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. Jesus is coming soon...are you ready?

Saturday, February 28, 2026

How We Should Be

by David Brenneman

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Philippians 2:1-16.

All too often, when you read what many post throughout social media and see in the news...is their reaction to their realistically selfish position being slighted. What so-and-so said or did and how that made them feel.

"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." 1 Peter 3:8-17.

"See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people." 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

We who are supposed to be those who are the saved in Christ Jesus really reveal heart that's not walking well with Jesus when our selfishness comes out of our mouth rather than them seeing and hearing God's love, grace and mercy.

We are going to have conflicts with others, but for those who are saved in Christ Jesus we are held to a higher standard. We are not to let a root of bitterness begin within us towards others in Christ. We aren't to sow dissension. We must be mindful of the Life Principle that you reap what you sow more than you sow and much later than you sow.

We who are in Christ ought to do our best to get along with others who are likewise saved in the here and now because eternity with them is going to be a very long time.

Our feelings are going to be tossed around and sometimes tossed away when we submit to what God's wanting for us in recovery and reconciliation.

Jonah was being taught to want what Jesus wanted but we read of how that didn't meet up with his expectations and how he had to learn to obey the Lord in it.

We are not to put down ultimatums with others as well that do not align with God's will for them or us.

Truthfully politics have no place in the hearts of Believers because our hearts and allegiance belong to Jesus Christ. We who are saved in Christ are no longer representing ourselves but Jesus Christ. While it is possible to be in politics and be saved its a difficult road to walk.

Leaders are to model how Jesus showed servant leadership to be. All of us are to treat others as more important than ourselves. Forgiveness is at the root of a right relationship with Jesus. If we don't forgive then we shouldn't expect to be forgiven.

We should be cultivating a life that shows Jesus to the world. Not us to the world. A life that shows the lost the light of Jesus so that they too may find salvation.

We are only still here not because of ourselves but because the Church of Jesus Christ isn't completely built yet. Once the Church is complete then Jesus will return.

We are given specific, special, spiritual gifts that are ours to employ in our lives to become more like Jesus. As the King gave out talents with the expectation that his servants would do something with them so is the expectation that we would do with what we've been given to use.

We are to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. We are to be intentional on learning more about Jesus so that our lives show Him.

Are you living for Jesus in all that you do? Are you sowing seeds that will result in others seeing Jesus or might cause them to ask about Him?

Are the words of your mouth spreading the fruits of the Spirit or is what people hear all about you?

We are going to butt heads with each other. But we are to take the path that Jesus says to take in order to display His character in each of us.

We don't realize just how easy it is to give the devil a foothold in our lives and he will even make it seem like it's our idea or make us think we shouldn't obey the Word of God because it will hurt worse.

Satan's schemes include subterfuge. They are hidden in plain sight. They're disguised as things and ideas that we're convinced are ours to keep rather than to see if God's word says should ever be a part of our lives.

We are to live life as Believers in the way Jesus showed us. We aren't to put self above what Jesus is wanting to do in an through us.

Let your light shine in your life in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Do you walk so closely with your Lord and Savior so that people recognize Him in you? That's our goal in this life. That's how we're all to be. Loving the Lord our God with our everything and loving others.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, February 27, 2026

God-sized Dreams and Us

by David Brenneman

A summer camp sky spreads above me. I’m in junior high and spending a few nights away from home. As I stare up at the stars, my little heart is already filled with longings for the future—to get married one day, to be a writer, to have someone to sit with at the lunch table. As I thank God for my blessings and express my desires, it seems I hear a whisper...

Always remember to love the Giver more than the gift.

I know instantly what those words mean. I’ve seen how easily my childish heart can look at God like a vending machine. But he’s beckoning me into intimacy instead. Through the years, whenever a dream or desire comes into being, that phrase echoes in my heart again.

Love the Giver more than the gift.

We have high hopes for our God-sized dreams. We think they’ll bring us joy, chase away our insecurities, soothe our fears. But there is only One who can do those things: the Giver.

We sometimes forget that truth on the road to our dreams. We start chasing what we want instead of the One who wanted us enough to come all the way from heaven to earth.

God-sized dreams make beautiful gifts but terrible idols. Only the Giver can offer us what we truly need, what our hearts have wanted all along.

Love the Giver more than the gift.

Go Deeper

Read Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:31-33, and James 1:17 as reminders of God's generosity.

God, you are the Giver of all that’s good—including the God-sized dreams in my heart. I recognize you are the true fulfillment of all I long for and truly need. Thank you for the invitation to go on this adventure, not because of where it will take me, but because of the joy of sharing it with you. I look forward to growing closer to you along the way. Amen.

- exerpt from a reading plan on the Bible app "God-Sized Dreams".

As I write my book "Memorial Stones of My Heart", indeed this story resonates with me concerning my youth.

As an adult, I and many many people in my life, we easily forget that last part.

"God-sized dreams make beautiful gifts but terrible idols. Only the Giver can offer us what we truly need, what our hearts have wanted all along."

As one who's been blessed with many many opportunities I can look back over my life to surely agree concerning that statement. Successes are very empty when achieved without God as being there with you through it. Successes sometimes even don't last a day if God's not in it. Something will fall out whether related to that success or something else but the joy won't last nor ever be as great as it would have been had we included God in it.

I know of a story of a business owner who likes to give the appearance that God's a part of their life, even in the business. Yet the reality behind the scenes shows a vastly different story where God's not honored. Where God's not honored no real Godly success story will ever be written.

We can't live lives that are only Godly on the surface. We are never to justify offering Jesus little bits here and there. We certainly should never take what graces and mercies He bestows upon us for granted.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.

We can really do harm to our relationship with Jesus by getting excited about our dreams for the present or our dreams for the future. We do this by running ahead without him. As the writer of that reading plan said, so have I lived and maybe you too--don't get ahead of God. Don't forget the Giver.

We can't live a life only giving an appearance of a life in Christ, it needs to be from the inside out. It must be genuine. We will possibly fool those around us but we will never fool the one with whom we have to do. Please do not forget that there will be a day when our lives will be tested by the fire of His Truth. We won't need to speak up to say what we were convincing ourselves that we meant because Jesus is already going to know.

My dreams, your dreams, God-sized or small, all should include Jesus from the onset, from the very beginning. If He's not going to be in it, why pursue it? As one who ran ahead of God, I can testify wholeheartedly that is a very very dark and bad place to be.

The dreams that I was shown for me by Jesus way back in the late 80's...I ran ahead of God in all my excitement and didn't realize it until it was too late. It was what I was to be doing but His timetable and mine certainly weren't the same. Remember that was the late 80's. Had I stayed with Him rather than run ahead I probably would have began being equipped for it rather than my false ideas that I already was ready. It delayed it a few decades. Until the opportunity returned and that was 7 years ago this spring. This time I was going into it with my Savior with me. It's this blog you're reading.

The God-sized dream for me was to reach people all over the world with what I would write for Jesus. As of the other day, it's been seen 1.65 million times and in 131 countries in this world. My thoughts way back then at what I thought I could accomplish and how it certainly didn't pan out compared to what God's done in 7 years...wow.

An now I am in the midst of the book that I was to write because it was to be a culmination of my life impacted by my life in Christ. My thoughts on books to write back in the late 80's couldn't possibly prepare me for what's to come now.

My Dear Reader, take today's message to heart. Don't run ahead of God just because you think you understand what it is that God's wanting for you. Do not be wise in your own estimation but understand what the will of God is for 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.

The wisdom we need to live life has to come from asking God for it, to accept it, to adhere to it, with Him by our side. Or perhaps more appropriately, us by His side.

It's something we need to recognize and to remember. We want Jesus holding our hand and not us holding His. If it's us holding His we will at times let go. If it's Him holding ours He will never let go.

Don't be afraid to dream God-sized dreams but make sure you indeed love the Giver more than the gift.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Time's Not on the World's Side

by David Brenneman

"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.

Confessing Christ is evidence of genuine faith (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 8:37; 1 Corinthians 12:3). Salvation comes through belief in Christ acknowledgeing that His is God and was raised...from the dead. Christ's death satisfied God's righteous demand for the penalty for sins and Christ's resurrection validated His claims and the Father's statements that He is God.

- Notes from the Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible on Romans 10:9,10.

10:8 The word is near you. Quoted from Deuteronomy 30:14. The journey of verses 6 and 7 is unnecessary because God has clearly revealed the way of salvation: it is by faith. Word of faith. The message of faith is the way to God.

10:9 confess...Jesus as Lord. Not a simple acknowledgement that his is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (James 2:19). This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's own master or sovereign. This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord. This is the volitional element of faith. believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead. Christ's resurrection was the supreme validation of His ministry (John 218-21.). Belief is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who He claimed to be and that the Father had accepted His sacrifice in the place of sinners (Romans 4:24; Acts 13:32,33; 1 Peter 1:3,4). Without the resurrection there is no salvation (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).

-notes from the MacArthur Study Bible.

We cannot simply believe that God is. As we read in the book of James, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19-20.

We have as convincing proofs that interaction of demons and the sons of one Sceva, a Jewish priest. Without the seal of the Spirit which only comes by faith alone in Christ alone, life is very much at your own peril.

What we believe must go beyond acknowledging God, beyond acknowledging that Jesus is.

Whereas the Scriptures state that faith without works is useless, dead even, there must be evidences of repentance. The turning away of us from sin we are born with to obedience in Christ.

I can remember few things with such utter clarity as the day I went public with my need for God's free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. I was in the Pastor's study, looking out a tall slender window up at the bright morning sun, knowing that my Savior was up there smiling down on me, welcoming me to His family.

Without your own personal decision, personal choice, to agree with God that you are in need of a Savior, the very son of God Jesus Christ, you are going to die in your sins. That is, you will spend eternity paying the excruciating painful price for rejecting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Every single demon is and will be paying in painful torment for all eternity. Some are bound in Hell right now, never to roam the universe again. Some are wandering the earth having possessed people. There's countless trillions of people in Hell right now because they too rejected Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. Hell was meant for demons. But ever since Cain killed Able humans have been arriving daily.

Centuries ago there was a global flood. We read about it in the book of Genesis. There's evidences a plenty all over the world that this flood took place. If the world's population was similar to now back before the great flood, billions of people died in that flood. In mere moments Hell surged with incoming people. People likely were beating on the sides of the Ark that Noah and his family were in while the floodwaters rose up. All wanted another chance. All wanted saved from the obvious wrath of God.

Jesus said that He would return and when He does, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the cry will be heard by those who HAVE placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation will be taken from the Earth. Yet again as it was in days of Noah people all over the world will cry out for Jesus to come back. To give them another chance. That now they really believe.

My Dear Reader everyone has everything they will ever need in order to be convinced of the validity of God's Word concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures say as well that even nature points people to Jesus.

Every single person will not have an excuse to stand on when they stand before Jesus in His judgment of them. There'll be no reason anyone will be able to give for why they didn't receive the free gift of salvation offered by God through His Son Jesus Christ.

My Dear Reader if you haven't come to the place where you've come to Christ for salvation, let today be that day. We, just like those living in the days of Noah, do not know when Jesus will come back. It could be this very morning or evening if you are reading this from the other side of the world.

Jesus stands with arms wide open ready to receive you.

You have to move past acknowledging that Jesus was or Jesus is, to make Him your own personal Lord and Savior.

If indeed you're ready to come to Christ, then talk to Him. Ask Him to come into your life to be the forgiver of your sins and to be the leader of your life. Turn away from the sinful life you've been living to receive the life in Christ that will indeed come to you.

If you're ready to or have more questions. Feel free to text or call (330) 264-9459. Text the word: Jesus to that number.

That's the number for Grace Church in Wooster, Ohio, USA.

All that remains before Jesus does return is for the last of this world who will come to Christ for salvation do so. Once the Church of God in Christ Jesus is complete then He will come back.

Will you be ready for Him in joy and thankfulness or will you cry out for Him to come back?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

A Life that is True...What He's Got for Us to Do

by David Brenneman

"but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.

"If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?" Proverbs 24:12.

"And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." Romans 12:9-13.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21.

What are we to be doing in the Lord? How are we to be with others in Christ and those who are not yet? How are we to be with ourselves when we are alone?

What is it that God has for us to be doing for Him?

Indeed my Dear Reader there IS something that God has in mind for you and I to be doing. I guarantee it. If the Spirit places you and I in the body of Christ as He sees fit...and all body parts have a specific function...then yes it stands to figure we have a Godly purpose.

The devotional that I am reading in the mornings has to do with God sized dreams. One thing that's pointed out is that it's ok if we don't know what specifically those are for us. Much of what you read in the Scriptures earlier have to do with both preparing our hearts and to give us a place to start in finding out what ours is.

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

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalms 16:11.

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21.

We have access to Jesus and through our obedience we will find what Jesus calls life.

As Mark Lowry said in one of his videos...first you need to understand what life is. Life's a series of ups and downs hills and valleys. When you came to Christ now it's higher highs and lower lows than you ever considered or thought possible. But with these comes the promises of God to get us through them.

Several examples are found in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. When the Lord spoke to some people we read about their first response, first reaction was: here am I, send me or some variation of this.

They just lived by faith alone trusting in God alone to guide them on their journey of life in Christ.

What scares many people, and I dare say that several decades ago this was me, is what might God tell me to do? What if I didn't like it? What if I have to give up the life that I know?

My Dear Reader, you entrusted Jesus to save you...don't you think He has something better in mind for you that you're going to like in serving Him? He knows your heart. He knows your every thought. He knows your fears. He knows.

We have something to do while here on this Earth for Jesus. All parts of His body have a function. All parts of YOUR body have a function. Any body part that doesn't do what it's supposed to be doing undergoes something called atrophy. It loses its strength and purpose.

"“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:1-11.

You also see we have a responsibility to seek out what it is that God's wanting for us to be doing. We aren't to just drift along in life doing our own thing until we die or He comes back.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

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.

We can't know what awaits us until we're taking the steps in faith to obey God.

My life today wouldn't be what it is or how it is without obeying what I've been told to do. This blog is a result of obedience. It was a scary thought at the beginning, now 7 years ago, to step into full time writing like this. 131 countries and almost 1.65 million views says that God's still distributing it as I obey in writing it.

I had a dream 40 plus years ago od being a published writer. Right now I am writing 3 books, at least one of which I believe will get published. How it's been organized, what it's about, all points to the Spirit directing me.

But outside of that and the blog, I don't have a physical ministry to be a part of. For this here this now, this writing is my calling. If there's more then I know that He will reveal it to me.

Part of our dreams for our lives must include taking every step possible to grow in Christ. If our dreams don't involve or include that...run from them. All those kinds of things will do is distract you from what's yours to be doing in Christ.

So what's your life shaping up to be in Christ? If you're still not sure, begin as the writer of the devotional said. Love God with your everything and love others. See where that takes you.

As someone once said "It's not about me. It's not about now. It's all about God. It's all about eternity"

We can't know what great things that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit has in mind for a wonderful life for us until we fully go all in with living for Jesus.

We can't begin to understand until we're in it.

As the great hymn says "Living for Jesus a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that I do. Yielding allegiance glad-hearted and free. This is the pathway of blessing for me."

Any and every earthly goal apart from the Lord will never provide the true satisfaction that a life all in with living for Jesus will do.

You just need to turn to Jesus and submit to whatever it is He has for you to be doing and to do it as unto the Lord. These are the things that will go into that crown of righteousness that we will be giving back to Jesus one day.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Who's in the Mirror?

Who's in the Spiritual Mirror?

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.

"Its nor uncommon for couples who have been married for a long time to be asked if the are brother and sister because they have taken on so many of each other's characteristics. To some extent, this makes sense, doesn't it? We become like the company we keep.

The same should be true for us in our walk with Christ.

Here is the source of your hope when you get up in the morning. Come rain or shine, come delight or disappointment, God will definitely accomplish His purposes in your life through the day. Your heavenly Father has a plan and purpose for each one He calls His own. You may be able to see how He is doing it in real time, or a few months afterwards, or perhaps not until you stand with Christ in eternity. But know this: today is another day

when your Father will be making you more like His Son."

- exerpts from "Truth for Life 365 Day Devotional" for February 23rd by Alistair Begg.

When we look in a physical mirror, we do expect to see a reflection of ourselves. We see an image that in most cases we do something to make appear better to the eye.

When we look at ourselves with a spiritual sense...are we looking to do the same? See what we see and want it to be better than what it has been? That's what Jesus is doing in our lives if we but submit to what it is that His plans for us are.

In another devotional last night that I saw as connecting to this one, this was from Morning and Evening by C. H. Spurgeon. "You cannot fashion your own cross, though un-belief is a master carpenter when it comes to cross-making. And you are not permitted to choose your own cross, though self-will would love to be lord and master. No, your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, and you are to accept it cheerfully. You are to take up the cross as your God-chosen badge and burden, not to stand grumbling about it.

This evening Jesus urges you to submit your shoulders to His easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). Do not kick your cross with irritation, or trample it in pride, or fall under it in despair, or flee it in fear--just take it up like a true follower of Jesus. Jesus was a cross-bearer; He leads the way in the path of sorrow. You could never desire a better guide! If He carried a cross, what more noble burden would you desire? The way of the cross is the way of safety; don't be afraid to travel its thorny path.

Beloved, the cross is not made of feathers or lined with velvet--it is heavy and hard on disobedient shoulders. But ee though your fears have painted it a dull gray; it's not an iron cross. It's a wooden cross, and a person CAN carry it. The man of sorrows has already tested the load."

We can and should embrace being changed in to the likeness of Christ. That's part of the cross's purpose in our lives. As Spurgeon pointed out in the next paragraphs...those who were tested by it like Moses chose to embrace it...not trading it for anything in the world.

Are we looking like Christ when we look in that spiritual mirror? Are we letting go of self and holding onto what the Spirit's teaching us is important?

A profound thing is this: when we all get to Heaven, our sanctification- that process of making us more like Christ-will be complete. ALL of Heaven will be people who will be like Christ.

Here on Earth we are either choosing our path or His path for our lives. Either we are living for self or living for Jesus. It's either our own cross designed by us to carry or it's the cross that He prepared for us to carry.

When we decide to work out (if we do) we hope to look like something resembling our goal image. We see ourselves as we are, we look at the type of physical being we want to look like. There's a cross to bear to get from one to the other.

Paul wrote about the various fruits of the Spirit. He and Peter wrote about what we ought to expect as we go from one to the other. From what we were when we came to Christ and to what we will be looking like in Christ.

Unlike 99 percent of those in this world who take up a gym membership at or near New Year's as a resolution who give up by the second week of January...there is no stopping what Jesus is doing through the Spirit in each of us.

Our changing from what we were to what we will be within Heaven's gates is not going to stop. We are HIS workmanship. Realize the implications. Jesus who began a good work in you WILL continue it until the day of Christ Jesus...that day when we arrive to our home in Heaven. Jesus does not tire, nor does He sleep. His work continues day and night. It's us who can be like the children of Israel and hinder what's being done in and through us.

Do you want what God wants for you? That's included in taking up the cross He made for you to carry.

Do you want to be all you can be in Christ? That's included in taking up the cross He made for you to carry.

Jesus knows how far you've come and how far you have to go in becoming more like Him.

Don't give up. Don't give in. Satan's schemes for Believer's absolutely are there to hinder the work of God in us.

If you watch the movie Overcomers...listen to what the girl's Dad says during the big race. He already knows what mental and physical issues she will face will be and why she should persist and perservere.

In growing in Christ, in becoming more like Christ, we have His image to look to as to who we will be. That's our goal.

In life, we're to take care of what God gave us in order to fulfill His purposes in us. We know what we ought to be like. It's the doing that we suffer in completing.

Yesterday I took steps to create reminders of my goals as a writer.

I know what I want to accomplish and I know it's going to be a long road if I don't stay at it.

As an example I was shown points out...even baby steps get you somewhere down the road in progress. Standing still gets you no where. If you don't try, don't make the attempt, at obedience, you'll be truly standing in disobedience.

Indecision is a decision in and of itself. If we truly want the righteous life that God desires for us, we need to take up our own God given cross and carry it. Letting go of everything that's trying to entangle us. Every desire that appears so sweet and good but is really a trap to get us to put off our goals in Christ...which is to become more like Him.

Are you seeing Jesus in your Spiritual Mirror or are you still seeing you? Do others see Christ in you or do they still yet just see you?

Being seen as the first shows obedience the other does not.

As we read in the Old Testament "choose this day whom you will serve" each day you get up you choose. Each day you get up is God's grace and mercy giving you the opportunity to do what's right in His eyes.

Do we not want to hear "Well done!" from our Savior?

The choice is in your hands...

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Monday, February 23, 2026

We ARE in His Active Service

by David Brenneman

Open the eyes of my heart Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you

Open the eyes of my heart Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you

To see you high and lifted up

Shinin' in the light of Your glory

Pour out your power and love

As we sing holy, holy, holy

- From "Open the Eyes of My Heart" Michael W. Smith 2001

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2.

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." Romans 8:5-9.

"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.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

"Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day." Psalms 25:4-5.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psalms 119:105.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew. My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:5-26.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." 2 Timothy 2:1-7.

Lots to consider this particular morning of February 23rd, 2026.

Many think on what it is God's wanting for them as that which is in addition to the wants and desires they have for themselves. Truth is, from the Scriptures, God's wants and desires for us are to replace what we want and desire. We should be wanting what He wants, going where He leads, doing whatever He would have us do, speaking as He would speak.

We begin the overhaul, the redesign, the reconstruction, the transformation of our lives when we came to Christ for salvation. At that moment, we began being His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

We read directly from Jesus "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.

And "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

The gold, silver and precious stones of our spiritual life are only those things that were done, spoken of, and acceptable concerning the work of God through our lives.

Everything else we pursue will turn to ashes in that day we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him.

We are in His service from the moment of our rebirth in Christ.

We begin our training in righteousness from the very first spiritual breath we breathe.

In my book "The Memorial Stones of My Heart" I made it clear that which is taught from the Scriptures: spiritual dates of significance matter in our spiritual warfare in which we find ourselves. We need reminders to stay the course, in keeping the faith.

We need to develop discipline to be in God's Spiritual Class of life in Christ. To be the Spirit’s class on time and ready to learn.

We cannot live a life approved by our God if we're running after our own things. We will not show a life that's glorifying God if all we and the world see in us is us.

We can't expect to be pleasing to the One who saved us if we don't understand what it is He was wanting of and for us in the first place.

How much class time are you committed to in light of all this?

Jesus, by saying we are His workmanship, easily eludes to His actions and activities for each of us is 24/7 365.

What are we doing in pursuit of obeying God in our training in righteousness for service to our God?

What are we spending our time, energy and effort, our resources, on that should be spent on His plans for each of us as well as reaching the lost for Jesus?

I can real easily be distracted from the things that really matter to my Savior.

Part of our training in righteousness is to understand our enemy. To know his tactics and his methods of engagement. To know what's a trap and what should be avoided.

Ephesians 6 shows us how to be dressed for a life in Christ. We're to suit up each and every day before we get going. Before boots are on the ground we need the rest of the armor of God on us.

Do you live a lofe that reflects Christ or reflects you? Are you living up to your commitment to a new life in Christ that you made when you were saved in Christ?

Is the cry of your heart to want what God wants for you?

I've said it many times before but when we look at taking up our own cross and following Him, you cannot carry anything else. It's going to take your everything to do that.

I have been doing what I have with reading and writing in the morning's for so long that I cannot imagine not doing it. Same goes for my evening studies. It took me years to get to that point and that's a sincere regret for me.

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained." Philippians 3:7-16.

My Dear Reader, consider it well what your putting your heart in pursuit of.

Jesus said in the book of Luke to be careful how you listen.

We are to be in His service, being trained in righteousness, being taught by the Spirit with regards to becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Are you keeping your life right before Jesus or is this something you need to recommit to doing?

Will shame be the hallmark of the summary of your life when you stand before Jesus? Will there be lots of gold, silver and precious stones left after your life's offerings meet with the fires of truth?

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

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Open Your Eyes, Wake Up

by David Brenneman

Have we become so technology minded that we're losing what we've been given?

My Dear Reader...this post is likely to be different than you might be expecting. I was reading a study yesterday about how it's been proven that this heavy shift to trade textbooks for Chromebooks and Apple I-pads has rather backfired.

"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4.

We have more means at our fingertips than anyone since the days before the Global Flood written of in the book of Genesis.

Our ability to have so much knowledge is actually something that staggers the imagination.

Average, everyday people can create greater masterpieces than multi-billion dollar corporations and these corporations are feeling the threat very well.

In this all people are increasingly drifting farther away from the study of God's word. These things that are the creation of the hands of mankind are consuming mankind.

AI, artificial intelligence, is now everywhere. It's been integrated in most applications in the Windows operating system. Amazon has it throughout their website. Google, and others have their own take on AI for their own websites.

People are very quickly immersing themselves, their lives, in all this knowledge and are leaving no time for the Way, the Truth and the Life.

People aren't even aware of how it's they who are being programmed.

Satan's schemes are all over what's going on in our world and people aren't even questioning it.

My Dear Reader when was the last time you completed reading through the Bible? When was the last time you just shut off the information and went to God in prayer from your heart? When was the last time that you sought the Lord? When can you point to where you really were denying yourself and were taking up your own cross and following Jesus?

Temptation is everywhere and it's about everything that can be used to take us away from the path of sanctification that the Spirit is here to bring about in all who are saved in Christ Jesus.

We read of not quenching the Spirit...don't we recognize that's what we do when we pursue our desires more than we pursue what it is He's trying to teach us?

When we are more interested in the things of the world than the things of God then we're on track to be swallowed up by the world.

Someone once said that you don't have to attend every argument you're invited to. Same should be said about temptations. The same wisdom applies.

We should be avid students of God under the teaching of the Spirit of God.

Our world is on a breakneck pace for the beginning of the Great Tribulation. We should NEVER forget that is still coming and will not be shaken from occurring.

The Rapture of the Church IS still going to happen. We ARE going to give an account of our lives before Jesus. All that we did in our lives that was in obedience to God's Word.

We are to both be consistently learning from the Spirit and also to be about the Father’s business here on Earth. We are to be working in His fields. Paul considered all things as loss in view of His relationship with and work in the Lord.

We also, whether you realize it or not, delay the coming of the Lord when we are not obedient in our lives in reaching the lost of this world. Oh you may indeed be praying what it says in the end of the book of Revelation for Jesus to come quickly...but if you're not helping to seek and save the lost then the Church will not be getting completed so that He CAN come.

Our sanctification is the highest priority of the Spirit of God for all who are saved in Christ. Not granting wishes. Not giving us everything to make life all we want it to look like and be.

When we're praying for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven that's what we are praying for: our sanctification. Our becoming more like Jesus Christ. The removing of what isn't and replacing with what will make you more like Christ. Through whatever means are necessary for that to happen. That's what you get when you pray for when you pray for what Jesus said to pray for...His will to be done.

As ironic as my post today is about, I do know much about technology and computers etc. But these latter years of my life I have been retreating as it were to physical books. There's no advertising to distract me while studying. There's nothing to pull my mind away from where my Savior is leading me to learn.

Citing that study, they have now proven that the cognitive abilities of a generation handed knowledge like almost no other generation before it...has done way more harm than good. All that knowledge at their fingertips and they are worse off than those who had to learn how to learn and seek for themselves.

Simpler is better. Removing distractions is necessary. Jesus often took the Disciples away from everyone to teach them and to recharge them.

We are in more dire need for this than they.

It's a struggle at times to unplug.

We can and will justify what we're doing, what we are consuming. We will lie to ourselves with many convincing proofs as to why we have in our lives what we do. So much so that we won't consider asking God to remove whatever it is that's between us and the righteous life that God desires for us.

We, even as Christians, can be exactly like the world in wanting what we want when we want it.

We can have idols in our homes and do like the world and simply call them something else less offensive to us. Justifying their place in our hearts and minds...same as the world.

We can pursue things in life that we believe will make our lives complete just like the world. Mainly because we never asked God if those things should be in our lives. We can pursue them then after we do we ask God to bless our lives. All the while we should be joining Jesus in what He's doing in the world instead.

We also along with the world don't question all this knowledge. AI is so prolific these days in whatever has been created that it's confusing itself as to what is truth and what isn't.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Be in the Word of God daily. Pray without ceasing. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Want what God wants for you. Remove whatever is hindering your running the race set before you.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Having Ears to Hear

by David Brenneman

Listening to the Spirit when you are prompted by the Spirit is always best.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15.

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:25.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14.

"Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30.

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.

Many have seen and the rest who have not can easily find video clips on YouTube of NCIS, the original, with Anthony DiNozzo. Look for the plethora of examples of Gibbs's smack to the back of his head.

Perhaps the most profound time in the show was when Tony messed up so bad that he fully expected that to happen but Gibbs didn't and it bothered him enough to talk to Gibbs about it.

We too get promptings by the Spirit and should at all times listen and do as instructed. We may not feel like it but we certainly should obey in it.

Of late, of late being most of the last 8 months, I have been needing to listen in order to know what I needed to do with myself. Some of the results being many minor projects around the house and personal organization have been accomplished.

Something that probably lead to a greater success in this began way back in December of 2024. Turning to the Spirit in a new way, at least for me it was new. I felt the need to learn how to study God's Word, let alone learning how to study in general. I have not missed a day since officially starting down this road on January 1st, 2025. It does take around an hour or so each night but I am learning.

He has added to my study materials early in 2025 and its been consistent since at least March of 2025.

Yesterday I was contemplating a course of action for this morning and as I said to one of my best friends last night...I felt the tap to the back of my head to reconsider. The subtle hints were definitely clear if I were paying attention.

We who are in Christ shouldn't be stepping out ahead of God in what we're considering doing, let alone saying.

He, the Spirit, is to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance all that Jesus commanded.

Then it's on us to trust and obey.

Ananias is only spoken of concerning his part in helping Saul become Paul, mainly because he obeyed when the Spirit spoke to him.

Fear of what the Spirit may ask of us immobilizes oh so many people from being what Jesus wants them to be in their lives.

Much of our listening, if not all, is taking us down this road here. We're going to have tribulations, difficulties, and will go through all things in-between. We aren't going to fare very well if we're not listening to hear which way we should go. Last night I was given pause to understand something of what this 8 months has done with me in my life in Christ. This passage was part of my study reading last night and I understood because it's what the Spirit was saying and I was open to listening.

We can't let fear of what we might be asked to do stop us from going deeper in our relationship with Jesus. We can't let fear get in our way. Go back and review Psalm 23.

Review Proverbs 3:5-6.

Our desires for things of this world can and often are distractions to keep our obedience at bay. To keep us from continuing to listen and obey.

We honestly can't trust ourselves with regards to living a life approved by Jesus if we aren't listening to what's to be in that life and what needs to go. Never assume that you fully understand because sanctification is a lifelong teaching by the Spirit.

What are you being prompted by the Spirit to hear, say, or do today?

What are you being prompted by the Spirit to NOT, say or do today?

Are you listening for Him to speak at all?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, February 20, 2026

In Everything He's There

by David Brenneman

"I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalms 16:8.

So often, we ask the wrong questions of the Lord. We say, "Where are You, God? Why don't You show up? Can't You see how I am struggling-the pain I'm in?" The Lord's answer, of course, is, I'm right here with you. I know exactly what's going on." Instead, our questions to the Lord should be, "What is hindering me from seeing You? What would you have me do and learn? Help me to see You and to experience Your presence."

Jesus is always with you through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. The fullness of His almighty, all-wise being is always present and active in your life-every minute of every hour of every day. He will never be more your Savior, Healer, Mighty Warrior, or Deliverer than He is at this moment. He is the same yesterday,

today, and forever. So no matter how exhausted, battered, bruised, devastated, or even dead you may feel inside as the result of your struggles, realize that Jesus has not abandoned you but is working

in you and for you. He is raising you up into the newness of the abundant life. So don't give up. Keep seeking Him.

Jesus, thank You for being with me in all I experience. Amen.

“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.

It would be really easy to turn and panic if I didn't know that Jesus was right now, rights here, in this season of my life.

That passage from Matthew 6 begins with a therefore...it's semi-hidden in the wording but it's there just the same. "For this reason" equals "therefore". So look before at what Jesus said. He was referring to those who those who were pursuing wealth and serving two masters.

We either live lives that are obeying God or lives that are going for what we want.

It's been a ride for sure these last 8 months learning much of saying no to wants and desires. Have to in light of attempting to make sensible decisions and choices to live through these particular times.

Throughout these 8 months we have yet still seen God's hands in our circumstances. Just like other times in our lives when we didn't know what to do or what was coming next. We've just been seeing it back to back sometimes day to day.

We sometimes just don't take God's Word personally enough...we don't realize it's truth applies to us.

"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.

We cannot live a wishy-washy, lukewarm, life in Christ. We either live believing He will do what He said or we don't. Look at what Jesus said to the Churches in the book of Revelation. He spits out such people.

We can't take God's truth, His grace, His mercy, as a half-measured, half-hearted, thing then wonder where is God in what we're going through.

We also cannot set out on doing something we see to be wanting to be doing then ask Jesus to bless it after the fact. We're to join Him in what He is doing.

We are to keep in mind during the times we struggle and are afflicted that this is for our sanctification in Christ Jesus.

Read a story about a woman wondering about her afflictions, the struggles she perceived she was going through. She walked down a country road and saw a vineyard that was getting overgrown. Wondering why it wasn't getting taken care of. It was then that God spoke clearly to her about the necessity of pruning. If the gardener chose not to prune then there would be no good to come of the vineyard. She was being reminded of the truth of God that He is the one who prunes to make His vine more fruitful...these were the things she was going through. God asked her if she wanted Him to stop. She, with this new understanding, cried out "No!"..

That story is another way to look at what Paul says "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.

We need what God, through His Spirit, is doing in our lives whether or not we understand it.

We are not alone when we encounter various trials and tribulations.

Further, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:2-3.

So, my Dear Reader, take God at His word. I don't know where the money will come from for our bills and mortgage for the next month. I just know that God always has made a way where there was no way in these last 8 months and He's still on His Throne still intercedes on our behalf. "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.

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2 Not a burden we bear,

not a sorrow we share,

but our toil he doth richly repay;

not a grief or a loss,

not a frown or a cross,

but is blest if we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

3 But we never can prove

the delights of his love

until all on the altar we lay;

for the favor he shows,

for the joy he bestows,

are for them who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

4 Then in fellowship sweet

we will sit at his feet,

or we'll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Trust and Obey, John H. Sammis 1887.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, February 19, 2026

His Love is Personal and True

by David Brenneman

"There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord."

ROMANS 8:39 GNT

Consider the profound, personal nature of how the Lord cares for you. God loves you. The most magnificent person in the universe delights in you. The Godhead-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-cherishes you. Immeasurably and eternally, the Sovereign of the universe has set His affection on you. You are the apple apple of His eye, the crown of His creation.

God loves you. This is not mere sentiment. His infinite goodness is directed to you in myriad ways- through how He created, saved, indwells, guides, and protects you. He listens to your petitions, gives you new mercies every morning, sustains you each day, and watches over you every night. And nothing in all creation can stop Him.

God loves you, He cares for you uniquely as an individual. No one knows you like He does, He knows your dreams, desires, and potential and wants to see you succeed. He calls you by name and speaks to you through His Word in the most intimate way.

"God loves me'" Begin and end each day with this affirmation Rehearse it in your soul, And may you come to know in the most personal way how true it is.

Jesus, keep me mindful of Your love always. Amen

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley

God Loves You

"As the Father has loved Me, I have

also loved you; abide in My love."

John 15:9

Do you realize how profoundly God loves you? If not, you may feel discouraged and unfulfilled in your walk with Him. I can say this by experience. When was in my mid-forties, I was a very frustrated Christian. I'd been a believer for more than thirty years, and yet something was missing from my fellowship with the Lord. But I didn't know what it was. I knew God. I prayed daily, read Scripture regularly, and served Him. But I didn't have the divine joy promised in Scripture.

However, a transformation began as grasped the love the Lord has for me. God loves me. As simple as that may seem, I'd never truly understood its profound significance. He cares for me

personally. God revealed His powerful, bountiful, intimate, unconditional love to a very grateful Charles Stanley, and He's become more real, joyful, satisfying, and glorious to me every day since. That is what I pray for you. So please, take a pen or pencil and finish the sentence by writing in your name. God loves ___________.

Think about that statement. Close your eyes and say it to yourself several times each day. And accept it as true. God loves you. Personally. Completely. And He will never stop. Praise His wonderful name.

Jesus, thank You for really loving me. Amen

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39.

At the risk of repetition...oh the depths that we really don't realize that God loves us!

Yes these are two of Dr. Stanley's entries from "Trusting God with Today".

But when life is getting difficult this is where we need to position ourselves. To be ever mindful of this core truth of our life in Christ: we are loved by God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.

We may not gain understanding as to why our lives took the turns that they have. The rock solid truth is that we are loved by our God and nothing is ever going to change that.

We may not see it but it's as an absolute truth as you needing air to breathe.

These particular devotionals from that book just hit me so close to home. Right up there with how the song by Phillips, Craig and Dean "When God Ran"...the part where it's saying "son! he called me son! Do you know I still love you?!".

God's love is eternal and as many have taken to saying: He can't love you any more than He does and can never love you any less.

Many have taken to writing worship songs about the love of God. MercyMe's 2002 song "The Love of God" is one of my favorites.

What always hits me hard is knowing what I DO know about my utter sinfulness...and He still loves me. Likewise I am fully aware that there's other aspects of my life where the sinfulness of me isn't something that I am fully aware of but know is there. He still loves me. I know all too well of the very very dark moments of my life where I was drowning in darkness that He still was there and still pulled me up out of that pit of despair. Those times when all I knew was my perception of how great a distance my sin nature said was between God and I. He still pursued me.

If there's anything of value to be displayed from my life is that singular truth: God loved and loves me.

He loves you too my Dear Reader. Go back up to that one devotional and put your name in that blank spot. No matter how your circumstances appear to be: Jesus still loves you.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves you, loves me. Satan and all the demons at his disposal cannot separate us from the love of God.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39.

Do you see it yet?

Do you know it yet?

Jesus loves us and will never separate Himself from us.

The world both doesn't get this nor seeks this but it's on each of us who are counted as His beloved to tell them...to show them.

That old song "Jesus loves me" isn't just words on a page. They're at the core of our taking up our own cross and following Him.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

We truly shouldn't even joke about hatred or hating someone else. God is never glorified in us behaving in any way that doesn't show that God loves people.

Regardless of how evil people can be: Jesus still died for them.

Regardless of how we can be: we need to remember His love for us.

Our lives in Christ are eminently personal to Jesus. We read of how He is a jealous God. "Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? James 4:5.

Me, personally, as he suggested in that devotional I find myself needing to remind myself that God loves me. I need that because life's situations want me to doubt that truth. Interactions with people sometimes can be difficult and I need reminding that God loves me. Situations with things, with a job, happen and I need reminders that my God loves me. People abandoning me...and I need to look to my Savior who promised He never would leave me or forsake me.

We need to be like the sheep that David wrote about in Psalms 23. Jesus is our Great Shepherd.

Someone once wrote of an interaction with Jesus. Asking how much does He love them. Jesus answered "this much!" and He stretched out His hands and died.

Do you take the seriousness of the cross to heart? The depth of His love for you? The desire that should be within you to live lives in such a way that honors that love that bled and died for you?

God loves me, God loves you.

We will have eternity to scratch the surface of that truth if indeed we are saved in Christ Jesus.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

What We Are To Be Doing

by David Brenneman

"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." 1 Peter 4:7-13.

If indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus by His finished work on the cross of calvary...you've got a purpose in Christ that He's planned since before you were born to be doing to glorify His Name.

The war going on in our world today may be called many things. Then President Bush referred to a war on terror. Others make reference to wars on various ideologies.

Believer's everywhere are at war with the members of their bodies.

We must look within to the battleground of our hearts and minds.

"You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we." 2 Corinthians 10:7.

But you may say you don't think you've done anything wrong.

"For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord." 1 Corinthians 4:4.

Think that you're the first to mount a defense such as that?

Consider the truth that you and I are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

Consider the following:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

There IS a plan and purpose to your life in Christ if indeed you are among the children of God, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The war these days is for our attention. For our desires. For our thoughts. Does any of this reflect in these Scriptures we just read? Certainly does.

Your affiliation with a denomination means nothing. No where in the passage we just read about the Spirit placing us in the body as He sees fit are denominations even a consideration. We are to be in Christ first and foremost of all in everything. We are part of the body of Christ, not part of anything else on Earth.

We are to engage in that which grows us in Christ to become more like Jesus. There's a war to entice us to spend our time, energy and effort on anything but that.

A few minutes here and there add up to a wasted time in our daily life.

Are you committed to living life for Jesus who saved you? Does what your average day show reflect that?

Are you committed to time in the Word? Are you at all praying? Have you done anything to weed out the garden of your heart? Removing things that aren't going to glorify God? Are your attitudes and actions showing yourself and others that Jesus IS that important to you? When you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life...will it show a life spent striving to please Him in all that you did or will it reflect something less honorable?

My Dear Reader...there IS a plan and purpose to your life in this place in human history for you to be doing. Retirement does not exist in God's economy while the breath of life is still in our lungs. Nothing pleases our Lord Jesus Christ more than to be found walking in this life in obedience and the love of God in Christ.

Was reading in a devotional last night and something was said that was absolutely true. We should join Jesus in what He is doing and not do what we think is the best use of our talents according to our plan and then ask God to bless it.

We must remember what we read here today. We are placed in the body of Christ as the Spirit sees fit. Put where He believes and knows we will do the most good for us personally and our part in the mission of God for mankind.

Life isn't about settling goals for ourselves and giving God the glory after it works out. Life is about living the life we've been given however He wants it lived.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Psalms 139:23-24.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Seek Not Justice on Our Terms

by David Brenneman

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

"Did not He who made me in the womb make him, And the same one fashion us in the womb?" Job 31:15.

We who have read the Gospels know of how Jesus was with His accusers throughout His life and ministry. Of how He teaches us, through His Spirit, to do the same.

But oh how we're fooled into thoughts of revenge. Thoughts of payback. Thoughts of ill will towards those who wronged us in so much and in so many ways.

But we must return to what Jesus wants of us in this life in which we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself up for us.

It doesn't belong to us to go after anyone. Vengeance is His to deal with. We're to pray for those who persecute us. We're to go to our Father in Heaven in prayer asking for Him to deal with what we will most assuredly mess up if left to our own understanding and devices.

We only THINK we know what sweet justice looks like.

We fool ourselves in our hubris and pride to think we can be the architects of truly appropriate justice.

We don't know what God knows. Plain pure and simple.

What I CAN promise you is this: Regardless of how you feel in this moment: Christ died for the one you have a problem with. Just as assuredly as He died for you in all your utter sinfulness.

We never ever come out on top in the revenge game. We lose every single time.

One of Dr. Stanley's Life Principles says we stand tallest and strongest on our knees.

You and I can easily be so arrogant to believe that we're in a position in our morality to be able to rightfully administer justice that would be appropriate.

However, my Dear Reader, what if the conflicts you are experiencing, are there for reasons you're to enraged to see, hear or understand?

What we go through in life might seem completely wrong because of where it leaves us at the end of the day. But we can never understand in our rage and pain that in everything He's going to cause all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

That person or people whom we can be so angry with and distraught about...what if they came to Christ for salvation because of how we treated them as Christ wants us to?

What if our behavior mirrored Christ so much that it causes them to drop to their knees to ask why we are being the way we are?

God gives us who are saved His grace and mercy every single day. It's fully arrogant presumption to think we're well off enough in our walk with Jesus that we've arrived at being able to condemn others with a fully righteous judgment as God would do.

To be blunt: I can't trust me and you shouldn't trust you. We are not omniscient, we are not omnipresent, we are lights shining in the world reflecting the light of Christ towards others.

Rage and bitterness are poisons we ingest with the desire that it takes out those whom are so wrong towards us. We will harm ourselves first.

Pray for those who persecute you.

Literally, GET OUT OF GOD'S WAY.

You can't love God with your everything and love others and at the same time play the revenge game intent on justice on your terms.

Newsflash for everyone: regardless of how evil people have been in this world and will be: Christ died for them as well as us. All the sins of all mankind were heaped upon Jesus on the cross. Not just the sins of those who would eventually believe and come to Christ for salvation.

We pray because God can and will deal with those who wrong us. Not can and might, can and will. Throughout Proverbs we read of how it ends for those who are wicked or evil. Those are the facts of life for those who persecute others.

Those who die in their sins never win. They spend eternity forever separated from God.

What if you turned your anger and need for revenge in prayer instead? What if your prayers were the catalyst that brings another to Christ for salvation and then the Rapture of the Church takes place?

All revenge and retribution thinking is and does is all a short-sighted mentality. Even if in the moment you succeed that feeling won't last. It won't. What was done can't be undone. Forgiveness is a command not a suggestion for us. We cannot expect God to forgive us if we don't forgive others. Jesus specifically said as much.

Take everything to the Lord in prayer. Even if we don't feel like it or don't have the words for 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.

That verse looks a little different now doesn't it? Focus in on that part where it says: In all your ways.

Jesus wants to see Himself displayed in you. He wants to see it displayed in me.

Pray on, pray over, pray through life.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org