A Scribe on the Wall

Several years ago now, I believe that God gave me a message, He would be telling me things and it was up to me to tell others. To me, it's much like the Watchman on the Wall as described in the Old Testament. The Watchman was told that it was on him to warn others about any approaching dangers. God's apparently gifted me with being able to type and write. So I put the old definition of a writer along with the concept of a watchman together. So what I hear I type and share with others.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Open Your Eyes, Quit Squinting

Open Your Eyes, Quit Squinting.

by David Brenneman

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10.

Life Principle 24: To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.

Many Christians seem content to live what they think is an adequate Christian life. They believe if they go to church, read their Bibles from time to time, and say their prayers once in a while, they’ll be all right with God. Though they go through the motions of being a “good Christian,” they simply don’t enjoy the power, peace, and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Eventually, the counterfeit Christian life they’re living becomes a burden that doesn’t comfort them when the storms of adversity assail.

This was not what you were created for. God doesn’t call you or any believer to a marginal, Christian life characterized by chores and rituals. He desires to have a daily relationship with you where you experience His presence and trust Him for wisdom, courage, and strength in all situations. With every step you take, decision you make, conversation you have, and thought you entertain, the Lord wants to glorify Himself through you. He desires to shine in your life, illuminating your unique talents, traits, and personality as you walk in obedience to Him.

In other words, to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live in and through you. That’s why Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).

So how do you allow Jesus to live in and through you? You do so first by spending time in Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. You not only learn about Him, but you must also listen to Him, because He will teach you how to love Him, live for Him, and walk in His ways.

Second, the most important thing you can ever do is simply obey Him—no matter what He tells you to do. The God who redeems you can teach you how to live for Him. The Savior you trusted for your eternity is more than capable of taking care of all the matters that burden you daily, shining through you brightly so that others can know Him and be saved. Therefore, die to your notions of what the Christian life should be so you can experience true life in Him.

- Life Principle Devotional Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's rather a daily battle sometimes to not lose heart. Whether it's seen outwardly or not tears come at various times and places. This is where my season of life is at. I look down and while my feet feel solid ground I see no earth to confirm.

By the grace of God we find ourselves in a new day.

What most take for granted is that a new day is a gift from God. The good, the bad and the ugly we face is a gift from God. God is at work in the lives of Believers everywhere in every moment. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. What we do, say or think matters.

There are times when indeed another passage is very real to myself and others.

"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." Romans 8:26-27.

But prayer ought to never be sporadic. Shouldn't ever only be when we find ourselves in trouble. If that is the only time that you pray my Dear Reader then you are in trouble.

I often prayer the concerns of others. I pray for my most urgent of things on my heart as well. Such as this job searching. In that same vein of thought I pray that I behave as Christ would want me to concerning my now former employer. I know that I was put out under extremely sketchy circumstances. My prayers are for my attitude towards those who did this to be as Christ would have towards them. Those prayers are very often.

I pray concerning the health of myself and my family and friends.

I pray for understanding when I read my Bible studies in the evening.

We who are in Christ are not saved to become conformed to some better version of a human being among men and women that exemplifies and shows great health, wealth and prosperity.

We have specific spiritual gifts to use for the cause of Christ Jesus.

We have lessons to learn to grow in Christ to become conformed to Him.

We aren't to fill our days with self.

We will have a different day before Jesus than those who will in judgment.

What we do for Jesus goes towards a crown of righteousness to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us in this life.

There's no time to really waste in what we have been given to us to be doing. The Apostle Paul likened what we are in as a race to be won.

As an athlete who trains with the purpose of winning. As a soldier who gives their all to the one whom they serve.

Are you giving your all? Have you been, as Dr. Stanley pointed out, half-heartedly living life in Christ?

Are you coasting along in life as a Christ-follower and not at all being the part of the body of Christ that you are?

Are you so self-justified that you don't see that maybe you aren't living the life in Christ that you should be?

So absorbed in your world recognized success that you aren't showing the world a life in Christ?

Paul said to be sure of your salvation. Be sure you are saved. When you are...live it.

There's a great many things that are no longer a part of my life by choice and by the removal of those things by the Spirit of God.

They were keeping me from the righteous life that God desires for me.

Compare tge early Church to today's church. They willingly gave up, sold, donated whatever other Believers needed to be free in the world so that they could be a greater example of a Disciple of Christ. Today's church is too concerned at times that they won't be able to get back whatever they give up.

Is not the God who blessed them in the first place not able to replenish?

We give the only example to the world of a life in Christ. Be it a good example or bad that's on the lives of Believers.

Does Jesus get all of you?

Are you serious about living in Christ or only serious about what you get out of the world yourself?

Obedience to God's Word isn't to be optional. Our opinions on sin are not important if God's Word says something is sin.

You must choose to step into the day to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Whatever He lays on your heart, obey in it. Even if it makes no sense.

You will give an account of your life in Christ before Jesus.

What will be seen?

Sunday, June 29, 2025

More than We Realize

by David Brenneman

If He is able to place the stars in their sockets and suspend the sky like a curtain, do you think it remotely possible that God is able to guide your life? If your God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He's mighty enough to light your path? If He cares enough about the planet Saturn to give it rings or Venus to make it sparkle, is there an outside chance He cares enough about you to meet your needs? Max Lucado

It could be rather easy to cave into worry and despair over what is seen in life if it were not for the many reminders from the Spirit of God about my life and His work in it.

The Spirit does remind us of our faith victories especially when we need that comfort in our current situation in life.

Satan's schemes include trying to overwhelm our senses and our thoughts in order to take our focus off of God and place it anywhere else but there.

Take a good look at Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the water. Yes, Jesus did indeed command him to come out to Him on the water. But the first steps of doing so he wasn't looking at Jesus yet. Your first part of this scene is grabbing ahold of the edge of the boat and then one at a time putting each foot outside of it. Then you probably notice that for reasons that you can't explain its solid under your feet. You might even be a bit wobbly standing fully erect. You are probably still looking from face to face at the rest still in the boat. You turn around and see Jesus and begin to take steps towards Him.

Then we catch up to that place in the Scriptures where he notices the turbulent waters more than Jesus standing in the midst of them. Peter begins to sink. Jesus reaches out and brings him back to the surface. They walk together back to the boat and get in.

Taking our eyes off Jesus, especially when a change of situation wants us to, will have an impact on our thoughts and actions.

Remembering the times and places when we needed to choose to keep our eyes on Jesus and what became of that is always right to be doing. Even when we aren't in a new heavy situation. We have a whole chapter in Hebrews that's referred to as the faith chapter for reminders on top of what we have personally experienced with Jesus.

Jesus keeps the whole universe running and at the same time runs to those of His who are in need.

Phillips, Craig and Dean had a song out called Mercy Came Running. Here's a portion of it.

Mercy came running

Like a prisoner set free

Past all my failures

To the point of my need

When the sin that I carried

Was all I could see

And when I could not reach mercy

Mercy came running to me

Jesus has His eyes on all in the universe at the same time. While He thinks of you, of everyone and everything around you, He is doing the same all over the Earth. He is omnipresent. He cannot ever not know all that is going on in our lives.

He is omniscient...He knows everyone's beginning from their end. He knows our thoughts from afar as the Bible says. He knew us when we were being put together in our Mother's womb.

He knew Peter would falter stepping out of the boat. He was right there to reach out to him to save him.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...Jesus indeed was the fourth man in the fire with them. Because they knew that whether or not God chose to save them, their next steps were going to be spent honoring God.

Daniel was framed and was caused to spend the night with a room full of lions who normally would have made short work of eating him. Jesus was there and they didn't harm him at all.

Our own experiences...of how my God has been doing great and mighty things in our lives.

You come to Christ you really do gain an interesting life.

I can go on about a great many situations where I didn't know how at all it was going to turn out. Situations that each one could probably be a short movie by themselves.

In fact I am writing a book about many of those memories of my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ's working in my life in extraordinary ways.

When Peter’s attention wasn't on the words of Jesus and his eyes weren't on Jesus, Peter had problems.

I don't know exactly how my employment situation is going to be resolved. I only know that Jesus already has it covered. Each day is another step of faith whereas I can't see the ground beneath my feet.

I know that it was a leap of faith that brought us to our new hometown. I know that my Savior knows that I did nothing wrong to be in the situation we are in. I know that I will continue to be in the Word each morning, writing whatever He puts in front of me to write. I know that I will continue in my evening studies in my devotionals and study Bibles. I know that I can do whatever He puts before me each day to be doing. I can do all things through God who strengthens me.

Scripture says that we walk by faith and not by sight. My eyes would probably put me in panic attacks if it weren't for my faith in Jesus.

The greatest memory I have goes back to 1974. If I can trust Jesus to save me from my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. If He is the forgiver of my sins and the leader of my life. Then He's got this present situation well in hand.

My Dear Reader...know for sure whether or not you are saved.

Then stand on it.

One of the greatest hymns ever written is "Standing on the Promises". Go from that hymn to "Praise Him! Praise Him!" and then to "Victory in Jesus".

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:19-20.

Jesus is oh so much more involved in your life than you ever know in this present time.

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Our Idea of Good, Isn't

Our Idea of Good, Isn't.

by David Brenneman

"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.

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. “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.’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7:15-27.

Many many people today, just as it has been since the days of Noah, believe that they're good people. That they have had troubles in their lives but they yet maintain their own brand of what is good. Some believe in the scales theory that when the good of their lives is weighed against the bad that they'll get to go to Heaven.

Jesus says this will never be the case.

Think, my Dear Reader, on that long and hard.

Jesus says that without faith in Him, in what He did on the cross, there is no entry into His Heaven.

He IS the narrow gate He refers to.

So many people are falling into Hell every single second of every single day.

All because they were justified in their own eyes. Dismissing the justification by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

In the same vein, many walk into Heaven to the open arms of Jesus because of their faith and reliance upon His finished work on the cross.

"as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.” Romans 3:10-12.

Thus we come back around to the first opening passage. Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Without true salvation in Christ Jesus there is not one of those that go into Heaven.

Jesus must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.

There's no other guaranteed way to enter Heaven but by the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Your good is never going to be good enough.

"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." Isaiah 64:6.

Everything a person does that is 'good' is as filthy rags in light of the righteous standard of Jesus Christ.

What must a person do?

"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 all need Jesus. We all need the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Without it, it doesn't matter what anyone does or thinks or believes.

Religion tries to bridge the gap between man and God. The relationship with Jesus is God bridging that gap with the cross of Calvary to come down to man.

All man made religions trying to get to Heaven will fail. Hell is full of those who thought their religion saved them.

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

There's just no other way.

No way to be righteous enough.

No way to be good enough.

In a single sense there will be a revealing of the good people have done in life at the Final Judgment of Jesus Christ. But...then...the book of Life will be opened. That book that ONLY has the names in it of those who gave their lives to Christ for salvation. When such people are checked, their names not found, they are cast into the lake of fire. Forever separated from God.

That's what relying on your own understanding of what is good gets you.

Jesus is returning and soon.

Don't put off coming to Christ for salvation. The gift of salvation is free from Jesus. He’s waiting at the door of your heart for you to open up and let Him in.

Friday, June 27, 2025

He IS Coming

by David Brenneman

Jesus promised TO come and did so over 2,000 years ago. You'll do good to believe and understand that He said He would do it again when His Father says it's time.

"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31.

"Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 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." 2 Peter 3:3-13.

My Dear Reader...things indeed are heating up in the Middle East...and truth be known...this is just a preheat compared to the fires that are coming.

Throughout the Bible there's prophecies concerning the times of the end. What has indeed, as the Scriptures we just read said, escaped the notice of most is that as of this moment in time there's nothing significant left in Bible prophecy that needs to occur before Jesus returns.

Nothing.

Perhaps the few significant events in recent history may jog your memory. The re-established Jewish State of Israel. That was Bible prophecy. Perhaps as well re-centering the Jewish Capital to being Jerusalem.

It's been a never ending study for some archeologists to find the Ark of the Covenant. I do believe that it will be found. Much as had happened in their past they will again believe that with it in their possession that they would be invincible. The problem that escaped their notice back then was that their obedience to the Word of the Lord was the greater part of the Ark's power.

We who are in Christ Jesus are awaiting the return of Jesus. The question for all Christians is whether or not they are eagerly anticipating His return or are being couch potatoes about it. Whether they are excited about it or are being lazy about it.

Even though it was probably apparent that His return was a ways off, the early Church was anticipating it. Living life in an expectant way.

Will you love His appearing or will you be filled with regret and overwhelmed by remorse?

Will you be ready with a smile on your face and arms outstretched?

Your mindset about that in this here this now will impact your faith while going through this life.

The Bible says than in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, that's how quick the return will be. Tell me my Dear Reader, how can you all the sudden be prepared for an event that happens faster than a bolt of lightning? Faster than even a train of thought.

How will you who aren't saved yet going to all the sudden decide that now is the time because you just now think that it's ok? Remember we are talking about an event that is going to be faster than the thought you just had about what we're talking about.

Coming to Christ in this here this now...the fact that people ARE being saved...is why He hasn't returned yet. But note very well that His Father set the date of His return, probably while He was on the cross. The thief on the cross was the first bookend, there will be yet another of like kind at the end of the Church age. Someone who says yes to the free gift of salvation and then we all leave in the twinkling of an eye.

The purpose of Believers is two fold. Growing in Christ Jesus to become more like Christ and the other is to proclaim that free gift of salvation to the world.

I am excited about living in that time when Jesus is most likely to return, now that Bible prophecy has more than likely caught up with everything written in the Scriptures.

It's highly likely that my Grandfather on my Mom's side of the family passed while he was reading his Bible. I would love His return to be after I post one of these posts that urges the readers of it to come to Christ for salvation.

I don't decide what I write each day. I listen to the prompting of the Spirit of God. He shows me the Scriptures to use and provides the means to use them. He draws the world to find this blog. To date over 1.4 million views are known of when all the platforms are added up. I leave the drawing of people to it to the Lord.

You are reading this for a reason. Either you believe that you stumbled upon this or in truth you were lead to it.

To be saved means to take that kernel of faith you have and to step out with it.

The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone needs to be saved in Christ Jesus. We need a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

This morning a chorus of a great hymn has been playing in my mind.

"Only trust Him only trust Him only trust Him now. He will save you He will save you He will save you now."

Jesus kept the first promise of His coming. He will keep all the rest of His promises. Including returning.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

What Must I Do?

What Must I do?
by David Brenneman

"and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household." Acts 16:30-34.

There are those in this world who think that the gap is too wide, they'd done too much wrong, said too much, sinned too much for Jesus to ever save a wretch like them.

My Dear Reader, everyone alive was born after the sinless life of Jesus Christ was lived, after His cruel death on the cross, after His certified rising from the dead. After. All your sins and mine heaped upon Him on that crucifixion day. All our sins yet future to that moment in time.

There was all that heaped upon Him.

So our perspective isn't really on the money. It is flawed thinking. Our thinking that we're too bad, too dirty, to be saved is completely in error. Everyone who's lived and has given their lives to Christ for salvation since His resurrection. All their sins were yet future too. Same as yours and mine.

The enemy of God would have any and every single person believe that they're not worthy of being saved. To even many Believer's he has tried coming after them relentlessly to get them to believe that they've lost their salvation. For a time in my life I was one under such an attack.

You have read the opening passages. Scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It’s not someone sprinkling us as infants that saves anyone. It's not someone being baptized for someone else after they've died. None of these physical things or any other is what saves anyone in Christ. It's an inward decision, within the heart, to believe the message of God in Christ Jesus that is the free gift of salvation. It is a message that is simple enough for a child to understand it.

Asking Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. Living each day for Him because He died for us. That's the Christian life. Praying to Him, casting all your burdens upon Him. Loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Loving your neighbor as yourself. We then become His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. He, through His Spirit, teaches us all things. We become children of God.

But all in all, you must decide.

There's no second chances after you die. Nobody to bail you out.

You don't need any priest or anyone to come to Christ. This is personal. This is between Jesus and you. Once you do choose to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone...tell others! Let them know its for them too. As the song says there's room at the cross for you.

But know that there will yet still be those who don't understand. They won't get it. The things of God can only be explained by the Spirit of God. Salvation must come first.

So you too my Dear Reader must first begin with coming to Christ yourself.

If you need further clarification please text the word Jesus to (330) 264-9459. There's people there who would love to help you be sure that you are saved.

If you have come this far in reading this that too isn't by chance. Jesus loves you unconditionally. He's prepared to take away all your sins and to be your personal Lord and Savior. But you must ask.

Time is running out though. The Bible tells us plainly that there's a day coming that Jesus will return and unless someone is saved, they won't leave this world with Him. They will endure the wrath of God that will indeed come upon this world for the following 7 years. Billions of people dying. The economic upheaval. The final battles between God and Satan.

In this here this now you can come to Christ for salvation and be assured that you will indeed be with Jesus forever.

It all begins with that step of faith.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

My Hands or His?

by David Brenneman

Life Principle 19: Anything you hold too tightly, you will lose.

Admit it—in a tough situation, your first emotional response is to take control. We all want control. We want to live with the assurance everything will be okay and the things that aren’t can be fixed with concentrated effort. Secretly, we often think, “If I plan carefully and labor enough, I can overcome any difficulty.”

The problem comes when our efforts aren’t enough—when the difficulty we face is greater than all of our resources or completely outside our scope of influence. God allows these trials for an important reason: He wants us to recognize that He is in control.

When you face circumstances that rapidly deplete your spiritual, emotional, and physical reserves, you may want to cling to something strong out of fear. The question you must consider is whether your worries drive you to the arms of God or to your own resources.

Are you hanging on to something other than the Lord? Are you gripping some form of earthly security instead of trusting Him to help you? Remember, whatever you hold too tightly, you will lose. Whatever you’re clutching for safety has become an idol for you. Regardless of whether it’s wealth, giftedness, relationships, or religious rituals, God is not going to allow you to keep it as your source of confidence—a role that rightly belongs to Him. Rather, He will allow it to fail you so you will see He truly is your sovereign and unfailing Lord.

God longs for you to release yourself into His control and eternal support. He will take care of all that concerns you in the best way possible, and He will also sustain you in the process (Phil. 4:6-7). Though the Lord will test you in time, it will always be with the purpose of demonstrating His never-ending love.

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Devotional

When facing adversity there's but two paths to walk. One is the right way the other is obviously the way of error.

We either grow stronger in our walk with Jesus by relying on Him or we are slowly sliding away.

We are among those who are and have been raised to fend for ourselves in this world.

We are told to be all we can be.

We are told of how entitled we are, of how we deserve this or that.

We are told that if we aren't successful it means we aren't trying hard enough.

Note in all those scenarios and all that aren't mentioned, if God isn't at the center of your choices and decisions, you're not going to succeed in your life by God's definition of success.

God's definition of success is as opposite as what the Jews expected of the Messiah when He was to come. He came to serve, not to be served. He came to give His life as a ransom for many. He came to live in full obedience to His Father in Heaven...even death on the cross.

Our ways are not God's ways.

Our thoughts are not His thoughts.

His are higher than ours in all respects. He knows the end from the beginning for every single person who lives.

My days these days are swept up mostly in job searches. Doing what it has been given to me to be doing.

There's options available to us financially but at this point they would be my solution to our problems. Not God's solution to our situation. God never has problems. God only has situations. Events that desire a response or resolution.

As Dr. Stanley pointed out our reaction is to try to grab the bull by the horns and rescue ourselves.

The thing is that's God's job. That's the job of my living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If He saved my soul can I not trust Him with what happens in my life?

Our worrying does nothing beneficial. Our weeping over how things appear does nothing truly beneficial.

As I have quoted on other posts, the song "I Trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail He will never fail".

We aren't to stand idle doing nothing, but rather to do whatever God puts before us to be doing. Be it job searching, lawn mowing, laundry, cleaning, selling, time in His Word, working...anything He sets before us. What does the Bible say? "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." Colossians 3:23-24.

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

"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.

You either serve yourself or you serve the Lord.

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

In our adversity we often drop to the ground in despair, unmoving. Yet does it not say in Psalms 23 that the Shepherd takes us THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death? I see nothing of taking up residence there...even for a moment.

My prayers continue not only for my job search but for those whom I left behind. My former employer cannot stop my entering in the lives of those I knew there in prayer. I pray for our struggle through this. I pray for those whom the Spirit has made me aware need prayer. I pray for our next steps. For discernment. For His wisdom to prevail. I am His child. I am a joint heir with my Savior and Lord. I am loved by my Savior and Lord and my Father in Heaven. He first loved me and has disclosed Himself to me. I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that I might walk in them.

He isn't obligated to explain the why's of my life. It's on me to take up my own cross and follow Him.

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.

The mind of man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9.

We have two ways to do life.

His way or ours. We need to choose wisely and the only wise choice is His way.

We do not know what He knows nor can we see what He sees. We do not know what He's preparing to do in our lives through our obedience to Him. We don't know if He's going to part the waters for us to walk through on dry ground or have us walk on the water. We might get in a boat, only the Lord knows and we are to trust and obey.

Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

God Causes

by David Brenneman

Here's another Life Principle.

Life Principle 18: As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances.

Life is not simple. We face many bumps and turns along the way. The race is real, the battle continuous, and the painful experiences may pierce our hearts. However, our circumstances should not define who we are or how we react. Rather, as believers our behavior in every situation should honor the Lord Jesus, and our identity should always be based on the salvation He’s provided for us.

God knows the Christian life isn’t easy. When you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior, He set you on your course. As your sovereign Lord, He mapped out all the bumps, turns, detours, hills, and valleys. He knew all the difficulties you’d face. He understood that you would continually clash with the world, the flesh, and the devil until you were home with Him. Yet He didn’t merely set you on the path, hoping you would find your way. He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell you, guide you, and encourage you. Endurance requires something that doesn’t come easily—trust in your unseen, sovereign God. However, with the Holy Spirit to remind you of His faithfulness and power (John 14:26), you can remain committed to Him.

When the going gets rough—and it will—you can’t run away. You can’t quit. The longer you faithfully obey the Lord, regardless of the circumstances, the stronger your faith becomes. You’re prepared for greater service and expanded ministry. You become strong, stalwart, and steadfast.

The One who endured the cross lives in you, so you’re fully equipped for anything He calls you to do. Therefore, ask Him to infuse you with His power and wisdom, then obey anything He commands of you. Remember, you are never a victim of your circumstances, for your sovereign God can use everything that happens to you for your blessing and His glory.

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Devotional.

"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.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17.

Never in my life would I have ever thought that I would find myself in my current situation. No, this isn't some judgment of God upon my life or my Wife's. This isn't payback for actions we took with others in our lives and how they were towards us.

From long ago, from before the world was, the footsteps of all people were known by my risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mapped out before anyone was born. Known and accounted for.

Nothing surprises Him. He knows every single person and every single choice they will make or consider making and will adjust it to His purpose in Christ Jesus.

Satan's not permitted to thwart the Word of God, much less any human beings in history.

I don't know exactly what is coming and it's ok. It's a vast mix of excitement and trepidation but it's ok. I imagine those in the fiery furnace walking around felt much the same.

While the world sees things that they do, we're to look beyond these things in faith.

Indeed as the Scriptures teach, greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world.

What's on me to do is to be diligent in what is right before my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Just like those cast into that fiery furnace doing right before God is more important than doing right before men and women.

We may Indeed go through much but the point of what we go through isn't any form of punishment but rather to change our character to be more like Christ Jesus. To make us into what is new and better means letting go of what doesn't contribute to that growth. It may mean some painful moments. Painful situations where relationships are severed. Times when we aren't sure if we are walking on the water or sinking.

In any and all cases Jesus is there, fully aware, watching and directing our steps. Proverbs 16:9 "The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.".

We cannot see what hidden dangers are heading our way but Jesus does. We cannot know when or why some people turn on us but Jesus does. We cannot know many things but we know that Jesus does.

Nothing can do anything to our lives that isn't permitted by Jesus. We, in Christ Jesus, belong to God. We are His responsibility, His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.

While it's a different life principle it's related in that while disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice. I will admit that I am still wrapping my head around this one. I, in my current season of my life, am struggling with considering it all joy. As we read in James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

I pray, I trust in God my Savior.

Repeating often.

I pour out my heart in prayer.

I trust in God my Savior.

While each day has enough trouble of its own, as Jesus said, I pray and trust in God my Savior.

The aim in the life of a disciple of Christ Jesus is to become more like Christ. To then make more disciples of Jesus Christ. The overarching plan of God is the preordained plan in the Bible that spells out the return of Jesus Christ for His Church. Next is the Great Tribulation to come. Noah preached a hundred years of the coming global flood and it happened. We who are in Christ preach that Jesus is going to return for now over 2,000 years. Jesus said that no He’s not slow with this promised return but rather isn't willing that any should perish but that all might be saved. But, there is still yet a day set by His Father that these things will take place.

Being sure of your salvation is the first and most important thing. Living life in Christ as the Spirit teaches is next. We know He will return and we must be ready. The world would much rather us be silent and quit bringing it up. Just as the days of Noah.

God causes life to go the direction it is. But we choose to either live life in Christ through obedience or we don't.

The choice is ours. The consequences are real.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Where to Begin

by David Brenneman

Prayer is a very powerful tool for believers—through it, the Lord blesses us and frees us from bondage. In prayer, we profess our need of Christ and ask for His solution to our problems. We also learn to worship Him and grow spiritually in His loving presence.

As we spend time with Him, God lovingly teaches us how to communicate with Him and listen for His still, small voice. Through it all, we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Devotional, #Life Principle 17: We stand tallest and strongest on our knees.

"Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God." Daniel 6:10-11.

Some who were in my life are probably scoffing at our circumstances, however, as the Bible says our lives were ordered-ordained-from before we were even born.

Prayer has been a central point and part of my life since I knew enough to know that I needed a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Prayer is our most formidable weapon that the enemy of God cannot do anything about.

Prayer connects the hearts of those in the body of Christ with our Father in Heaven.

We aren't defined by out circumstances. We aren't involved even in problems since nothing is a problem to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. There are situations that He's been fully aware of since before we were considered to be even a glint in our parents eye.

In Christ things happen. They happen for His purpose and our good. We aren't promised a full understanding of those things we go through.

Job was totally unaware of the things pertaining to himself that went on in Heaven until possibly years later...if ever in his lifetime.

Daniel couldn't be persuaded even for a moment to cease praying to God. Didn't matter the consequences He obeyed God.

Life is going to quite often be more than we are capable of. Look at what the Apostle Paul wrote.

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

We will often be pushed due our circumstances to grow in Christ.

While the world often ridicules us for what we find ourselves in, God's causing it to work together for good because we love Him and we are called according to His purpose.

The world sees my employment circumstance as guilty until proven innocent by some. To God, He decided my time there was done and it was absolutely time to move on. He orders my steps. He sets up Kings and removes them. He is working the events in my life and the lives of billions towards the day of His return to take home all who have called upon His Name as their personal Lord and Savior.

Jesus is My Savior and Lord.

Jesus loves me with an unconditional love.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We aren't the recipients of the judgments of God.

So no matter what we see, perceive, or think we know, God is working all things together for us because we love Him. We love Him because He first loved us.

It begins with prayer and continues in prayer. As Dr. Stanley also reiterates, we must choose to pursue this as a permanent part of our lives. Opening our hearts wholly and completely to the One who loves us so.

Choose a time, choose several. Meet with Jesus and be yourself. Open your heart and tell Him whatever is concerning you and what worries you. You are beloved by the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He absolutely can relate to all you are going through. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

Pray on, pray over, pray through your life in Christ.

Sunday, June 22, 2025

God's Word, God's Help Revisited

by David Brenneman

God sent help, did you get it?

I heard a very good story this morning on the radio on my way to work. It was of a Christian artist who had a friend who, shall we say, made some questionable choices in life. This friend saw him reading his Bible and wanted to know just why he was doing it, what was so interesting about it? So he begins to tell a story from his childhood of a woman.

This woman was in a storm, rain was coming down hard. She hasn't left yet. A truck sees her and stops to ask if she needs help getting out, the water was rising. She said no, God's going to save her.

The water is rising and she's not left yet, enough so that a boat sees her and stops to see if she would like a lift. She said no, God was going to save her.

The water was getting way too high and she sees a helicopter and it stopped to help her. She said no, God was going to save her.

The water became too much and she drowned.

Facing God she asks Him why didn't He do something!

Why didn't He save her!

He said "I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter, what more did you need?"

This man's friend eventually ended up in jail. With not much to do, he remembered that story. So he found a Bible and began reading it.

A very large black man saw what he was reading and smacked the Bible out of his hands. Asked him why? What was so interesting in it? He remembered his friend's story and began telling this man about the woman in the storm...

There's another good story that I used in a sermon many years ago. (Yes I preached up in Elyria a couple times).

There was a man who's boat was caught up in a storm. The boat was battered and was taking on water. He decides to jump ship and swim to the little island nearby that he had seen.

He gets to it and makes a small shelter and eventually the storm left. He was getting hungry and he couldn't find anything to eat on the small island.

He decided to do something he hadn't done much of before, and that was to pray to God for help.

The next day a barrel can be seen floating on the water and he goes out and brings it into shore.

The end that he can see facing him says "Open other end".

He figures one end is as good as the other and breaks through only to find manure. Ripe stuff. He gets mad and shakes his fist at God. "Is this some sort of joke!?!" He gets mad and goes to the other side of the island.

He doesn't go back to the barrel and eventually does die from starvation.

A month later, a ship stops by the island. It had seen the barrel on the shore and decided to check to see if anyone needed rescuing. They had found the man. It was too late for him. The Captain found the bottom of the barrel and the words "Open other end". He turns the barrel over and opens it.

Inside he finds a letter.

"Dear Son.

Within this barrel you will find seeds, and tools to plant to make food until the ship I am sending arrives to rescue you.

These are very good special seeds and I provided really rich soil to plant them in. Don't worry, I will make them grow so that you will have enough.

Love, God."

Many times we don't see what God has put right in front of us.

Salvation in Christ is not complicated.

God is not complicated. Really. Look at what Jesus said about it. You must come as a child. A child.

Adults cry out for complicated answers to simple questions.

A child accepts and believes.

Has God been sending you help but you aren't seeing it?

Has God shown you all about Himself and you're just not accepting it as real?

Nothing in this life that we have or ever will do will EVER surprise God. So don't think you are so dirty that He would never accept you. On the Cross ALL the dirtiest deeds of mankind were HEAPED upon Him.

Remember Jesus was a fisherman before a fisher of men.

But the rules are the same, we catch em and He cleans em.

Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life.

Nobody gets to the Father but through Him.

Nobody will ever see Heaven except through Him.

Don't ignore the signs that are right in front of you.

--------------------------

The above section was a post from many years ago. The truths apply to today's world more than ever.

We live in a world of entitlement. People being told they deserve this or that. That their inherent goodness is why they deserve this or that from others as well as from God.

What did Jesus say? There is no one good, no not one.

There's many going into so many churches who will remain behind at the Rapture of the Church. Probably on the order of millions of people. People who were only there to get from God, not there to serve our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These, in this moment will maybe only then, realize the error of their ways. Only then see that they never knew Jesus.

We are to examine ourselves to be sure of our salvation. Are we loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit? Are we loving our neighbors as ourselves?

Do we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?

Are we setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world?

Are we at all longing for the shout from Heaven calling us out from this sin cursed world?

Jesus is returning as promised.

Jesus provides a way for everyone to come to Christ for salvation if they but acknowledge Him.

Jesus is waiting by the doors of many hearts the world over.

Don't look at others for your reason to get into Heaven. Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. Not some earthly priest. Not your parents or grandparents. Not your best friend.

You must choose, you must decide.

Alistair Begg essentially said once in a sermon that to answer with anything other than because of Christ as to why you should be allowed into Heaven will condemn a person to Hell.

The thief on the cross did nothing but believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that was enough to be with Jesus forever. He was the first Christian.

You cannot ever do enough good to erase the judgment against you that's already there. Everyone who breathes apart from receiving the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus alone is a walking dead person. Dead while they live. The sentence is merely waiting to be carried out at their moment of leaving this world.

You can't live a life, apart from the one you get from asking for the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and receiving it, that will ever be accepted by God.

The return of Jesus Christ is one day closer. The things happening in the world are centered around Israel once more. There's nothing left prophetically that needs to happen before Jesus shouts from Heaven for all His sheep to come home.

Jesus said His sheep hear His voice. If you do not, now is the time to find out why. Not after He comes back. There is yet coming a series of judgments that will make all the wars ever fought to look like minor school yard brawls. Billions of people will die in a single day.

Be sure of your salvation.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Trust n Truth and my Savior's Arms

by David Brenneman

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine

He's been my fourth man in the fire, time after time

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

And what He did for me on Calvary is more than enough

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps

So this is my story and this is my song

I'm praising my risen King and Savior all the day long

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

He didn't fail you then

He won't fail you now

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him

That's why I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

Oh, I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

I sought the Lord

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord (and He delivered me from all my fears)

I sought the Lord (from everything)

And He heard and He answered, oh

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in God

- 2023 Elevation Worship "Trust in God".

I would be lying if concerns for the day aren't trying to permeate my thoughts when I wake up.

It's just where I find myself when I know that I have yet to find the new job that my Savior has in mind for me.

I have heard my Wife say several times something that I have always said, "You always have said that you stay where you are for a job until God makes it impossible to stay".

This has been the truth since my working career began pushing a lawn mower.

I don't know where this next step of employment is going to be. My Jesus has my life in His hands to deal with as He sees fit to deal with. I have indeed been busy around the house since spending what money we do have is being reserved for bills and food.

While this goes on there's the thoughts that someone I once thought of as a friend turned his back on me as well when this all went down at work. He owned the business where I worked. I would have thought he would have wanted at least a conversation about it. But that's evidently not meant to be.

My heart tries to succumb to my way of dealing with this situation. But thankfully my Savior leads me by still waters for His name’s sake.

We shouldn't jump on the panic button when He allows life to take a turn.

Jesus is the Author and perfecter of our faith. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. We are going to find ourselves within various adversities in order to be refined and made into the likeness of God in Christ Jesus.

This is life for the Believer. We cannot go about this life as if once we are saved to continue in our lives being our way and not His to live.

People are going to come and go from our lives. People will sometimes turn their backs on us. In most cases it's not a reflection on us, but on them. Their priorities are not right in Christ. In my case recently I have to wonder if in truth I was a friend of convenience rather than a brother in Christ.

The pain is still the same.

I have others whom I thought were close friends who wandered away. Some still within reach, others whom I can't get a hold of anymore.

In some ways I do see these struggles of life as what the Bible says comes upon the life of a Disciple of Christ. It's probably the Godly perspective that the Spirit is teaching me.

Peter, Paul, Luke, James, these writers through the Spirit's work in them, speak of these various adversities, difficulties as they are.

My Savior is faithful in all things.

People may come and go but He has never left me once.

I have seen many sayings in recent days that while AI generated in the Facebook Reels, speak of God's love for me and that I should keep the faith in these trying times.

Friends and family are reaching out to us. People are praying for us. God's provision is still happening.

My prayers are not just for this new job for myself but in part are for this friend who has treated me so. My God deals with those who have wronged me in ways that I have never considered nor thought possible. This too is within the tapestry of my life, not just God's often miraculous provision and faithfulness to me and my Wife.

I have been shown all too well that the Scriptures are right and true that vengeance is His...keep my fingers out of it.

God is greater than all my fears.

Jesus is my Savior, my Protector.

There's nothing that surprises Him.

There are no obstacles greater than He can deal with. His love for me will never fail, never end. I love others because He first loved me.

When you consider your ways, as the Scriptures teach us to, consider your relationship with Jesus. Is it superficial, shallow, in name only, or is it rich and vibrant? Knowing the Bible isn't what saves a person its the right relationship with Jesus, as your personal Lord and Savior, that saved a person. He must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. You don't get this by any physical actions of your own. It doesn't come through baptism nor any works of your hands. It comes by faith in the Son of God, in Christ Jesus, who gave Himself up for me and you.

Be sure of your salvation. Then 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 path right now isn't crooked.

He is making it straight.

He makes me lie down beside still waters. Because on my own I wouldn't lie down. I would be anxious.

Jesus will take care of us.

He promised and He always keeps His promises.

While I am saddened at how this chapter of my life has turned out, I trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail He will never fail.

He holds me in His arms and tells me it will be alright.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Noahs in Our World

by David Brenneman

Although waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the Christian life, it’s not wasted time. God gives us instructions through periods of actively waiting, keeps us in step with His will, prepares us for His answers, and uses the time to sift our motives and strengthen our faith. When we choose to wait on Him, God will use the long pauses in our lives for our blessing—both large and unexpected—if we let Him. - Life Principle #14 Devotional, Dr. Charles Stanley.

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

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Isaiah 53:1.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:36-42.

"Perhaps in the providence of God, we need to be reminded that we're living in the days of Noah. Both Jesus and Peter compare the days before the flood to those preceding the return of Christ. Jesus says, "They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all" Luke 17:27. Peter says, "The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water." In the same way, he said, the current earth is facing imminent judgment by fire 2 Peter 3:6.

We are Noahs--preachers of righteousness in an evil age, warning others of the judgment to come. Noah persevered in his day, and we must do the same. Let's flood the world with gospel truth! Today is a good day to share the Good news." - Dr. David Jeremiah June 19th devotional Walking with God.

We aren't to just silently live out a life of self-indulgent living until we die. We aren't to hoard God's blessings to ourselves when we know His Word says to pass it along to others. He who blessed you can do so again. We aren't to be silent while this boat of life taked on water and the ship threatens to sink.

Noah preached over a hundred years about the pending judgment. Noah, even after that time, was still the only worthy person to survive the judgment but was given his wife and his sons and their wives. Great mercy and grace was given to his wife and his children. They were just like the rest of the world, unworthy.

We live our daily lives striving to live an acceptable life in Christ. That's our purpose, that's our mission. Not to create our own Heaven here on Earth. Not to give sparingly to those in need but to give as the Spirit of us in Christ Jesus. The parable of the Good Samaritan. The man was given whatever he had needed in order to be saved from his current state.

The early Church gave in unrestricted abundance in order to help whomever had need.

We have the gospel to tell and show others, but are we being the Noah that we are to those in our world?

We wait during the difficult times of our lives at times in order to put us in the path of someone who needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We wait sometimes because we need to heal before WE can help others.

We have a purpose under Heaven that's ours to fulfill.

"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. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:10-16.

"So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.

Are you being a light in this present time or are you trying to be the one who dies with the most toys?

Do those around you know of the salvation that you found in Christ Jesus?

There will be those who reject it. So it was in the days of Noah.

Jesus is returning soon. Will He find you at work in His fields or sleeping on the job?

You have a calling in Christ Jesus. The Word of God says that the gifts and callings of the Spirit of God are irrevocable. You WILL give an account of what YOU were given.

We're to be doers of the word and not just hearers only who have deceived themselves.

"For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:14-17.

There's quickly coming a time and date when Jesus will give a shout that will call all Believers to leave this world to forever be with Him. In that moment Judgment comes upon the world. The second great flood that is by fire.

"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Our Purpose is Bigger Than Our Understanding

by David Brenneman

I don't want to run from the will of God

I don't want to hide or hoard what He's giving me to do with what He's given me

Our purpose after coming to Christ is going to be much bigger than our thoughts considering what it might be.

For some it could be a journey towards becoming the next Billy Graham, the next Alistair Begg or the next small town preacher who is open to God's will for them in reaching people who otherwise wouldn't be if they hadn't heard the call themselves.

For some it's entirely behind the scenes. Living out Christ and Him being seen without words being said to people. Some may be involved with just being a light in this world.

So whatever your calling is, give it your all. We're called from the first, to take up our own cross and follow Christ. We read from Paul just what it means to be in the body of Christ. Some are feet, some are hands, arms etc.

Such it is, so we are, in Christ.

It isn't a matter of being a well known by the world Christian.

It's about your personal relationship with Jesus that the world gets to see and hopefully want to know more about.

You who are saved will one day stand in Heaven and will be surrounded by so many people who wouldn't be there if it weren't for your example in Christ.

Do you give your all to your life in Christ or only what you feel comfortable with letting go of?

Dr. Charles Stanley's example of his camera equipment is a famous example from his life experiences.

Some come to Christ and inadvertently learn to be hoarders of God's blessings...and the world sees it and knows. Reading in the book of Acts it wasn't this way in the early Church.

Some come to Christ and are just stubborn on various levels as to what they say they will or won't do as a Christ-follower.

Our all must be going on the altar.

All our hearts, hopes, dreams, everything. You're not going to hold onto anything that is so vital to you in your own mind and heart AND Christ too. There is no Christ AND anything for salvation as well as Christ AND possessions.

We are to submit to the will of God for us in Christ. Whatever it is. My job doesn't define me. My marriage doesn't define me. I am defined by my relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior.

Take a look at your life and how far you've shown yourself that you're willing to go to show yourself a follower of Jesus Christ.

Would Jesus be pleased by what you have been holding off in doing for Him? Would He be pleased by how many blessings He’s given you that you're not passing on to others? We do read that God loves a cheerful giver.

Self examination is health only if you are going to do something positive with the results.

The very word Amen means to agree with God.

Would you agree with Jesus regarding how you're living your life in Christ?

Do you actually run from Jesus rather than towards Him when He’s telling you what you must do?

Is your lifestyle more important than your full obedience?

A life in Christ costs. Anything from time to possessions to status to family and friends.

Our weaknesses will be seen by you and those in your world. We have a Savior who is well acquainted with grief. A man of sorrows. We have a mediator who knows how we feel and how we need to grow to be more like Christ.

We aren't here after coming to Christ for our comfort but rather for our sanctification and our witness to others about the changed life in Christ we have received through faith in Christ.

Try opening up your heart to God's whatever and see what He will do with a willing heart.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Makes Me Lie down

Makes Me Lie Down

by David Brenneman

In the midst of my unexpected employment hiatis has been a few things that, for me, have been rather new to realize during this time. We're still studying in Psalms 23 a book called "A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23" by Phillip W. Keller. Chapter 3 seems to be part of my season in life right now.

It starts this way "The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.

Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear.

Because of the social behavior within a flock of sheep they will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind.

If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not like down ONly when free of these pests can they relax.

Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel the need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.

It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences.

Later in this chapter (3) he writes "In the course of time I came to realize that nothing so quieted and reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master and owner and protector put them at ease as nothing else could do, and this applied day and night.

"He maketh me to lie down"

In the Christian's life there is no substitute for the keen awareness that my Shepherd is nearby. There is nothing like Christ's presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown. We live a most uncertain life. Any hour can bring disaster, danger and distress from unknown quarters. Life is full of hazards. No one can tell what a day will produce in new trouble. We live in a sense of anxiety, fear and foreboding, or in a sense of quiet rest. Which is it.

This is where I am finding myself this week. Hard to believe that I'm on day 3 of being unemployed yet there's this peace that I cannot describe with words that's been comforting me every waking moment. Telling me not to worry. Telling me that He's got this. That no matter how things appear, He's still working all things to gether for my good and His glory. Remembering passages that tell me not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough trouble of it's own.

It starts with prayer. It leads to a better disposition. It must include time in the Word of God. Regardless of this situation I am not going to sacrifice any time with God. That's non-negotiable.

I don't get up AS early in the mornings but I still am with my Savior in the mornings before writing a post that He brings to me to write. That's just how life has been and He's not indicated at all that it should change. The rest of my day has changed but not that. I still am in my evening studies. School is certainly NOT out because of this.

This time through something like this...there's been many many as of now countless...reminders that God's got this. That there's more going on than meets the eye and He is THE promise keeper.

We choose to stay close to our Great Shepherd or we wander off and then He's going to come get us.

Take a good look at the story of leaving the 99 to find the 1 who wandered.

Even our cats know that I'm not stressed over all of this. Adelle has returned to being a lap kitty with me and will sleep for as long as I stay in my chair on my lap. In the past my stressful times have kept our 'kids' away from me because they couldn't stand it. My blood pressure is still in the acceptable range.

Sleep isn't fleeing me. That peace that passes all understanding.

Nothing can get to a Believer unless it's been approved to do so by Jesus and our Father in Heaven. We're in Jesus's hands and He's in the Father's hands.

The stress that I had from work I was doing has been fully removed from me. I've taken PTO before and never felt this good during it. This is my God in action. These are the undertones and signs that He's working on things for me. I look for jobs and apply to what sounds like 'me' and keep up with what all He does give me to be doing. That's life. Jesus loves me this I know.

The Rain Must Come as Well as the Sun

by David Brenneman

Life Principle 12: Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

It’s a known fact that into every life a little rain must fall. No one is exempt from the difficulties that have a way of showing up when we least expect them. And chances are when adversity does strike, one of the first questions we’ll ask ourselves is why. We may even begin to fret about the impact it will have on our lives. While reactions such as these are normal, we also need another response—and that is to turn to the One who holds all comfort and security firmly within His grasp.

Paul admonishes us to “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” (Phil. 4:6-7).

How can we change the feelings of anxiety when we come under pressure? One of the first steps is to recognize anxiety for what it is—the opposite of peace. It’s the fan that flames the fires of doubt and confusion, and it has the ability to leave us helplessly bundled in worry and fear. When we cave to thoughts of anxiety, we lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key to overcoming anxiety is found only in the presence of God.

Accepting God’s timetable and the limitations He places on a given situation help to dispel rising anxiety. Therefore, let Him provide for you in His timing. When you accept life as a gift from the hand of God, there you will find mercy and grace, forgiveness and hope, peace and everlasting security.

Let His peace fill your heart—today and every day. Tell Him all you’re feeling. God understands and knows life can be difficult—but He has a solution. Our peace resides in our Savior who loves us unconditionally. And He’s promised to keep us and deliver us into the Father’s loving arms.

- Life Principle 12 Dr. Charles Stanley devotional.

I am still trying to wrap my mind around the events of the last week. I have been on carnival rides that were easier to make sense of.

While unfortunately there's probably never going to be known what exactly happened, I move forward with whatever God puts before me to be doing.

"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.

I have read and have said that I know not what the future holds but I know who holds my future.

I am processing many emotions. Have used the word flabbergasted several times in the last few days more than probably any other time in my life.

Where I worked had a coexisting company in it that was about building trust, both in the workplace as well as outside of it. Yet those guiding principles evidently don't apply to whatever situation that I find myself in. The owner of the company's book he wrote on that very subject certainly isn't what I am living today with regards to all of this.

My heart and mind are striving to not give ground to roots of bitterness. It would be very easy to do. To do so would cause my life more trouble than it's ever worth.

There's no growth if there are no storms in this world. Old trees don't get to be that way unless they've been through more than a few.

Their roots get deeper because of those things.

In the storms of life our roots should go deeper in the Lord.

I find it very interesting that my blood pressure has been normal. I am not racing in my mind about things. The peace of God is indeed enveloping me. While I have concerns I know that Jesus always keeps His promises.

Every rain isn't forever. Jesus still eventually brings about a sunny day. Jesus said something that we need to remember.

“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Matthew 10:26-31.

And...

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34.

Satan's schemes are such as whatever he thinks it will take to get us to entertain a single doubt about God or the promises of Jesus Christ.

His schemes are to get us to stop whatever we are doing to grow in Christ, with respect to our salvation, our sanctification.

We all will go through 'Job Moments'. Moments where life is disrupted in ways we never thought possible or ever expected to experience. People whom we had known for years all the sudden turning on us...who ought to know better. People we don't know at all whom we thought we did. Health issues. Work issues. Economic times.

Things which we have no earthly explanation for that are being permitted by God to grow is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Rain and sun, sun and rain. We know not but we are to trust the One who does.

The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

That's the truth. Gutters on a house is the truth. Stopping a semi truck from killing me is the truth. Being able to preach a sermon or two is the truth. These things that Jesus took us through so that we both grow in Christ and for Him to be glorified are truth. Never once has He ever failed. Never will He ever fail.

Satan's no fan of my new Bible study habits. Part of this season of my life is to stop that. Not happening.

Satan's no fan of this blog. Partbof this season in my life is to stop that. Not happening.

Satan's trying to get me to doubt my present and my future provisions from My Savior are part of this season of my life. Not happening.

You too will face seasons or maybe mere moments of these seeds of doubt. Don't entertain them for a moment. Cast them far away from you. Remember the promises of God for you.

His plans include a hope and a future for us that is in Christ.

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.