Just the Facts

Just the Facts 

by David Brenneman 

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14. 

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.

What would the story of Jesus coming have to do with the story of the Rich man and Lazarus? That's probably one of your first questions.  

There's something very significant about the story of the Rich man and Lazarus that sticks out to the one really looking at it. Unlike other parables this one looks to be said from a historical context. As in it was taken from actual history.

The story of the angels coming to tell the shepherds that the Savior was coming that very night and where to go certainly is written from actual history. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies coming together all in one night.

Facts are facts and the fact is what we read is part of the Word of God and should be taken for how Jesus wants it to be in order to impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

We like to cozy up to the story of Jesus coming. As one friend pointed out recently...most all nativity scene sets are set up wrong concerning the facts of when the wise men showed up. They showed up several years later when Joseph and Mary were in a house.

Facts are facts is something akin to evidence in a case in a court.

In Christ's mission and in His teaching...facts were the facts because He IS truth. He cannot convey anyting that is not.

If we believe the narrative of the birth of Jesus as foretold of by the angels then we ought to certainly believe the rest of the teachings of Jesus...including the not so nice parts of the reality if sin and death.

The reality of sin and death began being interwoven into what Jesus taught and conveyed after it was fully clear that the Jewish leaders had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. What was probably the topic of conversation at the transfiguration was that very subject. History shows us the facts as Jesus said they were and how they would be. by 70 AD exactly as Jesus said would be...the Roman's came and obliterated Jerusalem and the Temple. Even their own said that this kind of rage against a city could only be as God being that angry with His people.

Doesn't sound very 'Christmasy' does it? Well, my Dear Reader, not everything Jesus said, when He said it, was received well no matter when the time of year was. He was living out the Father's plan for Him as the Father wanted it, said in the way that the Father wanted it said.

Our time on Earth is finite. There's no way of knowing when we will breathe our last. Our very breath is a gift from God. Each heartbeat is by His divine providence. We know not when we will step into eternity but be very much assured we ALL will step into eternity. Just as assuredly as the birth of Jesus.

Facts are facts...Jesus said we know not the day nor the hour of His return...but we are both forewarned and have been told to be ready for it.

Facts are facts...Jesus said that He came to die for sinners. To pay the price they couldn't pay. Which means it doesn't matter what anyone believes...the God of the Universe says that there IS an eternal penalty for sin. For those who have come to Christ it's been covered by the shed blood of Jesus. For those who have not and or refuse to acknowledge it...their sin remains as does the eternal punishment. Only a taste of it is revealed in this story of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Facts are facts...this time of year most celebrate the birth and coming of the Savior of all mankind.  

Facts are facts...not everyone wants to acknowledge that they are in need of a Savior.

Facts are Facts my Friend...you need to decide whether or not Jesus is who He said He is...nobody can choose for you.

The greatest gift every offered sits at the feet of everyone who's ever lived. The fact is you must choose it. You must decide to come to Christ to be saved. Nobody can do it for you. Your choice will either put you where the Rich man is today or it will put you in Heaven with Jesus when your time comes.

What must someone do to be saved?  

"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.

Your presents that might come in a few days will eventually wear out or break. What you get from coming to Jesus for to be saved...will last for eternity. 

Facts are facts...God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son that if you believe in Him you will not perish but have everlasting life.

Those are the Facts...

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Your Choice Too

Your Choice Too
by David Brenneman

Grateful Joy
You have been my help, and in the
shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
PSALM 63.7

     There are people whose circumstances give them good reason to complain and yet their attitude is surprisingly joyful. What is the key to their wonderful outlook? Gratefulness.
     I remember seeing this principle in action one morning morning many years ago. I woke up discouraged, so I spent some time in God's Word. However, my mood was still heavy, so I decided to go to
work even though it was still very early. Along the way, I went to a small drive-thru and ordered a biscuit. The elderly man who
greeted me at the window was amazingly cheerful. His smile and
bright countenance were infectious. As he handed me my food, I asked him why he was so happy so early in the morning. He said, "At my age, I don't take any day for granted. So I've made it a habit to always thank God for the gift of another day." I drove away encouraged, and I've never forgotten his positive words
     The person who keeps a grateful heart despite their circumstances has learned the secret of joy. So when you're gloomy, think of all the blessings the Lord has given you and praise Him. Because when you're thankful, gladness will certainly follow.

Jesus, help me to be the kind of person who always gives You
thanks, Amen.
- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's very easy to wrap ourselves up in the feelings that come from our circumstances. 

I certainly have had days such as Dr. Stanley talks about here.  Each day I wake up I, the same as you, are going to face choices to walk as Jesus did or walk our own way.

We will either exude goodness or goodness mixed with complaints or just complaints. 

"And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23.

Some know the saying of garbage in garbage out.  What you put into your mind and heart is what will eventually come out of it.

It's a big part of changing your attitude towards gratitude by taking your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. 

It also means watching what you listen to.  Jesus explicitly warned people to watch what they listen to. 

We're to be Ambassadors for Christ.  We are to expect ourselves and others in Christ to behave a certain way.  Not just in public but in private as well.

The choice is yours my Dear Reader to do better at your reactions to your circumstances and your reactions to others.  Who will people see when they hear you?

Who will be known by knowing you? 

We must choose to be intentional on guarding our hearts.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts. 

"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.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9.

What are you taking into your heart and mind that isn't doing you any favors?  What is bringing out the negativity in you from what you've taken into your heart?

We are in a culture of podcasts, YouTube influencers, and the like.  Talk shows that stir us up and not in any good way. 

We need to heed what Jesus said by way of a command:  Watch what you listen to!  It is GOING to impact how those in your life see you.  Much like Dr. Stanley's example here.

Who would you rather be known for?  As a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ or as someone no different than everyone else in this dying world?  What will Jesus say you're acting like?

The choice is yours.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.  
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
www.lockman.org

You ARE Invited...Are YOU Making Excuses?

You ARE Invited...Are YOU Making Excuses?
by David Brenneman

"But He said to him, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many;  and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’  But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.’ Another one said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.’ Another one said, ‘I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.’ And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’  And the slave said, ‘Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’  And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.  For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.’ ” Luke 14:16-24.

Ever since He arose from the dead the invitation has been decreed, sent out, to one, to all. 

We celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year...the beginning of the invitation being written on the hearts of mankind. 

The Scriptures say that everyone will be without excuse in the day of judgment.  Everyone will have had their own unique encounter with the Savior, it will only depend on whether or not they say yes to His invitation for salvation or not.

There's no hidden fees or exclusions...the free gift of salvation is open to all who would ask. 

"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.

The lies of the world will go on and on about everything you're going to lose.  They will indeed gladly help you create your own excuse for rejecting the pleading of God towards you in Christ Jesus. 

The choice you make...the decision decided upon...has eternal ramifications for you. 

Take a good look at the headlines of the last week alone.  Many people all thought they had a tomorrow.  Many went to sleep the night before thinking about what they believed with complete certainty would be going on in their days ahead.  Now their eternal destination has been established. 
From very young to very old no one knows when their time on Earth is up.  The facts for all who don't accept the free gift of salvation is that their lives ended because they absolutely wouldn't have asked and their continued life wouldn't help anyone else to find it.

Many today are all looking at their wares.  Their possessions.  Their status.  Their money.  Believing that they have no need for any relationship with Jesus.  Believing that they would be made to live a life they would never ever enjoy.

Oh the truth that is hidden from their eyes! 

Consider this from Jesus: "Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’  Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” ’  But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ Luke 12:15-20.

Everyone who rejects the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone...is guaranteed to never see Heaven.   There's no scales of good vs bad to determine entry through Heavens gates.  There's no hoping that the good outweighs the bad.  Likewise there's no party going on in Hell.  There's no big kegger going on for those who wake up in Hell.

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.  Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.  And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’  And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house—  for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’  But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.

The greatest gift you can receive this year isn't wrapped in paper with a bow. 

The greatest gift was when Jesus shed His blood on a cross for you to make it possible for you to be with Him forever. 

But you still need to ask Him to become the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. 

Sin, Hell, death, all the painful things related to it are entirely real.

Forgiveness, Heaven, life, all the rewards of a life given to Christ amounting to everything worthy is possible only through a life in Christ for those who ask Him to save them. 

Which gift will mean more for you in eternity?  The free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ or the lies of the world that only end in eternal separation from God in a painful tormented way?

The choice is yours...

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.  
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
www.lockman.org

Change Your Mind, Change Your Heart

Change Your Mind, Change Your Heart 

"The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man."

Matthew 15:18

     Most people don't realize how essential it is that they control their thoughts. They'll say', "I don't think about the sinful things that would compromise my relationship with God." However, they completely miss how much their ugly, critical, and bitter thoughts and feelings toward themselves and others impact their lives. We all view ourselves in light of what we believe to be true. So even if we subconsciously live by a negative belief system concerning who we are, then we will not experience all the joy and blessings Jesus has for us.

     Therefore, my challenge to you is to refuse any negative or disparaging thought that arises about yourself or others. If your inner voice says you are unworthy or inadequate, look in the mirror and tell yourself, "I am a child of God, and He loves me just the way I am-end of discussion!" If some wrong comes to mind, reply, "I forgive them in the power and love of Jesus!" Change the way you think by replacing your undesirable, unconstructive thought patterns with God's Word.  Because that is the way He will transform your life and make you more like Jesus. And that's certainly a subject worth thinking about.

Jesus, identify my negative thoughts and replace them with

Your Word, Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's a difficult morning for me. Another day, with another rejection of a potential employer. Yet, in this, I think that God was beginning to prepare me last night when I read this particular devotional.

Yet in this too, as Dr. Stanley would have agreed, passed through the fingers of my Savior to get to me. Nothing that we encounter as children of God, saved in the Lord Jesus Christ, can get to us unless it's been approved to do so.

We aren't victim's of circumstances when our circumstances are at the orderly direction of our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Even the Apostles often found themselves dispairing even of life at times. Life can happen like getting hit by a truck of which I can testify that hurts. Been there done that and they weren't making t-shirts to prove it at the time.

My first thoughts after reading my latest rejection was to still pray to Jesus about it. He knows of my weariness after 6 months of this.

My second thoughts were of this devotional. Plus the 2 others from this same book that I went as far as to print and put before me at my study to see and be reminded of throughout my day.   

God loves me. His love for me is profound and personal in ways I've yet to discover and probably won't see fully until that day I get to be held in His arms welcoming me to His Heaven.

Regardless of circumstances...the love of Jesus Christ for all who believe is unwavering, unshaking.

I know not where my next job will come from but I know that He knows what kind of burden it is on my heart right now. He knows my discouragement, my saddness over it. I know that He knows the truth behind being in this situation that I did nothing wrong.

In this time of life for me I do think that a few things are stacked against me. One is my age, the other is that particular black mark from 6 months ago. Even though I was exonerated by the State of Ohio as to having been wrongfully discharged, people still see that.

Yet in all that...I know that God will still place me in a new job soon. What He starts He always finishes.

Scriptures says that. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6.  

Doing a search on my Bible App in the NASB, on what all my Savior says He will finish or complete, look at these passages.

Proverbs 3:5-6, John 14:27, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 12:9, hebrews 12:1-2, James 1:12, Luke 12:32, John 1:12, Romans 15:13, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:2, Colossians 3:23, and 2 Timothy 1:7.

We have, I have, many reasons to still yet hope in the Lord even in the face of such discouragement. Habakkuk had much astonishment, and shock at what the plans of the Lord were going to be but yet said he would still look to the Lord as his salvation.

While days like today have started out being are extemely difficult, they are not unnoticed by my Savior concerning their impact on my heart.  

His plans for me will still yet stand no matter what anyone has to say about it. That's just a fact of the spiritual life. 

I took these things this morning and put them at the feet of Jesus like all the other burdens of my heart.  

The important thing yet still is that God loves me. I am a child of God and as Dr. Stanley put it...that settles it...end of story.

Lastly...we learn perseverance through these things. Jesus did in His time here on Earth and so shall we. 

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Listen

Listen 

by David Brenneman 

Life Principle 22: To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit.

To whom do you turn for daily guidance on how to live or what decisions to make?

Scripture tells us the only Guide worth trusting is the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who knows our pasts completely and our futures, from this day to eternity. He knows God’s plan and purpose for each of us, and He knows what’s good and right for us.

Jesus repeatedly referred to the Spirit as the “Spirit of truth” and told us, “He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). It’s the Spirit of truth that’s always pointing us toward what Jesus would be, say, or do in any given moment.

God wants us to know what to do and when to do it, and we can truly trust His Spirit to be our Guide. But there are conditions placed upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

First, we must stay yielded to the Spirit. We must say yes when He prompts us to take certain action or speak a certain word. We must give mental assent to the Spirit’s direction and then actually obey His prompting, following through with what He’s called us to do.

Second, we must believe His guidance. We’re much more likely to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say if we’re actively listening for Him to speak. We’re much more likely to see the Holy Spirit’s direction if we’re looking for Him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a “rewarder of those who seek Him.” We’re to be diligent in seeking His guidance, asking for it, watching for it, anticipating it, and receiving it.

The Holy Spirit has come to reveal the truth to us. He has come in His all-knowing ability to impart what we need to know in order to live obedient and faithful lives. Trust Him to guide you, now and always.

- Life Principles Devotional on the Bible app. 

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." John 16:13.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5-8.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:7-11.

"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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7.

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

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.

There's a lot of Scripture that can cover what it means to listen and then do. A lot more than I can probably share in this post today. 

When presented with something that's significant in your life, leaping before knowing is never a good option. You may not know things and the end result would be worse than it could have been.

So ask of God, as the Bible says, and He'll make things known that you didn't know if you but listen first. 

God doesn't mind our asking questions to clarify. Asking questions to avoid doing is probably another matter for another time.

The initial devotional by Dr. Stanley had the following two passages included for reference. The rest are what I was lead to add to it this morning. Listening to the Spirit.

Yesterday I had reason to ask of God and wait for an answer because I wasn't sure of what course of action to take. I believe that what I heard and what I did was the right course of action by the end of the day.  

That passage of trusting in the Lord with all your heart also means not laying that trust anywhere else.

Listening to the Spirit is what put this blog out there for the world to read. 6 and half plus years ago was the prompting to start writing and sending it out. God provided the words to be said and it was upon me to say them. He provided the means for it to get out to the world in a place where it could be and would be easily found. 1.6 million views later the proof is in the pudding with listening and obeying.

What is also part of that story is a time way back in the end of the 1990's when I didn't listen first and did not ask first before treading on the scorpions to come. I was not ready for what was to come and my life went into a tailspin of deeper and deeper troubles. Making choices that, if it weren't for the hand of God in my life, would have ended my life.

Listening to the Spirit should be our first place to go. Ananias, when told to go to where the notorious Saul was staying, had questions. He wasn't rebuked for the questions. His questions were entirely valid. He needed to know for sure that what he was being told to do lined up with his life in Christ.

The rest is history because of his obedience...and his asking...and listening to the promptings of the Spirit of God.

Life is going to have both major and minor forks in the road. It's going to have times when being assertive matters and times when it won't matter. But life is never about us going through life alone when we're saved in Christ Jesus.

It will be very very interesting how the lives of Job's friends changed after their encounter with the preincarnate Christ. The youngest friend of Job's life certainly seems to have been on the right track but still I imagine his was enriched for being there...and why couldn't it have been?  

Listening before speaking is always good. Listening before doing can be as well. There's times when the situation warrants leaping into action and others when it's more prudent to look things over first.

The part of the story of Mary and Martha that's the ear catcher is the truth that Jesus said that Martha chose the better part....to listen to Jesus and it would not be taken from her.

Many in our lives can have the best of intentions and maybe they're right in the long run. Job's friends certainly had the best of intentions. Job's Wife certainly thought that her intentions were right. Her life too was changed considerably by what her husband went through and she had a hand in his being so prosperous after all was done.

The Scriptures tell us this truth:

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. O that You would slay the wicked, O God; Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with the utmost hatred; They have become my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Psalms 139:1-24.

Scripture also tells us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

It's very very easy to lean on my own understanding. When you have a mind that seems to have been hardwired for troubleshooting, figuring things out is your hobby, why wouldn't you?

The why comes because we are yet still learning what it means to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

The why comes because our obedience and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness is something we yet need to learn.  

The Disciples had to learn it and they learned from listening first. We have a few examples of when Peter spoke without thinking about what was said.  

Listen. First.

In my situation yesterday I was presented with something to do and it, to me, was very significant.

I sought out what God would have me do. Immediately it came to mind to ask one who would know better than I ever could for they were in a far better position to know than I ever would. They too sought to know so they too asked of God for wisdom on how to respond...the same as I was doing. Several hours later they made mention of what they believe the Spirit was telling them to say to me after they had prayed about it.  

Listen first...and if there's something for us to do...then obey in doing with all our being. Colossians 3:23-24. 

When Peter was restored by Jesus after the resurrection...Peter had a lot of listening to do in order to come to that place he needed to be which was where the Lord was taking him. Where would the church of God be if he had not?

Paul had a lot of listening to do in those days when his sight was taken from him. Jesus had a very much attentive Paul in his mind and heart that was now ready to listen. Paul, then known as Saul thought he knew it all from his having been taught by the best. That is until Jesus showed him that wasn't the case.

Listen then obey. Our lives will be so much the better, the Church will do far more than ever thought possible if we but do that.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Not Forgotten

Not Forgotten 

by David Brenneman 

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7.

"And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:22-32.

Notes for Luke 12:6: "The Lord remembers even the sparrows that end up for sale at the market and knows their plight. So you never have to worry that He has forgotten you. He knows your situation and how best to deliver you from your troubles. Trust Him."

It's very easy to consider the thought of being forgotten. It happens at various times throughout our physical lives so why wouldn't it happen in our spiritual lives? Well the answer is right there. We're never forgotten before whom we have to do.  

In Isaiah it says "But Zion said, "the Lord has abandoned me, and the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a woman forget her nursing child? and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me." Isaiah 49:14-16.

Would it be possible that there's so many voices coming at Jesus all at once that He would miss your prayers and petitions? Never. He is God and we are not. He is able to save all of humanity on an old rugged cross then He is able as well to hear the pleas from across the universe if need be.

Much of our lives isn't spent as it appears to be. We may think of things in terms of successes and failures as the world defines them. 

We may think of what others have that we do not. We may think of how WE would do things different if only we had this or that opportunity or this or that amount of money.

The truth is when we come to Christ the only objective of the Spirit of God in us is to make us more like Christ in whatever way is necessary to each of us. What the world thinks isn't even a close second. It's not even on the top 100 things of importance.

Growing in Christ and helping others to do the same is the only set of priorities there is.  

It's not about our comfort because of all the teachings of Jesus to do with the storms of life. It doesn't take an arborist to know that when a tree topples and we see very few heavy roots that it never weathered many storms because of that.

We can do like the world and become experts of a sort when we see lives cut short. We don't know what opportunities that God gave people and they steadfastly turned them down.

We don't know what God knows about each of us. We don't see just how His hands are indeed involved in each and every life on this world. All 8 billion plus people, the effects of those coming into the world and the effects of those leaving the world for either Heaven or Hell.

Unfortunately for many, the truth of the gate is wide that leads to destruction and the way is narrow that leads to life is only understood after they die.

But by no means are we forgotten before God. In the last 6 months of my life alone with all that this unemployment time has been like...I can testify to the many times and ways that He has provided for our needs. Out of the blue. Without a prompting by us. One might argue that since I'm still as yet unemployed that He has forgotten me. All the evidence points to the fact that He's been sustaining my Wife and I through this time. There's no evidence, spiritual evidence, that we're a victim of bad decisions that brougth us here. There's a life principle of Dr. Charles Stanley that says that we're to obey God and leave the consequences to Him. I did 6 months ago and I was unemployed as a result. I obeyed God in befriending a fellow Believer. He opened the door by way of invitation and I took him up on it. He being this newfound friend.  

The world would see it differently and does. I've been chastened by a few that I must have done something to provoke what happened. No. I just obeyed the promptings of the Spirit of God and a newfound friendship resulted as well as the current situation.  

But after all this time surely I must be seeing that God forgot me right? No. I have had unique opportunties to serve others in the last 6 months that never would have happened otherwise.  

Forgotten? By no means. If I or you as well believe in the promise of His resurrection then we also ought to not forget His promises to never leave us nor forsake us. One without the other is an impossibility.  

But what of all that you're going through? Yes? What of it? Yes there's been many times of silence and solitude. Yes there's been a lot of rejections from potential employers. Lest anyone who doesn't know...my prayer during this time has been that I would not be confused as to who my next employer would be...and God has not failed in that request. My new employer has just not been revealed to me yet. Even these 'no' responses are more evidence that I have not been forgotten.

My Dear Reader...this message today is also just as much for your benefit as it is to my own. A reminder this day that His eyes are on my life. Do you remember that opening verse about the very hairs of your head being numbered? Each night I go through my devotional and Bible studies...I notice a hair that falls and am reminded of that passage. Off handedly I wonder what number that hair was.

Yet I know that there IS a number and that my Savior knows exactly what number it was. Just as assuredly as I know that the times of my life are in His hands. He said that I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that I might walk in them. 

The Apostle Paul was always hit hard with anxieties about life. Learning to be anxious for nothing was a daily part of his life.  

What IS on each of us as Believer's is what it says in Colossians 3:23-25. 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Colossians 3:23-25.

Add this: "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

Obey God and leave the consequences to Him. What our thoughts on what we're going through emotionally are...take to Jesus.  

The other day I renamed my prayer journal "What's left at the feet of Jesus". Right above my laptop on the board behind it is the word "Pray".  

While I wait upon the Lord, He gives me things to do. They may seem insignificant at the time but I can see things being done. Many jobs that I had in between the larger times of employment have been free schooling. I can't afford the cost of school so God brought school to me.

When you pray Jesus is wholly attentive to everything we have to say and what the Spirit adds to it. Every 

Single 

Time.

In the meantime, I praise God for His provision. I remind myself, at the fantastic advice of Dr. Charles Stanley, that God loves me many times throughout the day. When I remember He loves me I remember that He keeps His eyes on me.  

Job went through what we would call Hell on Earth. Blunt but true. Losing everything except for his wife and his life. The physical torment of what his body was suffering through would have been too much for most people. Yet he wasn't at all forgotten by the Lord. Satan meant it for evil but God meant it for good. Job's life after this time was over was by and large better than the first part of it. He was physically blessed and more importantly spiritually blessed to be a better friend, better father, better husband than he ever would have been apart from that storm of life. 

We will see the truth of God that all things come to pass. This season of my life will pass. It is not here to stay. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 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. Promises, not wishful thinking to bring about good vibes.

Jesus loves me this I know. 

For the Bible tells me so. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Prayer Requires Persistence, Involves Conflict and Spiritual Warfare

Prayer Requires Persistence, Involves Conflict and Spiritual Warfare 

By David Brenneman 

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Matthew 6:9-15.

"Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:5-13.

Luke vs 7-8, The idea that prayer is a passive activity has no place in the Word of God. Prayer is persistence, conflict, and spiritual warfare. Hebrews 5:7 " - Notes from Dr. David Jeremiah's Study Bible.

Luke 11:9-13 Prayer is a matter of faith-taking God at His word and

trusting His promise to work on His people's behalf-even when His

work is invisible, when the answers are long in coming, and when

He seems to be withholding His blessings. The act of persistent

prayer proclaims a believer's commitment to Him (Luke 18:1-5) - Notes from Dr. David Jeremiah's Study Bible.

By and large its becoming more evident to me the truths found in Dr. David Jeremiah's Study Bible notes. 

To the tune that I rearranged my study to highlight to Pray more, remembering that God loves me and to not cease to pray.  

It's the aim of Satan's minions to keep our hearts and minds away from truly deep active prayer. 

He and they do not want a single prayer to escape into Jesus's awaiting ears...and my Dear Reader all prayers DO reach His awaiting ears.  

Consider Daniel. 

"Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding. At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision." Daniel 9:20-23.

From the moment Daniel set his heart and mind to pray and he began doing so, the command was issued to go to him. Yet the one sent faced fierce opposition to getting to him. Daniel persisted in praying. He knew that regardless of any response as he surprisingly received it was on him to persist in prayer. 

We may not receive such wondrous personal responses but we can be assured of the same effect that the Lord hears and will respond. 

My last six months have mostly certainly been an exercise is persistence in prayer. It's also been fraught with disappointments and at times discouragement. But I indeed must press on. I can no more not pray than not breathe. Quite often the anguish of my heart over being unemployed has gripped me and I just didn't, and sometimes still don't, know HOW to pray. 

As Dr. Stanley has pointed out in his Life Principles Study...we aren't defined by our circumstances. We are defined as having come to Christ for salvation and as such are Children of God, the bride of Christ. We are His Disciples. We are beloved of God. Making it personal on a daily basis, many times a day I am learning to remind myself that God loves David Brenneman. That He died for me and He has a plan and purpose for me. He promised never to leave me nor forsake me. 

These things are part of my prayer life. 

“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:5-8.

Do you have a private place to pray? Find one. Has it been a while since you last prayed? Guess what, God noticed. Think about that.  

We have every temptation assaulting our minds to keep us from praying. Even to the tune that we're blinded by things of this world that we 'love' as being so important to us that we can't see we have squeezed out time with Jesus. 

You have done it, I have done it. We all give away our time with Jesus to things of this world that we 'love'.

We have to be persistent in prayer. I need to be reminded of this daily. It's too easy to be distracted from praying. I like what one version I read of Luke 11 that said that the Disciples noticed how important getting up early and getting away to pray was to Jesus that they asked Him how they ought to pray as John the Baptist taught his disciples. 

Have you noticed how important prayer was to Jesus? Don't you want that for yourself?  

God’s will is wrapped up in our relationship with Jesus. You aren't to go it alone living life once the Spirit indicates what God's will is for you. He leads we follow. He speaks we listen.  

Persistence, conflict. Oh expect the conflict. We got to see the behind the scenes conflict in Job's life. We see it in Daniel's life. We see it in the enemy of God fighting over the body of Moses. There's going to be conflict in our lives with the enemy of God to fulfill His purposes and promises to us.

Expect the spiritual warfare.  

"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." Ephesians 6:12.  

In no other place is it so clearly written of our warfare than in Ephesians 6.  

Pray On, Pray Over, Pray Through. 

Whatever the Lord Jesus Christ has said in response to our prayers will come to be. What good and acceptable thing has He ever said would happen that has not?

We can't give up. We cannot make room for doubt.  

Start your day reminding yourself that God loves you and what is best for you.  

Then prepare for rough waters whether they arrive today or in the near future. It's better to prepare than be caught off guard. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Where Your Heart Is

Where Your Heart Is 

by David Brenneman 

"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. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9.

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything." Colossians 1:16-18.

It's a very small yet dangerous phrase. We oftentimes don't take into consideration the depths it goes into our very souls. The children of Israel certainly didn't. Even with all his wisdom King Solomon didn't.  

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was "You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit."  

Question is: Do we, or does the Lord our God get the leftovers? Our anxious thoughts begin when our minds and hearts are on the world around us. We don't stop to consider keeping such things in the world in the hands of God. Before we know it, Jesus isn't in first place in our hearts.

It may be a western thing or it could easily be a way of thinking that goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. Loving someone or something more than a person believes is a bad thing. 

We are experts at convincing ourselves and others that it's ok to love this or that. To pour our hearts into things or people rather than wholeheartedly pursuing a right relationship with Jesus. We tend to categorize our lives. This is for God this over here is for me. That's God's time, this is my time.

What it comes down to is a religiously flavored version of doing whatever is right in our own eyes. 

Paul, Peter, all the Apostles, Pastors such as Timothy, taught that no matter what Jesus should have first place in your heart. Nothing else should be capturing our thoughts and actions to that level of obedience. We obey what we elevate in our lives as being important.  

Dr. Stanley in his Life Principles said that #19 is anything you hold too tightly to you will lose.  

You and I will face putting things and people in a places in our hearts that ought not be placed there. 

If our hearts belong to Christ then only Christ should be in our hearts. In the times after the exile when they were rebuilding the Temple some tried to set up both living spaces and offices in areas of the Temple for themselves. When discovered the prophets purged the Temple of those things.  

We lie to ourselves when we choose to believe that we're not subject to the temptation of idolatry in our lives today. Satan started off with it and until the day of his final demise he will continue in promoting it.  

What does this say?

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17.

We are going to have the temptation to put things in our lives to take our eyes off of Jesus Christ. We will convince ourselves that we aren't doing anything wrong. 

We will convince ourselves with many a logical and empirical reason for what we're including in our lives. 

We will have a struggle but whether or not we actually fight it remains to be seen. 

What does it say here?

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39.

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

There's a war going on in your life, in your world, in your heart and mind.  

Either you will gladly walk into the chains and prison or you will appeal to your Father in Heaven through the Lord Jesus Christ for help in your time of need.

First John 2:15-17 spells it out very well. Jesus Himself says what's required of taking up our own cross and follow Him. Carrying that cross should take your everything.

Does Jesus have your whole heart?

Look around at what's in your life. 

Look at where the hours go that you spend. Are they really spent in service to the Savior or have we convinced ourselves that is what we're doing and it really isn't?

Look at what drives you. Is it consistent in a life of obedience to God's Word or is it riddled with going after things in the world?

Everything we go after that's not going to work with what Jesus wants in our lives will turn to ashes.  

If you're going to be heartbroken by a thing no longer being in your life then you have a heart problem.

If living for even a person is more important than your life in Christ then you have a problem. 

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21.

“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33-34.

Do you say with all confidence that you do love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, mind, soul and spirit? All means all and that's all all means.  

It plainly means we don't love houses, cars, sports, entertainment, things past, things future, people, places or things, anything with any part or portion of our hearts.

Taking every thought captive means to realize that our thoughts can and will try to betray us. 

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

You Will Never Not Choose

You Will Never Not Choose 

by David Brenneman 

"So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”" Matthew 27:17.

     

     Indecision is a decision. This thought sums up the choice Pontius Pilate made when he encountered Jesus Christ. Pilate

believed he could postpone his decision about Jesus, but he was wrong because every action he took led to a choice, even though he sought to avoid one.

     When Jesus came before Pilate, the Roman governor of that distant outpost, He discovered a man who was torn. Even Pilate's wife added to his confusion, warning her husband to "have nothing to do with that just Man" after having a dream about Him (Matthew 27:19). Pilate and Herod debated, and neither could find any wrong in Him. Yet the throng clamored for the release of Barabbas, so the expedient political decision was to send Jesus to His death.

     We all come to a point when we have to make a decision about Jesus. We must accept Him as our Savior, or we reject Him. Once we take Him as our Savior, we must choose to enthrone Him as our Lord, If we think we can postpone and not decide, we have decided already. - Dr. David Jeremiah Walking with God. 

Your choices are always before you. 

Not deciding on a course of action is still making a decision. It really is a one or the other situation. 

We can go through our entire life without choosing to accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior thinking we will just "get religion" before we die...and will have chosen to reject Him regardless. There is no religion to get with regards to a life in Christ. There's a personal relationship in which we truly begin to live for the first time in our lives that comes when He comes to live in us through His Spirit.  

Read well this word from Jesus. 

"And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:16-31.

You have absolutely no idea how quickly your life will be required of you. 

I personally know of a friend who's husband merely stood up to cross a kitchen floor and fell flat on his face dead. Zero warnings of any kind and no way to resuscitate. In a split second their final decision was set in stone. 

You play with your eternity as if it weren't something worth your time to consider and you will have chosen to spend it in eternal torment. Pain on a scale you could never imagine in a million years. 

And it will get worse even from Hell's perspective. There's a day fixed by the Father's own authority when all who have lived will stand before Jesus. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Those who rejected the free gift of salvation will indeed get a glorified new body but then will be cast into the lake of fire for all of eternity. 

Again take not my word for it.  

Read what Jesus said. 

“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.

You always have a free gift from God given towards you for the express purpose of giving you the opportunity to choose wisely. It's that very breath you are breathing. 

While there's been countless millions who think they chose to end their lives, the truth is God permitted their final choice to stand. We can't choose to not breathe if we are choosing to live.

Coming to Christ isn't what the enemy of God wants people to believe. It's not about giving up the best of living for something less than second rate. The truth is it's our giving up what's been less than second rate for the absolute best that's available only in a life in Christ. 

Satan's only aim is to kill and destroy. Jesus's is to seek and save the lost.  

But what's involved with a right decision that leads to a right relationship with Jesus? Read on.

"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.

You are already making a choice. 

Whether or not your current choice stands is up to you if you haven't chosen the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Once you do choose His free gift of salvation you cannot lose it. It's entirely founded on the work that Jesus did. His work on the cross is entirely complete. We receive His Spirit and are given the opportunity for a new life that will be beyond all that we can ask or think about. 

Just remember my Dear Reader...not choosing is still choosing. You're not going to understand the things of God without the requirement of a real right relationship with Jesus. It's going to remain foolishness to all who have chosen to reject it. 

Everyone in Hell has no doubts as to why they are there suffering. They undoubtedly disagree with God over it but they are fully aware they choose to reject Jesus. 

All in this world as yet can choose life. A life that will only really be seen when we choose correctly. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

What You Feed Your Heart With

What You Feed Your Heart With 

by David Brenneman 

“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” Luke 8:16-18.

That verse 18 stuck with me last night and across all the versions that I was reading last night it was consistently the same.

Be careful of what goes into your ears! The many times throughout His ministry, Jesus said profound words and finished with saying "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" should be something we grasp onto. 

We are a very complacent people when it comes to what we feed our hearts through our ears. Many times, in times of war, this is how people are broken. An incessant barrage of auditory methods that go straight to the heart and mind of individuals. Satan's first attack on humanity began with "Did God say...". The days whereby Jesus was tempted in every way in the wilderness was through the words spoken by Satan. In our world it comes from those whom we listen to from video's, podcasts, streaming content, video games and all forms of 'entertainment' including sports and recreation.  

We are not well versed in taking care of how we listen. We even convinced ourselves that our music is not that bad, it's after all got a good beat and makes us feel good. Music, exactly like visual formats, hits a very different part of our brains than the written word we take in with our eyes. 

In hospitals they have learned that specifically orchestrated music therapy activities bring healing. 

We listen to secular music and don't realize what it's doing to us spiritually. We can also overdose on even spiritual music and neglect the Word of God. Any good thing can be abused.

As Jesus said here...take care with what you listen to.  

I learned a long time ago about doing this before I was even aware of the verse where Jesus said something about it. I wasn't glorifying God with my behavior from what I was watching on television. I wasn't glorifying God by most of the secular music I was listening to. I wasn't glorifying God by my behavior while participating with other's during a football game. Quite the contrary I was only glorifying everything but God. I was verbally tearing people down. My intake of secular music was warping my sense of right and wrong. 

My Dear Reader take care what you listen to. Read that passage again. Jesus was NOT making a mere suggestion.  

A garden will only grow well when it's tended well.  

We sew seeds of all kinds of negativity in what we allow into our ears. We do not build people up in Christ if our only intake of material is that which is of the world.

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Colossians 4:5-6.

There's at least 13 times in the Bible where there's a statement of having ears to hear.  

How is it we so easily look to the world's anything to build ourselves up in Christ when that way never works? 

We choose what we listen to. 

We should really 'listen' to what we have accepted as good and ok to listen to. Are we ever going to glorify God with this stuff? Are we feeding rage and anger by that which we take in? Are we feeding thoughts of sins such as adulteries or idolatry? Are we causing ourselves to dwell on characters in a song that were unfaithful?  

Think about what you're feeding yourself through your ears. We are a culture hung up on all forms of auditory and visual consumption. We have just adapted to soaking up anything in order to honestly keep from thinking. We take in all kinds of information through these methods and not all of it will ever help us turn our eyes upon Jesus. 

Take care of what you listen to. 

Jesus said that every careless word that people speak about we will give an accounting for. Those careless words start with careless listening. We justify what we listen to and even convince ourselves wholeheartedly that it's good. 

Take care of what you listen to.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Hearing But Not Hearing, Seeing But Not Seeing

Hearing But Not Hearing, Seeing But Not Seeing 

by David Brenneman 

"Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”" Luke 7:36-50.

7:49, 50 Although Simon no doubt had heard Jesus teach, he had not accepted His message. Instead of inviting Him into his heart, Simon invited Him to dinner. Many people still have that sort of superficial relationship with Jesus. They are social believers-they would like Him as a dinner companion--but they do not want Him any closer, certainly not as Savior.

- Notes from vs 49-50 of Dr. David Jeremiah's Study Bible on Luke 7:49-50. 

"Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.” Luke 10:23-24.

It's going to be a horrific day for countless trillions and trillions and trillions of people who fall into the catagory of what Dr. Jeremiah says in his notes. People who want the benefits from being around those who are saved in the Lord Jesus Christ but not coming themselves.

I've had those in authority over me in such a place in their lives. They can talk the talk, but certainly aren't walking the walk. They even gave great prayers at gatherings yet as Jesus said, their hearts were far from Him. Jesus said you would know people by their fruits did He not? It's not a matter of casting judgement upon others it's doing as Jesus said to do which is inspect the fruit. If He indeed commanded us to inspect the fruit, then by all means, INSPECT THE FRUIT.

"For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:43-49.

No doubt there will be eager and ready to accuse me, accuse you, of judging others. Read the Scriptures in context before you lay such accusations. 

Some will read this post and think that I'm talking about them. If such a thought comes to mind...go to the Author not to the writer.  

When presented with who Jesus was in ways that actually WERE on a level that even a child could understand it as Jesus said it would be and people STILL reject the word of God for them...which is to be saved...then yes, easily yes they have no excuse before whom they have to do...who is Jesus Christ the Lord.

We cannot just gather around others who ARE saved, enjoy the benefits, and then go on our way. The Scriptures say that a day has been fixed by the Father's own authority for the moment in time when the Church of Jesus Christ will be complete and for Him to return to gather that Church to Himself. Which He WILL do.  

Countless millions and millions of this generation of people living today will be left behind because they loved to be at places where the real sheep of the pasture of the Lord were but did not want to really be saved by Him.

Everyone will be without excuse in the day we stand before Jesus. I cannot fathom how Jesus will do it because the vast amount of time it would take individually would probably TAKE eternity for each individual who's ever lived to stand before Jesus. The Scriptures say that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord.  

In one of the Left Behind books LaHaye and Jenkins might be onto what it will be like on that day both the Behma Seat Judgment and the Final Judgement for all mankind. In His abilities and authority, Jesus will have a face-to-face with everyone who has ever lived all at the same time. This makes sense in the reality of the real world right now. Jesus is on His Throne and yet hears the prayers of all who are praying to Him right this very instant and nothing anyone has said has been missed, or dismissed because He can't keep up. His eye is on all who are on this world at all times and in all places...to the tune He is also fully aware of all the thoughts and intentions going on in everyone's minds and hearts.

It's extremely important to know for sure that you are saved. What comes out of your heart is but one indicator. If you can't point to a time when you came to Christ for salvation, you DO need to do something about that. You cannot just keep asssociating with Christian's and think that will sway the thinking of Jesus towards you on that judgement day. As Jesus explicitly said to those kinds of people He will say to depart from Him for He never knew you.

Do you want to hear those words from Jesus? 

By the way huge mega 'churches' are growing with people who are only there to feel good once a week an do not have a real relationship with Jesus...and even those small 'churches' where there's pockets of the same...there's going to be a lot of people still here when Jesus comes to take home those who are His own.

As it's been said to me on more than one occasion, just because you walk into a McDonald's it doesn't make you a happy meal. Just because you step into a garage it doesn't make you a car.

You cannot call yourself a Christian if you have never come to Christ for salvation...personally...in your life.

It doesn't work that way. Jesus said the road to Hell is wide and the way to Heaven is narrow. Millions fall into Hell daily...and few are going to Heaven daily.  

You my Dear Reader must have come to Christ for salvation yourself or your life will be shown to be a shambles before Jesus when He tests it by the fire of His truth of His Word.

Your good intentions, your taking care of others. Your 'trying' to live a good life and respecting others. You not stealing, you not doing the 'things' that the Bible says you shouldn't do. All YOUR efforts to live a life that might be 'good' in your eyes is still rubbish in the eyes of the Savior because you have never come to Christ for salvation. A life full of your efforts to be good is still a wasted life in light of eternity and compared to the only standard that matters: a life in Christ.

Many billions in this world right now have turned from God. They rage at Israel. They rage at Christians. They want nothing to do with the Son of God. Some even say there is no God. This is how it will be before Jesus comes. They have eyes to see and ears to hear but they are missing every ounce of evidence that's right before them that Jesus came, lived a sinless life, died a horrific death on a cross and arose 3 days later to give new life to all who call upon His name.  

They live in fear that God might have them do something they don't want to do and that's more important to them than being saved from the penalty of sin, which is death.  

They live in fear that God might have them give up something that they love rather than to trust that He has their best interests in mind.  

They believe the lies of the ruler of this world over believing the truth of the Son of God who died for them.

You must choose to come to Christ on Christ's terms or you won't have come at all.  

You can't do anything even if you had everything at your fingertips to give 100% all the time to save yourself.   

Nobody can save themselves. If that were possible then Jesus died needlessly is what the Bible says plainly.

"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.

My Dear Reader don't waste another moment holding onto the thoughts that being with saved people is good enough and counts for anything in the eyes of Jesus. 

You my Dear Reader must choose yourself to come to Christ. That decision is yours and yours alone to make. Open your eyes, hear with your ears and come to the Savior who's been waiting for you all along.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

The Right Time

The Right Time 

by David Brenneman 

When we get closer to Christmas there's always time to consider what the celebration really is about and regardless of what any business, small or big, it's never been about making money.  

It's always been about the right time.

It was spoken of long long ago through various prophets, the likes of Isaiah, Jeremiah and others that foretold of a virgin as yet unborn herself that would give birth to the Savior of the world. The Emmanuel "God with us". The coming of the forerunner, in the spirit and power of Elijah who would make straight the path for the Lord.  

And as we can read and find such in the Old Testament, we read and find that it really happened.  

"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Luke 2:1-20.

While many do and many don't look for the meaning of Christmas, or ask what is it about, I personally am glad that Charles Schultz did so well to include it in the television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas". When asked of including something so obviously spiritual and Christian into this he simply said "if we don't, who will?".

God came to Earth to save sinners of which all who have come in the last few thousand years can attest that they stand with Paul to say of which they too could be the chiefest of all sinners.  

Jesus came to live as one of us, enduring everything we would, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and yet was still without sin. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Jesus told many that He came to seek and save the lost.

He came, lived a sinless life, was scourged, and died on a cross in the place of sinful men and women throughout human history. 

He took our place on Calvary. 

Jesus came at just the right time in human history to fulfill the plan of His Father in Heaven. God isn't willing, wanting, any to perish but that all would come to Christ for salvation. He doesn't want anyone to spend eternity separated from God. He came to save. But we must ask for His free gift of salvation. He will knock on the door of hearts everywhere until a specific day set by His Father comes and then all who are saved will go to forever be with Him. 

So keep in mind that this time of year isn't about who has come or left your life its about who loved you so much that He laid down His life for you. 

Celebrate that instead of allowing life to drown out the true meaning of Christmas.  

That "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16.

Take time to thank God for sending His Son to take your place and give you eternal life in Christ, THAT is the true meaning of Christmas. 

Take that great love for you and share it with those around you. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. 

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org