Walking Worthy

Walking Worthy 

by David Brenneman 

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13.

"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. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" Romans 8:28-31.

What we do...matters. 

What we think...matters. 

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.

What we do...matters. 

What we think...matters. 

So many, oh so many, people don't think there is or should be consequences to their actions. These days you do not have to look far to know that that is true. 

As Christ-followers we should be recognizable as such. We should be different from the world. We read of all that the Disciples did and should see and understand that their lives were not their own. Jesus lead, commanded, they did.  

Chosen of God the Father they followed Jesus while He taught them.

They indeed gave up everything to follow Jesus. Which included what they did and what they thought. 

What degree of seriousness do you have concerning your walk with Jesus?   

You should be taking time to be with Jesus every day. Not just a couple minutes but serious time. 

How else do you plan on living a life approved by God? How else will you show Jesus appreciation for all that He did for you to save you?

The day after His crucifixion, several thousand years ago, Jesus was down in the heart of the Earth with all the saints who had died. He finally arrived, their joy and jubilation was off the charts. King David, Moses, Adam, Daniel, all who had gone on before. Their salvation had arrived.

I believe that there was also those who'd recently died who saw Jesus and lamented their rejection of Jesus. The other thief was one such person. 

Those saints we read of in Hebrews 11 all gathered around Jesus. By faith they lived lives worthy of their calling in Christ Jesus. 

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

Are your thoughts worthy of your calling in Christ?

Are your interests worthy of your calling in Christ?

Are your deeds worthy of your calling in Christ?

Are you living an approved life worthy of your calling in Christ?

If you indeed are saved in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins, you my Dear Reader, have a divine calling in Christ Jesus. 

You are to live your life in Christ in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. 

If your life mirrors the world what could the world possibly see in you that's different?

Do you really want to scrape by in entering into Heaven? Having done only the minimum for He who died the death you deserved for your sins?

We can do more and should be doing more to show our appreciation for all that Jesus did for us.  

We should be walking worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. 

We should be different from the world and should be a light not hidden under a basket.  

"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.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit." 

Matthew 22:37.

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

Being different in the Lord is what we are to be. We have been saved in Christ. We are approved for entry into His Heaven based on the finished work of God in Christ. We have work to be done for the Kingdom of God while we are yet still here breathing the air of this world.

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved."

1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Do you live a life that really shows Jesus that He means everything to you?  

Are you going to be one of those who's works are burned up?

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:10-18.

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

You, in how you live your life, show Jesus just how important what He did to save you, really means to you. 

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

There's probably not a worldly sales person out there who wants to hear people getting told to turn away from those things that grab the eye or tug at the heart, that pull people away from a life approved in Christ.

Satan's schemes are formulated for you. He doesn't sleep. His minions are as aware of everything about you as your Guardian Angel is.  

His schemes are designed to do anything he is approved of to disrupt your walk with Jesus. To ruin your calling in Christ. To get you to get you out of the game.

If all of your posts are about things then that's all people will see is important to you. 

If all you talk about is anything but what God's doing in your life then that's all you are showing anyone that is truly important to you. 

If what you do, say or think gets more of your passion and love than Jesus does then you are showing yourself and others just who is more important in your life. 

Walk worthy of your calling isn't just words on a page. 

The Words of God jump off the page to turn lives around and beyond. 

When was the last time you really had a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus since coming to Christ for salvation?

Are you walking worthy of your calling in Christ or are you walking in an unworthy manner?  

The calling of God is revealed in your obedience. The gifts and calling of God in Christ Jesus is irrevocable. You ARE imbued with gifts from on high in Christ and you WILL give an account some day as to what you did with them.  

Walk worthy of your calling in Christ. 

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

Do You?

Do You?

by David Brenneman 

A sermon by S. M. Lockridge on describing Jesus: 

"“He’s enduringly strong, He’s entirely sincere, He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. He’s God’s Son. He’s a sinner’s savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s preeminent. He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest idea in philosophy. He’s the fundamental truth in theology. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick, He cleans the lepers. He forgives sinners, He discharges debtors, He delivers captives, He defends the feeble, He blesses the young, He serves the unfortunate, He regards the aged, He rewards the diligent, He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him?

Well, my king is the king of knowledge, He’s the well-spring of wisdom, He’s the doorway of deliverance, He’s the pathway of peace, He’s the roadway of righteousness, He’s the highway of holiness He’s the gateway of glory, He’s the master of the mighty, He’s the captain of the conquerors, He’s the head of the heroes, He’s the leader of the legislators, He’s the overseer of the overcomers, He’s the governor of governors, He’s the prince of princes, He’s the king of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Well. I wish I could describe Him to you. But He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible, He’s irresistible. I’m trying to tell you, the Heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my king!

He always has been, and He always will be. I’m talking about He [who] had no predecessor and He [who] has no successor. There was nobody before Him and there will be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him, and He’s not going to resign. We try to get prestige and honor and glory to ourselves, but the glory is all His. Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, and ever, and ever, and ever. How long is that? And ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and when you get through with all of the forevers, then ‘Amen’.”

“Oh I wish I could describe him to you.”

This Good Friday, stop and think about what happened several thousand years ago just for you and I and all mankind, whether accepted or not, the Truth, did what He came to do. 

Jesus indeed came and lived a sinless life. He healed the sick. 

Cast out many demons. Loved those who thought they were long forgotten and rejected by friends and family. Showed the world that the Creator of all things wasn't willing that any should perish but that all might be saved if they would just believe in the one and only Son of God. 

Jesus willingly bore our stripes in being beaten on this day so long ago. By His stripes we are healed. Herod thought by doing this it would appease the Jews but no they were stirred up to be out for blood, Jesus's blood. Darkness was reigning at an all time high. 

Jesus was lead away to be crucified. Simon of Cyrene forced to help get His cross to Golgotha.  

But no this wasn't the end. Lifted high as the serpent was in Moses's day, so the Son of Man was lifted up. 

Darkness formed over the Earth covering the bright of day. The Savior of all mankind would cry out "It is FINISHED!". The Earth would quake, the voice of God's only Son echoing across the land. In the Temple, the veil would rip from top to bottom. Pulled open wide for all to see that the way to God through the Lord’s Christ had been accomplished. 

Satan was now a defeated foe.

Jesus took back the title deed of the Earth. Jesus defeated sin, death and the grave.  

That's my Jesus. I wonder, do you know Him?  

Today you should take time to seriously consider the path Jesus took to provide salvation to you and I. This isn't some holiday as all the the others in this world. While equalled only with Christmas, this one is the beginning of the end of Satan's dominion.  

Soon and very soon we are going to be with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ the triumphant. Take it to heart...Jesus DID do everything He came to do 2,000 plus years ago...He will return to finish it out. Consider it well that all that remains of human history is that distance between now and His return and 1,007 years. That's it. 

Living for Jesus a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that I do. That hymn never grows old.  

What are you doing to intentionally get to know this Savior and Lord of yours? What are you doing to learn to be like Jesus? What are you avoiding doing?  

Are you living out your faith in Jesus or are you hiding it?  

Are you not saved yet at all? 

It takes but a decision, a choice, to choose the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Asking Him to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life takes but a moment. The rewards are eternal.  

"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.

Do you know Him?  

How you answer that question will determine your eternal destination. 

To many Jesus will say to come into His Heaven because He had a real relationship with them.

To countless billions He will say to "depart from Me for I never knew you!".

Which will it be for you? Eternal pain and suffering paying for your sins or eternal life in Christ in His Heaven with Him?

Jesus Christ is my God, my Lord and Savior, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. That's my King. 

I wonder...do you know Him?

"In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:20-21.

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

Neither Affirm nor Condemn

Neither Affirm nor Condemn 

by David Brenneman 

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48.

"You shouldn't judge!"...a very very miss understood statement. Not at all what was meant by the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We shouldn't ever put ourselves in a position to decide who isn't worthy of salvation in Christ Jesus...that's what is meant by not judging.  

As to those in the body of Christ yes we are to deal with sins of the apparently unrepentant. Matthew 18 speaks to this. Jesus Himself is doing the teaching on this. In context He taught us to know people by their fruits. You have to have righteous discernment to properly evaluate, judge, those whom cross your path in life. 

Yesterday I had an unexpected experience with someone that caused me to immediately pray for the situation that I found myself in. Words were misunderstood that were spoken and the individual in question speaking to me was not showing any signs that they were being rational, anger was in their words even if they weren't aware of this.  

It was because of this situation that I learned of a breach of trust concerning someone else. Again, these are situations of knowing people by their fruits. Asking God for help in these situations reveals what we need to know in dealing with such things. It's on me to forgive even if the subject isn't spoken of again. It's not about judging them. To look at the fruits of both involved...I don't believe either is saved. As we read, so shall it be, God will judge those outside the Church. It's on me to pray for those who persecute me.  

Months ago we had an incident that hit very close to home. I was ready to mount a defense with one of the two parties it involved. Jesus spoke to me and said not to. That He knows the truth and He will deal with them. Little did I realize He was referring to this passage in 1 Corinthians 5.  

It's not easy stepping out of the way and praying for those meaning to do us harm, be it verbally or otherwise. This isn't to say that we shouldn't defend ourselves from personal physical attacks. Push comes to shove, I likely will introduce such a one to Jesus in a very personal way. 

We often do not realize that our demeanor and actions are our self-righteous desire to condemn someone to Hell rather than to see them saved. That's what our judging outsiders is doing. We don't have the authority to decide who is or is not fit for the kingdom of God. Regardless of what kind of human beings they are, what does the Scriptures say? Jesus came that all might find salvation in Him. Including the likes of Hitler, Stalin, every single mass murder in human history. People whom the world even would condemn to go to Hell, Christ died for. 

Jesus prayed for those who put Him on the cross. Yet people today won't pray for those who have done them wrong in word or deed. 

People readily become Pharisees in deciding who isn't being a Christian without looking to the truth of the Scriptures to see if things are so with regards to what's going on. 

We aren't to affirm nor condemn people who are decidedly living in sin. Praying for them will do everything our words and actions could ever accomplish. 

Nobody can stop the effectual work of the Spirit of God in their lives. Either by way of making them see and understand their need to be saved in Christ Jesus or to show them their utter sinfulness that is leading them to Hell. Nobody in Hell was sent there by Jesus. Those in Hell chose to reject Jesus Christ and sent themselves there.  

We should be mindful of praying for those who persecute us. I have seen the Spirit go places that I could not.  

Taking a stand for what the Bible says can and often does get you into a heap of trouble. Having had a coworker intent on a blatant life in sin trying to require people to use their personal pronouns, this got to me in a personal way. It certainly was the Spirit of God who'd protected my speech to keep me from troubles in this. It wasn't my place to condemn him. He was outside the Church, obviously, so it's on Jesus to deal with him. It is on me to still pray for him regardless.  

Many feel the need to try the eye for an eye approach to dealing with anyone. Reading what Jesus said...that's not how to do life.  

Many want to self isolate. Shun such people. Guess what. That's what the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, many Levites, priests, did. Look at the parable of the Good Samaritan.  

My Dear Reader, if you decide in the heat of the moment, who is or isn't worthy of the love of God, you are sitting in judgment, you are trying to take God's place in deciding their eternal future. 

We are to be lights in the world. We aren't responsible for how that light is received. We aren't to hide it.  

Jesus said that we are blessed when people are persecuting us for obeying God. 

Another point is a favorite of mine. 

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

You have a daily choice to make.  

You can pray for those who persecute you or you can sin yourself and try to decide their fate. 

Jesus said what He said to guide us into His righteousness. To develop His character in our lives. Jesus didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery. He didn't chase off or rage against the Samaritan woman. He didn't run off those with leprosy. He didn't do what most feel the need to do today.  

Jesus prayed. 

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

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Why Do You Do What You Do?

by David Brenneman 

"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10.

"For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

"not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free." Ephesians 6:6-8.

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

"There's no way that you can keep from being conformed to the world unless you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind." Ray Stedman

Why DO you pursue what you do? 

Why ARE you excited about the things that you are excited about?

How much of those things are going to make you learn more of what it means to be more like Christ? Some of it? Parts of it? All of it? None of it?

Where you are intentionally taking our mind to tells whether you are being conformed to the world or transformed by the renewing of your mind.

That quote really tells the story of our thoughts and intentions. Interestingly enough...where have we read about thoughts and intentions?

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

These very Scriptures, the very Word of God, that this passage refers to says exactly what kind of accountability we will be taken to in standing before Jesus one day. 

Long ago people made a joke of the attention span of a dog. In less than a second many dogs can go from docile, calm, well behaved to running after a squirrel. Throwing everything into instant chaos. 

In this war of the mind of man, we have the exact same problem between our wants and desires and being intentional on living the life in Christ that He desires for us.  

We may indeed need to sacrifice our wants and desires in order to be in training in righteousness for the work of God in Christ Jesus that He's planned out for us to be doing for Him. 

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.

The Christian life is an intentional life. We have 4 Gospels to describe this intentional life. We have a set of books after them that expound upon those Gospels and provide both examples and instructions on living life in Christ that He desires for us.  

So what are you doing about it? Are you at all attempting to take up your own cross to follow Jesus?

Are you one of those who are pursuing life as God wants of you or are you only giving God your leftover few minutes here and there? Not remotely putting your heart into what He's desiring for you, not considering that you are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that you might walk in them. 

Considering what all the whole armor of God is to do and protect, doesn't that imply there's a special specific plan to go with that for the bearer of that armor? People easily recognize that a man or woman in a space suit is going to be doing something in space. Someone dressed in overalls and on a working farm is probably going to be doing farm work. Someone wearing a chef's garment is probably going to be creating meals.   

So look at how you are dressed for the day. Are you dressed for, both spiritually and mentally, for the environment that He is taking you to? Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. Accurately handling the Word of God. Being transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ. Not being conformed to this world. 

I will readily admit that some of my Bible studies maxes out my brain. But that's not a bad thing. Anyone can veg out doing nothing beneficial. There's times when I do that too. Atypically it can be a path to future troubles. Planting seeds of doubt or seeds of sinful opportunities. As that quote said...we are either being conformed or transformed.  

Realize that your sin nature as well as whatever has been permitted by God, the sinful suggestions by Satan and his companions...these are not going to leave you alone.

We are going to face such things every day. Being intentional on being transformed helps mitigate whatever is trying to dig into our hearts and minds. 

You have before you the path of life in Christ and the path of the world. 

You can't pursue both at the same time. In the Gospels we read of the intentionality of Jesus to set aside His desires to live out life in a way that showed full obedience to His Father in Heaven.

Literally lives are at stake.  

Literally our obedience in living life in Christ hastens His return. 

We don't know who that last person is who will say yes to salvation in Christ will be. But whomever it is will only know of that free gift of salvation because of the obedience of someone to live life in Christ in such a way that they saw their good works and glorified our Father in Heaven.

What you do, what you go after in life, should absolutely include your transformation into the person in Christ that He's making you to be.

If you're one who struggles with understanding, ask Him for help. The Bible says that if anyone lacks wisdom they are to ask of God who gives it freely to all who ask. 

Jesus conquered sin, death and the grave in order to provide salvation to all who would believe.  

Take stock of what is driving you to do what you are doing.  

Temporary sacrifices now yield eternal rewards later. Keep your eyes on the prize.  

Are you not realizing that you're not going to hear "Well done!" from Jesus if you're only trying to get by in life by doing the bare minimum?

Think long and hard about your why's that are your life.  

Why do you do what all it is you are doing?

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

Conformed or Transformed

Conformed or Transformed 

by David Brenneman 

"There's no way that you can keep from being conformed to the world unless you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind." Ray Stedman.

I know not whom this person is other than he was quoted by Dr. David Jeremiah in his devotional book that I am going through. However the point is spot on. 

You both influence others and are being influenced by others every single day. What you allow yourself to be influenced by is mostly in your hands and by your decisions that you make. 

You choose to go this place or that place or to stay where you are. Within these decisions you make or follow a train of thought. While you are awake you have a hand in the direction of your life by your words, thoughts and actions. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. However, Biblically speaking, nothing is beyond the control of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

It's a very singular rarity that a mind isn't either being influenced by the world or isn't being renewed day by day in the Lord. 

Medical reasons are among those. 

Part of the woes of many Believer's are in their not taking their walk with Jesus seriously. They don't realize that you can't grow spiritual muscles by only praying over food, when they remember to, and going to Church one or twice a week.  

No athlete would ever be considered an athlete if they talked to their coach only under certain conditions and only attempted to work out for a few hours on a single day of the week. 

That's what many have done to their walk with Jesus.  

They strive not to take every thought captive in any sense of the word. 

They look not at the value of spending time daily in the Word of God and in prayers that go beyond that of food and shelter. 

These people are some of the best that Satan's not needing to even mess with because they think they're doing ok as a Christian.  

But then again...we need to understand what the will of God for us is. 'What would Jesus do?' was a very much over used catch phrase several decades ago.  

Yet in these things about living lives daily, Jesus DID say something about it in the book of Revelation. 

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” Revelation 3:14-22.

Jesus isn't anything less than the Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Savior of the world. Yet many professing Christians relegate Him to the lowly status of a butler, a bodyguard, someone to call 911 to when the desires of their hearts get them in trouble. 

In Romans 12:1,2 we read: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Further we read "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27.

When we come to Christ we don't just get saved from the wrath to come. We don't just go to Heaven rather than Hell. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are adopted into the family of God. We are Ambassadors for Christ in this world. We are to grow in respect to the salvation we have in Christ Jesus. We are to take any and every avenue that works for us to grow in Christ and to learn however we can from the Spirit of God who will teach us all things. 

It has been a hard thing to watch organizations and people coming after Alistair Begg, some even calling for him to repent of his advice to a Grandmother. Attempting to silence him until he does. That's where an earlier post got its title of modern day Pharisees. People claiming to be Christians who have certain lost their way and whom are not living in the light of Jesus Christ nor do they know His Word. 

I have written about and posted a picture of the materials that I go through each evening. I choose the renewing of the mind route in Christ. I have had to discover how I learn. I had to teach myself how to study because I couldn't find anyone to teach me how to. For me. I heavily use the search function of an Bible app to fill in the gaps of parts of verses that I remember or call to mind. Sometimes it's Google. Decades ago I cried out to God in my frustration over not being able to memorize the Scriptures like others do. His answer said that He did give me Google lol.

I had to decide what was going to feed my mind or leach my mind. All of us must choose what we are going to do with regards to the rest of our lives in Christ. 

My Dear Reader if you call yourself a Christian...live out your life in Christ to the fullest measure.  

You must choose who you too will serve. As the Scriptures say as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.  

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

You choose but your choice has consequences. You will stand before Jesus one day to give an account of your life before Him. 

What will your life show?

You will either show conformity to the world or transformation in Christ Jesus. 

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

What Should We Be Doing?

What Should We Be Doing?

by David Brenneman 

"Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8.

"Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”" Luke 3:8-14.

"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Romans 13:11-14.

It's easy to be a glutton and without restraint discipline will never come. 

It's extremely easy to go along with the world in whatever is offered today. We have whole psychology courses on the subject. How to manipulate people and get what you want. It's all in how you ask the question. It's oh so easy to take the easy road and not the more difficult, more beneficial, harder road.

People don't see what manipulation by the masses is about until its maybe too late. Not even seeing that what has transpired never had God's blessings on it.  

The Scriptures say not to be wise in your own estimation but to understand what the will of God for you is to be in Christ Jesus. 

Extremists exist in various so-called churches. Only use this Bible and nothing else. Only dress this way. Only sit where you're told. Only sing particular songs. Only pray this way. Don't associate with these people. Don't this and don't that. 

This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus: your sanctification. 2 Thessalonians 4:3a.

We are to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to this world. Not hide it under a basket. Not to decide who gets that light and who doesn't deserve that light. We aren't to sit in the judgment seat and decide the fates of mankind. We are not God. 

We aren't to shun those in the world. As it was written: "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

Any legitimate version of the Bible that you understand and pray over is ok to use. You should at least do your homework and choose a version that is accurate and hasn't been added to nor has had things taken away. 

Jesus cares about the souls of people and how they dress matters not.  

Jesus once told the Pharisees to go and learn what this means: I desire obedience not sacrifice.  

We are in such a saturated culture everywhere that proposes that anything is game. Do what you want, when you want, no accountability.  

Being truthful with you, how seriously are you taking the life in Christ that He's desiring to have with you? Have you fallen into any of the traps of the world that you read earlier in this post? They are traps and fall under legalism. The Pharisees realistically taught legalism. They had more rules added to the Law than the Law itself was long.  

Charles Stanley's Life Principle: obey God and leave the consequences to Him is founded in Christ's teaching to the Disciples.  

You can't expect to fight the good fight as Paul wrote of his own life if you aren't working out spiritually. One hour a week isn't a workout in anybody's circle for anything.  

We pour way too much of our time, energy and effort into the world's thoughts concerning our successes and failures than a single thought from God on the subject. 

There's always an excuse. A well rehearsed reason for not walking in Christ as we ought to be. We easily choose the cynical route. Choose to accept defeat rather than to fight because we're spiritually unfit to fight.  

How do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit, how do you love your neighbor as yourself, if you aren't learning what that means and are practicing it?

Jesus came to seek and save the lost...He went all over Israel to do so. Post resurrection stories tell of Jesus visiting various Indian tribes and other cultures before ascending to Heaven. 

When Jesus does reach out to you, do you withdraw or do you reach back out to Him? When He speaks do you listen or are you quick to change the subject?  

Hopefully you have believed to the point of salvation through Jesus Christ. Having believed in Jesus, do you strive to live an approved life unto God because of all He did to save you? Jesus told a truthful parable on the things people were given that they would be giving an account of some day. What have you done with what you have been given? If you believed unto salvation then you should believe that there is a day we will stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him. The thoughts, intentions and deeds we had all tried by fire.

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Sheltered lives we aren't to lead. Going where sent, speaking as directed by the Spirit, obeying in all that we do, learning to walk in the character of Christ.  

Pray about your spiritual eyes. Ask for you to see things, understand things, as Jesus sees them concerning your life. Make whatever changes you know you need to be doing to grow spiritually stronger. Make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts, its desires. Walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. Don't expect most to understand.  

What are you to be doing? I think you already have an idea. 

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

Modern Day Pharisees

Dangers of Modern Pharisees 

by David Brenneman 

'Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:6-8.

Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him - Blackaby on Matthew 19:22. 'The rich young ruler'.

Seems as though we're not done with our consideration of that thought from Blackaby. 

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

"for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29.

Do you see where all this leads? A life in Christ is to be lived to the best of our abilities with whatever Spiritual gifts we have had bestowed upon us not to our glory but to the glory of Him who saved us who is Christ the Lord. 

We are to remind ourselves daily by being in the Word of God of our need to honor everything that Jesus did for us.  

Since our lives are a sum of our responses to God in our lives, should not we strive to listen and obey? Shouldn't we do more to take our will and set it aside?

It's really sad to consider that flavors are in the world today of the Pharisees and Sadducees...within the professing Church. The Great Commission brooks no exclusions. In other words there are no exceptions. Jesus said to go to all the world. We don't decide where we will or won't go. 

In our intentional interactions with the Spirit of God and growing in Christ we are to develop the character of Christ in us. Jesus went wherever the Father bid Him to go. Even to a Samaritan woman. Even to lepers. Even to tax collectors. Even to the demon possessed. Even to politicians. We know only a sampling of all who's lives He changed or attempted to change. Ecclesiates says there's nothing new under the sun. He probably ran across even homosexuals and all other types of people. Sin had perverted mankind since before the Genesis Flood. 

The "you shouldn't judge" crowd of Pharisees these days should realize that it's not our place to decide who should or shouldn't be saved. That's what kind of judgment we aren't to partake of. We don't decide who is or isn't worthy of hearing or seeing the Gospel message.  

Our life is to be a wonderful witness before mankind of the manifold grace of God unto salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. 

Our reactions to our interactions with God reflects our hearts not just before mankind but before Christ Jesus Himself. 

People who say they just can't forgive someone of something...must realize the Scriptures say you must if you expect Christ to forgive you. If you don't then you won't be forgiven. 

People wonder why Believers are put in some of the most horrible of situations. In the case of a man wrongfully imprisoned under horrific circumstances and conditions...he said he prayed to God asking why he was going through such things. Twice, he says, God replied with "because you can handle it".

People in the Church aren't to avoid those in the world. We are to be lights in the world. Taking the Light of Jesus Christ wherever He sends us. Even if it's to a homosexual wedding or a prison or a neighbor you have just never gotten along with.  

Consider this...once a light source is illuminated it never discriminates where it goes and what the light lands on. It's not responsible for the reaction for that which is revealed by it. 

In the renewing of our minds before the Lord we are to take on His attributes, His character, displaying His unconditional love for all mankind.  

You who pick n choose based on whatever is biasing you...do you not realize that THAT person you are avoiding, maybe even hating, could be the last person who will be saved before the Rapture of the Church takes place? There is GOING to be a Believer who obeys God and shares the gospel to that last person.  

We aren't to affirm nor condemn those in this world who are deliberately practicing lawlessness. We are to be lights in the world that reflect Christ and it is Christ through the work of the Spirit of God who changes lives. We don't save anyone. Jesus saves.  

You, if indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus, have a wonderful purpose assigned to you by the Spirit of God. Scripture says that the Spirit sets people in the body of Christ as He sees fit. You have what you need to be that particular part of the body of Christ to the glory of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ through the work of the Spirit of God within us. 

Modern day Pharisees have everything in common with the Pharisees of old. Do not touch do not eat do not do this do not do that. Don't associate with the lowly. Avoid the sinners of the world.  

So look at your life and first be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. Then be sure you are indeed obeying your calling and your purpose in Christ. Let go of whatever is taking your attention away from the righteous life that God desires for you. Throw your prejudices to the feet of the cross of Jesus Christ. Nail them there. 

As workers in His fields we are to do as instructed, we aren't to choose what we will or won't do. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Listen to Jesus. 

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44-48.

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

What's Really Your Response?

What's Really Your Response?

by David Brenneman 

Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him - Blackaby on Matthew 19:22. 'The rich young ruler'.

"And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26.

That portion of that devotional I found to be very profound.  

Jesus interacts through various ways with people. From nature itself to personal interactions through people or sometimes even Himself personally.  

So what have you recognized as His with you and your life?  

The rich young ruler wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  

You might be asking that very same question. 

We don't have work to do to inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

What we do is simply believe God. There are no lists of tasks to complete. 

"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.

Our intentional interaction with Jesus to be saved does everything to bring us to salvation.  

The thief on the cross had nothing he could do. Literally his hands were tied. All he had was a belief in the Son of God and Jesus told him that very day he would be with Him in paradise. 

Everything grows from that moment in the life of a Believer. 

Everything that we need to grow in Christ Jesus begins that very same day. We become His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. We are given His Spirit to empower us towards that life in Godliness.  

We can't earn our way into Heaven. We can't possibly be good enough for if being good enough or doing enough good deeds could accomplish that...then indeed as the Scriptures say...Christ died needlessly. He was scourged needlessly. He was mocked, beaten, humiliated needlessly. He was forced after all that to drag His own cross to the place of His own crucifixion needlessly. He was nailed to the cross needlessly. He was raised up among those others condemned to die needlessly. He was mocked and scorned by the Pharisees and Sadducees needlessly. He went through all of this needlessly if there were any other way to get to Heaven. 

But my Dear Reader...it was all necessary to take our place on that cross that was ours to die on.  

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

We all deserve Hell because of sin.

"But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:15-19. 

How have you responded to your personal interactions with Jesus?

How have you prioritized your life to place and keep in place your relationship with Jesus? Do you even have a right relationship with Jesus? As we read in Romans 10...you must come to Christ for salvation first.   

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

It's on all to recognize that Jesus knocks at the door of their hearts asking to come in. It's on all to realize they, like Peter, fell in the drowning waters of sin and require Jesus to pull them out. 

Jesus isn't one way among many ways to get to Heaven. 

Jesus is the one and only way to get to Heaven. By no other name given to men under Heaven by which we must be saved.  

How we respond to Jesus is what our lives will be judged by Him. Did we acknowledge His pleas to save us? Did we acknowledge His love for us? Did we obey His irrevocable calling for our lives and the gifts we were given by His Spirit when we came to Christ for salvation?  

What will your responses look like? Many, or so very few? Will that moment when our lives are tried by fire show all of it going up in flames or will it produce a crown of righteousness to give back to Jesus? All of that is in your hands based on your responses to Jesus. 

It's not too late to begin to live a life of obedience to God's Word. 

It's not too late to get to know the One who saved your life. 

He knows you by name and wants you to personally get to know Him.

How have you responded? Because my Dear Reader He has been with you since before you were born.  

Ask Him to make Himself known to you and for you be helped by Him to live for Jesus. 

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. That certainly would be you and I. 

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

Go Where He Sends You

Go Where He Sends You 

by David Brenneman 

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper," Matthew 26:6.

"And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:2-3.

"When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”" Luke 19:5.

"As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”" Matthew 9:9-11.

There seems to be a turmoil surrounding the advice that Pastor Alistair Begg gave to a Grandmother concerning attending a wedding in the family that was a transgender wedding. His recommendation was to not only go to it but to take a wedding gift as well. 

One of the broadcasting networks dropped Truth for Life because of this.  

Even the likes of Pastor John MacArthur didn't side with his advice.  

After reading what few passages that you have in this post...in my opinion...Alistair Begg gave Godly advice. Jesus would have went so why wouldn't a Grandmother or anyone else?

We are to follow the Great Commission. The Great Commission doesn't have exceptions. It's not to go throughout the world teaching all that He commanded except under these conditions or under these circumstances.  

Alistair was right on spot with calling those who have come after him as modern Pharisees.  

We are to be Ambassadors for Christ wherever HE SENDS US. 

It's disappointing that so many people have chosen to come down on such a well known Pastor for speaking the truth in love. 

Christians are not to affirm nor revile people in the world who deliberately choose to live ungodly lives. That is what Alistair Begg was saying. 

The Prodigal Son...he intentionally blew his inheritance on all sorts of ungodly living. His father showed compassion and received his son back. 

What would Jesus have done in these situations? We can read the samples and examples for ourselves in the Gospels.  

Some have called for Alistair Begg to publicly repent concerning this.  

He has nothing to repent of according to the Scriptures. 

The Grandmother going did not affirm nor condemn those at the wedding. The Grandmother going brought the light of Jesus Christ into the venue much the same as Christ being there Himself. 

What does the Spirit say?

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:12-14.

Not every situation is the same. But the truth of God is that Jesus commanded us to go into all the world teaching all that He commanded them. No exceptions unless in that current time and place the Spirit says it's not time yet. Reference the times that Paul sought to go places but the Spirit said no at that time.  

We are call to trust and obey.  

We aren't to become as the Pharisees were, deciding who should or shouldn't see the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Matthew 23:15.

It all comes down to your calling...the instructions the Spirit gives to you specifically.

Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost. He made no exceptions for anyplace He went. Saving even a Samaritan woman. 

We as Christians are live lives as what? "Unto the Lord Jesus Christ".

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44-48.

I year or so ago I found myself in a situation at work where an employee came out as transgender. My conversation with my supervisor was along the same lines as the things that Alistair Begg said. I would not affirm nor condemn this employee's decision in life. Regardless of what was to happen going forward the call of my life in the workplace is still to be Christ to those around me. 

Pray for those in your life. Nobody crosses paths with you by accident. The Light of Jesus Christ isn't to be kept under a basket. It's not to be hidden from the world so that only a select few may enjoy the illumination thereof.  

Your life is the testimony of all that Jesus did for you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Pray for those who persecute you.  

Live your life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  

Lastly...take these things to heart: 

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17.

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

Having Eyes That See

Having Eyes That See

by David Brenneman 

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38.

We often see people from our own weak understanding. We view them not as God sees them. We take our mind's interpretation of feelings, emotions and situations and arrive at a personal judgment concerning them. We decide who is of worth and who is not. We literally don't see that we play God in determining the worth of a life He created. This is what Jesus meant by do not judge. We are indeed to make a judgment call on further investment into others. As in what He said of not casting your pearls before swine. Some ground is too hard to dig into to plant seeds for some. These we take to God in prayer to break up the heart so that they too might find the seed of salvation planted in them. We aren't to decide who is worthy of the free gift of salvation and who is not. 

His harvest. We are to be workers in His fields. Workers in a field need to know something about plants and weeds. About rocks and trees. About moving earth to place seeds. About healthy fertilizer and appropriate watering.  

We need Godly perspective on dealing with people. Godly perspective on the signs of the times. Godly perspective on life. 

We of all people are the most easily deceived by our own sin nature. We aren't used to checking ourselves. We aren't used to the kind of personal examination that Paul spoke of. We require training in righteousness because it's not something that's natural to us. 

We need to be obedient students of the cross of Jesus Christ. Students must put aside their personal views in favor of what they are being taught. The ideal Teacher being the Holy Spirit that we have, we must be the attentive ideal student, the ideal disciple. 

On several occasions we read of Jesus not trusting those around Him because He knew what was in the hearts of mankind.  

We are told what comes out of the heart of man. Most of it isn't good because of our sin nature.  

When we take the Bible's explanation of the condition of the hearts of mankind as reality then we must follow through with what Jesus said to do in dealing with such things. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. It's hard!  

Realizing that within each of us it is possible to display the worst attributes of humanity is humbling. 

Gives you a different way to look at "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) doesn't it?

Having eyes that see what you should from God's perspective, from God's truth should be the desire of your heart. We honestly cannot trust ourselves to get life right on our own understanding. 

We are to walk as children of the light. The Light being in and of Christ in us. Treating people as Jesus Christ would. Some He obviously trusted that the Father chose and many whom He did not. 

Many He lifted up many He came down on. Yet He did love them all. 

Keeping selfish ambition out of the heart is difficult. Keeping a Godly perspective is something to learn. 

Jesus still needs workers in His fields. No Christian should ever consider themselves excused from the life in Christ that the Spirit desires for them.  

The plan and purpose of God for each and every single Believer should take precedence about whatever personal perspectives we have. Just as the workers in His fields are there to do what He has them there for.

If getting what we want is more important than what God wants for us then it's is us who has the perspective problem. 

It means we aren't seeing with the spiritual eyes we have been given, in all likelihood it also means that even if we are then we aren't accepting what it is that God intends for each of us. 

Do you ever pray for your spiritual eyes? Do you ever pray to have His understanding to overshadow your own? Are you at all deciding who is or is not worthy of the same gift of salvation that you received? 

Paul Overstreet had a song in 1987 called "Richest Man on Earth".

I've heard tell of millionaires

And billionaires and such

Who gathered all their treasures

And still did not have enough

If money could buy peace of mind

I guess they'd have it all

But all the money in the world

Wouldn't hold you when you fall

We've got a roof over our head

And the kids have all been fed

And the women I love most

Lies close beside me in our bed

Lord, give me the eyes to see

Exactly what it's worth

And I will be the richest man on earth

Lord, when I wish I had the things

That you gave someone else

I pray that you'll forgive me

For just thinkin' of myself

I haven't been as thankful

As I know I ought to be

I should be more then satisfied

With all you've given me

One thing is for certain

It don't matter when you die

If you had a million

Or if you just got by

Yes, I will be the richest man on earth

Do we have Godly perspectives? In most cases we don't. Our selfish desires often drown out what we are in class to be taught in righteousness.  

David was known as a man after God's own heart. Would you be?  

Do you desire that? Moses was known as a friend of God. Would you be?

Jesus, after the resurrection, while walking with a few Disciples, opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures and all that was there about Himself. Do you pray for this for you?  

Having eyes that see requires a heart and mind that wants to understand what is being seen. 

Setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

Get praying...you know what to ask for.

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

Holy Anxiety

Holy Anxiety 

by David Brenneman 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 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. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" Romans 8:18-31.

While indeed the Scriptures say to be anxious for nothing...in this...we should be...it's of God and therefore should be a heartfelt expectation of all who believe. 

People honestly waste so much on the worries of this life. So much time isn't being spent wisely. Does not the Scriptures say to walk as the wise and not the unwise? Making the most of every opportunity? Yet, like Peter after he sees the tumultuous waters after getting out of the boat, we worry in a moments notice...sometimes without notice. 

Being anxious for nothing with regards to anything in this world is absolutely a necessity.

Being anxious for what all Creation is eagerly expecting is something else entirely. 

We should have an eager expectation of the imminent return of Jesus Christ for us. It should indeed spur us on to love and good deeds. It should have us deep in the Word of God examining the things that we are told about God to see if they are so. It should have us to NOT be that slave who took what Jesus gave us and had buried it until Jesus returned. 

Worry is a prayer we essentially say to ourselves that doesn't go anywhere. It's us attempting to figure out our situation in our way by our own strength and our own wisdom. 

A prayer unto God is our putting everything in His hands and waiting expectantly for His direction and provision for either our participation or His dealing with it. Utilizing His wisdom, His strength, His abilities. 

I do eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ in my lifetime. I firmly believe that He's shown me that's when He is going to come back again. It's part of the backbone of this blog. To do whatever He's empowered me to do to point people back to Jesus or to encourage them to come to Christ for salvation. I truly cannot write this blog of my own accord...it's whatever He's directing me to write, that's what each post is. I have a healthy expectation for each morning, or sometimes during the day, to be writing to the world. 

I refer to this as a holy anxiousness because it's right, pure and true. We should be something like the other two slaves in that parable in that they didn't know when their Master was returning but they knew that he would. They entertained no doubts. They chose not to waste time. As assuredly as the command to them was given to do with what they were given, just as assuredly he would return to see how they did.

In another point consider this...Jesus rebuked the Pharisees when they told Him that the children shouldn't say what they were about Jesus. Jesus said that should they be silent the very rocks would cry out. Jesus referred to a fig tree as "you". As in it was alive.

Creation is indeed groaning as it awaits Jesus returning. Creation knows that it has a very intense firey ordeal to yet go through before Jesus does come to rule personally on this Earth for a thousand years. 

Jesus, when He got away from people to pray, spent time with His creation in the wilderness places. 

All of creation was full of expectation at His first coming.  

We should be listening to the Apostle Paul and indeed taking the time to examine ourselves. Being mindful because the days are indeed drawing near for Jesus to come back. 

Countless billions of people will be caught off guard when He does return. Many of those will cry out for Him to come back that they do believe in Him now. All creation testifies to the Biblical account of creation. The evidences that people look for or claim to deny are before everyone. 

In recent years it's been upon my heart to not only provide for my Wife and our cats, but to prepare whomever will find our home after we are raptured and leave with Jesus. That maybe whomever finds what they do will finally come to Christ for salvation still.  

The world is going to be a horrific place after the Rapture of the Church. People are going to be deceived in vast numbers across all continents. 

People will be forced to worship the new world leader or they won't be able to buy or sell. Won't be able to eat or own a home. Sure many will think that I am making this up. It's in the Bible. Read it for yourself. 

A very healthy expectation of the Lord Jesus Christ returning should be more than enough of a thought to cause one to live out life to the best of their ability unto the Lord. 

Making the most of every single opportunity as we know that day is drawing near. 

Nobody really wants to be that person who tells Jesus "But I didn't think you would be coming yet!" as to why they weren't living for Jesus in the here and now. 

I am praying for those in my here and now while I also pray for the quick return of Jesus. 

While I too am unwilling that anyone should perish but that all might be saved I know that billions and billions will not choose Jesus. 

An interesting thing in the parable of the wheat and the tares or false wheat. Generally a sower knows approximately how much seed was sown. False wheat can be of an extraordinary amount. Possibly without number. Jesus will claim every single one of the true wheat. None will be lost.  

Are you excited at all at the prospect of Jesus coming back? Or are you worried about it? Take that worry to Jesus and ask Him about it. Get your life right before Jesus now while there's still time. 

As my Spiritual Dad says nearly every time at the end of his own newsletter...I am ready for the shout that will call us out!

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

Can't Go It Alone and Please God Too

Can't Go It Alone and Please God Too 

by David Brenneman 

"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8.

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

There are in every generation since the dawn of humanity those who think that they can create a new way that will enable them to please God of their own accord. That they can fight and strive and make an acceptable life that God would approve of that doesn't include or even involve a life in Christ.  

Newsflash: Hell is replete with countless trillions of people who learned that when God said Jesus Christ was and always will be the ONLY way that He meant it. 

Without a life surrendered to Jesus for salvation it is impossible to please Him.  

It does not matter how good a life you may be living, the testimony of the Word of God and every single person who's ever lived that refused to come to Christ for salvation testifies against all your efforts. 

Jesus specifically spoken concerning these people saying to depart from Me for I never knew you.

Many people choose the fear of the unknown rather than to believe in what the Bible really says is necessary to come to Christ for salvation.  

Fears of what they might have done that's too impossible for God to ever forgive. 

Fears of what they might believe they would have to surrender to God if they decided to follow Jesus. 

Fears of their known sins let alone their unknown.  

Fears. Fears that are totally unfounded as well.  

All who have come to Christ for salvation have came as they are. Sins and all the ugliness that came about because of it. Sins and all the physical consequences that resulted in their choices. 

Jesus received them all unto Himself for all who have believed. 

My Dear Reader there's nothing to fear in coming to Christ for salvation. Drop it all at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to become the forgiver of your sins and to be the leader of your life.  

Let Him sort out all the stuff that makes up your life and He will make something wonderful from it.

Come as a child who unconditionally trusts their parents does in a healthy child-parent relationship does. They have no reasons to doubt nor reasons to believe that they would ever be turned away.  

Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost. My Dear Friend if you haven't yet come to Christ for salvation...He came for you!

He came for you!

To be saved is a free choice of yours to make. We either choose to receive the free gift of salvation or we try to justify ourselves which the Bible says will never work. 

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

The choice is simple yet life changing. You get to learn from God the Spirit all about how to truly live a life that pleases Him.  

You are guaranteed to be received into Heaven. Hell no longer can claim you. The love of God in Christ Jesus you get to personally experience right here right now. You can know what it means to have that weight, that burden, lifted from your heart and mind.  

It doesn't not matter what you have done or think you have done. While there may be physical consequences to deal with you will no longer be alone in dealing with it all.  

You can't expect to understand what the life in Christ really is until you're there living in it.  

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. It says also that the unsaved cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. You have to have the Spirit of God in order to understand the things of God and that only ever happens when you ask Jesus to be your own personal Savior and Lord. 

Time isn't on your side. 

Jesus said that if He went away to prepare a place for those who have believed and know Him as their personal Lord and Savior that a day will come when He returns to take them home to forever be with Him. That day is now one day closer. 

Jesus kept His promises written in the Old Testament and came to the Earth to become the sin sacrifice necessary to provide the way to be saved. 

Jesus kept His promise to die on a cross once for all mankind to make a way for salvation to not only happen but be free to all who would take it. 

Jesus kept His promise to arise from the dead to sit at the right hand of God the Father awaiting that day He chose to receive all who have believed unto Himself. 

Jesus WILL keep His promise and return.  

Only those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation will depart this world to be with Him forever.  

If you haven't then you won't. 

Is all that you're thinking about that's keeping you from asking Jesus to save you really worth holding onto? Let go of it and let Jesus save you like He's done for me.  

Jesus has saved adulterers, thieves, murderers, idolaters, liars, the sexually immoral, the cheats, everything anyone can be in this world...go read the Old Testament then the New Testament...you will find all those people in there whom did find salvation in Jesus Christ. Many of those types of people are in the lineage of Jesus as well.

Make today the day that you choose a new life in Christ. 

The choice is absolutely only yours to make. Nobody can choose it for you. 

He is at the door of your heart knocking, waiting for you to come in.  

Every single Sunday our Church offers to show you how you too can be saved. Text the word JESUS to (330) 264-9459. They made it that simple. Someone there WILL reach out to you and show you how to be saved and become a child of God in Christ Jesus.  

No matter what you have done.

No matter how long you've been running. 

No matter what...Jesus is still there with open arms waiting just for you. 

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