His Word. 

Grace is God’s unmeritted favor towards humanity. Some use an acronym of "God's Riches At Christ's Expense".

You and I need a Savior who is fully God and fully man. Only one ever has or ever will fit that description. Jesus Christ alone. 

There's nothing in life that we experience that He can't relate to. The Bible further says that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. 

But does not excuse them. We need the forgiveness of sins that only comes in a real right now relationship with Jesus.

I know my sins, while many and diverse, have been forever forgiven by my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

Are yours? If you haven't come to Christ for salvation...if He isn't your own personal Savior and Lord...all the legal weight of your sins in the court of God's Law are squarely on your own shoulders. 

You might try to point Jesus to all the "good" you have done. Worthless without His free gift of salvation. 

You might try to defend yourself by saying your good must amount to something! Worthless without His free gift of salvation. 

You might try to say you don't believe in His authority. Still worthless without His free gift of salvation. 

Any defense offered outside of an in faith decision to ask Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life...is worthless. 

God's grace is honestly why so many billions of people aren't dead right now. His mercy as well. Not giving all who have turned from Him what they do deserve. 

Jesus is my Redeemer. In this I cannot be silent. His child forever I am.  

He jumped in front of me on that cross to take what was coming from God towards me. He took the bullet. He took the hit. He took the death sentence that was mine to receive because I am a sinner in need of a Savior. 

Now...I know my redeemer lives. Because He lives, I can live for Jesus. I owe Him my life.  

Have you really thought about all this? Can you point to a day when you asked Jesus to save you?  

Your thoughts on your goodness aren't enough.

Yes you probably did go to great lengths to care for loved ones, possibly your children. You probably did care for animals. You probably were very much in peaceful relationships with others.

By everything you know and understand...you cannot think of why you would deserve to go to Hell. 

The deciding factor is whether you have Jesus as your Savior and Lord. 

Not on your efforts or the good you think you have done. 

The bar is perfection. Nothing less will do.

Please think about that.

"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. 

Someone loved me enough to share with me long ago that Jesus loved me enough die for me. 

Right now you I would hope you understand that I love you enough to tell you the same. 

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

No There Isn't

No There Isn't 

by David Brenneman 

There are no useless or unused cells in the body of Christ.

Everyone who is in Christ has something to do in the Lord's work. 

Nobody is retired in service to Our God until He calls us home. 

These thoughts came to me last night in thinking about 1 Corinthians 13-15. When we come to Christ...we are to pursue our position and role in the body of Christ.  

Useless and unused cells in a body are usually dead or cancerous. We absolutely do not want to be described as that. In other letters Paul basically refers to such people as wolves in sheep’s clothing. False prophets and teachers. 

In more than a few places in 1 Corinthians between chapters 13 and 15 Paul mentions pursuing your Spiritual gifts.  

Many years ago at a Grace Group something of a discussion on Spiritual gifts was going on. Someone said that they thought that I have the gift of prophecy. To read what Paul says to the Corinthian church...on what value prophecy is in edifying the Church...maybe I am gifted that way. 

I earnestly desire to write whatever Jesus has in mind for me to write each day...a few times over the years it was more than once in a day. My heart’s desire is to see people who are Children of God either be strengthened in their faith or to return to Jesus to once again walk with Him. My other strong desire is to see this used to bring people to Jesus for salvation.  

Globally what God's doing with my efforts I never could have accomplished on my own. As Paul had written this certainly is beyond whatever I could have asked for or thought. He's taking these posts places I never could had I only written a book. 

What is your gift? When we come to Christ Jesus for salvation...we are placed in the body of Christ as He sees fit. That's what the Bible says. We have a function. A purpose under Heaven for the glory of God.  

What are you really doing for Jesus? Warming a pew isn't it. Only going to Bible Studies and church services with no regard to doing the Christian life the way the Spirit intended for you isn't good. 

That would be tantamount to being that servant who took what the King gave him and burying it until the King returned, having done nothing with it. 

Extremely sad to say is that there are whole denominations that do not promote nor teach being doers of the Word of God. They don't teach about serving. Nor do they teach anything that edifys the Church. 

I know of many Godly men who stayed true to serving until they indeed were called home.  

One, a former Professor at Grace Theological Seminary, was still writing papers for students the night God called him home.  

In his latter years he and a few others got together, I had a small part in helping record these, and made videos of their lectures in order to teach future generations. 

Still others I know actually went home to Heaven while they were reading their Bible. 

Jesus asked the question: What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? What would he give in exchange for his soul?  

Jesus also said that if anyone would come after Me that he must take up his own cross daily and follow Me. 

What are you doing to engage in the training that the Spirit has only for you to be learning in order to be of service to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Are you more interested in anything else instead? Is that any way to show appreciation to Jesus for all He did for you?

Nothing should be more important that our obedience to God's will for us. Which is our sanctification. Our becoming more like Christ. 

Why do you also think that the content of the 10 Commandments are what they are?

We can inadvertently love things of this world more than we love Jesus simply by defining it as something else. Calling it a hobby. Calling it a love of the game. Calling it a love of a person's voice with regards to music. We can justify our love of things of this world. Adam and Eve did it. We sadly come by it honestly. 

Think about it. Our world does nothing to hide idolatry. It's promoted worldwide in whatever fashion it takes for a person to take the bait. 

Millions of church goers wear symbols of idolatry to church without a second thought. 

What were the children of Israel told to do? Put away their articles of idolatry from themselves before approaching the Lord. 

We who are in Christ sometimes, interestingly enough, are blinded by the darkness! We're supposed to be children of the Light.  

If you haven't been seeking out what it is that God's got for you to be doing...pray earnestly about it. 

There are no exceptions or excuses acceptable for not being all you are meant to be in the body of Christ. Read that story of the King and the talents again. How did the King react? You do realize that King is Jesus?

Pray about your involvement. Truthfully ask for forgiveness if you truly have been doing nothing. 

Do not fear what you might be called to be doing. Jesus loves you and wants whatever is best for you.

He's known you since before you were born. He watched you being formed in your mother's womb. Knew the day of your birth. Knew when you came to Jesus for salvation...and when your relationship with Jesus would begin. 

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. 

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

Pray On, Pray Over, Pray Through

Pray On, Pray Over, Pray Through 

by David Brenneman 

Yesterday my thoughts were gathered around a meeting coming up this week.  

Preparedness is a good thing when it's not all consuming. We have many people who've gone quite overboard in that area, likewise we have many who aren't at all.  

My thoughts are with regard to a meeting at work called a One-to-One meeting with my Supervisor. Of things that concern myself and my position and standing within the company. 

I have notes from a Sunday Evening Group meeting that it seems God's bringing back to my mind. 

"I choose Jesus's ways over my preferences and cultures positions.

"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" 1 Peter 3:15."

Our culture here in the United States has really been skewed, high-jacked as it were, by groups to gain laws to protect sinful acts and ways of life.

It's no secret to be able to understand why. Satan's schemes include finding ways to silence Christians. 

He's a destroyer. He destroys families. Destroys relationships. Destroys cultures. Destroys even churches. These aspects of him are found in the writings of the New Testament after the Gospels.  

We must be ready to give a defense for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Doesn't say we need to know exactly what to say. The Word of God is clear to say that should the occasion arise that the Spirit will intervene and speak.  

What's going on that I would need to prepare so far in advance? That's not for me to say here.  

We as Christians should be aware that we absolutely will not go through this life unscathed. 

We will incur injuries along the way. We will find ourselves at odds with a world that still loves the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ. 

It's an additional level when those you deal with on a daily basis aren't saved and not only that spit in the face of God. Making a mockery of those who do in how they treat them. Making a mockery of what God intended for them in life to boot.

Ready to make a defense often means just being ready because if we aren't we will be caught broadside by what happens next. 

Some of what I was reading this week had to do with how we as Christians live our lives with respect to how those either weaker in the faith are or when we're around the unbelieving might take what they see us doing. 

Yes those are real concerns to be had for Believers.  

 "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." Romans 12:9-13.

We aren't to conspire to add our own flavor of judgment into our interactions with others.

I don't want my preconceived notions to flavor my meeting either. 

Read a meme the other day of someone saying they're still wrestling in their head concerning an argument with someone from several days earlier and now they think that they have them on the ropes. 

We can often make matters worse if we're consumed with what-if's.

I know enough at this stage of life and probably have seen enough to know how quickly unbelievers can twist our words.  

Ironically they often start with questions...much as Satan did with Adam and Eve, and with Jesus. 

I don't need to prepare a defense, but to just be ready.  

We will find opposition in living for Jesus. The Bible says that those who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to have trouble. 

Being ready is part of it.

Being in prayer concerning it comes next.  

Another scheme of Satan is to induce anxiety. Paul wrestled with anxiety. Knowing it could be coming helps to prepare for it.

The battlefield is of the mind. The helmet of salvation, the Word of God, protects the mind. I suppose if the soul were housed anywhere in a body this too would be the place. 

Being in the Word of God consistently comes next. 

That which feeds the soul must be fed and fed properly. 

I have no doubts or fears concerning this next week's meeting. I know that Jesus is already there. That's something I figure Satan got a severe hatred of. That he cannot know the future. 

He knows how to manipulate to try for a future he wants but he can't know that future. 

He cannot read the minds of Believers. 

He cannot know the mind of Jesus either.  

When you read the book of Psalms you also find David's anxieties written out.  

Most know that passage where we're told to be anxious for nothing.

"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 4:6-7.

There's that element of the helmet of salvation in that passage. Guarding your mind.

You may be facing things this week that you feel that only you are going through. If indeed you have Jesus as your Savior and Lord, no you're not alone. Wherever you are, He was always already there first.

We were brought up to not seek a fight. This is found in the principles of Godly living. 

But we were taught to stand up for what is right...and if you must fight...win.  

Often I have had to remind myself and others that if God brought you to it, He'll see you through it. 

History proves this throughout the Bible. 

Pray on, pray over, pray through whatever you're facing in life. 

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

Having Eyes that See and Ears that Hear

Having Eyes that See and Ears that Hear

by David Brenneman 

"He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:33-36.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life."

John 5:24.

"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.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”" Romans 10:8-18.

Saw a bumper sticker that read "Heaven has a wall with a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders".  

Death and life are before everyone. 

The choice is yours and mine. 

Truth is what Jesus Himself testified to. He wasn't story telling. He wasn't talking in parables. Jesus testified to the lifes of two people. A rich man and Lazarus. Consider it too that the poorer of the two earned a place in human history forever in the Word of God. 

The worldly exalted one was brought low in the eyes of God for his disregard of the Word of God involving his life.  

Right now we're in a season yet again here in the United States for voting for a President.  

People in every so-called influential group are taking great pains to sway the people of this nation. Every so-called celebrity, newscaster, political parties etc. is trying to convince all who to give up on and who to vote for.  

Truth of God is this. He sets up rulers and He removes them.  

In all things from things such as this to anything significant in your life...take it to Jesus in prayer. 

The so-called ruler of this world will use all those self-important people to sway the masses. That's all he can do and all he can use.

The greater issue is just where are we with salvation? My Dear Reader did you read those opening passages thoroughly?  

In the days of Jesus some 2,000 plus years ago extremely few people were looking for the Messiah to come. We read of those who were listening and looking for His coming in the Gospels. 

Both in the Bible and other records outside of the Bible we read of the life and times of Jesus on the Earth. Proof that He really was who He said He was. As my Pastor often says that He called His shot and pulled it off. Repeatedly told of how He was going to die. How he would return again and did it.

He also said that He was going to do all this in obedience to His Father. Said that He was going to return again.  

That day He spoke of is no fictional day. His testimony of what happened in the bowels of the Earth with regards to this certain rich man and Lazarus are an absolute truth. 

This rich man had no regard for the truth of God until he died and came face-to-face with it. He could do nothing but comply with it. The harsh reality that it was both permanent and excruciating set in quickly. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him.  

Living to only get the best out of life for yourself and ignoring the truth of God concerning you is exactly what this certain rich man did.

Your only advantage is to heed the words of Jesus. To believe Him and believe in Him.  

Believing that He exists isn't enough. For crying out loud...as the Bible says...every single demon believes that Jesus is real. 

You must take it farther. You.

There are no lawyers to present your case before the Holy God of all Creation. You will have nothing to stand on to even try to defend yourself before this same Holy God.  

The bar is set at perfection. Tell me my Dear Reader...just how do you plan to reach that? The only way is through Jesus who IS perfection.  

When you read of this rich man in Hell...do you read of his concerns for anything in this world apart from his family? Hear about is riches? Nope. His storehouses? Nope. Missing the game? Nope. Missing other rich people? Nope. Missed opportunities to gain more wealth or prosperity? Nope. 

We only see him rattled to the very core of his being. 

Face-to-face with the truth. 

Face-to-face with his eternity because he rejected the truth of God for him in Christ. Sure this took place before Jesus went down to free all who were with Abraham and as of the resurrection there are no Believers in what was Paradise. Paradise where we saw Lazarus go to left with Jesus to go to Heaven. 

Face-to-face is where you are right now...if indeed you have eyes to see and ears to hear the gentle calling of Jesus to you from the other side of the door of your heart. 

One minute after people die there are no cares about anything they had in their lives except for family and friends. 

Those who reject Jesus never want anyone they know to experience the painful torment they now have in Hell. 

Those who received the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus only want those who they left behind to join them.

What is an interesting underlying message in this true story of the Rich man and Lazarus...both groups...both...after they die...are praying for those who yet live. One praying that they never join them, the other praying that they join them.

I wouldn't be who I am in Christ if it wasn't for the prayers of others concerning me all those decades ago. The living and the dead pray that people would find Jesus and that He would become the leader of their lives and the forgiver of their sins. This my Dear Reader is more important than any celebrity. More important than any event. 

Where you spend eternity is even more important than your health. 

Jesus is calling for you and for me. He's waiting and watching. Telling you that forgiveness and freedom is one prayer away from reality in your life.   

Do you have ears to hear and eyes that see Jesus calling for you?

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

Through Doubts and Fears

Through Doubts and Fears 

by David Brenneman 

“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.

Satan's tactics have not changed since Adam and Eve, if you look closely at their story and when Satan tried tempting Jesus.   

His biggest fear he tries to instill is "Did God really say...".

A shred of doubt to start a fire. 

People who have spent their lives turning away from Jesus, from receiving Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, have the judgment of God upon them. 

Jesus said this...so take that to the bank.  

You and I must choose the paths we walk each moment of each day.

We must choose at any given moment to believe God or to believe our perceptions as the world defines them. 

Nicodemus had his spiritual eyes opened that night. To see that there was way more than head knowledge to be had in his relationship with the God of his fathers.

The truth set him free.

There's really only a level of ego separating Nicodemus's transformation and Saul's. Both likely went to similar schools, were taught the Scriptures. Both were knowledgeable of the ways of God. 

Jesus met both at the point of their need. He will always meet people willing to listen to Him. 

Are you one of those people?

Jesus is certainly more than we can imagine. It's mind boggling to me that in the rest of eternity He will be easily able to meet with me. Me among the trillions and trillions of other people.  

You and I are that personally important to Jesus. 

There's a song that was out with a line in it that says that while He was on the cross, I was on His mind. 

To think that every single person who has ever lived, or would be conceived by God, was on His mind while suffering on the cross, blows my mind. Every single Believer, every single person history records as being evil in every way imaginable. All were the reason that He stayed on that cross. 

All of humanity is why the Father sent Son. Born of a virgin, born under the Law. Lived a perfect life, having deserved nothing in which He was treated. Was cruelly beaten and crucified with sinners. All to save a wretch like me. 

What little we give in return for this!

It's been something that's been on my heart and mind since the inception of this blog. In the years since it started I am blown away by how God's taken my weakness and used it how He has. 

My God and Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, had taken someone like me to reach people all across the world and maybe into space as well. 

What can He do with you, should you be willing to say with Isaiah "Here in I, send me!".

It's a commonly used phrase of some people that once someone says something or points something out that now they can't unsee that.  

In my walk with Jesus, it's like He keeps turning up the lights as we go along. Getting my eyes used to His light before moving on to the next portion of sanctification.  

Paul spoke in Romans 12 of transformation. We are supposed to have evidence of this in our lives. 

Jesus taught of Him being the vine and we are the branches. He taught us to know people by their fruits. Fruits being the fruits of the Spirit. 

It's pretty conclusive that Nicodemus gave his life to Christ. He, after the crucifixion, came to help prepare Jesus's body for burial. This certainly would have not gone over well with his compatriots. Most would probably have turned their backs to him. 

I would really like to read what Nicodemus wrote of his life after coming to Christ for salvation. 

I imagine he was taught to write much as Paul was. 

What doubts and fears are trying to get a foothold in your life? I will easily say that I have many. From physical health to finance. 

What I can also tell you is that while these show up in my life, my Savior and Lord has always already been there ahead of me.  

My Dear Reader...in what ways is Jesus trying to talk to you, but you aren't listening? What are the things that you care about more than your relationship with Jesus?

These things, be it people or things, that are more important to you than Jesus are going to be sources of doubts and fears to you. Because you can't control any aspect of them. They will control you. 

Do you believe that God speaks to you? You should because He does. 

At the foot of the cross there's room for you. Not just to be saved for sure, but to rest. To find the peace of Jesus that passes all understanding. Our world is in chaos. But it's chaos that is serving a purpose. To open the eyes of the blind, to show people that Jesus is real and wants to save them.  

Cast your fears and anxiety upon Him. He's more than willing, more than capable, of handling whatever you need or have in your life. 

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

He...Knows...You

He...Knows...You 

by David Brenneman 

"But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man." John 2:24-25.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11.

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24

What is your ministry? Through self-evaluation many people don't think that there's a ministry or mission or Spiritual purpose for them after they came to Christ Jesus for salvation. Yet, my Dear Reader, that's the farthest from the truth that there is.

The Great Commission wasn't to do only with the Disciples who were to become the Apostles.  

Paul's statement in Acts 20 verse 24 is our statement as well. 

God's will for you and I is our sanctification. Our lives are unique and yet commonplace. We all go through difficult times and yet for the Believer its never times spent alone. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our Great Physician, our God is with us to carefully take each of us through each and every season of our lives until we reach that distant shore.

We go through things to purify our lives and to prepare us for the next spot of adversity. 

We go through things tailored to each of us by His wisdom and knowledge concerning each of us.

While what you are going through doesn't appear to be unique in light of other's around you, your experience will be unique to you. 

A group of men and women in basic training all go through the same training yet all come out of it differently. 

We are in training to learn how to become more like Christ. 

Whereas we first read of Jesus not entrusting Himself to man because He knew what was in the heart of men...after you came to Christ all that changed.  

All that the unsaved seek is the selfish desires of their hearts.  

All that is on the hearts of those who came to Christ Jesus for salvation is how to live out their salvation in gratitude for all that Jesus did for them. 

We need the discernment of Jesus Christ in our lives. We still have a sin nature that's not to be trusted. 

We still are not as wise as we should be because of that same sin nature. 

Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness is a daily life of looking to see what it is that the Spirit wants of us to be hearing, seeing, seeking, doing. If He says to rest, then rest. If He says it's time to get moving then we get moving.  

Our world is filled with messages of deceit and deception. Circumstances are manufactured and events manipulated to twist and distort truth...God's truth.

Children are being manipulated as early as toddlers to become something God never intended. 

Children are told to put away playing make believe yet adults are now protected by law, allowing them to be whatever they want to be. 

As we read in Genesis of before the Great Flood...the thoughts and intentions of mankind were evil continually. If it weren't for the restraining power of the Spirit of God, this world would easily be the same as right before that flood. Ready for the Judgment of God. 

You are to be actively pursuing a real right relationship with Jesus. 

This is to be more important than anything else. This is what you take into the next step into eternity.  

Excuses won't cut it. Our reasons for not obeying in this won't cut it. 

Remember...Jesus...knows...you.

We only think that there's times in our lives or situations that only we have shared with Jesus that He knows about. No my Dear Reader, truth is He knows everything about you and I and chose to love us anyway.

Are you seeking His mission for your life or are you spending your time pursuing only doing, saying and being what you want to be?

Are you giving Jesus your leftovers?

Honestly is that any way to treat the One who was crucified in your place?

Is your career worth more than that?

Is your anything worth more than that?

One second after you die...are you going to excitedly say "Jesus!" or will you only then realize you wasted so much time when you lived and be filled with remorse. 

We can change things right now where we are. We can ask Him to reveal whatever has been in the way between where we are and where He wants us to be.

Jesus...is waiting...for...you.

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

No, I don't know Why

No, I don't know Why

by David Brenneman 

 "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." Psalms 94:19

"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

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1

Was reading in a devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah called Walking with God.  

"It may seem difficult to attribute compassion and mercy to a God who would allow one of His own to suffer so intensely.  But we must remember that the Lord's work in our lives has a purpose and that while we may feel defeated, we have the assurance that every adversity in our lives is sifted through God's hands."

"He knows the purpose of the heartache even before we feel the pain" 

"Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them." - John Newton. 

As Keith Whitley sang it, I'm no stranger to the rain.  

In reading the back story of the song, some say it's a song of perseverance, some say it's of hope and redemption.

Regardless of what we go through, Jesus has already been there.  He knows our beginning from our end. 

He knows what we need to become fully devoted followers of Christ. 

He knows what needs to stay and what needs to go.  

My heart aches right now in ways that I don't have words to express to anyone.  The loss of a recent friend has triggered sorrows of other friends who have gone on to be with Jesus. 

This particular loss complicates other aspects of my work life.  Without addressing these things it's sufficient to say the future, at least from my vantage point, looks even more grim.

Anxiety is knocking at the door. 

Sadness already invited itself in.

I look for God's provision in life as best that I can.  I know not what tomorrow holds but I know who holds my today and tomorrow in His hands. 

The Scriptures say that Jesus was a man of sorrows, well acquainted with grief.  

Think about all the people surrounding Jesus and He knew their hearts.  

None of us looks at adversity and gets pumped up about it.  We aren't likely to grab popcorn and a drink to celebrate a new level of adversity coming our way. 

Same goes for anxiety.  Paul gave us a grocery list of adversities that he lived through.  Add to it this mysterious ailment that was spiritually induced to afflict him.

His anxiety was constantly with him with regards to how the churches were doing.  

We're in really good company. 

I do pray for another kindred spirit as  Steve Baker was.  Another who has the same interests and love of Christ.  At my age, it's not exactly easy to find someone who's interested in 40 plus year old technology.  The commonality of having Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior will bring us back together either in leaving this world or the Rapture of the Church. 

I also have providing for my family on my mind.  It's part of most people's world. 

As someone once said...worry is a prayer with no direction.  So give it a direction...up.  Turn your worries into prayers.  Dozens if not hundreds of times a day if necessary.  

If Jesus allowed it...and we trust the Word of God in this...then there's a God-given purpose under Heaven for it in your life. 

Growing in Christ isn't to be something considered as optional. 

Growing in Christ requires a greater dependence upon Jesus rather than ourselves.  

Growing in Christ requires letting go and letting God be God. 

We are actually promised adversity.  

Did you know that?

"Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:10-12.

Our level of perseverance increases with each additional adversity. 

My heart may be aching but it's being held by my Savior.   I may be facing a very uncomfortable and uncertain future employment wise but He already knows what's in store and will never leave me nor forsake me. 

His promises are as real and alive today as they were when given originally. 

I look back at the Spiritual Memorial Stones of my heart.  I, like Paul, have a track record of great and mighty things that Jesus delivered me out of.  You have them too regardless of what you are going through right.  

Write them down.  Keep these always before you.  These are the promises kept by Jesus concerning you.

A life in Christ has no coincidences.  I like to refer to these as Godinstances.  Incidents where I see my Savior and Lord keeping His Word.  Incidents where He is there before I knew of the adversity. 

God's will for you and I in Christ Jesus is to make us more like Christ, not to give us everything we want.

Lastly...

"Rejoice always;  pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.

Be thankful that you see the work of God in your life.  I have been a Christian since 1974...and growing in Christ has been a part of my whole life.  Only recently have I began to understand and see what I have seen as my weaknesses being used by God, just as Paul was told.  His power is perfected in my weakness. 

That's where a perceived adversity isn't one at all.  It's Jesus working through you.

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

No Room for Nor a Right to Bitterness

No Room for Nor a Right to Bitterness 

by David Brenneman 

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13

Griping and complaining go hand-in-hand with bitterness.

We don't need to hold grudges when we have something against someone else. We do not need to be bitter to the point of comparing people to people.  

Jesus knows the thoughts and intentions of your heart as well as everyone else's. He knows what motivated them as well as what motivates you. 

We also shouldn't be placing ourselves in the place of God either. 

We do not have a right to determine who is guilty to the point of death on our own understanding.  

It's a key reason why the Bible says that only on the testimony of two or more should someone be convicted of guilt. 

Are there people deserving of things? Obviously that answer is yes. Are we as sovereign as Jesus to know every single detail of the given situation we see before us? No.

Why are there people who take advantage of Christians and some who do not? 

The Bible tells us to be alert...for several reasons. One is that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. That someone could be you if you let bitterness creep into your life. 

The other are those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. People who put on Christianity for appearance sake. To reap the benefits, taking advantage of those who are in Christ. 

Regardless of the cause, we're to keep on the alert, keeping the full armor of God in place. 

It's going to go much better for our mental health to get out of God's way in dealing with people. If a situation warrants our ire being provoked...take it to Jesus. 

Take it to Jesus and move on.

All who are breathing are gifted by God to be living here today. The good the bad and the ugly. 

The good and the bad have a place in God's plan for humanity. 

Paul was accosted by bad people. He was beaten, stoned, you name it and it happened to him. He personally had every right, as we say today, to call down fire from Heaven to devour the enemies he had. What did he say about these types of things? "To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now."

1 Corinthians 4:11-13.

We should realize it's not on us to say who is or isn't worthy of the same free gift of salvation as we received.  

But I didn't say that! Well, my Dear Reader, if the thoughts and intentions of your heart are to condemn others and to write them off from knowing Christ who is in you...you just might be. 

Bitterness is an acid you drink hoping that the other person has a problem. 

Bitterness towards others puts a closed door between you and Jesus. Didn't think of that one did you?

What does the Spirit say? Pray for those who persecute you.  

“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:20-21.

We who are in Christ have no rights that are outside of the character of Christ.  

Read in Proverbs. Read in Eccleseastes. King Solomon wrote it over and over that those who wrong others are not going to get away with anything. What did Hagar say of the Lord? "You are the God who sees".

You don't think that God can handle whomever is before you? That's what you are saying when you want to be judge jury and executioner. 

Let go, give whomever to God to deal with...or do you think it's to no avail that we're to in everything give thanks. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight. To persevere. To set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

You may indeed wonder why someone is before you. Ask yourself what might Jesus be wanting of you to be saying or doing in that moment. 

You are a representative of your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  

You are not Him.  

Release whatever has been burdening your heart to Jesus to take care of. Leave it at the foot of the cross.  

This too is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

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