Separation Shouldn't Be Between Us And Jesus

Separation Shouldn't Be Between Us And Jesus
by David Brenneman

From the Life Principles Study on the Bible app: "We make a terrible mistake by segmenting life. We may think that Monday through Friday we go to work, Saturday we play, and Sunday we worship. God has not designed life that way. If Jesus Christ is our Savior, we can’t exclude Him from any part of life. It isn’t right to teach a Sunday school class with everything we have, then meander into work the rest of the week—we must honor and glorify Him in everything we do. It eliminates the temptation of doing our work merely to be seen by men when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to Jesus (Matt. 6:24)." by Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's something taught to generations.  That we should separate aspects of our life from other aspects.  This area shouldn't encroach upon that area.  That it's ok to behave differently during this time that's a different situation than we are on a Sunday morning.

Dr. Stanley points out that we are to live in the character of Christ in everything, all the livelong day.  The world can't convince most Believers to do whatever is right in their own eyes all the time but it will make every attempt to sway us into doing it at least part of the time.

Convincing us of what we've earned and so should go celebrate and enjoy.  Convincing us that we can craft our own break from the heaviness of our lives and there the rules don't apply to us. Enticing us in whatever way works to believe with all our heart that we're doing nothing wrong. Sadly in most cases our lies to ourselves work better than we recognize.  It takes the conviction of the Spirit of God to open our eyes to the real truth of our lives before Jesus with whom we have to do.

King Hezekiah wasn't satisfied with his life ending when the Lord decided it should and pointed to his achievements as a reason to let him live longer.  He was granted an extension of his life and he squandered it and produced the worst king in Israel's history and was instrumental in countless lives going into exile.  King Solomon asked for wisdom and was granted it but wasn't careful to continue to do all that His father King David had done.  His heart didn't remain wholly devoted to the Lord and a civil war ensued eventually. 

We have a sin nature that we probably don't take seriously enough in living out our daily lives.

Looking at Joshua all it took for this new leader after Moses was to trust in his own judgment once and it set in motion a thorn in the side of Israel forever. 

We can and will convince ourselves that we're doing nothing wrong so we won't dare ask the Spirit if we're doing anything wrong.  We won't admit it but we figure if we don't ask the question we won't have to deal with its possibilities.

I am on my second go-round of intense study through the New Testament.  It's rather interesting to only be back through Matthew and most of Mark to now see the struggles Jesus faced in teaching His Disciples.  A great summary, to me, is the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".  Jesus was teaching them to not compare themselves to each other.  To stop with the infighting. Stop trying to jockey for positions in the Kingdom.  To keep their eyes on Him and to understand what He was doing and why He was doing it. 

Separating out our lives, one part from another, can damage our testimony. 

We can do just like King Hezekiah or Joshua and in a single moment cause a problem or allow something that will take a lifetime to set straight. 

Many of our past times we so claim to enjoy involve our use of our tongue.  We claim our tearing people apart for entertainment is all in fun.  Yet it lays a foundation that calls our testimony into question.

As the Scriptures teach us "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.  But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?  Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.  Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." James 3:5-13.

Will the words you use cause people to glorify your Father who is in Heaven or to keep their eyes in their present darkness?

Will they think less of Jesus because of the words that come from you or will you utter words that point to eternal life in Christ Jesus?

We need to dare to ask the Spirit to show us what areas we have compromised and have given space to our sin nature in this temple that is our body. 

Jesus cleared out the Temple of God as we read it in the Gospels.  The parts He cleared out were just outside the Temple proper.  The area where everyone ought to have been able to peaceably come to pray. That is, to communicate with God.  Jesus said it was to be a place of prayer for all the nations.

Have we defiled this temple that's our body?  Have we done as King Solomon did and keep justifying what we have allowed to take our eyes off of Jesus?  Have we put down our cross rather than carry it?

Our lack of forgiveness separates us from God.  Our compromises cause separation between us and God. Our lives are supposed to reflect the light of Jesus Christ.  People are supposed to see the character of Christ in us. 

What do people see?  Ask yourself that question.

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

Noise, Noise, Noise

Noise, Noise, Noise 

by David Brenneman 

"But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." Luke 5:16. 

“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." Matthew 6:5-6.

"It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘ Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Luke 11:1-4.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6.

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" Numbers 23:19.

Oh the noise the noise the noise.

So many are just 'used to it' that it's to them not even a bother.

But it is. Oh how it is. Because both our sin nature and the enemy will keep turning up the volume as they are permitted.  

Thus the teaching of Jesus by word and example is all that much more important and crucial.  

We live in decades worth of a society where the noise has been given validation. Been given a foothold in the lives of billions.  

You have noise, I have noise, we all have noise of life to deal with. The noise of everyday interactions with people and things.

Much of the world touts rushing headlong into life and then there's those who are of the introvert type that notice and need time to get away to recharge. Some people pay thousands of dollars to find a peaceful quiet place to be.

We don't live in the city per-se but do live in a very quiet neighborhood.  

Within the confines of my home my study is surrounded on almost every side with parts of the house that are rooms. Only one wall faces the street. Within this space, should I so choose, sleep can come because the silence is so grand.

This is where I go to do my evening studies. At best/worst the furnace is what I hear in the winter or just the blower from it as the AC runs in the summer.  

Jesus taught His Disciples, who were to teach their disciples who were to teach theirs on down through the last 2,000 plus years to us to take the time to get away with God.

We often choose things to create noise in our lives that we say we 'love' yet they're not at all bringing out the character of Christ in us.

My examples are just those whom come to mind when I consider the activities that we engage in that we claim to 'love' and 'enjoy' yet are not bringing out the character of Christ in us.  

Most if not all sports arenas are the easiest to look to. While the concept of a sport is good, the far reaching abuse of this to the 'fans' really is not. They are encouraged to engage in 'rivalries' that absolutely do not put the character of Christ on display. While the players themselves might be Christians and while they might walk in the character of Christ both on and off the field, the fans are encouraged to NOT behave in the character of Christ when you look at it Biblically.

This, particular example, is just personal to me because I do believe that God showed me just how 'evil' I can be due to such a dumb thing as a rivalry. He showed me that my character was NOT in alignment with that of Jesus.

Then there's those who absolutely 'escape' into the ether world. The world of make believe both with and without drugs to achieve it. Their idea of a peaceful evening is to wrap their minds in fantasy. Not knowing all the while they ARE feeding their minds and in many cases are only satisfying their sin nature.

Throughout the Gospels we can see the struggles that Jesus went through to change the character of those whom were given to Him to be the 12 Disciples.  

To me it was a turning point of sorts when they asked how they should pray.  

Our world wants everyone to do whatever is right in their own eyes.

The Word of God wants us to do whatever is right in the eyes of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

The world wants us to behave in such a way where our joy, our thoughts, our happiness comes first even if it means stepping on others to get to it. To exude selfishness.

The Word of god wants us to become fully devoted followers of Christ, walking through life seeking our joy, our happiness in Him and not ourselves.

My personal examples are indeed back around 35-40 years ago when I was very deep into science fiction as my escape place. Around the same time I was also really into the various rivalries with professional football. I was convicted heavily by the Spirit concerning both, it just took place at different times in my past.  

When you consider that when Believers will stand before Jesus one day to give an account of our lives, both the good and the bad for what we were given in Christ to use for His glory...how's it going to feel to stand there when those times we cut down people 'all in the name of fun' when we should have been there to build them up?

THAT was my conviction concerning that and that's why I don't engage in such things.  

For the mid point of my life we had the 'What Would Jesus Do?" bumper stickers and pins and shirts and you name it they put it on it.

It was around that time when that conviction started setting in on me about that and other things in my life. Not that I have arrived, there's still things going on in my life that I struggle with.  

What are you doing that isn't glorifying God? What time do you make sure you take to satisfy your self that could be used to further the Kingdom of God or your knowledge of your Savior and Lord on how to live your life to please Him?

It isn't the job of any one person to bring conviction into the heart and mind of someone else. Conviction, in the truest sense, comes from the Spirit of God when we are actively listening to the voice of God.

The problem is we are so used to the noise that we say we 'want' in our lives that we don't hear the still small voice calling out to each of us. We're so used to what we have going on in our lives that we say we 'love' that we're not interested in what the Spirit wants to teach us is of interest to the Savior. We cause ourselves to be busy in ways that are only for appearances sake rather than what's important. Being Martha's rather than Mary's. 

We don't value taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus whether He's talking or just wanting us to rest.

Many times He took the Disciples aside not to talk but to just rest.

In His book "The Promises of Heaven" Dr. David Jeremiah noted where every one of the days mentioned in creation had a morning and an evening and it was good. Only the 7th day of rest was not given an ending. That rest would find itself in Him.

Are you busy about your home doing things that really don't matter rather than spending more time with Jesus? Are you busy about your time after work with things that are not at all going to grow you in Christ but rather nurture your selfishness?  

Dr. Jeremiah's book points to what all will withstand the fire of truth when we stand before Jesus concerning how we lived our lives. Only those things done truly for Christ will be the jewels for the crown and the gold. Everything else we did that was not...will be burned up. Wasted efforts. While enjoyed in this life, they mean nothing to contribute to the crown we will give back to Jesus for all He did for us.

What are you engaged in that is not adding to that crown you'll give to Jesus? Are you convinced your busyiness is valid yet it's not at all putting the character of Christ on display for others to see and want in their lives?  

THAT was the last nail in the coffin, so to speak, for me with rivalries. What I was displaying for others to see would NEVER draw them to a right relationship with Jesus Christ. They would NEVER see any good works and glorify my Father in Heaven. Same went for my knowlege of science fiction.  

The noises we choose to keep in our lives can drown out the work of the Spirit of God in our lives.  

Oh we get away from the world in our own ways but we still yet choose to listen to the noise rather than to choose to grown with respect to salvation.

Think about it my Dear Reader, think about it.  

Years ago I was given news that there's things in my eating that had to go. Devestating was a good way to put it. But in time I learned to adapt and it's been ok.  

Likewise years ago we chose to not continue cable tv or even over the air tv because it was a waste. All the news has been for decades is a production number to sway people to a certain opinion. All the advertisements were just there to sway our opinions on purchases. All the political ads were there to sway our thoughts on politics and to engage in the evil practices of this party vs that party.

We don't miss it. I don't miss the things that the Spirit took from my life even though at the time it was painful. Reading the Gospels we can see that the Disciples had to learn to let go of things they grew up knowing and were taught by family and people they knew. Jesus was teaching them a still better way to a life living in His character.

You have to choose to get away to be with Jesus. It's not going to be forced upon you but you have to choose.

"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 

Eyes Opened to Obey

Eyes Opened to Obey 

by David Brenneman 

Life Principle 2: Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

Obedience can be a challenge, especially when we feel tempted to believe that we stand to lose more through our obedience than we might gain. However, obeying God is essential to pleasing Him—not just in times of temptation, but at all times.

When God commands us to obey Him, He’s giving us a principle by which to live. He’s also setting a framework around our lives that forms a hedge of protection from evil.

Can you remember the last time you felt tempted to do the opposite of what you knew God desired for you to do? Most likely, a struggle erupted within your heart. The questions arose: Will obeying God cost me more than disobeying Him? Can I experience greater happiness by committing this sin than I would by obeying God?

When we choose to obey God, we take the way of wisdom. His promises of blessing for obedience far outweigh any possible consequences. He asks us to submit ourselves to Him and leave whatever happens to His loving care.

We must remember that God loves us and is committed to us. He commands our obedience, not because He is a strict taskmaster, but because He knows the devastating affect that disobedience and sin will have on our lives.

Obedience may not be easy—you may receive criticism from others or face fierce obstacles and opposition—but it will always put you in a favorable position before God. He will take care of all that concerns you; therefore, stay on the path of obedience and leave the rest to Him. - from the Bible app Devotional "Life Principles" by Dr. Charles Stanley. 

I decided that the Spirit was telling me after finishing my studies through the New Testament to go back through them again rather than going back to the very beginning of things in Genesis. The things that I am now seeing this time around are incredible!

There indeed are things that in all my times reading through the Bible in my life that I am only seeing now. 

There's evidence of more to do with how the Disciples really were than what's generally accepted without the study notes. Jesus's comments in a few places in Mark weren't what many have thought them to be and that they were actually said to His Disciples not the people present. 

What does this have to do with obedience? Hmm. Everything. 

In a later passage we read that Jesus specifically said to the Pharisees and Sadducees to and learn what this means, that He desires obedience over sacrifice.

We can be a flavor of Pharisee or a flavor of Sadducee. We can 'write' our own laws on how we are going to live our lives, what that WILL include and what it WON'T. We can have aspects of this world woven into our lives that have affected our hearts towards our Lord Jesus Christ and not really realize it. To the tune that our obedience is becoming optional to us rather than what the Bible says should be non-optional. 

We can because our sin nature doesn't want our obedience to God's Word. It's a smooth talker. It's a literal silver tongued devil in how it crafts what we fall into. 

To take the stand to obey God and leave the consequences to Him means we will likely be misunderstood by even those in our lives claiming to be Christians. Why? Because a deeper level of obedience is actually foreign to them.  

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

We choose who we are going to follow. Whether it's Jesus or self. The next hurdle is obeying Jesus when the world, and our sin nature, says that His way is nuts. That it will never work that doing things that way will leave you alone and wanting. Newsflash: nowhere does it say that we need to understand in order to obey the Lord. We need to know that obeying is what He wants and obedience is what He should get. 

An often repeated analogy of mine is that what can you carry of this world along with your own cross? The right answer is nothing. 

We must realize that the Spiritual battle is real and that obedience is a requirement not an option. We need to agree with Jesus on what He has established as sin and sinful practices. We need to quit redefining sin in order to find an acceptable way for it to stay in our lives. There is no tit for tat with obedience. No do this particular thing for Jesus so that you can continue doing what you shouldn't as part of some unwritten deal you want between you and God. 

We don't bargain with God in order to tweak our obedience level. 

Remember my Dear Reader that EVERYTHING we have said, thought, considered, done, neglected to do, every single atom of our time on this planet will be reviewed before Jesus when we give an accounting of our lives before Him. All the idols we called something else that made us feel good about having in our lives. All the sins we redefined that are still going to be revealed as sins on that day. All the opportunities lost because our self justification of our selfishness won the day. 

Again, don't expect others to fully understand your obedience to God's Word. Many who claim to be walking with Jesus are yet still living self-sabotaged lives. They believe that they understand you but truth be known they never got involved in your life to remotely get to know you. As Peter was told so are we all told. "What's that to you? You follow Me!". You obey Me. You go where I send you. You acknowledge what I tell you is truth and adjust your life accordingly. 

Obey Me and leave the consequences to Me.

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

Focused on God in Everything

Focused on God in Everything 

by David Brenneman 

"But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16.

    Driven from his home and everything he knew, David- who had been anointed by God to be the future king of Israel-ran for his life. Humanly, it made no sense. He was pursued by King Saul, who should have been his mentor but instead had gone mad with envy and rage. So for years, rather than learning the intricacies of the throne, David lived the forsaken life of a fugitive.

Everyone he loved or who helped him was in danger, and some were

even killed. The only people who followed him were in trouble or

in debt or ... were just discontented" (1 Samuel 22:2 NLT).

    So how could David wake up in the morning with praise in his heart? As a boy in the sheep fields, he wrote and sang songs of

worship and praise to God. And as he fled, those hymns- which today comprise much of the book of Psalms-rose within him as a constant reminder of the Lord's closeness, protection, and deliverance. Had David fixated on his circumstances, he would have

become hopelessly discouraged. But instead he focused on God's

love and promises and received the encouragement he needed to

persevere and honor the Lord in all he did.

Jesus, help me to focus on You and praise You in every situation. Amen.

Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Distractions distractions distractions everybody deals with distractions. Sinful tendencies and temptations within and the effects of the outpouring of the hearts of those around us.  

We can have people in our lives that are no different than those whom Job had in his. We can have just those of the world in our lives. We can be inundated by subtle and subliminal messages. We can be certain that we are going to have these to deal with. Yet in our examples in the Gospels from our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ...take the time to get away with Him. 

We are going to be tempted to lean on our own understanding in situations in life. We're going to get told how our lives should be by well meaning people and by those who have no vested interest in our success but rather their own peace of mind. It's the way of our world. 

King David knew of the need to praise God anyway. When he was at rest, when people chased him. When things were going wrong as well as when they were going right. 

We can be so fixated on a situation that we can't see beyond it. That's a prime example of a situation that doesn't belong in our hands. 

We can give this and every situation into God's hands to resolve but take care as to not take it back.  

"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.

Dr. Stanley's life Principle #2 "Obey God and leave the consequences to Him" comes to mind as well.  

We cannot pray for God to provide and then be impatient about His timing for doing so. We cannot permit frustration between ourselves and God. We are indeed to follow this other principle of life "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

My Friend do not get ahead of God's plan for you. Do not run ahead of Jesus. We run this race called life by being along side of Jesus. As a friend has correctly pointed out to our Saturday group...in any race with Jesus who will always win?

Our focus must stay on where Jesus is, what He is doing, where He is leading. Not on the storms going on around us. Those storms cannot deter the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. The storms are going to be there in our lives but Jesus is always also going to be there too. That's His promise. 

Pray that your eyes stay on Jesus and to seek Him in the morning every day. Seek Him throughout the day. Thank Him at the end of every day.  

Has Jesus ever broken a promise? Why live as though today will be the day when that's to happen?  

Stand firm in the Lord. Keep your eyes focused on Him in your life. 

Run the race set before you with Jesus. Things will be ok.

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

Yes in Everything: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Yes in Everything: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 

by David Brenneman 

"always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:20.

    As we read the word everything in today's verse, it may trouble us. Does God really mean we're to give thanks in all things, or can we make a few exceptions? But understand that the man who wrote this passage was a man who knew what it meant to be hungry, betrayed, imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, persecuted, and left for dead. He suffered all kinds of difficulties and heartaches. Yet the apostle Paul declared we are to give thanks in everything That includes the good things that we enjoy--the health, friends, promotions, and blessings. But it also involves the painful things --sickness, disappointment, criticism, mistreatment, trials, temptations, and the loss of loved ones.

    Why are we to give thanks? Because when we express our gratefulness, we acknowledge the sovereignty and wisdom of God.

He's in control of everything we face and can take whatever we

experience and transform it for our good and His glory. You may

not understand how or why; you're simply to trust that He can.

Because in every difficulty there's an opportunity to learn essential

spiritual lessons that will strengthen your relationship with Jesus, transform your character, and fit you for service. So stay close to God, have faith, and praise Him for all of it. 

Jesus, I will thank You even when I don't understand. Amen. (From Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley).

It's really summed up in obedience to God's Word. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. Add in Jesus's words to take up your own cross and follow Him you have your choices of things reduced to two. Your understanding and trusting in God's plan and purpose for your life. When we go with the second one we're going to face things in ways we never saw coming and understandably so they probably won't be comfortable things. 

Yet we are to still give thanks.  

Where we really mess things up and really struggle is when in our own understanding we get ahead of God. Then being thankful in all things gets more difficult because we know we are the ones who messed up and did something in a panic and embarrassment naturally follows. 

In Job's life and trials of his life that we read...3 of his 4 best friends were rebuked by the Lord for their advice to Job. Their understanding wasn't what was right and true. 

Giving thanks for being made to take a detour? Yes.

Giving thanks when the answer is no to a job you sought after? Yes.

Giving thanks when life is good? Yes.

Giving thanks when disaster strikes? Yes.

Giving thanks when...the answer, according to the Scriptures is a resounding yes.

We want to understand things. The who, what, where, how and why's. 

Yet in several places in the Scriptures, easily noted in the book of Daniel, our understanding at the time isn't of particular importance. 

Just don't get ahead of God's plan for you. That's how we end up going down roads that make it difficult to remember to be thankful. 

It's odd in a way that I always see people posts on LinkedIn where the picture says to remember to thank God for your answer to prayer for your new job.  

When my new one is ready, in God's timing, I certainly will be thanking God. I am already thanking Him ahead of time for what He is preparing for me.  

Further too...and this comes from a hard lesson learned...don't get ahead of God. You're going to be tempted to take a different road from God's plan for you. To answer your own prayer request because panic is setting in. You cannot thank God for that kind of response. 

Keep pace with Jesus. Be sure that you're letting Him hold your hand through life and not you holding His. If you are holding His hand you're going to be tempted to let go. If He's holding yours He will never let go. Big difference. 

Don't forget thankfulness in your life for all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done and permitted in your life. 

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 

Even if...I Choose to Praise Him

Even if...I Choose to Praise Him 

by David Brenneman 

Choose to Praise

"Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering....I rejoice and share my joy with you all." Philippians 2:17. 

    The journey had not gone as Paul and Silas had anticipated. God had called them to the city of Philippi, and the people responded to the gospel. But then the situation went awry quickly-they were falsely accused, stripped, severely beaten, thrown into prison, and restrained in stocks.

    You can imagine that the duo- bloodied and badly bruised could have given in to despair. But instead, they began to sing hymns and worship God. And the Lord responded to their act of faith by sending an earthquake that broke the chains that held Paul and Silas tight. The jailer, certain that they had escaped and fearful that he might lose his life, instead found them sitting composed in their cells. So compelling was their witness that the incredulous

jailer invited them to his house, where he and his family accepted

Christ.

    Paul and Silas probably hadn't felt like singing. Their circumstances were awful, and their prospects were grim. But they did something that every believer can do that will make an amazing difference-they chose to praise God. You can too. And when you do, you can be certain that the Lord hears and does miraculous things on your behalf as well.

Jesus, like Paul and Silas, I praise You in all situations. Amen.

"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.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20.

"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 12:10-13.

"Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God." Psalms 40:17.

"Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice." Proverbs 21:2-3.

It is a most difficult thing at times to have a heavy heart and yet strive to praise God anyway. 

It's a struggle to keep persevering when it's all but apparent that for the time being life isn't making a whole lot of sense.  

When words fail and when situations remain in a constant state of concern and fear crouches at the door of the heart it's hard.

But as others wiser than myself have written, a person cannot be fearful and offer sincere praise to God at the same time. 

We're nearing the end of the help from the state of Ohio concerning unemployment benefits. While having applied to many places nearly none have responded with so much as an email let alone a phone call. Yet even in this I still hold to the hope that my Savior has a plan and a job for me that will be evident in His time, not mine.  

Once I knew a farmer who reaped little what he sowed

While the neighbors' crops grew prosp’rous all around

And every year at harvest time this farmer did no good

Smaller crops kept coming from his ground

He’d smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

The neighbors saw the times get worse and couldn’t understand

How this humble soul could call himself a man

They would gather round the market place

And brag on their success, this farmer’s faith they didn’t understand

He’d smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

Then came the day when all their land was bare and worn-out soil but the farmer’s land kept growin' rich with rain

And everything he sowed he reaped in wealthy fertile years

And thanked the Lord that next year finally came

He’d just smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

And thanks the Lord that next year finally came

- Next Year Finally Came 

Charley Pride 2014.

We can dwell on ourselves in circles all we want and still end up where we were. Or we can yet still praise Jesus in the midst of the storm. Casting Crowns has a song by that name that is applicable too.  

Habakkuk couldn't understand why the Lord was going to use people as evil as those He did to bring about was going to come with Israel but he still praised God anyway.

Daniel's great concern for the Jews was on his heart heavily after all the prophecies were revealed to him but rather than get a full explanation he was told to go his way. He would join those who had gone before and an explanation wouldn't be coming. 

We are intentional people whether we want to see it or not. We intentionally choose obedience or we don't to the Word of God. We can have a rational excuse for everything we've allowed in our lives to be there that's unbeknownst to us, hampered our walk with Jesus.  

We become less intentional towards our own wants and desires when we listen to the Spirit when He’s pointing out what we need to do and be like. Being thankful is what we're called to be. Thankfulness is to be as much to us as breathing.  

In closing, keep in mind the message behind this song too. 

Blind man can't see flowers

Growing in the garden

Crippled man can't walk places where

He wants to go

Man that can't talk things he will never say

And a man that can't hear

Words he will never know

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

I once heard a man say all he

Wanted out of life was money

To be the richest man have

Wealth and fame untold

But he could see he could walk he

Could hear and he could talk

And for some folks this would

Mean much more than gold

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

Be Grateful 

- Charley Pride 1976.

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 

Who is in Authority Over Us? Who Put Them There?

Who is in Authority Over Us? Who Put Them There?

by David Brenneman 

"This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men.” Daniel 4:17.

"that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes." Daniel 4:25.

"and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’" Daniel 4:32.

"It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." Daniel 2:21.

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." Romans 13:1.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

"So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39.

Much as it's never been my thing to write messages that could be taken as political in nature...I've been reminded of Paul being provoked in his spirit concerning where he'd been and seeing a monument to 'an unknown god'. Therefore also having been in the book of Daniel...my favorite book of the Bible...and seeing comments by people professing to be Christians...representatives of Christ...I'm provoked into writing this today.

We may indeed be a part of some form of election process but as the Scriptures say in Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.".

Our perception of our inclusion into the process by which leaders are placed among men is not random, it is not entirely by our choice and decision. The Lord Himself sets up rulers and it is He who removes them. Once the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has made His decision on who's to lead any nation or kingdom here on Earth it's upon His people, and His Church, to pray for those in authority over them. To lead a quiet life as it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your own hands, just as we instructed you.".

It's not on Believers to go out an start publicly protesting and wasting their witness before men and women because they don't like whomever THE LORD CHOSE to lead over them (note the emphasis!).

We may not like whomever was placed over them but we must must must remember that the Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ is STILL sovereign over all His creation.  

It's on each Believer to live their lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. It is NOT for us to bad mouth anyone in authority over us. It's not for us to constantly nag and rip those in authority over us. We do NOT show a lost and dying world the character of Christ when we are being this way!

Don't take my opinion on this for anything...but look at what Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:37 "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.".

We are NOT glorifying God by our verbal or textual protests on social media. We are NOT glorifying God by slandering those in authority over us.  

I hate to break it to EVERYONE...but what does the Scriptures say? Christ died once for ALL. Even those people in authority over us that we may not like. Even those people with whom we don't agree with. Look back at the history of Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar. At first he took those from Jerusalem and made them serve his gods. The Lord God corrected his theology personally driving him away from his throne and his people until he recognized that it is the Lord God who rules.  

It's on all who call themselves Believers in Jesus Christ, who say they are Christ-followers, to be praying for those who are in authority over them. Secondly, we have no rights in the scheme of things. We are visitors to this world, only passing through. Our citizenship is in Heaven. We are Ambassadors of Christ. This being realized we are NOT Democrats or Republicans or Liberals or Conservatives. We are to be one in Christ Jesus. We have no true political affiliation. We are part of the body of Christ which has no affiliation at all except to live in obedience to Christ and by extension obedience unto our Father in Heaven.

So my Dear reader...lay aside these wasted arguments and feelings. Cast them far from you. Instead pray for those who are in authority over you as the Spirit teaches all of us.  

Grace is what we have had extended unto each of us in Christ.

Grace is what we are to freely give ALL OTHERS.

Remember also that we WILL give an account of our lives before Christ.

It's a well known thing that you cannot encourage and tear down at the same time. You cannot lift someone up before Christ and tear them apart at the same time. Nor does Christ ever want to see you tearing people apart over a choice that HE MADE.

We have our instructions in Christ Jesus...pray for those in authority over us. Pray pray pray. Which means...that conversation is between you and God not you and all the known world.

Will you be ashamed of what your life reveals before Jesus or will He be glorified by your thoughts and actions?

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

Oh the Idols We Actually Have

Oh the Idols We Actually Have 

by David Brenneman 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?” But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them. O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, The small together with the great." Psalms 115:1-13.

Reading this passage, in the Bible's heading it says "Heathen Idols Contrasted with the Lord".

King Solomon wrote over and over again that there's nothing new under the sun. This most certainly includes our world today. If we trust the Scriptures implicitly to be as true today as they were when written, believing that Jesus Christ is as the Word of God says-being the same yesterday, today and forever-then we must accept that which is taught about sin and sinful practices. 

Paul wrote of the downward spiral of those who practice lawlessness, practice sin. People who may have come to Christ for salvation but hold onto their idols that have been in their lives. Yes my Dear Reader idols are ironically alive and well in 2025 as they were when Jesus walked the Earth as well as in the lives of those before and after the a Genesis flood. 

I was reading today's passage and what immediately came to mind as a singular example are mascots for sports teams. We also have them as supposed 'super heroes'. We have them as people erroneously high and lifted up called celebrities. People everywhere are obsessed with their idols. People even idolize musicians still today. People idolize their offspring. People put things, imaginary things, AI chatbots, AI relationships, movies, streaming, gaming, and everything else under the sun before a vibrant right relationship with Jesus. 

Those within the Church are not exempt from these temptations. Paul exhorts his readers to not be entangled in the things of the world. The race to be ran as his example sets, describing a runner of his day, had nothing on his body to slow him down. He spoke of soldiers. Soldiers didn't encumber themselves with the things of civilian life.  

Jesus, as if all these teachings were not enough, said that if we loved anything more than Him that we weren't worthy of Him.  

Jesus said to take up our own cross and follow Him. As repeatedly said before, bearing your own cross means you cannot hold onto anything else nor can anything be on your back to accompany you.

We cannot live a life that is pleasing to God in Christ Jesus if we're having Him set down somewhere else while we give our time, energy and attention to our idols.  

Self examination is required and it also requires a second opinion from one whom we implicitly trust. Ask the Spirit to show you what's hindering your relationship with Jesus. He WILL show you the truth because Truth is a firm part of the character of Christ Jesus. 

We make every effort to make wonderful sounding excuses about the things we include in our lives that the Bible says have taken our attention, time, money, away from Jesus and is sitting somewhere else. 

All those excuses will turn to ash when we give an account of our lives before Jesus. 

Read that slowly again and soak it up.  

All those excuses will turn to ash when we give an account of our lives before Jesus. 

If what is getting our love and devotion isn't aligned with the plan and purpose for us in Christ Jesus...then why are we holding onto it?  

A few posts back we looked at the thousand year reign of Christ on the Earth. All these things we looked at today will be removed from the Earth during those years. ALL. 

People will be living a wholly different life than has happened since Adam and Eve. No forms of idolatry will be found anywhere on the Earth in that thousand years. 

We are to be growing in the character of Christ as a Believer in Christ.  

Would Christ be ever putting anything before His relationship with His Father?

If He certainly wouldn't then why are we?

Why are we.

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

Waiting on God Isn't a No From God

Waiting on God Isn't a No From God 

by David Brenneman 

I completed a devotional reading plan this morning on this subject of 'Waiting on God' by Dr. Charles Stanley. It impressed me so that felt directed to talk about it. If you have the Bible App it's available through that if you search for devotionals under Dr. Charles Stanley.

To be honest I think this particular one I will be on my list of those to repeat and often.

We often get into the world's idea of a microwave mentality. We pray, don't see results in 5 minutes or less and give up on praying. We perceive our thoughts on what progress ought to resemble, what it should look like and we give up concluding that God must have said no.  

My Dear Reader...we, and I am most certainly include myself, give up way too early in the praying process.

Remember well the words of Jesus when it came to a certain kind of demon to cast out normally requires fasting and prayer. Since He was on the scene it didn't take that.  

Prayer isn't just our conveying our list of wants and needs. Prayer is also our point of learning more about He to whom we make the requests to. It's about sharing our appreciation for what He's already given us. It's about our communing with Jesus because He eagerly awaits to hear from each of us no matter what the reason is.

While we give way too much credit to Satan's interfering with our lives than we ought to, our own sin nature is to blame probably 90 percent or more of the time, we don't give prayer enough emphasis in our lives as well.

Right over my study area is a single one-word plaque. "Pray".

I've quoted in the past "Pray on, Pray Over, Pray Through" life. It's on another plaque that I have here.

I believe I found both at Hobby Lobby if they're still available, it was a number of years ago that I got them.

Praying with forgiveness in your heart also must be a part of your praying time.

Jesus said that we MUST forgive others who've done things to us or we will have our prayers hindered if not blocked for a time. Remember all unforgiveness does is start putting up bricks to build a wall between us and Jesus. As one put it...not forgiving as we have been forgiven...is US drinking the poison that we want someone else to feel. Same description is there about bitterness as well.  

Bitterness and and unforgiving heart will do very very much damage to our prayer life.  

We trusted Jesus to save us...to forgive us...then we Have to take Him at His word about justice.  

Something to remember about Matthew 18 as well. If we are aware of our brother having something against US...WE are to seek them out to reconcile. We are NOT to devolop a stubborn stance and go on with life. This too hinders prayers.

We do our own damage to our prayer lives and we are the chief reason why we jump to "oh God must have said no, so now it's up to me...".

Dr. Stanley addresses that as well.

Our impatience pretty much always gets us into trouble for whatever it is God is GOING to do.  

Scriptures is clear...God's ways are not our ways. His timing is not our timing. My Dear Reader...find one single soliltary time in the Bible where God was EVER late.

Even the timing of John the Baptist being born...when Jesus was born was EXACTLY at the right time. Scripture says so. There's many many factors to explain WHY this was at the right time not just spiritually. Physically the Romans had established actual roads and a multi-city roadway system. Getting the Gospel message to more cities at the time the Disciples turned Apostles were sent out...made it much easier to do. God's timing.

When it comes to praying...don't hold back what you're feeling either. You and I quickly forget that He already knows the angst, the anger, the bitter feelings threatening to devlop, the justice we crave, the sorrow we can't even find words for, the sadness that's beyond our comprehension, the utter loss we can't figure out how to fill again.

Dear Reader...consider it well that ALL OF THOSE THINGS...Jesus experienced here on Earth when He was here. We read that He was a man of sorrows well aquainted with grief. He knows our roller coaster of emotions we go through very well...yet in it He did not sin.

I said earlier that Satan's not to blame for 90 percent or more of what befalls us. While potentially all 8 plus billion people on this planet have potentially immediate access to Jesus Christ...Satan has not that ability to accuse each independently. He has to pick who it is he's wanting to do something to. Most of our issues are our own sin natures either causing ourselves issues or our interactions with other's sin natures showing themselves.

We will on day give an account of our lives before Christ...and in this here and this now we have the opportunity to have Godly people to be accountable to in order to help us achieve a better life if only more in the professing church would stand up and do this.  

Just because our perception is God saying no...strive on and keep on praying. Jesus answers 1 of 4 ways...yes...no...not right now...and wait...I have something better in mind.

It takes time to learn what the answer really is. What's also on us is when a TRUE answer is given...we're to be thankful, grateful, and to continue on in our walk with Jesus. We read of no time that the 11 Disciples started sulking when they were told no.

Pray on, Pray over, Pray through what you are going through. Jesus taught a parable or two on this on persistance in prayer.  

Persist in prayer and don't give up hope. In Christ hope is eternal.

Trust Jesus that His answer is always the right answer when you DO get one. He knows every minutia of detail on everyone and everything as to why His way was the better way.

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 Kind We are to Be, and Be Doing

What Kind We are to Be, and Be Doing 

by David Brenneman 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 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 10:3-6.

"Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." James 1:21-22.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20.

When we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.".

There's a purpose under Heaven for what we go through in life whether or not we agree with going through with it is on each of us. We either hold fast to the Lord going through these things and continue in obeying with what we've been given or we go our own way. There's only two directions in life. God's way and our way. When we've grown enough in Christ the two should be the same. Our way aligning with His way.  

We read in Ephesians 6 of putting on the whole or full armor of God. I found it amazing that that particular clarification was put in there by Paul. We don't pick and choose what parts we will put on and what we will not. We are not to choose to not pick up the Sword of the Spirit. We are not to choose to not put on the helmet of salvation. We are not to choose to not put on the breastplate of righteousness.  

Put it all on...and learn how to live life that way. As Paul often used soldiers as a metaphore he's also right (obviously as the Spirit lead him) to point out what that means to each of us. The determination to please the One whom we belong and are being trained to serve.

Are you determined to please the One whom you have pledged to serve, that is the Lord Jesus Christ?   

These passages took me to thinking about the here and now and the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the Earth. What will be missing that's in our world today? What will still be there?  

Well the Scriptures give us more than enough clues if we but look.

Many many occupations won't be around anymore that are here now.

There will honestly be no need for some that seem so critical today.

Some, today, are things that the god of this world has used to blind the minds of the believing. Not even realizing that they've taken what belongs to the Lord and given it to other persons, places and things.

You must understand that Satan and his minions will take even a slightest, most marginal, of a success in getting you to do anything contrary to the Word of God an declare it a victory on their part.

If you're trying to stay in the whole armor of God and he gets you to let your guard down even for the slightest of moments and compromise...he sees that as a victory. Things of that nature.

We likely won't have celebraties during that 1,000 year reign. Won't have most if any of anything coming out of Hollywood. Won't have hospitals or funeral homes or a need for the police or of a standing army. We won't have politicians. Much will be different when all that people will get to know is the Lord and how to live the way that mankind was supposed to live. Yet with all this God given peace mankind will still rebell at the end of the 1,000 years. As the sands of the seashore in number. After experiencing all the goodness of God for 1,000 years they will still side with the devil.

in this here, this now, though...we have a job, a responsibility, to obey the Scriptures from a willing heart and to see the fruits thereof.

We may be comforted to know that while our struggles seem to be unique to each of us...they're common to man. The nuances might be different but the struggles are the same. The Scriptures say so.  

Persistance is probably considered to be of more importance than patience. A soldier gets better and better by persisting in his or her training. By staying battle ready. While books and specific materials are at the beginning of worldly military training...the point by graduation is to have it memorized and be so much a part of the soldier that they don't need to refer to them. They'll just know what to do and when to do with all confidence.

We have a God-given amount of time in the day and the enemy of God's aim is to get us to waste it on frivolous things. A soldier gets better when their focus stays on what they're to be learning and doing.  

When we come to Christ we have something that's for us to be doing in this place and time in human history that's ours to be doing...that's ordained by God.  

We don't choose what parts we are going to do an what we are not. It's on us to learn what it is we're to be doing and to do what we do as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). 

When we have plenty of time for our interests and hobbies but haven't given the Lord honestly the time of day outside of maybe remembering to thank Him for the food we ate we're NOT living up to our reponsibilities and HAVE given the devil a foothold in our lives.

Are you at all interested in what interests the Lord about you? Are you wanting what He wants to see flourishing in you? Are you wasting precious minutes each day because something else you made more important than your training in righteousness that the Spirit wants to do with you? 

We're not suggested to stand firm in the Lord. We're commanded to.

We're not suggested to flee this or that that's taking our focus and attention off the work of the Spirit of God in us. We're commanded to.

We're not suggested to set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. We're commanded to.

We're not suggested to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. To love your neighbor as yourself. We're commanded to.  

We're not suggested to take up our own cross to follow Jesus. We're commanded to if indeed we are followers of Christ.

Too many people claiming to be Christians today are taking the Word of God as optional suggestions and not commands that lead towards their sanctification. Too many have been lulled into a false sense of security about life so as to not at all try to put on the whole armor of God nor to see to it that it stays on them.

Too many don't know of the Word of God because all they've done is follow someone else's repetition on a Sunday and have never cracked the book open during the week.

Scripture says that God's will for us is to become more like Christ.  

What are you doing to please God in your life to bring this about?

Are you living for Jesus a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that you do?   

We have much to learn and to take in concerning the righteous life that God desire for each of us. All the Disciples of Christ gave up their personal interests to learn what all they could from Jesus on being who they were to be in Christ. Are you willing to do the same?

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 

When Words Fail to Come

When Words Fail to Come
by David Brenneman

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:26-30.

We oftentimes find ourselves in this area of life where we hear nothing with regards to those things we are urgently praying for and about.

It happens.  In no way does this preclude that we've been abandonded by Jesus. 

In every way it ought to make us cling to Him all the more. 

We can, and often do, get ahead of God's plan for us.  There's just times when that plan requires a few deep valley's to go through on the way to where He's taking us.  We're not always going to have a smooth ride.  In fact it's absolutely not spoken of in the Scriptures that we're GOING to get a smooth ride.  In fact Jesus said (since He IS the Word) that all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to suffer in some way (paraphrasing of course).

So what do we do?  Dr. Charles Stanley says to do what we read in the Bible to do.  Duh!  But not.  Many don't consider picking up their Bible when the going gets tough.  But that's always the first step right after prayer. 

And then there's the gut punches that are so strong that we don't know what to say.  The situation is that powerful from our perspective.

That's when what we read this morning comes in all the more.

This week I've been having such a week.  We already don't have all that much interactions with people outside of our home.  When you're searching for a job and 98 percent of the time you get silence in return...and it's been going on for 5 months now...there's just no more words to say in prayer over it...it's just a deep pain that's got no words.

An extremely relative few people have asked how we're doing.  Many tell me they're praying for me, for us.  Only an extreme few cross the line and ask how we're really doing emotionally, spiritually, physically.

In these periods of silence...consistency in the Word is a must.  I can't recall verses like many many Godly men in my life have been able to do.  I just don't have that kind of memory.  But I refuse to give in to even a single day's worth of not being in my Bible in the morning and the study time in the evenings.  My area of struggle is sort of where today's post lies.  I don't want my prayers to be just a repetition of a list of concerns and people but to be heart-felt and genuine.  There's days where the list flashes in my mind but I don't recite it...I just look to a photo of a man being held by Jesus and want that oh so much more than words can say.

Words do escape people at times. 
Words sometimes, regardless of how extensive the human vocabulary is, just can't be found to match a deep, heart-felt, feeling.

The Spirit within knows our hearts way better than we do ourselves.

For that matter even demons know us better than we know ourselves.

Right above my study area, right at eye-level is a decorative wall hanging that simply says "pray". 

I keep a 5 x 7 card on the board behind my computer that is Psalms 143:8-12. 

I know that my job 'drought' will end soon.  I know not from what direction but I know it will end soon. 

Jesus will provide in ways that I never thought possible.  He has in the past and will do it again. 

During the storms with the Disciples...Jesus slept in the boat. 

He knew that nothing was going to happen to Him or them because that was not according to the plan of why He was here. 

In my prayer time I do try to pour out my heart...but there's just some days when I can't fnid the words and know...just know...that that is alright.  Knowing that Jesus knows is enough. 

Someone out there will look past my age and will give me the opportunity.   Why do I know this?  because of the promises of God to always take care of those who are His as He's always done for us throughout my life.

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

Seeking First, Being His

Seeking First, Being His

by David Brenneman 

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:1-21.

Matthew 6:33 says to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be provided to you.  

How often do you find yourself seeking anything in Christ?  

While in many places in his writings Paul exhorted Believers to stand firm...while you're standing firm...you ought also to be seeking His kingdom.

For many the first thing Monday is just our getting back to what life is about outside of doing what we normally do on a Sunday Morning. Some don't even wait that long. Before church lets out they're already making plans for watching a game or several. Wondering if they have enough food to get through them all. Who will watch it with them. They also have purposed in their hearts to shut out the world during this time. Any interruptions are unacceptable. 

For others it's the same vein yet for other reasons. Their hobby. Their time that they 'deserve' to go do whatever fancy's them. Just leave them alone because they want nothing to do with anything until 'their' time is done for the day.

Some go into Monday as if Sunday morning never happened. As if they weren't just with a group of people supposedly praising God and worshipping Jesus.

Some consider, whether or not they acknowledge it or not, recognize it or not, that they're putting on Christ and taking Christ off before and after their time with fellow Believer's.  

Paul's exhortation of putting on Christ isn't like a change of clothes. This isn't putting on your 'Sunday best' as it used to be called. Putting on Christ is a once for all lifetime thing. Once we put off the old with it's habits we're to put on Christ and leave Christ on.  

While some claim to understand my reasonings behind not getting into sports and some have perhaps seen some of my disdain for sports there's a spiritual reason why I abhor sports. It brings out the worst attributes in me spiritually. Before any get pious and stand there saying that it never happens to them. Go look in the mirror because to some extent it happens to everyone. Whether it's sports or some other thing of this world that we 'love'. Truth is our relationship with Jesus suffers when we 'love' something or someone more than we do Him in this world. With me and if anyone's honest about their behavior concerning whatever it is they 'love' in this world...it brings out the worst attributes of our hearts when those things we 'love' are slandered. Anger, bitterness, rage, are ususally the result and no it's never good to just say those sorts of things are a 'friendly' rivalry.  

When we take what belongs to God and give it to anyone or anything we are sinning. Plain pure and simple.

We ought to be those who are looking for ways to know our Savior and Lord more and more. We ought to be those who show ourselves to be examples in this world rather than blending in with the world to the point they don't even suspect we are a Christian.

I've seen myself behave in ways that are shameful in retrospect when I used to get involved with sports teams. I was berating people. I was belittling people. I would get defensive, act out in anger at people all over a stupid team. Those attributes are NOT the fruit of the Spirit.

I am grieved to see people who both lead in churches as well as those who fill the pews behaving in ways that do not show the love of Christ but rather the fruits of sin all over something in this world.

What are we doing when we do these things? We are NOT drawing people to Christ when we're being prime examples of those who do not know the love of Christ.

When we lay claim to having 'forgot' to read our Bibles but we devoted hours to useless things...what are we saying is our priority in growing in Christ? That it's not high on that list? Yes that's exactly what we are saying by our thoughts and actions.

When knowing Jesus isn't your highest priority...what does that say of your walk with Jesus?  

When letting your light shine in such a way that people see your good works and glorifying your Father in Heaven doesn't mean that much to you?  

Yes this world has much to be had to enjoy but we should never put anything or anyone before our relationship with Jesus.   

Every thought, every careless word we will give an account of before Jesus. When we berated anyone for any reason. When we possibly cussed someone out because of some mistake in a dumb football game. When we ranted and raged over someone carelessly changing lanes in front of us. When someone ripped into us because we don't like their particular hobby. When we will ooo and ahh over people in their lives and hold them up on a pedestal but have Jesus stand in a corner. When we will take the word of a celebrity but won't look to see what the Word of God has to say. When we're adamant about dolting over everything in a child's life, sacrificing time, energy and efforts for them but won't attempt the same to be with Jesus for even 15 minutes. When...well you see where all this is going.  

When was the last time you got real with yourself about what's really right and true in your life? Are you guilty of the sin of thinking that you can put on and take off the new person you are in Christ? Have you been neglecting spending time in God's Word over things that do NOT matter in light of eternity? Have you convinced yourself that you are 'living the dream' and don't realize you've given in to idolatry?   

As Dr. Charles Stanley pointed out...we can't see if we're engaging in idolatry...but we can ask Him if we are and to make it known to us and then to obey in getting rid of it.

While this week is yet half over we're also in the midst of a week to be thankful. Many are going to be with family. Many will plop down in front of a television while watching a game. While it's ok to enjoy such things do not cross the line and become sour examples of Christ because of it. Any Earthly Ambassador is on the job 24/7 365 days a year while representing their country or institution. You are an Ambassador of Christ if you claim to have Him be your personal Lord and Savior. You don't lay that asside for anything while the breath of life is in you. Remember that.

As the Scriptures say: guard your heart. Guard your mouth. Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Do not lean on your own understanding. Leaning on your own understanding is telling Jesus "I got this, I don't need your help!".

My Dear Reader...examine your hearts. Really look to see who's in charge of your life. Is it you? Have you decided to yet still do your own thing after coming to Christ? He didn't just save you...He came to give you life but not just life life more abundant. A life we could never see, hear, nor understand on our own.

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 

Confess What Jesus Already Knows

Confess What Jesus Already Knows

by David Brenneman 

"But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance." Titus 2:1-2.

"Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect." Titus 2:6-10.

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:1-18.

The Idols That Impede Your Faith  

As we direct our focus to the Father and wait patiently for His will to open wide the way in our lives, we may discover that there are many things standing in the way of deepening our relationship with God and exercising our faith in Him. 

These strongholds—or idols—are very subtle. They steal into your life covertly, rooting themselves in your emotions and becoming more important to you than God. 

"No one can identify an idol except the Lord… and He sees your heart clearly. Anything that competes for your total devotion to God is an idol in your life. So what is it in you? What are those things—hidden or known to you—that stand in your way of waiting patiently for the Lord’s will to manifest in your life? Ask the Father to reveal them to you. He’s promised He’ll be faithful to show you if and where an idol exists. But be very careful that you don’t rationalize away what He reveals to you. If the Lord puts His finger on something in your life, then set your mind to deal with it immediately.

Here are some common idols in our lives: Our Own Understanding, A Sense of Security, Goals and Dreams, Relationships, The Past, Hobbies." - Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley 'Waiting on God'

Our deeds, our thoughts and actions, even our intentions are more often than not in our own understanding. The things we started to think about but dismissed. The things we've added to our lives that we don't see anything wrong with. We see them as things to enjoy but don't see that they might be really impeding our walk with Jesus. 

In what Paul wrote to Titus we read how young men are to be and see that building progression to what one is to be as a mature man. We read in James of the tongue...and know what Jesus said was the literal heart of the matter...from out of our hearts comes everything and we know it finds its way to our lips. 

We have to ask Jesus what the strongholds are, what the idols are, what is impeding our walk with Jesus because we cannot trust ourselves to know on our own. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 are quotes by themselves a lot but include verse 7 add verse 13.

"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

"How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding." Proverbs 3:5-7.

When we read, understand these things and add in Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Things take a different turn in our understanding. 

The often missed thing in the Gospels is the Disciples seeking out where Jesus went. Seeking Him should be our thought of the day. 

I completely agree with Dr. Stanley on the spiritual truth that we cannot trust ourselves to be fully honest with ourselves about everything pertaining to ourselves with regards to sin's utter sinfulness.

Seemingly innocent things are taking us away from giving our whole heart to Jesus. We are insensitive to the point that the thought won't ever cross our minds. 

Read that again.  

We have allowed things in our lives to shape our attitudes towards ourselves and others...by our own understanding. Not by way of the Word of God because we've never considered or conceived in our understanding to ask God what He says about these things. We understand them as fun and harmless...why?...think about this HARD...because the WORLD says they are harmless! 

We can more easily let the world sway our thinking and what maturity is in Christ than to seek out and apply what the Bible says that we're to live as, as Ambassadors for Christ.

When some think of the helmet of salvation...this helmet has a mouth guard, it isn't a hard hat. It protects the head all over. 

We can be so easily swayed by people, both the mislead Believers as well as well meaning unbelieving in our lives. This takes us directly to taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus our Lord. 

We aren't to be wise in our own eyes but seek out the will of God for us. We cannot trust our hearts to make the right choices on our own. God's will for each of us in Christ is our sanctification. Our becoming more like Jesus rather than our world in which we live. 

Have you asked Jesus what strongholds that are in your life that need to go? Don't think you have any? There's your first mistake. We all are human and live among humans therefore everyone is either on the Lord’s side or the devil's side. 

Seemingly innocent stuff keeps the Word of God from progressing through our world. People see us n don't see Jesus...to our shame and dishonor. 

Stop and reflect. Stop and ask Jesus to show you what's a stronghold, what really is an idol in your life. 

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 

Be Sure, Then Living It.

Being Sure, Then Living It.

by David Brenneman 

"To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed." Titus 1:15-16.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:21-23.

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ [46] These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”" Matthew 25:31-46.

We are speedily arriving to that date set by the Father’s own authority.  

Being sure of your salvation ought to be on our minds at least in part, once confirmed, move on to the still greater things that awaits us. We do not want to learn 1 second after the Rapture of the Church that what we thought we believed in was false and not a life lived in faith in the Son of God. 

There's so-called churches these days where the so-called pastors and so-called leaders are not preaching the whole counsel of God. They are not mentioning the Name of Jesus. They do not at all have altar calls to ask if anyone would like to come to Christ for salvation. There's so-called churches who ignore the Word of God where it clearly states that those who live a life practicing homosexuality will not see Heaven. Some of those erroneously profess to be preachers of the Word. All such teaching is found in what the Bible says is the doctrines of demons. AI, artificial intelligence, has found its way into the pulpit. AI generated preachers. The use of AI to create sermons. People by the millions are being mislead. These people believe they are saved and yet will be those on His left being told to depart for He never knew them.  

You can't be stiff-necked, stubbornly living your life your way and claim to be living life as a true Christ-follower. That way lay the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. That way leads to the path to Hell. 

We cannot live life both ways either. We cannot live for Jesus on a Sunday morning then go live the rest of the week in whatever way we want. In doing that we are telling Jesus "Thanks for saving me, I got it from here...".

Are you sure of your salvation in Christ? Are you living as though it's true? Is it seen in every part of your life by others? Can the world see enough of the character of Christ Jesus in your life to convict you of being a Christian?  

Are you drawn to seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness? 

Are you removing things from your heart and mind that are taking what belongs to Jesus and you've been giving to idols? No that's not something strictly Old Testament or early Church New Testament. Idolatry is a flourishing vibrant problem in our world today. Escapism to fantasy worlds in virtual reality in movies and books.  

Lying to ourselves as to what constitutes an idol. Lying to ourselves as to what's really getting our love and devotion other than Jesus. 

My Dear Reader we still as yet have a sin nature that's bent on getting us to lie to ourselves about everything from whether or not we're truly saved all the way to whether or not something we're considering in our minds is a sin or not.

Be sure of your salvation then stand firm in it while being in the whole armor of God. Being intentional about our relationship with Jesus about everyone and everything else. A husband's wife and children should come next AFTER Jesus. A Wife's husband and children should come next AFTER Jesus. To a single person Jesus should always be the first and only one to get their heart. 

One second after the Rapture of the Church is too late my friend. Perhaps you have read of the parable of the wheat and the tares. Tares are false wheat. Looks like wheat, acts like wheat while it grows yet is all-in-all worthless. Being sown with the true wheat it believes it is real and doesn't look for anything more. The parable tells us that at the end of all things those tares, false Christians, will be judged and found deficient, having lacked a true relationship with Jesus through the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

Be sure that you are saved. Don't risk an eternity of painful torment, eternal separation from God, because of a warm feeling we once had. Don't let your past keep you from asking Jesus to save you. Every type and kind of sinner has come to Christ for salvation and none have been turned away. Don't let your present keep you from asking Jesus to save you. Cleaning people is what His righteousness does. 

"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.

We are to be lights in this world we live in. If we've come to Christ for salvation then in everything we ought to be living life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. If people see us as no different than anyone else then we are failing at being an Ambassador for Christ.  

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror of Truth found only in Christ.  

Be sure, then live it out loud.  

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