Disguised Bitterness, Revealed Grace

Disguised Bitterness, Revealed Grace 

by David Brenneman 

As defined by many, God's grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense".  

As Biblically defined its God's unmerited favor poured out upon those who've come to Christ for salvation. 

For more than quite a few people there seems to be a forgetting of the grace that was poured out on them in that they aren't extending it to others, and their disobedience in this has been disguised as bitterness towards others. A lack of looking at the world through Christ's understanding eyes, Christ's understanding heart.

What's supposed to happen in the lives of all Believers is that the grace of God is supposed to flow from Jesus to us then from us to the world.  

We are too easily embittered towards people in the world and aren't trying hard enough to be understanding or forgiving. 

People do have bad days. Both the believing and the unbelieving alike. 

People are, again both groups, are prone to allow a bit or more than a bit of selfishness creep in where it shouldn't be when we deal with others. 

We aren't aware that we're setting standards that aren't God's standards when it comes to our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those in the world in which we live. 

We do all this and neglect to remember that we are supposed to be representing Christ to the world. We are supposed to be living lives in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  

We really ought to do more, do better, at getting this vital aspect of living life because my Dear Reader, who knows if that person who's before you is the last person who will be saved before Jesus returns?

What if our feelings are getting in the way of being the light of Jesus Christ that we are supposed to be?

Paul said "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:19-24.

Jesus always presented grace to people. Sometimes it was received well other times people threw it back at Him but it never stopped Him from doing it. 

Proclaiming what we will or won't do because of how we were treated...is going to cause us to withhold the grace we are commanded to give to all.

Jesus was obedient even to the point of death, death on a cross. 

Grace still came from My Jesus to a thief on another cross who had in moments just before had been cussing Him out with the second thief on another cross.

We are also commanded to guard our hearts. This kind of situation is a very big reason why.  

We won't be showing Christ to the world while we withhold His grace. 

Consider your thoughts and actions. Consider whether you're more interested in personal justice rather than obeying as your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did regardless of His circumstances. 

Consider whether or not you are being motivated by anything else that's causing you to justify your bitterness.  

We live in a world where words get redefined at a breakneck pace.  

For generations people both in and outside of the Church don't consider what they do, say or think, is exactly what the Bible says is idolatry. Yet that's what it is. 

Holding a grudge, whether big or small, against people is still a root of bitterness. 

The Bible is written for our instruction not for us to twist it to satisfy our way of thinking.  

Bitterness is bitterness. No matter how the world wants to redefine it. 

We are further warning in the Scriptures to never let any root of bitterness spring up within us.

We read directly from Jesus that if we don't forgive we won't be forgiven. 

Ours in Christ is to take that grace we have been given and to give it to others just as we were once given it. To totally unworthy people just as we are unworthy to receive what we were given. Yet in Christ we are worthy because of the salvation we were given.  

I do not think that all too many Believers truly look at others with the thought that the person in front of them just might be the last person who will be saved before Jesus returns.  

This is what is meant by our hastening the return of Jesus Christ...our obedience in showing Christ to a lost world...that grace we were given...give it to others. 

Show some grace and mercy to others as your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ did and daily does with...you.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

The Unexpected

The Unexpected 

by David Brenneman 

Was a year ago two things happened in my life. Two things that had the same answer from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I had known for the several years that I was at my former employer that I wasn't meant to stay there. That place was a stepping stone, a means to an end, to support us in our move up to our new hometown. 

While I had been actively looking for a new job, and had plans for a much different type of exit from there, God had a much different plan in mind for me. 

A friend of mine and I share a similar belief when it comes to life and our seasons at employers. We will stay at a place until God makes it impossible to remain there. 

Most decidedly this time last year Jesus made it impossible to stay.  

What I also know from my faith history is that when Jesus is doing something His size, keep my fingers out of it. He will deal with those whom serve up injustice.  

So while this time last year was unexpected as to the timing it was in God's timing for me.  

I was reviewing my journal entries for those first several days this morning. It's interesting and amazing at the same time to see that perhaps yes, growth in Christ had been happening in me. My reactions to this experience were not like they were in days gone by. I can remember sitting in my truck praying. I was seriously going to trust in my Savior to save me, save us, again. 

Looking back over the days since it's an incredible tapestry of things of blessings of even more learning about my faith and my Savior Jesus Christ. 

The truth of God for us in Christ Jesus is there ARE NO UNEXPECTED THINGS in His mindset.  

While we are the sheep being lead, He is the all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing, all-everything who is never surprised by anything. No 

Satan didn't get away with anything concerning me. My Savior chose at that time to lead me down a different path. The road less traveled by many because they are wanting to avoid the trials and tribulations that are coming.  

My Dear Reader, don't ask God to take away what He's doing in your life to become more like Jesus.  

Essentially that's what we do when we're thrown into adversity that's by His hand.  

When adversity is by our own hand that's a different matter.  

But when you're being lead to green pastures, when you're being made to lie down, when you're being lead even through the valley of the shadow of death, do not fear because your Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, is right there in it with you. 

A year ago seems almost like forever ago. 

In this moment I am blessed beyond my understanding. I am getting paid to learn how to help people by fixing their speech devices. I get to work with some really good people.  

The journey to get here was absolutely wonderful and worth it...when there's the right perspective of being in it.

We can easily miss what the Spirit is doing, is teaching, when all we're doing is complaining about what we're in the middle of. 

My Dear Reader...when the unexpected to you happens...rather than run to complain...run to ask what it is He's wanting to do in your life. Because no circumstances that you will ever face will be enough to thwart the plans that God has for you. 

Ask God to show you what it is He's doing and continue to give of your best, as unto the Lord, while He does it. 

"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.

This, my Dear Reader, is for all who are in Christ: "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.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Asking Him for More

Asking Him for More 

by David Brenneman 

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1.

Probably most don't like the idea of discipline. It's rules. It's not being allowed to do this or that. 

Yet we all learned the discipline of learning. Learning to communicate with the world. Learning how to move about in our world. Some discipline was more tailored towards special needs. Some cannot speak yet learned how to talk with devices such as those that I work on. 

The discipline of the Lord is the perfected version of the discipline we had as children from our parents or guardians.  

We had those over us to teach us the things we would need to know to get on with living a life in our future in the world. 

The similarities continue. Likely we have times when we don't understand the lessons being taught and ask questions. In the Lord we ask questions because of what we're going through isn't making much sense. .

To fight the discipline of the Lord is what's stupid. Fight what is absolutely going to be for our benefit?

Yet there are Believers out there who are doing just that. They aren't going to Church because of some incident that happened to them or others.

They aren't going for_______. Fill in the blank.  

Excuses. No excuse will cut it when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him.

That's just the truth about His promise of the discipline that's for our benefit. 

There's no excuse that we might give that will be ok with Jesus for disobedience. 

If God leads you to something He will lead you through it. 

That theme is throughout the Bible. 

Sometimes the things He wants us to do are incredibly difficult and we have no control over or context to relate to. Look at Peter and his learning to accept the Gentiles.  

Our struggles are not against flesh and blood but rather against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  

The disciplines we learn and absolutely do need to learn are for the spiritual battles that we will engage in. 

We need to learn how to accurately identify our enemies. We need to learn how to lay hold of the promises of God in Christ Jesus. We need to go through the discipline of the Spirit’s Basic Training Course to know how to be a soldier in the armies of God. We have to learn how to walk with Jesus. How to not fall behind or get ahead of Him. We need to learn the aspect of building up endurance in that so that we can truly run the race set before us.

Realize there IS a race set before you.

You need the disciplines taught by the Spirit of God to build up your endurance to do so. You need to learn how to pace yourself with Jesus. 

Paul wrote of a transformed life. This is the life that eagerly received the discipline of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Ask for more. As odd as that sounds. Ask for more because of what you and I know of Psalms 23.

"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.

This is the will of God for us...our sanctification. Our transformation into being like Jesus. Our discipline, our learning in the Lord.

We should always want what God our Father wants for us. It's going to take us down roads that are going to be difficult at times and different. 

"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.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Safeguard Your Time With Jesus

Safeguard Your Time With Jesus 

by David Brenneman 

"Job...was blameless, upright, fearing God" Job 1:1

     Job knew what it meant to be caught off guard by disaster. He

lost family, property, and wealth all in a matter of moments. Yet somehow he managed to honor God with affirmations of trust.

How? We know that Job was a godly and upright man and that he

made sacrifices to the Lord. But here is the key to why Job was able

to endure: "This was Job's regular practice" (Job 1:5 NLT).

     Certainly, Job had questions about his losses, but ultimately,

he trusted in God's goodness and sovereignty to the end because

he had a solid relationship with the Lord in the day-to-day. In this we see a valuable principle: never underestimate the value of a

God-honoring routine. Our daily times alone with the Father build

strength within us that sustains us when we're thrown headlong

into adversity.

     So don't wait until times of trouble hit to get ready spiritually-

that only leads to a more difficult battle. Train for those seasons

now by safeguarding your quiet times with the Lord. Because every

day that you enjoy His presence, delve into His Word, and pray

about what concerns you, He strengthens your soul. You may not

see the benefits immediately, but when the trials come, you`ll be

surprised at how He's prepared you.

Jesus, I love meeting with You daily. Thank You for strengthening my soul. Amen.

-Trusting God with Today. Dr. Charles Stanley. 

One sure thing caught my attention in reading this last night.  

A year ago tomorrow marks a time in my life where the unexpected happened. But in reading this: "So don't wait until times of trouble hit to get ready spiritually-

that only leads to a more difficult battle. Train for those seasons

now by safeguarding your quiet times with the Lord. Because every

day that you enjoy His presence, delve into His Word, and pray

about what concerns you, He strengthens your soul. You may not

see the benefits immediately, but when the trials come, you`ll be

surprised at how He's prepared you." I have a greater appreciation for these valley's and mountain tops that Jesus lead me through. 

He taught me to safeguard my quiet times with Him. He taught me to run to Him first, not after trying other things.  

I still remember being outside the building sitting in my truck wondering what in the world was going on. Reviewing everything, every word spoken, every choice, every decision. Not seeing anything amiss. So prayer began because I certainly needed my Savior to save once again.  

It's been my practice to daily be spending time in my Bible every morning and every evening. Even if I lost some sleep in doing so.  

My Dear Reader you too must guard, safeguard, your time with Jesus. There's nothing that will satisfy when things aren't going the way you're expecting than knowing you've got Jesus in your corner. 

All too often people sacrifice this precious time with Jesus and long ago that was me.  

How can we live lives that are full of grace and truth if we don't even know what God means by it?

Everything you have, have had, or ever will have or experience, is a fleeting vapor in time. All will become a memory either for you or those whom you know. All physical things will be consumed by the fires that will eventually come to this universe at the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ.

What survives is what we know and have come to learn about our Savior Jesus Christ. What survives is our transformed life in Christ. What lives on in eternity after the final judgment at the end of that thousand year reign of Jesus Christ is the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.  

All these things we spend, or rather expend, money on to keep or restore or to possess for a season are all going to turn to ashes. 

What we do, what we learn, what we have in Christ is the only thing that's worth protecting. Job's integrity stayed intact during his tribulation. He lost practically everything in his life and clung to His Savior and Lord.  

As Dr. Stanley pointed out, "as was his practice". Fast forward to Daniel. Those who died for their attempt to kill Daniel knew of his practice of prayer 3 times a day no matter what was going on in his life. It was his practice. 

We have things that are our practice that by no means should be a part of our lives because Jesus is not honored in them. We follow the world in many practices that we should not. Excusing such things by referring to them by other names. 

Protect your time with Jesus. 

Safeguard your heart in Christ Jesus.  

"Give of your best to the Master, give of your best to the King." as a line from a hymn says. 

Jesus is ready to return to call His own to Himself. Will He find you as a very close friend or will He find you as one who really didn't try all that hard to get to know Him?

How you live your life shows your answer.

How well you guard your time with Jesus speaks volumes. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

A Thief in the Night or in the Day

A Thief in the Night or in the Day

by David Brenneman 

"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. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:3-18.

A very much taught to all in the early Church is to be living lives in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ. "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". 

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

In pretty much every book of the New Testament we can find something to stir up by way of reminder to live our lives in case today or even tonight were when Jesus would return. 

As I was reading these last few days something else seemed to be connecting with these thoughts on the return of Jesus. John the Baptist stated that he must decrease and Jesus must increase. More of those thoughts we covered a short time ago concerning less of us in our lives and more of Jesus to be seen in us. The transformed life. 

We indeed have a life ahead of us as long as we're breathing. Question is in who's eyes will it look or actually be considered successful? Ours or God's?

When, never 'if', we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him...who will be seen as the one glorified, Jesus or us?  

If it's us...we're in trouble...because it will seriously diminish the crown of righteousness that we are to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us.

Daily, temptations arise, to draw us away from living a life representing Christ to this world.  

Daily, we can be caught off guard, and a God provided moment to glorify Him is missed. 

Daily, we can miss opportunities that the Spirit is bringing into our lives to bring us closer to Christ. 

Remember: after we come to Christ for salvation the work being done in us is our sanctification. We are either going to be transformed or we're going to fight the transformation. We are either going to willingly grow in Christ or we will hinder that by living selfishly in our flesh.

Something that I am finding, after the drastic change in my life a year ago, is to learn to say no to things that I normally wasn't giving a second thought to.

There's never been a person who's saved, who's ever seen regret at pursuing a greater life in Christ over their own personal desires. 

Never. 

Are you satisfied with how you will look when you stand before Jesus?

Isn't there more you can be doing to let there be less of you and more of Jesus for yourself and the world to see?

Move away from evening television and move towards more dedicated time in God's Word. 

Move away from other things and towards a more personal time in prayer with your Savior Jesus Christ. 

Move with the Spirit more. Listening for His promptings rather than dismissing them.

Ask your Father in Heaven what it is He's wanting you to really be doing for Him then ask the Spirit, in Jesus's Name, to empower you to do it.

These are the things that will bring glory to God, in Christ Jesus, and not ourselves. 

Jesus is returning. 

Pursue a life in godliness in Christ Jesus that shows the world this promise is true and that you really believe it. 

Live a life that glorifies Jesus and less of one that glorifies you.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

The Road Less Traveled...One of a Lack of Understanding

The Road Less Traveled...One of a Lack of Understanding 

by David Brenneman 

As I sit n have read what was in my reading plan...something different dawned on me after reading in 1 Samuel when the Philistines are about to attack Israel and the lords of the Philistines don't want him there. What I now understood about this decision was certainly from the Spirit.

Before this particular battle and afterwards David refused to reach forth his hand against King Saul because "he's the Lord’s anointed". David didn't see nor understand this battle from the Lord Jesus Christ's perspective.  

Which we too are prone to do. The Lord didn't want David to have any part of His judgment against King Saul. Had he been there his hands would have been against King Saul. 

Right above our fireplace mantel is one of those decorative pieces you get from places like Hobby Lobby. " Take the road less traveled."

In reading these two pieces, I was lead to a particular Scripture passage. 

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14.

Narrow road, narrow gate...the way isn't big. It's not for everyone.  

Many today believe that Jesus is going to save everyone who ever lived. It's His teachings on this that tell a different story.  

There's not going to be everyone saved, just those who've truly received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Just those people who know that Jesus is the forgiver of their sins and is the Leader of their lives.

These are those traveling the narrow road. The road is wide that leads to destruction...also to be understood as Hell.

We often are going to be in a position, a place, where we don't understand the why's of what we are going through. A year ago this week I most certainly was in this place. Was doing exactly as told and found myself unemployed and wondering how it happened. Wondering why it happened.  

My memory isn't like my brother's. He can remember details and can review books he read in the years before.  

Yet the Spirit brings to remembrance those times and places where it was the Lord who spared, who provided, who lead us through uncertain or just plain difficult times.  

In Psalms 23 we read of what He makes us do. Leads us beside still waters. Makes us lie down in green pastures. Restores our soul. 

In all that...likely without understanding. 

Those who are saved in Christ Jesus are on this narrow road. We walk this way with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Guided by His Spirit.  

This is perfectly corresponding to "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.

We don't always know, or better still, need to know in the moment what the Lord is doing. We probably wouldn't fully understand.  

Ours is to trust and obey. 

Ours is to be lead and to do.

Ours is to walk this narrow way...His way...believing that Jesus has the best in mind for us.  

In soon-to-be King David's life...he was kept from reaching out against the Lord's anointed even by proxy. 

In our lives we're kept from things in life in the same way and allowed to endure other things all without understanding. This is where we're not to lean on our own understanding.  

While not everyone will be saved...we're to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We're to continue on in telling others about Jesus and the way to be saved.  

We don't know nor could understand when Jesus is to return. We are to live each day as if today were that day.  

The narrow way is to be walked with Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  

So if you're going through a season of not understanding, you're in good company...and it's ok. We have as our Savior the One who does and that makes everything alright. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

"Be Ready, I am Coming"

"Be Ready, I am Coming"
by David Brenneman

Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming." Luke 12:40

Mike Yardley had just left his network's studios when his city
began to shake. As the ground convulsed, a cloud of dust
rose all around. Pieces of the city center of Christchurch, New
Zealand, were raining down on the sidewalks. Looking back at
his news building, Yardley saw nothing but dust. The building had
collapsed in the February 2011 earthquake, killing seventeen of
his colleagues. "My heart has been torn by the unwieldy weight of grief," he said, "as I reflect on 17 much-loved workmates who
I will never share a TV studio with again."
     Jesus warned of an increasing number of earthquakes, along with famines and pestilences, as we grow closer to His return. We may see all these disasters today and marvel at the state of the world. But we shouldn't fear. We should take these things as reminders to be watching, waiting, and praying. We
should be ready!

The world is in trouble, but Jesus came to rescue us from its final consequences." ERWIN LUTZER
- Walking with God, Dr. David Jeremiah.

My Dear Reader...From the days of old God made the promise that the Messiah would come.  Not just a single prophecy regarding this but hundreds.  All of which culminated in the night of His Earthly birth in a little town in Bethlehem.  Further, these whom wrote the Old Testament at the leading of the Spirit, told of what kind of life this Savior, this Messiah, would lead.  The prophecies also spoke to His sufferings and crucifixion.

All of these came true in the person of Jesus Christ.  Jesus died a horrific death in the place of sinful man and not only that, but arose 3 days later conquering sin, death and the grave.  More promises kept.

Now, He sits at the right hand of the  Father in Heaven.  Awaiting that moment when His Father says its time. 

There's many millions of people who have died in Christ who are there right now awaiting that moment as well, who have been worshipping Jesus since they've left this world. 

The same Scriptures that were and are completely accurate about Jesus being the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the risen Messiah, are also telling us all who remain in this present age that He will return to reclaim His Church.

In the letters to the Thessalonians in practically every chapter there's references made to remind them of the promised return of Jesus Christ.

These promises will be kept.  God isn't willing that any should perish but that all might be saved.

This message is for all who are still at that place where they've not decided, not chosen, the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins.

This is a limited time opportunity. 

You see, the return of Jesus Christ is directly tied to the completion of the Church of Jesus Christ. 

When that last person who comes to Christ is saved, then that's it.

That day could be today, could be tomorrow, could be days, weeks, months in the future. 

Jesus spoke of what the days would be like when He is going to come back.  Civilization hadn't developed to the point of seeing those things happen...but we live in those days now.

My Dear Reader if you have not yet received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins...the offer is still on the table.

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

You have enough faith to come to Christ if you so choose. 

Look at perhaps the most famous of verses in the Bible in a more personal way.

For God so loved YOU that He gave His only begotten Son so that if YOU believe in Him YOU will not perish but have everlasting life.

You were on His mind when He was on the cross.  Yes YOU.

Jesus needs to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life or you will never see Heaven. 

Hell is the only other destination.  Jesus Himself spoke of what awaits those who reject His free gift of salvation.

My hope and prayer for all who are lead by God to find this blog is for people either to come to Christ for salvation or if they have been saved that they might return to Him and be restored.

In and of myself I am nobody special.  In Christ, because of what He did, I am among the saved in Christ Jesus.  I am among the beloved of the Father in Heaven.  I have been forgiven, washed clean from my sins and I do await that day when there's a shout that will call me out of this world to forever be with Jesus my Savior and my Lord.

Before you today is both eternal death and eternal life.  Forever with Jesus or forever separated from Jesus.  Forever with Jesus is beyond our imagination for the level of joy that awaits.  Forever separated from Jesus will be the complete opposite, an eternity in painful torment, paying for sin. A place repeatedly mentioned in the Scriptures as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Another way to look at gnashing of teeth is to consider people you may see who are raging against something or someone.  In this Biblical sense it's to do with them raging against the judgment of God that they're in that horrific place.

You, while you yet live in this world, have the opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation, you read of what to do earlier. 

No one knows the day nor the hour of Jesus coming back but the reality is He is GOING to come back.

You choose your destination by your choice of accepting or rejecting Jesus.  Once you leave this world that choice is sealed.  Never to be changed again.  No do overs. 

If you have more questions, please feel free to call (330) 264-9459 and ask for help to know more about Jesus or text JESUS to that number.  There's people who will gladly explain things and show you how to be saved.

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

Was Your Appointment Optional?

Was Your Appointment Optional?

by David Brenneman 

"My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend;" Proverbs 7:1-4.

For those who claim the Name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior...do you consider your meetings with Him as optional? If you can fit Him in? If this will happen you'll talk to Him? Do you consider the Word of God as suggestions rather than commands and promises? Is prayer something you only think about when food is put before you? Is prayer only for you that which you engage in when disaster strikes? When something fearful is on the horizon?

Do you understand the definition of diligence? It's first defined as steady, earnest, and energetic effort : persistent and careful hard work. Legally it is the attention, effort, and care legally expected or required of a person.

How are you, as a Believer in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, claiming He is the Leader of your life, in your diligence to obey His Word? How are you in making whatever is His priority your priority? The workmanship He is doing in your life is NOT Him giving you your hearts desires to go do whatever you want to be doing. His workmanship is that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.

We cannot live a transformed life if we aren't being diligent in prayer and the Word of God. 

We cannot take up our own cross and follow Him if we are not obeying in denying ourselves first. Jesus said "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26.

The passage where Jesus also said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit." does NOT say as well "when you aren't busy and can fit Him in".

Consider this path of growing in Christ: "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8.

Peter, through the Spirit’s direction, is not making suggestions here. Here He is giving words by way of command.  

Yes it's going to mean changes in my life and your life.  

Yes it's going to mean possibly losing sleep to keep your commitment to your time with Jesus.

Yes it's going to mean making appointments to talk with Jesus and doing all you can to make it to those appointed times because of who Jesus is and what He's supposed to mean to us.

Yes it's going to mean saying no to others and other things.  

A possible newsflash for some: your life is not supposed to be what it was PLUS Jesus.  

Your new life in Christ is you putting off the old and putting on Christ. 

Your walk with Jesus is to be above all else. Your times of talking with Jesus are supposed to be persistent and personal. 

With all diligence.

From Dr. David Jeremiah's notes: Diligence • 2 Peter 1:5 

In the Greek, diligence describes strenuously giving yourself to something, fully committing to an activity without concern for the cost, going to extravagant lengths to complete a goal. It was used in Greek literature to describe the extraordinary commitment of a citizen to his or her civic duties. In our day, diligence might call to mind an athlete's sweat-producing efforts to strain toward a goal and become a champion. Diligence is what motivates sprinters to come around the bend toward the finish tape, exerting every muscle when

it seems their bodies have nothing left to give.

     When Peter urges us to give "all diligence," he does not teach salvation by works; he means

we should make Christ and His kingdom our focus, putting all our efforts into running the race He has set before us (1 Cor. 9:24). Bishop

J. C. Ryle wrote: "l would just as soon expect a farmer to prosper in his business who contented

himself with sowing his fields and never looking at them until the harvest as to expect a believer

to gain much holiness who has not been diligent about his Bible reading,...his prayers, and...the use of his Sundays."

How much are you really valuing the salvation you have in Christ?

Are you spiritually lethargic or spiritually growing? Not as seen from your perspective but what we read in 2 Peter.

Why is it most people are more concerned about upsetting or offending other people by missing appointments than they are about missing time talking to Jesus?

Are you one of them? Will you find time for this or that special event but not for talking with Jesus? Will you carve out a few hours for a movie but not for learning from your Bible?  

Your Bible isn't just a troubleshooting manual after things go wrong, it's a manual for daily living that will help you before there is trouble. 

Your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ isn't a butler or guy upstairs to meet your every wish.  

His goal is to make us more like Himself.  

To take someone off the street and turn them into a world class runner requires that person to make significant changes in their life to accomplish that goal. It means meeting with trainers and coaches when those trainers and coaches say it's time to meet.  

We are to run the race set before us. We're in the race that the Spirit has us entered in. We are to give of our best as unto the Lord.  

This is going to require our making sacrifices to achieve what He says we are to achieve. 

Make your appointments with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and keep them. 

Make your training in righteousness your ambition not your option. 

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

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. 

An then you will be applying all diligence.  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Who's Opinion Matters?

Who's Opinion Matters?

by David Brenneman 

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

     A deep inner cause of anxiety that many people wrestle with comes from a desire to prove themselves- especially to others.

The things they do for acceptance seem unending-the ways they

dress, change their appearance, buy houses they can't afford, act

out, engage in illicit activities, strive for power, and seek out social

status. And they do it all because they are concerned about what

others think. They are constantly worrying about how they stack

up, so they work harder with longer hours and overschedule their

lives in an effort to impress others with their productivity and performance-or at least to satisfy their own internal need for success.

     Is this you? Understand that Jesus tells you that all that truly

matters is your heavenly Father's opinion about who you are. If

He approves of you, that's all the endorsement you need. He gives

you your identity and an inner beauty that far surpasses anything

related to what you might wear, own, drive, or live in. As for per-

formance, what more does your heavenly Father expect than that

you do your best? You are responsible to work wholeheartedly in obedience to Him, honoring Him with whatever you do.

Jesus, thank You for always accepting me. Help me to

embrace my identity in You. Amen

-Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Worldly opinion, whether it's in the grand scheme or our own tiny bit of the world, seems to matter way too much to too many people. 

Getting that plaque from YouTube. 

Getting that next promotion.

Getting to be the one caught on video doing that next heroic deed.

For some already somewhat elevated theirs is how do they keep what they've achieved?

It's taken too much of my own life to get to a place where the opinions of people are nowhere near where they used to be.  

As Dr. Stanley wrote all too often we're striving for approval from others. 

We who are in Christ should be living in the truth that we are His approved. 

We don't need the praise and approval of others when our Father in Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit already do.

There really is a peace that passes all understanding when we let go of that particular type of stress. 

It's much easier to live life without that false sense of pressure upon the mind and heart. 

All that I need to be sure of is that my walk with my Savior is where it's supposed to be. That I give of my best as unto the Lord. That I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and spirit. That I love my neighbor as myself.  

Statistics are nice and all but they don't define us. We should never apply the world's standards of success to success in the eyes of God. 

My continual thought concerning even this blog is to praise God for what He's done and is doing with it. Those statistics aren't mine they're His. It's entirely what He's doing with it. 

Our lives are not our own, we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ. What we do in the body is to be as unto the Lord. So the results should be of that caliber. Our obedience should speak volumes without saying a word. 

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

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly." Proverbs 15:1-2.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29-32.

We live with these things in mind...we shouldn't be concerned with what others think about us. 

Any plaques, awards, certificates, crowds, none of these things will matter when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives. 

How we lived, what we did for Jesus, these are the things that will matter. 

"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.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Where's Your Heart?

Where's Your Heart?

by David Brenneman 

The fall of Saul and the Rise of David is something to look closer at. 

Saul allowed fears to take hold of him when he should have been living a life full in the Lord. He was anointed, had even known the Spirit of the Lord upon him, even known the joy and wonder of prophesying with the prophets. Yet ran in fear when the time was approaching to be publicly ushered in as King at the Lord's command. He knew he was the chosen of God yet when you really look, he rejected Jesus's purpose for him.  

David, on the other hand, the man we later read to be "a man after God's own heart" fear was not something he remotely dealt with. You can tell from his demeanor, his bearing, his countenance as it were, that he spent a lot of time with the Lord in prayer and in practice.

When push came to shove, the man who stood head and shoulders above the people of Israel shrank back in fear when the new Lord’s anointed, much smaller in appearance stood up and had no regard for their common enemy and knew that his Lord would win the day. That Goliath would fall. That nobody was going to get away with taunting the armies of the living God while David was around.

I imagine that Saul's problems just kept compounding because jealousy took over, envy took over. Probably had countless times of "that should have been me" thoughts. 

While he was yet king, David never once considered a path of thinking to supplant Saul as King. Even knowing that the Lord had made him King instead. He wouldn't be so presumptuous to judge and execute in the Lord's place.

Saul's downfall actually isn't so dissimilar to Judas Iscariot. There was no real root of a true relationship with Jesus. While Saul knew the words, knew much, he had no relationship with the Lord as David did. He never saw all that the Lord did in Saul's life as being wrought in God. You can see that he attributes it to fortune or luck or coincidence. You can see that he knew not what a man in his day should have known about the Word of God. He let fears of losing his status among the people mean more to him than his obedience to God. 

How often are we one or the other? 

How often are we more interested in the value that the world puts on status than we are in valuing a right real relationship with Jesus?

How often is fear, envy, jealousy, really what's driving us rather than being at peace with the Lord Jesus in where He's chosen our lives to be and what our lives are in Christ?

Likes, follow's, subscribe's mean nothing in God's economy. Being the most popular means nothing in God's economy.  

A beautiful thing to me is that the success of this blog isn't in my hands...and I am immensely grateful that it isn't. My daily thought at looking at the statistics on it is my looking at what Jesus is doing with it, where He's taking it, how He's drawing people to it.

Our lives in Christ are just that. His life lived through us. He should be the popular one. He should be who is seen in our lives. He should be, not us.

My friend's statement while praying still rings solidly true in my mind "Lord, let there be less of me and more of you in my life".

David knew the power of God because he recognized God in his life and he was thankful, grateful, loved the Lord his God because of recognizing the Lord's love for him.

Saul missed it all. Just as Judas missed it all.  

Is your relationship with Jesus worth your everything as it was with David?

Are you or have you convinced yourself that what you're pursuing in life is really what you think God wants of you? Bigger question is did you ask Jesus first before embark on what you have pursued in life?  

Envy, jealousy, bitterness, anger, should never be among our battles if our hearts are where they should be with Jesus. 

We shouldn't be caught up in the status game of the world. Being popular shouldn't be a concern for the Believer in Christ.  

We should seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Then see what it is He has in mind for us to be doing with regards to how He has blessed us with our particular spiritual gifts or gifts. These things are what's right and true for us. Never what the world values as important or necessary.  

It's ONLY what we're appropriately doing for the Lord that will matter on that day we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him. Not what we did for ourselves that had no bearing on what we were called to be doing in Christ for Christ. 

Where's your heart? Is what are you looking to in order to find happiness and love? Are you even aware of yourself enough to see if you're pursuing what the Spirit desires for you? Are you spiritually aware of your surroundings and what spiritual battles really are? Jesus was and it showed in His teaching His Disciples...and He commanded them to teach others all that He commanded them. 

Beware of being popular among men and women when you've sacrificed your position before the Lord. 

Your desires should first be rooted in living for Jesus in all that you do. Your desires should include craving more about Jesus. Your wants should be in learning more about Jesus not more about worthless things and popular people.  

I am actually grieved and disappointed in myself in that there's much, way too much, worthless knowledge in my head that will never help me in my walk with Jesus. Things about science fiction things from television and movies.  

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. 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. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Has Jesus Changed? No. Has Man?

Has Jesus Changed? No. Has Man?

by David Brenneman 

"Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22.

"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13.

"Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:7-8.

What we do and why we do are probably among the more important things we consider in our daily lives.  

What should be ever more to the top of the list of considerations is that Jesus is indeed the same, yesterday, today and forever. When considering the span of time between Saul's almost immediate fall after becoming Israel's first King up to what Jesus told the Pharisees...it shows that God hasn't changed.  

People in our world love to try to show how mankind has grown, has improved.  

Yet in a moment, not even as quickly as the twinkling of an eye that's coming, lives are changed. 

A simple storm that doesn't have a lot of punch being just strong enough to topple a tree onto a car or house. A day of high winds causes a drought. 2 minutes from a home and a life-threatening accident occurs. 

Yet in all that and more Jesus hasn't changed. People don't realize the enormity of what's really coming with the Rapture of the Church. Jesus made His promise to return for His Bride the Church and He will keep His promise just like all the others written in the Scriptures. All the promises that generations of Believers have seen coming true all because Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. 

With this in mind, my Dear Reader, do not be lulled into a false sense of security about life. As the Scriptures also state (paraphrasing) while the world is getting all hung up on peace and safety disaster is going to come.  

If what I understand of the Old Testament prophesies is true...all of the electronic things we are holding so dear to life and living could be shut down in an instant at or after the Rapture of the Church.

Jesus was serious about all He said to both the Disciples and all whom He taught. Proving in His life that He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  

Jesus foretold of the Temple destruction and it happened. Told Paul what all he would endure for Jesus and it happened. Told Peter what he should both expect and do with the Gentiles and it happened. Scriptures foretold of the rebirth of the nation of Israel and it happened. Hundreds of prophesies concerning the life of Jesus were written and came true. 

If we accept and believe these things, what manner of Christians ought we to be?  

Are we interested in the things of God that are for our benefit and growth in Christ only on a Sunday morning or are we laying aside every encumbrance and running the race set before us?

Are we finding satisfaction and joy in these offerings of the world through television, internet, streaming, games, movies, AI, books, world travel, sports, but aren't giving our hearts wholly to the Lord Jesus Christ?

Are we doing our best as unto the Lord in all that we do or are we seeking first our kingdom rather than His? Convinced that the two can be one in the same?  

We either follow Jesus first and foremost or we follow ourselves. 

We either truly believe that the Word of God is fit for every day of our lives or we don't. 

We either really do believe the promises of God or we treat them like advice and don't take them seriously. 

We either do believe all the Scriptures say about Jesus or we pick n choose. 

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

We live in a world immersed in temptations to sway the minds of humanity in pretty much every conceivable way. We are to "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16.

We are His Ambassadors in this fallen world...are we believing and acting like it?

Or are we pursuing our own agenda hoping it aligns with His?

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Not a suggestion. 

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. Not a suggestion. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Not suggestions. 

We don't live a life in Christ that's based on suggestions but on the promises of God because we have this assurance that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

To Be From You Not Just For You

To Be From You Not Just For You 

by David Brenneman 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly.

EPHESIANS 6:18-19

     In Ephesians 6:18-19, we have one of history's first missionary prayer requests. The apostle Paul, having written about the armor of the believer and the urgency of prayer, asks the Ephesians to pray that God will give him the ability to share the gospel boldly at every opportunity.

     Notice the alls in this passage. We're to pray always-at all times. We're to offer all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. We're

to pray with all perseverance. And we're to remember all the saints

     In his book on prayer, Samuel D. Gordon wrote that this world is God's prodigal son and that God has devised a plan for winning His prodigal back. He wants to use us in the process, and our greatest agency is prayer, which, Gordon says, is communication between God and His allies in the enemy's country. We're behind enemy lines, but prayer is our connection with the Commander.

     Let's take prayer seriously and always offer all prayer in the Spirit with all perseverance for all the saints. - Walking with God, Dr. David Jeremiah. 

Communion is the basis of all prayer. It is the essential breath of the true Christian life.

S. D.GORDON

Last night I was really compelled to pray for many people. New people in my life as well as those who have been in my life and those who used to be.  

Everyone appreciates being prayed for but if we all aren't praying as well then in all truthfulness not a whole lot of prayer happens. 

Prayer isn't to be just our bringing requests to God. Prayer is to be us showing our thankfulness to our Father in Heaven for all He's done. 

Prayer is our conversations with our Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. David was known as a man after God's own heart because of his prayer life. Samuel was heard because of his prayer life. Solomon started out strong in the Lord because of his prayer life. The Disciples asked perhaps the most important question on learning how to pray.  

How many movies or television shows on war have you ever seen it go well for anyone on the battlefield when they were out of communication and all alone? Probably not very often. 

We are never going to fare well in this foreign land in which we live, since this world is not our home, without prayer, and not just words but prayer from the heart.

What's on us is to obey and do and to leave the consequences to God. 

When we neglect to pray, to talk to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, our Father in Heaven, it SHOULD bother us. We aren't giving a liturgy when we pray but our very hearts poured out to God. Not lists but our heartfelt concerns. Not demands but desires.  

Listening to the Spirit in prayer as well as speaking is important. My Dear Reader it's never a coincidence when someone you just ran into is now on your mind. Never a coincidence when people you know are now on your mind. Never a coincidence when something crosses your mind that needs done now or soon.

The Spirit is our Helper not just our Teacher. He is ever present within us. Awaiting the return of Jesus Christ even more than we.  

How DID the one or the few in your life become your favorite or best friend? Through various forms of communication. Then those communications that started out in superficial ways later got deeper and stronger. Intimacy grew until your level of trust and perhaps love for the person got to be where it is today. 

So should it be between you and your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  

So should it be between you and your Father in Heaven. 

It's what we were created for...our relationship with our God.  

We cannot accomplish our God-given purpose here without prayer and being given His spiritual understanding. 

So really look at your relationship with Jesus, with your Father in Heaven today and if it isn't...let's get it right this time. If it is...then go deeper with it.  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

It's Getting Hot in Here an That's Okay

It's Getting Hot in Here an That's Okay 

By David Brenneman 

"For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."

Proverbs 3:12.

     Love is the motivation behind everything God does in us and

everything He allows into our lives. The Father is never acting in anger or wrath when He allows trials to assail us. Rather, He cares about us too much to see us continue in sin, remain in a lukewarm spiritual state, or go unfulfilled in His purposes for our lives. He moves to help us change, grow, and become both spiritually mature and whole in spirit, mind, and body. This also means He disciplines us for our good when necessary.

     God's purpose is not to break our spirits but, rather, to breach the stubbornness of our wills in order to carry out His will through us. A good parent knows that any streak of obstinacy in children must be lovingly prevailed over so that they can grow up to be productive, law-abiding, generous, and loving spouses, friends, parents, citizens, and members of the body of Christ. In the same manner, God seeks to eliminate the pride, self-focus, and disobedience that keep us from being the loving, generous, fruitful, Christlike people He created us to be.

Jesus, I know You love me. Help me to endure this trial in a manner that honors You. Amen

-Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

Most of the things that we go through we have no idea why. Oh we can, like for centuries mankind has, point fingers. 

But for those who truly believe...there's a greater purpose to what we go through. Juat as the purpose of parenting is the bringing up of children in the Lord so it is with us in Christ. Our parents taught us, for the most part, how to talk, walk, dress, eat, behave as we needed to in order to function well in society and in the home.  

The Spirit, after we come to Christ, because of our new birth in Christ, is doing all that and more. We don't know how to live a life approved by God. We don't know how to dress for spiritual growth and spiritual battles. We don't know nor understand the true dangers of sin and the nature of God's enemy or his minions. We don't know how to use our spiritual lives for God's glory. We need to be taught. We need to go through that crucible, those fires of purpose and purification to come out as those approved by Jesus. 

It can and will seem painful at times, but never at any time are we alone in them.  

Much more than a parent staying with a child on a bike without training wheels for the first time our Lord Jesus Christ stays with us always and in everything. 

Purification of precious metals is a difficult process. An often time sensitive process. It's a formula of time, temperature and sometimes additional materials to purify precious metals.  

In Scripture we are the precious that is being the purified to become like Jesus Christ. 

For those who are saved we are the precious Bride of Christ. We are part of the body of Christ. We are to obey in what we're told, instructed, to be doing in the Lord. 

We may or may not understand the details but we must trust the Spirit to knows what He's doing in and through us.

When we look back at the early Church in the days leading up to the Romans who burned down the Temple, the fires of persecution were everywhere. Satan thought he was going to crush, snuff out, Christianity, but through these events the Church grew. 

While he tried to turn up the heat, he was only permitted to go so far. 

He wasn't permitted to run amuck. 

He was and is to this day still answerable to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

So while you, my Dear Reader, may be going through some heavy things you are never alone in them. Seek out what His purpose is for them in you. Look for possible unconfessed sin. Look for things that He knows and is showing you that need to be removed from your life in order to become more like Jesus. Look for the possibility that He's needing to change your priorities, your dreams, your ambitions.

We are still here and not immediately taken to Heaven because of both our sanctification, that is our becoming more like Jesus Christ, and to still seek the lost and direct them to Jesus for salvation. Some of us are indeed on the front lines of the heaviest of spiritual warfare. The thing to remember is it is never things that are at stake in spiritual warfare it always only people at stake. 

We may be hurting but we can rejoice in knowing that Jesus sees, Jesus knows, and most importantly Jesus loves. 

Trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding isn't just a saying it is how to live life in Christ.  

Your physical body will try to convince you of everything but the spiritual realities of whatever is happening in your life. It will try to distract you. Even those around you whom you think you can trust may not see what Jesus wants to accomplish in your life.  

Don't be afraid to cry out to Jesus. We do the most damage to our lives when we try to handle spiritual matters on our own. 

All of the whole armor of God is provided by God. Ever think of this?

Even the instructions for putting it on are only in the Word of God...let alone how to properly use it. 

An lastly the whole armor of God fits you. The flaming arrows of the evil one might hurt for a time but they cannot prevail against what God provides to protect you. 

Trust in His wisdom for what you are facing. Obey in the big things and the small things. In what seems important and what doesn’t. Ours is to obey and leave the consequences to Him. 

Jesus loves you more than you can imagine or think. He will see you safely to His Heaven in due time.  

"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. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:6-11.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Ued, You're in It: Now Run It

Yes, You're in It: Now Run It

by David Brenneman 

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

     Are you spiritually lethargic? Is your soul sapped of energy?

Perhaps you would love to know God better and grow in godliness, but your progress is slow at best. You don't understand it because you're not slacking-you read the Bible and pray every day. The spiritual momentum just isn't there. What's going on?

     Today's verse provides a clue. Many believers are weighed down

with excess baggage burdens like anger, pride, bitterness, lust, greed, jealousy, and unforgiveness, to name a few. Any sin we entertain will drain us of our spiritual energy and kill our progress in the Christian life.

     God stands ready to supply His power and wisdom once you

realize you must rid your heart of these entanglements to receive

His strength. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you of some area of sin

in your life, do not ignore Him. You won't be able to run the race the Lord has for you until you obey Him. Throw off the encumbrances through confession and repentance. Then enjoy the race as

He energizes your spiritual life and teaches you to soar.

Jesus, reveal every sin in me so I may repent and walk in Your will, Amen

-Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley 

Ever stop to realize that after you came to Christ for salvation, that you were automatically entered into a race?  

You weren't eligible for the race set before you until Jesus became the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life but after He had you were then in the race.

You probably didn't figure on running in one but here we are.  

There's things about running a race that aren't going to be found on golf courses or baseball fields. While Paul's writings often suggested other sports that existed even in his day...both he and the writer of Hebrews point to the race set before us.  

There's the conditioning. The needed nutrition. The required rest. The focus on the kind and type of path the race is on. The preparation for the various challenges of the race. The weather during the race. Preparing for endurance. I actually learned a lot about racing from the movie "Overcomer" when Hannah's Dad, through a recording, coached her through the championship race. What she should expect. What struggles she would need to surmount. When to burst ahead and when to hold back. 

Another great source is a book by my friend Steve Crisafulli called "My Godly Marathon" available on Amazon and Barnes & Knoble.

We aren't given a choice about running this race set before us. Consider what that passage we opened up with said. 

God set that race before you and I. 

God's using this race to tune our lives towards His purposes for us.

In keeping with the movies...the original Karate Kid. Daniel had no clue, until he was shown, what his chores were really accomplishing.

Most of us just don't see or understand what we are going through is or means. We need to be in the Word of God and in prayer to get our instructions much as Hannah did from her Dad.

Most of us miss the whole point of thinking like we're in this race in order to become more like Jesus Christ. 

Nobody who goes and enlists is the same person after basic training as they were before starting it.

We are in this race set before us and as it is God given we should honor it as such.  

We should use what He's saying in His Word to shape our part of this race.  

This race, however, isn't a competition between us and other Believers. We are running this race with Jesus.  

A very old Jewish saying is "May you be covered in the dust of your Master" in terms of becoming a Disciple. We run along side and often right behind Jesus. Going where He goes, following in His footsteps. At His pace.  

We are never to be trying to be in competition with other Believers. We are all part of the same body of Christ. We all have a part in that body as given by the Spirit of God to be doing.  

Are you spiritually lethargic or are you at least moving? Have you lost sight of Jesus and need to get back in the race? 

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

You have to get back to God's plan for you. This race is part of God's plan for you. 

It's not nor has it ever been for you to get all you can get out of this world for you.

It's not about us but all about Him. 

We do ourselves a great disservice by getting our life's priorities wrong in Christ. 

So while you're now realizing you are in this Godly race...realize that the core ingredients are there for your benefit not your detriment. It's never a good thing or good idea to focus on what you might have lost or are going to lose. Focus on what is good, right and pure in Christ. The Author and perfecter of your faith.  

Core ingredients are prayer and the Word of God. You cannot mentally prepare for to have the right mental state without the right mindset. 

Realize as well the rules are different in this spiritual race.  

Another movie analogy is Neo and Morpheous in the training dojo..."hmm you think that is air that you're breathing?". We learn in prayer and in God's Word of the reality of the spiritual world that our race is set in.  

Then know this: As you are in this with the Lord...keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep your priorities straight. Keep the right attitude in prayer. Let go of sins that easily entangle us. Get rid of the weights that the world wants to put on your back. 

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.

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

Keep your focus on the Lord and the finish line that He's established. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

No Excuses, Lessons to Grow Us

No Excuses, Lessons to Grow Us 

by David Brenneman 

The things that people fail to notice about Jesus keeping His word.  

We can easily look over stories in the Old Testament and miss the little morsels that change the story to something that spans the centuries. Am reading in 1 Samuel and the interactions between Eli and Hannah are actually rather profound. With regards to Eli I am rather dumbfounded because he chose to be weak towards his disobedient sons whom the Lord told him were going to die because of the evil they refused to depart from. When Hannah reveals Samuel it was Eli who worshiped God first...then we have Hannah's worship song. 

As this day dawns on you, my Dear Reader, there are choices before you. By the grace of God these choices are yours to consider.  

Choices that are the very same as those faced by even these of the Old Testament.  

They all begin the same: Will you obey and honor God, His Son Jesus Christ, above all names?  

Will you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness today?

Will you be in His Word today with all seriousness...as in with all your heart? 

Will you indeed pray for His will to be done rather than your own?

Will you look to the horizon for the return of Jesus Christ with all expectation because the Word of God says that day is quickly approaching?

Will you be bold enough to not assume what you are doing in your life today is for you to be doing but rather will stop and ask Jesus, through His Spirit, what needs to change in you for you to become more like Him?

Will you begin today to reflect on what is taught in your Bible as more than mere suggestions?

Questions questions questions. 

These and more. Matters of the heart they all are. Matters that are everything to the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Your heart.

Your heart is only fully understood by Jesus, not you. Think hard on that one. He, according to the Scriptures, weighs the hearts. He knows all the intricacies of thoughts and intentions you have in every moment of your life. He knows every dream you ever had and why they were that way. 

Shortly after confirming Samuel there was a situation where indeed the Word of the Lord was confirmed in reality: both of Eli's sons died in the same day.  

"May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged.” Romans 3:4.

Are you aware that in this very moment it is by His grace that you are even considering what He is saying here?  

As in Eli's case so it is with yours and mine: Will we put obeying Jesus before ourselves. Will we put trusting Jesus before relying on ourselves. 

For all his wisdom Solomon failed to keep obeying God and trusting in God.  

You and I are tempted every single day to not think that whatever is on our hearts and minds is important enough to bring to Jesus in prayer.  

We will be tempted to just handle it ourselves.  

We will be tempted to consider that we need 'me time' and in turn neglect the Word of God that awaits our consumption. 

We will because throughout the centuries that's been the temptations that mankind has faced. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are even today and He chose the will of His Father in Heaven.  

Some think this means giving up on dreams and desires. Sometimes yes. Sometimes it's not because they are inherently bad but rather they aren't going to fit in with the plan of God for you and your part in His plans for mankind.  

I have many various aspirations and dreams. Yet in seeking them God's let me know that while they would work or that I would likely accomplish them...they don't fit His plans. So I stopped pursuing them and just trust Him in those things. It's enough for me to know that I was onto something that would have worked.  

Do you make it a point to check yourself in whether you are trying to trust the Lord with all your heart And to not lean on your own understanding? Are you looking to see if in all your ways that you are acknowledging Him? 

When you are being truthful with yourself are you embittered against anyone? Are you wishing for their downfall rather than them finding Jesus? Are you rejoicing in their sufferings rather than praying they open their hearts to receive the free gift of salvation that you did?  

When we hold onto such things we hinder our prayers. When we don’t forgive we aren't forgiven. When we are not honoring our relationship with Jesus above our relationship with those in the world or the world itself we are being just like Eli and others in the Old Testament who were called out by the Lord. 

This is how the Old Testament applies to your life today. 

Truth be known...every single professed Believer in Jesus Christ who is saved by His blood...has absolutely no excuse for not pursuing a life that fully honors His work in their lives.  

There's no excuse for not developing a prayer life that grows in its depth with Jesus.  

There's no excuse for not being in the Word of God daily with all seriousness to be fed by the Spirit, taught by the Spirit. 

There's no excuse for not developing the spiritual gifts we were given upon being saved.

There's no excuse for putting people or things ahead of what the Spirit wants to do in our lives to show the world their need for a right relationship with Jesus and His free gift of salvation. 

There's no excuse for unforgiveness for all we were forgiven of.

There's no excuse for not praying for those who have or are persecuting us. Likewise no excuse for rejoicing when the Lord Jesus Christ deals with them...when Scripture explicitly states we should never do that.

We read of all kinds of lives in the Old Testament who tried making excuses. Even Abraham did, so did Moses. From the greatest to the least.  

So, my Dear Reader, consider your ways. Consider these truths that take away our excuses.  

What will you now do differently?  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Suppertime is Soon

Suppertime is Soon 

By David Brenneman

Most would have to search for it on Google or YouTube, for a Jim Reeves song "Suppertime", and as the song's message goes...there awaits for all who are a part of Christ's Church a Heavenly supper time for all who've placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

It's something that we get to look forward to and its scope blows my mind. Besides probably sitting with family and friends who also received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior...I imagine at the same time Jesus will sit with everyone too.

The millions of people who will be there already and Jesus will meet with each and every single one. 

I suppose I could describe it as the family reunion of the ages but it is going to be outside of time itself. 

Are you looking for that day, as much of the New Testament mentions that we should be, of Jesus giving that shout that it's suppertime? Paul wrote much to the Churches to live an approved life in preparation for that day. 

Are you living life with excited expectation? The Early Church sure did.  

The Lord Himself said that we always should be at the ready to stand before Him to give an account of our lives. Of what we did in our physical bodies for Christ after receiving His free gift of salvation.  

Good vibes don't count. Wishing people well yet doing nothing won't count. Warm feelings don't count. Scripture says we should be doers of the Word and not just hearers only...why? Because we would be deluding ourselves.  

Many people will be confronted with their failures to obey the Spirit of God. Many will see how their success in life, which from a worldly standpoint was great, turn to ashes. Success in the eyes of God is a life that's all-in in living life for Jesus and a life transformation into becoming like Jesus. 

Our lives are supposed to be lived in such a way that people see our good works and then glorify our Father in Heaven. 

Our driving force should be to obey God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God. While our hands are doing that, we should be diligent to put whatever the Spirit directs as first in our life. All the while listening for that shout that will call us out. 

We have nothing to be fearful of or ashamed of concerning obeying the Spirit of God. We probably will if we aren't obeying.  

As Ambassadors of Christ we have a mission to represent Jesus well wherever we are. 

Cast aside your fears my Dear Reader. Obey with your whole heart. 

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

Listen for that call n be about the Father's business. 

Be in the Word of God, learning whatever you can, to give of your best as unto God. 

Truth also says that this Supper Time is only for Believer's. 

Jesus must be the One who is the forgiver of their sins and is the Leader of their life. 

Truth also says those not here by Christ's invitation will be cast out into that horrific place where there's weeping and gnashing of teeth. Where nothing is known but painful suffering and the complete understanding of how they missed the mark by rejecting Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  

Good deeds, clean living, won't get you an invitation.  

I am more than ready for that shout that will call us out!

"Ahhhh, but I'd loved to hear that once more

But you know for me time has woven the realization of

The truth that's even more thrilling and that's when

The call come up from the portals of glory

To come home for it's suppertime

When all Gods children shall gather around the table

Of the Lord, Himself and the greatest suppertime of them all

(Sang)

Come home, come home it's suppertime

The shadows lengthen fast

Come home, come home it's suppertime

We're going home at last..."

- From "Suppertime" by Jim Reeves. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org