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 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

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30.

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.

"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.

"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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Our Life, His Hands

by David Brenneman

Life Principle 11: God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him.

Do you really believe God is able and eager to meet all of your needs? Most people would say yes. But when difficulty comes, problems arise, and sorrow strikes, we often wonder where God is and how we can trust Him. The Lord is not only capable of meeting all of our needs, He also is able to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts.

Some question this reasoning. They say, “I know God is capable of meeting my needs, but will He? Doesn’t He know I’m struggling?” The Lord knows the battle that’s ensuing around your life.

And while questions like these are asked by each one of us at some point, we need to learn a deeper principle, and that is how to focus on our faith when we’re under trial. God is committed to meeting our needs, but first He wants to know that we’re committed to living our lives for Him.

Faith requires complete trust in Him, even when we don’t understand why He’s allowed circumstances to unfold a certain way. Think of all the people in the Bible who trusted the Lord and gained a wondrous victory: Moses, David, Jeremiah, Elijah, the disciples, Mary, and many more. We should never obey Him merely to manipulate our situation. God knows our hearts. When we’re surrendered to Him, He sees our devotion and goes to work on our behalf.

You can count on God’s love, wisdom, power, and grace. He’s never failed you. He’s the God who cares, and He will provide what you need at just the right time. And when He does, it will be abundantly beyond all you imagined.

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Study

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.

I have ceased, long ago, to be amazed by the things that God brings up each day for me to write about. Regardless of others personal thoughts regarding my content, the Spirit provides, I write. That's just the way it is.

My life took yet another turn yesterday. I am back to being unemployed. First time ever in all my life being let go before. The circumstances don't matter at this point. As I have said to others so I maintain. God knows the truth.

At some point there will be others who will need to understand this same path that I am on. There will be others who will need comforting the way I am being comforted by the Spirit right now.

It was most reassuring to see something this morning that said it's entirely possible to do absolutely nothing wrong and still lose. Satan's schemes are to lie, cheat, kill and destroy. To separate us from one another. Cause divisions. Cause us to ultimately doubt God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The temptation is very real to fall to my knees and cry in despair. Yet that's not where my heart is at. I have a peace that passes my understanding. Were my actions that lead up to my termination sinful or wrong, I highly doubt that God, through His Spirit, would provide this.

The Spirit knows our hearts way more than we can imagine or think possible.

The Spirit conveys to Jesus and the Father our hurts, our sorrows and our griefs. When those in our world don't understand, He always will.

I know that our needs will be met.

I know that in times gone by the faith history we have is one filled with Jesus always meeting our needs. Providing in ways we often never saw coming.

Gutters on the house is one of our all-time favorites.

A storm came through Columbus, Ohio many decades ago when we actually lived in my hometown of Elyria. The house in Columbus was my Wife's. We had no idea who to contact to get these fixed because we were told that they had to be.

My Wife called a former neighbor down there to see if she knew of anyone who could help or to call around and whomever she found we would figure out how to pay.

Weeks went by. Heard nothing.

She calls her former neighbor and is told that she thought we gave up on her looking for help and went ahead and had someone fix the gutters. New ones were on the house.

She told her no. We didn't do anything. Asked her if she knew who did it. She didn't know a lot other than their van said "Doing Awesome Jobs for an Awesome God". She later learned they put the new gutters on the wrong house.

God allowed what happened to remove me from my now former employer. He always is looking out for our best interests. His word says that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Not some things, all things.

I can do whatever God puts in front of me to be doing. That's the part that's on me, my obedience. The part that's on Him is keeping His Word, His promises while I obey.

I don't know what this next chapter in my life looks like. I know my Shepherd had already prepared for it. He said to not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.

While troubles may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.

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

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

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.

I don't need to find a way when my Savior always, already, has one. It's on me to be ready for whatever He reveals.

The urge to try to defend myself is great. However, the battle isn't mine to wage.

My faith history also is replete with example after example of those who wronged me in God's eyes and how He took care of them in ways that I never thought possible. The battle belongs to the Lord. Every single time before history began until the end of eternity My. Savior always prevails.

Monday, June 16, 2025

The Story is More than a Story

The Story is More than a Story
by David Brenneman

"Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)—you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:34-43.

Jesus is the Name above all names.

In 1880 Fanny Crosby wrote "Tell Me the Story of Jesus". "Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev'ry word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus
sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”

Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart ev'ry word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard."

These people heard about some of the story but needed to understand the rest. Peter tells of Jesus and THE Key unlocks the hearts of men and women who were Gentiles. The beginnings of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the fact that through Jesus the Gentiles would hope.

Without Jesus there is no hope in this world. Without Jesus there is no chance of entering His Heaven.

Without the forgiveness of sins that only comes from a right relationship with Jesus is salvation even possible.

"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 cannot be saved apart from the work of God through Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

We cannot know the full love of God without that perfect Jesus shaped key that fits our hearts perfectly.

We can't get there by speculations nor by getting to be good friends with those who are saved. We cannot get there by any means other than coming to Christ for salvation ourselves.

Are you really saved? If so are you living it?

If you haven't yet come to Christ for salvation, what's keeping you from going forward with your decision to be saved?

We are born in sin. Guilty from birth. We are in need of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Our future is either going to be spent with Jesus, for those who are saved, or eternally separated, for those who are not.

No excuses will be accepted from any who have chosen to say no to His free gift of salvation. None.

You and I don't have a single promise that we will make it through today. We have none that we will continue breathing for the next hour let alone the next few minutes.

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

Are you still searching for what is right in front of you?

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

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.".

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were just sinners, Christ died for us.".

Romans 10:9-10 "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.".

Romans 10:13 "for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.".

It's not hard nor even difficult. It's our decision that each of us must make while we yet breathe the breath of life graciously given to all.

The salvation message is simple enough for a child to understand it.

But the thing is osmosis doesn't do it. Being close friends with those who are saved doesn't do it. Thinking good thoughts, good vibes, doesn't do it. Nothing but acknowledging the truth that we need a Savior and receiving the free gift of salvation saves a person.

Don't look at your past, don't worry about your present. Don't be fearful of your future.

Jesus is ready to save you if you but call out to Him.

It doesn't matter what corner of the world you live in. Jesus will come to you.

Ask Jesus to come into your life and to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. "Lord save me! Forgive me of my sins. Be the leader of my life and be my personal Lord and Savior."

The time is always right to find salvation in Jesus Christ.

If you have further questions, text the word "Jesus" to 1-330-264-9459. They will be glad to help you understand your new relationship with Jesus or even to be sure that you are saved.

Time is running out. Jesus promised to return and He always keeps His promises.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

The Battle Isn't Ours

by David Brenneman

"Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 2 Kings 6:17.

Life Principle 9: Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.

At some point, each of us will face what seem to be mammoth trials and difficulties. This is why we must know how to respond to every threat by laying hold of the kind of victorious faith that looks beyond what we can see to what God sees.

In times of extreme pressure, God stretches our faith and deepens our dependence on Him. Without a strong, abiding faith, we can quickly yield to temptation and fear, especially when the trial or difficulty is intense or prolonged.

Whatever Goliath you face, you need to bury one truth deep within your heart: God loves you, and when you place your trust in Him, He will help you triumph. You may go through times of failure. Life may not always turn out the way you planned. But ultimately, God will be glorified, and you will be blessed.

Every challenge presents an opportunity for the Lord to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, make a commitment to trust God, even when you don’t know what the next day will bring. Train yourself to look beyond what you can see to what He sees.

How can you gain that kind of faith?

Recall past victories.

Reject discouraging words.

Recognize the true nature of the battle.

Respond to the challenge with a positive confession.

Rely on the power of God.

Reckon the victory.

You can face any circumstance with confidence and hope because it’s not your strength, wisdom, energy, or power that brings victory. Triumph comes because of Christ’s ability. And when you place your trust in Him, you tap into an irresistible force that no one and nothing can successfully oppose.

In these days, not just the days in which I find myself, there are threats to our way of life to take away peace.

My thoughts are indeed going towards what Dr. Charles Stanley says in this devotional. Remembering the other victories that came about only because of Him.

My human side tries to stir up my mind to worry. We often do this when waiting. Patiently waiting isn't something most people are ok with. We live in a microwave society. Even 60 seconds in a microwave is taking too long.

In my life God has always shown Himself faithful. The fact and truth that I am still alive and breathing bears testimony to the work of God in me.

During these recent days even my blood pressure has been kept normal by His direction in my physical well-being.

My mind wants to step in and do something...yet...as the title eluded to...the battle isn't mine.

To attack a child of God is to attack God. We cry out to Him and He always responds. Many times in ways we never thought possible. Some of the stories I am reminded of would be worthy of a television show or maybe even a movie.

My trust is in God my Savior. I called to Him and He promises to act. I am in His hands. Always have been always will be.

I don't need to know what tomorrow's troubles are while living in today.

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

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:6-8.

What ought we to do? What have I been doing? Praying.

While disappointments are inevitable in the world my choice isn't to be discouraged.

There are always possibilities where God is concerned. With God all things are possible.

The enemy of God wants me to be discouraged and not to be writing these posts. Wants me to not attend church. Wants me to stop going to the Grace Groups we go to. He wants me to shut up. Disguising it however he tries, that's the aim of Satan towards all who believe.

He tries to throw our past in our face. Remind him of his future. He was defeated at the cross of Jesus Christ.

He tries to bury us under the stress of the unknown. Jesus knows all.

He tries to get us to excessively self examine rather than remembering what Jesus's roll in all this is.

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.

We are not the principal elements of this battle. The Battle belongs to the Lord.

The sheep are to rely on their Shepherd.

I trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail.

The Battle belongs to God.

His promises never fail.

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Get That Armor of God Back On

Get that Armor of God Back On

by David Brenneman

Life Principle 8: Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.

Faith is saying to God, “I believe You will.” In our battle to overcome the enemy, we might pray this way: “I believe You will defeat the enemy and cause him to flee from me as I resist him and put my trust in You.” Again and again, David made this declaration of faith to the Lord: “O my God, in You I trust” (Ps. 25:2; also 31:6). Perfect faith views the battle as being done and God gaining the victory. When David said, “In You I trust,” he meant: “It is done. Lord, You are perfect in nature. You do all things well. And You have victory over all my enemies.” He had absolute faith in God’s ability. There was no hint of “I hope He will” because David knew it was as good as done.

We grow in faith by exercising it, by trusting God in situation after situation, circumstance after circumstance, relationship after relationship. We develop a personal history in which we obey God and He remains faithful in His loving care of us.

It’s impossible for you to resist the devil for very long if you don’t believe that Jesus through you can and will defeat the devil. Furthermore, you can remain firm in your faith only when you completely submit to God in all areas of your life. When you refuse to submit a problem or area to the Lord, you’re saying, “I can handle this. I don’t need Your help.” That’s precisely what Satan wants you to do: trust in your ability and not in omnipotent God. It’s also the place where he will level his greatest attack against you!

The good news is that God has given each of us a measure of faith to develop. He also gives us the ability to trust Him and surrender our lives to Him. We can stand firm and resist the enemy, but only by the power of God. He’s the One who hears our prayers and rushes to our defense. When we pray, Satan flees.

- Life Principle Devotional Dr. Charles Stanley.

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths." Psalms 25:1-2, 4.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever." Psalms 121:1-8.

The verses from Psalms 25 used to be the heart of a chorus we learned at church in my youth. To this day I still remember it well.

In this present darkness trying to overcome my heart, I stand with my Savior and Lord. I am seeking Him and His guidance while the enemy attempts to drag me down. My prayers are presented at the feet of Jesus. My time in my Bible study is not wavering. I trust in God my Savior the One who will never fail and has never failed me yet.

I don't really know at all what my tomorrow's hold but I do know who holds my tomorrow's in His hands.

Many people tried, and all failed until the hour in which they were to 'succeed', with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Many tried to thwart God's plans with the saints of old and none prevailed.

The prayers of the saints shook the place. The prayers of His people are always heard by Jesus. There's no way Satan can block them.

Waiting can be stressful yet I am not. I continue to pray and continue to put my life in my Savior's hands and arms.

There's no doubt that my Savior knows the truth. Everyone else must discover it but He knows it.

What are we fearful of? Why fear what mere man can do?

In prayer I go when stray thoughts come my way that aren't beneficial.

In prayer and praise when a song is needed to guide my thoughts into the righteous life that God desires for me.

Whatever is decided isn't a reflection on me. My Savior knows who I am. My integrity is intact in Christ Jesus.

There's no benefit to moping around playing the what if game.

That's going in circles in your mind.

If that same Jesus who raised from the dead saved our souls when we came to Christ for salvation then He can easily handle our everyday lives.

In every way He was tempted but sin never prevailed.

He was a man of sorrows, well acquainted with grief. There's nothing anyone can go through that He doesn't know how to help us with.

Fight your battles on your knees. Things come up, pray. Things don't come up, pray. The writer in the Scriptures says to pray without ceasing. It's Spiritual breathing.

Whatever the outcome my praise will still be with my Savior and my God.

My encouragement for you is to indeed make the time to pray. So what if you don't know how to pray. Try it anyway. The Bible says that when we don't know how to pray that the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. You have to start somewhere in your deeper relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes our battles are only for that to happen...a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes it's to purge something from our lives that is contrary to the work of the Spirit in us.

Regardless of what it is...trust in God our Savior the One who will never fail and never has.

Satan's wanting us to entertain a single shred of doubt in order to gain a foothold in our minds and hearts.

Know your enemy.

Know your Savior more.

Know that you are in His hands and that He is in the Father’s hands.

Take your next step in trust by embracing your prayer life in new ways. Write letters to God and read them to Him. Start somewhere. Use the mightiest weapon of your arsenal against Satan's schemes.

Literally it's only the foolish who have a weapon to defend and don't use it.

Pray, pray, pray. Enjoy your time in prayer. My mowing time is my time of praising God my Savior for an hour or so. Get creative in your world to be able to use that whole armor of God better. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. The helmet of salvation. The breastplate of righteousness. Put the armor of God on and test it, flex it, get used to it being there.

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.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Oh this Present Darkness

by David Brenneman

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14.

"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;" Romans 8:26.

Every anxious thought that steals my breath

It's a heavy weight upon my chest

As I lie awake and wonder what the future will hold

Help me to remember that You're in control

You're my courage when I worry in the dead of night

You're my strength 'cause I'm not strong enough to win this fight

You are greater than the battle raging in my mind

I will trust You, Lord

I will fear no more

I will lift my eyes

I will lift my cares

Lay them in Your hands

I'll leave them there

When the wind and waves are coming

You shelter me

Even though I'm in the storm, the storm is not in me

You're my courage when I worry in the dead of night

You're my strength 'cause I'm not strong enough to win this fight

You are greater than the battle raging in my mind

I will trust You, Lord

I will fear no more

(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more

No power can come against me

'Cause You have overcome

No darkness can overwhelm me

'Cause You've already won

No power can come against me

'Cause You have overcome

(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh)

No darkness can overwhelm me

'Cause You've already won

(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh)

You're my courage when I worry in the dead of night

You're my strength 'cause I'm not strong enough to win this fight

You are greater than the battle raging in my mind

I will trust You, Lord (Trust You, Lord)

I will fear no more (Fear no more)

(Oh-oh-oh-ohh, oh-oh-oh-ohh) I will fear no more

- The Afters "I Will Fear No More" 2018.

To say the least the last 24 hours has been some incredibly rough waters to travel.

There's a work related situation that has me staying at home for the time being.

This morning that chorus of that song was playing in my mind which I took as a message from My Savior.

This morning's devotional was about adversity lasting only as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in our lives.

The details aren't really important in this writing, but suffice to say, I and my Wife, do not think that I did anything wrong.

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," Colossians 1:13.

While there might be accusations, I know that I did nothing wrong. The battle is the Lord’s to fight. Nothing reaches me that hasn't passed through the hands of my Savior to get to me.

I was amazed to see that my blood pressure didn't spike last night. I still had a very good time in my Bible study time last night. I had no troubles sleeping. I am safe in my Savior's arms.

We're studying Psalms 23 from a Shepherd's Perspective.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:1-6.

Whatever may befall me my Savior is with me. He has never left me nor forsaken me. He knows the truth about everything not just this situation.

What I do find troubling is that people ought to know me better and should trust my integrity if not trusting entirely in me.

Time will tell. Romans 8:28-30 says "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."

I wait upon the Lord. I am going to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge Him and He will make my paths straight.

You might be surrounded by darkness today as well. Those in Christ have the Light of Jesus Christ within them. We who are Believers have nothing to fear.

Daniel and his friends faced false accusers and Jesus Himself stood with them. My Savior, my Lord, my Great Shepherd, stands with me.

I will trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail.

Jesus lights the way.

Thursday, June 12, 2025

What is Yours to be Doing?

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.

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

"The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep. So the captain approached him and said, “How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.” Each man said to his mate, “Come, let us cast lots so we may learn on whose account this calamity has struck us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. So they said to him, “What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us?”—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. He said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.” However, the men rowed desperately to return to land but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against them. Then they called on the Lord and said, “We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord, have done as You have pleased.” So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:1-17.

"That can't be right!"

"There's no way!"

"I can't do that!"

"I'm not going to be going there!"

Reread that first chapter of the book of Jonah. Go read the book of Judges.

There is always something special for all who are truly saved in Christ Jesus to be doing that was appointed unto them the moment they were saved. There IS a calling in your life that is probably going to be bigger than you that's going to require your life in Christ to be on your A Game.

"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.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

"Oh I have tried and I just couldn't do it!"

My Dear Reader it's through the Spirit that you do what is yours to be doing. You're not going to accomplish what's yours to be doing in your own understanding, your own standards, your own strength.

Look at when the people of Israel were originally told of entering the Promised Land. The Lord would go ahead of them and He would make a way where there was no way. Yet because of their disobedience the Lord told them no they were not crossing over. Their descendants would. Some, in the stubbornness of their hearts, ran headlong across to the Promised Land without the Lord and were routed. Turned back. Had they believed the report of Joshua and Caleb the Lord would have kept His promise to clear the way. Decades later the descendants of those rebellious people easily crossed over and watched as the hand of God gave them the land one city at a time.

There is indeed something for you to be doing that's not going to be something that you will be able to easily lay claim as having been done by your own strength and your own power. It's going to be empowered by the Spirit of God.

Yours could be anything thats unique to you or yours could be similar to some others in Christ. Yours could truly be to put you on the path to being the next Billy Graham. Yours could be to be a behind the scenes prayer warrior. The point being there are NO useless body parts in the body of Christ. A part of a body that mimics the body but does nothing for it is a cancer or virus. Which is why being sure of your salvation is vital.

Jesus Himself said that there will be many people who will be told to depart from Me for I never knew you. People who thought they were saved but were not, even doing the same type of work of God as true Believers. Know of several testimonials of people who actually were already Pastors who actually came to Christ after a Promise Keeper event.

I have often gone back and forth as to what my calling is about in Christ. Keep thinking there must be something more than what I am doing. Currently my ministry with this blog appears to be it. I get up earlier than most and read my Bible and a devotional. I set out to write about whatever God lays on my heart to write. I post it and go on with my day, doing whatever He puts in front of me to be doing. Me, on my part, try to follow Colossians 3:23-24. God, on His part, takes the blog all over the world. Going places and touching lives where I could never go. Whether there's something more for me to be doing, time will tell. I pray about it and await whatever the answer may be.

You, my Dear Reader, are not exempt from your calling in Christ.

You, my Dear Reader, have something to be doing in this world that's bigger than you in Christ.

Your gifts and calling from God is irrevocable. It's for you to be doing.

While there were 12 Disciples who became Apostles all had a different calling in Christ. A 13th, Paul, was an Apostle unto the world outside of Israel. Writing most of the New Testament.

Pray about whatever it is you are to be doing. Step out of the boat and onto the water when told to. Don't get ahead of the Spirit. I did and it took me decades to come back around. The scars are still fresh from my wayward days.

Don't compare what is for you to be doing in Christ with what He's given others to be doing.

The Scriptures say that each of us will give an account of our lives before Jesus. Each. Not as a group.

Do pray about it and then when you are sure, do with all your heart.

If God's behind your calling, you cannot fail at it. If He's not, then you'll not succeed or your success will not at all be what it would have been.

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Pray. Seek to know. Do. Repeat.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Open Your Eyes

by David Brenneman

"You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles." Romans 9:19-24.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:7-9.

"He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish." Proverbs 22:8.

It is interesting that when some people have less than desirable times fall upon them that it's always someone else's fault. Someone else has to be to blame.

Some go as far as to blame God for the calamities of their lives.

The thing is sin is real, the consequences of sin are real. What God has said concerning sin and the wages - what you get from embracing it - are real. In over 6,000 years, since He spoke the curse upon mankind to Adam and Eve, the curse of sin has never changed. If a person turns to Christ for salvation then indeed the curse is abolished. The Scriptures say "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

This world isn't getting any better and no its got anything to do with climate change. It's the hearts of sinful people who are making it as it is. The hearts of most are evil continually, just as it was in the days of Noah. Just as Jesus said it would be like before He returns.

The blind continually go on leading the blind in this world. That's everyone who hasn't come to Christ for salvation. They're in the darkness of sin. Only those who have come to Christ for salvation are found to be in the light of Jesus Christ.

Add to this complex picture those who've been living on a tightrope between their sin nature and their new life in Christ. All the while wondering why things are happening to them that are unpleasant.

Jesus said in the book of Revelation that He absolutely does not like lukewarm people. If people are really honest with themselves they too would probably agree that lukewarm people aren't the best to be around.

In days gone by I have found myself accused of targeting people in this blog. Outside of some specific Godly people, I have never called out anyone about anything. I might have pointed to circumstances as examples but if anyone thinks that I have targeted them...go ask God about it. Plainly put many, after many a Sunday sermon, believed that the Pastor was talking right to them. That he singled them out.

If the pangs of guilt, the words used, strike a chord so be it. The very words of God throughout the Bible are supposed to change people. To bring them out of the darkness and into the light of Jesus Christ.

I have nothing to feel guilty about in speaking whatever I am directed to say in a post. If a situation resembles your life...that's God trying to get your attention.

God will not be mocked. God will not be questioned as to why He did this or didn't do that. The whole of the human race are lumps of clay in the Master's hands.

People who incessantly reject Jesus's calling to them will reap the results of that.

There once was a farmer who was the only stand out in his family to not come to Christ for salvation during a revival. The Pastor and the Evangelist went to his farm to just talk to him. He was offended at their coming and told them that he wasn't ready to be saved and when he was good and ready he would, and that they shouldleave.

A few days later a call came to the Pastor that the farmer had passed. At the very spot he lashed out at those two men of God is where they found him. He had fallen to his death from the loft.

Sad to say many many people do the same thing every single day towards God. Some curse and swear at God with fists raised at Him in utter defiance. Only to wake up in Hell screaming in rage at God.

The return of Jesus Christ is as certain as the breath you just took.

As certain as anything you hold dear. As certain as the sun up in the sky.

What you do, asking to be saved or rejection of salvation, is entirely on you.

What these people are saying or doing, or those people are saying or doing, it's all on them. You must decide to come to Christ for salvation or you choose the wrath of God. Those are the only two choices. Denying He exists isn't going to help you at all. There are countless trillions of people who used to be atheists fully acknowledging that God is very real and the wages of their sins is very real...in Hell.

The choice before you is life and death. A life in Christ that will indeed bring you to Heaven to forever be with Jesus or bring you to endless painful torment in Hell until the Final Judgment day where all who rejected Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior get a glorified body only to be cast into the lake of fire forever separated from God.

There's consequences to sin. Calling it something else to appease your conscience isn't going to change the consequences before a Holy God.

Time is running out. There is coming a time of intense Judgment from God that will last 7 years. You can read about it mainly in the book of Revelation but other books in the Bible speak to it. The life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was absolutely real. His promise to return is also very real.

Open up your eyes to the truth. Don't listen to political figures or supposed teachers who tell you otherwise from the Word of God.

Sin is real.

Death is real.

Salvation in Jesus Christ alone is necessary to be right before the Holy God of the Universe.

Jesus said there is no one good in this world. Not a single person.

Jesus is coming...are you really ready to meet Him?